The Costa Blanca Leader Edition 864

No 864 Monday 26th April - Sunday 2nd May 2021

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Keeping people safe and informed for over 17 years - The Costa Blanca’s oldest ‘FREE’ English language newspaper

OPEN BORDERS WILL INCREASE THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS

xperts predict that open borders will increase the spread of covid

E

Following the gradual easing of restrictions and looking ahead to the lifting of the border closure at the end of the state of alarm, scheduled for May 9, many experts in the Valencian Community say that they fear that the lifting of the closure

will cause an increase in cases of covid arriving from other communities, which will lead to an increase in the incidence in our autonomy.

"We are currently in an oasis in terms of the situation regarding the pandemic, but we are also very close to autonomies with a very high rate of infections, which can have negative consequences for us,"

warns Felix Gutiérrez, professor at the Miguel Hernández University.

There are just over two weeks before the borders will reopen between autonomies and Rafael Ortí, President of the Spanish Society of Preventive Medicine, hopes that this time will be used to vaccinate as many people as possible.

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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.

He says that “with the influx of people from other communities and with commerce and hotels staying open until ten at night, we run the risk of entering a fourth wave that up to now the Community has avoided.

The increase in the capacity for cultural activities and celebrations worries specialists such as Juan Francisco Navarro, President of the Valencian Society of Preventive Medicine. "A cinema at 75% is practically at maximum capacity, just like a wedding with 150 people in an enclosed space. Both are very scary, especially knowing how the coronavirus is transmitted through the air.”.

The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe heavily. These liquid particles are different sizes, ranging from larger ‘respiratory droplets’ to smaller ‘aerosols’.

They are dangers that, in his opinion, will multiply when the perimeter closure is lifted "and more cases

Orihuela Costa RBL emerges from hibernation At the Time Out Bar in San javier

Community."

However, one thing on which all the experts do agree is that the increase in activity at night, with the extension until 10 pm of trading hours and hospitality, does not imply a greater risk.

"Taking into account the good figures we have in the Valencian Community, it does not seem like a risk to me, but we must still maintain control and follow-up on any cases that do arise," explains epidemiologist José María López Lozano.

The specialist in Public Health and professor at the University of Alicante, José Tuells, says "it is also logical that as more people are vaccinated, the restrictions will be relaxed." In addition, he adds, "people should still avoid getting together at night in houses and in other more risky enclosed spaces."

The fact that almost 20% of the population is now protected with at least one dose of the vaccine will also allow the opportunity to gradually relax restrictions.

"Things are very different from the situation that we had just after Christmas, not only because of the Although the situation is gradually easing the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion is still in hibernation and, for the most part, will remain so until the end of the State of Emergency.

There have been one or two opportunities to meet though, although in very small numbers, but with borders closed, branch members have not been able to cross Hi Life Bar in La Zenia

also because of the people who have already had the disease, diagnosed or not, a number that is likely to be rather more than the numbers of those vaccinated", says Félix Gutiérrez.

The good weather also gives us reason to hope that there will not be a very pronounced upturn in cases.

"From now on, more of our time will be spent outside, thanks to the good weather, which, together with the experience of last summer, provides us with rather more optimism", adds the UMH professor.

For the most part it is the elderly population that has benefited the most from vaccination, which will be a relief for hospitals in the face of any rebound in the number of cases. "We have vaccinated a significant proportion of those over 70, who are the group at greatest risk if they contract the disease and next month will be key to completing that phase of the vaccination program," says Rafael Ortí.

The president of the Spanish Society of Preventive Medicine believes that if the pharmaceutical companies maintain their supplies and the vaccination rate remains stable, "in summer we can forget about wearing masks."

between the Murcia and Valencia Communities.

Nevertheless, members residing in the Orihuela Costa gathered for lunch a week or so ago in the High Life bar and restaurant where they enjoyed catching up after many months of lockdown.

There was a similar gathering in San Javier where the President enjoyed a meal with a small group

of members who live in Murcia region.

The group met at the Time Out Bar, which has always been a great supporter of the RBL. Despite being under new management, everyone was made welcome and introductions were made with a view to ensuring that the long association will continue.

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UPDATED MEASURES COVID 19 In force from Monday 26th April until Sunday 9th May 2021 EXTENDED MEASURES Border closure of Comunidad Valenciana

Graphic courtesy N332

BARS AND RESTAURANTS

SHOPS etc

Open until curfew 10pm Terraces 100%, Inside 30% Maximum of 6 people per table

The opening hours are extended until 10pm

Cultural Activities

Ceremonies and Celebrations (Weddings etc)

Curfew 10pm to 6am Maximum groups of 6 people in public spaces and groups of two households in homes and private spaces

Hours extended to 10pm for Restaurants, Bars and Shops The new de-escalation measures announced by the President of the Valencian Community, Ximo Puig, on Thursday evening, which will come into force on Monday 26 May, will see the extension of trading hours for Bars, restaurants and shops until 10pm This means an extension of the working day by four hours for such establishments, which, with the arrival of the better weather and the lighter evenings, would suggest increased trade for many such establishments. However, in the short term there are unlikely to be any more customers, so it is not yet clear whether the additional trading hours will result in additional income for the hospitality sector.

Many bar owners in the area have already said that they will not be extending their hours as, without an influx of tourists, they see no advantage to remaining open with all the additional costs they would incur.

However, the curfew will remain at 10pm so in reality trading will have to cease prior to the deadline in order to ensure that people can return home.

Initially, many hoteliers interpreted the relaxation to mean that they could continue serving until that time but the Generalitat has since confirmed that all customers must be back home by 10pm, the start of the curfew, so service will need to be concluded much earlier.

The restriction of night mobility occupied a large part of Thursday night’s debate, that lasted an hour and a half. However, it will remain at 10 pm even though the Ministry of Health wanted to extend it by one hour.

The closure of the Community border will also remain in place, but everything now indicates that will change from May 9, the date when the state of alarm will come to an end.

"This is the last fortnight before a new phase that we will enter on May 9, it is a time of hope," said Puig about the day when the regional perimeter will end. "It will be a different atmosphere," he said before adding that it will still depend on the situation with the

pandemic and the progress with vaccinations that will allow the borders to open.

The capacity in bars, shops and restaurants will remain the same, that is 100% on the terraces and 30% indoors, with tables of six.

Neither are there any changes in the meeting of non-cohabitating people, which is maintained in public areas at six.

However, the capacity for cultural activities such as theatres, cinemas and concert halls changes from 50% to 75%, a boost to a sector that insists that it is safe and that is also suffering the ravages of the economic crisis.

Civil and religious ceremonies and celebrations will also see their capacity increased from 30 to 50% .

The relaxation of the measures comes as the community continues to demonstrate an incidence of 40 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, a figure that is six times below the national average and well below the levels seen in other European countries, “the only one in Europe that is at Low risk”.

"We have done the hard work," said the head of the Consell in a form of congratulations to the Valencians "for their effort" because, he said, "all measures have consequences."

“But the pandemic is not over, it will only be when a high percentage of the population is vaccinated,” said Puig, insisting on the importance of the continued program. He did not give a percentage, nor did he mention the 70% that people talk of in achieving herd immunity, but he did speak of having all those over 60 years of age vaccinated by June.

The progress of the vaccination program is where our hopes lie for "the summer that we Valencians want, as normal as possible" for which he also asked assistance from European Union in both guaranteeing mobility and with the financing of diagnostic tests such as PCR, that are required for entry into EU countries.

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SPAIN DESPERATE TO WELCOME BACK BRITS Quote: 'We are desperate to welcome you this summer. I think we will be ready in Spain and think the vaccination programme in the UK is going pretty well' - Spain's tourism Minister Fernando Valdes

By Andrew Atkinson Spain's tourism Minister Fernando Valdes has discussed how vaccination passports and certifications would be key in revitalising tourism in Spain - hoping travel corridors could be set up with the UK - once both sides reach high levels of vaccinations.

"Safe travel would be the most important thing for Spanish tourism," said Valdes, who has been in discussions with the UK Government to introduce vaccine passports for summer holidays.

An update is expected by May 17 on a 'traffic light' system of countries designated either green, amber or red, with varying restrictions on travel accordingly.

Valdes said on the hope British travellers could head to Spain this summer: “We are desperate to welcome you this summer.

This is how she assesses the situation in which health workers are attempting to return to some sort of normality in health centres, although she also states that the face-to-face consultations "have never stopped, because we have made a titanic effort to keep them going throughout the pandemic."

But many professionals continue to reproach the Ministry of Health for not planning a de-escalation in Primary Care so that doctors are able to treat their patients in a much more appropriate way. “The workforce has not been strengthened at all, we have the same obsolete switchboards that we had before the pandemic, oversized quotas and staff shortges.”

"Once we reach a mutual agreement and we have been having constant conversations with UK authorities the certifications will help tourism from this summer."

Current regulations for holidays to Spain for residents of the UK it is illegal for any non-essential travel, set to be reviewed by the gov-

SUPPORT IN SPAIN In 2016 The British Consulate in Spain supported the commencement of an exciting Project called “Support in Spain”.

She continues by saying that, in certain centres, the delays to see a family doctor skyrocketed to 11, 12 or even 17 days.

"People do not complain because you can often solve their problem by phone, but to wait 17 days to see a doctor is still unacceptable.”

The Ministry of Health has now said, however, that throughout the month of May the health centres will recover, at least, 80% of the face-to-face activity. "The improvement of the epidemiological situation allows us to gradually open the face-to-face appointments for medical, nursing and paediatric personnel", said a spokesman for the department.

María Ángeles Medina continues to voice her concern though, stating that family doctors are seeing people with more serious pathologies and there are also more cases related to mental health: “There are patients who arrive with depression after having to close down their business, or because they have lost a relative with covid-19. These cases cannot be dealt with in three minutes and sometimes we need 30; We need the time to be able to give them the care they deserve, but with the schedules that we are having to maintain, it is impossible”, laments the doctor.

Orihuela PSOE denounces Urban Planning María García, PSOE spokesperson in Orihuela, has made public a series of photographs from across the whole of the municipality, the city, the districts, and the coast, showing how many areas have succumbed to the proliferation of plagues of rats and mosquitoes that threatens the health of the general public.

There were images too of the Orihuela industrial estate and it’s current state of abandonment, “with broken fencing, with rubbish, debris and refuse, much of which was left behind by the DANA over 18 months ago.

“It is not possible that the companies in our polygon are forced by the council to live in such conditions which are now also causing the appearance of insect and rodent pests”, she said.

She added that resident in many other parts of

Countries will be categorised on a traffic light system of green, amber or red which will state different levels of quarantine and testing before and after holiday travel.

"It is true that we have passed through some waves of this pandemic - but now I think we are ready because we do have vaccines.

T

According to María Ángeles Medina, the President of the Valencian Society of Family Medicine, "We are working at 200% and we are doing what we can, but if this situation goes on for much longer, I don't know how we will cope."

ernment in the next few weeks. The earliest date for foreign holidays to resume is May 17.

Valdes added on a coronovirus certificate programme: "I think the certification will certainly help us, since the beginning of the pandemic we have been trying to put in place different means to help safe tourism.

he low incidence of covid-19 in which the province of Alicante seems to have been for weeks is beginning to allow doctors and to gradually recover many of their face-to-face appointments that wre previously being carried out by telephone due to the virulence of the third wave.

Doctors consider that this figure is "unmanageable" and acknowledge that the overload they face in their day-to-day life is causing stress and anxiety for many of them.

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"I think we will be ready here in Spain - and we also think that the vaccination programme in the UK is going pretty well."

Family doctors attending to 90 appointments a day However, the accumulation of postponed consultations and the need to update pending agendas without even a single addition to the number of personnel means that some family doctors are attending up to 90 patients a day, especially in larger health centres, or those with an older population.

