The Leader Newspaper Edition 783

No 783 Monday 23rd - Sunday 29th September, 2019 Tel: 637 227 385 Serving the community, in print and online, for over 15 years - The Costa Blanca’s oldest ‘FREE’ English language newspaper

f you are one of the

lost his signal it may well

many subscribers using

be because you are using

IPTV who has recently

an illegal provider.

I

Italy’s financial police force Guardia di Finanza has carried out a major crackdown on illegal video streaming IPTV platforms including Xtream Codes.

Acting under instruction from the Naples public prosecutor the police said a Europe-wide network of hubs had been located that illegally distributed pay-TV content via web-

streaming platforms that were being streamed to tens of millions of people worldwide.

The police added that the pirate services had over 5 million users in Italy alone and estimated annual revenues in that country of around EUR 65 million.

Continued on Page 02

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Monday 23rd - Sunday 29th September, 2019

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 European IPTV Raids ADVERTISING SALES

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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.

Subsequent raids coordinated by EU agencies Europol and Eurojust on Thursday targeted operations in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Greece and Bulgaria as they raided a network of alleged TV Pirates, seizing equipment and shutting down services.

Two Greeks aged 27 and 31, and said to be the brains behind the Xtream Codes Operation, were arrested in Athens and Thessaloniki were they lived, and now face accusations of being the main orchestrators behind a European pirate IPTV service network.

During the raids in their homes, the police found and seized 28 IPTV devices, 8 servers, 3 laptops, 9 internal hard drives, 3 external hard drives, 4 SIM cards, 10 credit cards, two hardware wallets for cryptocurrency, a bill counter and 114,550 Euros in cash.

The dawn raids were coordinated by Eurojust which said it had targeted an "international criminal network committing massive fraud" which was "jeopardising the existence of many legal providers of pay-TV".

More than 150 PayPal accounts connected to the criminals were also blocked. Officers now also say that they will prosecute those who bought illegal subscriptions, although whether they will be able to track down the IP addresses of users is unlikely. I understand they are referring to the providers rather than the individual

DRACULA SPECTACULA STUDIO32 Musical Theatre group are pleased to announce that rehearsals for our Winter musical extravaganza Dracula Spectacula are well underway.

In this bubbling modern extravaganza, a young, sweet but vulnerable schoolteacher Miss Nadia Naïve and her pupils are swung into riotous Transylvanian happenings with the irrepressible Count Dracula and his gruesome acolytes.

On the side of right are Noble Dr Nick Necrophiliac and his loyal friend Father MacStake, who is played by Andy Kirkwood (pictured). MacStake is a Scottish Priest who has devoted his life to fighting evil, in particular, Vampires. He is assisted along the way by the cuddly Hans and Gretel and an assortment of fuddled friends; can they prevail over the

customers.

So, if you are one of the many hundreds of people on the Costa Blanca who suddenly lost your connection to the Xtream Codes service, you were quite likely with an illegal provider.

Obviously, there won’t be any refunds either, to those who prepaid for lengthy membership plans.

Back in May, we saw how subscribers of OneStepTV.com lost their subscription money when the MPAA and ACE managed to shut down the platform and seize all its infrastructure. That said, if you want to subscribe to a pirate IPTV service, remember the risks and pick a short-term plan even if it isn’t the best value.

Whilst the Xtream Codes service won’t be returning any time soon there are still lots of other systems out there, many of which are quite legal, but so lucrative is the unlawful business that, according to sources, those companies that previously used Xtream Codes will now simply swap to a new panel, the interface between the channels and the client, change over the DNS, which would then see many systems back up and running within a few days, or even hours.

However there are also illegal IPTV providers who will use the raid as an opportunity to claim that there is an issue, your subscription has been lost and that you will be required to make full payment once again when they open a new service in a week’s time, thereby maximising their sales from the confusion brought by the raids. forces of darkness when these include the crème de la horrible crème such as the Countess Wraith and Genghis the grovelling minion and of course the dynamic sanguineous gentleman the Prince of Vampires himself.

STUDIO32 will again be supporting charities and good causes in the area. The show goes on from Friday 15th November to Sunday 17th November at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio, all performances start at 7:30pm with doors open at 7:00pm. Reserved seating tickets are now on sale, priced 10 euros, and can be obtained by calling 744 4849 33 or by emailing: tickets@studiothirtytwo.org Seating availability for each performance is available on www.studiothirtytwo.org

VARIETY SHOW POSTPONED….

REACH FOR THE STARS is, unfortunately, being postponed until next year (dates to be announced).

Due to the current emergency situation, The New Cardenal Belluga Theatre Group decided at an emergency meeting this week to delay their show to ensure that everyone will be able to enjoy the show to the fullest.

IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED TICKETS please note they will be valid for the production in 2020, however, if you wish to have a refund then go to the outlet or contact the person that you purchased your ticket from and they will refund the money to you.

More information contact Sue 966 713822; Pam 966 796828 or John 966 712089.

The Theatre Group hopes to see you at their show next year.

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La Vega Mayors blame CHS for devastation

Monday 23rd - Sunday 29th September, 2019 The river breaks out in Almoradi

The mayors of La Vega are blaming the CHS, the Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura, a Government body that manages the flow of the Segura River, for the millions of euros worth of damage that has been caused to the agricultural sector following the Gota Fria.

Six says after the first torrential rains, and despite the significant decrease in flow, water was still flowing through the farms and smallholdings - causing at least 200 million in losses to agriculture, facilities and infrastructure, between San Fulgencio and Guardamar where there were still 4 breaks to repair.

Even the stretch of the National 332 road between the two municipalities continued to be affected by the overflow of the irrigation network, although the Civil Guard decided not to close the road to traffic, which travelled along at a snail’s pace while the water continued to cover the road. The alternative option would have been to leave half of the region incommunicado. Currently, 20 roads in the region are still closed to traffic.

On Monday, during a tense meeting of officials, from the Generalitat and the Consell, with local mayors, it was learned that there were still four breaks in the river that will take a further two days to plug.

At the meeting the commissioner of Waters of the CHS, who according to councillors arrived an hour late, for which he was rebuked by the Conselleras Gabriela Bravo and Mireia Mollà, said that the danger still remained.

One of the most vocal officials at the meeting was the mayor of Guardamar, José Luis Sáez, who said that since Sunday the water level continued to rise in agricultural areas without draining to the sea. Apparently, the problem lay with the blockages that it encountered, something that, before all those present, he quite vociferously blamed on the CHS, Sáez, accused the CHS and the basin agency for neglect, as did many other mayors and councillors, saying that they were at fault for much of the flooding.

Farmers also joined in the criticism after the Commisioner of the CHS, Adolfo Merida, refused to attend an emergency meeting called 2 days before the rains, in order to discuss the risk of flooding.

But whilst the mayors hold the CHS responsible for the current situation they too must share a large part of the blame for, in many cases, their total lack of any environmental considerations in council planning matters, with regard to building and new property developments.

Many areas have become concrete jungles with constantly increasing populations but deficient services and infrastructure, the construction of which has been led by pure greed, and where the management has been appalling, and no more so than on the coast, where the last green emblematic area of the Orihuela Costa at Cala Mosca is also about to be covered in concrete.

