The Leader Newspaper Edition 833 – 6 September 21

No 883 Monday 6th - Sunday 12th September 2021

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

ORIHUELA COUNCIL SHAMED AS IT APPROVES C ALA MOSC A

ast Thursday, 2 September, the Popular Party-Ciudadanos coalition government of Orihuela voted approval of a modified plan to build 2,200 new houses and apartments on Cala Mosca, the last unspoilt natural area of Orihuela Costa.

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They know the consequence will be to remove an environmental jewel, enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, dog lovers and those seeking access to its secluded coves, from an otherwise ever increasingly densely urbanised part of the municipality suffering this year from the worst ever level of basic services and infrastructure.

This is a huge project. It will add at least 6,000 people or 20% to those on the padron in Orihuela Costa.

The governments of Orihuela never ensure that the provision of basic services keeps up with the increasing population resulting from their never ending approval of new housing projects.

Continued on Page 2

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FROM PAGE 1 CALA MOSCA APPROVED

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A huge development like Cala Mosca will predictably result in a major deterioration in services like street cleaning, rubbish removal, maintenance of streets, pavements, parks and gardens.

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Unless there is a reform in the drainage and sewage treatment system for which we have been waiting for years, there will be an increase in the already regular blow outs which result in sewage in the streets like the most recent one near La Zenia Boulevard which produced thousands of litres of raw sewage in the streets, a huge hole of 3 metres deep and traffic chaos.

Journalists 600 228 616 office@theleader.info

A 20% increase in the population of Orihuela Costa in the context of climate change could also threaten the supply of drinking water.

PROPERTY

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WAS THIS APPROVAL NECESSARY? OBJECTIVELY NO. The project since its beginning in the 1990’s has been and it still is shrouded in objections and irregularities.

The most important outstanding objection comes from the Ministry of Transport responsible for the national road N332 which is the vital north-south axis of communication in Orihuela Costa and to the north and to the south.

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This road is already highly congested at several times of the year especially in the months of July and August causing delays, traffic jams and frustration.

The Ministry of Transport has categorically stated that the Cala Mosca building project which would add over two thousand additional vehicles and has only one direct exit, on to the N332, cannot go ahead until the remedial measures which it has stipulated, including those relating to noise levels, have been adopted at the cost of the Developer.

If it is approved, the Ministry has said that it will take all legal measures at its disposal to nullify the decision of the Orihuela municipal government.

This objection alone, should have cautioned the government against submitting its approval to the vote in the Plenary where of course they have a majority.

There are other outstanding objections including from the Environmental Prosecutor’s office which considers the Developer’s calculations underestimate the population of two protected species which are present on Cala Mosca.

It is clear that the urgency in approving the project reflected the interests of the powerful Developer Gomendio.

The governing PP and Ciudadanos coalition have put his interests above

ROUNDABOUTS IN THE PROVINCE ARE AMONG THE MOST DANGEROUS IN SPAIN

PRESS RELEASE

the interests of the citizens of the municipality living in Orihuela Costa.

In a democracy, this choice will have its political consequences.

Before then, however, the vote on 2 September is not the end of the story to save Cala Mosca. Although approval of the modified project is a very serious setback, legal challenges can be expected.

The most important is that of the Ministry of Transport. It is not the only issue pending and political pressure will continue.

Even the Orihuela government accept that they cannot grant immediate building licenses.

The struggle to save Cala Mosca has

La turborrotonda, next to the University of Alicante

been going on for years.

Specifically since C.L.A.R.O. presented a petition with 7,000 signatures to the European Parliament in 2010 which resulted in the project being paralysed for several years.

More recently, objections (alegaciones) on behalf of thousands of residents were made to the modified project only to be rejected by the government or more likely the Developer.

For the residents of Orihuela Costa, saving Cala Mosca, our last green sea-front area, from the fate of bricks and cement is an emblematic cause and the fight will not end here.

injuries, however, the DGT does not count those accidents with material damage only, those to which the police or medical staff are not called otherwise the data would be even greater.

The most dangerous roundabouts in the province, are La turborrotonda by the University of Alicante, through which more than 20,000 vehicles circulate every day with 5.5% of the accidents and more than 30 annual victims; those located between kilometres 43 and 49 of the regional CV-70, which connects Alcoy and Benidorm, in the Confrides area, which accounts for 4.7% of accidents and 22 injured; and the one located at kilometre 7 of the EL-20 or Elche bypass, with 4.6% of all accidents and 23 victims.

In the province of Alicante, over 14% of all traffic accidents that incur injuries to drivers or passengers, occur on roundabouts, the most dangerous of which are La turborrotonda, next to the University of Alicante, on the Elche ring road and in the three districts of Confrides, Guardamar and Torrevieja This is according to the latest report from the Professional Association of Road Safety Training Companies (Formaster), which is based on statistics provided by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT).

are unaware of the traffic rules on a roundabout and how they must manoeuvre them correctly to avoid such a high accident rate."

According to Antonio Macedo, president of the association, it is "very worrying, even alarming, because it shows that drivers

The province registers more than 400 roundabout accidents annually about half a dozen deaths and more than 500

The report reveals that 80% of all drivers make mistakes when driving around a roundabout, the most common of which is not giving way to traffic already on the roundabout. Additionally, 45% of driver use the inside lane from which they exit the roundabout. "This is one of the most dangerous manoeuvres and the one that involves the most minor accidents and impacts," says Antonio Macedo.

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THE LONELINESS OF THE LONG-DISTANCE CYCLIST RBL Charity bike ride fr om Tidworth to Campover de

onathan Knight served as a Master Tailor for over 24 years. On leaving the military he remained in the trade as he opened a business in the Wiltshire Garrison town of Tidworth.

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The new tailoring company, Knights Tailors, enabled Jonathan to maintain his close links with the military, since which time he continues to be appalled at the amount of physical and mental illness that he sees, very nearly on a day to day basis, both amongst those who have left the services and those who are still serving, in the many units and garrisons that he continues to visit.

In recent years, as a former soldier he has supported many charities, both financially and in arranging fund-raising efforts himself, and now, in its centenary year, his energies have turned to The Royal British Legion.

Jonathan said, “The Legion has always been there to support the military and families and I can think of no better charity to support at this time”.

And his efforts will do exactly that, ten days of pure physical exertion as he attempts to make a journey of 1300 miles from Tidworth to Campoverde using only pedal power.

Jonathan’s journey will begin in the Wiltshire town where an official ‘send off’ is planned by the mayor and the Chairman of the local branch of the Royal British Legion. He will then ride to Portsmouth before taking the overnight ferry to Caen where he will be met by his continental support team, in the form of brother Mark, who will be driving a campervan.

Next stop will be the British and Commonwealth War cemetery in Normandy, where the pair will lay a wreath, after which the gruelling journey down through France and Spain, legs of approximately 140 miles per day, staying in campsites along the way.

Brother Mark said that the campervan, supplied at only a minimal

cost by Furgo Casa Campervans in Murcia, will be an absolute godsend, as it will allow the pair to relax in the campsites in relative comfort.

On the penultimate day the overnight stop will be at Castalla International in Alicante where the pair will meet up with members of the Alicante branch of the RBL as they lay another wreath at the branch’s newly dedicated memorial.

