Costa blanca leader edition 689

No 689

Monday 23rd - Sunday 29th October , 2017

Tel: 637 227 385

Casaverde Foundation ‘Working together for better care’

charity umbrella body has recently suggested that small charities should form strategic alliances in order to exchange news and information with colleagues, particularly here on the Costa Blanca, where many groups and associations could so easily be forging much

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closer working relationships.

The CARE Group (Communication and Resource Exchange), was set up earlier this year by Michele Masson, the President for HELP Vega Baja, for that very purpose, but last Tuesday in Benijófar the Casaverde Foundation was able to move the process on to a whole new level with their seminar ‘Working together for better care.’

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This was perhaps the single most important meeting of social and voluntary workers that has taken place in the Vega Baja in recent years, bringing together over a hundred and twenty likeminded people in the Casa Cultura, all of whom work tirelessly in the areas of social, welfare and voluntary support.

The event, which enjoyed simultaneous translation, was chaired by the President of the Casaverde Foundation, Alberto Giménez, who opened the seminar alongside the British Consul in Alicante, Sarah-Jane Morris, the Officer for European Residents in Alicante, Esther Ponzoda, and the mayor of Benijófar Luis Rodriguez.

Snr Giménez said that the conference, and three

sessions of round tables, would allow each of the charities represented to introduce themselves to the others and to provide a brief overview of the support that they are able to offer within the comminuty.

He said that when living in a foreign country, expat residents need to be informed about the available resources, which here in Spain can be particularly confusing if you don’t have the necessary support. By bringing so many Expat and local charities together the workshop would enable those charities to learn about each other, to share their common values and to exchange ideas.

He hoped that the workshop would help to better inform members of the British expat community about the Spanish Social Care network that is available in la Vega Baja.

The workshop was organised by Beatrix Lara of the Casaverde Foundation

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He added that 'It is really important that charities remain aware of the reputational risks that have affected the sector this year. Volunteers need to ensure that all of the work they do is of an excellent standard, credible and highly valued, both by supporters and by those that use the services.'

Alicante’s British Consul, Sarah-Jane Morris, spoke briefly about BREXIT, saying that although the British Government and the EU had now agreed future healthcare policy for those expats already resident in Spain there was still no decision on those arriving in the future.

With a background in the voluntary sector, the Consul said that charities have a lot to offer the community and are a great way of improving international relations, but a better understanding of each’s area of expertise is essential.

The Officer for European Residents in Alicante, Esther Ponzoda, was next to take to the stage focussing her short presentation on the expat’s need to ensure their correct municipal and medical registration. She provided detail of the Provincial Governments website, in English, at www.ciudadanosextranjeros.es/ Moderated by retired Nurse and former president of AVI in Daya Nueva, Clare Smith, speakers then took to the microphone from Age Concern, The Royal British Legion, HELP Vega Baja, Stroke Support, RAFA and Help at Home Costa Blanca.

Each gave a short presentation on their charity, the operation and the services that they can provide.

There were questions from the floor and a break for coffee after which Round Table three got

Many of the Care workers and volunteers who participated in the afternoon session

underway, moderated by Verónica Pertusa, the Director of Casaverde @ Home to which she introduced representatives from Torrevieja Hospital, Almoradí Health Centre, Benijófar and Rojales Social Services as well as Virginia Ayllon Ruiz, a Social Work Consultant at the British Embassy.

The afternoon session, which brought the Workshop to a close, took the form of much smaller groupings in which Social Workers and Associations were able to exchange information and ideas with Municipal Representatives and Public Health Staff.

What was particularly encouraging was the vision that seemed to be shared by all of those in attendance as well as a better understanding of each charity’s function within the local community. It is almost certain that much stronger relationships will have been formed which we all hope will result in better co-operation and teamwork between the charities and the social and municipal authorities.

Volunteers from the majority of expat charities already work together for the benefit of the local community and this is operating well. The main thing that I hope we will see come out of the Casaverde Foundation Workshop is better development and understanding with their Spanish counterparts.

The event was organised by the Casaverde Foundation, the Alicante Provincial Government and the Ayuntamiento of Benijófar and sponsored

by Grupo ASV and Grupo Ortopedia la Milagrosa.

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Spangles to represent Spain in Bournemouth Spangles will join over 4,000 delegates at the European Barbershop Convention

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pangles Ladies’ Harmony Chorus swaps the sunny shores of Los Alcázares for those of Bournemouth, Dorset in the UK, to represent SABS (the Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers) at the European Barbershop Convention this week, which is attended by around 4,000 delegates from all over Europe. “It’s a great honour to represent our country again” remarked Co-Chorus Manager, Lyn Baines. “and we have been working very hard to give our best performance on the European stage.” Spangles will also be accompanied by the SABS Gold Medallists, The Hanfris Quartet, from Barcelona and they are looking forward to cheering each other on in the European contests.

Spangles has won the SABS gold medal three times, once in 2011 in San Pedro del Pinatar and again in 2013 and 2015 in Benalmádena.

“All this costs money” said Co-Chorus Manager, Anthea Prentice, “but we have an excellent fundraising team who have put on events to raise money to help us with travel and accommodation costs for

Bournemouth, and now we are fundraising for the cost of competing in Benalmádena in 2018. We’re extremely grateful to all our friends, family and followers for supporting us at the fundraising events.”

Spangles’ Musical Director, Wendy Grant, is also looking forward to the trip. “I am very proud of the chorus; they are a dedicated team of friendly ladies, who have given their all for this opportunity and it will be a pleasure to share this experience with them. Each time we compete, our aim is to improve on our previous score and we are confident that we will do that and represent Spain well.”

Spangles welcomes new members so, if you’re looking to make new friends and enjoy singing, why not visit Spangles when they rehearse at Las Claras? They meet every Thursday from 10.00am to 1.00pm.

Please call Lyn on 693 017 617 or Anthea on 968 527 334 to book Spangles or to find out how to join, or visit the website: www.spangleschorus.com.

Three cars owned by police officers torched on Orihuela Costa Three cars, owned by officers of Orihuela’s Local Police, have been set on fire this morning in Orihuela Costa. The fires, which were all set intentionally occurred between three and 4 o’clock in the morning.

Two vehicles were set on fire in a car park next to the Town Hall in Orihuela Costa, on la calle Pablo Picasso in Playa Flamenca, for the sole use of municipal officials, while the third was torched in another car park, also very close to the Orihuela Costa Town Hall.

The Civil Guard has cordoned the area off as they search for evidence which may help them in the search for the arsonist. They are also checking video surveillance footage housed in both the Town Hall and in nearby businesses and other establishments All three vehicles belong to agents who were on The arsonist attacked cars parked adjacent to the Playa Flamenca Town Hall

patrol at the time of the attacks. coinciding with the moment in which less effective work inside the police building. Both local police and civil guard are checking the video surveillance systems the City Council and the businesses and businesses of the area to try to clarify the facts.

A Local Police spokesman said he was very saddened by the attacks as they represent a serious assault against the Police Force itself and they will also inflict serious financial hardship on the officers and their families.

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RBL Remembrance Services in the area Many of The Royal British Legion Branches in the District are holding Remembrance Services. In order to attend a local Service, please go to our website and click Remembrance Services 2017. www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north or ring 648 86 02 51.

Boxes of poppies have been delivered to businesses in the area. The Legion spends £1.3m each week to assist our Armed Forces Community.

By making a donation for your poppy you are supporting those who have dedicated their lives to serving their country. For assistance or advice, please contact our Community Support Co-ordinator on 676 45 17 80 or email: assistance.rbl.dns@gmail.com Please wear your Poppy with Pride and give generously to help the Charity’s continuing welfare work.

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s the Orihuela Costa and District Branch of The Royal British Legion looked forward to it’s busiest time of the year, with the forthcoming Poppy Appeal, there was an opportunity for members to relax following their monthly meeting on Thursday night, when local entertainer Paul Cullen dropped into Mil Palmeras to entertain over 80 RBL supporters.

San Luis Neighborhood Watch

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June Williams and guests at her fundraiser

Branch President Pastor Keith Brown with Paul Cullen

Paul gave a great performance and as he was thanked by Branch President Keith Brown everyone agreed that he will be welcome back anytime.

The following day it was back to the Poppy Appeal as Don and June Williams held their ‘Soup and Sandwich’ fundraiser in La Regia.

Almost 40 people turned up to support their efforts in which the pair were ably assisted by Carl and Nicola Louden, in raising a splendid 250 euro for the appeal.

Elsewhere on the Orihuela Costa and the Costa Calida the poppys have been distributed to bars and to other outlets where they are now available for supporters to proudly purchase and display. They will also be on sale at all local markets, at Iceland, and next Saturday and Sunday Chelsea Pensioners Wayne Campbell and Skippy Teasdale are flying out especially from the Royal Hospital in Chelsea to support the appeal which will move into at La Zenia Boulevard.

Please remember that by making a donation for your poppy you are supporting those who have dedicated their lives to serving their country. It’s the very least that you can do!

The Coopers Arms, Av. Antonio, Quesada, on 11 November 2017 at 7.30 Tickets are 7 €, including a snack meal . So come along to see the amazing Reef Band they will be doing two, one and a quarter hour Sessions, great for the Dancers.

The next meeting of Residents / Neighbourhood Watch will be at Casa Ventura at 4.30pm on Monday 30 October.

There will be a representative from Torrevieja Town Hall in attendance to answer any queries and problems of not only San Luis residents, but also La Siesta and El Chapparal.

Everyone is welcome, in fact we really do need more support at the meetings to enable us to continue making any achievements to help improve the environment in which we live.

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Busy month for RBL with Launch of Poppy Appeal

The Reef Band are playing in Aid of Age Concern at

Tickets from The Coopers Arms,966731016, Age Concern 966 78 6887 or Doug 699 412 679

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Whilst it was only a ‘whistle’ Stop’ for Paul, as he was committed to sing at Paddy’s Point later in the evening, it was nevertheless a session that members thoroughly enjoyed, as they all sang along to songs from the sixties that many thought they had long forgotten.

We had the Beatles and the Kinks, Herman’s Hermits and Gerry and the Pacemakers, the Animals and Cliff Richard. Even Emile Ford and the Checkmates was in there somewhere as Paul dug deep, while the members all screeched out in ‘fine’ voice. There were one or two who knew the words but for most it was simply an opportunity to reminisce, as they recalled those bygone Saturday nights at the Mecca, hair held down with brylcreem or locked into place with a can and a half of hairspray.

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Pink Ladies Looking Good who also donated 30 bottles of cava on the day.

A big thank you also to Smile who presented us with a cheque for €500 at Oasis Bar, Benijofar. Visit our website for upcoming events and information about booking appointments for mammograms, smear tests, prostate exams and skin cancer tests, a couple of minutes out of your day could save your life.

Looking Good with the Pink Ladies

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fter a not so quiet summer Maria and the Pink Ladies and Panthers are back into full swing with fund raising for the AECC. September 29th saw two coffee mornings in aid of our charity.

Meanwhile in Torrevieja, last Thursday, on the occasion of the World Health Organisation Day Against Breast Cancer, the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer gathered in the Plaza de la Constitución where the group release pink balloons into the air. They were also joined by the mayor José Manuel Dolón who provided his support to the event.

Torrevieja Mayor with members of AECC

Looking Good Boutique at La Zenia jazzed up their coffee morning with a mini fashion show, a cake auction and lots of cava! Louise was very pleased to present Maria with €300 at the end of the event.

