Costa Blanca Leader edition 696

No 696

Monday 11th - Sunday 17th December, 2017

Tel: 637 227 385

Dates announced for Orihuela Medieval Market Perhaps the most anticipated event of the year in Orihuela, the Medieval Market, will be held 2, 3 and 4 February.

One of the largest in Spain, the the event has been put out to potential bidders at a cost of 6,000 euro, although this could be more depending on the offers.

The market will be as big and as popular as ever with two

distinct areas; the Arab or Moorish Zone and the Christian Zone.

In both of these areas there will be daily parades and events as well as the usual array of stalls and taverns.

The details, including the market specifications, were announced on Thursday by the council’s deputy spokesman Rafael Almagro.

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

Maria Wilson, President Pink Ladies, receiving the cheque from Michael O'Regan, Captain of La Siesta GS

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a Siesta Golf Society for their Annual Charity Day Event 25th November this year presented a Concert at Hotel Golf Campoamor which featured Crescendo International Choir.

The packed audience were entertained and delighted by Crescendo's performance of a varied selection of musical treats ranging from Sing, Sing, Sing to Beatles classics Imagine and Let it Be, and on to Spanish songs El Vito and Amapola.

The chosen charity this year was the Pink Ladies in association with AECC, and their President Maria Wilson was presented with the total amount raised of â‚Ź2.700. The Concert concluded with Crescendo's very moving performance of You Raise Me Up and The Blessing of Aaron which were dedicated to the memory of all those who have died through cancer.

A Tapas and Wine Reception followed to complete a most enjoyable and successful evening.

Nine teenagers arrested on Orihuela Costa for stealing bikes T he Civil Guard has arrested 9 teenagers on the Orihuela Costa and is investigating another 4, for 7 crimes of robbery with force and 3 crimes of theft. The gang, all residents of Torrevieja, specialised in stealing bicycles from inside homes. They have all now been released on bail following their appearance before the courts last week. The group are said to be of different nationalities, and between 15 and 19 years of age.

The modus operandi of the group was always the same. They would travel into the Orihuela Costa, in small groups of between 3 to 6 people. Once there, they walked around the different urbanisations and selected the homes from where the robberies were to be carried out.

One or two of them would then jump over the fence of the house while another would remain on the street and act as look out.

They took bolt cutters with them in case of it being necessary to cut the locks or chains securing the bikes.

When they had stolen enough bicycles for everyone, they rode

back to Torrevieja. They even competed to see who could get hold of the most bicycles.

On the night of Halloween, and taking advantage of this celebration, the youngsters dressed in masks, so as to avoid being recognised by security cameras.

The operation concluded with the arrest of 4 Spaniards, 2 Germans, 1 Romanian, 1 Venezuelan and 1 Moroccan, however a further 4 teenagers, 2 Spaniards, 1 Briton and a Ukrainian, are being investigated seperately.

So far a total of 17 bicycles have been recovered.

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Rajoy says Spain/UK will maintain “Wonderful Relationship" after Brexit Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Theresa May in Downing Street on Tuesday

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he Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, stressed in London, where he met with the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, that the second phase of Brexit negotiations will start "as soon as possible, despite Prime Minister Theresa May’s problems in getting the political backing at home to move ahead ".

He also thanked Theresa May for her position on Catalonia.

At Tuesday’s press conference the pair agreed that Spain and the United Kingdom will continue to maintain close and fruitful relations and that these will continue following the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union.

Rajoy described bilateral relations as enjoying a "wonderful" period: the United Kingdom is the leading destination for Spanish investments and the fourth ranked trading partner while, in turn, the United Kingdom is the second ranked investor in Spain. "But the most important aspect is the relations between the people", said Mariano Rajoy, who recalled that 18 million British tourists visit Spain each year, half a million British citizens live in our country and 250,000 Spaniards reside in the United Kingdom.

The Spanish Prime Minister argued that both governments have been "very active" in defending the rights of citizens in the negotiations for the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

He also expressed his "absolute conviction" that the second phase of these negotiations will start "as soon as possible". The goal, he maintained, is "to preserve the wonderful relations" that exist between Spain and the United Kingdom.

Respect for the rule of law As regards the situation in Catalonia, Mariano Rajoy thanked Theresa May for the support she offered the people and Government of Spain over this matter. "Without respect for the rule of law and for the laws of a country, there is no democracy", he stressed.

For her part, the British Prime Minister expressed her "support for the President of the Government on the issue of Catalonia" and expressed that "it is fundamental for the rule of law to prevail and for the Spanish Constitution to be respected".

To end, the President of the Government pointed out that combating terrorism is a priority for both countries. "We have been hit very hard, but we will win this fight and to ensure this it is fundamental, as indeed we have been doing, for our intelligence services work together ever more closely", he remarked.

Following the meeting between the two Prime Ministers Theresa May said “Many thanks to my good friend Mariano Rajoy. He is absolutely right - whilst the UK is leaving the EU, we are certainly not leaving Europe.”

Winston Churchill, whose family history is linked to the Spanish war of succession, said: “The farther back you can look, the farther forward you can see.” The history of our nations is inextricably intertwined, and will continue to be so. Britain can count on Spain’s loyal and sincere friendship. We want the best for the UK, because it is simply another way of wishing the same for Spain.

Spain PM willing to overhaul Constitution Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said on Wednesday that he is willing to reform the Spanish Constitution, on three conditions.

Speaking in Congress, on the 39th anniversary of the 1978 Constitution, Rajoy said that there must be broad political consensus, national sovereignty is non-negotiable, and parties must clearly specify

which parts of the charter need rewriting.

“As far as I’m concerned, whatever affects Spain must be decided by all Spaniards, not just some of them” he added.

“I am willing carry out reform, but I will in no way accept our national sovereignty being broken up: as far as I’m concerned, whatever affects Spain must be decided by all Spaniards, not just some of them,” said Rajoy, alluding to the Catalan secessionist bid. “According to the Constitution, any legal referendum would have to be held at a national level, not just in Catalonia”.

The Spanish leader added that a study is already underway to develop a new financing system for the regions. Unequal treatment has led to yearslong complaints by many regional leaders, particularly with regard to the Basque Country’s special deal, known as the Cupo vasco.

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Whilst the Mayor has been convicted, he and the 5 unattached members, along with the UPyD Mayor, are understood to have endorsed a 16-million-euro contract for waste and street cleaning over 22 years, which works out at 17,000 + euro per week, although the contract is still to be awarded.

As Secretary of the Asociacion Vecinal MUNA in San Fulgencio, I feel its right that the residents show their displeasure at the way that Spanish Law is being shown as ineffective and a joke. This along with the government departments that deal with local councils. Carlos Ramirez is the Mayor of San Fulgencio along with council members of PP.

Loyalty to convicted mayor rewarded with pay rise

The Mayor Carlos Ramirez has always claimed he is not guilty and says he is staying where he is until his appeal is heard.

The Mayor was convicted in COURT of prevarication in relation to misuse of public funds of 195.000 euros. He was sentenced to 8 and a half years disqualification from public office. He resigned from the PP Party, but with his arrogance remains as Mayor of San Fulgencio. 5 council members have been expelled from the PP and continue to endorse the convicted Mayor.

As a result of this the Mayor has presented them with a pay rise. The UPyD party Mayor Joel Noches Lopez, also supports the convicted Mayor and has been on the council payroll and is now seeing his salary double as he continues to support the convicted Mayor.

What will he do if he loses his appeal?.

The Spanish court has found him guilty and he should leave office.

The residents no longer have any confidence, faith or respect, for this man who has no morals and integrity in what he is doing!

How can the residents trust a man with their monies who has already been convicted over misuse of Public funds.

The Mayor Carlos Ramirez claims he is not guilty and is staying where he is until his appeal is heard.

By George Scammell Secretary Asociacion Vecinal MUNA.

Evidence begins to mount on nine detained Guardia Officers T

he suspected implication of a civil guard officer to a group that was dedicated to drug trafficking motivated the decision of Torrevieja’s court Instruction No. 2 to phone tap the calls of, at least, another eight officers in the so-called ‘Operation Sakura.’

And that monitoring was crucial in verifying criminal acts that, initially, had nothing to do with the primary investigation, but that nevertheless led to the detention of all eight agents.

The first arrest was of an officer based in Pilar de la Horadada at the

end of September, allegedly for his involvement with a drug trafficking gang. He is said to have provided them with details of routine controls and searches in Torrevieja and along the coast.

Archive Photo

He is also alleged to have advised them of the best methods of supply and delivery so that they could better coordinate their distribution network The proceedings, which began in 2015, arose following the testimony of an informer, who made the Civil Guard aware of the involvement of one of their agents.

Once the information was verified, the "tapping" of the agents mobile telephones were authorised. They were subsequently arrested between the end of October and the beginning of November.

Now all nine of the officers are being held in preventive detention accused to varying degrees of crimes of bribery, the leaking of information and documents, membership of a criminal group, extortion, coercion, theft, failure of their duty to prosecute crimes and falsification of documents.

In the evidence that has been gathered to date there are more than 10,000 documents in which criminal situations are described, carried out by the agents.

This judicial intervention has caused a great deal of tension and concern among the agents stationed in Torrevieja. Two civil guards associations have defended the work

that is carried out on a daily basis in the Vega Baja and have highlighted the dangers of making sweeping statements about the situation of the security forces, remembering that it was the Civil Guard itself that is investigating and prosecuting these alleged criminal situations that involve their own colleagues.

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Tasha’s Christmas appeal at Alfonso’s, Playa Flamenca CEIP Villar Palasi, Orihuela

Franco references must be removed from schools The PSPV_PSOE has demanded that all schools bearing names that relate to the Franco regime be changed.

The Socialist spokesperson of Education in the Valencian Corts, Ana Besalduch, has proposed the elimination of "any reference that extols the Francoism" that is currently contained in the name of any Valencian educational centre.

She said in a statement, "there are still a dozen schools or institutes that have retained the name of José Luis Villar, a Valencian minister during the dictatorship, General Urrutia, who was one of the insurgents that fought with Franco in 1936 and who was subsequently named Captain General of Valencia, and Primo de Rivera, founder of the Spanish Falange movement".

Besalduch said that these names "contravene the Law of Historical Memory of 2007" so she is insisting that they be changed. She also lamented that after 39 years of democracy "there are still public acclamations to the period of the Franco dictatorship."