On the following day the ride will culminate at Danny’s Bar and Grill in Pinar de Campoverde, where Jonathan and Mark will be met by members of the Orihuela Costa and District Branch of the RBL at an event to help celebrate the ride, and to hopefully raise more money for veterans and their families.

Donations can be made through a newly opened GoFundMe page where Jonathan has set himself a modest total of £2,000 which he hopes he can achieve, or even beat.

All costs of the ride, including the hire of the campervan and overnight site fees, are being met by Jonathan himself, so all monies raised will be split equally between the three branches concerned, in Tidworth, Alicante and Orihuela Costa.

The journey was originally meant to happen last year, but it was delayed because of Covid. At the time £350 had already been pledged, so the fundraiser is off to a very good start.

But there are still many more £££’s and €€€’s to be found by members of the general public so if you can help and you wish to donate to this most worthwhile cause you can do so by searching for ‘bike ride to Spain’ at GoFundMe, or by going direct to https://gofund.me/67af35ab

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REGISTER TO VOTE! YOUR VOTE REALLY DOES MATTER! By the time of the next Local Election, which will take place on Sunday May 28th 2023, it is forecast that there will be 9,000+ registered voters on the Costa, a number that could bring us 9 councillors.

In the 2019 local elections there was a great deal of apathy amongst the international community where just 2,000 expatriates voted out of just over 7,000 who were registered to do so.

Unfortunately, may others, residents with an entitlement to vote, failed to ensure their name was entered on the list of electors so they were unable to exercise their right to vote on Election Day. Time and again, the effects of this for the residents of Orihuela Costa is that instead of returning a third of the councillors sitting on Orihuela Council they got what their indifference deserved, absolutely NOTHING. As such, the lack of appropriate representation from the coast has resulted in Orihuela Costa suffering blatant discrimination by the municipal government with the poorest level of services of any area within the Orihuela Municipality.

Orihuela Costa has a population exceeding 33,000 people and is growing at a rate of roughly 700 residents a year. This means that in 10 years’ time the coastal area will be as big as the rest of the Orihuela municipality put together.

Unfortunately, however, until we get representation on the council from the coast, the area will continue to lag far behind the rest of the municipality with regard to the allocation of funding and basic services.

In spite of the coast continuing to be the major contributor to the revenue stream of

the Orihuela Municipality, providing 49.8% of it’s total income, roughly €60,000,000 a year, a large proportion of what we fund will continue to be apportioned to the city centre and the municipality’s other 25 districts which, between them, provides the other 50.2%

Your vote really could make a difference for the people of the Orihuela Costa. If you need assistance contact PIOC Spain operates a system of proportional representation. This means that in order to return a councillor, a certain percentage of votes must be cast. In the 2019 Local Elections the votes cast in Orihuela Costa, a total of approximately 2000, were sufficient to return just one councillor!

But the situation can so easily change as at the next Local Election, which will take place on Sunday May 28th 2023, it is forecast that there will be 9,000+ registered voters on the Costa, a number equivalent to 9 councillors.

However, how many of these actually become representatives of the coast is down to the voters, so you can see that if more residents from the international community actually make the effort to vote, the effect that it could have on the coast, its representation on the council and the influence that they would hold in a 26 seat council, could be enormous.

POETRY

Unlike the system in the UK you do not vote for an individual to represent your ward. Proportional representation means that each political party has a list of candidates who are prioritised by their political party, hence you vote for a party not for an individual.

Unfortunately, as none of the main political parties in Orihuela have a presence on Orihuela Costa, e.g. no offices, no political meetings, no constituent surgeries etc. is it any wonder that the lists of candidates offered by these parties have no representation from the coast?

Looking even further ahead to the 2027 elections, as the population on the coast continues to grow, we could soon outnumber the polulation elsewhere in the municipality and in theory we could form our own council, decide who is mayor, deputy mayor and supply all the councillors, BUT only if residents get out and vote.

Before all that, in just 18 month time though, Orihuela Costa must ensure that they return a sufficient number of councillors who will actually fight for services and resources for the coast.

ALL residents with the right to vote must ensure that their voice is heard and that they contribute to ending the blatant discrimination that has been suffered by all Orihuela Costa residents for far too long.

PRESS RELEASE: PARTIDO INDEPENDENCIA ORIHUELA COSTA

CORNER

“AFTER THE DUST SE TTLES” by David Whitney c 2021 What now? After the dust settles What now? Does the terror begin What about those abandoned and frightened Do their lives end now the intruders win Is there hope for their children and families Do their prayers fall on listening ears Are there Angels to help and to comfort Are there kisses to soak up the tears Let us hope that the new men in power Have emotions replacing their guns

“THE DATING GAME”

Have all people as one with another All daughters important as sons Have the strength to re build and recover To create a safe haven for all Where peace reigns and people are happy Where evil has no place to call At the moment nobody has answers The frightened all fear for the worse I send out my hopes for their future In the form of this inspired verse

by Elizabeth Millington c 2020

Whilst drinking with an older friend, A weary divorcee.

She mentioned a new dating trend, ‘Twas quite a shock to me.

We drank some more, with giggles, As friend filled out her form.

She noted all her niggles, Said she preferred the norm.

We drank some more, debated, Match.com, E Harmony, We wondered how they rated Within the Dating Sea.

A Professional was wanted, And not out of the Ark. Well read and a non smoker, He must be tall and dark.

There was Plenty of Fish and Tinder, And one called OK Cupid, We even thought of Grind r, The Baileys made us stupid.

He would be witty, kind and true, Handsome, charming, eyes of blue.

But failing that, she would make do, With anything in trousers.

Puig to announce covid relaxation from Monday The Valencian Community will begin to relax it’s covid restrictions from Monday, 6 September, when the limitations on capacity and the closure of nightlife will end.

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig , made the announcement on Monday during a radio interview on Onda Cero. In it, he confirmed that the de-escalation of measures will begin next Monday and will last for a month, with the aim that the Valencia Day holiday on 9 October can be celebrated within a situation of "new normality."

According to the deadlines set by Puig, at a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission that will also take place on Monday, offficials will decide how the process of easing the restrictions will be managed In the interview he spoke of the improving epidemiological situation and the "positive impact on the virus of the vaccination" The aim, he said, is to celebrate the Valencia Day holiday on 9 October as close to normality as we can get.

Appointments no longer necessary for Covid injection The Regional Minister of Health, Ana Barceló, has announced that "as of next Tuesday, September 7, there will be no need for an appointment at any of the Valencian Community’s 133 mass vaccination points for anyone wishing to receive a Covid vaccination.

"This open immunisation process will continue until the end of September, when all large centres will close. Thereafter, people who still require a vaccination will be able to attend their health centre".

Barceló said that "the objective was to reach 70% of the population vaccinated, over 12 years of age, by 9 October and, as of today, we find that 80% of the population have received their two jabs".

A total of 52,154 people, however, have explicitly refused the vaccine.

The minister said that she wanted to highlight the ‘immense efforts’ of medical staff ‘who have demonstrated unprecedented levels of logistical and organisational effort which has enabled us to reach the goals that we set ourselves those many months ago’.