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Orihuela suffer from this same situation. “The councillor and members of the staff from Urban Planning, should step onto the street more often and listen to the complaints”.

She said that the abandonment of these places affects all citizens, and in this case many companies, due to the proliferation of mosquitoes and rats, as well as bad smells and dirt with which it is very difficult to live ”.

The purpose of this Project was to develop a website which would fully inform the Expat Community in Spain.

The idea was to eventually provide comprehensive information regarding the whole of Spain including all “not for profit” agencies, Government agencies/departments and any other source of appropriate support.

Not all areas of Spain are covered, however Costa Blanca South and Murcia/Costa Calida are currently under development.

Neil Hesketh is the Manager of the Support in Spain Project and has recently held Webinars for many interested organisations and Agencies, introducing them to the Website and it’s concept.

Available both in English and Spanish, the information on the website is useful for the Expat Community as well as any Spanish speaking professional who is unsure of relevant Agencies able to support clients/patients.

The “Menu” given on the “Home”

page is extensive giving excellent choice, together with a “Search” facility.

Neil explained that the Project was inclusive and welcomed anyone to advise them of additional/omitted content in order their Website be kept current.

Areas of Spain covered are Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, South Valencia, Almeria, Balearics, Canaries, Catalan coast, Murcia/Costa Calida.

It is well worth visiting the Website – www.supportinspain.info The Project anticipates eventually covering the whole of Spain.

Sandie Coates The Royal British Legion

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Musicial concert in Los The exorbitant price of water in San Miguel de Salinas Montesinos

Looking out over the Torrevieja Salinas

T

he average price of drinking water supplied to the residents of San Miguel de Salinas is 208% higher than the average across the 53 main cities in Spain, according to information revealed by the San Miguel Arcángel Neighborhood Association.

As such, the association has again approached the municipal council asking for a review of the rates for the supply of drinking water and sewerage due to the high price of the service in the municipality.

The average price of water is 208% higher than the average price of water across the country

but this percentage rises to 251% in the Las Filipinas Urbanisation where a different rate is applied.

A 2019 study by FACUAConsumidores en Acción on household water supply rates in 53 Spanish cities shows an average price for drinking water supply and sewerage of € 15.46 for a monthly consumption of 10 m?. In San Miguel de Salinas, according to the last approved rate, dating from 2015, the average price is 32.21 euros and in the urbanizations of Las Filipinas, in the same municipality, 38.9 euros.

The Collective has been asking for transparency from the local administration on the conditions of this service since 2013, but neither the previous PP government nor the current PSOE team has yet provided the information.

Eroski to close its Elche hypermarket It has finally been confirmed that Eroski will close its hypermarket in the L'Aljub Shopping Centre in Elche which will result in the redundancy of 49 people.

The Basque company justifies the decision due to losses.

By Andrew Atkinson Los Montesinos Mayor Jose Manuel Butron is at the forefront of a musical concert by the Vega Baja town children to help raise money for those who cannot afford instruments.

"All security measures will be met, the culture is safe. Our musicians need to play," Mayor Butron told The Leader.

The concert by the Agrupacion Musical Montesinos on May 9 will be staged outdoors in La Herrada urbanisation next to Dial Prix supermarket, commencing at 6pm.

"It is the first time they have performed a concert in La Herrada. You cannot miss this," said Mayor Butron.

The company has already informed the works council, with conditions for those employees to be discussed on 28 April.

The store has been experiencing sales below expectations for some time, as a result of which the talks of closure have been discussed for years.

It is thought that the closure will be completed be by July or August.

"All the musicians of the Los Montesinos musical group will be in attendance.

A raffle will be held at the end, with money raised by going towards purchasing instruments for the children who cannot afford a clarinet, horn, flute, etc.," said Mayor Butron.

BBVA to lay off 3,798 employees and close 530 branches The Catalan bank, BBVA, has announced that it will be laying off 3,798 staff and the closing 530 offices as it develops it’s business to better deal with the digital transformation.

A spokesman for the bank said that it was hoped that all of the redundancies could be achieved through voluntary departures and early retirement.

The announcement was made to the press following discussions with Trade Unions.

The plan will be applied specifically to the central services and the branch network of BBVA SA, which has around 23,300 employees, leaving out the rest of the entity's companies in Spain.

The board considers that in order to guarantee its competitiveness and the sustainability of employment in the future, it is "essential" to continue working even more decisively to reduce its cost structure.

By provinces, the closure of 14 branches in the Canary Islands has been put on the table; 204 from Catalonia; 101 from the center (Madrid and

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Casaverde pays tribute to 101-year-old Maruja Campos The Casaverde Group paid tribute to Maruja Campos, a resident of its Casaverde Centre in Guardamar del Segura, who turned 101 on Thursday 22 April.

A spokesman for the home said that Maruja is still full of vitality, enthusiasm and sympathy. She is an example of life for everyone around her, colleagues and staff, and for her family members, including her two children of whom she is so proud.

Castilla-La Mancha); 35 from the east coast (Valencian Community, Balearic Islands and Murcia); 59 from the northwest (Galicia, Asturias, Castilla y León); 41 from the north (Euskadi, Cantabria, Navarra, La Rioja and Aragón); and 76 from the southern zone (Andalusia, Extremadura, Ceuta and Melilla).

SAT ANIMAL RESCUE B´Lolo is an 8 year old Beagle who loves the company of other dogs and people.

Coincidentally, the centre director Víctor Pérez, celebrated his own birthday on the following day.

We send out congratulations to both of them, and to all the elderly in nursing homes, who have been a great example to all of us in showing how to adapt to the current pandemic. https://www.casaverdemayores.com/

For more info please contact 966710047 (leave a message) or email info@satanimalrescue.com

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Valencia Tourism asks for UK Corridor King to visit Alicante King Felipe VI will be in Alicante next Thursday where he will be presenting the Research Prize of the Princess of Girona Foundation, according to the city 's mayor, Luis Barcala.

The monarch will attend the event that will take place at the Las Cigarreras Cultural Complex on Thursday, 29 April. “His presence in Alicante is a true honour for the city," said the mayor. "We have a great King of whom we are enormously proud," said Barcala, who adds that he is very "excited and very grateful" for the confirmation from the Royal Household that the king will attend.

“The last visit of His Majesty to the city was on January 18, 2019 on the occasion of the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Valencian Business Confed.

The regional secretary of Tourism, Francesc Colomer, held a video conference with the UK consul, Sarah Jane Morris, on Wednesday during which he demanded that the Valencian Community in general, and the Costa Blanca in particular, receive special treatment, in much the same way as already happens with the Balearic and Canary Islands, when dealing with the requirements governing the travel of British tourists from the 17th of May.

the system considers the date in each region, as is currently the case in the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands.

The province of Alicante, which prior to the pandemic received three million British tourists every year, also has 70,000 British residents and, right now, it also boasts the very lowest contagion rates in Spain, currently presenting an incidence of 28.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, while in the Balearic Islands it is 62, and in the Canary Islands 137.

For example, the province of Alicante has 28.5 cases and the Valencian Community 40 cases, while the Balearic Islands report 62 and the Canary Islands 137.

The objective now, according to Turisme, is that in setting the colours of the traffic lights, “that they do not gauge us simply by the indices across the whole of Spain, but that

In short, data from other communities should not penalise the good sanitary conditions in the Community of Valencia.

The Hosbec hotel association has created a new information system which it sends out to tour operators every week showing the good data in the Community.

“The objective is to provide you with information, and we have also asked that the United Kingdom consider us as if we were islands when establishing the prevention against covid and not apply the classification of Spain to us. With the islands they have their own scale, ”said Nuria Montes, the General Secretary of Hosbec. “We have done a good sanitary job for which we must be rewarded.”

Benidorm plans to suspend the beach service for another month The Benidorm City Council will debate in the plenary session on Monday the suspension of the Beaches service for another month.

RA, the concessionaire, will maintain the minimum services but will not be charged a fee for the rental of sunbeds and umbrellas.

The reason is none other than the lack of tourists due to the restrictions of the pandemic, which ensures empty beaches which are not profitable for the company.

This decision would extend the measure already approved for March and April. Now, it is planned to extend it for one more month, waiting for mobility to be relaxed so that tourists can be welcomed into the city once again.

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CULTURAL PROGRAM WITH WORKSHOPS FOR ORIHUELA COSTA CHILDREN Mar Ezcurra, the Orihuela Councillor for Culture and Youth, has presented an ambitious program for children that will be developed for the first time at the Alameda del Mar Civic Centre, in Orihuela Costa.

It is a program similar to the one that is held quarterly at the María Moliner Library in Orihuela and which includes workshops, storytelling and children’s theatre.

"The program began last Thursday, April 22 at 6:00 p.m. with a crafts workshop and will now continue every Tuesday and Thursday, without interruption, until next July," The workshops, storytelling and theatres are designed to also cater to English-speaking children.

The activities presented by the Councillor, are completely free and strictly comply with all sanitary measures. As such the capacity is reduced to 20 people who will be allowed into the room in order of arrival.

"We have organized expressive painting workshops, watercolors, recycling, poetry, as well as storytelling in various languages, so that the children can enjoy a culture that is specifically adapted to them," said Mar Ezcurra, who thanked the Department of Social Welfare that has allowed the rooms to be able to carry out these cultural activities.

ORIHUELA MUNICIPAL CULTURAL ACTIVITIES WEEK COMMENCING 25 APRIL Venues in Orihuela and on the Orihuela Costa

Till 27 June Literature Exhibition - “María Zambrano. La aurora del pensamiento”. (The dawn of thought).

"We intend to carry out this children's cultural program continuously throughout the year and for this reason, we present today the activities planned for this first quarter, hoping that they will be well accepted and become a fixed commitment for the boys and girls of the coast", the Councilor said.

The entire program can be found in PDF form at www.theleader.info and also on the website of the Department of Culture culturaorihuela.com and through the social networks @culturaorihuela and @orihuelajoven.

Saturday 1 May, 7pm. The Orihuela Symphony Orchestra tribute concert to Miguel Hernández, Playa Flamenca Espanade. The concert will feature works by Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Holst, Ricard Meyer and Kalinnikov.

THEATRE Friday 7 May, 9.30pm “Imbécil. Midiendo las palabras”, con Alex O´Dogherty. Monólogo. Teatro Circo, Orihuela

Exhibition Rooms Miguel Hernández. Rincón Hernandiano.

28 April, Wednesday – 7.15pm

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN IN ORIHUELA

Poetry - Encounters with poetry. Rosa Cuadrado.

Saturday, May 8 - ‘Musical Graphics'

Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner. Orihuela.

Musical products will be made from plastic and cardboard waste, demonstrating the commitment to reducing pollution.

10am in the courtyard of the Orihuela Youth House

29 April, Thursday – 7.30 pm Literature - Presentation of the magazine El Gallo Crisis (1934-1935).

Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner. Orihuela.

ORIHUELA COSTA ACTIVITIES DESIGNED FOR ENGLISH SPEAKING CHILDREN

5 May, Wednesday - 7.15pm

Venue: Centro Cívico, Alameda Del Mar

Poetry - Encounters with Poetry - Juana J. Marín Saura.

Tuesday 27 April, 6pm Story and Workshop, The House That Jack Built, Demetrio Aldeguer Aldeguer

Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner. Orihuela.

11 May, Tuesday – 7.30pm

Thursday 29 April, 6pm. Workshop, Introduction to Watercolours with Elisa martinez

Literature - Presentation of the book “Ramón Sijé. From journalism to essays by José Antonio Sáez Fernández.

Tuesday 4 May, 6pm. Story and Workshop. Knock, Knock. Who's There?, Demetrio Aldeguer Aldeguer

Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner.