Currently there are seven educational centres that are named after the Francoist minister, Villar Palasí, in València, Sagunto, Quart de Poblet, Paterna, Xirivella, Burjassot and Orihuela; two that bear the name of José Antonio Primo de Rivera, in Crevillent and Callosa de Segura, and one in Valencia with the name of General Urrutia.

"One of the greatest honours that a person can have is to have a public school, institute or university bearing his or her name, because they are places that help children to develop and to train for the future".

However, she maintains that "it is not admissible that in the Comunitat, there are a number of educational centres that still exist that are named after people who had questionable behaviour".

She said that "it is not ethical", and "article 15 of the law 52/2007, expressly prohibits it". As such the Community must take appropriate measures for the removal of shields, badges, plaques and other objects or commemorative items of acclamation, personal or collective, of the Civil War and the repression of the dictatorship

Tasha’s father Andy will be cycling from La Marina with friends to attend next Sunday’s event

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ast Sunday 3rd December the Xmas Craft Fayre was a great success, €248 was raised, making a total of €866 to date. Tasha and her father Andy turned up to see the Rascals sing Xmas Carols dressed in their Xmas costumes, followed by the Morris Dancers & Musicians and then Paris and the Essence Dance Troupe from Quesada entertained everyone who came to support the Appeal.

Tasha wanted to visit in person even though she really is not well, she thoroughly enjoyed the Rascals and meeting everyone who was helping to raise funds at the Craft Fayres. Sadly since Sunday, she has taken a turn for the worse and now is in hospital again, this time with a fever.

Tasha has Mitochondrial Disease – Myasthenia Gravis, Hemiplegic Migraines and Myelopathy Spinal Cord Disease.

A sponsored cycle ride by Andy and friends is taking place on 17th December from La Marina to Playa Flamenca ending at the Xmas Craft Fayre, if you want to take part contact Andy on 674 125 926.

Sponsorship forms are available from Alfonso’s Rest.

Playa Flamenca or we can email you a copy So far €1,000 has been donated plus €1,000 from Med-Invest, Los Dolses, and a further €200 from a private donor, raising the funds to €3,066.

Collection Tins, and a chance to win a Hamper worth €100, are in circulation at various points. Call Penny at Alfonso’s Restaurant Playa Flamenca who is working

closely with Stevie Spit to organise Fund Raising events to help towards the funds needed to send Tasha to the USA for specialist treatment.

With your support the Community Care Association hope to raise the €5,000 needed to fly Tasha and her Father to the USA. However the costs of the specialist treatment and accommodation will be approximately €250,000, which still needs to be raised, plus ongoing care provision.

The British and the Spanish Government are aware of Tasha’s plight, Simon Manley, the Ambassador, and Sarah Jane Morris, the Consul, together with staff from the Alicante Consulate, are very helpful, making appointments and advising Tasha’s father, Andy Lynch.

The Costa Blanca People, The Leader with Stevie Spit and Tasha’s father Andy are working closely with Community Care Association, we hope we can help highlight the urgency to raise the funds needed to pay for Tasha’s treatment in USA, her situation is now critical.

If you want to help Tasha please contact Community Care Association by email oc.communitycare@gmail or call Penny on 966 760 814 / 688 284 040 or why not pop along to the Xmas Craft Fayre on 17th December between 2pm and 6pm, where Stevie Spit, Melissa Jade Williams, The Honeys Duo, Paris and her Essence Dancers and Carol Singers will entertain you, plus mince pies and mulled wine will be on offer for us all to enjoy.

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Improvements to San Pedro seafront

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mprovement works got underway last week on the seafront of Villananitos in San Pedro del Pinatar, which will include the replacement of unserviceable street furniture and new benches.

This was outlined by the General Director of Transport, Coasts and Ports, José Ramón Díez de Revenga, during his visit to check in the progress of the work. He also said that the remodelling of the promenade, which will conclude this month, "will considerably increase the rest areas for users and improve the aesthetic properties and the potential for public enjoyment".

The works carried out by the Ministry, are in addition to the improvements carried out by the San Pedro del Pinatar council, in preparation for the arrival of visitors during the winter season.

According to the Director, the resort is now working hard to attract visitors to the area all year round. "It is necessary to improve conditions and equipment for the visit of tourists if they are to benefit the town and our facilities all year round." He also referred to the port facilities, which "are first class and offer a quality service".

Díez de Revenga said that the Murcia coast "has become an ideal place for all lovers of water sports and underwater activities, both in the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor, which allow the practice of many recreational-sporting activities, plus, of course, the attraction of miles and miles of wonderful and unspoilt sea front “.

Church painting for RBL

Suzanne also teaches recreational art classes for mature students which she says is very satisfying, as she sees people improve beyond their expectations.

She is currently teaching at a number of venues including La Herradura Restaurant in Los Montesinos, where a number of her paintings are on permanent display (www.sue-stokes.co.uk) Kevin added that the painting will be presented to the mayor Ignacio Ramos and the Parish Priest, Father García Martínez, in January, to mark ten years of cooperation between the Royal British Legion and the people of Pilar de La Horadada.

A conversation over Remembrance Sunday lunch has resulted in local artist and teacher Suzanne Stokes presenting an oil painting of the Capilla de las Palmeras to the Chairman of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion Kevin Reardon.

The church has been the venue for the November service for the last ten years during which time both the council and the parish priest have been extremely supportive of the British charity.

When an approach was made in 2010 to establish a Garden of Remembrance in the church grounds the parish was delighted to grant their permission with the result that the plot has now become an area that the branch can also use to remember their own departed.

Suzanne, an artist who usually paints figures, said that she found the commission especially challenging because of the contrasting light and the variance of the shadows. She added that she was delighted with the end result, despite her early concerns.

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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.

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ells are for life and not to hide corpses

Many people do not realise that the Spanish Civil War of 1936 actually began in the Canary Islands. Francisco Franco was General Commandant of the Canary Islands, who was based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It was here that Franco plotted his strategy, well away from the rest of Spain, before he headed to the Spanish Peninsular. It was under his watch that Spain became divided into two factions: ‘Republican’ and ‘Loyalists’.

The Spanish Civil War began on July 18, 1936, as a revolt by rightwing Spanish military officers in Spanish Morocco that spread to Peninsular Spain. Franco broadcast his message from the Canary Islands, which called for all army officers to join the uprising and overthrow Spain’s leftist Republican government.

The Republicans and the Nationalists secured their territories by executing thousands of suspected political opponents. The horrors of the Spanish Civil War are still very raw in Spain and the Canary Islands,

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This period of Advent is the time before Christmas when Christians look forward in hope to the birth of Jesus. Every year Campoverde Church is determined that the people of Campoverde prepare properly for this most important celebration and this year is no exception.

From December 1 figures of Mary and Joseph have been travelling around the homes of Campoverdians, staying a night in each.

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By Bar rie Mahoney

and continue to have a significant impact upon the loyalties and divisions of all the islands; the scars of which remain today.

Recently, archaeologists excavated a well in Tenoy in Gran Canaria, finding the bones of at least 12 people, including a skull with a gunshot wound. This was one of the places where local people experienced the horrors and repression of the Spanish Civil War. The old well of Tenoy, in the municipality of Arucas, is one of the places where 140 inhabitants of the north of Gran Canaria disappeared in March 1937. It is believed that these victims were assassinated after spending months in one of Franco’s concentration camps for being loyal to the Second Republic. The project has so far found half a million human bones, a Republican coin, buckles, soles of traditional shoes and ammunition.

Some of the evidence comes from a direct and tragic account of the incident from a Galdar resident, who had been shot at the entrance to the Tenoy well. His friend rescued him and moved him to a safe house. Over the years, the contents of this well became buried with tons of mud and lost memories.

Other wells are also being searched on the island, including Llano de las Brujas, where 24 bodies were recovered. In addition, the search for people missing during the Franco dictatorship led to mass graves in the cemeteries of Vegueta and Sima de Jinamar.

The excavations of wells on the island reveal some of the horrors of the Spanish Civil War. It tells the story of how local residents of Gran Canaria who opposed the ruling class were often placed in concentration camps, killed and their bodies hidden in wells.

As one descendent, who has spent her life searching for the body of

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Many other wells are also being searched on the islands

her murdered father, has so eloquently put it, “Wells are not meant to hide corpses. Wells are to give life. I want to put the bones of my father where they should be, in the cemetery”. It is a tragic history, but maybe finding some of the missing bodies and giving them an appropriate burial will help to ease some of the pain and provide closure for their families.

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

Carols in Consum Square On Thursday 14th December the Palm Tree Bar & Tia Maria’s will be hosting Carols in Consum Square, Urb. La Marina for The Butterfly Children Charity, DEBRA at 6pm. This is the 3rd year this event has been held and has become very popular. Once again The Rascals will be singing Christmas Songs & Carols and the charity will be provided home made Minces Pies for everyone to purchase.

Tree of Life – The Butterfly Children Charity, DEBRA, Urb. La Marina are now selling Christmas Baubles for the Christmas tree of life which is situated

between their charity shop and J´s Restaurant. Baubles can be obtained in many of the Bars on Consum Square or the Charity shop, your help gives us wings!!

ASOKA Animal Rescue Christmas Concert Throughout December the Church Garden contains a “Christmas Trail” highlighting all the stages leading up to the birth of Jesus ending at the belén in the centre of the garden. Even the sign in the garden contains a Christmas message!

The terrace of the Rusty Nail hosts the Campoverde Memory Tree, placed there by the Church, for people to hang cards on with a personal message to their loved ones who have either died or who for some reason can’t be with them at Christmas.

The highlight of the celebrations will be, as ever, the Community Carol Singing on the terrace of the Rusty Nail.

This has become a major annual event in Campoverde and many local people come along to sing their hearts out for Christmas!

This year it will be on December 20 starting at 6pm. Jimmy will once again provide mince pies and mulled wine and there will be special guest appearances by local children as they re-enact the Christmas story.

On Christmas Eve there will be Midnight Mass in the Church at 11.30pm where everyone can take a break from the frantic parties and preparations for Christmas to be still and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Maggie Dew from Campoverde Church said, “Christmas is such an important time for us all and especially for Christians because this is the time that we remember and celebrate the fact that God sent His Son into the world to live like us and experience the types of things we experience.

