The Leader Newspaper 18 March 2024 – Edition 1015

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ASEE

s festivities kicked off in Cabo Roig, at mainland Europe’s largest parade, Sunday brought us a perfect St. Patrick’s Day – clear blue skies, a shining sun, a day full of promise, and rich with tradition. There was green decor and shamrocks galore, as well as lots of Irish smiles, as thousands packed the streets of Cabo Roig for the area’s 11th St. Patrick's Day parade, once again celebrating the legacy of Irish culture in Orihuela Costa.

The fact that the event was another major success was with thanks to a ‘hard core’ of businesses who came together to dress the streets and the parade route, many offering further entertainment and specials to ensure the party continued well beyond the Spring afternoon.

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From pub to pub up and down the strip, the picture was much the same, a sea of green, smiles, clinking glasses, music and, of course, enthusiastic crowds.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ST PATRICK’S DAY

Cabo Roig again boasted the largest parade in mainland Europe where former Irish and EU politician Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher was the grand marshal.

"It's a huge honour - I'm absolutely thrilled," the grandson of Paddy 'the Cope' Gallagher, admitted.

"The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is simply just part of what we are and part of what we do best, celebrate. It is a rich part of our history, culture and heritage.”

As people flocked from miles around, eager to take a place by the roadside, to observe the spectacle of colour and the carnival atmosphere, over 40 bikers, quads and classic cars from local clubs did their traditional two laps of honour.

The parade itself was led off by Torrevieja Pipes and Drums, followed by St Patrick himself, in the guise of local resident, Jose Antonio Marcia del Amo, the one individual who has been ever pres-

Monday 18th - Sunday 24th March 2024

ent in the 11 years of this parade. Members of the military who had served with the United Nations were next, after which came the Parade Marshall, Councillor for the Coast Manuel Mestre, guests and members of the local Irish community.

Fifty invited veterans from the Irish Army, then joined the thousand strong parade as they marched proudly along with their standards, followed by an Irish Army pipe band, floats from many of the local bars, children from Footwork and Totally Dance Studios, a Chinese dragon, Sunshine Radio, two batacuda associations, stilt walkers, half a dozen cartoon characters and at least ten or more Comparsas, all donned in their wonderful plumed costumes, as they too danced along the route to the accompaniment of loud applause from the crowded pavements.

As a lot of green energy ran through Cabo Roig, there were at least 20 different nationalities included in the two-hour parade and, once again, the Irish Community did us all proud, the organisers, the individuals, the bars, restaurants and many other businesses that worked so hard to make the

event another overwhelming success. It truly was a joy to watch, a pleasure I have no doubt that gave great satisfaction, to those who were directly involved and to the many who were taking part.

"Once again Cabo Roig had a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Great crowd, great atmosphere, great bands and pageants. It was amazing to see so many people out enjoying the spectacle," said local resident Brian Burton.

Mary Stevenson and her partner Lizzy Beaumont, have lived in the area for almost 15 years and said they enjoy the community spirit that erupts during the St Patrick’s Day parade.

“We have to make sure we get here early to grab a nice spot on the front of ‘the strip’ to watch and cheer along all the amazing groups who give such a wonderful and colourful display,” Stevenson said. “This year it was clearly evident just how much hard work the organisers have put in.”

More photos on www.theleader.info

La Siesta Park finally opens for business

It's been a long time coming,but the La Siesta park and pump track has finally opened,following the inauguration on Saturday.

The park has many different facilities for different sports modalities,and there's seating around the entire area. There are not many trees and green areas however,and hardly any shade,so summer is going to be difficult.

The park is built on a 44,000 m2 space made up of recreation and rest areas,sports court areas and pétanque courts,and the largest paved pump track area in the world.

The Pump Track is for skateboards,scooters,and BMX bicycles,which,according to the town hall,the younger people have been demanding,so no doubt a welcome addition to the skate park in the railway station grounds.

The new pump track has three well-differentiated areas, Advanced Pump Track,Medium Level Pump Track and Children's Pump Track,which are colour coordinated.

The mayor of Torrevieja,and the councillor for International Residents,Gitte Lund Thomsen,were accompanied by many of their town hall councillors and colleagues at the inauguration in an urbanisation popular with foreign residents,with hundreds accompanying them through the gates for the first time.

The town hall had invited many different local groups to use the facilities during the opening,both to show how they can use the facilities,and showcase what can take place in the park,with something pretty much for everyone on show including basketball,hockey,football, Zumba,canine agility,pétanque,and more,with plenty of children enjoying the play facilities,including a rock climbing wall,and many adults trying out the keep fit

equipment,whilst those of all ages were active on the pump track.

After several years of inactivity,the work started at the beginning of last year,with an anticipated completion of 20 months,a deadline which has been brought forward to now. As well as the sports facilities,there is space for enjoying walks for people and families,with picnic areas for recreation and rest.However,as mentioned,there is very little in the way of shade or covered areas,there are some,but not many,and even in this early spring day of March the sun was blistering,and so it will not be a particularly pleasurable experience during the hot summer season.

La Siesta Park also has an agility area for large dogs and another for small dogs, a large central area that divides the park with two circular squares,skating circuits,children's games,biohealthy areas,mini auditorium,skating rink,hockey rink,soccer,pétanque courts,calisthenics area, bike path,as well as three paddle tennis courts,so this park will become the first in Torrevieja that will have courts to enjoy this fashionable sport,which normally takes place in the Sports City facility.

CHANGE OF BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO SPAIN

Mr Alex Ellis CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and non-resident Ambassador to the Principality of Andorra in succession to Mr Hugh Elliott who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.

Mr Ellis will take up his appointment during summer 2024.

He is currently the British High Commissioner in New Delhi, prior to which he held government posts as the Deputy National Security Adviser, the Director General of the Department for Exiting the European Union, and Her Majesty’s Ambassador, Brasilia.

This will be his second posting to Madrid, having been Counsellor for EU and Global Affairs at the embassy from 2003 to 2005.

On breaking the news of his departure the current ambassador, Hugh Elliott, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “After five wonderful years, this summer my term as Ambassador to Spain ends.

Although there are still many months (and work!) left, I am delighted to congratulate my great friend and colleague @Alexwellis, who will take over as of September. He is a very experienced diplomat and great lover of Spain, he will be a magnificent successor”.

HOLIDAY LETS SCUPPERED IN GUARDAMAR

The Guardamar del Segura Council says it will not cave in to pressure and will maintain one of the most restrictive urban planning regulations when authorising tourist apartments in the town.

Pressures are currently being applied both from property investors and from real estate agencies that work with this type of rental.

Every week the Council denies numerous requests for compatibility certificates, necessary to enter the tourist housing market and be part of the large tourist housing platforms such as Airbnb. Currently, only detached single-family homes are being approved for holiday rental.

"We have been supporting the local hotel industry for many years, which is something that differentiates our tourism sector and we have to protect it," said the mayor, José Luis Sáez (PSOE).

As a comparison, Guardamar has 1,610 hotel beds distributed in nine hotels and 806 rooms, a figure similar to that of Torrevieja, despite the fact that Torrevieja’s population is seven times larger than that of Guardamar.

Ellis has previously served in Madrid

Living with the smell of decaying bodies

Residents who border the Orihuela cemetery demand that the expansion works be monitored, which are now just 20 metres from their homes: "There are unbearable smells from the decomposing bodies," they say, ìwhich are going to multiply tenfold in the summerî.

Recent images with building skips full of coffins show what residents who live close by face daily, something, along with the intollerable smell, they have also been complaining about for over 4 years. One resident said that with the enlargement of the cemetery, the fence that delimits the perimeter is now just 20 meters from her home.

KAZAKHSTAN FUGITIVE WANTED IN GERMANY ARRESTED IN ROJALES

The National Police have arrested a 36-yearold fugitive from Kazakhstan who was wanted by the German authorities for kidnapping and for violent assault.

The detainee, a very large individual, was admitted to prison on Thursday after an appearance before the National Court through a videoconference held at the Alicante Palace of Justice.

Because of his size, which caught the attention of many people, he was guarded by four national police officers.

The arrest took place in a hotel in Ciudad Quesada. Agents from the Fugitive Location Group and the Provincial Brigade of the Judicial Police received information that placed him in Vega Baja. Although he had a home in Torrevieja, the prisoner used to frequent Rojales where he was detained.

The man had been sentenced by a German court in Dortmund to nine years and three months in prison for the kidnapping and extortion of a married couple who were assaulted in their home in the German city of Hamm in 2021.