The new urbanisations of Almoradí, which has expanded its urban centre at the expense of many green areas, or Montepinar on the northern slopes of the Orihuela mountain range, where the millions invested to redevelop and legalise homes have now also been dragged under and buried in mud.

The same situation is repeated with hundreds of other properties where security forces had to rescue or evacuate thousands of people.

Around 300 families are still relocated in makeshift shelters.

It is now proposed to create a third water channel, between the two current ones, to try to relieve the flow of water although some say that there is a fear of a rebound effect; and that it will leave behind large quantities of water and mud that will continue to contaminate the entire area.

The anxiety among the mayors was obvious because they too are being criticised by residents for not finding solutions, as many thousands continue to live with water swilling around their ankles, four days after the rains.

Normality will take weeks to restore. The damage to the Infrastructure will cost billions and one person is still missing, but the infrastructure must be strengthened as we simply can’t accept the rupture of canals or dikes every time we see a little more water than is normal.

But man’s resolve being what it is, we will see normality once again, that is until, of course, the mighty Segura River decides to remind us all of its power, once again.

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Funeral held at Air Academy for crashed pilots

O

n Friday afternoon the General Air Academy (AGA) held the funeral of the two pilots.

The service was attended by colleagues, friends and family, as well as the undersecretary of Defense, Alejo de Torre, and the chief of the General Staff of the Air, General Javier Salto.

The pair died when their aircraft plummeted into the sea in Santiago de la Ribera, in front of the yacht club after, according to a witness who was walking along the beach, after the engine developed a strange noise and then seemed to stop altogether.

The witness said that there was no engine noise at all as the aircraft fell into the sea.

The pilots were named Air Force Commander Daniel Melero Ordonez , 50 years old and a native of Cádiz, and Ensign Rosa Almirón Otero, aged just 20 years and from Lucena (Córdoba).

The mayor of San Javier, José Miguel Luengo, and the

President of the Murcia Community, Fernando López Miras both offered their condolences with Luengo explaining that Commander Melero was one of the most experienced pilots at the Training Academy who will be sadly missed by his many colleagues.

Meanwhile the Acting Defense Minister, Margarita Robles, in statements to the media during a visit to the Base of El Goloso (Madrid), has reported that the cause of the accident was engine failure that occurred shortly after take-off.

She said that the aircraft had flown earlier in the day, returning safely to the base, after which it was checked. There were said to be no reported problems.

The event occurred three weeks after flight commander and instructor Francisco Marín also died in crashing his C-101 into the sea close to La Manga del Mar Menor.

The minister of defence said that that these two events have caused "much pain and suffering" in the Armed Forces, to which she added the serious damage caused by the floods by the Gota Fria.

CINEMA PILAR Royals to visit English Language Cinema in Pilar de la flood affected Horadada - Calle Canalejas 4 Thursday 26th Sept at 7pm and areas Saturday, 28TH Sept at 5pm

THE AFTERMATH Postwar Germany in 1946. Rachel Morgan arrives in the ruins of Hamburg in the bitter winter, to be reunied with her husband, a British Colonel charged with rebuilding the shattered city but te couple are sharing a grand house with it’s previous owners.

Keira Knightley, Jason Clarke, Kate Phillips Dur: 1hr 39 min Genre: Drama . 1940’s . II World War

It was announced on Friday that King Felipe and Queen Letizia will visit the Vega Baja in either late September or early October where the royal couple will be shown many of the areas that were worst affected by the recent floods.

They will visit areas affected by the floods both in the Region of Murcia and in the Valencian Community, as well as those regions that suffered last summer fires in the Canary Islands and the Community of Madrid.

They will first travel to the Canary Islands next Monday, to the island of Gran Canaria, where they will see the damage and the loss of over 9,200 hectares of forest following the fires in mid-August They will hold a working meeting at the headquarters of the

AUME has called for more transparency with the findings of aircraft accident investigations The Association of Spanish Military (AUME) has demanded complete transparency from the Ministry of Defence with their findings from the two accidents that occurred in less than a month. "The lost lives of our colleagues Francisco, Daniel and Rosa María need clarification for their families, partners and the public," said the association.

They said that in the past that "the lack of transparency and confidentiality has prevented full knowledge of such accidents", criticising the fact that the causes of military aircraft accidents are never known.

Presidency of the Canary Islands Government, in Las Palmas, as well as visiting the TejedaValleseco area.

On Friday, September 27, they will go to the Madrid town of Arganda del Rey, that was affected by several floods during heavy rains in lateAugust and mid-September leaving streets and shops under a metre of water.

During the last week of September, the couple have planned to go to other areas most affected by the most recent flooding, and that, as well as the material damage, resulted in the deaths of seven people.

During that trip they will visit Orihuela and the Murcian municipality of Los Alcázares.

Felipe VI has already been in contact with the presidents of the Regions of Murcia and Valencia, Fernando López Miras and Ximo Puig, to discuss his itineray.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia will visit Orihuela and Los Alcazares

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EQUESTRIAN COMMUNITY DEVASTATED 'Ordinary people passionate about horses - trying to live their dream', heartbroken Emma Tytherleigh

By Andrew Atkinson Exclusive "The Equestrian community in the (Vega Baja) area is not a rich one," said Emma.

"They are ordinary people - very passionate about horses - trying to live their dream, while earning a small living," said Emma.

"I am heartbroken," Emma told me from Munich, Germany.

Emma played a big role in helping horses in the Alicante province, particularly in the Dolores and Vega Baja regions.

In Orihuela Costa there were hundreds of animal fatalities.

Fifteen horses were rescued in Dolores and an appeal for temporary stables accommodation was made.

Over 1,000 euros was raised following

an appeal for help by EMERGENCIA CABALLOS/HORSES-VEGA BAJA. Emma said: "Jess Ennis and Jaime Carpenter, along with friends, saved 30 horses and ponies.

"They were put in temporary homes. But they desperately need food. Hay, alfalfa, straw, bayo - forage to feed them."

Evacuation of horses in Dolores took place, including at Hippica Gallilo Stables: "I spent time with all of them," said Emma, renowned as one of Europe's most talented horsewomen.

At Hipica Gilillo, where a further 5,000 euros donations have been raised, a cleaning up operation is underway, but more hands are wanted; horses and tack need cleaning, and volunteers help in the mud clean-up operation.

"Other than feeling totally devastated for them - I don't know what to say," said a tearful Emma.

"With horses and the sunshine, you normally wouldn't ask for more," said Emma, who has been starring as a horse trick rider in Germany.

"But none of them will have enough money in savings to recover from this," said Emma. "They will need every little bit of help they can get. They

have not only lost their homes - but their businesses as well," said Emma.

"The stable owners will be doing their best to take care of their animals, and continue to rebuild their homes and stables," said Emma.

"I can't imagine the amount of work they will have to endure," said Emma.

Tomas Soler, who has offered his services to help transport horses, said: "My horse box is available for the transportation of horses and other animals in the Vega Baja region. Telephone 678 673 115."