Through knowing and understanding this we know that God truly loves us, truly cares about us and truly understands what it is like to be human. We want the people of Campoverde to know that Campoverde Church is with them and there for them all year round and wants to make this most important time even more special and relevant in their lives. We want to make sure Christ is put back into Christmas in Campoverde.”

Further details can be seen on posters around the village and on Campoverde Church facebook page on www.facebook.com/campoverdechurch

On Saturday 16th December join the fabulous singers of ASOKA as they hold their 7th Annual Christmas Concert "STAR" in aid of the very deserving ASOKA ANIMAL RESCUE in Orihuela. The concert starts at 7pm. It's full of wonderfully emotional moments as the rescue looks back over its year of saving and rehoming over 1000 aban-

doned animals of the area. Created by Nick Moore it’s full of Christmas English language classics and wonderful projections. It’s much, much more than a carol concert! Get your tickets on the door: 5€. La Lonja Concert Hall, Calle Aragón, Orihuela 03300. Any enquiries call 692 747 685

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Written by www.thecurrencyexchange.co.uk

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he pound is at its best level against the euro since early summer, touching 1.15 on Friday following sufficient progress on Brexit talks late on Thursday night. It also rose across the board: US dollar 1.35, South African Rand 18.6, and its best rate against the Australian dollar for 18 months at 1.80 The other currency that rose this week was Bitcoin which more than doubled in value but

Monday 11th - Sunday 17th December, 2017

what exactly is it?

The digital currency is created using a complex process known as ‘mining’ and 3,600 new BTC are made every day but there is limited supply (there will be a cap of 21 million in total) hence the soaring value. Like every other currency, the amount people are willing to pay determines its value.

This time last year the digital currency was trading at USD 768; this week it reached USD 17,000, over 20 times more. It’s not legal tender you can’t pay your taxes with it or use it to settle debts although you can use it to pay for some things; a house in Notting Hill, London is on the market for 5,000 BTC. However the price is currently so volatile that it’s more of an investment vehicle at the moment; digital gold or a bubble waiting to burst. Some predict disaster likening it with the Dutch tulip bulbs in the 1630s or the dot com boom while others can see Bitcoin reaching USD 100,000 in 18 months.

Either way, caveat emptor (buyer beware). For euros, pounds and dollars contact a currency broker, for Bitcoin consult your crystal ball!

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Orihuela Costa Christmas Torrevieja and Orihuela councils listed by Ministry as bad debtors lights switched on by Mayor The Ministry of Finance has sent letters to 22 large city councils warning them that they either reduce the period of paying their creditors or they will intervene in their finances so that suppliers are paid on time.

All the municipalities listed in the document take over 60 days to pay their invoices. Both Torrevieja and Orihuela feature on the Ministry list.

The mayors of all 22 of the municipalities have been told by the Treasury that they should send a plan detailing the measures by which they will reduce the time they take to pay their bills to less than 30 days.

Otherwise, the Treasury says that they will withhold the proceeds from local financing to directly pay their invoices.

lic finances in a very delicate situation.

But they are not the only ones with problems. In Spain there are at least 688 municipalities that take more than 60 days to settle their bills, according to the last official figures of average payment periods collected by the Treasury.

Despite this situation, which apply to just a handful of the 8,115 municipalities in Spain, most towns and cities enjoy good financial health.

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FAST FOOD A fast-food delivery worker has been arrested in Alicante for selling drugs while working as a fast food delivery worker.

He was arrested in Alicante on Wednesday where he was accused of distributing narcotic substances whilst delivering fast food on a motorcycle.

When the arrest was made the deliveryman was carrying 22 grams of marijuana and 52 grams of cocaine.

BRUSSELS DEMO ATTRACTS 45,000

The annual switching on of the Christmas lights took place on the Orihuela Costa on Tuesday evening in a ceremony conducted by the mayor, Emilio Bascuñana, at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall. Snr Bascuñana was accompanied by the councillors for Culture, Planning, Overseas Residents and Beaches.

The maximum payment period of 30 days is one of the conditions included in the Law of Stability and Financial Sustainability (LOESF) that all councils must adhere to.

This was the first time that the mayor has attended the ceremony on the coast and during a short speech he spoke to a crowd, numbering almost 200 residents, in English. Prior to turning on the lights he said how important it was to spread the message of peace and goodwill at this time of the year, wishing everyone health, happiness and a very merry Christmas.

Of the 22 councils listed, Jaén, Parla, Algeciras or Telde (Las Palmas) take an average of more than a year to pay their bills.

There were enthusiastic performances by the Orihuela Costa choirs, Generation Siglo XX and Crisol and Alameda del Mar.

Many of these municipalities are known to be the most indebted in Spain.

They are the epitome of bad management, in some cases caused by their predecessors, who left the pub-

As the mayor threw the switch the lights were turned on simultaneously across the whole of the Orihuela Costa with reports, unlike in previous years, indicating a great deal of satisfaction with the council efforts.

The Christmas Lights in Orihuela city were turned on over the weekend at the Glorieta, historic centre.

The Belgian police estimated that around 45,000 people attended a demonstration in Brussels last week to call for independence for Catalonia.

The protest, which was organized by the pro-Catalan independence associations ANC and Òmnium, was attended by the ousted former premier of the region, Carles Puigdemont, who fled to Brussels to avoid arrest in Spain for his role in a unilateral declaration of independence passed by the Catalan parliament.

The former health minister in the regional government, Toni Comín, was also in attendance at the march, at which he described members of the Spanish government as “Francoists.”

El 39 aniversario de la Constitución celebrated in Torrevieja

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The events took place in the Plaza de la Constitución where the Unión Musical Torrevejense (UMT) played a selection of hymns.

the Municipal Groups -Los Verdes, PSOE, APTCe, Partido Popular, Sueña Torrevieja and Ciudadanos, handed over the flags of Spain, the Valencian Community and Torrevieja, to the schools, CEIP: Cuba, El Acequión, Romualdo Ballester, Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Las Culturas, Habaneras and Ciudad del Mar. Al CEP Maestro Salvador Ruso, to the centre La Purisima, as well as to IES: Libertas, Mediterráneo, Mare Nostrum and Torrevigía.

After a short speech by the mayor, José Manuel Dolón, in which he called for equality and respect, the spokespersons of

Following the ceremony the Union Musical played the national anthem as the mayor raised the Spanish flag.

orrevieja City council has celebrated the 39th anniversary of the Spanish Constitution with various acts in which it was joined by the security forces, local clubs and organisations, schools and a large number of local residents

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Monday 11th - Sunday 17th December, 2017

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QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS QUICK ACROSS: 7 Entire; 8 Strict; 10 Untruth; 11 Roost; 12 Rite; 13 Break; 17 Brash; 18 Tyro; 22 Aroma; 23 Explain; 24 Ladder; 25 Fringe.

DOWN: 1 Require; 2 Statute; 3 Argue; 4 Eternal; 5 Pivot; 6 State; 9 Chorister; 14 Creased; 15 Tyranny; 16 Pointed; 19 Fault; 20 Moody; 21 Spare.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 7 Breach; 8 Shrine; 10 Collect; 11 Satin; 12 Rock; 13 Fleet; 17 Bairn; 18 Date; 22 Opine; 23 Onwards; 24 Strife; 25 Minute.

DOWN: 1 Obscure; 2 Wedlock; 3 Acted; 4 Whiskey; 5 Width; 6 Jeans; 9 Still-room; 14 Take-off; 15 Hair-cut; 16 Feasted; 19 Moist; 20 Mitre; 21 Twain.

ACROSS 7.

Treat (6) 8.

Box (6) 10. Guard (7) 11. Pamphlet (5) 12. Ogle (4) 13. Cheerful (5) 17. Scoundrel (5) 18. Visage (4) 22. Arbour (5) 23. Vertical (7) 24. Choose (6) 25. Hesitate (6)

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

9.

14.

15.

16.

19.

20.

21.

Well-formed (7) Expose (7) Slumber (5) Domination (7) Mapbook (5) Fuse (5) Energetic (9) Right (7) Arrogant (7) Bonds (7) Misapply (5) Dilate (5) Wide (5)

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

Solution on Page 22

Christmas. 11. Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia. 12. a. Van Gogh, b.

Sandro Botticelli, c. Hieronymus Bosch, d. JMW Turner. 13. Lucy. 14. Shine. 15. a. self contained underwater breathing apparatus, b. joint photographic experts group, c. President of the United States, d. Thomas A. Swift's electric rifle,. 16.

Captain Hook. Pirates in Peter Pan. 17.

Four (Te-Tellurium, H-Hydrogen, Ra-

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

Primavera (1477-78), c. Garden of Delights (1505-1510), d. Snow Storm-Steam Boat off a Harbour's Mouth (1842) 13. The first found remains of an Australopithecus afarensis are better known as what? Four letters 14. David Helfgott is the central character in which critically acclaimed film?

15. What do each of the following acronyms stand for? a. scuba, b. JPEG, c. POTUS, d.

Taser 16. Starkey, Ed Teynte, Bill Jukes, Cecco, Noodler and William Slank all lend which man a hand?

17. Of the chemical elements of the Periodic Chart, what is the minimum number of symbols that it takes to correctly spell the Capital of Iran?

18. Which so called profession made Matthew Hopkins (ca. 1620-1647) famous and infamous in 17th century England?

19. With the aid of the following lyrics, name the girl in each song. a. Jubilation, she loves me again, b. She's got it, yeah baby she's got it, c.

She's just a girl who claims I am the one , d. She just can't be chained to a life where nothings gained, e. She is like a cat in the dark and then she is the darkness 20. In which language do each of the following mean 'Thank you'? a. Dank je, b.

Komapsumnida (Ko map sum nee da), c.

Gratiam habeo, d. Efcharisto 1. Michael Jackson. 2. Unicorn. 3. (lots of) Hair, everywhere. 4. Kris Kringle in 'Miracle on 34th Street'. 5. Chocolate and cream. 6. Apocalypse Now. 7. Ivan Lendl. 8. An engraving in a tree trunk. 9. a. Switzerland. 10. a. Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, b. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire), c. Wonderful Christmas Time, d.