The coffee morning at Bar La Vista, La Finca Golf Algorfa, was organised by the Algorfa Ladies and the money raised on the day was equally split between AECC, MacMillan Nurses and Paul Cunningham Nurses, all receiving an amazing €650 each. Local businesses very kindly provided the raffle prizes including a spa day for two from Welcome Estates,

Police ‘Mediation Unit’ set up in San Fulgencio The San Fulgencio mayor Carlos Ramirez presided over a press conference to announce the establishment of a specialised ‘Mediation Unit’ in the town.

The new group will be manned by one female officer, two male Agents and will be under the supervision of the Police Commander.

The mayor stated that the Unit has been formed with the objective of carrying out mediation and arbitration functions, in those situations where individuals or parties are in conflict. The functions will be legally binding and guaranteed in the current Legal System, and will be introduced as an alternative to Ordinary Jurisdiction.

The mayor also unveiled a new patrol vehicle, a Nissan Juke, which is added to the mobile assets of the force which will improve the ability for the police to carry out their surveillance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

San Fulgencio IT Course for Seniors The San Fulgencio Council are holding free computer and internet courses for residents on the municipality starting next month. They will be held on 3 days per week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5pm in the Autoescuela.

However you will first need to register for the courses on 7 November in the Civic Centre. Places are limited with more information available from Miguel on 695 927 288.

The courses are being organised by the Cardinal Belluga Association and subsidised by the Generalitat.

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Fun Dog Show at Happy Animales F

inca San Miguel de Salinas -Happy Animales Spanien, is once again organising a Fun Dog this coming Saturday from 1-5pm Big, small, short/longhair, young, old and naughty dogs are welcome, no aggressive dogs though as they have to be on the lead all the time. The entry fee is 10.00 euro per dog and there are 9 categories.

The best dog over all 9 categories will be declared the overall winner and take the trophy, but all dogs will get a small prize to take home.

Non dog owners are also very welcome, to join in with a very pleasant afternoonwith the animals. There will also be food, drinks, cake tombola and music with all the money raised going to pay for food, hay, water, rent, repairs and blacksmith.

If you would like to come, you can also bring along, dog and cat biscuits, dog and cat food, carrots, lettuce, apples,

or make a small donation, as every euro counts. It's also possible to become a foodsponsor from 5.00 euro per month! You can us our bank account IBAN ES80 0075 1055 4806 0035 0496 Finca San Miguel de Salinas is supported by the non profit charity Happy Animales Spanien the founder of which is Mona Nowak.

Last Saturday there was a small dog walking unaccompanied on the canal road, Mona and her daughter tried to take her to the Finca, but she was very frightened and ran away.

Later that day Mona went back, and with the help of 2 Spanish guys, she caught the dog, it's a girl, she's safe and now accommodated at the Finca now. Last Monday she saw the vet, her bloodtest was ok, and she got her 3 injections. Her name is Cispa. We will give her lots of love, care and food, and see how she's getting on.

Cispa is now being well On Sunday Ruth Pietzner came all the cared for at way from Ibi to bring the 2 cats, Bjorn the centre and Willi, for which she was looking for a forever home. Simone de Lacy fell in love with them and has now taken them home where they live with Phil, Rio and Pom Pom. If you would like to organise an event, raffle, quiz or tournament for the animals, we would be deluighted.

For more information or to become a member, see our Facebookgroup fincasanmigueldesalinas or call Mona 616 792 355 or mail Sol nicosolm@hotmail.com The animals and volunteers are looking forward to seeing you!

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CURRENCY MATTERS

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his new series of weekly currency updates is of most interest to Brits living in Spain with a UK income or pension and those buying or selling second homes. The value of the pound makes a big difference if you are transferring a lot of money but even with a pension of say £1,500 per month, a one percent move equates to 16 euros, equivalent to 11 litres of petrol.

That same pension is now worth 3,300 euros per year less than it was before the Brexit vote; that’s a lot of petrol…

At the moment there is general agreement that the Bank of England will probably raise interest rates next month by 0.25% (back to 0.5%). This matters in the UK as it adds about £30 a month to the average mortgage but it also helps the pound because it’s more attractive for investors

to hold their money in sterling if the interest rate is higher.

In the UK there is a mixed picture - an economic slowdown at the same time that the deficit (government borrowing) is reduced and employment is at a record high meaning tax revenues are up. In Europe there is the unfolding situation in Catalonia which hasn’t affected the euro yet and of course the soap opera of Brexit talks.

Scores on the doors: This past week the Dollar has risen against the euro and fallen against the pound; the pound has slipped against both although at the time of writing on Friday 20th, the pound was making a recovery (euro 1.116, USD 1.317) Written by TheCurrencyExchange.co.uk

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‘Letters 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.

The Superstitious Expat

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ere we go again, another Friday 13th. I really am fed up with reading what all the doom mongers have to say about the likelihood of disaster on this ‘unlucky’ day. It reminds me of an event a few weeks ago when a weird religious sect that takes the Book of Revelations literally, busily promoted the idea that the world was about to end on 21 September. How disappointed they must have been on 22 September.

I just hope that they gave some serious thought to those unfortunate believers who committed suicide in order to avoid the big event, or those that had blown all their savings a few weeks before, as they couldn’t take their savings with them. Such foolish predictions are not only dangerous lies, but very cruel for many decent, trusting people.

What is it about the human psyche that loves the idea of disaster, terror and fear? Don’t we have enough real events to terrorise us already? Do we really need any more demons than The Trumper, Little Rocket Man, Global Warming, Islamic Terrorism and Harvey Weinstein to successfully chill us to the marrow?

We will shortly have another fiesta, nowadays frantically celebrated in Spain, as well as in many parts of the world. This event is, of course, Halloween, which I personally detest. Gone are the days when it involved little more than drawing a few spooky pictures, hollowing out a pumpkin, and making masks with the kids, with a spot of apple bobbing thrown in for good measure. We now have an event that to many is little more than the celebration of evil, an opportunity to drink excess alcohol, as well putting kids in danger.

A few years ago, the idea of Halloween, as opposed to the highly religiously significant All Saints Day, was hardly recognised, let alone celebrated in Spain and the Canary Islands. A commercial opportunity for shops to sell more imported rubbish? Yes, most certainly, but is this kind of celebration healthy, let alone desirable? It is a simple case of ‘each to their own’ I guess, but I’m having none of it.

In Spain and the Canary Islands, you won’t find locals drawing their blinds and running away from black cats. It is actually Tuesday the 13th that is considered to be unlucky, since Tuesday is said to be dominated by Ares, the Greek God of War, who gives his name to the Spanish word for Tuesday, which is Martes. The old Spanish proverb proclaims: ‘En martes, ni te cases, ni te embarques, ni de tu casa te apartes’ – or in English – “On Tuesday, don’t get married, embark on a journey, or move away.”

There are also a few more Spanish superstitions that the cautious

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By Bar rie Mahoney

expats should be aware of, If a hat is laid crown down on a including putting a hat on a bed owner will meet with bad luck that will bring bad luck. This superstition is believed to have come from a time when people believed that evil spirits lived in people’s hair, which could be transferred from the hair to the hat and then to the bed, leaving unfortunate souls open to ghost attacks during the night.

As a cat lover, one superstition that I am not too keen on in Spain is that cats have only seven and not nine lives as in the UK. Sadly, cats in Spain and the Canary Islands have to be much more careful, since they are two lives short.

I now know never to give a knife as a gift. Spanish tradition states that buying knives or scissors symbolise the cutting of ties and relationships, so if you gift newlyweds with knives, they will break up.

That’s a pity, since I had planned to give a set of kitchen knives to a lovely couple as a wedding gift. It will just have to be the toaster after all.

Many fans of amateur dramatics in the UK tell their actor friends to ‘break a leg’, but in Spain it’s a bit different. Instead you must wish that person ‘mucha mierda’, or ‘lots of shit’. I shudder to think what the origin of this one is, but I do have a very vivid imagination... If anyone knows the origin of this one, please do let me know.

Have you noticed that many homes in Spain and the Canary Islands have cactus on window sills or placed strategically in their homes? It is believed that spikey green cactus can ward away evil spirits, so a nice prickly cactus might make an appropriate house warming gift.

Always be careful when brushing, because you must never sweep the feet of a single woman. If you do, she will never get married and hate you for ever.

Fancy getting your own back on someone? This is easy, just buy them yellow clothes. After all, yellow represents sulphur and the Devil, and it is sure to bring them lots of bad luck. Getting ready for Christmas and the New Year?

Don’t forget to eat twelve grapes in rapid succession on the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. Spanish people reckon that wearing red underwear also helps to bring them good luck, so I must remember to pick up some red undies when next in Marks and Spencer. By the way, just a tip when eating grapes, please go seedless. I still recall a very unfortunate incident with someone who

bed the

choked to death on the seventh grape. There really wasn’t too much luck involved for him, but maybe he wasn’t wearing red underwear.

I’ll let readers into a little secret, which may explain a little of my aversion to ‘disaster planning’ and days that are meant to be unlucky.

I was born on Friday 13th at around 13.00. Thanks to my mother’s considerable efforts to destroy the myth of ‘Unlucky 13’, I was taught that Friday 13th is my special day when good things happen.

With one or two notable exceptions, and I won’t bore you with the details, this has mostly been the case. Friday 13th is always a good day for me when good things usually happen. I guess it is a state of mind.

I adore black cats, I will happily walk under ladders and never throw spilled salt over my left, or is it right, shoulder. I have no time for superstition and the Book of Revelations. Come on, let’s do reality instead. Have a great Halloween!

If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie’s websites: http://barriemahoney.com and http://thecanaryislander.com or read his latest book, ‘Footsteps in the Sand’ (ISBN: 9780995602717).

Available in paperback, as well as Kindle editions. © Barrie Mahoney

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This article is one of a monthly series about digital photography, written for The Leader

by David Stokes

GOOD COMPOSITION

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ven if you are just taking a snap, having an eye for good composition is will improve all types of picture.

The first important point to make is that in terms of composition there are no absolute rules, only guidelines. However, the guidelines I refer to in this article will serve you well in most situations. Ignore them from time to time, but only do so when it is done deliberately for a particular reason.

RULE OF THIRDS The most important guideline for landscape photography is the Rule of Thirds.

On almost all cameras there is an option to see a grid on the screen or in the viewfinder. The grid divides the scene into nine sectors, with two horizontal lines dividing the height into thirds, and likewise two vertical dividing the width similarly.

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USING DIAGONALS

(not to mention the elbow on the left).

When taking photos of flowers and many animals in particular, you can often achieve a more pleasing, dynamic photo by placing the subject diagonally in the picture.

The young friend’s photograph below is much better, being cropped in close, although I would have gone a bit closer still to avoid the black

VIEWPOINT Selecting your viewpoint, the position from which you photograph the subject, is a very important part of composition and one that some people pay very little attention to.

The first consideration is the background, and if you are photographing an immovable object then you should walk around first to find the angle from which the background is best.

Look for, and avoid, unwanted items in the picture. Dustbins, notice boards, buckets etc. often spoil pictures, especially if brightly coloured, but unless you remember to check first it is easy to miss them.

When taking pictures of people, check for poles, branches, lampposts etc. that will seem to be coming out the back of the person’s head

This grid serves two purposes. Firstly, it helps you to judge that you are holding the camera level, and secondly it helps you to place the subject of the photo according to the Rule of Thirds.