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The Show MURCIA AND MADRID DISAGREE ON MAR MENOR RECOVERY Must Go On! BL AME GAME 'Gota Fria' effigies of DANA damage ahead of Valencia Fallas

By Andrew Atkinson The DANA 'Gota Fria' that hit Valencia damaged some of the effigies ahead of the annual 2021 Fallas in the city on September 5.

The Board asked jurors for understanding when scoring failures after the storm.

President of the Central Fallera Board and Councillor for Festive Culture, Carlos Galiana asked jurors to take in the circumstances, due to effigies suffering damages.

"We have asked the jurors for the maximum understanding and empathy with the circumstances that we have lived.

"When they go out to assess them, that they take into account what happened, due to the rains.

"Llike many of you, some of us have not attracted attention by looking at the sky - but waking up after a little more than two hours in bed and seeing some falls planted.

"With my watery eyes, proud of the Fallas collective that is capable of so many things.

"The award is not even the most important this year.

But if the rain has not stopped you, we will be by your side and if we have to get wet, we get wet.

"All my love and respect to the commissions that have fallen or suffered serious damage, both in Valencia and in other towns.

"This too will pass.

Of course it will.

The force falls and falls. Long live the Falles festival !!!".

BL AME GAME

"We know what to do and we want to get on and do it, we just need permission from central government to get on with it,"

The environmental problems surrounding the Mar Menor have now led to a political blame game after more than five tonnes of dead fish have been washed up on its shores.

The cause is said to be due to lack of oxygen, or apoxia, a regular issue in the lagoon in recent years, but exactly what causes the problem seems to be a bone of contention, now leading to a blame game between the regional and national governments.

The Murcian administration has called on Madrid to invest in a proposed plan for the creation of a collector plant that would remove the nitrates in the run-off waters resulting from farming activity in the areas surrounding Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon.

The Rambla del Albujón stream just south of Los Alcazares

The central government, in the form of Teresa Ribera, the Minister of Ecological Transition, countered that such a measure would only be ‘whitewashing’ the problem rather than fixing it.

For her, the cause of the environmental disaster are the illegal farming practices that are carried out in abundance, including, she says, desalination plants Once a magnet for tourists, today the Mar Menor is something akin to ‘green soup’ with environmental activists, residents and tourists less than impressed with the political back dealings and apathy,

given that the degradation of the lagoon has been taking place since biological mass die-offs were recorded back in 2016 and 2019.

The water apoxia in the saltwater lake is caused by nitrates and phosphates coming in through the Rambla del Albujón stream, just to the south of Los Alcazares, which empties the fresh water from an aquifer, a body of rock that collects excessive rainwater.

or micro algae The green layer of the phytoplankton biomass stops the sunlight from reaching the bottom of the lake and also consumes the oxygen in the water, in essence suffocating the fish and crustaceans living underneath it. Additionally, the summer months, with their lack of wind and lower levels of water, contribute to the exacerbation of the problem.

exclaimed Fernando López Miras, the President of Murcia, revealing his sense of frustration.

For the time being, however, the regional government has started cleaning one of the gullies that connects Mar Menor to the Mediterranean Sea in an effort to further oxygenate the water body, although the Ecological Ministry had said that this would likely not be a particularly efficient solution.

Tribute to former councillor Eduardo Gil Rebollo with the unveiling of a memorial in La Mata’s Municipal Recreational area “Lo Albentosa”, now renamed the “José Eduardo Gil Rebollo” Recreational Area.

The senior teacher of the Fallero Artists Guild, Paco Pellicer, indicated that it seems bad that Junta Central Fallera had not consulted with the artists, to find out what the situation was and whether or not it was worth moving forward.

The memorial was unveiled by his wife Josefa Espinosa, and the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón. Also in attendance was the former mayor Pedro Hernandez. Music was provided by the Chamber Group of the Unión Musical Torrevejense (UMT), directed by Francisco J. Garres.

Pellicer said with the storm there were moments of 'tension and danger' in the commissions.

"Even when raining there were commissions trying to repair the faults and I think we have not been successful.

"If it rains we can wait for it to dry and assess, because having the award today or having the award the day after tomorrow does not influence at all," he said.

"It is not a race of 100 metres that the first to arrive is the undoubted winner, here many intervene nuances and of course what is going to be valued?

The memorial was unveiled by his wife Josefa Espinosa, and the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón.

"If it is more or less wet or if it has been held whole?

It does not make much sense," said Pellicer.

Last Tuesday, coinciding with the first anniversary of his death, the Torrevieja City Council, paid tribute to it’s former councillor José Eduardo Gil Rebollo,

Pellicer added: "In the end everything has to continue - because the show cannot stop."

Those chemical nutrients are ingredients used in farming fertilizers and their accumulation helps the overgrowth of phytoplankton

The park, which was formally opened in 2011, was a project to which José Eduardo Gil Rebollo fully dedicated himself along with the Torrevieja Rotary Club from the city, guided by the desire to provide Torrelamata with a green lung, especially provided for the enjoyment of families.

It covers an area of 150,000 square meters with pine trees, although only about 60,000 metres is forms the recreational area, located next to the vineyards and the lagoon landscape of the natural park.

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Princess Leonor begins her 6th Form studies in Wales Go kart track in Orihuela Costa has denounced to the courts, the Torrevieja builder, Marcos y Bañuls SL, the owners of Cárnicas Aldin, "for malicious damage to it’s electrical power supply by preventing engineers from entering the area to effect repairs "an act of sabotage to the lighting towers that has left the company without electricity supply.”

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The manager, José Luis Sánchez, attributed the situation to "a campaign of harassment that has gradually seen the reduction of its business area." "The circuit has been maintained since it was set up 26 years ago, after going from fair to fair," he explained.

"However, it has recently had to close several facilities, such as the playground and the paintball enclosure, as well as relocate its popular restaurant, known for its sarmiento wood-fired rice dishes."

He says that he has 30 staff who depend on him for their employment but the track has been without electricity for 3 weeks now, as Iberdrola refuse to carry out the repair, stating that they need a court order to go in to fix the line or the written permission of the landowners”.

The reason, he said, is that "a new development agency bought the neighbouring land from another developer."

"They have been squeezing me for two years to throw me out on the street," he said. "Since then, the pressures have intensified.

They are making my life impossible so that we have to close.

They are adopting practices close to extortion, more typical of pirates than business people."

The King and Queen were at Madrid airport on Monday to wave goodbye to their daughter, Princess Leonor, who was travelling to London, en route to the UWC Atlantic College where she will complete her two-year International Baccalaureate program.

The Princess, who will turn 16 in October, could be seen hugging her mother, father and sister, in the departure lounge prior to boarding her flight to Heathrow.

On her arrival in London she was picked up by school staff, before making the 3 hour journey to the Vale of Glamorgan by coach, along with other pupils, including Princess Alexia of the Netherlands, The princess is fully vaccinated against Covid-19, so she does not have to quarantine, but she will have to take a PCR test on her second day in the United Kingdom.

Princess Leonor, who is the heir to the Spanish throne, will be studying alongside 350 students from dozens of different countries, 5% of which are refugees from conflict zones such as Palestine, Yemen, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The college is located on the grounds of St Donat’s Castle, a medieval castle that was described by playwright George Bernard Shaw as “what God would have built if he had the money.”