PONY Express were one of the fortunate stables that were NOT flooded by the Gota Fria storms that hit the Vega Baja regions.

"Thank you to everyone who have been in touch to see if we are okay at Pony Express.

"The situation is that we have been Blessed and suffered no flooding, and are with an Arena that can still be used.

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Poisoned dog left in coma in Torrevieja and dogs poisoned in Mazarron

By Andrew Atkinson

DOGS are being targeted by poison in the Los Palomas area of Torrevieja with one dog left in a coma and in Mazarron, Murcia.

Non-profit organisation Animalistas Torrevieja have released a statement following the latest incident of dog poisoning and are hoping to place a denuncia on those targeting dogs.

"Dogs are being punished by poison by the area of Los Palomos in Torrevieja," a spokesperson from Animalistas Torrevieja told me.

"A poisoned dog has been left fighting for its life - and has been in a coma for days. Dog poisoning has increased in the area during recent months, and we are alerting dog owners with an extreme caution of the situation," they added.

"Most importantly we have happy and dry animals. All the horses are in stables and in our emergency boxes," said Jess Ennis.

"We are also appealing to owners of dogs to inform us, if they know of any other poisoning incidents," said the spokesperson. "We are hopeful that those responsible will be found and a denuncia will be taken against them," added Animalistas Torrevieja.

Jess Ennis and Jaime Carpenter from Pony Express desperately need hay, alfalfa, straw, and bayo. Forage to feed rescued horses and ponies.

Dogs have also been targeted this month - on a beach where dogs are allowed in Mazarron. Following the incident Local Policia discovered 300g of poisoned pet food at Playa de las Moreras, near to Puerto de Mazarron, Murcia.

A point of delivery is Pony Express, Carrer Canal, 03339 The Realanc, Alacant. Tel/Wotsap Jess Ennis: +34 620 459 506. Jaime Carpenter: +34 656 444 583.

The Asociacion de Proteccion Animal and Local Policia are continuing to carry out investigations. Council employees are combing the poisoned area, along with beach areas at Cobaticas and Playa Gachero.

Anyone with information on dog poisoning incidents can telephone the Police on: 968 59 1496.

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Make way for the IMPACT SUPPORTER I have just this minute looked up the word “impact” in the dictionary and found there are a number of interpretations. “The striking of one body against another in collision”; “The force or impetus transmitted by a collision”; “The power of making a strong immediate impression”; “To have an effect” or “Influence or effect.” Giving all those examples of how the word can be correctly used, it is little wonder that it is one of the most used words in the English language.

In no other context does the word “impact” create a moving picture in the mind than when applied to sport. I refer to that not-unsunghero; ‘the impact sub!’ He is planted there on the bench, springs tightly coiled and ready to spring at the nod from his manager.

Seamus Darby, in winning the All-Ireland for Offaly in 1982, turned the ‘impact sub’ from being a ‘fella not worth his place on the starting fifteen’ to being the saviour on which the victory dreams of team and supporters rest. ‘The bench’ is now scrutinised as much as the starting team in all big matches.

But, dear sportsmen and women, the GAA is blessed with another impact man whose calling is no less worthy. We need him now and he is ready. This is his time of year, when he dusts down his duds and ventures forth for his annual tryst into the realms of competitive sport. The club championships has reached the semi-final stages in most counties around now and his hour has cometh round again; I give you the ‘Impact Supporter’.

This column in no way sets out to denigrate our ‘impact supporter’.

He is as essential to the wellbeing of the GAA as is the score-board attendant or the guy who presses the button to play the CD of Amhrán Na Bhfiain. Your typical impact supporter has a short lifespan. No travelling long journeys on wet Sundays for ‘only an oul league match’, no wasting of time in ‘round robins’ or the first round of the championship. No, this species of man does not

thrive well in a cold or wet climate and he has an aversion to long journeys as well.

‘Impact supporter’ waits for the business end of the championship and comes out as soon as he believes his club needs him most. He won’t be found wanting and he will make an impact. Ok, so he makes a few mistakes during his first game … don’t we all. Names of players can be a problem but certainly not a deterrent. ‘Sure he’s years retired’ the supporter beside him advices Impact supporter after he wonders where is a former great player. ‘Impact’ recovers with, ‘well he’d still be a lot better than what I see out there today’.

Half time arrives and our man takes a slug of Lucozade from the screw-cap bottle in his pocket and looks around him - forever surprised at how many people he knows who are still going to matches.

The half-time draw is being announced. No way would he buy a ticket; no, they charged enough at the gate on the way in, so the ticket-sellers get a wide berth. He watches the guy beside him checking his numbers. As soon as ‘Impact’ sees that nobody around him has won the 200 Euro, he asks; ‘What is the GAA doing with all the money?

At the final whistle though, ‘Impact’ is a happy man – although he never lets on. His team won by a point He will have another day out and next time he will be able to spot his favourite players. In fact, he might take his twelve years old son to the final – in his new ManU strip. ‘Not much soccer on TV during the summer and nothing for young lads to do around the place’.

Consequences of the Gota Fria significant for Torrevieja Salinas - By Andrew Atkinson EXCLUSIVE THE consequences of the Gota Fria could be significant for the Salinas in Torrevieja - with notable changes in the salt lagoons - after the storms.

"There has been changes in the salt lagoon - with a considerable contribution of fresh water visible," said a spokesperson from Cronicas Naturales Torrevieja.

The Gota Fria storms that hit Spain and devastated parts of Alicante and Murcia last week were the biggest in over a century, that lead to seven people drowning in the disaster.

Regions within the Vega Baja were affected, with

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Our ‘impact supporter’ is essential to the wellbeing of the GAA

He is nothing if not a fast reader of the game. Luckily there is a “Roarer” behind him lambasting every player who touches the ball, so soon he will become knowledgeable - and knowledge means vocal. In the centre of the pitch he is now looking at the worst performance he has ever seen in all his years attending matches; namely the referee. Every time “Roarer” shouts a derogatory remark about the ref, ‘Impact Supporter’ is able to improve on it. The names of the “hatchet men” on the opposition are by now rolling off the tip of his tongue as easily as ordering a pint after the game.

'PINK LAKE' DISASTER

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But everyone likes to see ‘Impact Supporter.’ Like the cuckoo ‘he comes but once a year.’ His team needs him, the GAA needs him, and we all need him; and let’s hope he has a good final!

Don’t Forget.

All men are born equal. The tough job is to outgrow it.

Don’t Forget Most family trees have a shady branch.

Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com *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.

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 ‘The Leader.’ Call 637 227 385 for info.

4,000 people evacuated from their homes throughout Spain, with floods, loss of farmers crops animals drowned.

The Natural Chronicles of Torrevieja released a statement, following visible dramatic changes of water colour - usually pink - at the entrance to the Torrevieja lagoon.

The salt flats of Torrevieja, a protected area, is part of the Natural Park of Lagunas La Mata and Torrevieja.

The salt lakes in Torrevieja are characterised by very thick water, which is due to its high concentration of salt.

A peculiar pink color, due to special algae that inhabit the bottom of the lakes, equipped with microorganisms give the original and characteristic color.