If you are outdoors you need to consider the way the sunlight falls on the subject. The old adage, that when photographing people the sun should be behind the camera, is bunkum. The light on their face will be harsh, and they will probably squint. Better to get people out of direct sun altogether, or maybe with the sun coming from one side to create a slight shadow effect on the other side of the face.

The Rule of Thirds says that you should place the main subject a third in from one side and a third up from the bottom or down from the top.

One of the most striking examples of this from history is Leonardo’s painting of The Last Supper.

If you photograph a person full length from fairly close up, and you take it from a standing position, you are likely to find their head looks too big for their body. It is better to kneel down and shoot from waist height.

If you take a look at that picture you will see that the long table with Jesus and the Apostles is about a third up from the bottom of the painting.

CROPPING & FRAMING

patch at the top and the unit to the left. Why was the one of the Clintons, below, taken landscape? Who wants to see the road and traffic?

One of the easiest ways to improve your photography is with careful attention to framing. Look into the corners of the screen or viewfinder to see what is there. Do you need all that background? Would it be better to get closer to your subject or zoom in? Would the picture look better as an upright or landscape?

The most common mistake people make when taking pictures other than landscapes, is not filling the frame sufficiently with the subject.

If it is a picture of Aunty Mildred standing by the tree in her garden, take it portrait and fill the frame with her and the tree. Don’t take it landscape, with next-door’s garden shed on one side of her and the other neighbour’s weedy back garden on the other.

The photographs are from Photobucket. The one below of the girl with the red scarf would be so much better if the photographer had zoomed in closer and the background hadn’t taken up two-thirds of the picture

Imagine it if he had put them in the middle, dissecting the painting in half and you will realise why the Rule of Thirds works. So, for example, if you are taking a photo of a castle on a hill in the distance, don’t put the castle smack in the centre.

Look at the surrounding vista then decide to place it nearer the top or bottom, and slightly to the left or right, wherever you get the best result.

If on the other hand you are taking close-up of an archway with statues each side you will have a balanced subject which can only go in the centre, so that would be a situation for deliberately ignoring the general rule.

Another important issue in a landscape photograph is where to place the horizon. In this respect you should always follow the Rule of Thirds, and never place it across the middle, cutting the photo in half.

If you consider the sky to be important, place the horizon on the lower third line, otherwise on the upper one. Similarly, if it is a photograph of sand and sea, place the edge of the sea on one of the third lines, depending on whether it is the sea or beach that is the point of more interest.

Landscape photographs are usually more interesting with people or animals in them. With people in the photo, again observe the rule and don’t put them in the middle.

Whole books have been written about composing good photographs, but I hope these few pointers will give you some cause for thought.

You spent a lot of money on a good camera...and now you're befuddled by all the menus and functions, and you leave it on AUTO. Sound familiar?

The thing is, once you know how to use it properly you will be blown away by the huge improvement in your pictures. So why not spend a couple of mornings, one-to-one with David Stokes and demystify this amazing piece of technology. It's not difficult once you know how!

After that you can join the camera club that meets once a month at La Herradura Restaurant in Los Montesinos - a great place also to continue to make new friends.

To enquire about my photography courses, Photography Group, or other services, please contact me by phone, e-mail or web.

Contact Details: Web: www.davidstokesphotography.co.uk Email: info@davidstokesphotography.co.uk Telephone 649 613 517 If you have a question you can email me direct or via The Leader.

Some questions and answers will be printed in the next issue, and whilst we will do our best, we cannot guarantee to answer every email received.

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New Torrevieja Halloween to be celebrated Headquarters for GRO with a parade on the Costa T T he Orihuela Costa will host a Halloween Parade through the streets of La Florida on 31st which the council hopes will attract hundreds of children in fancy dress.

Councillor for Youth, Mar Ezcurra, with Francisco Morales, the President of Las Filipinas Residents Association

The parade is the initiative of Las Filipinas Residents Association which took the idea to the Councillor for Youth, Mar Ezcurra, as well as a number of local groups and organisations.

Francisco Morales, the president of the Las Filipinas Residents Association said that "In a multicultural area like this, we thought that it was important to doing something for the children, so when a Halloween parade was suggested we all agreed that it was a very good idea."

In addition to the Association of Residents of Las Filipinas, the parade now has the support and collaboration of CEIPs Playas de Orihuela, Romualdo Ballester of Torrevieja, Sunrise of Torrevieja and Los Dolses and the IES Playa Flamenca, as well at the Orihuela Department of Youth that is arranging police presence and road closures.

It is intended that all of the children in the parade will be in fancy dress. There will be a variety of additional activities including music, song and dance, children's animation, inflatables, and face painting for the smaller youngsters. Youth Councilor, Mar Ezcurra, also promised lots of other surprises.

The parade will take place through the streets of the La Florida Urbanisation from 6 pm on Tuesday 31 October.

Other activities planned for the coast in the coming weeks include a Childrens Party to celebrate the birth of the Orihuela poet Miguel Hernández on Sunday 12th November in Playa Flamenca Square from 11am with children´s workshops about the poet Miguel Hernández crafts, poems, paintings, music, activities. It is also hoped to run alongside the party a craft market and a Flamenco Concert.

It is also understood that the Department of Culture is preparing an extensive Christmas programme that will have activities for the whole family on the Orihuela Costa.

See www.theleader.info for route.

orrevieja’s mayor, José Manuel Dolón, was given a guided tour around the new headquarters of the Operational Reinforcement Group, GRO, last week in Alto de la Casilla by Chief Inspector, Juan Carlos García.

He was then introduced to the Dog Unit where he saw a short display of the different situations in which dogs are used to intervene.

The GRO was created in 2012 as a quick response unit within the body of the Local Police since which time it has been expanding its areas of responsibility and its functions. It currently consists of an Inspector and 13 agents who will be delighted to have a permanent home after spending recent years on a number of different sites.

The said that he is delighted that the team is now located in accommodation that is “fit for purpose and strategically located on a site where they can quickly respond to incidents across the city.

In addition to the ordinary tasks performed as agents of the Local Police, and those of the canine unit, the GRO will carry out controls on traffic, alcohol, drugs, documentation and security in the municipality of Torrevieja; security in the municipal spaces used for the weekly markets; control of illegal street vending and counterfeit products in the main tourist areas of the town.

They will also work with other State Security Forces at events, concerts and major police operations.

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D LY NEW RBISHE U REF

S

D L O

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QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS QUICK ACROSS: 6 Startle; 7 Denim; 9 Suave; 10 Faculty; 12 Influential; 14 Subservient; 18 Canasta; 19 Stick; 21 Clock; 22 Scarlet.

DOWN: 1 Stout; 2 Craven; 3 Ale; 4 Result; 5 Mistral; 8 Javelin; 11 Clarity; 13 Durable; 15 Stance; 16 Nature; 17 Screw; 20 Act. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 6 Potters; 7 Ducat; 9 Cedar; 10 Hessian; 12 Unpalatable; 14 Wensleydale; 18 Senator; 19 Steak; 21 Tenet; 22 Garnish.

DOWN: 1 Comet; 2 Strain; 3 Arm; 4 Russia; 5 Capable; 8 Rewards; 11 Cameron; 13 Severed; 15 Scares; 16 Latent; 17 Marsh; 20 Can.

ACROSS 1.

Ban (11) 9.

Reproach (7) 10. Theatrical set (5) 11. Relieved (5) 12. Promote (7) 13. Tell (6) 15. Assassin (6) 18. Evict (4,3) 20. Intended (5) 22. Ingenuous (5) 23. Topography (7) 24. Unprotected (11)

DOWN 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

14.

16.

17.

19.

21.

Flowing garments (5) Accumulator (7) Commanded (6) Savour (5) Comprehensive (7) Oversee (11) Strident (11) Stealthy (7) Profligate (7) Motionless (6) Corpulent (5) Accumulate (5)

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

Solution on Page 22

Serena Williams who earned 27 million USD in 2016. 14. USA (104), France (58), Japan (51), Russia (32), Sth Korea (21), India (20), GB (18), Canada (17), Germany (17), Ukraine (15). 15. a. Ian Dury and the Blockheads. b. Pink Floyd. c. Rolling Stones. d. The Faces. e. Nick Lowe. 16. Pull their hair out (hair loss from a patient's repetitive self-pulling of hair). 17. Correct order: C E B A D - Macau (84), Australia

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

'Homeland or death') 12. What is a 'Wobbegong'? a. An Appalachian idiophone, b. A bat like creature in Harry Potter books. c. A carpet shark 13. Who is the only Woman on Forbes' list of the 100 Highest-Paid Athletes?

14. According to the IAEO, name the 10 countries in the world with the most nuclear reactors.

15. Name the British band or singer that released each of the following albums. a. New Boots and Panties!! (1978). b. Atom Heart Mother (1970). c.

12x5 (1964) (pronounced "twelve by five"). d. A nod's as good as a wink to a blind horse (1971). e.

Jesus of Cool (in the UK) Pure Pop for Now People (in the USA) (1978) 16. What do people suffering from TRICHOTILLOMANIA have a sometimes frustrated impulse to do?

17. Put the following countries in order of average life expectancy of their people (averaged for men and women), starting with the highest: a: Russia, b: United States, c: Macau, d: Swaziland, e: Australia 18. The following words are from songs with the word 'Train' in the song title. Can you name the song? a. It was 9.29. b. He takes me to a movie or to a restaurant. c. Get your bags together, go bring your good friends too. d. The next stop we make will be England. e. We'll have time for coffee flavoured kisses. f. Wrong way on a one way track 19. Porto flip, Green Hornet, French Connection, Jack Rose and Panama are all examples of what?

20. Although the answer may sound fishy, according to the UK science journal 'Biology Letters', Atlantic and Pacific herring communicate with each other by using which faux pas?

1. African elephant. Pachyderm means 'thick skin'. 2. c. The Dominican Republic.

3. Andorra. 4. A Day in the Life, (Beatles, from the album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band). 5. 14%. 6. Thomas A. Edison. 7. Tittle. 8. Earwigs. 9. Dracula. 10.

6.85 seconds. Max Park at the 2017 World Championships. 11. a: United Kingdom. b: Panama. c: Luxembourg. d: France. e: Haiti. f: Cuba. 12. c. A carpet shark. 13.

ACROSS 1. Plays a capricious part? (4,3,4) 9. Attack a seaman, we hear (7) 10. Topless specimen showing plenty! (5) 11. Tyre pattern needs a bit of smart readjustment (5) 12. Give an interpretation of obsolete unit of weight? (7) 13. About one with guardian getting the prize (6) 15, 14Dn and 20Ac. Rank outsider could well be! (6,7,5) 18. Confines within bounds rotationally, we hear (7) 20. See 15 Across.

22. He won't work part of the bagpipe (5) 23. State in which I will always take precedence (7) 24. They earn present marks at school (11)

1. What is the largest pachyderm in the world?

2. What is the only country in the world with the Bible on its national flag? a. Mexico, b. The DOWN Philippines, c. The Dominican Republic, d. The 2. A sect disposed to social distinction (5) Vatican State 3. More reliable plumber (7) 3. The name of which Principality, formed in 1278, 4. Violent types - you'll find them in disorder (3-3) is thought to be derived from 'al Darra', the Arabic word for forest?

5. Hold tight when the sprag breaks (5) 4. Which famous song, which includes the phrase 6. Dissect a mole up in a phial (7) "I'd love to turn you on", was banned by the BBC 7. Teacher takes exception to the geniuses (11) from airplay in 1967 on the basis of this line, claim8. The principal sources from which larger flowers develop ing it could "encourage a permissive attitude (4-7) toward drug-taking"?