PAGE 10

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Being different does make a difference

B

eing different can be good and being different can be bad. The one certainty is that being different is rarely easy.

The hardest time to be different is when you are young. School-children and adolescence will spot any departure from their norm in a flash and the herd will savage the one who is different.

How they dress, the type of music they listen to, accents and anything perceived to be a family oddity will be honed in on and be punished.

Often just being good at something is sufficient to mark the student as different, and therefore a person to be criticised. A student who is a good singer can be targeted for singing when asked to do so. The brightest scholar in the class can become afraid to put up their hand to answer a question that none of the others know.

A study at Harvard Business showed that a third of students defined the difference between what is right and what is wrong by what the others in their class do. If the others steal, well then it is all right to steal. This is the most frightening indication of the power of peer pressure on the young: ´If you cheat then it is Ok for me to cheat´ or if ´they are all doing it´, then I must do it.

Ask teenagers what their views are on fitting in with the crowd: Most will reply that they have to fit in, be like the popular ones and go with the herd.

Ask them why they hang around where

Monday 6th - Sunday 12th September, 2021

they do and the common response will be that it is a popular place to do whatever. They will wear the same style of clothes as all the others, driven solely by a desire to be the same as the rest and to fit in.

people who chose to be different and not to be satisfied with the continuance of things as they are, the world would have known little progress.

It takes an awful lot of courage to opt out and be different when one is younger, but this aversion to thinking or acting outside the box is retained by the vast majority of people into adulthood.

To succeed in business you should be different as well.

You can make yourself busy and tired by trying to copy what the rest of the herd is doing. Instead, you should figure out something really different to offer your customers and separate yourself from the herd. It is not good enough to copy the status quo or imitate the competition.

I did the first EEC Agricultural Course in the mid 1970´s. An adviser told us one day that the greatest drawback in modernising Irish farming at that time was that when a farmer was unsure of the best way to do something, he asked the advice of another farmer and was more influenced by what his neighbour thought than what any expert told him.

He waited to see what everybody else was doing.

A majority of us will stop listening to our own logic when any sort of threat is imminent and we pause to see what the other fellow is doing. This is known as the herd mentality and more than anything else, prevents those who can do from doing.

But it is the ones who are different that are remembered and it is those who are different who make advances and break new ground.

It takes a brave man to be different, but if you look back at history, the ones who made the greatest mark were different to the pack: Same thing with artists, composers, writers and any type of mould-breaker. Humanity’s most valuable assets have been the non-conformists. Were it not for the

Sheep-like beliefs will not get us out of any of our difficulties. Conformity is the process by which a person’s attitudes and beliefs are totally influenced by other people. Peer pressure is subtle and the herd becomes influenced by it over a time.

The result is that we all end up thinking and behaving like everyone else. We need more people who are different.

Every day is different: Irrespective of what age you are; whether you have succeeded to your own satisfaction, failed, or just doddled along; today is a brand new day. Whether yesterday was stormy, sunny or dull, life begins again each morning. Each night is a wall between today and the past. Each morning is the open door to a new world – new vistas, new aims, and new attempts. Go on and try something dif-

GARDEN FELIX ....... Lion’s Tail Leonotis Leonurus - commonly known as Lions Tail, Lion's Ear and Wild Dagga - is a plant species in the mint family that makes a very ornate addition to your garden with it's fuzzy lion-coloured tails with other varieties having tails of white, cream, or yellow.

An excellent plant for attracting wildlife into your garden as the flowers produce copious amounts of nectar attracting birds, bees and butterflies.

A broadleaf evergreen large shrub it will grow to a height of 2-3m, with a spread of 0.7m with bright orange flowers blooming profusely in autumn.

Plant in full sun, with an application of organic fertiliser applied at the beginning of the new season, along with a thick layer of organic mulch to stimulate vigorous growth.

Stems are brittle and can easily break in strong winds. Plant care is minimal, being fairly drought

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must please other people before you please yourself, and you begin to fol-

DON’T FORGET

low your own instincts – only then

Once you get rid of the idea that you

can you be successful. (Rachael Welch)

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 either Spanish Solutions or ‘The Leader.’ Call 637 227 385 for info.

tolerant, benefitting from occasional watering during hot, dry weather. Do not overwater. Cut right down at the end of winter.

Sow seeds in Spring to early Summer, which will germinate in 2-3 weeks into large and sturdy seedlings that can be planted out after all frost has passed.

Plants grow rapidly, unfolding tall spires of aromatic foliage to support flower upon flower.

To propogate harvest the seeds by manually taking apart or shaking the spiky seed heads, once they are completely dried out, to dislodge the many small stick-shaped seeds.

Or, using a spade, lift a clump, divide, and chop away the older less vigorous looking sections. Replant newer, healthier-looking portions immediately into a well-prepared bed and water thoroughly.

Leaves are edible, being highly aromatic when crushed and have a strong herby scent.

It's powerful medicinal properties have been used

for medicinal purposes including: asthma, cardiac problems, cough, epilepsy, leprosy, snakebite, skin diseases and parasites, headaches, fever, haemorrhoids and dysentery.

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great news this week in Ireland as musicians are now allowed to perform indoors, thank goodness too as the nights are getting colder & darker that bit earlier so as much as it’s lovely to have work, it’s not ideal to be outdoors as the colds,

So

Monday 6th - Sunday 12th September, 2021

coughs & sniffles are starting to sneak their way in.

Also fantastic news for anyone working in theatres & concerts…..they have all been given the go ahead to return to work. So many people out of work for so long, it’ll take a bit of getting used to performing in

front of live audiences again but we’ll all be back with a bang & looking forward to it.

The gigs are coming in again & I’m delighted for all of my fellow musicians.

The kids went back to school last week & my first thought was that I don’t want summer to end, I don’t want them to return to school as I’ve enjoyed the free time & going places, doing things but I have to say when I dropped them off on Tuesday & went home, the peace & quiet was actually nice & I got to get a bit of work done in peace.

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I was having a sleepover in my friend’s house & we just couldn’t take it in at all.

Any sudden death is terrible but when it’s someone famous & stunning it feels both unbelievable & unreal at the same time.

It’s been a little bit quiet on the ‘Live Lounge Costa Blanca’ Facebook page lately as most of us performers have had gigs so we haven’t had the spare time to go live.

I still picture William & Harry as these 2 young boys so to see them in the media these days, it’s hard to believe that they’re grown up so much, but at the same time it also means that I’ve grown up so much too!

Which of course is a good thing for us, but not so much for our lovely viewers so here’s hoping we’ll be able to get back to it soon but you can still find some shows on there so if you’re on Facebook make sure to give it a Like & a Follow & enjoy the shows.

I’ll be 40 next year & still feel like I’m 18 but sure don’t we all?

Have a lovely week on the Costas.

Last week & all of this week I’ve been doing ‘The Big One’ show on Fresh Radio 2-5pm & I’m loving it. Normally I bring you ‘Julie’s Bit In The Middle’ at 10am Monday to Friday but the interaction during the afternoon show is great, everyone loves their competitions.