The salt lakes - known as the Pink lake of Torrevieja hit the headlines in 2018 with the banning of bathing, and namely muds bathing.

The regulations of the Natural Park of Lagunas de La

Before and After

Mata and Torrevieja, do not allow mud bathing in the lagoon.

There is evidence that the Romans exploited the pink lagoon to obtain their salts, by manufacturing their own ducts.

"The situation in the lagoons endangers the salt harvest - and also jobs," said the spokesperson from Cronicas Naturales Torrevieja.

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QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 782 QUICK ACROSS: 7 Remark; 8 Course; 10 Grapple; 11 Flood; 12 Lull; 13 Phase; 17 Lucid; 18 Brew; 22 Wreck; 23 Unravel; 24 Relish; 25 Motive.

DOWN: 1 Fragile; 2 Amiable; 3 Crypt; 4 Confuse; 5 Proof; 6 Ready; 9 Technique; 14 Puckish; 15 Prevail; 16 Swollen; 19 Swarm; 20 Reply; 21 Crook.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 7 Punter; 8 Set out; 10 Coinage; 11 Lucre; 12 Eyed; 13 Ruins; 17 Smash; 18 Rear; 22 After; 23 Valises; 24 Partly; 25 Galore.

DOWN: 1 Apaches; 2 Infidel; 3 Texas; 4 Sealing; 5 Pouch; 6 Steep; 9 Repulsive; 14 Emerald; 15 Teashop; 16 Dresser; 19 Lamps; 20 Store; 21 Clear.

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

Solution on Page 23 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.

QUIZ ANSWERS

Distant (3) Imbibe (5) Spoken (6) Victory (7) All-powerfulness (11) Homage (9) Inventiveness (11) Characteristically (9) Eightfold (7) Renowned (6) Wait on (5) Bind (3)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. Where on your body would you find a lunula?

2. The bestselling Stephenie Meyer books, Breaking Dawn, Eclipse & New Moon, among others, are collectively known by what name?

3. How is the Baron of Foy in the county of Herefordshire and Hartlepool in the county of Durham better known?

4. From which English port in 1620 did The Pilgrim Fathers originally set sail on board the Mayflower to America?

5. What name is given to the dress worn by female competitors in highland dancing?

6. In what capacity could 21 names - including Ana, Bill, Claudette - thru to Victor and Wanda - be in the news from June 1 2009?

7. What was unusual about the landslide mayoral victory for Harry Stonebraker in the town on Winfield Missouri on April 9, 2009?

8. How many replies did Sting get to his message in a bottle?

9. In the classic comedy series "The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin", what was Reggie Perrin's middle name?

10. www.hop-skip-jump.com is the web address for which Lake District attraction?

11. What is the main official language of Ethiopia?

12. Which e-tailer made the fortunes of Brent Hoberman and Martha Lane-Fox?

13. What term is given to velocity multiplied by mass?

14. What word did James Joyce's Ulysses contribute to particle physics?

15. What lies above the troposphere and below the ionosphere?

16. What is a yarmulke, or kippah?

17. Which Italian city is served by Galileo Galilei airport?

18. With which Irish retailer is the brand St Bernard most associated?

19. Who replaced Bob Wilson as the face of the BBC's Football Focus in 1994?

20. In which palace were Henry VIII and his daughters Mary & Elizabeth born?

21. Killing me Softly was a career-defining hit for Roberta Flack and much later, The Fugees.

Who was it written about, and what was "his song" 22. What sport was called Harpastum by the ancient Greeks?

23. What is a dhoti?

24. Which drink was designed as a malaria cure?

25. In 1929 the first what happened on an aircraft?

weeks before election, but name on the papers and postal voting had taken place too. Won 90% of the vote.

8. Walked out this morning, don't believe what I saw, Hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore. 9.

Iolanthe, 10. The World of Beatrix Potter, 11.

Amharic, 12.

Lastminute.com, 13. Momentum, 14.

DOWN 2. Frequently expressed in poetry (3) 3. Didn’t save an animal shelter in the street (5) 4. Not in the coterie for a start (6) 5. More reliable plumber (7) 6. Happening to be catching flat-fish, I hear (6,5) 7. The board in charge of movements in the main (9) 10. Spirit level, theosophically speaking! (6,5) 11. In the finish the ring is surrounded (9) 14. A fluctuation in foreign currency could be seen as steep (7) 16. He’s active between rounds for a short time (6) 19. Pot a small propagated plant (5) 21. Fabulous winger right on course, initially (3)

DOWN 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

10.

11.

14.

16.

19.

21.

1. Nails - it's the half moon thingy at the bottom, 2. Twilight Series, 3. The former Business Secretary - Peter Mandelson, 4. Southampton (forced to return to port when Speedwell took on water and later set sail from Plymouth), 5. Aboyne Dress, 6.

Names for 2009 Hurricanes and tropical storms, 7. He was dead. Died 2

ACROSS 1. Industrial locations for the factory dances! (9) 8. Help one in the present time (3) 9. Having a great desire to keep going on (5-6) 11. Give one the right to name a book (7) 12. He gives a fellow gold (5) 13. Firmly fastens up potato stores (6) 15. Support the Spanish drive (6) 17. They should be known to sailors and boxers (5) 18. Yes, acts in variety will produce great delight (7) 20. No storms are disturbing the space students (11) 22. A great age for a Scotsman, we hear (3) 23. Divert to subsidiary racecourse (4-5)

ACROSS 1.

Attestation (9) 8.

Rabble (3) 9.

Embargo (11) 11. Glint (7) 12. Goes listlessly (5) 13. Toxin (6) 15. Blanch (6) 17. Map (5) 18. Lack (7) 20. Indecorum (11) 22. Tenanted (3) 23. Oriental (9)

Quark, 15. Stratosphere (accept mesosphere) , 16. Jewish skull cap, 17. Pisa, 18. Dunne's Stores, 19. Steve Rider - Lineker was later, 20. Placentia - also called Greenwich Palace, 21.

Don McClean - American Pie, 22.

Football, 23. An Indian male loincloth, 24. Benedictine, 25. Birth

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Captain of grounded Minesweeper sacked

Spain Navy sack the 'Turia' Captain The Naval Chief of Staff (Ajema), Teodoro López Calderón, has removed the commander of the Cazaminas Turia from his post and suspended him from duty.

The Turia, a “Segura” class minehunter, ran aground last month in the waters of La Manga del Mar Menor during the search and recovery mission for the C-101 Air Force plane that crashed, and in which the pilot died.

In a brief statement, the Navy announced that Admiral López Calderón, himself from Cartagena, has removed the Captain of Turia, named as Francisco Javier Miró Bujosa, from his command.

He has also been charged with dereliction of duty in that he allowed the ship to approach the beach without assessing all the risks.

The military Justice system provides for up to two years in jail and a dishonourable discharge in such cases.

At first, the Navy blamed the bad weather and sea conditions for the accident to the ship, which at that time was trying to recover an underwater robot that was tracking along the bottom of the sea. The Turia ran aground on a rocky outcrop a few hundred metres from the coast of La Manga.