Last Christmas, e. I believe in Father

ACROSS 7. Being inane, Virginia lacks ability (6) 8. One in position for sea-food (6) 10. The way to go around in regular course of action (7) 11. Complete composition or just a part (5) 12. Sound detectors used in rehearsals (4) 13. Be niggardly with work allocation (5) 17. Continental river in which fish are caught (5) 18. Part of our pinnace, initially (4) 22. This will beat vegetarian food (5) 23. Established genuine backing for Polonius's son (7) 24. Use more space for the banquet (6) 25. Barker is looked after by this kind of maid (6)

1. What was Google's top search term for the year 2009?

2. A 'blessing' is the collective noun given to DOWN which fabled creature?

1. Do supervisory duties across the water, we hear (7) 3. What is the defining characteristic of someone 2. Get a vocal group that's heard (7) who suffers from Hypertrichosis?

3. Gun-getter (5) 4. Which enchanting role have both Edmund 4. Peg comes in to work hard, showing some inclination (7) Gwenn and Richard Attenborough played in 5. One who stands on his own two feet (5) film?

6. Celebration for the Spanish after the Revolution (5) 5. For those of you with a sweet tooth, what are 9. Geometrical figure derived from a gentle arc (9) the two typical ingredients in 'Ganache'?

14. The brass-hat is not particular (7) 6. The following line is from which famous film?

15. Satisfied with what is inside (7) "Charging a man with murder in this place was 16. Correspondence showing dreadful spite by the French (7) 19. The sergeant-major is interrupted by father's involuntary like handing out speeding tickets at the Indy 500" 7. Which male tennis player reached the finals of movement (5) 20. Some of the unconventional armaments cause a scare (5) every US Open between 1982 and 1989?

8. What is a 'dendroglyph'?

21. Five observed all round as a somewhat larger number (5) 9. James Bond's mother Monique Delacroix was born in which country? a. Switzerland, b.

Canada, c. France 10. The following words are from which Christmas songs? a. Here we are as in olden days; happy golden days of yore, b. Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow will find it hard to sleep tonight, c. The mood is right, the spirit's up, d.

With a note saying 'I love you' I meant it, e. But CAN YOU MASTER THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE? instead it just kept raining, a veil of tears for the Fill in the grid so that virgin's birth every row, every column, 11. The Pacific Islands are usually divided into and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9. three enthnogeographic groupings. Can you name them?

12. Name the artist who painted each of the folQUIZ ANSWERS lowing works of art. a. The Starry Night (1889), b.

Radium, N-Nitrogen). 18. Witch Hunter.

He gave himself the unofficial title 'Witch Finder General'. 19. a. Cecilia (Simon and Garfunkel), b. Venus (Shocking Blue), c. Billie Jean (Michael Jackson), d. Ruby Tuesday (Rolling Stones), e. Rhiannon (Fleetwood Mac).

20. a. Dutch, b. Korean, c. Latin, d. Greek

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Poppy Calender on sale for good cause heila Chinnock left the West Midlands ten years’ ago to enjoy life as an expat on the Orihuela Costa. With more time on her hands, Sheila returned to her childhood passion for art and developed a love of painting.

S

for local cancer, Alzheimer´s, Children´s and animal charities, Sheila decided to combine her two pastimes and create calendar that would help to raise money for the Royal British Legion and the Spanish anti-cancer charity the AECC.

Liking her work, friends and neighbours soon asked Sheila to paint canvases and decorative tiles for them and many a living room, hall way and terrace on the coast boast her work. It can also be seen decorating the walls of the Captain’s Table at Punta Marina.

The calendar features some of Sheila’s most popular poppy paintings, including the one commissioned by Stevie Spit’s for his Royal British Legion and AECC fundraiser at Benidorm Palace.

Despite creating beautiful seascapes and the contemporary ‘By moonlight’ range, it is Sheila’s imaginative and carefree poppy interpretations that have captured people’s hearts.

Sheila said: “If my paintings can make someone happy by raising a smile and help someone in need by raising a euro, then this calendar will have done everything I hoped.”

After donating numerous paintings to local charities and good causes, this year, having dedicated part of her time to fundraising

If you would like to order a copy of ‘Sheila’s Poppy Calendar’ call Sheila on 608 795 095 or email sheilaannchinnock@hotmail.com.

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Monday 11th - Sunday 17th December, 2017

Campoverde church brings on Christmas This period of Advent is the time before Christmas when Christians look forward in hope to the birth of Jesus. Every year Campoverde Church is determined that the people of Campoverde prepare properly for this most important celebration and this year is no exception.

From December 1 figures of Mary and Joseph have been travelling around the homes of Campoverdians, staying a night in each.

Throughout December the Church Garden contains a “Christmas Trail” highlighting all the stages leading up to the birth of Jesus ending at the belén in the centre of the garden. Even the sign in the garden contains a Christmas message!

The terrace of the Rusty Nail hosts the Campoverde Memory Tree, placed there by the Church, for people to hang cards on with a personal message to their loved ones who have either died or who for some reason can’t be with them at Christmas.

The highlight of the celebrations will be, as ever, the Community Carol Singing on the terrace of the Rusty Nail. This has become a major annual event in Campoverde and many local people come along to sing their hearts out for Christmas!

This year it will be on December 20 starting at 6pm. Jimmy will once again provide mince pies and mulled wine and there will be special guest appearances by local children as they re-enact the Christmas story.

On Christmas Eve there will be Midnight Mass in the Church at 11.30pm where everyone can take a break from the frantic parties and preparations for

Christmas to be still and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Maggie Dew from Campoverde Church said, “Christmas is such an important time for us all and especially for Christians because this is the time that we remember and celebrate the fact that God sent His Son into the world to live like us and experience the types of things we experience.

Through knowing and understanding this we know that God truly loves us, truly cares about us and truly understands what it is like to be human. We want the people of Campoverde to know that Campoverde Church is with them and there for them all year round and wants to make this most important time even more special and relevant in their lives. We want to make sure Christ is put back into Christmas in Campoverde.”

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Velvetones bonus for ALPE

On the 29th November the Velvetones held a Christmas Concert in aid of their charity - ALPE special school for children and young adults in Torrevieja. A cheque for 500 euros was presented to the representatives of ALPE. The work that they do with the children is amazing and the Velvetones are delighted to support them with fundraising throughout the year. Our concert was a great success. Thank you to everyone who came

along and hopefully we will see a good turnout again for our next event.

We will be joining in the carol's in the square in Torrevieja on the 15th December (we are the ladies in the blue fleeces!) with our last rehearsal taking place on the 13th December.

If you are interested in singing with us check out www.velvetonesharmonytorrevieja.com

Further details can be seen on posters around the village and on Campoverde Church facebook page on www.facebook.com/campoverdechurch

Hondon de los Frailes in the Festive mood T he village of Hondón de los Frailes was full of light, colour and music last weekend.

On Saturday the cold did not dampen the enthusiasm and people came from all around to buy items from the 35 stalls which filled the street, selling jewellery, bags, pies, cakes, clothes, candles and all manner of goodies. To help the day along and get us in the “Christmas spirit” there was music from the local Hondón de los Frailes Youth Band & DJ & entertainer 'ALEGRIA' (Jan Van Galen) The Christmas Market was organised by Simone and Marcus from Restaurante Veintiocho and Sue Ashley from the 'Village Community Shop', together with the co-operation and help from the Ayuntamiento and local residents.

Simone said “I would like to thank all those who helped us set up and also the public who supported us coming along for the day – not only from the village, but from further afield as well.

“This was the second time we had staged a Christmas Market and it was such a success. We are now starting to arrange the annual Easter Market. If anyone would like further information, contact me at veintiocho.28@hotmail.com “

Sunday saw the main street full of stalls of the Associations of Hondón de los Frailes offering Spanish delicacies, churros, mulled wine, preserves as well as activities for the children.

It once again showed that a small village can arrange superb events by joining together, and even the chilly conditions do not put people off!

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EURONICS THURSDAY DART LEAGUE “THE ELECTRICAL SHOP” - BLUE LAGOON Match Results for 7th December 2017 (pts for win/draw) Junction Jaguars Hub Hyenas (2) Angels (2) Pint depot Queens Tavern Oldies (2) Las Rosas (2) Ale House (2)

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

1-11 11-1 8-4 3-9 8-4 9-3 7-5 P 9 8 8 8 9 9 8 9 8 9 9 8 8 8 8

El Capitan (2) Amigos Misfits Hen’s Teeth Junction Jackals (2) Porter House Bees Hub Hellraisers Wee Rockers Pts 18 14 14 13 13 11 11 10 6 5 3 3 2 2 1

Legs 85 67 66 70 67 61 58 50 40 41 37 31 33 27 19

180’s John Walker (El Capitan); Joe Miller (Hub Hyenas); Harvey Lane (Porter House Bees); Aroldas Klimonis (El Capitan), Eugene Gillespie (Tavern); Paul Durrant (Hyenas) Jeff Ward (Porter House); Andy Rutter (Junction Jackals); Angela Garside (Tavern Oldies) Highest Check-out: Jordan Johnson (Ale House) 141 (t20-t19-d12) Hub Hyenas v Amigos Misfits 11-1 Unbeaten Hyenas entertained Sonya Cooper's Amigos, both teams missing vital players. Current champions Hyenas comfortably took the first four legs via John Eyre twice converting d20, Del McCauley d9, and Alex Nikolov d2, before Amigos responded courtesy of Billy Naylor and Paul Chick, the former banging in 2x100 plus d9.

Sadly that was to be Amigos only victory of the evening, although 3 double 1's for the Hyenas in the singles suggests the score could well have been closer. Eyre's contribution of 3 game shots, plus a 140, earned the flu-ridden Hyena the man of match award for the home side, whist Naylor deservedly gained the visitors accolade.

Report by Paul Durrant.

Las Rosas v Hub Hellraisers A big thanks to the bunch of ladies that made the night one of the best fun games we had so far! It started with a win for las Rosas captain Carlos who was playing with Steph Simpson and John Spencer.

Carlos checked out on 72 with John throwing in a few good scores including a 140.

In retaliation, Hellraisers Sue Speirs, Lesley Dolling and captain Cheryl McGlynn clicky-clacked to the ockey in their stilettos to equalize the score with Cheryl checking out on d10. Las Rosas took the 3rd triple to bring the score to 2-1.