You can tune in & listen through the website www.freshradiospain.com or if you’re around the Benidorm area, you’ll find us on 97fm.

I couldn’t believe it last week when I heard in the news that it was the anniversary of Princess Diana’s death, 31st August 1997.

I was 15 years of age & I remember it well.

Late night Christmas shopping with Bing In Part 1 of a three-part Leader Exclusive Andrew Atkinson talks to Orihuela based Casey Shaddock whose parents became famous for Shaddock's Rainbow Supermarket in Lake Jackson, Texas, USA.

My father, Bill Shaddock, moved to Lake Jackson in the early 1950's and in 1954 he worked for Gerland's grocery store as manager - just across the street from what would become Shaddock's Rainbow Supermarket.

When he went to work, he made a deal with the Gerland brothers for a bonus, based on profits and sales.

Due to dad’s efforts, the LJ store became the most profitable in the chain and as a result the Gerlands intentionally started writing-off tax expenses to that store, which cut into my dad's bonuses.

From the beginning, dad had told the Gerlands to hold onto his bonuses - he would ask for them in the future.

In 1957, due to the Gerlands’ action, he handed in his notice - and asked for all of his bonuses.

If I remember correctly, the amount was in the $50,000 range - a fortune back then!

Because my dad was so well liked, the community encouraged him to open his own grocery store.

At that time, Dow owned the land where the store and future shops would be located. Surprisingly, he talked Dr. Beutel into conducting a straw vote

on a proposal to sell the land to him.

Approximately 1,200 favourable votes were cast only 19 voters wanted to use the land as a park an outcome unheard of back then!

1958, Shaddock's Rainbow Supermarket opens with Mildred Shaddock cutting the ribbon.

So, dad went to work putting together his plan, with backing from the local community and tremendous support from Groce Wearden, a huge grocery supplier in Houston, he was able to make his dream come true.

During the next year, he planned and built his new grocery store and in June 1958, Shaddock's Rainbow Supermarket opened its doors, with my mother, Mildred Shaddock cutting the ribbon.

Several employees from Gerlands followed my father, including Willie.

Even after my father sold his business interests, he was still part of the family.

Subsequently, dad opened stores in Angleton in the Beachway Shopping Centre and in Dickinson.

Willie stacking shelves

Bing Christmas chopping

I recall a relative of Bing Crosby lived a few doors down from us on Poinsettia and one Christmas Mr Crosby and his family came to visit - with my father having to open the store late at night for them to shop so they would not be harassed by the public.

Bing Crosby's wife Kathryn came down quite a lot with her daughter, actress Mary Crosby (pictured) Kristin Shepard - who shot JR Ewing in Dallas - we used to play when they came down.

Fond memories!

Actress Mary Crosby

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 882

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 23

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)

QUICK 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. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC 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 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. A dog carriage? (7) 24. An agreement to carry out - for the last time? (11)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1.Which colourful 'little sword' can brighten up your garden?

2. Which expression of gratitude is also the name of the floating mountains on Pandora in the film Avatar?

3. In which sad song is a girl "marrying a fellow down Galveston way"?

4.Which six letter word can precede each of the following? Ship, Russia, lode, board and courage.

5. Hellespont was the ancient name for which narrow sea strait?

6. Who was the first leader of a country to win the Nobel Prize for Literature while still in office? (Clue, if needed, the year was 1953) 7. What was the first name of the mother for each of the following? a. Zeus, b.

Richard the Lionheart, c. Paul McCartney 8.What was Kate Barker's nickname?

9. Agrippina the Younger was the mother of which instrumental leader?

10.The following lyrics are all from songs with the word 'Mother' in the title.Can you name the song? a. What a drag it is getting old. b. Lets all get up and dance to a song that was a hit before your mother was born.c.Mother do you think they'll drop the bomb.d.Well I can dance with you honey if you think it's funny.e.No I would not give you false hope on this strange and mournful day. f. Sit beside a mountain stream see her waters rise

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)

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 3 ) 11. In which film is there a computer called Mother?

12. Which vessel, named after a famous fictional ship, was the first to cross the North Pole beneath the ice?

13.What is the well - known Latin translation for "greatest bridge builder"?

14.Until it was surpassed by cotton, which gratifying substance was Britain's largest single import between 1750 and 1820?

15.Which actor appeared in all of the following films? The Sting, Robin and Marion, The Battle of Britain, The Battle of the Bulge and From Russia with Love 16. A British band had a number one hit in the USA in 1965 with an English music hall ditty from 1910.Can you name the song? (Clue if needed, second verse same as the first 17. A Greek nymph, a music style and the name of a famous research vessel.

18. According to the Bureau of the Census, what was the population of the United States in 1790 (Aug. 2nd)? a. 929,214, b. 3,929,214, c. 13,929,214, d. 23,929,214 19. What was the name of the high priest played by Boris Karloff in the 1932 film 'The Mummy'?

20.Complete the following quote with the name of a very large 'woman'."Wretched and abundant, oppressed and powerful, weak and mighty, ... ..."

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Fancy going all the way to Spain - and ending up shopping in Primark!

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way to Spain - and shopping in Primark!"

The Malones were shopping at one of Europe's biggest shopping malls La Zenia Boulevard on the Orihuela Costa, Alicante.

The family, who have featured on Gogglebox since 2013, were staying in Quesada, in a friend's villa: "We went into Tesco in Quesada - and got some HP sauce and Vimto!," said joker Tom. Mother of three, Vanessa, an NHS Nurse, who joined Gogglebox for the first time in March for the 17th series, said: "We are loving our time in the Spanish sunshine enjoying a lovely family break."

Photos: Helen Atkinson.

GOGGLEBOX EXCLUSIVE

By Andrew Atkinson

Gogglebox C4 TV stars Tom Malone, wife Julie, and daughter Vanessa, along with her three children had a break in the Costa Blanca, basking in

The Malones are filmed six hours a night, two days a week, and Tom said: "We have been in the show for seven years and are looking forward when we begin filming the new series in September."

PAGE 15

star, Tom junior, 26, who has performed with Rita Ora, Fergie and Wiley, left Gogglebox in 2020, after six and a half years.

The Malones have three Rottweiler dogs, Lucy, Joe and Dave, the latter famed for appearances in the show, sitting on the sofa with the family, in front of cakes and biscuits, while watching TV. Grandparents to four children, Tom and Julie both looked slim after losing weight during the coronovirus lockdown.

"We have been to the beach in Torrevieja - but couldn't go into to the sea because the red flag was flying!," laughed Tom. "We've enjoyed our two weeks in Spain but now we are returning to UK to start filming," added Tom.

Tom, a lorry driver, and Julie, a receptionist, have four children, Lee, Vanessa, Tom jnr and Shaun.

temperatures hitting 30 degrees, ahead of filming the new series of the popular programme later this month.

Shaun, formerly on Gogglebox, is a coach at Manchester United working in its Ability Counts Disability programme.

Looking cool and tanned, wearing sunglasses and a panama hat, Tom quipped: "Fancy going all the

Professional dancer, model, choreographer and TikTok

Julie, Tom, Vanessa and her children with reporter Andrew

PAGE 16

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Chronic sinusitis can also cause repeated chest infections from the steady drip of infected mucus down the air passages. If the problem persists or becomes very painful, see your doctor.