Thursday 6 May, 6pm Workshop. Zine Making. Self-Edit Workshop (magazine, fanzine). Susana Delgado

MUSIC

Tuesday 11 May, 6pm. Storytelling. Stories for two people. Caoz (Carlos Ortiz) and Romina Benito

Saturday 1 May, 7.30pm. La noche sabinera, con Pancho Varona y Mara Barrrios. Teatro Circo

Thursday 13 May, 6pm. Workshop. A day in history Events and Animation.

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Michael D is the man for Me!

I

watched our president being interviewed by Ryan Tubridy on the occasion of his 80th birthday. I was, and not for the first time, struck by what an exceptional man is An T-Uachtaran. As a nation we can be so proud of our head of state.

What extraordinary sharpness, intellect and enthusiasm does President Higgins possess and what a wonderful conversationist he is. The abiding lesson that came out of Friday’s Late Late Show, was a message for that blind brigade who insist that ‘old fogies’ should be thrown on the scrap heap as soon as they reach ‘pensionable age.’ We wrote in a previous column about the notable percentage of Japanese people who are living to be over a hundred simply because they do not ‘retire.’

A certain individual, who shall be nameless, has expressed the opinion, in my company, that the over 70s should be the last ones scheduled for Covid vaccine. His theory is that retired people can stay safe at home, whilst the younger population gets vaccinated in order to drive the economy and keep the country moving. Like I say, it wouldn’t be fair to name him here: Suffice to say that he is wrong and such comments may well affect his inheritance.

‘Age is honourable’, they tell us; but there are those who would like to add the proviso, ‘but just sit there in your corner and stay quiet!’ Just think of all the know-how that would be left sitting unused in that corner?

Ageism is a relatively modern phenomenon. Down through thousands of years, and in all cultures, it was the elders who were consulted when important decisions had to be made. With life expectancy increasing dramatically there is more collective wisdom retained and it is more important than ever that seniors remain at the helm.

Septuagenarians of both genders are possessed with the wisdom of their age. This, coupled with the fact that older people are in better shape than ever before means we are of both sounder mind and body!

Why are so many people reluctant to admit their age after they

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reach a certain milestone? Have we been cowed into feeling ashamed of getting old? Isn’t how far we have come something we should be boasting about? The beauty of reaching say, seventy, is that you are whatever you are ever going to be. Everyone knows what you are like (Ah Lads … please shut up!) and you don’t have to ever pretend, nor do you have to prove yourself anymore. And another thing, Lads, the over-seventies don’t give two hoots what anybody may say about them!

The most successful corporations in the world are not headed by young whizz-kids, but by mature CEOs who are battle hardened from navigating the jungle of business life.

What about the great world leaders? President Higgins may not qualify as a world leader, but he leads from the front of the nation that is behind him. President Biden is 77. Mr Biden says that all of his life’s hard work, its trials and tribulations, was all necessary preparation for the job he has to do today.

Queen Elizabeth is 95. What an inspirational monarch she has been – and continues to be for the British people. The queen may be regarded as only a figurehead by many, but the manner in how she has handled her role - especially in recent years, is one of the greatest examples of the benefits of nobody being forced into retirement.

She puts in a daily workload that would exhaust somebody half that age.

Pope Francis is 84. When he is not travelling he puts in up to sixteen hours a day at his workplace. Not bad for a man who is twenty years past the Irish retirement age!

Mahathir Mohamad stepped down as Malaysia’s prime minister last year at the age of 94 and Bounnhang Vorachith, the president of Laos is a mere 83 years of age.

And there are those who might raise their eye-brows at the idea of someone of my vintage thinking of running a country pub! - But I’ll take my cue from Joe and Michael D! Don’t Forget A good example has twice the value of good advice.

I did hear in the last few days that Cuba’s Raul Castro, is stepping back to lighter duties. That just means he will only be making the important decisions! Raul is in his 90th year … and maybe he wants to take up a bit of golf or something!

Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com

The President of Cameroon, Paul Biya (yes, Lads, I did have to Google this one – and the following two presidents as well!) is 87.

But do you remember Roger Milla playing for Cameroon in the 1994 World Cup, at the age of 42? (I didn’t have to look that one up!)

Bernie has published four books; ‘If Ever a Man Suffered’, ‘The Best of Bernie’, ‘The Team’, and ‘Just Between Ourselves’.

Bernie’s books are available at half price, on sale from either Spanish Solutions or ‘The Leader.’ Call 637 227 385 for info.

*Author, entrepreneur and newspaper columnist, Bernie Comaskey, now spends most of his time on a farm in Ireland; but he retains his strong links with the Costa Blanca.

GARDEN FELIX......Marguerite Daisy flowering from late spring until early autumn T

he Marguerite Daisy are excellent long blooming plants, that bloom freely, flowering heavily from late spring until early autumn.

Popular for their spectacular show of delicate showy daisy-like flower - that make great cut flowers for a summer bouquet.

They typically produce white very fragrant flowers, along with yellow or pink flower heads that will attract bees, butterflies and pollinators into your garden.

This shrubby perennial Canary Islands native is also known as the Canary margueri.

Water regular during the growing seasons, and you may need to increase the frequency during the dry summer months.

Be careful of overwatering, as too much water increases the plant’s susceptibility to root rot, mildew and mold.

Marguerite plants may require a monthly application of all-purpose liquid fertilizer, if planted in containers.

The beautiful marguerite daisies are not too fussy when it comes to soil, providing it has good drainage.

Marguerite daisies love the sun and thrive under full sun, but the optimal growing conditions are under cooler temperatures.

To encourage a compact growth, pinch out the tips when they begin appearing in early spring. After seasonal blooming, deadhead and prune back dying flowers and foliage.

They may stop flowering when summer temperatures rise above 70° F, so plant wisely.

Propagtion is by either taking cuttings, or division of the plant in spring to mid-summer time.

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AVOCA want upgrading of Orihuela Costa Centro Salud Car Parking Prolonged inaction by Orihuela Department of infrastructures heavily criticised

T

he plot of land adjacent to the Orihuela Costa Centro Salud is the only area where visitors to the centre, many of them old, infirm, and suffering from mobility problems, are able to park their vehicles off-road, but unfortunately, it’s appalling condition is just another example of the contempt in which the Orihuela City Council, particularly the Councillor responsible for Infrastructure, holds the residents of the coast.

The site, adjacent to the centre, would accommodate 30 or more vehicles but, despite regular promises to local resident associations, the council continues to sit on it’s hands, in recent weeks failing to respond to even more neighbourhood appeals.

Currently, many visitors driving onto the site scrape the underbody and exhausts of their cars on a raised stretch of paving, of which the council is all too aware, while the car park itself is composed of nothing more than dry earth, subject to flooding

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Mosquito invasion finally tackled by Orihuela Council

in even moderate rainfall.

According to local experts the materials needed to overhaul the car park would cost around 1,000 euros, a minimal amount that would make such a valuable contribution to the convenience of both local residents and the many dozens of people who attend the Medical Centre on a daily basis.

Currently, due to the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, the number of users has skyrocketed, so it is more urgent than ever for the Department of infrastructures to carry out the work that was requested over 3 months ago, simply consisting of spreading a layer of gravel on the ground.

Unfortunately the local Association AVOCA said that “As with all the letters we send to this council department, we have received no reply.”

It is difficult for the users of this car park to understand the Department of infrastructures failure to act in the face of such an urgent requirement, many of whom are being forced to park their vehicles much too far away.

Following recent rains the Department of the Environment is intensifying treatments as they try to prevent the spread of mosquitoes throughout the municipality. The mild temperatures, together with the rains, shorten the biological cycle of mosquitoes, causing massive hatching to occur.

“The larvicide treatments are being carried out both in the drains across the old town and dis-

Death following lightning strike in Fuente Álamo A man has died after being struck by lightning while working in the fields at Fuente

PAGE 11

tricts, as well as in areas that have been flooded.

The councillor, Dámaso Aparicio, explained that he first thing that is being dealt with are "those places in the municipality with recurrent stagnation of water, especially around the Segura River, as well as in those areas that become a refuge for the adult mosquito and that affect nuclei urban or populated areas ”.

Although dates are not fixed, treatments will be carried out every fifteen days through to September The Councilor has called for "greater collaboration from the Generalitat Valenciana to carry out this type of action." Of the total cost, Orihuela has only received 700 euros from the Valencian government, while 18,000 euros is provided by the Alicante Provincial Council and the City Council will pay the remaining 71,775 euros.

If you have a problem in your area with a high number of mosquitoes, you are asked to email: medioambiente@orihuela.es In your email please try to provide the location information (street name, etc.), and whether or not they are adult mosquitoes, or larvae in stagnant water, so that the technicians know which kind of treatment to carry out.

The Town Hall CANNOT act in private property, only in public areas.

Álamo. Emergency health services were unable to save the agricultural worker who died after being struck by lightning on a farm in Balsapintada, Fuente Álamo.

The 112 Emergency Coordination Centre received a call from his work col-

leagues on Wednesday afternoon. A medicalised ambulance immediately went to the scene with health personnel from the Urgency and Health Emergencies Management but on their arrival the 45 year old male was found to be dead.

PAGE 12

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T

his week marks a year since I started my ‘Bit In The Middle’ radio show with Fresh Radio and wow has the year just flown.

I remember the panic of trying to get all of my equipment set up from home, how was I going to be able to manage it with the 3 children home from school, around the normal chaos of screams, fighting and falling out.

I worked in radio for 10 years between Tenerife and the Costa Blanca and back then I simply walked into a readymade studio where all of the technical work was already taken care of. I just had to sit down and chat to the world through a microphone.

I must admit that I’m quite proud of myself, a year on and I haven’t broken anything. I’ve learned a lot in having to work from home and learned a lot about myself too.

Monday 26th April - Sunday 2nd May, 2021

It’s funny how sometimes you end up in professions you would’ve never seen yourself in as a child, although I do admit that I was one of those kids who sat in my bedroom pretending to play music and be the D.J, always loved music, but like that would’ve never seen myself working in radio or loving it as much as I do.

Pretty much the same applies with singing, which I’ve also ended up doing on a professional basis for 24 years now.

As a child, watching my mother leave the house every weekend to go to work, I always said that I would never end up doing that and in one sense, here I am. Obviously here in Ireland, I’m not currently leaving the house to gig, but do it via Facebook instead. All of which I love and wouldn’t change it for the world.

The support that I receive is phenomenal and

Judging at a Bushwacka X Factor Competition with Jaimie, Che and Nikki G back in 2009

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keeps me going.

The days of Exite Radio were fun, based in The Leader offices and the amount of guests that walked through the doors for their chats always brought a smile to our faces.

The amount of football, boxing matches, concerts or ladies’ nights that I attended all for a good story or interview I will never forget, also being a big bad judge in talent competitions.

Dressing up the studio overlooking La Zenia roundabout every Christmas was my highlight. That’s the only downside to working from home at the moment; I don’t get to physically interact with work colleagues, which I’m sure a lot of people would be more than happy to be complaining about the opposite.

It’s always the same when you’re in a different situation than that of your own.

I am a big believer of having a positive mental attitude and

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always looking ahead and that’s what is definitely getting me through all of this madness.

Bigger and better times have yet to come, when the world fully opens up and the sound of laughter and fun echoes all around us again.

Bring it on as I am so ready for it now.

Have a lovely week x

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S

D L O

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

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HOPI EAR CANDLING WITH BODY HARMONY Thermo-Auricular therapy

(Hopi Ear Candles) What are Hopi Candles?

Hopi Ear Candles are hollow tubes made of cotton, soaked in beeswax, honey and herbs. When lit, the candle acts like a chimney, causing warm air inside it to rise and creating a vacuum at the bottom.