According to the European arrest warrant, he and three other accomplices entered the home of a couple, wearing balaclavas and carrying a gun, while they were sleeping.

They put a firearm to the head of one of the residents as they demanded money and valuables, leaving with gold, silver and about 4,000 euros in cash. They also stole another 1,500 euros that he had in his wallet, his credit cards and a 24,000-euro watch.

The assailants left the victims locked up and fled the house in a car owned by the couple. The vehicle was later abandoned.

VOX ORIHUELA RESTRUCTURES ITS TEAM OF ADVISORS

Orihuela Vox municipal group in Orihuela has restructured its pool of advisors after the controversial dismissal of its press advisor and the advisor to the Family Department. It has also increased the salary pf another of it’s advisors, Héctor Mateo Sigüenza, by over 30% from 30,000 euros annually to 40,197.08 euros. Mateo is Manuel Mestre's right-hand man in the Coastal Department

The Public relations appointment was to be filled by Yolanda Cabezuelo, partner of the Vox spokesperson in Torrevieja, although that has now been changed to the publicist Belén Fabregat Giménez, who until now directed the marketing area of Radio Orihuela Cadena SER, and who is also the daughter of the director of the station. Replacing Pascual Pertegal, who was fired a few weeks ago, the post of advisor to the Family Department will be the lawyer Juan Octavio Sempere, whose was approved by the mayor on Friday.

During the electoral campaign Vox advocated reducing expenses spent on the number of advisors and subsidies although this now seems to have been largely forgotten.

Mr

Manuel Mestre with his advisor Mateo

Hands up, then – who knows who Dale Carnegie is? If you know you are likely to be an old git, like me.

This man became famous in the 1930s in America (he’d have to be American with a name like that). He is most well-known for writing *How to Win Friends and Influence People amongst other similarly-titled self-improvement books. For me personally he did a great job in the 1970s: he gave me self-confidence.

The company I worked for in those days had excellent training facilities at our head office in Slough. The Dale Carnegie company ran courses for self-development in the UK and used our office facilities. My company saw this as a development step for fledgling managers which is exactly where I was at in 1977. I was on a sixmonth assignment as an Area Sales Manager. You were rarely just promoted, you had to pass an assignment first. I was given the London and South-East region, a daunting task as it contained some of the company’s most gnarled and cynical characters, especial in Greater London. I was very apprehensive about trying to manage this team with very little previous man-management experience. Enter the strange world of Dale Carnegie and his ‘Human Relations’ course.

The twenty-week course consisted of four-hour long sessions every Wednesday afternoon between four and eight pm. The other delegates were from all different walks of life and other companies.

Some, like me, were trying to climb the greasy pole of company management, there were also entrepreneurs or M/Ds of small companies who had difficulty relating to people. In general terms the course was designed to help people deal with other people - ´Human Relations´ described it well at the time.

The format was the same every week. For the first two hours we took it in turns to stand up at the front and talk for two minutes on a subject we had been given at the end of the previous week. Then you had been given a short verbal briefing on the subject with a few guidelines. You had to talk without notes for exactly two minutes, with only a ten-second leeway either way. It was strictly adhered to, so it had to punchy, accurate and concise - and two minutes can be a very long time.

DALE WHO?

By John McGregor

At the half-time five-minute break we were given another subject to talk on in the second half, also for exactly two minutes - except of course on this occasion we had no preparation time.

For a very short time most of us felt a little inhibited, but the whole experience was so hands-on, so funny, so intense that there was little time for nerves. The emphasis was on helping each other improve, and we all did quite dramatically. It was encouraging to see one another grow in confidence.

There were real life lessons, like how to remember names and the importance of doing so. I never forgot the three C’s in basic man-management: don’t Criticise, Condemn or Complain –easy to say and very difficult to carry out.

Another week was hugely emotive, telling the class something you had never told anyone before. Several were horrendous, the stories were mostly very humbling. One was from a big strong man about his infant son dying: I don’t think anyone in the room could help crying, it was so sad. But without realising it you were losing your inhibitions of speaking in public, and building your self-confidence.

The course instructor was an amazing character called Harry, tremendous on his feet. He put so much effort each week into our sessions I thought he would burst sometimes. You would have expected him to lie down in a darkened room to unwind afterwards.

A major feature every week was a vote as to who had done the best talk - and who had improved the most since the last week both of which were very competitive. Strangely some people I didn’t really take to initially I started to really like.

Much material talked about every week was personal, about people’s lives, families and jobs. Some were hilarious, the Ford Sales Manager of a new car showroom kept us in stitches with tales of his team prima-donna salesmen, like highly-strung ballerinas from his weekly storiesbeing in sales myself I loved it.

At the end of the course you voted for the person who you thought had improved the most over the twenty weeks bringing a chance to become an assistant on future Dale Carnegie courses. I came second, and often wonder what might have been had I won.

If Harry was anything to go by, I don’t think I’d have survived long, I would have burnt myself out.

Despite huge work pressures during the course I never missed a session, it was much too important to me. I felt I was learning and improving so much I owed it to myself not to miss a moment.

In not-too-many years time I found myself standing up at sales conferences as my company’s National Sales Manager, addressing a large sales force of over a hundred people. Although I was naturally slightly nervous, it really didn’t bother me too much. Pre-Dale Carnegie I don’t think I could have done that, the thought of it would have brought me out in a rash. Public speaking has that effect on many people, but I conquered

all that during the course.

I still have the training in me today, the techniques I learnt are inbred in me. If you want an example - smile when you meet people. Use their Christian name when talking to them

– people’s names are the sweetest sounds of all to them. Thank you Dale.

*How To Win Friends And Influence People

;1938 by Dale Carnegie; Cedar Books

LACK OF PEDESTRIAN PATH SERIOUSLY AFFECTING BUSINESS IN LA MATA

season.The execution period is one year.As the works began in September 2023.The contractor,Orthem-Abala,has confirmed that deadlines are being met as stated in the contract.

This means that many restaurant and café businesses in the town will not be able to place their terraces on the first line of the beach,as they usually do throughout the year.They say that it will cost them many thousands of euros on lost business.

They say that the completion of partial sections of the work that the government team announced in September, when the contract got underway,are unviable.

According to the council,there would also seem to be a problem with supplies

for the walkway as the special boards being used,much more durable and with less maintenance than conventional wood,have not arrived,even though different suppliers have been sought.

The Council is allocating 3,929,612 euros (VAT included) to this work that has been demanded by materos,temporary residents and hoteliers for many years.

It is one of the most popular walks in Torrevieja,on the sand of the beach itself.

The Torrevieja Council said that it could be opened in "sections" in high season.

The replacement of the La Mata pedestrian path will not be finished by high

Work on the pedestrian path still has a long way to go

‘THE APPLE DOESN’T FALL TOO FAR FROM THE TREE.’

There were many different strands to the squash centre we owned back in the day. The club offered a range of activities for all age groups. Apart from the obvious squash, there was vigorous action in the gyms, fitness and dance classes … and my lips are sealed with regard to the social activities!

The club took care of our junior members; many of whom were sons and daughters of adult players. The Saturday morning junior coaching sessions were conducted by myself and several other senior members. We also provided facilities upstairs for pool, snooker and table-tennis.

Naturally, when you have a mixed bunch of 12 – 16 y.o. youngsters, you are going to have high spirits, high jinks and the occasional over-the-top high. Overall, I remember the kids as a great bunch to work with, but whilst we made allowances for having fun, there had to be a few strict rules in place for the smooth running of the club. These rules would sometimes be ‘tested!’

I didn’t allow juniors to chew gum on the squash courts – having spent too many minutes scraping the disgusting goo from walls and floor. I warned them to empty their mouths before every session.

Then I nabbed a young lad chewing. I took him off court and sent him home. Let’s call him ‘John’. John’s parents were great people, well known to me and we met often. This incident was never mentioned and John was back the following Saturday. Today, John is an outstanding citizen, successful in his chosen career and with a healthy interest in sport.

All of the juniors were allowed play pool, but only those of an accomplished standard were permitted to use the full-size snooker table. An absolute ‘no-no’ was to place a drink over the cushion or on the edge of the table.

‘Michael’ placed his pint of blackcurrant drink on the edge of the table and in taking his shot, accidently knocked the half-full glass onto the felt. I ‘reamed and roared’ him out of it and sent him home. That is all there would have been about that ...but …

The first thing was a phone call from Michael’s mother; rebuking me and insisting the spilled drink would have done the snooker table no harm!