But it's well worth trying natural herbal remedies first - and there are herbs that can help you deal with both acute and chronic kinds.

A BLOCKED NOSE

If simple remedies don't work, a qualified herbalist could help sort out the various factors giving you that permanently blocked nose - with digestive problems high on the list - and then use herbs to dry out mucus, clear blocked sinuses, and repair damage to the inflamed and irritated mucous membrane.

Your nose is stuffed up, with a running leak to it, your mouth is dry and there's a steady dull ache around the bridge of your nose.

Yes, it’s those wretched sinuses again. Why not try some herbal de-blocking. ou've got four pairs of sinuses. They're tiny air-filled cavities, clustered in the bones around your nose, and they're vulnerable to infection from viruses, bacteria, fungi, whatever. Once they've picked up any infection, that moist mucous lining becomes irritated, swollen and inflamed, producing a steady drip of mucus. As the mucus thickens and builds up, it eventually blocks your sinuses, producing that familiar bunged-up feeling as well as a dull ache.

Y

Most cases of sinusitis develop during a cold or chest infection, and clear soon after. But they can linger on, and in many people they become chronic, resistant to any amount of antibiotic or decongestant treatment. You may find that cutting out dairy products produces dramatic relief: worth trying for a week.

Among the herbs they might call on are Eyebright, which works locally to calm inflammation, Plantain to help stem mucus output and reduce swelling, Yarrow for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action and Calendula to stimulate your resistance to infection.

If the first winter cold sees your sinusitis starting up again, take preventive action: a course of Echinacea, the wonder herb that helps boost your resistance. You can take it in a low dose throughout the winter months, then switch to a higher dose, taken several times a day, at the first hint of trouble.

Two great infection-busters are Propolis and Garlic. Propolis is made by bees working on resins gathered from specific plants: they plaster this sticky stuff all over their hives to keep out infections, and it is especially useful for the nose, mouth and throat area. You can buy Propolis combined with Echinacea in tablet form, and you can also use a few drops of the sticky tincture in a little warm water as a regular gargle.

Garlic has been renowned since antiquity as an infection-

fighter — it was brought to Britain by the surgeons of Roman legions posted from sunny Italy to damper, colder northern climates.

Compounds in raw garlic have antibiotic action but some of garlic's efficacy — though not all — is lost in cooking. So eat plenty of raw garlic chopped in salads, or a clove crushed into soup at the last minute. To fight acute infections, take garlic in pill form and high doses — but do remember that it can irritate your stomach.

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

Steaming reaches the parts other herbs may not -especially if you add one or two of the half-dozen essential oils which are good at relieving congestion and combating infection - eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender and tea tree are all good choices. Add 3-4 drops of one of these oils (or a mix) to a bowl of steaming water. Let it cool a little if it has just come off the boil so that you don't scald yourself and then tent your head and the bowl in a towel. Breathe in the aromatic steam for five minutes. Do this night and morning for a week. Do be careful: essential oils should never be taken internally, and keep them out of children's reach.

Elderflowers, like the berries, have mild antiviral action. Drink plenty of elderflower tea; use a tea bag or a teaspoonful of the dried flower heads infused for five minutes in a cupful of boiling water. It's one of the nicest of herbal infusions — drink it hot at bedtime with a little honey.

Horseradish is an age-old remedy for colds and sinus infections and now we know why. Studies carried out at the California University School of Medicine, quoted in Jean Carper's great book The Food Pharmacy, demonstrated that horseradish, like many other spicy foods, triggers a flash flood of fluid in air passages which thins congested mucus so that it is easily expelled; hence the watering eyes.

In his lovely collection of herbal remedies, The Green Pharmacy, US herbal authority James Duke suggests making up a 'Sinusoup': 'Begin with your vegetable minestrone and add heaped helpings of garlic and onions, plus horseradish, hot pepper and ginger. On a cold winter day, it warms the soul as it opens the sinuses.'

NEXT WEEK: Varicose Veins

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VOCABULARY OF THE VIRUS C

ertain words and phrases spring into prominence during emergencies.

For the past year we have been subjected to sound bites on breakfast TV and tiers before bedtime. So many that they have become platitudes. But good things no longer come to those who wait and time doesn't heal all wounds. As Shakespeare pointed out, we have all seen better days.

It is astonishing how many everyday words and phrases were introduced by that fellow (my fellow writer, ha ha) William Shakespeare more than four centuries ago. Incredible, too, that most of his coinages have survived in colloquial speech until the present time rather than vanish into thin air. (That's one of his -- and also where most of my coins disappear.)

A friend recently informed me his grandson had asked him, "What's a pencil sharpener?" and this caused me to reflect that modern progress has eliminated some obsolete words while introducing others that would have flummoxed the Bard of Avon. I suppose such developments are a foregone conclusion (Othello) in this brave new world (The Tempest) that we inhabit.

Future adults -- shall we call them children? -will grow up with a head stuffed full of the

vocabulary of the virus. They will be fluent in Covid-conversation regarding Oxford vaccines, Indian variants and South African mutations, without having visited any of those locations.

Pandemic-speak requires no travel documents.

They could tell Shakespeare a thing or two about droplet transmission and super spreaders, to which he might simply retort, "The miserable have no other medicine but Hope."

(Measure for Measure). He didn't know about vaccines, you see.

But the man from Stratford did know a thing or two about plagues, of course, because they

caused the closure of his Globe Theatre for over 6 years. He self-isolated in Stratford, and wrote Macbeth there, a play in which Lady Macbeth's hand-washing routine lasts for fifteen minutes, which is more than twice the recommended time for modern plagues.

Admittedly, she was dealing with imaginary bloodstains, notoriously difficult to remove, even with all the perfumes of Arabia in your bathroom cabinet.

PAGE 17

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Will would have been puzzled by people preferring one vaccine over another: "What's in a name" he would have asked, "as long as it's in the arm?" (That last bit was mine.)

Rather than the commemorative plaque I hoped for, my school was long ago dismantled and removed from my town's record books, but I still remember learning items of vocabulary there that are no longer in current use. Vinyl records were called singles or 78's or 45's or EP's or LP's -- try asking for any of them nowadays and you'll be directed to a charity shop, or they do me, once they look at my clothes.

Likewise combs, which no one seems to have any use for any more, and digital cameras and extended warranties.

Or is it me? When you are refused Identity Theft Insurance, are you out of date? (And how does that work anyway, are they confident the payout is going to the right person?) But I feel someone plucking at my sleeve, telling me that brevity is the soul of wit.

Now who could that be, I ask myself. But the rest is silence. (Hamlet.)

PAGE 18

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association supports the welfare needs of ex-members of the RAF and their dependents.

We also provide a social hub for members by organising monthly events. To fund Welfare we raise money through the Wings Appeal.

New members are very welcome. To find out more contact Chairman Tony at tony.elaine.cuenta@gmail.com For Welfare contact Bill or Pauline on 0034 634 38 99 83 or email rafacbpresident2@gmail.com.

For general information on RAFA visit www.rafa.org.uk.

computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11a.m.