This vacuum gently stimulates the ear, facilitating removal of excess wax and impurities It is important to note that the candle does not suck wax out of the ear. It stimulates the ear to eliminate the wax naturally, ensuring maximum safety.

How are the candles used?

The treatment should be carried out in a relaxed, draught free atmosphere and the patient should lie in a comfortable position on his/her side with their head supported on a pillow.

A small cotton towel should cover the hair.

The lit candle is inserted into the outer ear and the flame is allowed to burn down to within a short distance of the marked red line, when the candle is then removed gently and extinguished in some water.

The practitioner then massages gently around the ear, using draining movements towards the neck.

The procedure is repeated on the other ear, and then the patient lies on his/her back for a gentle drainage massage on the face.

It is then important for the patient to have a drink of water and lie still for at least 10 minutes before he/she stands up

What are the benefits?

Hopi candles can be used for many conditions including deafness caused by excess wax, congested sinuses, irritation in the ears, ringing or noises in the ears, helps with tinnitus, glue ear, colds, flu, headaches and migraines.

As their action is so gentle, this treatment is particularly suitable for children

What are the effects?

In most cases the treatment is extremely soothing and relaxing, leaving the patient with a sense of well-being and reduced pressure in the ears or head. A little warmth is felt, and hissing and crackling noises are heard, with a little popping.

Most people say that it is a very pleasant experience!

The initial effect can be an improvement in hearing or freer nasal breathing and an improved sense of smell. However, improvements can continue occurring for a day or two.

components ..e.g. beeswax

If you would like to book an appointment or receive any further

Safety I use BIOSUN Ear Candles which are medical products Class IIa according to medical device directive 93/42/EEC, and are regularly tested by independent institutes.

You can therefore be confident that the candles are made of the highes quality and safety standards.

When should candles not be used?

Use of the candles is contra-indicated if: *The ear drum is perforated …...(perforated ear drums can heal up) *Grommets are in places *The ear is infected *The patient is allergic to any of the candles

details of treatments or courses, then please contact Christine Quinlan at Body Harmony Telephone number: 966 795 103 Email: bodyharmony44@gmail.com The website is

COURSE IN HOPI EAR CANDLING

bodyharmonytherapies.co.uk.

Body Harmony offers a one day course in learning Hopi Ear Candling which will enable you to offer treatments to others.

IS BASED IN LA MARINA

With this course you will get a certificate, and a comprehensive manual.

See our advert across the page

BODY HARMONY

WALKING FOR HEALTH - Walking is free and easy

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ockdown and encouragement to take more exercise has meant more people taking up walking, not least because it is free, easy to do and a great way to improve health and fitness.

You don’t need to spend lots of money joining a gym or on expensive equipment - all you need to get started is a pair of trainers and off you go!

It’s also a great way to explore your local area and there are plenty of attractive places to walk in towns and cities as well as in the countryside. A bonus is that it’s a social exercise you can walk in a group, or with your friends or family.

Anyone can do it, anywhere and at any time, and it’s easy to fit into your daily life. Even if you’re unfit, you can start slowly and build up gradually.

Britain’s walking charity The Ramblers launched an initiative called ‘Walking for Health’ to encourage more people to get and stay active through walking, including people with health conditions. You can find out more at www.walkingforhealth.org.uk Ramblers' Recommendations To stay comfortable and enjoy yourself, The Ramblers recommend: * Comfortable clothes and sturdy, well-fitting shoes or trainers that won’t cause blisters. Lightweight walking boots

give your ankles better support, important if you’re walking on rough paths and up and down a lot of hills, and are necessary for rougher conditions, particularly mountainous areas. * Several thin layers of clothing which can be taken off as you warm up or added if you get cold. Some trousers that are comfortable in everyday use can rub painfully once you’ve walked in them for half an hour. * A good jacket and a hat to protect you from the sun as well as sun cream and water, plus food if you are going on a longer walk. Try to drink regularly, rather than waiting till you’re very thirsty. Doctors say you need at least two litres of water a day, more if you’re particularly active. But remember to stick to healthy eating rules by eating fresh fruit rather than sugary bars for energy, although sugary snacks are useful as an emergency standby * A small backpack is more comfortable to walk with than an ordinary bag and can hold all your essentials - mobile phone, map or guide, and a pass or change for public transport.

Once you’re walking more regularly you might want to invest in some special clothing, such as a proper waterproof jacket for those overcast or wet days and some walking shoes.

And if you’re going further into the countryside, particularly hilly areas in bad weather, you will need to think more carefully about clothing and equipment to stay safe and comfortable.

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For the messy grazes, cuts, scrapes of daily childhood life, just clean carefully with warm water to which you add a dash of calendula tincture, then soothe calendula ointment over them and cover with a plaster.

Calendula not only calms pain and inflammation and speeds healing, but it also counters infection - so you can also use it for minor cuts, or wounds that turn nasty.

Production of New Cells....

Comfrey is another amazing healing plant it reduces pain and swelling rapidly.

How does it work? Well, scientists finally figured out that a compound in comfrey called allantoin is the healer; it actually speeds healing by encouraging the production of new cells.

Use comfrey ointment for nasty grazes but clean them thoroughly first, because the healing action of this wonder plant is so rapid that pus or dirt might become trapped inside.

Comfrey can also be very effective for wounds that are slow to heal, such as bedsores. Not for nothing, incidentally, was comfrey once nicknamed 'bruise wort' by country people: it's a wonderful remedy for bruises. Apply the gel or ointment as soon as possible.

THOSE DAMNED SPOTS Cuts. scrapes, grazes, sores, burns and scalds are the commonest reason for raiding the firstaid cabinet.

But you can't beat herbal remedies for fast relief and healing.

T

here are so many fantastic healing herbs that you could be stumped for choice. My own personal favourite is marigold, the hot-orange flower with the floppy pale green leaves, usually sold as calendula.

The Swiss Mountain Flower Arnica Another excellent remedy for bruises is the lovely Swiss mountain flower arnica.

I'm never without both the ointment and the tincture, and in my family we get through industrial quantities of both. Nothing seems to faze it.

Apply the tincture - which should be diluted one part to five of water - or else use a ready-made ointment or gel from the health-food shop.

When my daughters had their ears pierced, I didn't bother with surgical spirit when the new holes became infected, as they always seem to do: I just applied a dot of pale yellow calendula ointment.

Hey, presto! Instant pain relief and almost instant healing.

(Caution: Arnica should never be applied where the skin is broken, and don't take it internally.)

Yet another great skin-healing agent is tea-tree oil, from Australia, one of the rare essential oils that can be applied irect to the skin.

The common antiseptic Dettol was based on this oil, which is effective against viruses, bacteria and fungal infections alike.

It doesn't sting, it eases pain and it boosts local circulation to speed healing. Wash cuts or sores then apply neat tea-tree oil.

Very rarely, ultra-sensitive skin may become irritated by it, however.

A friend rang me to say that her mother was deeply depressed because the wounds left after a mastectomy operation were refusing to heal.

The hospital had tried everything. I suggested she asked her nearest health-food store for a tube of ManukaCare 18, specially sterilised for hospital use.

Manuka is a New Zealand plant and the bees feasting on its pollen produce a honey with extraordinary antibacterial powers.

ManukaCare 18 - a specially sterilised form for medical purposes - certainly worked for my friend's mother.

Manuka honey is increasingly being used in hospitals to treat badly infected ulcers, mastectomy wounds and bedsores resistant to antibiotics.

It is even proving effective against the dreaded superbug..

Here s an idea for you ..........

Hard knocks can produce painful bruises, which show up as blood rushes to the site under the skin. To relieve the pain fast, apply ice-cold compresses of distilled witch hazel, renewing them until the pain has subsided.

Witch hazel is a North American shrub, and the distilled preparation is on sale cheaply at any pharmacia.

I find it an essential herb and keep a bottle cold in the fridge.

NEXT WEEK - SCRATCHING THAT IRRITABLE ITCH.

PAGE 16

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 863

ACROSS 1.

Bury (5) 4.

Admit (7) 8.

Concerned (7) 9.

Damp (5) 10. Choose (4) 11. Humiliation (4-4) 13. Attention (4) 14. Gala (4) 16. Stiffness (8) 17. Suspend (4) 20. Vigilant (5) 21. Fancy (7) 22. Lift up (7) 23. Handle (5) CAN YOU MASTER THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE? Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

Solution on Page 23

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

12.

13.

15.

18.

19.

Unsuitable (13) Poisonous (5) Chamber (4) Habit (6) Counted (8) Incident (7) Be censorious (3,2,8) Blood-feud (8) Cleanliness (7) Hit (6) Analogous (5) Final (4)

QUICK ACROSS: 3 Testimony; 8 Earn; 9 Assistant; 10 Income; 11 Henna; 14 Allot; 15 Sure; 16 Young; 18 Lend; 20 Abode; 21 Texas; 24 Hearse; 25 Hilarious; 26 Epic; 27 Unclouded.

DOWN: 1 Desirable; 2 Truculent; 4 Ease; 5 Tribe; 6 Matins; 7 Nuns; 9 Amity; 11 Hours; 12 Autograph; 13 Reverence; 17 Games; 19 Detail; 22 Adieu; 23 Sign; 24 Huge.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 3 Space-suit; 8 Rite; 9 Mouse-trap; 10 Viewed; 11 Wears; 14 Dowse; 15 Stir; 16 Dream; 18 Nose; 20 Aimed; 21 Essay; 24 Posers; 25 Numerator; 26 Lena; 27 Seventeen.

DOWN: 1 Providing; 2 Otherwise; 4 Prod; 5 Caste; 6 Sitars; 7 Ivan; 9 Mewed; 11 Weedy; 12 Stampedes; 13 Tradesman; 17 Major; 19 Essene; 22 Apart; 23 Luce; 24 Pole.

ACROSS 1. Uninterested, having been brought up without love (5) 4. Indeed the police made up their minds (7) 8. Graduate writes about the awful mogul's back pain (7) 9. Pulsate in a bathrobe (5) 10. Overfill with teas, perhaps (4) 11. Crop said to be intermittent (8) 13. Returning American politician finds a cesspool (4) 14. Experts employed in court battles (4) 16. Moved set piles of letters (8) 17. Man you write lies about? (4) 20. He has clubs in his hand (5) 21. Tease people in harmful act (7) 22. A new thing, i.e. something that isn't worn out (7) 23. He might break out (5)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. A novel, a singer and a best picture winning Oscar film. Two words.

2. Which Russian word beginning with the letter B means great or large?

3. Name the three films that have won the Oscar for best picture with a city in the film title.

4. Which country with a land mass of 9.6 million square kilometres has just one time zone?

5. Where in the human body is the LUNULA located?

6. What kind of storm is an HABOOB? 7. The car in the Knightrider series was called KITT. What does this acronymn stand for?

8. With the exception of The Sound Of Music (the original soundtrack), only three bands or singers had a number one album in the UK charts in 1965. Can you name the bands or singers?

9. What is the English equivalent of the Welsh word "Popty Ping"?

10. The following words are from songs with the word 'My' in the song title. Can you name the song? a. That's me in the corner, that's me in the spotlight, b. His welfare is my concern, no burden is he to bear, c. Good evening and welcome to Slaggers featuring Dennis O'Bell, d. Though I'm dressed in rags I'll wear sable someday, e. She ain't got no money and

DOWN 1. Flasher disturbing Isabel on beach (7,6) 2. Send back the stopwatch (5) 3. It's not cheap, darling (4) 4. Flags like a doctor with a love for operations (6) 5. A waterfall you can't see clearly through (8) 6. Mocks Mr. O'Connor who has dire trouble (7) 7. One owing money includes a prayer for his adversary (4,9) 12. Stay with them, maybe, and find a gemstone (8) 13. Do dish gin around (7) 15. The tender trap? (6) 18. Polished boat parts up (5) 19. Shakespeare's return is dull (4)

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 3 ) her clothes are kinda funny f. Tom cat you know where it's at, come on let's go to my flat 11. One of the most expensive paintings ever sold is titled 'No 5, 1948'.