Shortly thereafter, Michael arrived in, accompanied by his father. When I pointed out the stain on the table, Michael’s daddy said; “I don’t care what he did, you don’t speak to my son like that.” With that, I ended the exchange, went to the till, and refunded Michael’s membership fee. The kid was now deprived of the fun, fellowship, and the other substantial benefits of being a member; whereas his only penalty for making a mistake would have been my ‘bollocking.’

Michael has not done as well as John in any aspect of their lives.

I was reminded of the difference in parents last week, when I read about the debate sweeping America, as to whether or not parents should be held to account for their children’s criminal actions. Of course this isn’t the first time for this vexed question to come up. We are talking America, folks, and this couldn’t happen here … could it?

A 15 year old boy killed four of his fellow pupils. The lead up started when he told his parents he was having problems. His father advised him to ‘suck it up’ and in order to make him feel in control of the problem, daddy bought him a semi-automatic hand gun. On the day of the shooting, the mother was called into the school and asked to take her son home, as he was being troublesome. She refused, ‘unless Ethan wanted to leave’.

The boy announced he was returning to class; which he did, opened his backpack, produced Daddy’s present and opened fire with the gun.

It came out since that the boy had never in his short life been told to do anything he didn’t want to do. I hope the prison warden has house rules for his snooker tables!

The debate in America is not so much about the shooting, as the fact that both parents have been charged with manslaughter and the country is divided on the issue.

So should parents be responsible for how their teenage children behave? It is hard to say, I suppose.

A headmaster of a secondary school told me

THE RETURN OF SUNDAYSHOPPING (TEMPORARILY)

Great news for shoppers, not so great for workers, but Sunday shopping returns from this week in the run up to Easter.

Shops across the Valencia region are forced to close for a number of Sundays throughout the year, unlike their neighbours in Murcia, but can open at key tourist times such as summer, and, as is the case this week, Easter.

Food outlets at the centres normally stay open.

Shops such as the Zenia Boulevard and

one time that he pretty well knows what the 1st years will be like as 5th years. ‘I just look at the parents’, he told me. Obviously the environment that children grow up in influences the type of adults they will turn into.

On the other hand, we were taught in Johnstown school that a child ‘reaches the use of reason at 7 years old.’ If the child has attained the use of reason and knows right from wrong, is the parent still always culpable? That is the debate ….

DON’T FORGET

Youth looks ahead, old age looks back and middle age looks tired.

Habaneras will be open on Sunday 24 and 31 March, and 7 April, but will be closed on Tuesday for Father’s Day. Both Zenia Boulevard and Habaneras are open throughout Easter.

It is worth checking with your local shops and stores though, as things may change, Mercadona, for example, is closed on Good Friday.

As mentioned previously, but worth reminding, the Valencia region traditionally celebrated Easter Thursday as a holiday, but this year has opted for the Monday instead.

Shops will close again on Sunday from 14 April to 9 June, inclusive, the next Sunday opening day therefore being 16 June, from which they will remain open throughout the rest of the year, although some holidays will still be recognised.

BELLAVISTA OWNERS WANT 1.2 MILLION EURO TO RESTORE PUBLIC WALKWAY

Despite the repeated promises of the Orihuela Council,there would now seem to be very little likelihood of the Aguamarina Promenade reopening in time for the 2024 holiday season.

Once again,residents and thousands of holidaymakers will have to make that detestable detour around the Bellavista Urbanisation in the summer sun as they make their way along the Aguamarina to spend a relaxing day in La Caleta de Cabo Roig.

The Bellavista urbanisation,owner of the 50-metre-long narrow corridor on the coastline in front of their properties,is asking for 1.2 million euros for the land,a figure 17 times higher than that calculated by the Council's surveyor at 69,113.03 euros.

This was revealed on Thursday by the PSOE.Socialist councillor Milagros Lacárcel,who has denounced the "excessive" amount requested by the residents of this section of land measuring just 227 square metres.

The council,for its part,states that it is preparing its appreciation sheet,as it voices its disagreement with the amount demanded by the urbanisation residents,for land that is on a right of way affected by the Maritime-Terrestrial Public Domain and, therefore,unable to be built on.The local executive now assumes that it will be judge who determines the fair price.

Meanwhile Milagros Lacárcel has reproach the council for their delay in responding to the owners of the land who,she indicates, made their offer to the City Council in January.

RESUMPTION OF PIOC CLINICS

P.I.O.C resumes it’s clinics the first 2 events start next week, Leeson street on the 19th at 11.30 and the 21st at De Barra’ el Galan at 3pm.

PIOC is formed by residents of Orihuela Costa. We work for free to help in improving the lives of all of us, including future generations. We are looking for volunteers or local residents who have a few hours to spare throughout the week to assist us.

As a political party born from the heart of Orihuela Costa, built by dedicated local residents, we are on a mission to modernize and enhance the lives of our community, including the bright futures of our coming generations. But such ambitious goals require more than just passion and hard work.

Financial support plays a crucial role in enabling us to pay for promotional activities, organize impactful events, and cover essential operational expenses. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us make a tangible difference.

"The residents have been waiting for two months,while Urban Planning has still not assigned a municipal architect to carry out a new assessment sheet," he declared.The PSOE councillor also points out that,if the file ends up with the Provincial Expropriation Jury,“it will take months to determine the fair price,so that section of the promenade will not be open before the summer,as the fair price is still to be determined”.

Added to this,the socialist councillor adds that the permission granted by Costas to the Council to carry out the works to adapt and reopen the promenade expires at the end of this month,however,the councillor for Urban Planning,Matías Ruiz,confirmed that,“in the next few days a request for an extension will be sent to the Provincial Coastal Service.”He said that,at all times, “we are complying with the established procedure and deadlines.”

The initiative to reopen this promenade was, in fact,one of the first projects undertaken last September by the current PP-Vox government team.Then they submitted a proposal that only contained giving approval to a works project to adapt the promenade to be fitted with new lights,railings and an appropriate pavement.

What was approved,however,was substantially different from the draft.In that document - later withdrawn - the urgent occupation of the land was included as a point to be approved.An authorisation that would have allowed the Council to tear down the separation walls and undertake the agreed

WHY IS YOUR SUPPORT VITAL?

• Grassroots Movement: PIOC is a grassroots political entity, relying on the power of local residents. We work voluntarily, dedicating our time and effort without any financial compensation.

• Promotional Efforts: Financial contributions assist in spreading our vision more widely, helping to inform and engage more residents about our goals and initiatives.

• Organizational Expenses: Organizing events, maintaining communication platforms, and conducting outreach activities all incur costs that are essential for our effectiveness and growth.

You can donate to PIOC via the link: www.pioc.es/donate

MUSICAL DIRECTOR WANTED

Studio32 Musical Theatre Company is seeking a suitable individual to take on the role of Musical Director.If you have the experience to fill this challenging role please contact Linda on 679 06 22 72 or email: tickets@studiothirtytwo.org

work without prejudice to the courts,later ruling on the compensation that the Council would have to pay to the residents of Bellavista.

Matías Ruiz,however,rejected that option, because that meant jumping in "feet first" and that his intention was to reach an agreement peacefully and by mutual agreement with the owners.Furthermore,there were doubts about whether,simply justifying the general interest was enough to justify an urgent entry instead of resorting to ordinary and regulated channels to proceed with an expropriation.

In the meantime,the Bellavista Residents

Association,has held several meetings in which the owners who enjoy those privileged views of the promenade and the sea have expressed their disagreement to the proposal.They want to keep the corridor free of pedestrians,since its reopening would mean that they would have pedestrians passing right in front of their garden, with the consequent loss of privacy that they would suffer in their homes. Others would agree to get rid of the walkway and take the Council's money,but, since it is a common area,the law requires agreement form the whole urbanisation to sell it.

EU Debate on corruption in Spain during pandemic

The European Parliament has debate cases of corruption in Spain that involved the management of European funds during the coronavirus pandemic. One debate relates to the ‘Koldo Case’, which relates to the alleged payment of illegal commissions for the purchase of masks involving a former advisor to the then Minister of Transportation, José Luis Ábalos.

‘Crypto Friendly’ Torrevieja

Torrevieja businesses are beginning to join the collection in cryptocurrencies.

This week the CDT hosted the first meeting to coordinate the start of the project to turn the city into the first 'crypto-friendly' municipality in Spain. At the conference, participants from 100 companies received training, advice and technical support from Bitnovo Pay and Apymeco.

Christian Lawyers appeal Carnival ruling

The Torrevieja courts have filed the complaint made by Christian Lawyers against the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, in relation to a parade of children wearing skimpy underwear in the Carnival contest held in February.