Onto the pairs and John and Lee Walters played Linda and Sarah who were very close to winning another point for the ladies but hopes were dashed when John check out d1. It was OK though as Joy Gormon and Lesley won their game against Alan ‘get orf’ Preston (140) and Fred. Carlos and Adrian Buitkhat were up last in the pairs and faced the formidable duo of Cheryl and Sue Speirs.

Cheryl got 130 but Carlos replied with 100 and then checked out on 16 in what was a very good match. Half time score was 4-2 leaving the door slightly open for the ladies going into the singles. Alas in quick succession Adrian, Dave and Alan won their games with John nailing another 140 and checking out on d20.

Captain Carlos played Sue Speirs, who played brilliantly. She scored 100 only for Carlos to answer with a 121, but the pressure got to him and he could not finish his d1 and finally Sue won it! Steph then won his game against Cheryl. (I count only 5 singles results here) but never the less the end score was 9-3 and was a good, fun night, thanks girls! Man of match Carlos Montes; Woman of match Sue Speirs Report by Carlos Montes (with a little help from Simone) Junction Jaguars v El Capitan 1-11 ‘Didn’t we have a loverly time the day we played El Capo’s?’ Not that the score reflects it for us but as always, a lot of laughs with the chaps from the back of beyond. Patty Poo declared it our worst performance ever with not a single 100 plus score from the Jags and only one leg going our way courtesy of Simone and Lelly Bears pairs efforts, Lelly checking out on d5.

The lads didn’t appear to be on top form either with only Aroldas (121, 140), Ed Klimonis (100, 129) and John Walker (121, 100, 100) achieving 3-figuire scores. But as they say, scores for show and doubles for dough and there was some fine finishing from Jim Storey and Den Hall but best of all was Ed Klimonis’ 3-darter t60-s19-bull for a 129 out.

The team were elated and then it dawned on them that Ed had just toppled John’s highest check-out to date of 128- which he had achieved twice this season. How the Lithuanians laughed! But sorry Ed, your 129 was trumped by a 141 check-out from the Ale House on the same night! Special thanks to John walker for doing some chalking for us, he’s a lovely, lovely man.

Final visit of the year to Campoamor for T.M.G.S For our last visit of 2017 almost 50 players and guests turned up on a cold and overcast morning. Maybe it was for these reasons that the scoring was low, it could not have been the course as it was playing short and fast especially the greens with more break than appeared.

Of course the day didn’t get off to a great start for Captain John who turned up despite having a heavy cold but that was no reason for his first tee shot to ricochet of a tee marker and fly backwards at 45 degrees in the direction of the road and at one point it was thought that it might even enter “club green” however things did improve slightly for him as the day went on.

At the presentation of prizes it’s advisable to know your own name!

When the name of Andy Skinner was called our Norwegian member Arne Kilnes stood up to take the prize this was to the laughter of many of his compatriots, celebrating too early Arne?

Results: N.T.P.’s hole 4 S. Hill, hole 6 C. Kirkby, hole 10 NADA, hole 15 J. Hettrick, hole 17 M. O’Regan. The €40 contained in the 2’s pot was shared between S. Hill, M. Kennedy, M. O’Regan, G. Cromm and D. Sullivan.

Our best guest this week was German H. Schwenker with 32 ptts.

On L/H. Bronze cat: 3rd A. Skinner 28 pts. 2nd G. Chapman 29 pts.

1st J. Hillier 32 pts. Silver cat: 3rd A. Rickers 32 pts. L/H 2nd J. Daroszewski 35 pts. 1st L. Jernberg 37 pts. Gold cat: 3rd J. Dean 30 pts. L/H, 2nd C. Oatley 35 pts. 1st G. Cromm 36 pts.

Next week we celebrate Christmas at La Marquesa with a 4 ball Texas scramble followed by lunch in the clubhouse restaurant.

Follow all of our activities by logging onto ww.tmgs.org or at www.facebook.com/TMGSGOLF

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By Simone de Lacy

High Flyers: Edmundus Klimonis checks out on 129, temporarily knocking teammate John Walker’s 128 (twice!) off top spot

Christmas Mixed Pairs competition Come on lads and lasses, we have extended deadline to Wednesday 13th December to get your entries in for the Christmas Mixed Pairs comp.

This is a new thing this year for a bit of fun whilst the league is inactive over the Christmas period. We are holding it at Georgiou's (Blue Lagoon) who have offered their venue for our exclusive use on the night as well as laying on a buffet for us. We have two freestanding boards and they already have one up (and could put up another) so there is plenty of room and equipment for the whole comp to be played on one night.

There are cash prizes for the winners and runners up and semi-finalists, courtesy of our sponsor, Paul Lock, The Locksmith.

There will be a themed raffle and a bit of Christmas music in the background to put us all into the festive mood. Who knows, it may even be time to dig out your Christmas jumper and reindeer antlers, as there will be Secretary Sim’s prize for the best Christmas Outfit!

Lads, if there are a few of you out there that want to take part but couldn’t nab one of the league ladies to partner up with, worry not, we can have up to 32 pairs and ladies who have played in earlier rounds and have been knocked out, can pair up again with the bachelor boys.

At just 2eu per person to enter, your names will be pulled out of the hat to fill in the remaining spaces. Please let us know if you intend to come along to watch or take part as we need to let Georgiou’s know the numbers to cater for. It’s going to be one hell of a night!

Gold Category winners.

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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 next monthly meeing of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion will be on 14 Dec at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras starting at 7.30pm. Join us for carols and mince pies. 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 Curious about work of Samaritans

Monday 11th - Sunday 17th December, 2017

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

Christmas Fayres Orihuela Costa Community Care Xmas Charity Craft Fayre in support of Tasha’s Fund on 17th December with Mulled wine, Mince Piesand Christmas Carols on 17th December. The fayre itself will feature handmade crafts, gifts, cakes, cards, jewellery etc. Timings 12pm till 4pm in Calle Pablo Picasso (by the Playa Flamenca Town Hall) Contact Norah: 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.

Job Opportunity Top Neumaticos are seeking a Fully Trained Mechanic for their Los Dolses Depot. Must speak English. Call 645 425 457 for further information

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

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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

Apartment for Rent Lovely 2 bed flat in El Pinet overlooking pool. Long term rental available for fully furnished 1st floor flat with internet and UK television. South facing, close to beach and La Marina village.

Rent 340 euros pcm. Contact kate18@sky.com

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

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

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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 three bed, two bathroom detached villa is situated on a plot of 600m2. It has its own 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

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Monday 11th - Sunday 17th December, 2017

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Vistabella Bowls Club

With Lynne Bishop.

SAL ENTERPRISE Albatrosses away on Monday to San Miguel Pulsars, terrific wins across the board from L Watkins, S Burrows & P Whitehall 32-11. L Bishop, B Norris & K Cuthbert 23-8. G Fisher, S Allman & G Fisher 26-12. S Kemp, C Watkins & M Furness 2514. N Burrows, A Brown & B Zelin 19-9. S Whitehall, S Norris & E Bishop 20-11. An amazing difference of VB 145(14) - 65(0) SM. The Drivers were up the road to play the Monte Mar Matadors, they won on three rinks and had a drawn game, they also received points & shots for the Matadors failing to field a full side. B Ewart, B Ray & G Thorpe 20-14. P Rafferty, D Gunning & L Barber 18-14. F Barclay, B Corbishly & J Neve 22-20. H Marshall, Mo & Martin Foulcer 16-16. K Hardy, P Rafferty & C Thorpe 10-0. Shots, VB 98(11) - 87(3) MM. VOYAGER LEAGUE Eagles at home v Quesada Rubies had four very good wins and also won the long game. R Savage, K Savage & A Kendall 22-8. P Tomkins R Hudson & Penny Tomkins 18-11. N. H-Williams, D Graham & D Harwood 22-18. S Kirk, R Smith & J Harwood 15-10. Shots, VB 106(10) - 89(4) Q. WINTER LEAGUE and back down to earth with a bump, at home against the Emerald Isle we only won on one rink. S Kemp, T French, B Zelin & G Thorpe 21-11. The rest of the games were very close ...no more partying the night before! Shots, VB 80(2) - 92(10) EI. Well done to the Berleen team, K Hardy, S Kirk, P Tomkins & B Ewart 22-13.

SOUTHERN LEAGUE A div. The Lanzadores slayed the San Luis Lions to a great defeat, playing at home we had wins on four rinks from S Kemp. B Norris & B Zelin 24-11. L Bishop, C Watkins & P Whitehall 26-15. N Burrows, S Allman & K Cuthbert 21-17 and the come back kids G Fisher, S Burrows & G Fisher...1-16 down after eleven ends went on to win 18-16..nice one! Shots, VB 114(10) 103(4) SL. The Picadors had a disaster at Quesada, the less said the better!

Shots, VB 61(0) - 155(14) Q. C div Conquistadores away to the El Rancho Broncos...everyone’s favourite green! they did well to come away with two wins. Well done to M Irwin, S Kirk & T French 34-7...amazing and P Tomkins, R Hudson & Penny Tomkins 19-15. Shots, VB 103(4) - 109(10) ER

San Miguel Bowls Club

By Pat McEwan

A mixed bag of results this week from San Miguel teams. Brilliant result for the Winter league away to Greenlands winning 12 nil.

Shots were 102 to 71. Well played by the whole team. Noel Davis, Val & Chris Collier, Stuart Denholm 21-12: Margaret Patterson, Linda Plaisted, Brian Allen, Mary Dyer 17-15: Reg Cooper, Lee Sinclair, Dave & Lyn Greenland 21-19: Carol Rudge, Gail Willshire, Allan Patterson, Cliff Plaisted 22-16: Jan Allen, Stuart Hemmings, Len Rudge, Steve Cantley 21-9.

In the Southern league, the Cougars had a great result against Emerald Isle Outlaws winning 12-2. Shots 145 to 88. Well done to Bob Nesbitt, Bob Graham, Rosamond Stockell 20-13: Bill Reeves, Jim Jarvie, Mick Rogers 27-21: Stan North, Dave Champion, Jack Jackson 22-11; Sheila Errington, Joe Getgood, Brian Errington 29-9; Bill Brownlee, Frank & Barbara Scotthern 22-10. The Jaguars lost 14 nil away at El Rancho.

In the SABA league, the Meteors lost 11-3 away to San Luis Klingons; The Pulsars lost 14 nil at home against Vistabella. No results received from the Comets.