Who painted it?

12. Since 1992, in which country have the most journalists been killed?

13. Which music commemorates the Battle of Borodino?

14. The animal "Struthio camelus", which can grow to nine feet (2.7 metres) tall, can be trained to successfully herd sheep. What is the more common name of this animal?

15. According to the most famous legend, what was the last song played by the band aboard the Titanic?

16. Name the three seas that surround North and South Korea.

17. What is the name of the pan in which one makes paella?

18. After his retirement from public office the book of which famous Brit was moved to the crime section in bookshops across the country?

19. Which male tennis player lost a record four US Open singles finals in 1976, 78, 80 and 81?

20. The flag of which country: Fourteen alternating red and white stripes along the fly and a blue canton bearing a crescent and a 14-point star.

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POETS CORNER

The ITV?

One of the reasons quoted was because the tiny camera obscured the number plate!!!

T

here are two country’s we have lived in which have totally different attitudes. One, when people are put out of their comfort zone they will write to newspapers and scream to their Member of Parliament who will try to get the matter raised at Government level. The other where people shrug their shoulders and move on with life.

I watch the news in horror So much hate in this sad world Pointless stabbings, daily murder Demo's rife with bottles hurled

After living in Spain for more than two decades one would have thought we are embroiled in its different ways, especially red days.

Children starving, drinking water Only fit to throw away People fleeing from their countries As they're so afraid to stay

This is when towns, also cities have their own celebration to follow an event in the past and all businesses and sometimes this includes restaurants and bars, close for a day. That is what makes the country so wonderfully relaxed because its way of life and its history is important and has not changed over time.

For some while, we had been searching for an item without success, however we knew of a shop about thirty miles away with the possibility they would stock it. It was a Monday. A poor miserable day so instead of being indoors looking at the rain thundering down it seemed a great idea to sit in the warmth of the car and make the journey.

I imagine by now the reader has guessed, it was a red day in that town when we arrived, and the place was closed and well locked up.

Ninety kilometres return but after a while the rhythm of the windscreen wipers is interesting.

In the uncluttered roads of the countryside, individuals and groups of cyclists pound the road in their desire to keep fit, slim and some not so slim in colourful Lycra clad characters with their heads down over the handlebars, feet twirling around on the pedals pushing them forward.

Groups ride in pairs and legally do so, it is a little hard luck if you are trapped behind them, there is very little one can do except wait until there is room to safely pass.

Race days when large groups of cyclists chase their way around the country. The Guardia on motorcycles are busy paving the way for them, closing exit and access to side roads so the participants can safely continue their journey at speed, while bringing the area to a standstill.

In a big race that can take hours. There is nothing one can do but amuse yourself and wait until the road has returned to normal and the colourful display vanishes into the distance.

Yes we have been unlucky a few times, while the Spanish continue their way of life, and so be it we are very happy to share their country with them – with the exception when one can get exasperated and that is being served in a shop and they have taken your credit card and then the telephone rings, now you are almost non existent as the server pursues the conversation.

Politicians making promises We know they cannot keep Putting pressure on the poor Who don't have anywhere to sleep paranoid about it, and hope it is not true.

Let me explain. It was eight years ago when I bought our latest car, in that period it has had an ITV as and when it is due. It was a requirement to have it tested again this week. No change to the cars fittings as they have been in all the other tests.

We were surprised when it failed. This is why I question whether we are being treated differently?

As it is possible to see in the picture, one of the failures was because the tiny rear camera impeded the number plate. It doesn’t!

It did not stop there. It was also failed because the front and rear side light bulbs, although they worked they were of the wrong type because they had been changed, for extra brightness and safety to LED bulbs, however they do not match the cars original specification.

Otherwise the car was perfect!

There is a nasty money expenditure to this unnecessary exercise, each bulb has a sum of money attached to replace them. The biggest problem is the small rear view camera.

It is part a harness which travels through the car behind the panelling to a screen at the dashboard where it can be viewed. To move the camera is out of the question as it would mean changing the harness.

To resolve the situation, we have unscrewed the number plate and lowered it – hopefully this will be accepted.

Taking into account travelling to and from the ITV station (90 kilometres as we live the mountains) also the other work and time the final account will be in excess of one hundred Euros.

The Spanish always neatly dressed, and time is a commodity to be used not adhered to.

Unfortunately, I do not have an MP to write to! Nonetheless, we love living here and it is possible over time to get used the Spanish ways.

I cannot help but feel that Brexit has a made a difference to the way officialdom treats the English speaking residents, perhaps I am a little

Facebook.com/percy chattey - All Percy’s books and writings are available on Amazon and Kindle

Steve’s Brave the Shave Whilst in lockdown last year, I was inspired by Captain Tom Moore's phenomenal Zimmer frame marathon, which became the catalyst for me to do my bit for a worthy cause.

So, I've decided to raise money for Alzheimer's Society UK, by not having a shave or getting my hair cut for over a year, when the whole lot will be hopefully painlessly removed!!

Nobody Listens!

Litter louts defacing parkland Are they just like that indoors So much plastic in the oceans Dead sea creatures on the shores Acts of cruelty to animals That make your stomach churn Will the world one day stop spinning As it seems we never learn How I wish we'd pull together And create a better land But I fear nobody listens With their heads stuck in the sand.

By David Whitney - Torrevieja, c2021

If you would like to see your poem featured in this column send to: office@theleader.info

should be sent to my JustGiving page (www.JustGiving.com/ fundraising/STEPHEN-HIBBERD3), or given to me in person.

My mother succumbed to this dreadful illness 3

In addition to sponsorship monies

years ago, which is why this chosen charity is

raised, I will be personally be

close to my heart.

Drug abuse and rising prices People struggling to live Child abuse and evil predators Taking what no one should give

donating money that I have saved

STEVE'S BRAVE THE SHAVE will be held at

by not shaving or having a haircut

The Club Quesada at 2pm on Saturday 1 May, as

for almost 14 months, to AFA

part of a craft fare event.

Torrevieja (Asociacion familiares

Any donations will be gratefully received, and

alzheimer) and Alzheimer's Society.

The last time that Steve shaved was at the start of lockdown, last year

PAGE 18

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Monday 26th April - Sunday 2nd May, 2021

International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday service 11a.m.; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11a.m.

Church Bible Study: Thursday 1.30p.m. House groups in Torrevieja, La Siesta – Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. Phone: 966 799 273 / 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. www.icatorrevieja.org

CAR SALES

CHURCHES AND SERVICES La Siesta Evangelical Church hold services each Sunday.

Our 11.15am 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 11.15 am Services and there is also a Sunday School, Stepping Stones, on these Sundays. For info see www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org SALT CHURCH (formally

Torrevieja Christian Fellowship) Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, Polígono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. Sunday Service 10.30 am. Wednesday Bible study 6.00 pm. We are a lively, friendly church and look forward to meeting you.

(Covid-19 aware) The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) in Torrevieja meet at 10.00 each Sunday in their chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. All Welcome.

Phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 648 914 347

The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2019 Ford Ecosport petrol which is on Special Offer priced at just 18,500 euro. Come along to our showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. The biggest and best for price, choice and quality. ENGLISH SPOKEN

SOCIAL AND CLUBS The Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch has put future meetings on hold because of the current Covid situation in accordance with advice receiived from the Generalitat.

There are no further meetings planned at this time. Call Jean for info on: 630 28 08 99.

The Royal British Legion, Torrevieja Branch - Will meet at the Oasis, formerly the Casa Ventura, San Luis. Details will be announced when it reopens.

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New members are always welcome. You do not have to be ex-services. For more info please contact:gill.burden20@gmail.com Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50’s. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Residential Home Visiting Team. to visit people in a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. If you think you can help call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887. Or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es Almoradi Meal Club. If do you fancy a meal out and meeting new friends, come and join our English speaking club. We have twice monthly meals at various restaurants in and around Almoradi. For info go to FaceBook or email: davedanie@gmail.com.

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Call John on 634 658 506 ...currently postponed Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 1700 (5pm) at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanisation, Torrevieja. For more information please contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 966 71 6274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 966 92 1966.

Royal Air Force Association Costa Blanca Branch.The association supports the welfare needs of ex-members of the RAF and their dependents.

Due to ongoing covid-19 restrictions we cannot hold General Meetings at the moment. In normal times we provide a social hub for members and hold lunches every month. To fund Welfare we raise money through the Wings Appeal. To find out more contact Chairman Tony: tony.elaine.cuenta@gmail.com For Welfare contact Andy on 0034 711 00 86 84. For general information on RAFA visit www.rafa.org.uk.

HAH CB need you to help us help those in need in their own homes, short or long term medical conditions of all ages and nationalities. Contact our head office on 965 328 794 or email: charitycentrehelpathomecb @gmail.com.

Curious about the work of Samaritans in Spain? Have a few hours a week to help with the charity shop, fundraising or admin? Come and join us for a chat at our Centre in the Punta Marina Shopping Centre. Volunteers are unpaid but expenses are met. Email: spainsamsrecruits @outlook.com

office@theleader.info

The Orihuela Costa Drop In Centre in C/Cipres, Lomas de Cabo Roig, is currently closed.

We will reopen as soon as we are able when we can offer you a full range of activities Info at: oc.communitycare @gmail.com

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PAGE 19

VILLAMARTIN PLAZA REMEMBERS BAY CITY ROLLERS STAR LES MCKEOWN Quote: 'We say Bye Bye Baby one last time from the Villamartin Plaza to our dear friend Leslie Richard McKeown' - Casey Shaddock

By Andrew Atkinson

F

ormer Bay City Rollers frontman Les McKeown has been remembered following his passing, aged 65, after appearing on the Costa Blanca south in 2019.

"We say Bye Bye Baby one last time from the Villamartin Plaza to our dear friend Leslie Richard McKeown who left us Tuesday evening," Casey Shaddock who booked McKeown's Bay City Rollers to perform in Spain told The Leader.

"Our sincere thoughts and condolences go out to

Peko, the family, and all of the band," said Shaddock.

Shaddock, the President and spokesperson for Villamartin Plaza, said: "It was a pleasure Les, 'Villamartini' as you always called it, will always remember you."

The Scottish pop star fronted the Edinburgh band during their most successful period in the 1970s with hits, including: I Only Wanna Be With You; Bye Bye Baby; Shang-a-Lang and Give a Little Love.

His family announced on April 22 that he had died suddenly at his home on April 20.

McKeown who performed at Villamartin Plaza in October 2019, spoke about the Bay City Rollers, split saying: “At the end of the day I have to

On stage in Villamartin

think about myself – and my band.

“I’m happy doing my own thing – I’m too long in the tooth now. In terms of any future reunion, my answer would be ‘no’.”

McKeown reminisced about Bay City Rollers’ band mate Alan Longmuir, during his concert in Villamartin Plaza, paying tribute to the late band member, performing Rollers’ hits, including Shang a Lang, Saturday Night and Bye Bye Baby.

Bay City Rollers became tartan-clad sensations in the UK and USA in the 1970s - with over 120 million record sales.

The group found their name - by throwing a dart at a map - landing on Bay City, near Michigan, USA.

Les McKeown and Casey Shaddock.

RIP our friend. You will be missed

Their first single was Keep On Dancing in 1971, and they had two number one hits in 1975 with Bye Bye Baby and Give A Little Love, plus chart-topping albums with Rollin' in 1974 and 1975's Once Upon A Star.