5. According to the human rights organisation 14. See 15 Across.

Freedom House, what percentage of the worlds 16. Gas-bag (7) population live in countries with a free press? Plus 17. Climb to the top of Cotopaxi in the Andes, maybe (6) or minus 10% 19. Steward ever so disturbed by the end of the voyage (5) 6. Henry Ford kept the last breath of which inventive man in an enclosed test tube?

21. Chemical coming from a hole in the ground (5) 7. What is the dot over a lower case i or j called?

8. Which insects get their name from an ancient superstition that they crawl into the ears of sleeping people?

9. The 1922 film 'Nosferatu, A Symphony of Horror' was the first film about which person?

10. Plus or minus one second, what is now the world record time for restoring a Rubik's cube at an official competition?

11. The following are national or state mottos. For CAN YOU MASTER THE each motto, identify the country or state: a: Dieu et SUDOKU CHALLENGE? Fill in the grid so that mon droit (French, 'God and my right'). b: Pro every row, every column, mundi beneficio (Latin, 'For the benefit of the and every 3x3 box conworld'). c: Mir wëlle bleiwe wat mir sinn (Local lantains the digits 1 to 9. guage, 'We wish to remain what we are'). d: Liberté, égalité, fraternité (French, 'Liberty, equality, fraternity'). e: L'union fait la force (French, 'Unity QUIZ ANSWERS makes strength'). f: Patria o muerte (Spanish, (81), United States (78), Russia (66), Swaziland (31). 18. a. Last train to London (ELO). b. Morning Train (Sheena Easton). c.

Peace Train (Cat Stevens). d. Love Train (O'Jays). e. Last train to Clarksville (Monkees). f. Runaway Train (Tom Petty).

19. Cocktails (specifically with brandy or cognac). 20. Farting

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N332 Facebook page a popular tool for Traffico C

an you be fined for smoking in the car? And for driving with flip-flops? What is different about pedestrian crossings that are painted red or blue?

Is it mandatory to carry a fire extinguisher if you are pulling a trailer? How do you drive around roundabouts?

These are all questions that are asked every single day by thousands of international residents who drive on our local roads and highways. Many of the queries they don’t have answers too though, usually as a result of language difficulties and the differences in interpretation in their countries of origin.

Well you can find the answers to these and to many other similar questions on Facebook. Just search for "N332DrivingSpain”, a site created by Torrevieja Civil Guard Traffico agent Francisco Morales and you will be able to resolve the large majority of the questions you may have.

Morales, who has been a Civil Guard Traffico Officer since 2007, along with a number of his colleagues, had the idea for the page about 3 years ago. The Traffico officers realised that many of the cars they stopped for violations were driven by foreigners. Few of them understood any Spanish and it was often very difficult to explain why they were being sanctioned.

The Facebook page was a way of resolving many of those difficulties and less than 3 years later the page has over 100,000 followers and is also replicated with its own website.

visitors and residents, EU and non - EU drivers, travel"English is understood by everyone,” said Morales, “not just the British. Germans, Scandinavians and Russians ing and driving along roads in Spain, the Directorate can also usually get by with the language." That is some- General of Traffic (DGT) has only one small part of its thing that is demonstrated on the page where the simple many functions translated into English: that which explanations are accompanied by videos or images by explains how to pay fines. way of illustration.

It’s just as well then, that there are such officers and volFrancisco does all this in his free time although he is unteers as Francisco Morales, Mark Nolan and the assisted by many of his colleagues and by British expat Torrevieja Traffico team, who have taken the initiative, Mark Nolan who has also been instrumental in the while the DGT continue to drag their feet. development of the resource.

Morales explains that it is a myth that more sanctions are issued to foreigners. "It's just a matter of proportion," he says, while explaining that although ignorance of the law does not exempt them from enforcement, the police use common sense when it comes to issuing tickets. He says that "It's unfair to fine someone who does not know that he's breaking the rules."

Image: Diario Informacion But despite the presence The N332 Facebook page now has over 100,000 followers of thousands of foreign

15

ORIHUELA POLICIA LOCAL DISMANTLE DRUG PLANT

The Local Police of Orihuela and the Civil Guard have dismantles a marijuana production plant in San Bartolomé The plant was located in a terraced house where officers seized a total of 43 marijuana plants, hidden by mesh so they were not able to be seen from the outside. According to a police statement the current rates for such drugs on the open market would be close to 50,000 euros.

Security Councillor Mariola Rocamora said that this was another excellent example at police cooperation with the aim of protecting the public health of Orihuela residents.

16

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My Grandpa’s A Hero It may be a sunny October, but snow is the focus of Studio32’s cast as they prepare for their winter show. This talented company will be performing a wonderful stage adaptation of that Christmas film favourite, Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas”. The show contains some all-time classic songs including “Blue Skies”, “Sisters”, and the Bing Crosby title number “White Christmas”.

After the Second World War General Waverley (played by Don Wilkinson, pictured) retires to run an inn in Pinetree,

Vermont. He is joined for the holidays by his grand-daughter Susan (played by Alice Wakeford, pictured) who worships her grandpa, and enjoys telling everyone what a hero he is. But what grandpa doesn’t know is that the inn is failing as he struggles to come to terms with the transition from army general to innkeeper. To help him out two of his old army buddies – now famous entertainment producers - organise a surprise Christmas show. Will it be enough to save the inn? Find out by coming along to see this fabulous show.

Julian and Jan in party mood

Studio32 are once again supporting the San Fulgencio Alzheimer’s Association, as well as other local charities. So why not help them raise money for these worthy causes.

Show dates are November 29th to December 2nd at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio. All performances start at 7.30pm, You can book your tickets by emailing tickets@studiothirtytwo.org, calling their new ticket line on 602 47 47 93, or from: Cards & More, La Marina 966 79 09 54 The Card Place, Benijofar 966 71 32 66

Caldero Day Party for SAAM Thursday October 12th is the Hispanic Day public holiday in Spain and is also celebrated in Los Alcazares as Caldero Day, the date Los Alcazares became an independent municipality in 1983.

Over 100 peñas (clubs and associations) plus many family and friends groups gather on the beach to eat, drink and be merry and there is the smell of charcoal burning for paellas and bar-b-q’s, music blasting out, singing and laughter as people party from early morning till late in the evening along the length of the paseo.

For several years SAMM has joined this gathering and, of late, had a theme for the

day to allow the extroverts to dress up and make fools of themselves. This year the theme was the Rocky Horror Show and over 20 people arrived in costume, including the past and present Commodore, to close the paseo every hour on the hour and perform the Time Warp dance routine to much applause from the passersby who could not pass by.

the Balaton Group provided bratwurst sausages and onions, cooked by Colin Finch, with bread and mustard free to their group members.

Jack Moss and others offered trips round the bay in one of the Shoestring Groups Gamba dinghies and there were many takers.

Many other sensibly dressed members came and went throughout the day so the SAMM section of the beach was crowded with up to 50 or 60 people most of the time.

Julian Pering also bought his beach version of the air ball game that had proved so popular last year where teams of six each with a goal keeper, complete in a knockout competition. Great foolishness and fun for both competitors and spectators.

SAMM funds were used to provide wine, beer, soft drinks nuts and nibbles for all and

We can’t wait for next year, wonder what the new theme will be?

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EURONICS THURSDAY DART LEAGUE “THE ELECTRICAL SHOP” - BLUE LAGOON Match Results for 19th October 2017 (points for win/draw) Tavern (2) Pint depot Queens Porter House Bees (2) Hub Hellraisers Wee Rockers Ale House Junction Jackals (2) El Capitan (2)

Hub Hyenas Porter House El Capitan Junction Jackals Angels Las Rosas Tavern Oldies Ale House Porter House Bees Wee Rockers Hen's Teeth Amigo's Misfits Hub Hellraisers Pint Depot Queens Junction Jaguars

8-4 1-11 9-3 bye 4-8 4-8 12-0 9-3

P 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 4 4 3 3 4

Junction Jaguars Hub Hyenas (2) Hen’s Teeth Porter House (2) Las Rosas (2) Sporting Life Misfits Angels Pts 8 8 7 7 6 4 4 4 2 2 1 1 1 1 0

Legs 38 34 37 32 30 26 25 22 14 11 15 13 10 9 16

180’s and highest check-out…Still Mr Walker!

Pint Depot Queens v Hub Hyenas 1 – 11 (Last Season 1 -11) As expected, the Hub were just too good for us Queens. They were experts at getting high scores and even better at finishing. We were 6-0 down at half time. So on to the singles but as anticipated their form continued although Vi, Lyn and Pam got to a double which was a great achievement in itself against these players. Lyn was playing Joe and she so nearly beat him but Paul said come on Joe you won't want to read the headlines! He then promptly got his double after the

numerous failed attempts.

So it seemed a whitewash was on the cards but we won the very last game to scupper their hopes and the Queens were singing happily.

Her royal highness Captain Cheryl was playing Simon and she got D4 (eventually) although Simon got on a double some time before but just couldn't finish. I think Cheryl was lucky as Simon had been under the weather all evening (from his own making after a few days away drinking!)

Wonder what his team thought of him but we were very grateful to win a game........by Cheryl Sleath Just to note that although 4 legs ahead of the nearest team, six of their finishes this week were on D2 and one on D1 so the boys at the top aren’t necessarily nailing the 2 or 3 dart finishes or even D20’s or D16’s.

Tavern Oldies v Junction Jaguars 8 – 4 (Last season 9 – 3) Once again, the score line doesn’t testify to how well the Jags are playing. We were most often down to the finish first but couldn’t f it find it under pressure. The first triple went to us with a check-out on D2 (Simone) but then we lost the next 5 games in succession despite Poo’s 92, 70, 85, 67 in the 3rd triples and a tasty 98, 140, 80 from Lelly Eagles in her pairs with Denise Green.

A yummy chilli revived the ladies flagging spirits and Lelly game out all guns blazing with 80, 120 and check-out on S8-D20 to pull one back.

In the 2nd singles, Wendy Woo Hayward bagged 95, 95 on the trot and was 200 ahead of opponent Angie but was frustrated not to put the game to bed on D1.

Rob the Hat ended our dreams of at least a draw in the 3rd single and Patty Poo could not do enough to halt the onslaught of the Mighty King Solomon in the 4th.

However, Luscious little Lisa (65, 58, 85, 64, 55, 91 -D5) got us our third leg and Capt. de Lacy got us the last game against Capt.

Birtwistle, opening with 138 and checking out on D18.

Although we are now bottom of the table, we are 5 legs up from where we were this time last year and have seen an improvement in every game so far. We are sharpening our points and claws for the Team KO game against El Capitan next week.

Friendly's Chicas

This week’s Hot Darts: 3-5

Wildcats at Macks

Macklins D Mixt

1-7

Gap Ladies

Black Dog Ladies

4-4

Friendly's Temps

Primadonnas

6-2

El Balcon Chicas

Gap Ladies

5-3

Primadonnas

Black Dog Ladies

7-1

Friendly's Chicas

Wildcats at M’lins

2-6

El Balcon Chicas

Friendly's Temps

4-4

Macklins D Mixt

P

W

Pts.