The Christmas Dinner at El Prado on Tuesday, is 7pm for 7.30pm.

Should be a great night!!

The coming weekend is the 2 day MUFTI, lets hope the weather is kinder to us than last year!!

The News Years Day Silly Beggars Roll Up will commence at 11am.

Sure to include mince pies and glasses of wine. See Janet Thomas.

Anyone wishing to donate to our Christmas Appeal please see Pat McEwan, Janet Thomas or Rosamond Stockell.All proceeds to San Miguel Archangels.

Information on San Miguel Bowls Club contact President, Rosamond Stockell, tel 965 32 9778 or Secretary Pat McEwan, tel 966 71 4257.

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SOUTHERN LEAGUE 2017/18 RESULTS AND TABLES FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER

DIVISION A Vistabella Lanzadores Quesada Swallows Mazarron Miners El Rancho Mustangs Montemar Matadors

114 155 108 168 96

Quesada Swallows San Luis Lions Vistabella Lanzadores Emerald Isle Cavaliers El Rancho Mustangs La Marina Ospreys Vistabella Picadors San Miguel Jaguars Mazarron Miners Montemar Matadors

(10) (14) (8) (14) (6)

San Luis Lions Vistabella Picadors Emerald I Cavaliers San Miguel Jaguars La Marina Ospreys

(4) (0) (6) (0) (8)

103 61 91 62 111

P 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

W 36 33 30 31 29 26 23 18 19 18

Win 6 7 5 5 5 5 3 4 3 2

Diff 292 150 38 108 67 69 -147 -244 -70 -263

Pts 85 80 74 72 69 63 54 47 43 38

Horadada Royals Emerald I Outlaws Greenlands Oaks La Siesta Blues

(1) (2) (8) (11)

70 88 121 149

W D 29 6 27 5 25 3 23 2 24 5 24 2 19 3 20 2 10 2

Diff 166 131 104 88 73 -25 -49 -105 -383

Pts 76 69 65 60 60 58 47 44 22

D 1 0 4 0 1 1 2 3 2 0

L 17 21 20 23 24 27 29 33 33 36

DIVISION B Emerald Isle Claymores133 (13) San Miguel Cougars 134 (12) Quesada Swifts 86 (6) La Marina Merlins 98 (3) P 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

La Siesta Blues Emerald Isle Claymores San Luis Tigers Greenlands Oaks Quesada Swifts Horadada Royals La Marina Merlins San Miguel Cougars Emerald Isle Outlaws

L Win 13 6 16 5 20 6 23 6 19 4 22 4 26 3 26 2 36 0

637 227 385

La Marina Bowls Club

LEADER

with Barry Latham

The late result from last week was a loss by the Ospreys away at Emerald Isle Cavaliers by a mere two points.

Our recent newcomer Don Fowkes led his rink of Mike Stone and Janet Parsons to an 18-12 win. Alex Whyte, Jim Reeves and Carol Smith won by four shots and Margaret Finlayson, Cliff Rawlinson and Peter Parsons had a fine victory of 21-9.

Come Monday neither the Explorers nor the Pathfinders could tame their opponents. The Explorers were at home to Quesada Pearls and were beaten 4-10. Our two winning rinks comprised of Alex Whyte, Jim Reeves and Maureen Kidd 14-11 plus Peter Parsons, Phil Pape and Carol Smith 18-12.

The Pathfinders who had been going along very nicely came up against an on form Greenlands Maples at their place losing 2-10. Our solitary winning rink was Alan Castle, George Furzer and Lorita Rae 22-11. Played away at Monte Mar in the Winter League and what a great time we had. The company was great, met old friends, wonderful to see Barry and Pauline Woodfine on the side line and to top it all the very social meal afterwards.

I believe, amongst quite a few others, that besides the bowls that is what the Winter League is all about. To finish off a special day we had a brill result as well winning 12-0. So well done everybody.

Friday saw the Ospreys fly over to play Monte Mar Matadors and come away with close 8-6. Don Fowkes, Mike Stone and Janet Parsons won 19-12 while Alex Whyte in his usual fine form helped his trio of Jim Reeves and Ron Maiden to a comfortable 25-12 win.

So it was left to Pete Parsons, Tom Spencer and Andy Bartlett to be the highest winning rink with 24-8.

Next comes many congratulations to La Siesta Blues for a welldeserved win against the Merlins. Looking around the green their standard was very high. Having said that Terry Perchard, late replacement Mike Brain, (thank you) and Jeff Collins fought back well to get a very creditable draw and Bill Jones, Arthur Cronk Reg Jackson only lost by one on the last end.

I have to thank my fellow Villa supporter Mike Edwards for being the last off the green. I could eulogise how well our three of Wendy Latham and Brian Duff did having dropped a seven and then fought back and back to have a hard earned win 23-20 but I won’t on this occasion. Lovely morning, lovely company.

Linea Directa Offer Linea Directa provide a great deal of support to Lawn Bowls and if they are to continue to do so they need our support in return.

They are currently offering a 25% discount to bowlers on all new insurance policies so please consider them next time you need such services.

Call 900 123 116 and quote C007698 DIVISION C Montemar Toreadors El Rancho Broncos Greenlands Cedars San Luis Pumas La Siesta Golds

102 109 97 166 99

La Manga Crusaders Quesada Swans Country Bowls Geckos La Siesta Golds San Luis Leopards Greenlands Cedars El Rancho Broncos Vistabella Conquistadors Montemar Toreadors San Luis Pumas

(6) (10) (4) (11) (11)

Country B Geckos (8) Vistabella Conq (4) Quesada Swans (10) La Manga Crusaders (3) San Luis Leopards (3)

100 103 115 62 89

P 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

W 33 32 31 29 27 25 22 20 21 20

Pts 78 77 73 72 65 62 56 49 49 43

D 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 3 1 1

L 19 20 21 23 24 27 30 31 32 33

Win 5 6 5 6 4 6 5 3 4 1

Diff 414 187 93 -19 18 -1 -174 -158 -221 -139

Monte Mar Bowls Club

by Sheila Roberts

Monte Mar Toreadors v El Rancho Pintos - Our second visit to El Rancho in four days the only thing that improved was the weather.

The Toreadors lost on all six rinks so a 14 – 0 win for the Pintos.

Having had three away defeats in a row on the two most difficult venues in the league, La Manga and El Rancho hopefully we can look forward to better results in the New Year. In these three matches a third of the team were bowlers who play in the leagues in an emergency, or have only started playing in the leagues for the first time in the last month, so a big thank you and well done to them all.

Monte Mar Matadors v Vistabella Drivers South Alicante League.

For this match the Matadors were one player short. On the bright side we won on one rink and drew on one rink. We done to the winning rink Harry Dobson, June Young and skip Alan Ashbury 23 – 16 and the drawing rink Ronnie Cairns, Val Hignett and the birthday girl Janet Gatward 16 – 16.

Shots Matadors 87 – 98 Drivers. Points Matadors 3 – 11 Drivers.

For further information 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.

LEADER

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San Luis Bowls Club

637 227 385

Monday 11th - Sunday 17th December, 2017

Emerald Isle Bowls Club

By Elwyn Morris

Monday took the Titans to La Siesta Apollos, where they had a good win 10-4, aggregate of118-94, winning trips were C Donnellan K Jolliffe D Birkett 26-8, M Riley J Westall S Westall 20-12, M Whitelock P Coffey M Odell 22-14, P Heaney S Johnson I Brewster 23-17 The Neptunes played at home against San Luis Trekkers and had a fine 12-2 win, aggregate of 133-77, winning trips were L Burns D Rhodes A Burns 30-9, C Ayling C Warner J Mullarkey 30-15, L Harris D Horne P Creswell 27-12, A Brown T Harris A Malcolm 1510, M Shatwell S Watson G Shatwell 13-11 The Moonrakers played at home against San Miguel Comets and slipped to a 2-12 defeat aggregate of 91-122, winners were B Donohoe T Culpin G Smith 22-18 Wed the Emerald Isle visited Vistabella in the winter league and had a great 10-2 win aggregate of 91-80 winning rinks were D Jones B Eldred J Pooley C Lindgren 23-12, P Heaney S Johnson D Birkett 23-18, M Whitelock R White AMS,D Gerrard 16-14, A Brown J Westall S Westall J Rimmer 18-15. The Berleen went down by 13-22 Thursday saw the rearranged winter league game against San Luis and it finished with a great 10 -2 aggregate 103-57 win for EI winners were P Heaney S Johnson D Birkett I Brewster 33-6, M Riley P Coffey M Veale M Odell 24-8, M Whitelock R White A M Stevenson D Gerrard 22-13, A Brown B Doran B Eldred J Mulloy 13-12, Emerald Isle won the Berleen 21-14 V Cameron S Watson E Morris T Kelly The Cavaliers travelled to Mazarron Miners on Friday and slipped to a 6-8 aggregate 91-108 loss, winners were P Coffey L Vincent J Mulloy 21-7, S Wickens S Johnson D Gerrard 23-11, C Donnallen D Birkett C Lindgren 15-14.

The Claymores played at home and had a fine 13-1 aggregate of 133-70 win against Horadada Royals, S Kavanagh E Morris B Kavanagh 28-8, M Shatwel B Eldred G Shatwell 29-12, L Harris D Horne A Malcolm 23-6 R Adams L Hawkins B Smith 9-12, L Burns D Rhodes A Burns 16-14 C Ayling M Petty J Mullarkey 18-18 The Outlaws played at San Miguel Cougars and lost 2-12 aggregate 88-134, winning trip was P Horton G Inwood R Ede 24-12 Hoping everyone had a great night on Friday

21

E l Ra n c h o B ow l s C l u b

by Sheila Cammack

Another cold, but dry and bright, week; so fortunately no more rearranged matches to worry about. Unlike worrying about the complete mix of “great” and oops!! results. Admittedly there has been a lot of bowling this week for some people and we still have the next round of the Premier 20 K/O competition, home and away, v Javea Green on Sunday 10th. Good luck to all our players.

Monday 4th: South Alicante Bowls: SL Klingons home v SM Meteors; a great result 11-3, shots 113-81. Winners: Pat Bird, Ray Pollock, Graham Bird 20-10, Margaret Morrison, Sabrina & Russell Marks 16-12, Lynne Morris, Ray Clarke, Tom Hill 27-13, Kath Reid, Neil Morrison, Ian Kenyon 20-13, Sheila Cammack, Bob White, Giuseppe Galelli 17-17. SL Trekkers; a nightmare result away v EI Neptunes 2-12, shots 77-133. Winners: Shirley Verity, Jo & Jules Pering 20-18.