McKeown toured in recent years under the name Les McKeown's Bay City Rollers - including in Spain.

McKeown said the band's first pair of tartan trousers were inspired by a picture on a birthday card - made by his father, who was a tailor.

McKeown, who left school aged 15 and joined a band called Threshold, went on to join the Bay City Rollers, aged 18, in 1973.

He left the group in 1978, as the band performed in a new-wave direction under the new name The Rollers, later rejoining for several comeback tours.

Recalling the 1975 tour, McKeown said it was crazy: "We would go on and the police would make us stop - because they just could not control the crowd," he said.

M

When the doctor inoculating me against SARS said his vaccine was "based on the ferret model," I was lost for words, not the best thing in my profession. I did have to stifle a yelp, though, as the needle was plunged into my arm, and I briefly felt sympathy for the ferret guinea pigs. My arm was younger and more sensitive in those days; nowadays (at 74) the nurse has to coax a vein to the surface any time I get a blood test.

Traditionally, I always offered my left arm when asked to choose a limb for injections, preferring to safeguard my right hand for holding a glass of Chablis, or even -- ironically -- a bottle of Corona lager. ('A refreshing bitterness' was one of its advertising slogans.)

McKeown, Wood and the late Longmuir were the only members of the Bay City Rollers to re-unite in 2015.

This weekend the weekly Villamartin Plaza news video chat bulletin, that has thousands of viewers will be in honour of McKeown.

"Our Sunday show will be for you! - with memories of the song that drove us mad, Shang A Lang, RIP Les x," added Casey Shaddock.

Gain without pain. Roll on the next one.

By David Aitken

Despite having to wear a mask while attempting to teach English as a foreign (or muffled) language, I persevered and survived, and my only acute breathing was as I plodded up five flights of stairs to where the victims of my teaching were similarly masked.

As I was finally beginning to recognise the faces of my Chinese students, their faces disappeared. I was left floundering between John Chen, Jane Chan and Jack Chin. Although Cliff Kwok and Ringo Guok were more memorable to someone of my age group. Ditto Evita Wong.

McKeown put on record the COVID-19 lockdown had seen him isolated away from the stage: "I never had so much time off", he said.

But the latest news is all good. My recent trip to hospital was a painless triumph of modern medicine. As I was leaving the premises, another masked man greeted me with a victory signal. V for vaccination, I thought.

V is for Vaccine y arm has often felt like a pincushion. A good example of this was during the SARS epidemic in 2002, when both myself and severe acute respiratory syndrome were at work in Hong Kong at the same time. Not that Hong Kong was at fault particularly -- the outbreak was first identified in Foshan in China, and thought to have originated in an animal market where you could buy everything from civets and snakes to rabbits and pheasants. No change there.

McKeown's Bay City Rollers performed in front of a capacity audience in Villamartin Plaza, as part of a tour that was to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic during the last 14 months.

Before departing for the Middle East in 1976, I had to undergo a sinister 3-in-1 injection known as TAB, sinister because it supposedly produced immunity against typhoid and two types of paratyphoid. I began to wonder about where I was headed. The immediate effect of TAB was that I couldn't raise my hand to the gear stick of my hired car and had to pay for a taxi to the airport. That hurt almost as much as the anti-typhoid jab.

But not as much as the mandatory booster shots in various far-flung locations over the years, when my arm was sometimes faced with blunderbuss-like needles that would have been decommissioned in many countries as blunt instruments. I no longer smile when I recall the exam answer of a Chinese student regarding drug use : "Don't ever share dirty noodles, Mr Aitken." The only memory that ever matched that was an orderly in an Emirates hospital introducing himself as he stabbed repeatedly at my upper arm: "I am Jabr Ali, Mr David." ("Make that Ali Jabber," Mr David felt like saying.)

PAGE 20

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dart legs for 5 all, Dimitri however taking the remaining 2 for victory. Each scored 4x180.

Any doubts of MvG's form were unfounded as he took apart de Sousa, despite sharing 14x180. MvG started with a 12, finishing on bull, 25, bull, his next 5 winning legs in 15, 12, 15, 11, 15 darts. A rare sight in the 7th leg, both players scoring 2x180, MvG winning in 11, de Sousa leaving 45 points after 9. MvG ave. 104.72 despite taking 21 darts for his 7 legs.

maxis' came his way, before the tie was concluded with a further 11 dart leg. Durrant did find a little form with 2x180 and a 105 and 87 outs.

The 2nd session of the P.L. concluded last week, (Judgement Night) where both Rob Cross and Glen Durrant were eliminated, leaving 8 players to resume the competition on May 5th - 7th and May 24th 27th. The top 4 compete on the 28th.

My final 4 are Dimitri van den Bergh, Jose de Sousa, James Wade and MvG. lf l had to replace 1 it would be MvG for Aspinall.

Overall winner? MvG if he finds his game, otherwise Dimitri, a great player and a breath of fresh air.

NIGHT 6 - HIGHLIGHTS Rob Cross 5 - Gary Anderson 7, Jose de Sousa 7 - James Wade 5, Jonny Clayton 3 - Dimitri van den Bergh 7, Glen Durrant 3 Michael van Gerwen 7, Nathan Aspinall 7 - Peter Wright 3.

Cross posted a decent 100.54 ave. in Block 2's opener to Anderson's 94.82, but the Scot was clinical in finishing. Cross is gradually reclaiming the form which made him World Champ, but qualification in this competition will be beyond him. Too many missed opportunities ie his magnificent 174 set up shot in the 12th leg, missing the double and a valuable point.

Wade's 104.01 ave. proved insufficient to overcome the popular de Sousa, 101.94, the Portugal man enjoying a 78% finishing record (7 from 9 darts). Outs of 110, 52, 60, 85 (on the bull) 69 and 81, were just too much for Wade, de Sousa recording 5x180.

A fast and furious Clayton / van den Bergh head-to-head, concluded with both averaging 102+, sharing 10x180, but the latter claiming both points. A 5th leg 11 darter, to include a 168 set up for a D4 finish, from Dimitri, was followed by a 121 out from the opposition, repeated in the very next leg by Dimitri in 12. A further 3 figure out in 12 gave the Belgian a 3-5 advantage, adding two more on D18 and D16 for a 3-7 result.

Cross suffered his 4th defeat in 5, this time to Dimitri recording 5x180, a pair of tasty set ups of 165 and 174, plus a 124 finish in the 7th leg. A match ave. of 101.17 just eclipsed the 99.95 of Cross also managing 5x180. Dimitri's victory elevating him to top spot a point clear of the field.

The Aspinall / Clayton encounter illustrated how dangerous these 2 relative newcomers are. Each enjoying 3 breaks of throw. The 5th leg went to Clayton with a 12 on a bull 121 out, adding the 7th and 8th using 13 apiece. A 12-dart 10th leg from the Asp included a 124 out. Clayton, always chasing legs, found D16 in the final leg to earn a point and a superior match ave. of 99.5.

Wade quickly opened a 2-leg advantage over Snakebite, the 1st a cheeky 100 out, hitting a S20 and then 2 double tops. Outrageous!

Wright countered in the 3rd on 76, Wade restoring his advantage on 93 for 1-3. Wright won the 7th to take the lead for the 1st time on D16, which was to be his last. Wade reeling off the next 4 and match, with 13, 15, 13, 14 dart legs and a 105.76 ave.

Not the anticipated fireworks in the MvG / Anderson tousle, both averaging high 90's however. 4 shared maximums plus a 177 from the Dutchman. One point apiece, a fair reflection of the game which only included 3 combination outs, the highest 78 by Anderson.

NIGHT 8 - HIGHLIGHTS Cross 5 - Aspinall 7, Anderson 5 - v.d. Bergh 7, MvG 7 - de Sousa 4, Wade 7 - Clayton 2, Wright 7 - Durrant 1.

Although taking the 1st leg in 13 darts, Cross was never in this tie, despite 2x14 dart legs in the 10th and 11th legs. The Asp knocking in a 14 in the 4th and a 146 out in the 5th. An 11, including 2x180 in the 8th sealed the outcome.

Van den Bergh raced to a 4-1 lead over Anderson, his 5th leg a blistering 10 darter, wiring D18, for a 9. The Scot reeled off 14 and 12

Wright won the opening 2 legs, breaking the Asp's throw in the 1st, disappointingly adding just one more in the remaining 8. The Asp was in fine form, yet again exceeding a 105 ave. adding 4x180, to Wright's 1. Sporting purple hair with matching shirt, Wright wired the bull for a 170 in the 5th adding a 120 out for his 3rd and only leg.

NIGHT 7 - HIGHLIGHTS Durrant 4 - de Sousa 7, Cross 4 - van den Bergh 7, Aspinall 6 Clayton 6, Wright 4 - Wade 7, MvG 6 - Anderson 6.

De Sousa needed 5 legs to get his arrows flying in his match with Durrant, who led 3-2 at the time. A 61 out in the 6th and an 11 darter in the 7th, to include 2x180, reversed the trend. Two more

Wright imposed a straight 8th defeat for a sombre Durrant, who did manage a 4th leg 121 out and a sole maxi. Wright put his opponent out of his misery by taking the next 4 including a spectacular 156 finish in the7th.

NIGHT 9 - HIGHLIGHTS Durrant 5 - Cross 7, Clayton 7 - MvG 3, Aspinall 7 - Anderson 2, de Sousa 6 - Wright 6, v.d. Bergh 6 - Wade 6.

Both Cross and Durrant set P.L. Judgement Night benchmarks.

Cross eliminated with a highest 7-point total, Durrant, pointless after 9 matches. Clayton took full advantage of MvG, whose form resembles a Yo-Yo. Clayton was 4-1 up in no time, recording a 177, 2x180, and 11, 15 dart legs. A 129 in the 6th from MvG was immediately cancelled out from his opponents 104. Victory was only going Clayton's way, who sealed the game with a 100.25 ave.

Similarly, another former World Champ was outgunned by a " new kid on the block " The Asp, who comfortably found himself 6-1 up against his idol, Anderson. l don't think the Scot has the desire necessary to compete these days, but remains a dangerous rival. The Asp nailed a 102-finishing shot for a 102.45 ave. Anderson a lowly 88.35.

Wright fired 6x180 in the 1st five legs but was only all square at 33 when de Sousa replied with a 13 in the 6th. Wright took 3 of the next 4 inc. a 139 out, ensuring the draw. De Sousa never lies down, responding with a 14, 11 and 3x180, for shared spoils and 100+ ave.

Surprise of the tournament for me is Wade, a last-minute substitute for Gerwyn Price, he may well make the K.O. stage. A welldeserved draw against the very capable Dimitri and a 102.93 ave. points to a resurgent Wade. A couple of 12's and a superb 8th leg,10 darter, followed by a 160 gameshot from Dimitri, would finish off most, but all credit to the veteran, the remaining 3 went his way inc. an 11 and 14, for a point apiece.

Michael van Gerwen

The 4th match, by today’s standards was dire. Durrant suffered his 6th consecutive loss, to an uninspired MvG, winning comfortably with a lowly 87.63 ave. lt wasn't the MvG we recognise, probably due to the struggling Durrant, but a further 15 points on his average will be necessary to progress to the K.O. stage.

Van den Bergh, Aspinall and MvG sit all square on 8 points at the summit with identical, wins / losses / legs.

Wade overcame Clayton in similar fashion with a 105.29 ave.

Clayton 103.23. Wade's best legs in 11, 15, 14, 15, and 12 unusually missing 13 closing darts, reducing his match average. Just the 1 three figure out a 101 from Wade.