Gap Ladies

4

3

11

El Balcon Chicas

4

2

9

Black Dog Ladies

4

2

9

Wildcats@Macklins 4

2

8

Macklins D Mixt

1

8

4

Friendly's Temps

4

0

7

Primadonnas

4

1

6

Friendlys Chicas

4

0

6

Ann Wharton 140+100, Gail Murray 135+107+100x2, Jane Barnes 134+125+121+100, Shirley Stephenson 133+128+114, Gwen Goodhall 125+102, Pamela Taylor 125+100, Beaty Powell 120+119 +100, Kim Fickling 134, Chris Greenwood 129 Denise Groves 127, Elaine Willis 125, Martelle Cheater 125, Pam Horton 124, Caroline Shepherd 115, Anita Morfee 114, Margaret Boden 112, Mitch Haliday 107, Karen Christopher 105, Ellen Attwood 100x2, Simone de Lacy 100 Highest Checkouts: 96 Tracey Simposon, 79 Ann Wharton, 78 Beatty Powell, 76 Selma Dyer Well done everyone, keep up the good work, and enjoy your darts.

Pam Horton, 96 571 0066, Ladies Darts Coordinator Email: Dartess501@gmail.com

By Simone de Lacy

Junction Jackals v Amigo’s Misfits 12 (13) – 0 (Last Season 11 -1) The lads showed fine form again this week with a full house against the Amigo’s, reporting a win of 13 – 0! Apparently the names had been chalked up incorrectly for the pairs games and one of the Amigo’s played twice as a result. Capt. Cooper pointed this out and the game was replayed with the correct pairing- result was still the same hence the overall score of 13 but only 12 of these count though.

Wee Rockers v Porter House 4 – 8 The Wee Rockers gave a warm welcome to the Porters in their new venue at Chemies Lounge. Siddie the Eel Man said that is was the best venue in the league, having a superb throw on stage and lashings of lovely food at half time. Captain James Mackay was MOTM for the Rockers probably due to a 17-darter in his singles against Jeff Ward. Yvonne Roof-Rack was MOTM for the Porters with finishes in her pairs and singles. Peter also got a win in his pairs and singles as did Siddie Cross. Graham and Capt. Gnasher got the other two to make it a 4 – 8 win for the Porters, and 2nd placement on the leader board.

Porter House Bees v Hen’s Teeth 9 – 3 (Last Season 11 – 1) Family Lane put in another sterling performance this week, earning 7 of the 9 points between them: Mummy Lane got one, Baby Lane got two and Daddy Lane got four check-outs and a very deserved MOTM award. Captain Eddie and Ivan got the other two. Joseph Cuyt, Mike Tierney and Dave Shepherd (MOTM) were in best shape for the Toothy-Cluckers.

El Capitan v Angels 9 – 3 (Last season 12-0) Angel Phil Waller (not often he gets called that) managed two finishes against El Cap’s Lithuanian Lovelies. Martin Hastings claimed their 3rd point but it was Captain Glennon that was awarded MOTM on a result sheet bereft of detail. The mighty John Walker romped home with MOTM again, I hear-tell due to some magnificent scoring but no more 180’s to add to his tally of one. Well look out Johnny boy, the Jags are in town next week and we eat Walkers for breakfast!

Torrevieja Darts Ladies Organisation Carp R Us Founders Shield

17

The club returned to a local venue, the irrigation canal near Mercadona, for round four of the Autumn Series. After heavy rain the previous night we expected the fishing to be less good than on previous visits to this venue, and so it proved.

First was Geoff Tempest, using float and maggot

tactics as did Tom Marshall who finished second.

Third was new-boy Dave Sutton fishing his first match with the club and fourth was Steve Collins.

The club is always keen to get new members. If you are interested contact the secretary, Steve Fell, on 634 379 081. Further can be found on its website www.carp-r-us.weebly.com or on our Facebook page Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blanca.

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Car and Vehicle Sales The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2015 Ford CMax Diesel which is on Special Offer priced at just 16,500 euro. Come along to our showroom in Elche and see our vast range of used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers.

The biggest and best for price, choice and quality.

Social and Clubs The AGM of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion will be on 23 Nov at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras starting at 7.30pm. The Torrevieja Branch meets at the Casa Ventura in San Luis at 7.30 pm on the 2nd Friday while the La Marina/Gran Alacant Branch meets on the 1st Monday at The London Bar, behind Dial Prix in Gran Alacant at 6pm. Everyone Welcome.

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you. Our aim is to assist with problem solving for the over 50’s and promote their well-being. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Residential Home Visiting Team.

You will visit people who live in

a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee either in a wheelchair or walking. If you think you can help Age Concern in this respect call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887.

Or you can email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es 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.

Girlguiding group for Orihuela Costa. The Orihuela Costa Rainbows and Brownies. This is a brand new Girlguiding group for girls aged 5-11 years.

Rainbows 5-7 years, Brownies 711 years. We will meet every Wednesday at the Madhouse in El Galan. Parents can find our more on our Facebook page Orihuela Costa Brownies and Rainbows

Monday 23rd - Sunday 29th October, 2017

Curious about work of Samaritans in Spain? Interested in becoming a listener? Have a few hours a week to help with the charity shop, fundraising or admin? To find out more, come and join us for refreshments and a chat at our Centre in the Punta Marina Shopping Centre, by the Punta Prima roundabout, on the N332.

(Volunteer positions are unpaid but expenses can be claimed). www.samaritansinspain.com Email: janeatsams@outlook.com The Orihuela Costa Drop In Centre is now fully open in C/Cipres, Lomas de Cabo Roig, where we can offer you a full range of activities every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday including music, language classes, drawing and painting, sewing, general information, bereavement advice and much more.

Further info is available at: oc.communitycare@gmail.com

Churches and Services La Siesta Evangelical Church hold services each Sunday and everyone is welcome. Our 11am Services are held every 2nd and 4th Sunday in the month (and on the 5th Sunday, if this applies.)

On the 1st and 3rd Sunday’s our Services are at 9.30 am. Our choir sings at our 11 am Services and there is also a Sunday School, Stepping Stones, on these Sundays. We welcome residents, visitors and children. For information see our website www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org

or phone Pastor Keith on 666 180 108.

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

Personal Torrevieja Brazilian mature lady.

The best massage, relax, tantra, anti-stress. I also do body and intimate waxing, manicures, pedicures, and facial cleansing and rejuvenation. Me and my silky hands are the perfect combination. Call Victoria on 687 131 005.

Torrevieja. Shirley - the best massage. Tanned, young Brazilian beauty! Stunning figure, great breasts. I welcome you alone in sexy lingerie. By appointment please.655 677 738 Male and female Viagra, Cialis, Cialis Kamagra jellies mail order cash on delivery call 604 385 476 viagra4you19@gmail.com

Items For Sale Why not use the power of the Leader to sell your unwanted goods or to advertise your business. Classified advertising is available on these pages from just 5 euro per entry. Email office@theleader.info

Property for Sale Country Finca in Redovan Comprising of 2 buildings on a good size plot, each with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Plot size 500 sq mtrs. The property is in

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excellent decorative order and is sold furnished. Beamed ceilings in lounge. Euro 170,500. Ref: 000076. Tel 617 537 866 San Miguel de Salinas - A really nice first floor 3 bed apartment in a very well looked after community, just a short walk to supermarkets, restaurants, and bars.

Fitted wardrobes in all bedrooms, main bedroom having walk in wardrobe. Euro 79,995 Ref: 000075. Tel 617 537 866 Detached Villa Torremendo - A fantastic 2 bed countryside home on a 5000sqm plot. Constructed from wood and in perfect condition with countryside and lake views. All modern services, connected to electricity, water, mains sewerage. Also a separate selfcontained cabin. Euro 149,995 Ref: 000074. Tel 617 537 866 This three bedroom, two bathroom mid-terrace townhouse is within walking distance of the lively La Fuente Commercial Centre with its fabulous selection of bars and restaurants. It is also close to supermarkets and just a short drive to beautiful, award-winning Blue Flag sandy beaches.

Access to lovely communal gardens and a large communal swimming pool. Euro 79,995 Ref 000057. Tel 617 537 866 Redovan - Surrounded by lemon groves and fields of artichokes and broccoli, this lovely three bedroom, two bathroom detached villa is situated on a plot of 600m2. It has its own

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10m x 5m private swimming pool and a separate garage with access to a rooftop solarium. The property is distributed on one level with a tiled patio area leads into the main living and dining areas. Private Pool, Fully Furnished, Stunning views, Private Garden. Euro 210,000 Ref 000058. Tel 617 537 866 Sierra de Orihuela - This fabulous detached property is on a plot of 1.900m2 and has breath-taking views of the Sierra de Orihuela mountain range. The total built area is 135m2 which is distributed across four double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a lounge / dining area, and a modern openplan kitchen. Covered car port, manicured gardens and a private swimming pool. Fully Furnished.

Private Garden. Kennels and a chicken coup. Euro 249,995 Ref 00059. Tel 617 537 866 San Miguel de Salinas - Modern 3 bedroom house in the sought after area of Balcon de la Costa.

South facing and in a quiet area.

The house has been refurbished to a very high standard and ready to move into. Large paved patio with high walls for your privacy, ideal for barbecuing or just relaxing in the sun. Fully Furnished.

Private balconies.

Stunning views. Air-Cond. Euro 79,500 Ref 000060. Tel 617 537 866 San Miguel de Salinas - A nice ground floor apartment in the heart of San Miguel de Salinas. It has 2 good size bedrooms with fitted wardrobes. The 2nd bedroom has an enclosed galeria for extra storage. Good size lounge / diner and open plan kitchen. The family bathroom comes with a 4 piece suite and shower enclosure.

Popular Spanish village. Fully furnished. Communal Pool.

Large Terrace. Euro 52,995 Ref 000061. Tel 617 537 866 Detached Villa Torremendo. 2 bed countryside home on 5000sqm plot.

Constructed from wood and in perfect condition with countryside and lake views. All modern services, connected to electricity, water, mains sewerage. There is also a separate self-contained cabin. Private pool, fully airconditioned, part furnished, ideal for conservationist €149,995 ref: 000074. Tel 617 537 866

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Monday 23rd - Sunday 29th October, 2017

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20

Monday 23rd - Sunday 29th October, 2017

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San Luis Bowls Club By Sheila Cammack.

San Miguel Bowls Club By Pat McEwan

The Apollos had a home match to start their campaign in the Enterprise Division against La Marina Explorers and they had lift off with a 12-2 victory by 110 shots to 79.Best winning rink was that of Dave Davies with Florence and Mike Edwards winning 25-12.This was closely followed by Ramsay Sinclair, Brian Gardiner and Alex Morrice who won 21-9. The other three winning rinks were much closer affairs the biggest margin achieved

by Dawn and John Taylor with Brian Fraser winning 18-14.

The Pioneers followed the Apollos on to the rink in the Voyager Division against Horadada Falcons and did not having quite such a good start losing by 96 shots to 112 thereby gaining 5 points to their opponents 9.Hilary Clark with Trish Reilly and Vic Mahomet had the best win by 20 shots to 11 whilst Sheila Millward, Derek Smith and John Clark came home by the narrowest of margins by a single shot. The final point was gained by Sue Mahomet, Teteyana Oliver and Pat Reilly who managed to tie their match.

Our Winter League game played their first home fixture following last week’s impressive start to the season but on this occasion the visitors Javea Green proved just too strong winning by 85 shots to 67 getting 8 points to La Siesta’s 4. Pat and Trish Reilly with Mike and Florence Edward s were our biggest winning rink by 17 shots to 11.A great turnaround on the Joy Gardiner, Jim Hudson.

Dave Blackie and Jean Cooper rink who early on were nine shots adrift but pulled things around to win 18-16.