Engineers from Navantia and from the Navy are still assessing the damage suffered to the fiberglass and polyester hull, as well as to the engines and equipment which were affected by the water.

Initially, according to shipyard sources, the repair could be cost prohibitive and everything currently indicates that the ship, with 19 years’ service, will be scrapped and converted into a bank of spare parts for its five sister ships.

16

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Car Sales

Social and Clubs

The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2017 Ford CMax Petrol which is on Special Offer priced at just 14,900 euro. Come along to our showroom in Elche and see our vast range of used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers.

The biggest and best for price, choice and quality.

Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District BRnch meet on the third Tuesday of each month at the Olympia Pool Bar and Restaurant in Mil Palmeras.

Everyone is welcome. Call Jean for info on: 630 28 08 99 Royal British Legion, Torrevieja Branch - Meet the second Friday of the month at Casa Ventura,

San Luis starting at 7.00 p.m.

New members are always welcome. You do not have to be exservices. For more information contact:- gill.burden20@gmail.com RNA - The Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 1700 (5pm) at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanization, Torrevieja. For more information please contact Chairman Paul Edwards on 618 644 934, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 966 71 6274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 966 92 1996.

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 you can 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 contact me at davedanie@gmail.com.

Badminton in Pilar de la Horadada.

Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs.

10-12.30 pm. Call John on 634 658 506 Torrevieja Retired Activities Club meet on the third Wednesday in the month from 11-1pm at Marina Club Cafeteria, International Marina, Torrevieja.

The joining fee is 10euros but

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you can attend one meeting or lunch before you join. For info phone Sandy Hollywood, President 698 266 696 or Jill Hayes, membership Secretary 672 983 019.

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: charitycentre helpathomecb@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 The Orihuela Costa Drop In Centre is in C/Cipres, Lomas de Cabo Roig, where we can offer you a full range of activities Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Info available at: oc.communitycare@gmail.com

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,

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on these Sundays. For info see www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org 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. You can phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 667 533 597..

International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja - Evangelical nondenominational 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

Personal Transvestite Diana, blonde, new to Torrevieja. Great figure big breasts. Active and passive.well endowed. By appointment.

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Torrevieja blonde lady, massage, erotica, speaks English 604 382 799

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Regional Fairs postponed

By Andrew Atkinson LOS Montesinos Town Hall postponed last weekend’s Regional Tourism Fair of Vega Vega and the I Feminist Fair of Vega Baja, in the wake of the Gota Fria storms that devastated Spain.

"In life it is a matter of priorities. And, always, people’s lives and well-being are above all," said Ana Belen Juarez, Los Montesinos Councillor for Sports, Equality, Tourism, Environment, Development, Employment and Economic Development.

"In this context which is so devastating for us all, we must now focus all our energies on restoring normality for the thousands of people affected by the floods," said Ana Belen Juarez.

"It is only right that we postponed the two events in Los Montesinos at the Regional level, with the participation of many other Municipalities and Associations.

"Work started months ago - and was practically done. We thank all the Associations and Municipalities that had committed their assistance.Especially the technical teams, for their efforts, the enthusiasm and the degree of involvement they have had in the planning of these Fairs.”

"Hopefully the Fairs can take place in the very near future. I am convinced better times will come soon - we will shine again as always," said Ana Belen Juarez.

"Now, our energies and efforts are united - to restore the brightness to the people - and to the territory of the Vega Baja," added Ana Belen Juarez.

Monday 23rd - Sunday 29th September, 2019 Ana Belen Juarez

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Brexit Secretary meets UK Groups in Madrid

Gala evening for Benijofar's Martin A RED carpet Gala Evening is looming for Benijofar resident Martin Ronald Dean on Saturday, September 28 - to launch his biography: "Killer".

"I'm really looking forward to it," said Martin, whose life story as a Croupier is published by author, Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader journalist Andrew Atkinson.

Martin, 50, born in Lower Kersall, travelled the world as a Croupier, working in casinos at the Roulette and Blackjack tables.

"To travel the world, from being a kid from Salford, who had nothing, and leaving school with no qualifications, was fantastic," said Martin, who left

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Manchester to work with P&O Ferries.

Martin, who worked on Cruiseliner casinos, that took in Miami, New York, Rome, Bermuda, and resided in Moscow, Russia, for two years, was named ‘Killer’ by bosses.

Martin, will be performing at the Gala Evening 'Killer' book launch, singing tributes to Neil Diamond, Elvis and Johnny Cash.

Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, Steven Barclay, met Thursday with members of three of the groups representing UK nationals in Spain: Brexpats, ECREU and EuroCitizens. They discussed the key issues affecting the more than 300,000 British citizens who have made Spain their home. During his visit to Madrid, Barclay also spoke at an “Informative Breakfast” hosted by Europa Press and met with business representatives. He also discussed the importance of citizens’ rights during his meeting with the Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell.

In a video message to UK Nationals living in Spain, he said: “It’s been really useful to meet citizens’ rights groups representing British nationals living in Spain to hear about their concerns on things like healthcare. We are absolutely committed to protecting healthcare – we are in discussions with the Spanish government on that. Through the Royal Decree, the Spanish Government has given good support to citizens here, compared to other member states.”

He added that: “We are committed to getting a deal – that is the best way to safeguard citizens’ rights. And we will ensure that we continue to support them as we go through the Brexit process.”

The video message from the Secretary of State can be viewed at www.theleader.info The visit follows the UK Government’s launch of a major information campaign urging UK nationals living in Spain to get ready for Brexit on 31 October. It is part of a wider communications campaign effort across Europe.

UK nationals in Spain will receive information about specific actions they need to take to keep their rights and access to services in Spain, including around residency, healthcare, driving licences and passports.

The campaign will use multiple channels – from Facebook posts to billboard posters in towns and cities across Spain – urging people to take action ahead of 31 October, and builds on the Consulates’ outreach and pop-up events.

The new information campaign asks UK nationals to take action to prepare for Brexit by checking the Living in Spain Guide at gov.uk/livinginspain and: • Apply for residency • Register for healthcare • Exchange their UK driving licence for a Spanish one • Check their passport is valid for travel The Embassy also strongly recommends that British nationals living in Spain join our “Brits in Spain” Facebook community, at: https://www.facebook.com/BritsInSpain/

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Las Ramblas Golf Society 16 September San Javier born Marta captain's role at Futsal Florentina SAN Javier born Marta Penalver was given the captain's armband at Italian Serie A Futsal Florentia in the opening game of the 2019-20 season - and celebrated in scoring two goals!

"Because of the affection shown towards our colours we decided to deliver the captain's armband to Marta Peñalver Ramón, whose seriousness is absolute, both in camp and outside," said coach Alberto De Santis.

Marta, who scored 27 goals last season, spent part of her summer vacation in San Miguel at a football "It is an honour to wear the captain's armband” Marta told The Leader

school, and relaxed on the Mar Menor, sailing, during a visit to San Javier.

Marta, who represented Spain in the 2015 World Cup, said of Futsal Florentia's 8-1 Cup win against Val Firenze, on September 15: "It is an honour to wear the captain's armband.