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

CAR SALES The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2018 Ford Fiesta Trend which is on Special Offer priced at just 11,900 euro. Come along to our showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. The biggest and best for price, choice and quality. ENGLISH SPOKEN

CHURCHES AND SERVICES La Siesta Evangelical Church, Torrevieja is a friendly, English-speaking church. We currently hold services at 11.15am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month (and the 5th Sunday when there is one). For more info about our church, please see our website at www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org For info see www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org 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, Polígono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los

HELEN...

Montesinos. We are a lively, friendly church and look forward to meeting you. (Covid19 aware. www.Saltchurchspain.

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

Phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 648 914 347 International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday service 11a.m.; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and

SOCIAL AND CLUBS The next meeting of the Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch will be held at 7 for 7.30 pm on Thursday 19 August at the Olympia Pool Bar in Mil Palmeras. Everyone welcome, incl non members. Call Jean for info on: 630 28 08 99.

The Royal British Legion, Torrevieja Branch - Meets at the Oasis, formerly the Casa Ventura, San Luis on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6.30 pm for 7pm start. New members are always welcome. You do not have to be ex-services.

For more info please contact:gill.burden20@gmail.com

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Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50’s. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Residential Home Visiting Team. to visit people in a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. If you think you can help call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887. Or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 1700 (5pm) at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanisation, Torrevieja. For more information please contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 966 71 6274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 966 92 1966.

Royal Air Force Association Costa Blanca Branch.The

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 e:charitycentrehelpathomecb @gmail.com.

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

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PAGE 19

Spanish sector saves hotel summer holidays

By Andrew Atkinson Hotel occupancy in the Murcia Region has consisted almost entirely of Spanish nationals this summer - a major boost for the sector after the coronovirus pandemic.

The Wagtail:

I

frequently mention Social Media and how it can be fake but there are parts that are satisfying and rewarding to see, and I refer to pictures and stories of the wonders of nature and especially images and videos of animals.

Looking along La Manga strip

There have been some remarkable portrayals of various species being rescued from an impossible situation where they were unable to extradite themselves. Satisfying to see especially if done by another animal of a different kind.

The pandemic caused by the Covid 19 has changed things in an unexpected way, because of the lack of visitors many birds have been more enterprising making nests closer to the house, and in some instances on the walls of the property.

Hostetur, the association representing hotels and tourist accommodation on the Costa Cálida, reports that 80-85% of coastal hotel beds were occupied in August, mainly taken by national tourism.

I find this delightful as they are closer and it is possible to see in detail the way they live, building their nest and looking after the young with the pleasant sound of constant twittering as they wait for food. Then Mum or Dad arrive with beaks full of nourishment and for a brief moment absolute quiet as the young are fed.

It was a few years ago when we first saw the Wagtails, they would prance around the pool waiting and then swooping as some bug decided to land on the water.

Last year, they became a lot bolder and made a nest behind an air conditioning unit close to the patio doors where they produced a young family. Since then, the family have been growing and this year an extension was added to the original nest, also another built in a seperate part of the pool area.

By now the two families were frequently seen doing their wagtail strut as they wandered around the garden. As the young ones grow the parents line them up on the fence and watch as they fly further than the small hop from the nest. This activity comes to a frantic end toward the end of July when it is time for the families to fly away, my guess is for a summer break, but without a doubt they will be back next year.

We have seen a black bird, at least that type of feathered friend around the pool area, and we were certain twittering was coming from the wagtail nest furthest from the house.

Time moved on and we became aware of one solitary wagtail, a young one taking short flights. One

"With August the Spanish summer holiday period, domestic travel has saved the season," said Hostetur President Soledad Díaz.

With uncertainty still surrounding travel, citing UK flights, thousands of British annual tourists skipped the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida, due to the 'traffic light' system.

The uncertainty of the UK Amber, red or green status, led largely to domestic tourism, rather than international travel.

time it came up to the glass doors and stood there opening its mouth as if it was hungry.

The mystery of how one small bird survived when the rest had flown became a little clearer when one early evening the youngster was sitting on the wire fence as the black bird landed beside it.

They seemed to be conversing and then at the same time they flew off together and side by side they vanished over the rooftops. A few days later the wagtail returned into the pool area, this time it had a friend, a small sparrow type bird.

Although our little wagtail got left behind, perhaps it was too young.

However, we think the little thing found its forever home. A wonderful experience.

it and heavily laden with sweet to eat bright orange coloured fruit.

The owners were proud of it. This magic wonder of a miracle tree. The large soft fruit was willingly passed around, some went to the church for the jumble sale and the surplus was given to neighbours.

The owners lived near to the coast in a semi detached property of about eighty square metres in a road of similar houses.

Exactly, as most people, they paid their way not wanting for anything and were happy with the lifestyle they had developed and then one morning - shock - through the letter box dropped a bill from the water supplier totalling three and half thousand Euros.

It was a lovely Orange tree. It sat in the middle of a small garden in the centre of the patio to the front of the house looking wholesome and producing beautiful fruit.

Although they had been receiving an account from the provider every month, what they did not realise was that for the past twelve they had been estimated accounts based on previous use – now the metre had been read for the first time in a long period.

It was a vigorous tree and within a year it had grown from a small cutting to as tall as a person with bright green shiny leaves bushing out from

Below the orange tree the main water supply to the house had ruptured with the water leaking from the pipe work and feeding their

THE ORANGE TREE

wonderful orange tree.

We had had a similar problem when we first moved to this wonderful country and learnt the problem that the water system is different to whence we came, as the underground pipe work does not have the same protection.

The answer all those years ago was to read the meter regularly. Which we do weekly. Just recently we noticed the consumption was going up so we investigated.

Spain's Hotel sector was one of the worst affected

by Covid-19 as the initial coronavirus pandemic led to the introduction of travel restrictions.

The Covid-19 vaccination programme kicked in this year, aiding the return of foreign and domestic travel, following lockdown.

In the Region of Murcia hotel occupancy in August approached pre-pandemic levels.

The July CTH (Coyuntura turística hotelera) from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) record 121,567 travellers stayed in Murcian hotels during July - with 104,632 Spanish residents - and 16,935 foreigners.

Overnight stays increased by 125% in July nationally compared to July 2020.

The mains water supply to the house had ruptured and there in the driveway a green patch of grass and other plants had appeared in a desolate area of dried out and dead plantation.

The official figures for August will be published in early September.

It is going to be expensive but nothing like the cost if we had not known about it.

As August petered out and September breezed in there is a significant decrease of beachgoers in Torrevieja.

It was stated In 1945, "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch" which appeared in the Columbia Law Review – and it is so true.

Queues no longer formed, as in August with beaches packed to capacity at Los Locos playa and further up the coast, requiring stewards to be in attendance.

Take care

Early September there were plenty of beach spaces available as Covid-19 restricted roped-off areas remain unoccupied.

Facebook.com/ percy chattey – my Ramblings are in book form and with my other writings can be found on Amazon and Kindle and shortly other outlets.

Significant decrease of beachgoers in Torrevieja

At the height of summer in August queues snaked along the promenade - with cases of people racing onto the beach to place towels and chairs.