The judge that the carnival is an event that is characterized as "a period of permissiveness and a certain lack of control in which people are allowed to dress up”.

Acciona fined 45,000 euros

Torrevieja has fined Acciona for the deficiencies detected in the provision of the waste disposal service last July. The Governing Board has approved the imposition of a penalty on the contract of 45,000 euros for failures that are classified as "serious."

BRITISH WOMAN ARRESTED IN ROJALES FOLLOWING HERMOTHER’S DEATH .

The Civil Guard has arrested two Britons,a 38year-old woman and a 73-year-old friend,in Rojales,for the reckless homicide of her 76year-old mother,after they failed to call the health services,when the mother suffered a domestic accident in her home,three days before she died.

The woman suffered a fall in the house where she could have broken her hip,but the pair failed to call the emergency services and they placed her on the floor of the room.

Three days later they went to check on her and discovered that she had died,at which point they called 112.

AREA TO REMEMBER 1829 TORREVIEJA EARTHQUAKE

As we creep closeer to the 200th anniversary of the Torrevieja earthquake, which occurred on 21 March, 1829, although the devastation is confined to the history books, it is not beyond the possibility that it could happen again.

As well as Torrevieja, many of the surrounding towns also suffered considerable material and human losses, including Guardamar, and Almoradí, where the memory lives on in a mini museum of tribute.

Those towns affected will hold their own memorials as is customary, including Torrevieja, where prayers wil be made to San Emigdio, for whom the church in the Park of Nations in Torrevieja is dedicated, the patron saint of earthquakes.

The Torrevieja earthquake was also not unique to the area, or Spain, as records collated show that 3 of the 27 major earthquakes that have occurred in the country have occurred in the province of Alicante.

Prior to the 1829 disaster, we need to go back to 1048, when the Orihuela mosque was destroyed. The second was on 19 June 1644 and had its epicentre in Muro de Alcoy, where several houses were destroyed.

The third earthquake is the one that is best documented. It happened on 21 March 1829 in the Torrevieja area, and affected three other municipalities, Almoradí, Benejúzar and

Guardamar, that had to be completely rebuilt. The catastrophe left hundreds dead and injured, in addition to 2,965 homes completely destroyed. The bridges that crossed the Segura River in Almoradí, Benejúzar, Dolores and Guardamar also collapsed.

In addition to the municipalities located at its epicentre, the earthquake also affected the towns of Almoradí, Algorfa, Rafal, Torrelamata, Daya Vieja, Guardamar, Dolores, Redován, San Fulgencio and San Miguel de Salinas.

In fact, half of the deceased were from Almoradí, due to the narrowness of its streets. In this municipality, every year its inhabitants take San Emigdio, who is the patron saint of earthquakes, out into the streets and pray in memory of all the victims, a routine also celebrated in other towns, including Torrevieja.

Could something like this happen again? Well, yes, because there are areas of the province of Alicante that are susceptible to having earthquakes of intensity 6 on the Richter scale. The observation was made by the professor of the Department of Seismic Engineering and Geodesy of the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), Paco García.

"We expect earthquakes of large magnitudes, from 6 up on the Richter scale. If the previous ones have been of great destructive quantity, why couldn't they be repeated if they are the same faults," he said. "Active quaternary faults are the

When officers arrived at the scene the Judicial Police of the Civil Guard arrest the daughter and the friend.

As the mother suffered her accident the daughter of the deceased and the detained friend were drinking and smoking which would explain why they failed to call a doctor at the time.

According to the Superior Court of Justice,the pair are being investigated for the crimes of reckless homicide and omission of a duty to provide assistance.The daughter has also been charged with the crime of abandoning her family.

It is understood that the 38-year-old woman has a long history of assistance from the Rojales Social Services due to lack of care for her children.

Following an appearance in court the pair were released on bail.Proceedings will be reconvened once the court receives the final autopsy report.

ones that are of concern."

What he completely ruled out is that the Valencian coast could suffer a tsunami, because "the magnitude of that earthquake will not reach a 6 or 7 and we have a highly developed continental shelf and the depth is very small, 200 or 300 metres", unlike what occurs in the Gulf of Cádiz or the coast of Malaga, Ceuta, Melilla and the Moroccan and Algerian coast.

No Pain, No Strain

The EASY Exercise suite at the Sophia Wellness Centre La Regia (Cabo Roig) has very special equipment that helps people of all fitness levels improve their physical and their emotional wellbeing.

The first benefit the user can feel is that their whole body is more alive, and their mobility, flexibility, balance and general wellbeing improves within a couple of weeks. The monthly cost is only 55 euro per person, most people will attend 8 to 12 times per month, by any standard this is the lowest cost of any type of rehabilitation in Spain.

To experience these comfortable motorized machines absolutely FREE, call 639 951 018 and arrange a FREE trial.

Older adults often resist getting involved in exercise programmes feeling that exercise is for younger people but not for them.

Traditional gyms with all their weightlifting and rigorous cardio machines can feel very

intimidating for the older adult. EASY Exercise motorized machines are the opposite all to this and are specifically designed for the older adult and those with serious mobility, flexibility or balance issues.

No pain, no strain is what we promote here. Pain, discomfort and exhaustion are not welcome here. See for yourself by organizing a free trial.

Those who live alone or who have limited social opportunities will find that EASY Exercise is a very sociable activity. The EASY Exercise suite is organized in such a way as to promote social interaction. The well-designed motorized and comfortable machines build your muscles so as you can enjoy a greater range of movement than you have now.

EASY Exercise is not a place for the super-fit poster boys and girls, it is a place for those who want to make the most of life physically, socially, emotionally and mentally.

Even those who have suffered heart attack, stroke, paralysis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, sciatica, diabetes, joint replacement and arthritis can greatly improve their mobility, flexibility, balance and outlook on life with safe exercise for all the major muscle groups, the re-training of movement patterns and the stimulation of metabolic and circulatory systems. With little or no muscle power or strength required, the EASY Exercise equipment can build the individual to fitness levels that they never thought they would ever achieve again.

MANUELTURIZO, FIRSTCONFIRMED ARTISTFOR TORREVIEJA’S REGGAETON

The Reggaeton Beach Festival (RBF) is getting ready to make the city of Torrevieja vibrate again with its sixth edition, which will take place on August 3 and 4 in Antonio Soria Park. The event, "the largest urban music festival in Europe", according to its organisers, returns for the second time to the salt city after its reception last summer.

This year's lineup will feature prominent names from the urban music scene, including Manuel Turizo, María Becerra and Noriel. Manuel Turizo, recognised for hits like 'Una lady como tú' and 'Copa Vacía', joins María Becerra, whose rising career includes hits like 'Sin ti' and ' Así es la vida'.

Noriel, with his collaboration with renowned artists such as Daddy Yankee and Bad Bunny, promises to deliver a memorable performance.

In addition to music, the RBF offers a complete experience for attendees, with water attractions, pool areas, chill out spaces and a variety of gastronomic options available at the food trucks.

Representatives of the Torrevieja Council expressed their enthusiasm for the return of the festival, highlighting its importance for the city and its role in the national festival circuit. They said that the rapid sale of pre-sale tickets is an indicator of the interest and expectation

TORREVIEJA FUNFAIR REOPENS FOR EASTER SEASON

that this event generates in the city, which they estimate leaves an economic impact of about 7 million euros.

With all eyes on this long-awaited return, the Reggaeton Beach Festival is expected to further consolidate its position as one of the most notable musical events of the Torrevieja summer. The organizers also announced that they hope to increase the capacity of the Antonio Soria and exceed 20,000 tickets sold for the festival.

Torrevieja Funfair reopened this weekend and will remain open throughout the Easter period.

The Torrevieja fair relocated last year and is no longer near the harbour in the town centre, but is situated in the Parque Antonio Soria grounds, near the water park and Friday market, a little further down the road from Habaneras.

To celebrate the reopening of Torrevieja fairground, vouchers have been distributed throughout the town offering 2 for 1 tickets, and discounts.

Mobile Radar Speed Checking Equipment

Speed is one of the main contributing factors to road traffic incidents and fatalities, with 8 out of 10 deaths attributed to speed; it is something that every single driver can do something about thus reducing the risk for all.

However, as the need for speed intensifies, as cars get faster and the ride is smoother, traffic police still have a major task ahead of them when it comes to enforcing the law.

In Spain, the DGT currently use radars, microwave, laser, fixed distance segments and airborne speed detectors.