"The division Cup result was a good victory in the first game of the season, and a passage into the next round. We now look to the Serie A Championship."

Coach Alberto De Santis added: "We have enthusiasm, and, above all, commitment.

"Right from the start I saw a team spirit - consistent with the series we will face this season.

"Let Serie A be a year of synergy - and respect for sporting values".

Marta played in the Cup game, in difficult circumstances, in the wake of the Gota Fria storms that devastated Spain.

Marta's San Javier based grandparents suffered from flooding at their home, and Futsal Florentia said: "The City of San Javier region of Murcia was struck by a terrible flood.

"We express all our sympathy to our captain Marta Penalver Ramon, to Cristi Poveda and Juan Carlos Vera Ramon."

F

irstly apologies for no report last week but I had rather a lot of decorating and DIY to do. I won’t ‘gloss’ over the fact though that Nick Lee was ‘top coat’ in last week’s Joker Stableford with 45 points.

Rachel Lee and team finished as runners up

‘Rollover’ to Monday and it was Paul Brown, Benedicte Kruse, Annemarie Weisheit and the fictional Albert who ‘sealed’ victory in the counter game with a not to be ‘caulked’ at score of 95 points.

It was certainly no ‘whitewash’ for Rachel Lee in Wednesday’s Stableford as she ‘nailed’ 1st place with 38 points but only on countback over Mike Mahony, (looks like he’s been reunited with his golf clubs then!) Joyce McClusky ‘filled in the cracks’ of the top three with 36.

Showing some ‘medium grit’ Liz Robertson ‘dovetailed’ into 4th place with 35 points. Three of our members ‘hammered’ home a 2 today, Liz Robertson, Nigel Price and, obviously in his ‘prime(r)’, Nick Lee.

A benefit match raised £320,000.

By Andrew Atkinson FORMER Holland and Rangers football captain Fernando Ricksen has died - following his battle with motor neurone disease - six years after being diagnosed.

Ricksen, 43, who has a property near Valencia, fought a brave battle against the disease, raising awareness and funds for the Fernando Ricksen Foundation.

Por ultimo, John Dobson, who was probably ‘plastered’, says to his caddy, ‘Please stop checking your watch all the time. It’s too much of a distraction’. Caddy replies, ‘It’s not a watch it’s a compass’.

Onto Friday and it was the good old 3-2-1 Dusty (sheet) Bin. Liz and Ken Robertson together with

Pues hasta la semana que viene

Ricksen, who spent six seasons at Ibrox, a member of Rangers Hall of Fame, won 12 caps for Holland, and leaves behind his wife Veronika and his daughter Isabella.

A benefit match was held at Ibrox in 2015, where over 41,000 fans attended, raising £320,000.

Ricksen, whose MND was featured in the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader in April, has a property near Valencia, and used a voice-counter to speak. He was diagnosed in 2013 and told he had 18 months to live.

Ricksen’s second wife, Russian born Veronika, and daughter Isabella, frequently visited him in

The third round of the Carp-R-Us Autumn Series was fished at El Bosquet. This match was fished with running line, no poles were allowed. The club does this at El Bosquet occasionally as not very member has a pole and this makes it a more even contest. First was Richard Crawshaw with 8.75kg from peg 22, second equal were Jeremy Fardoe (peg 26), fishing his first match for some

Scotland from their Spanish family home, where she had been caring for him.

Having initially washed, dressed and fed him, following MND diagnosis, they were no longer able to provide round-the-clock medical attention, which was undertaken at St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie, Scotland, in recent years.

"On behalf of the club I would like to pay tribute.

He was a fantastic player, who had a decorated career," said ex-England and Liverpool captain Gerrard.

Peter Reffell time and Alan Smith (peg 32), who both had 8.50kg. Fourth was Dave Sutton with 6.95kg from peg 34.

Further information about the club can be found on its website www.carp-rus.weebly.com or on our Facebook page Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blanca. Anyone wishing to join the club should contact Steve Fell either through the website or on 634379081.

LaMangaTorre CC face Madrid 1st in final League40 fixture

The Gota Fria storms lead to a 6-a-side Cricket Tournament being cancelled: "After all the torrential rains LMTCC send their thoughts to those affected," LaMangaTorre CC captain Kieran Wood told me.

By Andrew Atkinson

"One of the worst storms we have had with many towns and houses flooded and evacuated," said Kieran.

LaMangaTorre CC will play Madrid 1st in their final League40 fixture of the 2019 campaign.

"It's very sad news for everyone connected to the club, and, more importantly, his young family," said Rangers manager Steven Gerrard.

‘Soldering’ on into 2nd spot, with 89 points, were Rachel Lee, John Shervell, Benedicte Kruse and Jan Svendsen.

Our thoughts this week go to Andy McDonald who had a bit of a ‘light bulb’ going out moment and got his ‘wires’ crossed before the game started. Maybe it was his ‘short fuse’. Get well soon mate!

Carp-R-Us Autumn Series

Fernando Ricksen dies following battle with MND

Nick Lee (yes again) and Rachel Leckey (welcome back Rachel) who ‘adapted’ well and took 1st place with a ‘brilliant white’ 94 points. (Just two points short of our all time record).

"We send a message that we are hoping everyone affected during the storms recovers quickly," said Kieran.

"Following Madrid United withdrawing from the league, the double-header games scheduled lead to cancellations. Training sessions and an Inter-Club match were held," said Kieran.

"Team 'Fletch' chalked up 185 runs, with Team 'Court' replying with 127. A. Alger knocked 47, with P. Harvey, K. Wood and C. Wood returning double figures. Bowling: O. Jarvis, H. James and P. Singh; wickets from newcomer, S. Ali (4/21) and P. Fletch (2/20).

"It was a good stepping stone, in preparation for the 40 overs final league game of the year - with a lot to play for - against Madrid 1st," said Kieran.

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21

Mike Probert Talks Golf (In assn with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) Here on the Costa’s golf is one of the biggest

on: 661 345 931

leisure time activities for both tourists and resi-

We at THE LEADER are committed to providing

dent alike and with this in mind we have secured

to our golfing readers affordable golf without the

the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca

need to join a club or apply for a card but simply

Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.

Royal British Legion Charity Day

contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us. The deals shown in the table are some of the best currently available to you.

Course

Price

Comments

Altorreal

€90

2 Player & Buggy

On Thursday 26th September 2019 the annual

Alenda

€90

2 Players

Charity Day will be held at Vistabella as a

Alicante

€90

2 Players & Buggy

fundraiser for the Royal British Legion Poppy

Bonalba

€90

2 Players & Buggy

Appeal and the On Course Foundation.

El Plantio

€90

2 Players &Buggy

As always this will be a team event and has

Font Del Llop

€90

2Players

already been well supported by local golfers.

GNK Golf Courses

€90

2 Players & Buggy

The Leader in association with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services have obtained from local golf courses a number of green fee vouchers which will be sold to the public and with 100% of the proceeds going to the charity fund and with huge savings in comparison with public prices.