The Blues travelled to San Luis to play the Tigers and came away with an excellent 11-3 victory by 124 shots to 100.Three of our six rinks all won by a margin of 9 shots with Dawn Taylor, John Taylor with Brian Harman winning by that margin as did Ann Heath, Robert Heath and John Ball and not to be outdone Sheila Chorley with Bill and Sue Jordan did the same. An exciting finish on the rink of Pat Moore, Dave Blackie and George Richardson sharing the spoils with their opponents.

The Golds turned around there form from the opening week and had a 12-2 victory at home to Montemar Torreadors by 120 shots to 92.Three rinks won by wide margins the best being Hilary Clarke, Derek Smith and Pat Reilly by 34 shots to 17.Barbara Cooper, Trish Reilly won by 23 shots to 12 and Penny Porter, Alan Ralph and Johnnie Ryder won 21-12.

Monday 16th South Alicante Enterprise Div. A Klingons, home v EI Titans had a good result 12-2, shots 126-91. Winners: Margaret Morrison, Sabrina & Russ Marks 26-8, Colin Jackson, Keith Phillips, Mal Hughes 18-15, Lynne Morris, Sheila Cammack, Tom Hill 30-10, Pam Lockett, June & Keith Jones 20-15, Janet & Peter McEneany, Phil Morrachan 19-17.

Discovery Div. B Trekkers, a good result away v LM Pathfinders 11-3, shots 107-84. Allen Bowen, Peter Fuller, Suzi Cooper 16-16, Helen Hammond, Barry Roseveare, Scott Malden 20-13, Ros Holmes, Bill Webb, Mike Regan 15-13, Judy Carroll, Ray Robson, Derrick Cooper 21-8, Shirley Verity, Jo & Jules Pering 21-10.

Voyager Div. C a good result for the Vulcans v Romulans, 10-4, shots 125-85. Winners: Marie Henly, Kath Waywell, Bob Bromley 19-5, Dennis Jackson, Dave Tilley, Cas Blay 17-12, Pat Tilley, Ray Whatmough, Brenda Brown 25-20, Audrey Ford, Margaret Clarke, Charlie Marigold 35-11. Romulans winners: Chris Phillips, Rhys Davies, Tom Fromson 18-16, Marion Davies, Ralph Jones, Harry Epsom 19-13, Wednesday 18th Winter League away v Monte Mar, had a great result 12 points-0, 118 shots-60. Winners: Shirley Verity, Ray Clarke, Julian Pering, Russell Marks 21-13, Irene Everett, Pam Lockett, Roy Cordell, Tom Hill 25-11, Ann Holland, Keith Phillips, Sabrina Marks, Mal Hughes 25-14, Lynne Morris, Mike Regan, June & Keith Jones 23-10, Kath Reid, Neil Morrison, Scott Malden & Ian Kenyon 24-12. No Berleen team.

Friday 20th Southern League: Div. A SL Lions, away v MM Matadors, a great result 12-2, shots 114-83. Winners: Steve Simmons, Sheila Cammack, Giuseppe Galelli 21-14, Lynne Morris, Ray Clarke, Tom Hill 20-8, Pam Lockett, June & Keith Jones 19-13, Colin Jackson, Keith Phillips, Mal Hughes 19-16, Bob White, Ann Holland, Roy Cordell 2115.

Div. B SL Tigers, home v LS Blues; a tough match 3-11, shots 100-123.

Winners: Allen Bowen, Peter Fuller, Suzi Cooper 25-19, Irene Everett, Bill Webb, Vic Slater 19-19.

Div. C SL Leopards home v ER Broncos a great result, 12-2, shots 11889. Winners: Chris Jackson, Kevin Hull, Ian Ross 28-15, Dennis Jackson, Dave Tilley, Caz Blay 21-12, Doug & Fay Beattie, Geoff Shand 18-11, Marie Henly, Kath Waywell, Bob Bromley 18-13, Audrey Ford, Margaret Clarke, Charlie Marigold 20-16.

Last weekend saw the San Miguel Ladies V San Miguel Men. Once again the men won!!! It was a great mornings bowling with some results that could have gone either way! The men won on 5 rinks and the ladies on 2. Top ladies rink was Pat McEwan, Sheila Booth and Davina Champion. Top mens rink was Ian Hope, Brian Miller, Cliff Plaisted and Ron Nairey - all won a bottle of wine!!

The South Alicante league played their first games of the season with SM Meteors playing SM Pulsars. The Meteors won 10-4, with shots being 128 to the Meteors and 90 to the Pulsars. Winning teams for the Pulsars were Irene Ward, Sheila Booth, Mike Douglas 16-12: Alan Booth, Brenda Rees, John Raby 24-16. For the Meteors, Jan Allen, Dave Greenland, Brian Miller 24-17: Cliff Plaisted, Chris Collier, Len Rudge 20-11: Tony Sansom, Stuart Hemmings, Lyn Greenland 27-12: Noel Davis, Don Whitney, Steve Cantley 29-10.

The Comets were away to El Rancho winning 8-6. Very well played

by Sandra Hannon, Bill Knight, Jack Jackson 19-17: Joe Getgood, David Champion, Mike Bayfield 27-8: Stan North, Jim Jarvie, Bill Brownlee 29-9. Shots were close 108 to San Miguel and 101 to El Rancho. A good result on a difficult green!!

The Winter league were at home to Emerald Isle winning on 2 rinks, losing on 3. Winning teams were Noel Davis, Carol Rudge, Steve Cantley and Fred Willshire; Margaret Patterson, Reg Cooper, Allan Patterson and Cliff Plaisted. The Berleen had a close game losing it on the last 2 ends. Shots were 73 to San Miguel and 88 to Emerald Isle. Luckily the games were finished before the promised rain arrived!!!

In the Southern league, the Cougars were away at Quesada with 3 points to San Miguel and 11 points to the Cougars. Well done to Bob Nesbitt, Bob Graham, Rosamond Stockell 30-14: Stan North, Jim Jarvie, David Champion 18 across. Shots for 92 - against 140.

Club competitions have got under way, get your dates in the diary.

WASPS are proving extremely popular, with all rinks full. Come along for 1.30, €5 for bowling, use of woods and shoes and free tuition if needed.

For further information on San Miguel Bowls Club please contact our President, Rosamond Stockell, telephone 699 232 910 or Secretary, Pat McEwan, telephone 966 71 4257.

Emerald Isle Bowls Club

Monday morning found the Pintos entertaining San Miguel Comets in a light but varying breeze, which caused a little consternation all round.

We were in good company, though a few of us struggled a little, but it didn’t spoil the morning. Both teams took 3 rinks and the Comets took the overall shots by a small margin, it makes you thinks were you might have picked up or saved the odd shot. Meanwhile the Raiders were away at Mazarron against their Mariners and found the match a bit of an uphill struggle, coming away without a point. But sometimes it goes like that, you maybe don’t play your best or perhaps you are just against a stronger team. But it is only a game, which we play for fun and good company, even though we all like a win.

Friday morning found the Mustangs playing host to Mazarron Miners, the Miners being a bowler short, were up against it. Both sides played good bowls, but the Mustangs took advantage of the home mat, to take 3 of the remaining 5 rinks and the overall shots. But we had an excellent morning’s bowls, with good humour and company. Geoff Jones, Keith Cunningham and David Whitworth 16-14. June Whitworth, Henry Ryder and Richard Lee 26-10. Judith Foley, Jane Hamill and Stew Hamill, 10-0 (conceded). Barbara Jones, Sheila Cooper and Jim Taylor 12-13. Diane Yates, Bob Taylor and John Skipper 14-22. Jan Bright, Malc Sykes and Bob Morgan 24-20.

Meanwhile the Broncos were away to San Luis Leopards, were despite playing some good bowls, came away with just the one rink, but they enjoyed the occasion and wins are bound to follow. Pam Harris, Graham Day and Brian Harris 15-28. Peter Bagwell, Peter Blackburn and Rob Clark 16-20. Gary Dunstone, Bob Easthope and Barry Bright 22-13.

Ann C Taylor, Denise Morgan and Malc Elmore 11-18. Jean Bagwell, Ron Edwards and Mike Ager 12-21. Marion Haynes, John Richards and Dave Haynes 13-18. For membership details contact Brian Taylor on 965 07 7093 or at briantaylor_es@yahoo.co.uk or Carolyn Harris on 966 77 4316 or at elranchobowls.secretary@gmail.com

La Siesta Bowls Club

by Rod Edgerton

by Elwyn Morris

Sunday 15th seen the Annual game between EI and St James Gate(Dublin) and the Trophy goes across the water this year with The Gate winning 3 Rinks to 1, aggregate 68-77. The Isles winning rink was L Hawkins B Smith M Breen and C Lindgren 2210. At time off going to print Drinking comp was still in progress.

Monday saw the EI Neptunes play EI Moonrakers and the Neptunes came out on top of a very though game 8-6 Aggregate 114-93. Winning trips L Hawkins A Malcolm B Smith 32-7, C Ayling C Warner J Mullarkey 24-10, A Brown T Harris J Loughran 26-17 Monday afternoon saw the Titans travel to San Luis Klingons and they were beaten 2-12, aggregate 91-126. The winning trip was S Wickens P Willicott I Brester 26-13 The winter league game saw the EI travel to San Miguel and the Emerald isle came away victors winning 8-4 aggregate 123-88.

Winning rinks were S Kavanagh T Kelly D Gerrard M Odell 22-9, M Whitelock J Pooley J Rimmer C Lindgren 20-16, P Heaney S Johnson D Birkett I Brewster 16-14. The Emerald Isle won the Berleen 23-19 - E Morris S Watson B Eldred B Kavanagh.

Friday saw the EI Cavaliers playing Vistabella Lanzadores at home with an excellent win by 10-4 aggregate 112-87. Winning trips were C Donnellan D Birkett J Rimmer 24-4 C Thomas K Jolliffe D Gerrard 22-12, D Jones J Pooley C Lindgren 22-15, M Riley G Odell J Mulloy 18-14 The Outlaws took on Greenlands Oaks at home and suffered a 104 defeat, aggregate of 68-121. Winning trips were B Taylor B Smith M Willicott 19-14, I Fay R Fooks G Farrington 18-14

El Rancho Bowls Club.

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Open Day attracts healthy attendance

Photo: Mike Gill Words: Bob Donnelly

V

istabella Bowls Club organised, in conjunction with Orihuela Town Council and our Sponsor, Linea Directa, an Open Day for players from Orihuela Petanca Club. The Council arranged a coach and Sr. Victor Valverde, the Sports Councillor was in attendance.

After a brief introduction, demonstrating the basic principles of the game they played various fun games mixed with a variety of skill games. Refreshments were provided by the Club, and each player kept a record of their scores, and some players showed a great potential, particularly the winner, Bibiano Lorenzo with 91 points, closely followed by Carmen Navarro with 89 points.

Everybody enjoyed a good morning, and many favourable comments were made, so much so, that the Petanca Club have indicated that they would like to return the compliment at their Club early next year.

The Councillor said that the event was so successful that he will organise early next year, a similar event on Orihuela Costa for the children at the schools in that area.

This was a pilot scheme by Levante Lawn Bowls to introduce Spaniards to Bowls in order that we can attract them to the Sport so that the future will be secured. As it was successful this format will be used in the near future in other areas, firstly South Alicante, then North Alicante.

Vistabella Bowls Report By Lynne Bishop.

Greenlands Bowls Club by Dave Webb

Plenty happening this week starting with the S.A.L. The Enterprise div. Albatrosses started the new season playing another really good side, the Vistabella Drivers!