The Multanova 6F is an example of a microwave radar which sends a beam to the vehicle which then bounces back to the receiver. The variation of the wavelength then allows the processor to calculate the vehicle´s speed and, when the speed is above the programmed threshold, it automatically takes a picture which it sends to the DGT headquarters for processing.

The Autovelox 105 is capable of measuring the speed of vehicles, as well as the distance between vehicles, and their length and width, thus allowing it to monitor cars and trucks

from independent databases. Whereas the equipment fitted to vehicles does become easier to spot with the trained eye, the MultaRadar CD is virtually impossible to spot, the cone shape previously on display has been replaced by a large rectangle, similar in size to the vehicle´s number plate, which has currently been installed in 50 brand new vehicles.

Velolaser is another relatively new device, which has superior accuracy and is extremely portable, capable of being carried in the panniers of a motorbike and set up in seconds.

From the air, Pegasus radar equipment is installed on brightly coloured blue and yellow helicopters. The WESCAM MX-15 works by taking three shots of the speed of a vehicle relative to the GPS position and speed of the aircraft. With these three measures the average speed of the three shots taken at intervals of one second is calculated.

These are just some of the devices that the Guardia Civil use, there are others, and also fixed cameras, which we will look at another time, but before then, next week, we will explain an unusual phenomenon regarding the use of vehicle-based speed detectors, and how private drivers are earning a living from detecting the infractions of their fellow drivers.

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ACROSS ACROSS

1.Make (11)

9.Theft (7)

10.Teach (5)

11.50-50 odds (5)

12.Employ (7)

13.Supernatural (6)

15.Show (6)

18.Pardon (7)

20.Accident (5)

22.Lariat (5)

23.Middle-Easterner (7)

24.Ping pong (5,6)

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 21

DOWN DOWN

2.Move slowly (5)

3.Container (7)

4.Sanctuary (6)

5.All together, in music (5)

6.Come to understand (7)

7.Unalterable (11)

8.Bright (11)

14.Card game (7)

16.Make comprehensible (7)

17.Office worker (6)

19.Seat (5)

21.Defence of being else where (5)

ANSWERS

Week 1014

QUICK QUICK

ACROSS: ACROSS: Across: 1 Hide and seek; 9 Ask; 10 Tiredness; 11 Dusky; 13 Open-air; 14 Nudity; 16 Assign; 18 Fiction; 19 Denim; 20 Sticks out; 21 Air; 22 Heartbroken.

DOWN: 2 Ink; 3 Entry; 4 Narrow; 5 Sadness; 6 Elevation; 7 Hard and fast; 8 Astronomers; 12 Seductive; 15 Thicker; 17 Entomb; 19 Ditto; 21 Awe.

CR CR YPTIC YPTIC

ACROSS: ACROSS: 1 Proletariat; 9 Ewe; 10 Manifesto; 11 Fount; 13 Emigres; 14 Eldest; 16 Unkind; 18 Version; 19 Liner; 20 Chain gang; 21 Get; 22 Meteorology.

DOWN: 2 Rye; 3 Limit; 4 Tender; 5 Ruffian; 6 Assertion; 7 Self-service; 8 Considerate; 12 Undertake; 15 Science; 17 Unfair; 19 Legal; 21 Gig.

ACROSS ACROSS

1.Punctuality needed to supply lines to one before strange duet (11)

9.Over which business is contracted in a contrary manner? (7)

10.Uniform colour of one opening vehicle door, say? (5)

11.Sequence of command (5)

12.Result of having overdone it in the heat of the moment? (7)

13.Unimportant person obstructing murder enquiries? (6)

15.In truth, war tends to frustrate (6)

18.It's severe when the south wind goes to the east (7)

20.Material that didn't stand out? (5)

22.Overnight article? (5)

23.Adog carriage? (7)

24.An agreement to carry out - for the last time? (11)

DOWN DOWN

2.Eighteen holes are circular (5)

3.Went by car and ripped into scooter boy (7)

4.Truths possibly put with force (6)

5.Like a certain gesture to a man? (5)

6.Batman, as seen in many films? (7)

7.Totters? (11)

8.Key workers using forks to get the pitch right? (5,6)

14.Obtains a sort of a fortified place (7)

16.Kneeler possesses cover for the foot (7)

17.Heaviness of the wig, perhaps? (6)

19.Bird that's good at golf (5)

21.Claw of one man in a hundred (5)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 21)

1. Plus or minus 5, in which year did helmets become mandatory for all players in the NHL?

2. Which two singer-songwriters appeared in the 1973 film 'Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid'?

3. Which of the following is a collective noun for hummingbirds? a. blessing, b. rhumba, c. bouquet, d. dazzle

4. In 1958, at age 15, who became the then youngest chess grandmaster ever?

5. What are the middle names of each of the following US presidents? a. Richard M. Nixon, b. John F. Kennedy, c. Lyndon B. Johnson

6. Which brown bear subspecies can sometimes rival the polar bear in size?

7. With 418 m below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth. Which nearby sea comes in second place with 214 m below sea level?

8. Which East German woman won four world titles in figure skating during the 1980s?

9. How many people survived the sinking of the Titanic?

10. Which painting was also a hit

song for Nat King Cole?

11. According to some conspiracists, which famous American director filmed the hoaxed moon landing?

12. Named after a city, what is the largest lake in France?

13. Which actress was Antonio Banderas married to for 20 years?

14. Which region of France lends its name to a very expensive black truffle?

15. The movie poster tag line for which George Lucas film was "Where were you in '62"?

16. Spencer Tracy was nominated a record nine times for the Oscar for Best Actor. Which English Sir does he share this record with?

17. Which song title was a hit for both Madness and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young?

18. On the national flag of which African country is the 'Eagle of Saladin' depicted?

19. The 1934 biographical novel from Irving Stone titled Lust for Life; later made into a movie, was about which troubled man?

20. Which small deciduous tree native to Southern Europe is named after one of the Twelve Apostles?

The Church of JESUS CHRISTof Latter-Day Saints 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 659 016 733

Join us at the SALT CHURCH Sundays at 10.30 am. We are a friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship. Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, PolÌgono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. We look forward to meeting you. www.Saltchurchspain.

Facebook SaltChurchSpain

International Christian Assembly, Calle Beniajan 14, Torrevieja -Evangelical Church. Sunday Service 11 a.m.; - Contact 966 799 273 / 660 127 276. Evangelical non-denominational church. www.icatorrevieja.org

The Car of the Month at AUTOMOVILES CRESPO is a very attractive 2019

Ford Focus ST-Line Hybrid at just 21,900 euro. Come along to our large showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and

gramme of English speaking activities, support, information and advice with the support of Orihuela Council. Anyone wanting to join CCAsocial activities can pop along. Open 2pm -6pm Mondays and Thursdays, Wednesday 2pm - 5pm. You can register between 1pm & 2pm on those days, in the Cafe area where you will find Eva or Norah. email: oc.communitycare@gmail.com

LOOKING FOR Silent Business Partner for small Private Care Home. Invest 10K and get 20K back in 14 months. Call 747 438 225

used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. See page 7. We can assure you of the biggest and best choice of new and used cars in the area for price, choice and quality.

ENGLISH SPOKEN

AGE CONCERN BEREAVEMENTGROUP.

Have you lost somebody close to you? Are you finding life difficult after a bereavement? Come along and chat to other people in the same situation. Starting on October 10th, then every Tuesday from 2-4pm at the Age Concern Centre, Calle Paganini, La Siesta, Torrevieja. 96 678 6887. Everyone is welcome.

Los Alc·zares Digital Camera Club. Interested in photography? We invite you to come and join us at our twice monthly meetings. Please contact coordinatorladcc@ gmail.com or see http://www.los-alcazarescamera.club/ for details.

COMMUNITYCARE ASSOCIATION (CCA) Open to residents of Orihuela Costa over 60 years of age. Located at the Centro Civico Alameda del Mar. Open 3 times a week for a pro-

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50ís. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Home Visiting Team to visit a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. 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 Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 5pm at the Lakeview bar/restaurant, Quesada. For more info contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Steve Hemingfield 0n Mob/Whats 711 011 373

CONSTRUCTION AND GENERALBUILDING. For all building works large or small, phone 604 152 124 for quotes. We also specialise in pool leaks and repairs. (1012)

Law Services: PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR, Solicitor, Debt Collections, Bad Tenants. 747 438 225

Apartment wanted to let long term. 1 or 2 bedroom, fully furnished. My budget is 450 to 500 euro per month. Call Brendan on mob: 087 2586240 or email: brendanmurphy609@gmail.com

Persistent Robber Arrest in Torrevieja

Officers from the Guardia Civil arrested a 33-year-old man on two occasions in two consecutive weeks, for two crimes of vehicle theft, two robberies with violence and intimidation and three robberies with force at homes and at a building site in Torrevieja.