(El Valle,Riquelme & La Torre) La Finca

€120

La Manga €160

2 Players & Buggy

2 Players & Buggy

La Marquesa

€90

2 Players & Buggy

La Serena

€90

2 Players & Buggy

Las Ramblas

€90

2 Players & Buggy 2 Players & Buggy

Lo Romero

€100

Below is a list of the vouchers available and if

New Sierra Golf

€75

2 Players &Buggy

you wish to purchase any of these vouchers con-

Roda

€90

2 Players & Buggy

tact Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee

Villaitana Levante

€100

2 Players & Buggy

Services: info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or

Vistabella

€80

2 Players

El Plantio2 Golf Team Yellow Ball

David de Gea donates 200,000 euro to Gota Fria Disaster Fund Well done to David de Gea who has donated 200k to the Disaster Fund.

Although born in Madrid the Man Utd keeper has strong links to the area, his father having been born in Redovan and brought up in Orihuela, two of the municipalities that were worst hit by the recent floods.

His family still has a home in Alicante which is where he spends a large part of his summer break.

David is also a lifelong supporter of Elche Football Club who he watched in pre season only a few weeks ago.

Torrevieja Darts Ladies Organisation Week / Semana 2 - Founders Shield Format

In the first club competition since the great deluge, 13 members turned up to compete in a Team Yellow Ball.

Young – 126 points First place, Helen Beddows, Barry Walthall, Mike Davies – 126 points.C/B

The course was playable despitethe amount of water it had been subjected to. As numbers were not ideal, the only four-ball outfit had to discard one score on each hole.

Pictured above from L to R: Lyn Young, Barry Walthall, Helen Beddows, Mike Davies, Henry Mellor, Janice O' Brien.

Five pointwere deducted for every team who did not return the Yellow Ball.

If anyone would like to join our Society, we play at El Plantio Golf Club every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

This worked against the team finishing second as they scored most points but,a deduction left them level and they lost on count back. Indeed, of the teams competing, only one Yellow Ball was returned.

Nearest the pins – Hole 2 Barry Walthall, Hole 8, Helen Beddows.

Second place, Henry Mellor, Janice O'Brien, Lyn

We use both courses - the Par 3 9 hole course and the main 18 hole course, so we cater for all abilities.

The membership rates are very competitive, so call for more details. Anyone who wishes to play in the Society as a guest or join as a new member, contact David Swann on 865 779 983 or 648 476 752.

Wildcats Macklin’s 2 - 16

Gap Ladies

Friendly Chicas

13 - 8

Black Dog Ladies

Racing Toast

10 - 12

Friendly's Temps

Primadonnas

12 - 12

Macklin’s D Mixt

Gap Ladies

P

Prs Sgls Pts

2

10

18

28

Friendly's Temps

2

10

17

27

Macklin’s Dolly Mixtures

2

8

17

25

Black Dog Ladies

2

6

17

23

Primadonnas

2

7

15

22

Racing Toast

2

7

14

21

Friendly’s Chicas

2

8

11

19

Wildcats at Macklin’s

2

2

8

10

Highest Checkouts: Michelle Halliday 89 Hot Darts: Michelle Halliday, Beaty Powell, Sue

Wade 140, Sue Bradley 126, Ellie Attwood125, Lorraine McGrath 123, Maureen Church 122, Sue Casey, Maureen Church, Eileen Hood, Marylyn Jackson, Bliss Wright 120, Susanne Kubler 119, Ellie Attwood, Ann Wharton 116, Caroline Shepherd, Elaine Willis 111, Shirley Stephenson, Ann Wharton 110, Ann McGivern 108, Gail Murray 101, Pat Woods 3 x 100, Michelle Halliday 2 x 100, Ellie Attwood, Lin Cousins, Kath Walker 100 Further to last week’s reminder about the Poppy Day, Charity darts tournament on Saturday 9th of November we would like to announce that it will now be ‘The Darts Community supporting the victims of the Gota Fria Disaster’ Darts Competition this year.

Several leagues have been invited to participate and we will donate all the proceeds raised towards a project or cause to help in the recovery. Please mark the date in your diary. Next year it will revert back to the Poppy Day competition.

22

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2019 Valencian Bowls underway at Vistabella and Quesada Respecting the flag for the National Anthem The opening ceremony of the Valencian Lawn Bowls Championship 2019 took place at Vistabella Bowls Club on Wednesday morning with over a hundred bowlers taking part dressed in their club colours.

The tournament was officially opened by the President of Vistabella Bowls, Joaquín Rocamora who welcomed competitors to the club, wishing them every success in the tournament ahead.

Having handed the club over to Bob Donnelly, the Valencian delegate thanked members of both Vistabella and the second tournament venue, Quesada Bowls Club, for allowing the competition to be played at their two venues over the next two

weeks.

Joaquin was then joined by the Golf Club Caddy Master, Viviana Giraldo, as the pair played the traditional opening bowls of the 2019 tournament.

President of Vistabella Bowls, Joaquín Rocamora welcomes competitors

The competition itself got underway at 2pm on Wednesday afternoon with the preliminary round of the Mixed Rinks played at both Vistabella and Quesada.

The competition continues at both venues until Friday 27 September after which the semi final and final stages will be played, from 28 September to 1 October, at Quesada only.

Entry at both venues is absolutely free.

Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club

Joint Competition hosts, Vistabella Bowls Club

Winners of Mixed Rinks Winners of the Plate from San Miguel from Quesada SUNSET LEAGUE The eight week Sunset League was so popular it was decided to extended it for a further four weeks.

Play was from 5.30pm until 7.30pm and then we all adjourned to the square opposite the club for a few drinks and eats.

As before it was based on an individual's performance over the four weeks and the winner for the ladies was Pauline Merry for the men Phil Goble and the booby prize winner was Ian Hamilton.

They all received a bottle of wine which was provided by Graham Smythe.

MONTHLY CHICKEN RUN The August chicken run was played on a very hot Sunday morning. Once again it was decided to play two games of seven ends instead of the normal two games of nine ends.

Twenty four members took part a further six members paid their euro but didn't play.

Tanya won the chicken for the ladies and Dave Melville won for the men. The eggs were won by Linda Saunders for the ladies and Peter Morley for the men.

Thank you to Jack and Tanya who donated the chickens and Ian and Julia Hamilton who donated the eggs.

GRAN ALACANT MIXED RINKS For the second year running the weather intervened and we lost one day or our Annual three day event. Unfortunately this year, we also had a

reduced number of teams due to travelling difficulties caused by the severe weather.

The rest of the teams mustered on day two and we got through the largest part of the group stages.

We also had a very successful cake stall with lots of lovely cakes and savouries baked and donated by club members. Monte Mar had one team in the semi-finals but they did not progress.

The final of the Plate, which is for the runners-up of the groups, was won by the Quesada team of Jason Prokopowycz, Mark France , Colin and Mel Highland.