They just edged the win by one shot! Winning rinks for the Albatrosses were, G Fisher, S Allman & Gordon Fisher 16-9. S Kemp, C Watkins & M Furness 19-15. O Ratcliffe, B Norris & K Cuthbert 22-12 and a drawn rink between M Gill, L Watkins & E Bishop 12-12 F Barclay, B Ewart & G Thorpe. Winning Drivers were K Hardy, P Ray & C Thorpe 21-10. D Gunning, L Barber & D Jenkins 19-10. Shots, Albatrosses 89(9) - 88 (5) Drivers.

Voyager div. Eagles were at home against the Country Bowls Flamingos winning on four rinks. R Savage, K Savage & R Pownall 30-7. M Irwin, P & Penny Tomkins 17-13. J Hitchcock, R Hudson & G Gandy 1512. Irene Irwin, Malcolm Macpherson & M Blight 1211. Very well done. Shots, VB 101(10) - 84(4) CB. Winter League away at Bonalba, We two winning rinks plus long game. S Kemp, T French, M Furness & E Bishop 27-10. G Fisher, M Foulcer, C Thorpe & Gordon Fisher 28-13. Shots, VB 95(6) -67(6) B. Southern League A Div. Lanzadores away to Emerald Isle Cavaliers, two winning rinks from L Bishop, C Watkins & P Whitehall 21-7 & S Whitehall, G Fisher & Gordon Fisher 21-19. Shots VB 87(4) - 112(10) E.I. Picadors were home to San Miguel Jaguars also two winning rinks. D Gunning, A Leggatt & L Barber 29-6 and D Leggatt, P Rafferty & J Neve 21-19. Shots, VB 107(4) - 112(10) SM. Div C Conquistadors home to San Luis Pumas. Four winning rinks. R Smith, D Harwood & J Harwood 28-7.

R Savage, K Savage & T French 24-11. S Guy, J Hitchcock & G Gandy 19-13. M Irwin, P and Penny Tomkins 20-16. Shots, VB 125(10) - 87(4) SL. Tell you what...we have some very promising new bowlers, well done to them all.Premier 20 Knockout against El Cid. Three home wins and two away takes us through to the next round...brill!

In the Discovery Division the Maples were "Away" to Greenlands Sycamores. Final scores were - Total shots for - 140. Against - 83. Points 14 - 0.

Winning rinks were as follows - Sheila Stead, Jim Wilcock, Barry Collins. - 22 shots to 15. Zoe Wilcock, Mary Lockley, Marilyn Fryatt. - 20 shots to 11. Heather Meston, Val Duchet, Dave Webb 30 shots to 14. Janet Webb, Margaret Dewar, Mike Kelly. - 23 shots to 12. Rudy Wattley, Jean Thompson, Chris Dewar. - 22 shots to 18. Ann Butterwoth, Dave Thompson, John OBrien. - 23-13.

In The Winter league we were at home to B,B,C. Although we came very close on most rinks a successful outcome eluded us but the game as usual was played in a very pleasant atmosphere. Final score was - total shots for - 70. against 91. Points for - 0. against - 12.

In Div C, The Cedars were at home to La Manga Crusaders, Final score was - Total shots For - 122.

Against - 74. Points For - 10 Against - 4.

Winning rinks were - Norman Stephens, Doreen Varley, Neville Pulfer. - 29 shots to 12. Diane Lawyon, John Newell, Margaret Hirst. - 32 shots to 7. Dave Field, Ron Stansfield, Dave Giddings. 26 shots to 13. Terry Powell, John Dowell, Mike Cassidy. - 21 shots to 15.

In the B Division The Oaks were away to Emerald Isle Outlaws. Final score was - total shots for 121, Against - 68. Points for - 10 . against - 4.

Winning rinks were - Sheila Stead, Margaret Stevens, Mel Brown. - 21 shots to 14. Heather Meson, Margaret Dewar, Dave Webb. 36 shots to 2. Ann Butterworth, Val Duchart, Barry Collins. 18 shots to 6. Janet Webb, Jim Wilcock, Mike Kelly. 17 shots to 9.

Well done to everyone for making this excellent start to the season. for all enquiries please contact Haley on 966 84 4399 who will be pleased to assist.

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La Marina Bowls Report by Barry Latham My computer broke, my phone wouldn’t work, mobiles were out of action, had no internet and lost up at Javea in the first Winter League game.

It got better on Friday when the Ospreys took on El Rancho and did very well winning 10-4.

Peter Parsons led Jim Reeves and Andy Bartlett to a 31- 8 victory while Alex Whyte, Carol Smith and Steve Douglas won 25-19. Dave Hadaway skipped Cliff Rawlinson and Kathy Manning to a 33-6 win and last but not least Mike Stone, Jim Manning and Janet Parsons had a good 23-7 win as well. On Saturday we had a Fun Morning that John Rae efficiently staged and the winning trip was Shirley Hadaway, Bill Jones and George Furzer.

Come Monday and the Explorers in the Enterprise Division went to play the La Siesta Apollos.

They weren’t as bad as the Winter League last week as they got two points with winning trip being Margaret and Rob Finlayson and Ron Maiden.

In the Discovery Division the Pathfinders couldn’t find the route they needed and lost to San Luis Trekkers 11-3. Our most successful trip was led by John Withers who had a really good game plus Jack Chorlton and Reg Jackson winning 24-14. Whilst Alan Castle, Arthur Cronk and Paul Tregoing managed a creditable draw.

As the week has gone by we have got more points, a two, a three and now in the Winter League a four which means we lost at home to Quesada 10 – 4. Thankfully the Ladies turned it on for us and skipped our two winning rinks. So well done Shirley Hadaway, Garth Slater, Mike Surch and Gina Hindle and Margaret Finlayson had an even closer result when she skipped Jim Freeman, Angie Butler and Dave O’Sullivan to a 17-16 win.

So we come to Friday it wasn’t the 13th this week but felt like it with the Merlins travelling down play Horadada Royals only to lose 10 – 4 and the Ospreys playing Quesada and only just losing 8 – 6. The winning rinks for the Merlins were John Withers, Steve Hindle and Dave Taylor whilst the President skipped , George Furzer and Lorita Rae. For the Ospreys we had Peter Parsons, all the way from Barcelona, with Jim Reeves and Andy Bartlett. Shirley Hadaway, again, skipping Jean Fowkes and Kathy Manning and Tom Spencer leading Margaret McLaughlin and Janet Parsons to a nice 22 – 10 win.

Country Bowls Club Report Country Bowls Club have been gearing up for the winter season, new owners Graham and Jo have been busy updating the premises, the bar, kitchen and surrounds have all been painted and kitchen updated. Andy and Boo will be welcoming visiting players with a warm welcome, offering all types of liquid refreshments along with hearty snacks and daily specials.

Mixed results for our teams this week playing teams from Vistabella in both leagues, one at home and one away. On Friday the Geckos entertained the Conquistadors, winning on 3 rinks, drawing on one, losing on 2, resulting in an overall victory 116 shots to 74, pts 9-5.

Rink scores Pat Emmett, Derek Jiggins, Les Turner 24 – 10, Craig Dyson, Dave Smith, Ben Noke 10 – 13, Joel Fernandez, Keith Holliman, Andy Bryce 15 – 16, Ann Barratt, Ray Emmett, Geoff Paylor 18 – 18, Geoff Eggleton, Graham Richardson, Peter Dix 19-10, Jean Turner, Andy White, Gordon Dixon 30-7

by Peter Dix

On Monday we travelled to Vistabella in the afternoon to play the Eagles, winning on 2 rinks, losing on 4 rinks, resulting in overall loss 82 shots to 101, points 4-10 against.

Rink scores Craig Dyson, Dave Smith, Dot Davies 15 – 13, Ann Barrett, Derek Jiggins, Peter Dix 24 – 14, Brenda Jiggins, Ray Emmett, Les Turner 12 – 15, Joel Fernandez, Keith Holliman, John Simpson 13 – 17, Jean Turner, Ben Noke, Gordon Dixon 11 – 12, Pat Emmett, Sandra Simpson, Geoff Paylor 7 – 30.

We are actively seeking new members, with this in mind the owners are offering free coaching on a Tuesday morning for the next 4 weeks and a taster membership for 3 months at 40 euro. Membership is now available for both 7 and 12 months or just pay and play on roll up days.

For further information view our new website www.countrybowlsmurcia.com for all the latest news or email President Peter Dix at: peterdix1948@googlemail.com

Monte Mar Bowls & Social Club Sponsored by The Belfry, The Pub, Bowling Abroad, Avalon Monte Mar Matadors v San Luis Lions A tough game against San Luis winning on only one rink well done to Jan Webster, Bill Webster and skip Bill Young. Shots Monte Mar 83 – 114 San Luis. Points Monte Mar 2 – 12 San Luis Monte Mar Toreadors v La Siesta Gold Good mornings bowling but not for the Toreadors only winning on one rink and losing by two shots on the last end on two rinks. Well done to Sheila Roberts, John Hunt and Joan Harding.

Points Monte Mar 2 – 12 La Siesta. Shots Monte Mar 92 – 126 La Siesta.

For further info about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website www.montemarbowls.com or email us at info@montemarbowls.com. We are also on Facebook.

22

Monday 23rd - Sunday 29th October, 2017

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Las Ramblas Golf Society

"Individual Stableford Qualifier" - Alicante Golf

In association with Sapphire Properties and Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) at Hacienda Riquelme on 18th October 2017.

For this months meeting the Spanglish Golf Society and a group of 21 players visited the established course at Hacienda Riquleme taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

The weather forecast was for rain storms at approx 6 pm BUT it arrived early and most of the players were 5 or 6 holes from home when the rain arrived and some players headed for the clubhouse while others completed the round with only one or two holes of rain disruption.

The winning scores on the day were as follows: 1st – Mike Probert – 32 points, 2nd – Mick Nelson – 31 points 3rd – Danny Wheatley – 28 points, 1st – Category B – Brian Prockter – 27 points Nearest the Pins – Mike Probert,Paul Cawte,Steve Birkett and Brian Prockter, Football Card – Gerry Graves After the game we returned to the Spanglish bar, which is located at Dona Pepa, Quesada for a welcome snack prepared by the bar and the prize presentation and we give our thanks for their support and that of our sponsor Sapphire Properties.

Our next friendly day fixture is at Vistabella on 1st November 2017 and the monthly meeting is at La Torre on 15th November 2017.

If you are interested in joining the society call Paul Cawte on 966731223 or Graham Hall on 664 692 638 or pop into the bar.

Report by Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or see us at our web-site at: www.costa-blanca-greenfees.com.

On Monday we played the “Counters Game” and the winning team with a score of 104 pts. were Olga Douglas, John Conway, Rod Doel and Dave “Mr President” Pulling.

Wednesday was the “Memorial Day Trophy” Pairs Better Ball Scoring, and the winners, Picture Attached, with a score of 47 pts were Geoff Biggerstaff and Liz Robertson. In second place on a count back also with 47 pts were Ken Robertson and Mike Chapman. 3rd were Reg Akehurst and Rachel Leckey with 45 Pt's.

On Friday we saw the semi – finals of the Pairs Knockout competition with wins for Benedicte Kruse & Reg Akehurst won on the 18th Hole and Ron Phipps & John Conway 4 and 2. The final will be next Friday.

Those not involved played a Texas Scramble and the winning team with a very good score of 57.5 were Alan Douglas, Lindsay Forbes, Jan Svendsen and Peter Radcliff.