The case was opened at the end of January, when the Torrevieja Guardia Civil received a complaint regarding a crime of robbery with violence and intimidation that occurred in an establishment in the town.

The agents determined that the author had used a red vehicle to escape from the scene. A car with similar characteristics had been stolen between January 22 and 23 in Torrevieja, and was recovered by a Guardamar Guardia Civil patrol on January 26.

On January 30, there was another robbery with intimidation, in which the perpetrator had acted wielding a large knife and had used a vehicle, which they also discovered had been stolen two days before.

Through the analysis of the evidence collected, on February 2, investigators determined the identity of the criminal. It was a 33-yearold man, who was arrested and placed at the disposal of the Investigative Court number 4 of Torrevieja. He was released on bail. Investigators lthen earned of two other burglaries in Torrevieja and Guardamar de Segura, one at a home and the other at a construction site. The agents located some of the stolen effects in a second-hand outlet, so they were recovered and returned to their legitimate owners.

On February 7, the agents identify the perpetrator of the robberied and again arrested the 33-year-old man who had been previously released. He was charged with two further crimes of robbery with force by burglary and he was placed at disposal of the Court of Instruction number 1 of Torrevieja, which has dreleased him once again with the imposition of precautionary measures.

Bulletproof Vests for Orihuela Police

Orihuela has invested 31.000 euro in bulletproof vets for every one of its officers. The councillor for security said "This is an important investment to provide our officers with the means to carry out their work safely in risk situations." The vests are currently being issued.

The man is accused of carrying out seven crimes in total

Extra 100K diverted to Holy Week Museum

The completion of the new House of Culture and the adjacent Holy Week Museum is a priority for the PPgovernment in Pilar de la Horadada, so much so that a decision has been taken to transfer 100,000 euro from the fund previously earmarked to repair municipal roads.

VEGARA APPOINTS NEW AUDITOR TO SPEED UP BUDGET

The mayor of Orihuela, Pepe Vegara, has appointed a new auditor while the Comptroller, Carmen Corral, is absent from her job for personal reasons.

Eduardo Gabriel RodrÌguez, an employee at the City Council and a Group A1 career civil servant, will now occupy the role

Tony Mayes Rant

ROAD SENSE &SENSIBILITY

What I am going to firstly write about this week may upset some elderly people – but I make no apology. If they read it and inwardly digest it, it may save their lives.

I am going to describe some of the antics of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists in Orihuela Costa, which should be renamed Costa Geriatrica.

I have no doubt that if you can safely drive in this area, you can drive safely anywhere in the world. Why do I say that? It’s because I could easily end up with a pedestrian or cyclist as a mascot on my car bonnet every time I go out.

The number of times I see mostly elderly, but sometimes youngsters on their mobile phones, walking along the pavement and then step onto a pedestrian crossing without warning or looking, leaving it to the motorist to stop. They have forgotten that motorists need thinking time and braking time.

And pedestrians, I know why it is tempting to walk in the road – because some pavements are in a terrible state, not maintained and repaired for years, but it’s dangerous. And the council should hang its head in shame for the terrible state of our pavements, roads and the area we live in.

But, for goodness sake pedestrians, put your brains in gear before you go out. You don’t want to be killed or injured.

Next I turn to cyclists. Why have you to cycle on roads when cycle lanes have been provided for you? And why have you to cycle the wrong way down a road? Are you British and forgotten you should be on the right side of the road? And why, when you see a pedestrian crossing in front of you, you suddenly use it to cross the road without checking behind you first? Have you a death wish?

And lastly, I turn to motorists. So much has been said about drivers not indicating when turning right or on roundabouts. It’s stupid and totally selfish not to, and clogs up roundabouts because drivers haven’t a clue where another driver is going.

And lastly here’s a message for councils and the Spanish government. How about banning parking on the approach to pedestrian crossings, on the approach to junctions, and offsetting crossings, so they are a distance from roundabouts and stopping jay-waking by putting up permanent barriers at the approach to roundabouts and junctions?

CASH - STRAPPED

What did you think about the UK Budget? As a pensioner I thought it sucked, yet again. Why? It’s done nothing for us because reductions in tax are once again centered around National Insurance rather than income tax.

Now I know that our old age pensions are ring fenced and we will all get a pension increase. But how many of us pensioners are only relying on the State pension to live on?

Very few, because life would be extremely frugal if you are.

If you have a private pension or other income, then any increase in the State Pension will automatically be off-set by paying more tax because the tax threshold has not been raised.

Good old Tories, giving with one hand and taking from the other – rather than raising the highest rate of tax on the super rich and rising the money most urgently needed to improve much neglected government and council services.

Let me remind MPs why National Insurance was introduced.

It was in 1911 after a lengthy national debate on the Poor Laws, fought tooth and nail by selfish Tories, and was set up to work out the best way to alleviate the economic and societal hardship faced by the poor.

It was later used to support the NHS and should have been ring-fenced. Had it been we would have the best health service and social care in the world. But it was raided by you know who, and look what we have now.

MIND BOGGLING

And finally, to give you more examples of Britain going down the plughole, here’s a few.

I was totally choked – but then nothing surprises me these days – to hear that an 11year-old boy had been stopped driving a stolen BMW towing a stolen caravan along a motorway.

My immediate thought was what on earth is

going wrong with modern-day parenting?

Britain desperately needs far tougher punishments.

Secondly, I read that the practice of garages charging women more for car servicing than men is still alive and kicking. Why can’t councils have men and women visit garages and ask for quotes and MOTs and those who charge women more should be so heavily fined it puts them out of business.

It would soon sort the problem out. Again, punish the b*****ds.

Finally, I read that coroners in England and Wales sent 109 warnings to health bodies and the government in 2023 highlighting long NHS waits, staff shortages or a lack of NHS resources, that have contributed or caused someone’s death.

The number of cases identified that were linked to NHS pressures was the highest in the past six years, and prevention of future death reports are sent when a coroner thinks action is needed to protect lives.

The government says it "responds to, and learns from, every report". Oh yes – give me strength – if that was the case, why haven’t things improved in the 14 years they have been in power?

The construction of the leisure area in the new Torrevieja port, "Paseo del Mar" is now expected to triple its initial cost, from the 16 million announced in its presentation to the 43 million that the concessionaire, Empresas del Sol, now estimates it will need to invest.

The budget includes the provision of almost 700 underground parking spaces which are expected to be available for this summer, the investment in building a new fish market and the rehabilitation of the Customs building, which is now the headquarters of the Generalitat in Torrevieja.

These last two projects were required by the previous Consell del Botànic by the concessionaire.

It has also been necessary to finance the demolition of the previous fish market and the fishing fleet sheds. But along with the parking lot, the bulk of the costs will be the construction of the 8,500 square metres, distributed in six buildings, some of which are now beginning to take shape, with restaurants, movie theatres, bowling alleys and leisure activities, together with the development of 20,000 adjacent square metres.

The complete opening of the entire project is scheduled for the spring of 2025, a date that, for the moment, extends by a few months the initial estimate made at the start of the project in October 2022, when there was talk that it may be concluded by the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025.

COST OF NEW PORT LEISURE AREA TRIPLES TO 42 MILLION EUROS

Accompanied by the mayor, the Director General of Ports of the Generalitat visits ongoing work at the Port of Torrevieja

On Friday the site was visited by the general director of Ports, Vicente Martínez Mus , who held a meeting with the mayor Eduardo

One of the few contributions made during their appearance before the media is that the bridge between the new Paseo del Mar leisure area and the elevated promenade of the Levante dam will not be drawable, as initially indicated by the City Council.

The access ramp to the Levante dam must retain the road that will connect the urban area with the Marina Salinas marina and the fishing market. The infrastructure will be resolved with a much simpler structure, easy to maintain and at a much lower cost.

Sources close to the technical project have said that a drawbridge is not necessary because the transportation of boats by road, whether small or large in length, is not carried out with the masts in place.

During the visit, Dolón was not able make the expected announcement of the award of the remodelling work on the Levante dock promenade, another fundamental action to complete the redevelopment of the port complex.

In response to questions from the media, the mayor has been forced to admit that one of the companies that submitted a bid for the work, valued at more than 8 million euros, has appealed the result.

He did not provide more details on whether this forces the entire procedure to be repeated or how much it delays the adjudication, which is already burdened by a long history of administrative stoppages.