They beat the team of Eve and Roli Bell, Chris and Dennis Wright from Bonalba. In the main event for the Trophy, two teams from San Miguel contested the final. The eventual winners were the team of Pat and Dave McEwan, Linda and Cliff Plaisted who beat the team of Ken Hope Paul Haywood, Dave and Lynne Greenland. Following the event Club Chairman, Chris Harding, presented medals and trophies to the successful teams. He thanked the event organisers, members who ran the cake stall and raffle and also the bar staff at the club for their hard work. He thanked Avalon for sponsoring the event this year. We hope that the weather is kinder when we gather for the event next year.

Club Captain Chris Merry Hi everyone another new season is about to start. I would like to wish Monte Mar and all our bowlers a successful season. Most of all enjoy your bowls and support each other at all times.

Quesada bowls Club

We are hosting the Valencian Championships, so the green is currently occupied.

With Jim Donnelly

The semi final and final stages will be played, from 28 September to 1 October, at Quesada.

Entry to the venue is absolutely free.

As is normal at this time of year, things are all very quiet on the bowling front. A mixture of the weather and holidays means not much happens.

We can report, however, that we have brought our bowlers together for the seasons opening event, the Captain's versus the President's annual match.

Recent weather did not dampen or spirits, although we had a few absentees due to the conditions.

We hope all goes well for everyone soon. As to the match itself, it was played in high spirits and the outcome was not really important, but I should report it was in the Captain's favour.

We retired inside afterwards and enjoyed a welcome buffet, prepared by our hosts.

Quesada bowls club welcomes both new and experienced bowlers. We are a friendly club with a mixture of competition, league and casual bowlers.

In addition to league matches and club competitions, we have our popular Saturday morning chicken drive, and Tuesday bubble drive which is open to visitors.

So come along and see what we have to offer!

Contact our membership secretary Angie Goddard at newleaf2014@hotmail.co.uk Thanks to our sponsors Spanish Life Properties https://www.spanish

Vistabella Bowls Club Vistabella have entered a significant number of teams in all the disciplines of the Valencian Lawn Bowls Championship which is ongoing at the moment until the finals on the 1st. of October.

So far we have 3 teams going through in the mixed rinks and 2 teams in the mixed triples. A long way to go and everyone at Vista Bella is looking forward to the coming matches for more wins. Make sure you read next weeks Leader for more results.

with Montestan

How about coming and have a go at bowling we would be pleased to see you. We can arrange a free session and lesson . You could get hooked it’s a fabulous game and a very sociable one you’ll meet lots of new friends.

Also bowlers are most welcome, we have a brand new green and are looking for new members.

Please contact: Club Captain - David Jenkins pacadasu@yahoo.com or Charlie Watkins charlieatpathways@yahoo.co.uk.

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Atleti fans fall in love with Trippier

Monday 23rd - Sunday 29th September, 2019

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CD Thader punished for another slow start level the match, but his goal bound shot struck a post before bouncing to safety.

Thader CD................2

Both sides produced further attempts on goal, as this pulsating end to end match could have gone either way.

IFC Alicante ...............3

England full back Kieran Trippier seems to be winning over the fans of his new club Atletico Madrid. Not only is he performing well on the pitch he is also interacting with the fans during and after the games.

In Saturday’s draw against Celta Vigo, as he was waiting to take a corner during a break in play, he gestured to a ball boy that he wanted a drink of water.

An eager supporter shouted to get his attention as he brandished a bottle which he then threw at a grateful Trippier, who took a hearty swig from it. He then delighted the crowd even more by tossing the bottle back to the supporter.

And people on Twitter were equally in love with the interaction, with one revealing that Trippier had gone back to the fan after the full-time whistle to say thank you and give him his shirt.

Another said: "I love stuff like this. That regular guy - human connection to the fans and the fan being quick enough to grab a water bottle for him. That fan is going to remember that day!"

A third added: (it's) just the latest example of what a connection he has with fans. (Trippier) is one of the best things that has happened to Atleti this season.

It is gestures such as this that has made the right-back, 29, such an instant hit in Spain following his cut-price move from Tottenham during the summer.

The England star was also the most creative player in the Champions League last week, laying on seven chances, including the equaliser, for Atletico’s 2-2 draw against Juventus.

And off the pitch he is already embracing the culture in La Liga, by revealing that he's taking Spanish lessons three times a week.

SUDUKO SOLUTION

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For the 2nd consecutive home league match, Thader fell behind early on, leaving them a mountain to climb.

IFC Alicante are a class act, as were previous opponents Rayo Ibense, and although they gave it their all, frailties in defence were ultimately their undoing.

In between, there should have been a trip to Orihuela, but the recent gota fria put paid to that. Details of a rearrangement are as yet unknown.

It took Segarra only 3 minutes to put IFC ahead, courtesy of an unstoppable long range drive which beat Sergio all ends up.

A touch of deja vu for Thader fans, some of whom had just taken their seats. A moment of pure magic from veteran striker Rafa Gomez, produced an equalizer on 23 minutes.

Having received the ball on the edge of the box, he beat 2 players, before planting an accurate shot just inside the far post. Less than a minute later, an inch perfect cross from the right found an unmarked Manu, who on the half volley put IFC back in the driving seat.

Straight up the other end, Mora produced a brave save from IFC keeper Edu, denying a certain equalizer. Next it was Sergio's turn to deny IFC front man Banderas scoring from a long range free kick.

Just before the interval, Lloyd spotted the keeper way off his line, but his audacious lob from his own half, just missed the target.

Rafa Gomez provided an assist to Nino on 47 minutes, the latter's effort being pushed aside by Edu. Thader were on the ascendancy, this time it was a Borja volley from way out which was agonizingly wide.

Mora could only watch, as his effort achieved the same result of his team mates.

Against the run of play, Vicente conceded a free kick in a dangerous position, but fortunately Alicante danger man Fran headed over from close range.

When Mora was fouled on the edge of the box on 72 minutes, Victor looked odds on to

CD Montesinos Fred Griggs Memorial Trophy

By Andrew Atkinson Chief Sports Editor THE annual Fred Griggs Trophy fixture played by CD Montesinos took place this month at the Municipal stadium Los Montesinos, Alicante.

Former CD Montesinos 'Full Monte' Supporters Club President Fred, a stalwart within the football community, passed away at Torrevieja Hospital in 2015.

Eddie Cagigao, CD Montesinos Supporters Club President said: "Fred was a massive supporter of football and cricket, especially the County of Middlesex, of which he and his good friend Russell Grant did so much. I still miss Fred's advice and input, terribly."

Valencia Regional 2nd division team CD Montesinos ask fans if they wish to donate cash or groceries, can they please do so at local Charity centres. email: thefullmonte2011@hotmail.com

Fred Griggs

It took another long range shot, this time from Inaki, on 85 minutes to apparently put the match beyond Thader's reach.

Enter Jorge, who from a corner headed powerfully into the back of the net, but alas it was too little too late for a Thader side who gave their all.

Bookings for Borja and Jorge, plus 5 opponents, kept up the 7 per match average so far this season.

Thader visit Elitei Project next weekend, for another Preferente division encounter. Elitei Project (ex Elda Industrial) normally play Saturday matches, but confirmation will appear on CD Thader 19/20 facebook page during the coming week.

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Monday 23rd - Sunday 29th September, 2019

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