SL Vulcans, BYE. SL Romulans, a tough game home v LS Pioneers 2-12, shots 82-108. Winners: Pat Barnes, Ralph Jones, Harry Epsom 15-13.

Wednesday 6th Winter League a hard fought home match, as expected, against top of the league Javea Green, 8-4, 86shots-79. Winners: Shirley Verity, Ray Clarke, Jules Pering, Russell Marks 16-13, Irene Everett, Jo Pering, Peter McEneany, Roy Cordell 20-11, Lynne Morris, June Jones, Tom Hill, Keith Jones 23-10. Our Berleen team: Sheila Cammack, Pam Lockett, Mike Regan, Giuseppe Galelli also had a good win, 22-14. Thursday 7th re-arranged match away v Emerald Isle, no rain this time but a total washout result, 2-10, 57pts103. Winners: Lynne Morris, June Jones, Tom Hill, Keith Jones 18-11.

Friday 8th December Southern League: SL Lions, away v VB Lanzadores, a frustrating result 4-10, shots 103-114. Winners: Bob White, Ray Clarke, Tom Hill 25-16, Pam Lockett, June & Keith Jones 19-9. SL Tigers BYE. SL Leopards; another hard fought match, away v La Siesta Golds; 3-11, but close on shots 89-99.

Winners: Derek Barker, Chris Jackson, Drew Russell 20-16, Ray Watmough, Chris Brooks, Dave Steadman 17-17. SL Pumas home v La Manga Crusaders; a great result 11-3, 166 shots-62. Winners: Tony Davies, Terry Baylis, Ken Dullaway 16-16, Chris Phillips, Geoff Francis, Albert Jackson 42-10, Pat Baylis, Mary Fromson, Phil Hasler 32-8, Pat Barnes, Ralph Jones, Harry Epsom 31-6, Anne Jackson, Danny McErlean, Malcolm Ayton 34-6.

Club information: www.sanluisbowls.byethost7.com or contact June Jones, Club Captain: 691 903 773.

www.theleader.info

This week start on the weekend with the club finals for our 2017/18, in difficult conditions, I think we all know how windy and cold the weekend was. On Saturday we saw four of our finest bowlers give a splendid demonstration of bowls, and all in attendance thoroughly enjoyed both matches, with Jane Hamill taking the ladies title and Richard Lee the men’s, both matches being very close run. Irene and Eddie Thomson battled hard and were declared runners up.

Monday morning found a huge change in weather with little wind and pleasing warmth. The Raiders were at home to Horadada Falcons and played well to share the rinks and take the overall shots by just four.

Following on were the Pintos against Montemar Toreadors, who struggled to find the line and length of the mat, but took it in good heart, though as the sun dropped most of us struggle with the sudden increase in speed and width. In the end the Pintos took all of the

points, though the Toreadors brought the most important element, good humour and company.

Friday started with the Mustangs entertaining San Miguel Jaguars, with a chilly start and a brisk wind, which made the bowling a little tricky. The Jaguars tackled mat and conditions without complaint, but did struggle a little, as all away teams do at any venue. The Mustang took all the points, though the Jaguars contested every end.

Afterwards Vistabella Conquistadors visited El Rancho to play the Broncos. The Broncos won on 4 rinks to Conquistador’s 2 and also took the overall shots by just four, a close match indeed and a good result for the broncos and of great significance to Sheila Cox, Pam and Brian Harris, who took a Hot Shot. Well done. 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.

Jane Hamill

Richard Lee

H o ra d a d a B ow l s C l u b On Monday we went to the difficult venue of El Rancho to play their Raiders team. While some of our rinks took a while to settle in eventually we managed to get 6 points and only lost by the small margin of 100 to 104 shots. Well done to our winners, David Miles, Fred Trigwell and Barry Evans 17 – 10, Peter Davis, Linda hier and Jeff Hier 21 – 14, Irene Graham, Bryan Eatough and Roy Thompson 19 – 12.

One of our other rinks lost by the small margin of one shot.

Horadada Bowls Club wishes all our members and all fellow bowlers a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year

Greenlands Bowls Club Well as the end of the year draws near our two discovery division teams have had mixed results, the good news is The Maples were back on form in their match against La Marina Pathfinders. final scores were - Total shots for - 130, Against - 91. Points for - 12. against - 2. winning rinks were - Sheila Stead, Jim Wilcock, Barry Collins. 31 shots to 13. David Fryatt, Mary Lockley, Marilyn Fryatt.

26 shots to 19. Phil Lockley, Dave Thompson, Mike Kelly. 26 shots to 11. Margaret Stephens, Ann Butterworth, John Obrien. 20 shots to 12. Janet Webb, Zoe Wilcock, Mel Brown. 16 shots to 14. The Sycamores on the other hand went down 0 points to 14 points Away to Quesada Diamonds, the shots were - 57 for and 170 Against. on

by Dave Webb

Friday in The Southern League the Oaks were away to Quesada Swifts. Final score was - Total shots For - 121. Against - 86. Points For - 8 against - 6. Winning rinks were - Sheila Stead, Margaret Stephens, Dave Thompson. 24 shots to 12. Mary Lockley, Ann Butterworth, Marilyn Fryatt. - 30 shots to 14. Dave Fryatt, Janet Webb, Mel Brown.- 28 shots to 12 The Cedars were at home to Quesada Swans, final score was - Total shots for - 97. Against - 115.

Points for - 4. Against - 10. Winning rinks were - Dave Field, John Newell, Graham Watt. - 26 shots to 13. Pat Wray, Doreen Watt, John Wray.- 16 shots to 12. for all inquires please telephone Haley on 966844399.

L a S i e s t a B ow l s C l u b The Apollos entertained Emerald Isle Titans and lost by 118 shots to 94 winning on 2 rinks.The points being 4 to La Siesta and 10 to the Titans.A good win for Pat Moore,Ramsay Sinclair and John Ball who lead from the start to run out 25-12 winners. An exceptional final end by Dawn and John Taylor with Brian Fraser scoring six shots on the final end to win their match by 18 shots to 15.

The Pioneers visited San Luis Romulans and match in which for the first half the scores were very close a determined effort from the Pioneers saw them come out winners by 108 shots to 82 picking up 12 points to their opponents 2.Best winners for La Siesta were Barbara Cooper with Tom Heaslewood and Johnnie Ryder winning 20-11 whilst Jean James, Trish Reilly and Vic Mahomet won 2012.Other wins came from Joe Kocsis,Tanya Oliver with Jack Burrell and Hilary Clarke with Tony Campbell and Rab Logan.The final win

by B a r r y Ev a n s

On Friday unfortunately it was a much different story. We went to Emerald Isle to play their Claymores team and were well and truly beaten. Shots were 133 to the Claymores and only 70 to the Royals.

Well done to our rink of Ron O’Dell, Mick Kirby and Roy Thompson who gained our only point.

by Ro d E d g e r t o n

by the narrowest of margins by a single shot was achieved by Sue Mahomet, Alan Ralph and Pat Reilly.

Our Winter League team were at home to BBC and only managed a win on a single rink from Barbara Cooper,Rod Edgerton with Pat Reilly and Sue Jordan in a rink where BBC came back from an early deficit only for La Siesta to come strong in the final few ends to win 21 shots to 17. Benitichell picked up 10 point to 2 from La Siesta.

The overall shots were 87 to 105.

The final round of the Christmas Hamper,with sponsorship from Avalon, who were there to present hampers to all 12 teams was played this week .Over the period of the competition most club members participaed in this popular annual event.(see attached photo of Hamper Presentation to all the players from our sponsors), Well done to all members that took part.

22

Monday 11th - Sunday 17th December, 2017

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La Marina GS at Las Colinas

International Golf League Final Day

We met at, probably, our favourite course on a beautiful sunny day to play our last competition of the year. A good turnout of members for December resulted in the ladies dominating the silver section and a tie ensued with three ladies achieving 35 points. However, on countback, Sarah McCabe was declared the winner.

The gold award went to secretary Alan Craig with 32 points, and he also won a nearest the pin and a share of the 2's pot with Iain Lyall.

Other nearest the pins went to Elspeth Craig, Barry Thorogood and John Brastock. Commiserations to new social secretary Iain Lyall who at one point was on the road to three ntp prizes and finished with 'nada.'

Our first meeting of 2018 will be at Bonalba on 4th January, first tee at 10am with a fee of 40 euros including a buggy. List is on the board at the sports centre, or phone Alan Craig on 634347788.

A happy Christmas to all our members and especially to Helena, Paolo and their staff at the la marina sports centre for looking after us so well this year.

Mike ProBert talks golf

Final Day at Font De Llop. Levante section winners, El Valle GS, 2nd Javea Parejas and 3rd Sportsmans Nomads GS. In the Poniente section winners Campbell Lamont Golf, 2nd Amigos Unidos and 3rd The Ba Bas. The Presidents' Trophy was won by SMGS, 2nd The Celtic Tigers, 3rd El Valle GS. We would like to thank the federation for their continued support of the tournaments. To all the host courses for the use of their fine facilities To the staff in the office in Valencia especially to Natalia, Inma and Alberto. To our directors of tournaments and Alfredo, gracias.

To Alberto Iglesias and Font de Llop for all their help in making the final day very special. Finally to all you who participated in the events we hope to see you all next year in an ever expanding league.

Contact: johnobrienalicante@gmail.com

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LEADER

Las Ramblas Social Club Golf On a very cold Monday with some ice still on the greens we played Best 2 of 4 all on the par 5´s.

And the winning team with a very good score of 99 pts were Nick Campbell, Hendrick Oldenzeil, Reg Akehurst and Albert.

Wednesday we all played off the Ladies Tees, not as easy as it sounds, and the results were as follows: Ladies: 1st Olga Douglas 44 pts. 2nd Reg Akehurst 34 pts. (Reg who is 88 yrs old normally plays off the red tees anyway).

Men: 1st Ron Phipps 44 pts. 2nd Dave Pulling 43 pts. 3rd John Conway 42 Pts. 2´s Club: John Shervall, Jan Svendsen, Dave Pulling, Terry Field, Lindsay Forbes and Peter Wickham.