Dolón (PP) and the businessman, Enrique Riquelme, manager of the 50-year concession of the port.

SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB CHAMPIONS

Voyagers & Trekkers lead the way at San Luis

The last winter season league matches have been played, congratulations to Southern League SL Lions and South Alicante League Voyager DIV SL Trekkers who both won their leagues.

Monday 4th South Alicante League: SL Klingons won against Quesada Diamonds points 7-5 the overall shots were very close 70-65: Kath Reid/June Jones/Keith Jones 21/11. Mike Veale/Caroline Smyth/John Smyth 21/10. Dee Hoey/ Margaret Morrison/Neil Morrison 16/16.

Winter league: Wednesday 6th San Luis had a tough match away v JC Collaborators, coming away with 2 points: Neil Burrows/Kath Reid/Sandra Burrows/Scott Malden 12/11. Winter league: Wednesday 13th San Luis won at home against Bonalba 8-2 the overall shots 70-62: Neil Burrows/Kath Reid/Sandra Burrows/Scott Malden 21/11. Mike Veale/Tricia Reilly/Florence Murphy/Dave Webb 20/17. Chris Jackson/Peter Ayres/Barbara Louis/Pat

Reilly 17/14.

Friday 8th Southern League: SL Tigers had a tough match against EI Claymores, coming away with 2 pts winning rink: Bill Webb / Florence Murphy/Jim Gracie 19/17. SL Leopards won against VB Conqistadors 8-4 the overall shots 76-64: Ray Watmough/Peter Baldwin/Barbara Louis 16/8. Judy Carroll/ Gordon Paton/David Blackie 25/8. Pauline Johnson/Kevin McKenna/Lyndon Johnson 18/15. SL Pumas won against MM Matadors 7-5 but just missed out on the overall shots 85-88: Lesley Howlett/Wayne Howlett/David Whitworth 20/15. Maggie Gray/Fran Cox/Mike Wyatt 20/17. Sue Kenyon/Neil Cox/Derek Biggs 17/17. Jim Gwynn/Terry Baylis/Maxine Wright 18/15.

If you want to find out more, or give bowling a try, come to our OPEN roll ups on Saturdays 9:30/10:00 or the Chicken/egg game Wednesdays 1:30/2:00.

BY DEEHOEY

TORREVIEJA DARTS LADIES ORGANISATION

TDLO LEAGUE F ORMAT WEEK 12 - TUESDAY 12 MARCH

Friendly Chicas14 - 10Wacky Allsorts

LadybirdsP - PGap Girlz

Now to be played Wed 20th

Primadonnas5 - 16Tipsy Tigers

Dolly Mixtures6 - 14Friendly Temps

LEAGUE TABLE PFA

Friendly's Temps12149111

Gap Girlz1114178

Tipsy Tigers12141137

Ladybirds11135100

Primadonnas12131135

Macklin's Dolly Mixtures12106150

Friendly's Chicas12102149

Wacky Allsorts1299157

HOT DARTS:

Ali Webster (FC) 140, 125, 121

Diane Burns (DM)140, 100

Eileen Askew (TT) 140

Chris Greenwood (WA) 133, 108

Groa Bryndis (PD) 121

Diane Dane (PD) 121

Wendy Hayward (TT) 114

Lisa Ivill (TT) 112

Kath Mason (WA) 111

Ann Bartlett (FT) 106

Hallett (FC) 85

SUCCESSFUL SEASON FOR WESTVILLES PETANCA

It has been a very successful season for Peacocks Petanca Club. Marineros (whites) finished 11 points clear at the top of division 4 of the Sunshine league, whilst also winning the coveted wooden spoon final. Reds, sponsored by Petra Honig Inmobiliaria, finished 3rd in the Las Salinas division 1Awinter petan-

ca league. Both teams play out of Westvilles, alongside blues and greens.

If anyone would like to join in, or learn the game, Peacocks Petanca Club also practise on a Monday morning,10 for 10.30am, at Westvilles.

MAZÓN RECEIVES THE VALENCIAN U-18 RUGBY TEAM

The president of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, has received the Valencian men's under-18 Rugby Union team that has been proclaimed winner of the Spanish Championship of Regional Teams (CESA).

Mazón met the Valencian rugby team, technical team and managers of the Valencian Rugby

Federation, whom he congratulated for the result and "for having become a reference for many young people in the Valencian Community." During his speech, Carlos Mazón highlighted that rugby is a sport that is growing in our territory and "in which camaraderie, effort and teamwork is the key to success." Likewise, he has highlighted the Consell's commitment to promoting the sport. The vice president and Minister of Culture and Sports, Vicente Barrera, also attended in the event.

CARP-R-US ANNUAL PRIZE GIVING.

Carp-R-Us recently held their annual presentation meal at Giovannis restaurant in Almoradí. After an excellent meal, trophy winners were presented with their prizes. Steve Fell won the Winter Series, Tony Flett won the Memorial Cup, Spring Series and was runner up in the Winter Series and Summer/Autumn Series, Willy Moons won the Summer/Autumn series and the Segura Cup (kindly donated by Giovanni´s). Paul Burton won the Spring Cup, Dave Hutchinson the Ann Fowles Trophy, Ken Wilcock the Autumn Cup and Roy Dainty and Nick Bastock won the Pairs Cup.

They day concluded with a raffle and thanks are given to both Giovanni´s and NTT Baits and Tackle for donating prizes.

The photos are of Tony Flett receiving the Memorial Cup from President Roy Dainty at El Bosquet as he couldn´t make the meal and Willy Moons receiving one of his trophies, again from Roy Dainty.

PEARLS ON TOP IN WINTER LEAGUE

Hi Everyone, well coming to the end of the winter season & QBC has had quite a successful time, there have been some good results and some not so good, overall a good season.

Nice to see that the new surface to the bowls green is settling in nicely, starting to speed up already, lot of work done on the surrounds, looking good folks.

Membership is on the up with a great cross section of Bowlers from absolute beginners to current Spanish National team members. Anyway Results as Follows;

In the Southern League Div. A Quesada Swallows finished 3rd. In Div. B Quesada Swans Won, Quesada Swifts held everyone else up.

Quesada Pearls Winter League Winners

South Alicante Winter Leagues Enterprise Division. Winners Quesada Pearls. Quesada Diamonds brought up the rear in this one, better luck next year. In the Discovery Division Quesada Rubies who were promoted last year finished second from bottom, well done Rubies. Finally in the new Winter League after a real rocky start with QBC in the bottom two we are now in second place with one game to go, really tight in this Division at the Top. Congratulations to Greenland’s Inaugural Champs. Hang in there QBC.

So Overall 2 Winners, 1 Third & a possible 2. Not bad for our little club.

VCL & Summer Leagues, about to start Good luck everyone. Safe travelling. See you all soon.

EMERALD ISLE BOWLS

The week began with the Final of the 20-20 Competition with the Isle playing Greenlands and the result did not go the Isles way,the result being a 3-5 victory for the opposition.D Jones 21-15,S Marks R Marks 22-11,P Heaney S Elvin D Mooney

Greenlands Bowls

by Pearl Houghton

The Premier 20 trophy Final was played this week with Greenlands up against The Emerald Isle and there was all to play for however Greenlands had a magnificent result on their home green winning all matches and away at the

18-13.Congratulation to Greenlands

Wed took the Emperors to San Miguel in the Winter League and the result was a home win 1-9 Aggregate of 58-74 N Prior R White M Ellis C Lindgren drew 14 All SAPS on Saturday at 13-15

ELWYN MORRIS

Isle managed to win the rinks which guaranteed a fabulous win . So congratulations on a great result to all the players Green flag flying high.

Bowls Greenlands Gladiators travelled to El CID this Wednesday and enjoyed a great mornings bowling against strong opponents but they all had their minds on the game and came away with a 8 to 4 victory so well done.

San Miguel Bowls

By Barry Jones

In the previous week, it’s well done to San Miguel Orcas who played El Rancho where they not only won their game 7 - 5, but finished top of the Discovery Division by 7 points. Well done to Mike Douglas and his team. On Wednesday, San Miguel were home to Emerald Isle, where they won 9 - 1, 74 shots to 58. Best result came from Allan Patterson, Dave Homer, Lynn Greenland and Fred Willshire 26 - 13. With just two games to go next week (one a re-arranged match) San Miguel has a good chance of finishing in second place in the league

A reminder that the Wasps sessions take place

QUIZ FROM P 14:

1.1983, 2.Bob Dylan and Kris Kristofferson, 3.Answer c.bouquet, 4. Bobby Fischer, 5.Three answers.a. Milhous, b.Fitzgerald, c.Baines.6. Kodiak bear (or Alaskan brown bear), 7.Sea of Galilee, 8.Katarina Witt, 9. 706, 10.Mona Lisa, 11.Stanley Kubrick, 12.Lake Geneva, 13. Melanie Griffith, 14.Perigord, 15. American Graffiti, 16.Laurence Olivier, 17.Our House, 18.Egypt, 19. Vincent van Gogh, 20.Judas Tree

MONTE MAR BOWLS & SOCIALCLUB

Sponsored by The Pub, Gran Alacant Insurances, Dialprix, The Belfry, Skippers, La Piedra, Santara Resort, The Reiki Room.