Jose de Sousa

Paul’s Final Four

Dimitri van den Bergh

James Wade

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Having played the game of golf for over 30 years now I thought I knew just about every scoring format there was. Monday however saw a new one on me! Known as Medford it involves playing the first nine holes as Stroke Play (or Medal) and the back nine as Stableford. After the number of gross strokes has been adjusted by handicap to give a net score the number of points achieved on the back is then deducted. The winner is the player with the lowest score, (a score of 19 would be attained if a player were to play exactly to his handicap) With just 12 points Mike Chapman was our winner but only after countback over Joyce McClusky. Ron Luffman was in third place with 14.

Wednesday’s Stableford saw some incredi-

Sapphire Golf Society at Bonalba On 21st April 2021 in association with Sapphire Properties and Costa Blanca Green Fee Services For this month’s meeting the Sapphire Golf Society and a group of 21 players visited the established course at Bonalba taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

The weather stayed fine and we avoided the forecast afternoon rainl and the day was enjoyed by all.

bly high scoring. I managed 37 points and didn’t even get into the top six!

With 41 points John Dobson (right) came out on top. He was followed

by Marja Oldenziel on 40 points which put Ron Luffman into third place again after countback.

With a rollover pot for the ‘2’s competition was fierce and no less than five players qualified for one (Marja actually managed to get two ‘2’s but won nothing as she doesn’t go in it!) We also saw today the debut appearance of George Hogg who is extended a warm welcome as our latest new recruit.

‘Albert’ certainly played well in Friday’s ‘Original Counter Game’. This is the version where you don’t know how many

H

Putting and Nerves There is not a golfer anywhere that has not missed a short 2ft putt when it matters due to nerves and tension but why is this because the easiest thing in the world should be to hit a ball into a hole from such a short distance?

The answer is simply that the closer your ball finishes to the hole the greater the expectations of success you place on yourself in the knowledge that if you do miss the putt you will feel foolish in front of your partners.

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 prices currently available to you: Course Price Comments Alenda €98 Two Green Fees & Buggy Alicante €98 Two Green Fees & Buggy from 1pm Altorreal €120 Two Green Fees & Buggy Bonalba €100 Two Green Fees & Buggy Campoamor €158 Two Green Fees & Buggy Don Cayo (Altea) €90 Two Green Fees + Buggy

scores are to count until after the hole has been played. Alongside Ron Phipps, Nigel Price and Joyce McClusky he was on the winning team with 95 points.

Taking second place with 93 (after countback) were John Dobson, Mike Chapman, Friedel Knebel and AnneMarie Weisheit.

We received the sad news on Thursday that the clubhouse bar and restaurant would no longer be functioning under its current management. Our thanks go to Sergio, Alberto, Lisa and all the staff members who have looked after us over the years.

Pues hasta la semana que viene, Peter Reffell

ALFIE’S GOLF SOCIETY AT LO ROMERO 20 members and guests from Alfie’s GS played at the excellent venue known as Lo Romero. As usual the course was in first class condition, the greens were true, although the weather played its part in what was at times a blustery cloudy day, so breaking par today would be tricky.

Our winner of the Gold Division was our treasurer, Ian Ingledew, playing off 13.3 with a score of 33 points.

Winner Gary Armstrong

Second place went to Geoff Sinclair playing off 3.8, with a score of 32 stableford points

Both golfers received Keg ‘N’ Kitchen meal vouchers.

The winner of the Silver Division was Gary Armstrong playing off a handicap of 20.9 with a score of 34 stableford points. Second place went to Geoff Kite playing off 21.9 with 31 points. Both golfers received Keg ‘N’ Kitchen meal vouchers.

Nearest the pin on the 5th – went to Geoff Sinclair, Geoff won an Albatross Golf Voucher.

Longest Drive on the 8th – sponsored by Tony Hall went to surprise surprise, Tony Hall. Nearest the pin in 2 shots on the 9th went to Ian Ingledew who won an Albatross Golf Voucher.

Best Net Score on the 16th – Tony Hall, won an Albatross Golf Voucher. Nearest the pin on the 17th – Dan Jones, won an Albatross Golf Voucher.

Best Gross Score on the 18th – Geoff Sinclair, won an Albatross Golf Voucher. The Blind pairs were won by Steve Youngs and Ove Collin.

So our winner on the day, with 34 points was Gary Armstrong.

The total raised to date for the Captain’s Charity, Help at Home, is €410.

Many thanks to our sponsors, also a big thank you to Ben and Gary at The Keg ‘N’ Kitchen for their continued support throughout the year.

Finally, thanks to all the members and guests for supporting Alfie’s Golf Society. Our next outing is at Villamartin on the 29th April 2021, and at the time of writing there were 21 of 24 places taken.

Ian Connell

GOLF COURSES AND COVID - 19 ere 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 comps.

PAGE 21

Medford experiment at Las Ramblas

La Marina Golf Society 23.04.21 - The format for this week's game for the La Marina Golf Society was a Captain versus Vice Captain Match at the "El Plantio Golf Course".

The weather was a bit cloudy as we Teed off and despite the weather forecast, it remained dry for most of the match, which was a great relief to all those who took part.

The temperature for the most part was a pleasant 18 degrees and the course was in decent condition with the greens running true.

The result was a close-run thing, with victory for Gerry McCabe our Vice Captain and his team with 246 points. Captain Geoffrey Ettridge and his team scoring 244 points.

The individual winners in the Stableford Competition were Jimmy Scott for Silver Division with 37 points and the Gold Division was won by Dave Slightam on 34 points.

The "nearest the pin" winners were, Louvain Smith on hole 7, Alan Craig on hole 9, and Tony Ollier on hole 14.

Members wishing to play in the next Society game at "The Alicante Golf Course", please let the Club Secretary know asap.

Gold Division: 1st - Tom McGinn - 36 points, 2nd – Don Bishop - 33 points Silver Division: 1st – Colin MacDonald – 36 points, 2nd – Morten Kristensen – 34 points Bronze Division: 1st- Paul Fairbairn – 28 points, 2nd – Ian Forbes - 23 points Nearest the Pins – Probert, France, Elkington and McGinn Football Card – Jack Fanning After the game we returned to Edina’s Bar and Grill bar, which is located at Dona Pepa, Quesada and we give our thanks for their support and that of our sponsor Sapphire Properties.

Our next fixture is the Bounce Day at Las Colinas on the 25th April 2021 followed by the interim day at La Finca on the 5th May 2021 and the society day at Altorreal on the 19th May 2021.

Report by Mike Probert on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or see us at our web-site at www.costa-blanca-greenfees.com.

Monday 26th April - Sunday 2nd May, 2021

For sure you have a greater chance of success in holing the putt if you say to yourself “i am going to hole this putt” rather than “i MUST hole this putt” The action of holing the putt must remain a putting action backed up with a routine that you use for each and every putt rather than concentrating on the end result but trust me this can be easier said than done and even the very best players have negative thoughts enter their heads at such critical times.

In the 1995 Ryder Cup at Oak Hill Nick Faldo had a slippery down hill 3ft putt to win his match against Curtis Strange and give Europe the chance to win the match which he did with what appeared to be ease HOWEVER when interviewed later he stated that his thought was “if I miss the putt I could go 8ft past the hole and could lose my match”.

The relied on what he had practised for hours and using the same technique and routine as normal managed to put those negative El Plantio El Valle Font Del Llop Hacienda Del Alamo La Finca La Galiana La Manga La Marquesa La Sella La Serena La Torre Las Colinas Las Ramblas

€98 €59 €123 €100 €214 €73 €90 €60 €48 €114 €59 €160 €164

Two Green Fees + Buggy from 1pm Single Green Fee Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees + Buggy Two Green Fees + Buggy Single Green Fee Single Green Fee Single Green Fee Single Green Fee Two Green Fees & Buggy Single Green Fee Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees + Buggy

Mike Probert talks Golf In assn with Costa Blanca Green Fee Svcs

thought to the back of his mind and holed the putt.

More recently 47 year old Stewart Cink won his second USPGA event of the year by 4 shots but on hole 18 on day three missed a putt from 2ft and didn’t even touch the hole but put this behind him to go on and win the event and his thoughts on short putts: “If I depend on holing two or three foot putts to make myself feel better about myself then I would be in the wrong business”.

“I don’t like the word routine but follow a process which starts when I take the putter is taken from the bag and doesn’t end until the ball is rolling and mouth to myself montaintop of trust or mountaintop of peace to help keep me calm during the process” So you can see that even the very best players get nervous and uncomfortable over short putts but find ways to distract their conscious mind which then allows the sub-conscious mind to follow the process or routine and avoid focusing on the outcome.

Go on give it a try, what is the worst that can happen?

Lorca €78 2 Green Fees & Buggy (+ drink & tapa) Lo Romero €65 Single Green Fee Mar Menor €116 Two Green Fees + Buggy New Sierra Golf €68 Two Green Fees & Buggy Puig Campana €124 Two Green Fees & Buggy Roda €125 Two Green Fees & Buggy Saurines €100 Two Green Fees + Buggy (Temp closed) Villaitana Levante €90 Two Green Fees & Buggy Villaitana Poniente €70 Two Green Fees & Buggy Villamartin €156 Two Green Fees & Buggy Vistabella €123 Two Green Fees & Buggy (from 2pm) For Bookings and info Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting reference LEADER or on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931

PAGE 22

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La Marina Bowls Club

by Dave Hadaway I would like to start this report with a apology to David, Alex and Irene. I have been misspelling their surnames and will try to do better in the future as with a surname like mine, I know how annoying a mistake can be.

This week saw 2 semi-finals of men's trips being played on rinks 2 & 5 a bit like watching tennis if you are not careful.

I learnt the trick however and that was to follow the comments – I will give you just 4 of many examples. 1 - “sorry it slipped out of my hand” this gives you time to watch a wood perhaps travelling in the right direction but would have no possible effect on the game. 2 – “ never mind we all get old” unfortunately this was said as the head was being broken up, so it is left to our imagination as to what occurred. 3 – and this is a must see “if you hit this wood it could be interesting, followed by you have and it is” 4 – and possibly my favourite “0 o o oh, man” said in a strong Newcastle accent which I have learnt means either a near miss or a rubbish wood.

According to Schoey, David Bryant was the greatest player ever in the history of bowls Quote: 'I called David Bryant 'God' to his face. No one will surpass his record. I was devastated when I heard he had passed away' Quote: 'David Bryant would get the salt and pepper pots out at dinner and go through shots'

I did however catch some game changing moments in the game between Peter Parsons, Mike Stone and Don Fowkes on the 10th end with the scoreboard showing 4-9 in favour of Dave O'Sullivan, Garth Slater and Alex Morrice, Don was holding a very good 4 (8-9) when Alex with his last wood moved the Jack to give himself 4 which could not be beaten (4-13), a turnaround of 8 a real game changer.

By Andrew Atkinson World Exclusive Speaking to Shoey in Australia

Ian Schuback spoke for the first time since the death of leading bowls star David Bryant - whom he called 'God'.

Clevedon born Bryant CBE, who died in August 2020, aged 88, was three-times world singles bowls Champion; threetimes world indoor singles champion and Commonwealth Games Singles Gold medallist, winning 19 world and Commonwealth Gold medals.

"I called David Bryant 'God' to his face during an event at Potters," said Shoey, speaking from his home in Queensland, Australia.

"I had a lot to do with him. No one will surpass his record in bowls and I was devastated when I heard he had passed away," said Shoey, inducted in the Gold Coast Hall of Fame.

Schuback, 68, OAM, said it was him who persuaded Bryant to

Carp-R-Us Well it was a Thursday so it had to be raining when Carp-R-Us fished Round Six of their Spring Series at El Bosque Animado, but at least this time we got to lunchtime before the heavens opened.