Friday we played a Texas Scramble and the winning team of Ron Phipps, Olga Douglas, Geoff Biggerstaff and Pete Dunn came in with a score of 61.1. By Mike Mahony

(in assN with Costa Blanca Green Fee svcs)

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.

TROUBLE SHOTS - PART IV Have you ever wondered why you can’t take your good swing on the practise range and apply it on the golf course?

In previous articles we have discussed some of the reasons why this occurs but there could be one very simple reason above all others.

On the driving range you are usually playing on a flat surface (either grass or a mat), which is aligned, in accordance with your target.

There are two things that happen here, firstly subconsciously you align your self with the mat and this ‘assistance’ you do not have on the course.

You should also note that on the course you will tend to align yourself with the tee on which you are standing so check carefully when you walk on the teeing ground that it is actually aligned with your target line on the fairway or green.

The second thing to recall is that on very few a occasions on the golf course will you have a flat lie to play from.

You need to understand how these different lies impact upon the shot to be played and below are a few quick tips to assist you with these eventualities.

Downhill lie The ball will generally fly lower and further than normal and so you can use one club less for the shot.

Always keep your body perpendicular to the slope and keep your weight a little more on your back foot because as you swing and follow through you will tend to fall down the hill as your weight transfers through the ball.

In general because of this the ball tends to fly with more left to right spin and fade if anything so allow for this in your alignment by aiming a little to the left.

Uphill lie The ball will generally fly higher and shorter than normal and so you can use one club more for the shot.

Always keep your body perpendicular to the slope and keep your weight a little more on your front foot because as you swing and follow through you will tend to fall back down the hill and it is difficult to transfer your weight through the ball.

In general because of this the ball tends to fly with more right to left spin and hook if anything so allow for this in your alignment by aiming a little to the right.

Ball above the feet You will find circumstances on the golf course where your ball is positioned higher than your feet.

From this position the ball will usually fly with a right to left hook spin and so allow for this by aiming a little to the right of your target.

To reduce the impact of this difficult ball position you should also go down the grip slightly and move your weight more onto your toes to restrict the amount that you fall backwards down the hill as you transfer your weight through the ball.

Ball below the feet Conversely there will be times when the ball is positioned lower than your feet.

From this position the ball will usually fly with a left to right slice spin and so allow for this by aiming a little to the left of your target.

To reduce the impact of this ball position you should also go up the grip slightly and move your weight more onto your heels to restrict the amount that you fall forward down the hill as you transfer your weight through the ball.

Obviously there will be occasions where you have a combination of cross hill, down hill and uphill shots but by practising these techniques you will be able to determine the amount of allowance and adjustment that you have to make for your swing to operate in these circumstances.

Practise does make perfect here but just by understanding how the ball will react in these circumstances and how you can tackle the shots will provide you with extra confidence and will restrict the impact on your golf score and how you think.

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 €108 €52 €90 €90 €94 €112 €86 €110 €44 €92 €136 €94 €94 €95 €96 €102 €57 €62

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 Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Green Fees and Buggy Two Players and Buggy 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

El Plantio 2 Golf Society Normally a Texas Scramble is competed for by 3 or 4 players. To make things more difficult for the 10 players on 5th December, Club Captain, Lawrence Wanty decided that they should play in pairs resulting in the player with the worst tee shot, taking the next shot and then alternately(if necessary). It seemed that the winning pairing did not need too many third and fourth shots as they finished their round with a very creditable gross of one over par.

Nearest the Pins, Hole 6 - Brian Coupe and Hole 9 - John O'Brien.

3rd Place, Brian Coupe, Mike Davies, Handicap 4.62 - 56.38 shots.

2nd Place, John Burke, Bryan Watson, Handicap 4.32 - 53.68 shots.

1st Place, Alan Janes, Dave Southwell, Handicap 4.0 - 51 shots.

Prizewinners L to R - Brian Coupe, John Burke, Dave Southwell, Mike Davies, Alan Janes, John O'Brien, Bryan Watson.

If anyone would like to join our Society, we play at El Plantio Golf Club every 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. Membership rates are very competitive, so call for info.

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

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Torry strikers suffer large dose of Scorachievemephobia CD Torrevieja ................0 Villajoyosa CF ..............0

W

eekend results prior to the match at Vicente Garcia Stadium, conspired in relegating Torry to their lowest position so far this season. Therefore, their late Sunday afternoon duel against fellow promotion candidates Villajoyosa, meant that although victory would see them leap from 6th to 2nd spot, another failure could prove calamitous.

Could manager Pedreño awaken his players from their recent slumber, in which they have scored just one goal from the last 3 matches?

A missed penalty in last week’s defeat at Hercules, just about

summed up their lack of confidence in front of goal. That match also saw the hosts make 4 substitutions, which surprisingly appears to have gone unpunished.

Meanwhile in the game itself Villajoyosa frustrated Torrevieja to claim a deserved 0-0 draw at the Vicente Garcia stadium.

Torry dominated for long spells but failed to create a clear opening, with Zaragoza, Juanpe and Marwane all going close.

Despite a disappointing crowd, Torry made the brighter start against their 4th placed opponents. They set out their stall with two corners in the opening minutes and would have been in front but for the outstretched legs of keeper Miki.

Vicente split the Villa defence with a pass that picked out Zaragoza and he was homing in on goal before being crowded out midway through the half, and on the half hour Juanpe went close from a Flores corner.

After referee Ramirez Martinez had waved away Torry appeals for a penalty, centre back Zaragoza hit the woodwork before substitute Marwane, on for the injured Beltran, had Miki beaten, but saw his effort shave the outside of the Villajoyosa post. Watching the proceedings also was Buyo in the Torry goal, with hardly a save to make in the entire half.

The second period was little better although the visitors did make rather more of the game. But once again it was a half of missed chances, although what appeared to be a certain Torry penalty midway through the half, when Marwane was pushed in the back, was as close as the home side came to breaking the deadlock.

Good turnout for Plaza GS at VM San Javier Stableford at Lo Romero

The Plaza Golf Society played at their favourite course, Villamartin, 44 playing with 4 reserves! A great turnout again. The greens were fast and tricky, and the tee boxes well back. This resulted in some fairly average scoring, a big shout-out to Brian Fenty who secured the last place and a bottle of wine with an astounding 15 pts!.

As usual we had a 2’s pot which was shared by Deb and Darrell Rose, Bob Price and Ray Waite all receiving €22.

The nearest the pins were sponsored by the TPGS and the winners were, Phil Sully, Ray Waite, Callum Hitcham, Craig Hamilton and big Phil de Lacy! In the silver division Bill Gillies came 3rd with 29 pts. Bob Price 2nd with 32 and Lee Holtham winning with a whopping 35.

In the gold division Ron Temple came 3rd with 32 pts great score off his 7 handicap. Andy McDonald came 2nd on countback also with 32 but the leader on the day was big Phil de Laceup with 34 pts.

Well done all! Next week we return to Villamartin, there are only a couple of spaces left so get your name down quick! Book online at www.theplazagolfsociety.com or slip into our clubhouse The Alehouse at Villamartin Plaza. A warm and friendly pub with hot sausage rolls to die for!

A bitterly cold early morning start to our Xmas game, with only one brave (some would say foolish) person out of the 30 plus players wearing shorts: Steve Branston, although he had the last laugh when the temperatures got into the 20’s during the back 9! This is one of the best courses in Murcia and always a tough test but we love playing here. Thanks to everyone who donated extra prizes (mince pies, wine and chocolates etc. The winners on the day were: Division 1: First was Paul Newman with 35 points, Second - Ian price on 34, Third - Frank Murphy also with 34. In Division 2: First was new member Peter Ashton with 36 points, Second - Steve Barlow on 32, Third - Clyde Sandry also on 32. In Division 3: First was Jeff Belt with 35 points, Second - Jo Murphy on 32 and Third - John Hillier with 28. Nearest the pins were won by Simon Speak, Clyde Sandry, Frank Murphy and Paul Matthews. The gross 2 (for 50 euros) was won by Ty Williams. Our next game is a team "Traffic Lights" competition at La Serena, teeing off at 09:50am on Wednesday 20th December. Full details will be emailed to all members. Payday will be on Saturday 16th December in the bar area of La Serena Club House, between 11:00am and 12:00.

Info Barry Beale +34 649 245 889 www.sanjaviergolfsociety.co.uk, www.facebook.com/sanjaviergolfsociety Division 1 winner: Paul Newman

But the one glaring miss came from the visitors when Chispa beat keeper Buyo in a chase to a loose ball. Still 30 yards from goal, as he rounded Torry’s last man, the Villajoyosa full back chose to take a shot, rather than run the ball into the back of the net. Having hit his effort wide, it was a decision that he will regret for many weeks to come.

As the game came to its almost predictable goalless conclusion Pedreño will need to find a solution the Torrys lack of goals very soon.

There is a word for the fear of scoring goals, ‘Scorachievemephobia’, which is what the Torry strikers currently seem to be suffering from. And until they can overcome their fear it seems unlikely that their results will improve.

Next Sunday a home fixture against Elda at the Vicente Garcia, kicking off at 5pm.

Liverpool Football Club supporters If you are resident, holiday home owner or just a holidaymaker visiting Torrevieja and surrounds and love to share the camaraderie and atmosphere of watching good football then look no further.

The Costa Blanca official Liverpool Supporters Club (OLSC) meets for each Liverpool game at Kennedys Bar, Calle Dinamarca 9 (corner of Pola de Siero), close to Playa de los Locas beach in Torrevieja.

The supporters when in Torrevieja originate from all over the United Kingdom and Europe. Said Liverpool born Bill Connerty, local Chairman of OLSC “I established the club over ten years ago recognising the need for like-minded lovers of Liverpool FC to meet together to share their enthusiasm of the game in a friendly pub environment.” He added “just come along to the next Liverpool game and sample the atmosphere!”

If you wish to become an member of the Overseas Liverpool Supporters Club there is a 20% discount until the 20th December 2017. Full membership is £39.99 which gives ticket access or an international membership at £17.99 with members pack, digital match day programme and quarterly magazine.

To officially join go to www.liverpoollfc.com click on Fans, then Membership, type in LFC Costa Blanca and enter code OLSC17 for your 20% discount.

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