WINTER SABALEAGUE

Matadors v Country Bowls Seahawks

Monday 4th March

At home to Country Bowls Seahawks a tough game against the Seahawks but we won on three rinks and drew on one rink, unfortunately we lost the shots. Well done: Sheila Roberts, Les Bounds skip Phil Goble 23 ñ 20, Gina Hindle, Steve Hindle skip Keith Young 15 ñ 14, Colin Bedford, Cindy Bedford skip Neil Crawford 17 ñ 15.

Shots Matadors 83 ñ 90 Seahawks. Points Matadors 7 ñ 5 Seahawks.

We finished 4th in the League well done everyone.

SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Matadors v San Luis Pumas

Friday 8th March

Away to San Luis Pumas we only managed to win on one rink and draw on one rink, but we won the shots!! Well done to the winning rink of: Gina Hindle, Steve Hindle skip Keith Young 24 ñ 10, and the drawing rink: Julia Hamilton, Ian Hamilton skip Neil Crawford 17 ñ 17.

Shots Matadors 88 ñ 85 Pumas. Pts Matadors 5 ñ 7 Pumas.

Well done everyone we finished top of the league

For further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website www.montmarbowls.com. We are also on Facebook.

Wednesdays 1.30pm for 2.00pm - 5 for an afternoon’s bowling with shoes and bowls available to borrow. Due to the popularity of the Wasps, first time bowlers are asked to attend an initial coaching session on Tuesday afternoons, starting at 1.45pm, by appointment ONLY. To book, please call Dave or Lynn Greenland on +34 667 207 508.

We welcome all bowlers who would like to join San Miguel B.C. as we are a unique clubwe only pay owner fees and a club fee and NO LEAGUE RINK FEES.

For further information on San Miguel B.C please contact club secretary Barry Jones on 602 504 905 or club president Alan Campbell on 606 676 118

SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION

2024 - MENS SINGLES FINALS VENUE - NEW TAVERN, SAN MIGUEL

RESULTS

Quarter Finals

Paul Christopher 1-2 Mark Ellis

Pete Spence 1-2 Nigel Justice

Dave Askew 2-1 Darren Sanderson

James Brown 2-0 Suso Madrid

Semi Finals - Best of 5

James Brown 3-1 Dave Askew

Mark Ellis 2-3 Nigel Justice

Final - Best of 5

James Brown 3-1 Nigel Justice

180’S

Sam Salt 2, Mark Farmer, Nigel Justice, Pete Spence, Dave Askew, Craig McCarthy, James Brown, Mervyn Borwick - 174

TOTAL 140’S - 51:

N. Justice 7, M.Farmer, D.Sanderson 5, M.Ellis, D.Askew 4, J.Brown 3. Total 120+ - 45

BEST 501:

M.Farmer - 13 Darts, G.Cowan - 15.

TOP FINISHES:

S.Madrid - 156, D.Askew 149, 96, D.Sanderson 112, 73, A.Rutter 100, J.Brown 97, 72, D. Rowlinson 90, N. Justice 89, 74, 73, P. Spence 88, 86.

Many of the 50 entries and their supporters stayed to watch this seasons Mens Singles Final at the spacious New Tavern venue, San Miguel, between former pro darts player Nigel Justice and local El Galan "Hotshot" James Brown. The audience were treated to a superb effort from Brown, his opponent unable to reproduce the form shown earlier in the competition.

Although neither player were at their best, it was Brown who took the 1st on D20, then doubling his advantage on D10, after 125,125,100. Justice nailed D20 after a superb 140 set up to stop Brown in his tracks for 2-1.

Both players felt the pressure of the occasion, Justice a little more than his opponent, the Gap proprietor finding D2 for a 3-1 result and the championship.

Brown's route to the final included a round 2, three leg tussle with team mate Sam Salt where both players achieved maxis then a board final against Suso Madrid. The Gnomes star in fine form, previously amassing 8x120+ and a 156 out, but failing to halt the Brown steamroller.

The renowned Dave Askew needed a 149 out in the 3rd to dispose of a lively Darren Sanderson 3x140, before facing the champion in the semis, Brown the victor by 3 legs to 1, the former Surrey star however out gunning his opponent in the tons department by 8 to 7.

Justice beat a who's who of local darts on his way to the last 2. Lee Maiden was the 1st to go, followed by Paul Tollafield and then Mark Farmer in the last 16. Farmer had already banged in 11 tons or more including a 180 and a 13 darter against his

previous 2 opponents. Lorry loads of tons therefore but crucially Justice won the pivotal bull in the decider, taking the leg on D20 to face Pete Spence in the top 8.

The quarter final tie producing, 4x100,125 and 4x140, but most importantly a 74 out in the 3rd leg from Justice. The only player now in his way was last seasons' champion Mark Ellis, who had dropped just the 1 leg in 4 matches to Paul Christopher.

As expected the semi went to 5 legs, Justice taking out 73, then an 89 to go 2 up, Ellis responding with D4 and D16 for a 5th leg decider. Despite 2x140 from the former champ, Justice found the outer circle D2 for his place in the final. Tremendous championship and an outstanding winner in James Brown, my appreciation to all competitors and particularly the competition coordinators Sharon Frain and Simone de Lacy, not forgetting venue host and owner Roxie Chapman.

Semi - Mark and Nigel

Semi - Dave and James

Final - Nigel and James

9 Torrevieja Gymnasts qualify for Spanish Championship

Last Saturday the Autonomous Championship Individual Base was held in Onteniente. The championship reaped magnificent results for the Club Gimnasia

Rítmica Jennifer Colino of Torrevieja where the gymnasts managed to classify nine of its athletes for the Spanish Championship to be held from 9 to 14 April in Castellón.

The gymnasts who qualified include:

Tatyana Whitworth, in the hoop apparatus, in the cadete category 2009, Autonomous Champion.

Lucía Quesada Guillen won the gold medal in pelota and, therefore, became the 2014 Champion of the Autonomous Community in the alevín category, and her partner Lika Artemova came seventh in the same category.

Valeria Vorontsova, was runnerup in the infantil category 2011 with the rope apparatus, while her teammates Julieta Ivanova, Ainhoa Egea Domenech and Ainhoa Ruiz, achieved fifth, ninth and 11th position, respectively.

Valeria Bakulina, who competed in the pelota apparatus, in the

2013 alevin category, finished in fourth position.

Eilizaveta Bondarenko, achieved the sixth position in the juvenil 2008-2007 category. For her part, Mercedes Ruiz, performed a beautiful exercise in the mallets.

INT JUNIOR ANDALUCIA CUP TOURNAMENT

In the International Tournament, the Junior Andalusia Cup held in the city of Marbella, the Miley Martinez, achieved seventh position in hoop, tenth with the ball apparatus and twelfth position in the overall standings.

SMILING JACKS GS & ALTAONA GOLF

Welcome ladies and gentlemen and thank you for supporting Smiling Jack's Golf Society.

Firstly, a big thank you to Altaona golf foin Murcia or looking after us so we'll and even though our numbers were short they gave us a fantastic deal. Awonderful, well thought out course, was enjoyed by all.

Abig thank you goes out to Emma for keeping us well lubricated after a long day. Aspecial thank you also goes to our Julie for taking the day off to get our lovely food ready for our return.

Now for the scores: Nearest the pin on 3 was El Presidente, on 17 was Andy Black.

Nearest the pin in two on the 13 was again Andy Black

In second place with 32 points but no cigar was Gert

The winner today with 36 points and a new handicap of 12 was Mr vice himself Tiny Isaacs, well done. The winner of the famous Blue Johnny was Bob.

The raffle winner of a free golf day with Smiling Jack's courtesy of the boss man Ger was Tom Burke

Our next outing will be announced shortly but I would again like to thank you all for your support.

El Presidente

El Presidente Winner Tiny Isaacs

Blue Johnny Bob