According to Shoey, David Bryant was the greatest player ever. undergo carpal tunnel surgery: "He didn't want the op - he was afraid to have surgery. "But I talked him into it - and David went on to win another English Triples title. He thanked me for that," said Shoey.

"I first met David in Worthing and had dinner with him. We dined and drank tea, while the other players were out drinking.

"I asked him 200 questions - and he answered them all. He gave me valuable advice and always wished me good luck," said Shoey.

Commonwealth Games 1990 Pairs title winner, World indoor championships 1988 and 1996 Pairs winner and 1992 World indoor championships singles winner Shoey said: "David was the nostradamus.

"I never had more respect than for David Bryant. He would get the salt and pepper pots out at dinner, and go through shots.

"The greatest player ever in the history of bowls to play the game.

David Bryant had a terrific life," added Shoey.

New additions to Racing San Miguel Yoel Albarracín

Alejandro Morante.

Apart from the rain, conditions were not too bad although the fishing was patchy, with four of the anglers getting double figure weights and the rest struggling to get to 3kg.

In his customary first place was Dave Hutchinson who fished pole and maggot to capture 15.88kg, just beating Willy Moons on peg 15 who had 15.70kg on feeder and chickpea.

In another close run thing for third and fourth Steve Fell came out on top with 12.82kg on pole and maggot from peg 10, narrowly beating Alan Smith who had 12.30kg on feeder switching between maggot and pellet from peg 3.

Anyone wishing to join the club can contact us through the club website: www.carp-r-us.weebly.com

Yoel Albarracín has joined Valencia 1st Regional Group 10 Racing San Miguel for the remainder of the 2020/2021 season.

back Alejandro for the remainder of the 2020/2021 season," said coach Dani Perèz Williscroft.

Yoel, who achieved promotion to the 1st Regional with former club CFP Orihuela Deportiva, also played at Orihuela CF B, Benferri CF and Sporting Orihuela.

Formerly with CD Montesinos and Guardamar, Alejandro trained with his new teammates and made his debut against Sporting Dolores CF.

The club has also signed the central defender Alejandro Morante.

"We have reached an agreement to sign centre-

"We wish him at this stage of his career with Racing San Miguel is very prosperous, and that both the player and the club fulfill all their sporting goals," said Dani.

Then on the 16th end Don's team picked up a 6 to level the scores at 18-18 with two ends to play another real game changer. This gave us a exciting final 2 ends 1st with Alex's team picking up 3 on the 17th end and Don 2 on the 18th. Giving a 20-21 final score in favour of Dave, Gath and Alex.

The other game between Cliff Rawlinson, Tom Spencer and Alex Whyte versus Len Daniels, Dave McGaw and John Rae was a somewhat close game but not a close score with John's team winning 20 – 9. This game was dominated by 3 ends where a 6, a 5, and a 4 were scored, 15 in 3 non-consecutive ends is hell of a score to pull back, and so it proved.

Well done everyone thankyou for the entertainment and Congratulations to the winners.

VALENCIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION By Andrew Atkinson FFCV EXTEND PLAYERS REGISTRATION DUE TO COVID The Valencian Community Soccer Federation (FFCV) has extended the registration period for players for the 2020-21 season until 13 May. The General Secretariat of the FFCV confirmed, through Circular 35, the extension of the registration period for players in territorial competitions.

"As a consequence of the exceptional situation caused by the health crisis by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Valencian Community Football Federation has decided to extend the deadline for the registration of new players," said an FFCV spokesperson.

"Thus, all affilliated football and futsal clubs will be able to register licenses in territorial competitions until 11.59pm May 13, 2021," added the spokesperson.

FFCV PROMOTION AND RELEGATION - REGIONAL Leagues divided into two groups of seven: top 7 and bottom 7 clubs The FFCV has announced the 2020-21 fixtures will not be completed, due to the temporary but necessary postponement of games during the season, amid the coronavirus situation.

The FFCV are placing a strategy format of new rules formulated to be based on promotion and relegation, with leagues divided into two groups of seven, being the top seven and bottom seven clubs.

In the Valencia 1st Regional Group 10 clubs involved in a top seven finish going into the weekend are fifth place Sporting Dolores CF A (18 points), six place CD Cox (17), seventh place Racing San Miguel (17), eighth place CD Benijofar (17), ninth place CD Montesinos (17) and tenth place CF Popular Orihuela Deportivo (16).

In the 2nd Regional Group 17 clubs involved in the new top seven format include seventh place Sporting Saladar (15 points) and eight placed Torrevieja CF (14 points).

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Mixed performances for Thader with a disappointing 3 point haul mins. Following a frantic period of end of end excitement, the pace slowed to something more acceptable for this level of football.

There were strong Thader appeals for a penalty on 75 mins following what looked to be a foul on Kike, but unfortunately the ref was unimpressed. He did eventually point to the spot though some 3 mins later.

CD Thader............... 1 CD Almoradi........... 2

Nino was clearly brought down, leaving Ruben to send the keeper the wrong way, as parity was restored.

Late drama as Thader fail to secure a point

From a corner on 87 mins, home keeper Sergio pulled off a brilliant fingertip save, but alas the rebound fell to Saul who slammed the ball into an empty net.

D

espite converting a late penalty, Thader were unable to see out the remainder of the game, as Almoradi nicked all 3 points in this no holds barred local derby. Manager Raul Mora, was back in the home dugout following his lengthy suspension.

Try as they may, Thader could not find a way past the visitors rear-guard, leaving Almoradi to record a double for the season.

Next weekend, Thader visit high flying Callosa. For further details, visit CD Thader facebook page.

Javi looked to have opened the scoring for Thader in the 3rd min, but his shot from the edge of the box was centimetres wide. On 18 mins, Almoradi put the ball in the net, but thankfully the goal was adjudged offside. Chances fell to both teams, but by half time it was still goalless.

Thader record double over doomed Petrelense

In the 2nd half, tackles were flying left, right and centre, as both teams were giving it their all. On 55 mins, a cross from the right was met by Miravete, who had time to plant the ball past Sergio, giving Almoradi the lead.

On a rain-soaked mid-week evening, Thader made hard work of dispensing with a poor Petrel side. With only 2 victories all season, the hosts are all but relegated to regional division football, but they made the men from

UD Petrelense........ 0 CD Thader............... 1

Only the paintwork denied Cabrera from extending his sides lead, as his 25-yard rocket deserved better.

On the stroke of half time, twas Lloyd who again tried his luck from distance, but this time his shot lacked accuracy.

Dani Lucas could only watch as his 30yard effort missed the target, then it was the Javi/Nino combination which almost paid dividends again.

The lineup for the match against Almoradi Rojales fight all the way.

Manager Raul Mora made some enforced changes from the defeat to Benferri, with every available player getting a slot on the team sheet.

Injuries to front men Quino and Calderon (out for rest of the season), have left the team with few options in the attacking department.

A delightful right-wing cross by Javi, found Nino perfectly placed, unmarked in the centre of the goal on 4 mins.

The tall centre forward made no mistake with his firm header, that gave Fernando in Petrel's goal no chance.

Considering the desperate plight that

Marta is making history in Serie A

By Andrew Atkinson Exclusive San Javier born womens football star Marta Penalver has played a part in making history in Italy following Città de Falconara winning the womens Serie A. Spain international Marta's role at Falconara aided the team to remain undefeated in 18 games, winning 16 and drawing 2, in the regular season.

"Falconara made history in becoming the first team in the womens A Series in not losing a game throughout the season, a proud moment for everyone at the club," Marta told The Leader.

From her school days having been interested in Taekwondo and tennis, Marta went on to join the San Javier soccer school in Murcia.

Career highlights include winning the International womens tournament in Sweden, being her first winner's medal in 2001-02.

Marta, who spent 11 years at Roldan FSF, also played in the 2014 Futsal World Cup in Antequera and the 2015 World Cup in Guatemala.

Marta is hoping to go to the Las Palmas football clinic this

SUDUKO SOLUTION From From page 16

year after being denied visiting last year, due to the coronavirus lockdown.

"This year we can hopefully go to the football clinic, as long as COVID-19 permits."Carlos Gutiérrez is the main organizer and we look forward to seeing him and his colleagues once again," said Marta.

TRIVEA QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 16: 1. Tom Jones, 2. Bolshoi, 3.

Casablanca, An American in Paris, Chicago, 4. China, 5.

Fingernail (it is the white crescent shape at the base of the finger nail), 6. A sand or dust storm, 7. Knight Industries Two Thousand, 8. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, 9. Microwave oven, 10. Six answers, a. Losing my religion (REM), b. He ain't heavy (he's my brother) (Hollies), c. You know my name (look up the

the hosts find themselves in, a neutral would have prophesied that the floodgates would open, but incredibly that was the end of goal scoring for the night. In fact, Petrel did put the ball in the net shortly afterwards, but an offside flag cut short their celebrations.

Nino almost doubled his tally on 7 mins, but a shot from a Kike assist was well saved. From the next attack, Petrel wasted a glorious opportunity, when with just Sergio to beat, Joan blasted over the bar.

Thader's captain Lloyd, forced Fernando to tip a goal bound long range kick aside for a corner on 15

Lifeline for Elche Elche 1-0 Levante On Saturday afternoon at the Estadio Martinez Valero, Elche secured what could be a huge victory in their battle to avoid the drop, beating mid table Levante 1-0 in La Liga as Lucas Boye’s 32nd minute strike secured the win to lift them out of the relegation zone.

Elche now sit 16th heading into the

We were treated to one way traffic, when first another Dani Lucas blockbuster was well saved, then a goalmouth scramble resulted in Kike missing a sitter from point blank range.

On 70 mins from a corner, an unmarked Gugo headed over, a real let off for Thader. Petrel were now at their most dangerous, as strong appeals for a penalty, then a shot just off target, were a wakeup call Thader needed.

Cabrera headed over from Lloyd's free kick on 81 mins, but the last word fell to Petrel, Sergio spilling a shot on 89 mins, but luckily a teammate was on hand to clear the danger up field.

With matches coming thick and fast, a return to Moi Gomez stadium 4 days later, would see the visit of local rivals Almoradi. final five games of the season. They’re level on points with 17th-placed Alaves, one clear of 18th-placed Real Valladolid, three clear of 19thplaced Huesca and seven clear of rock-bottom Eibar.

Elche host league leaders Atletico Madrid next before a trip to face Real Sociedad.

They then host Alaves, in what promises to be a massive game, before travelling to Cadiz. They end the season at home against Athletic.

Aspe UD 'A' increase lead in Valencia 1st Regional number) (Beatles), d. It's my life (Animals), e. Love grows where my Rosemary goes (Edison Lighthouse), f. My coo ca choo (Alvin Stardust). 11.

Jackson Pollock, 12. Iraq (source: CPJ 'Committee to Protect Journalists), 13. The 1812 Overture, 14. The ostrich, 15. Abide with me, 16. Yellow Sea, South China Sea and The Sea of Japan, 17. Paella (Paella means 'pan'), 18. Tony Blair, "Journey" 19. Bjorn Borg, 20. Malaysia

Torrevieja CF hit six in 2nd Reg

By Andrew Atkinson Aspe UD 'A' increased their lead at the top of the Valencia 1st Regional Group 10 with a 3-0 away win at lowly UD Aspense on Saturday.

David amongst goals in Torry's win

Fourth place Hondon Nieves suffered a 1-0 home defeat against CF Sporting San Fulgencio.

scoresheet four times against Redocan without reply

In the Valencia 2nd Regional Group 17 Torrevieja CF hit six against CF Promesas in a 6-0 win while leaders Sporting Costa Blanca were on the

Third place Bigstro CF lost 1-0 away at CD Horadada allowing Guardamar to move up above them with a fine 2-1 success at Saladar.

PAGE 24

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