El Plantio Golf Society

(in assN with Costa Blanca Green Fee svcs)

SOCIETY GOLF Welcome to golf in Spain where the big difference is that golf societies have a big part to play in providing competitive and affordable golf.

Why is it then that many of the local golf societies are in turmoil and rife with internal fallouts and politics?

From my own experiences the arrival of new and better players within a society can cause problems of jealousy as the more established members of the society are forced out of the ‘winners enclosure’ and the league teams.

The very members that were once the backbone of the society than start to play an ‘agent provocateur’ role and the society ultimately implodes and then explodes.

However is there a more fundamental reason for such problems?

If you consider club golf back on the UK with approx 500 members you personally will probably only associate with 10-15 of these members on a regular basis.

These will be people with whom you are comfortable and whom you personally like and trust; hence you enjoy your golfing environment and often as a result play good golf.

On the other hand here on the Costa’s you join a society because a friend or neighbour can ‘get you in’ and because you need to find a way to play cheaper golf.

The typical golf society will have 16-28 members and it is highly unlikely that you will develop the same feelings of comfort and trust with more than perhaps 4 people in your society.

Invariably you will then be forced to play on a regular basis with people that you are not comfortable with as society secretaries rotate players to ensure that no ‘clicks’ are formed within the members.

The result is that because you are not in your ’comfort zone’ you are more easily distracted by outside influences and events, both on and off the golf course with resulting friction, squabbling, ill feeling and poor un-enjoyable golf.

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Splanglish Golf Society

by Mike Mahony

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.

637 227 385

San Javier Golf Society We always enjoy coming to this lovely course in the centre of Alicante and today was no exception, despite the occasional rain shower and thunder rumbling in the background! The course was in super condition but the scoring showed that most people found it quite difficult, with only one person playing to their handicap.

The winners on the day were: Division 1: First was Paul Matthews with 36 points, Second - Paul Hamlin with 32, Third - Mark Pollitt with 32. In Division 2: First was John Hillier with 31 points, Second - Dave Furze with 26, Third - Joe Flanagan with 26. Nearest the pins were won by Paul Hamlin, Jim Moffatt, John Hillier and Mark Pollitt. The gross 2 (for 50 euros) was not won and will carry over to our next game. Our next game is a "Roll Up" at Lorca Golf, teeing off at 11:00am on Monday 30th October.

Full details will be emailed to all members. Payday will be on the day. For further information on our society, to play as a guest, or to join, please phone Barry Beale on +34 649 245 889 or look at our website at www.sanjaviergolfsociety.co.uk and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sanjaviergolfsociety

Mike ProBert talks golf

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Just press the pause button for a moment if you would!

Correct me if I am wrong but the majority of local golfers came here to the Costa’s for the climate and the more relaxed way of life.

Ask yourself is that what you are getting?

If the answer in NO then you should take corrective action now and either find a new society and play with likeminded people or find ways in which to keep away for society conflicts which prevent you from playing and enjoying good golf.

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 until 30/11/17: Golf Course Alenda Alicante Altorreal Bonalba Don Cayo (Altea) El Plantio Font Del Llop La Finca La Marquesa La Serena Las Colinas Las Ramblas Lo Romero New Sierra Golf Roda Villamartin Villaitana Poniente Vistabella

Price €120 €64 €106 €100 €94 €112 €134 €148 €44 €128 €90 €110 €148 €95 €100 €126 €57 €88

Comments Two Players and Buggy Single Green fee and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy (after 12pm) Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Single Green Fee (after 1pm) Two Players and Buggy Single Green Fee Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Green Fees and Buggy Two Players & Buggy (after 2.30pm) Two Players and Buggy Single Green Fee and Buggy Two Players and Buggy (weekends)

For Bookings and info Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting the reference LEADER or on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 Quotation of the Week Confusius DIDN'T say: “Man who leaps off cliff jumps to conclusion”

Nine pairs competed in a Greensomes competition on Tuesday, 17th October.Weather conditions were ideal and the nine hole course was in prime condition.

The prizes for nearest the pin were both claimed by Finnish guest, Ron Campbel (good Finnish name!!!!), in his last game before returning to his home country.

The pairings threw together serial footballing enemies - Gary(Man U.) and Peter(Liverpool)but they put their differences behind them to combine superbly to win the competition.

Nearest the Pins, Holes 2 and 8 - Ron Campbell.

3rd Place, Average Handicap 10.46, Henry Mellor, Mike Williams 53.54 shots. 2nd Place, Average Handicap 7.36, John O'Brien, Rod Loveday - 51.64 shots. 1st Place, Average Handicap 10.48, Peter Brammer, Gary Needham - 49.52 shots.

If anyone would like to join our Society, we play at El Plantio Golf Club on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. We use both courses - the Par 3 nine hole course and the main 18 hole course, so we cater for all abilities.

The membership rates are very competitive, so call for more details.

Anyone who wishes to play in the Society as a guest or join as a new member, contact Ian Henderson on 966 716 616 or 636 116 230

By David Swann

SUDUKO SOLUTION

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Monday 23rd - Sunday 29th October, 2017

Unbeaten run ends in predictable fashion Pinoso CF ................... 1 CD Torrevieja .............. 0

I

f a team doesn´t score goals, then they won´t win matches - it´s as simple as that.

Therefore, it was no surprise that following a first half that they dominated, once again Torry failed to convert chances, leaving the opposition to capitalize on a late comical defensive error.

What has happened to their early season desire to entertain, for apart from the diminutive Manu, no other striker looks like putting the ball in the back of the net.

Following a long awaited international clearance, French striker Marwane has arrived from Algerian side Belouizdad, but alas he was unavailable due to a foot injury. Another striker Beltran, has flattered to deceive and was not included in the squad, leaving manager

Pedreno with few options in the offensive department. He elected to replace Tenza with Zaragoza in defence, but otherwise the side remained unchanged from that which beat Benferri the previous week.

Spirits were high as the Torry Army coach parked outside the quaintly named Perfecto Rico Mira Stadium, for we all knew that a win on a glorious Saturday afternoon in Pinoso could lift Torry to summit of the Preferente division. What we didn´t know was that after 90 minutes play, our team would plummet down the table as a result of a totally inept 2nd half performance.

I´ve lost count of how many times Torry have started a game so well, which was suitably illustrated by the fact that the hosts had 5 players booked for bad tackles, and they looked odds on to win at a canter.

Ramiro had a long range effort pushed aside for a corner on 17 mins, then 5 mins later, Juanpe crossed from the left to the far post, where big Zaragoza saw his goalbound header superbly saved by keeper Omar. Straight up the other end, Cesar forced Buyo to make an important save with his outstretched legs, Pinoso´s one and only attack in the 1st half.

Torry also failed to again trouble the keeper, courtesy of constant spoiling tactics by an over physical Pinoso outfit.

On the hour mark, a deep floated free kick found German, but fortunately the Pinoso left back failed to find the mark from close range.

It looked a goal when a corner to the far post was headed into the net by Victor, but thankfully it was the side netting which he hit.

Torry were starting to show more fight, hence bookings to Borja and Ramiro, but also seemed prepared to sit back, soak up any pressure and return home with a point. This negative tactic was always a dangerous game to play, and so it

The Celts Club de Golf Presidents Day Yet another year has passed and last Saturday we celebrated our Presidents- Day at our home course of La Serena. The conditions were ideal for golf, with a gentle breeze taking the edge of the higher than normal temperatures. I would like to thank again the hard- working greenkeeping staff under the guidance of Wayne the head green keeper, for the fine condition of the course. There has been a significant investment on course maintenance and the results are there for all to see. Thanks is due to the clubhouse staff of, Jean, Paul and Jose who looked after all our needs and Ginis and Gloria in the bar, we were set for a great day of golf. It was a bright and early start and Camillus and Philip have to be congratulated for their organisational skills and juggling of all the request from a field of 88 players. Denis and Terry, also helped out the team on the day getting the players to the tee at the appropriate times.

With the days golf finished we adjourned to El Prado restaurant in San Miguel de Salinas for the presentation of prizes and our traditional Presidents’ dinner. I would like to thank all those who attended the evening and lent their support to our Club and the junta directiva. We had over 90 people seated and all were delighted with the service and the fayre on offer. Music and entertainment was provided by Steve Clarke who battled through the evening with a wisdom tooth giving him grief.

Down to the results on the day; NTP's were won by Kevin McBride, Colin Soones, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Peter Dunne, Tony Woodward and Steve Hopkins. Our visitors’ prize went to Andrew Trefry 72. Nearest the 11th line Pat Coyne. Category IV John Coholan 72, Michael Hooke 73 and Kevin McBride 73.

Category III, Savi Nayager 73, Kevin Fitzpatrick 74 and Logan Nayager 74. Category II, Patrick Coyne 71, Harry Lee 71 and Geoff Ellender 75. Category I, Colin Soones 71, John O’Brien 75 and Terry Fitzgerald 76. Gross on the day Camillus Fitzpatrick 80. Second over-all went to Sheila Coyne on 70 and the winner of the Presidents’ Prize Denis McCormack also on 70.

Congratulations to all the winners and to those who participated on the day. On a personal level I would like to thank all those who attended the dinner and helped contribute to a fantastic evening. While golf is what brings us together, it is the social aspect of our club that sets The Celts apart.

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.

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www.theleader.info

Cadena Sunrise Bowling - Week 4 Alley Gator Pin Pushers Pin Pals The Bandits Strike Force Gi Gi's Hookers

8 6 4 2 8 6

-

0 2 4 6 0 2

The Phantoms 999s Sunrise Colegas S***T Happens Sol Amigos Alley Cats

Top Performers

Ladies

Gents

Hi/Game Hi/Game+H/Cap Hi/Series Hi/Series+H/Cap

Eunice Letts 202 Eunice Letts 226 Lynn Ailsby 509 Sue Allen 587

Marco Flores 212 Diego Munoz 225 Diego Munoz 535 Dave Cartwright 583

Strike Force S***T Happens Gi Gi's Hookers Alley Cats Pin Pushers 999s Sunrise Colegas Alley Gators Sol Amigos Pin Pals The Bandits The Phantoms

P 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

W 14 11 10 10 9 9 8 7 6 6 6 0

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

L 2 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 10 10 10 16

Tot 8522 8466 8477 8215 8027 7944 8340 8347 8181 8112 8110 6240

Gms 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

Av Hi-G Hi-S 710 767 2228 705 790 2208 706 822 2193 684 723 2130 668 738 2097 662 707 2053 695 768 2259 695 758 2141 681 745 2187 676 765 2219 675 734 2099 520 520 1560

Pts 28 22 20 20 18 18 16 14 12 12 12 0

proved on 85 mins, in the most careless of circumstances.

A high punted ball out of defence was nonchalantly headed towards his own goal by Verdu. It lacked pace, forcing Buyo to leave his area in an attempt to clear the danger, but the quick thinking Fenoll nipped in first, chipped the ball over Buyo, then in the next move cleverly placed it just under the cross bar and wide of the crestfallen Verdu, who had chased back in an attempt to rectify his earlier bloomer.

Next Sunday 29 Oct, Torry welcome mid table Callosa to Vicente Garcia Stadium. I´ve been advised that kick off will be at midday, but it´s strongly advised to check the official club website for confirmation, just in case it stays at the normal time of 5pm.

24

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

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Monday 23rd - Sunday 29th October, 2017

LEADER JOB OPPOR TUNITY www.theleader.info

Wanted, Fully Trained Mechanic for Los Dolses Depot. Must speak English.

Call telephone number below