PAGE 20

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VETS BENEFITS Veterans learn about care and allowances in Spain The Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa Branch, has hosted it’s second Veterans’ Breakfast Club on Tuesday 31st August, 11 am, at The Hi Life Restaurant in La Zenia.

As always, the premises are conducive to the Club activities, and the flexible support and co-operation from Gino and his team is appreciated.

The morning began, once again, with half an hour of gentle, but optional, exer-

cise, led by Ann O’Donnell, who put the participants through some seated gentle exercise.

Following a well-deserved continental breakfast, 35 participants then enjoyed a talk by Sarah Griffiths, General Manager of Mi Casa Care.

local support via Charities, Statutory Agencies, and Mi Casa Care.

The theme of the presentation was the promotion of independence and choice during which she highlighted some of the support available.

“Eyes Front!”

Sarah spoke about dementia, describing the symptoms before raising awareness of attendance allowance that can be claimed in Spain. She then spoke about

The purpose of the RBL Veterans’ Breakfast Club is to promote social contacts and reduce isolation and loneliness within the Veteran Community. Over 30 of the 35 people attending were Veterans and/or immediate family members.

Red Cross rescues 423 people from drowning in the Province

from the sea by the Red Cross for either being in trouble while swimming, on board boats, practicing sports or simply relaxing in the water. Within that number, rescue teams have made 145 transfers to hospitals this summer.

The August presentation centred around ‘Dementia’ and local support

Having given service for their Country, it is an honour for the Royal British Legion in Northern Spain to support the Veteran community in this small venture.

The Red Cross attended to a total of 9,473 people in need of medical attention and a further 9,153 services of a social nature during the summer on beaches in the province of Alicante.

The organisation has been present on 28 beaches in the province with more than 200 rescue staff, including aquatic lifeguards, health personnel, drivers, boat skippers, etc. deployed.

Medical care has increased by 13%, which includes attention for bites of marine animals, cuts, burns and sunstrokes.

This work has been made possible thanks to the agreements with 4 municipalities: in the province of Alicante, the red Cross is present in Xàbia, Denia, Santa Pola and Guardamar del Segura .

The next Veteran Breakfast Club event will be held on Tuesday 28th September at 11 am, same venue, same format. The speaker will be David Minto, retired UK Social Worker/NHS, ex Welfare Officer of Help at Home. David will be identifying the allowances/benefits available to those of us living in Spain, post Brexit, plus he will also clarify the workings of the care system here in Spain.

To reserve a place, please contact Sandie Coates on 645 290 078 or sandysandy1979@outlook.com

Assistance to the disables has quadrupled compared to last year, going from 2,021 in 2020 to 9,153 this year, thanks to the additional accessible points introduced by municipalities, and the support of the AXA Foundation with special areas for people with functional diversity.

A further 423 people have been rescued

The Red Cross Maritime Rescue program has also had a busy year, carrying out this year a total of 200 actions to support boats or people in danger at sea in the Valencian Community, of which 149 have been carried out in the province of Alicante.

GUARDAMAR: Babilonia beach

The US Space Agency contemplates an increasingly depressing scenario in the coming decades with areas of the Alicante coastline at risk of flooding, including Babilonia beach, El Pinet, the north coast of Dénia and the coves around El Campello, with serious danger to many homes that are close to the Mediterranean.

The sixth report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) contemplates the devastating impact of the climate crisis as it confirms the deterioration of the planet due to global warming, with an increase in the temperature in the

Mediterranean that will cause droughts, torrential rains and cold snaps.

What it shows is devastating for the province: the values are growing inexorably, decade after decade, starting with a rise of 9 centimetres by 2030, 40 centimetres by 2080 and reaching one meter in 2150.

The forecasts are based on data collected by satellites and instruments on the ground, as well as analysis and computer simulations, and this projection is the most optimistic because the US space agency proposes up to five scenarios, depending on the different levels of emissions.

The professor of Regional Geographic Analysis at the University of Alicante, Jorge Olcina, says that areas particularly at risk include Babilonia beach, El Pinet, the north coast of Dénia and areas around the coves of El Campello, which have houses located very close to the sea.

He says that one immediate measure that the administration should carry out is the installation of a network for monitoring the rise in sea level throughout the Spanish coast, including Alicante. "It is essential to know the evolution of this process with real data", he emphasises.

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PAGE 21 Bell has been succeeded by Australian Darryl Clout (pictured)

World Bowls President Bell steps down in disgust Quote: 'World Bowls Board has gradually become fractious, indecisive and increasingly hostile to our CEO' WORLD Bowls President John Bell has relinquished his role of nine years and has been succeeded by Australian Darryl Clout in a shock announcement.

Bell, who served seven years as President and two as European Regional Director said in a letter to all Member National Associations (MBAs): "It is with great sadness that I am contacting you to inform you that I have stepped down from my office of President with immediate effect.

"I owe it to my loyal supporters across the world to offer this brief word of explanation.

"The situation that exists within our World Bowls organisation is now in direct conflict with my principles of fairness and transparency.

"I am sorry to report that the World Bowls Board has gradually become fractious, indecisive and increasingly hostile to our CEO.

"A deteriorating situation has been exacerbated by the intervention of a group of the five CEOs from the larger MNAs who have expressed their dissatisfaction with the way World Bowls is operating and questioned its ability to properly address the many challenges now facing our sport.

"Constructive criticism is always welcome but deep-rooted prejudices are harder to contend with.

"There is no doubt that certain Board members have been collaborating with this group, which has contributed to the disquiet within the Board and its unsavoury exchanges with our CEO. "With regard to the latter, I am absolutely disgusted with the unprofessional treatment which has been meted out to him.

"How can an organisation run effectively when the Board continually vote to exclude its CEO from its meetings?

"I have tried to lead the Board in a professional, positive and above all in a fair manner. I have failed.

"I do, however very much appreciate

the conciliatory efforts of some of my fellow Board members who have tried to assist me in finding a way to make the system work as it should.

"I have always pledged that during my office World Bowls will always represent the interests of ALL its bowling nations both large and small.

"It appears however that the views of the group of five CEOs have a far greater influence on the Board than any consideration for the interests of the other 48 nations.

"As far as I am aware have no serious grievances with World Bowls, and in fact are probably totally unaware of what has been going on in the background for a considerable period of time, including efforts to terminate and dispense with the services of the CEO. "In conclusion, there is no doubt the world has drastically changed and organisations like World Bowls must also change. "It most certainly needs to respond positively to the new challenges facing our sport in order to

maintain relevance, effectiveness, and a united strength of purpose across the globe.

"That to me should never be in question. What also really matters to me is that any such process must be brought about with fairness and transparency and be fully and genuinely representative of all the interests involved.

"To all the nations who have supported me during my terms of office I sincerely thank you. It has been an honour and privilege to represent and serve you.

"To World Bowls CEO Gary I thank you for your 20 years of dedicated service and all the work you have continued to undertake in a professional manner in spite of your ‘isolation’ from the very mechanics of operational and administrative duties which you should

rightfully be at the heart of.

"To your assistant Roger, for the past 17 years of devoted service, and to David Allen – our Media and PR manager over many years – a big thank you too for your continued sound advice and loyal support.”

A World Bowls media release said: "World Bowls are committed to undertake a major review of what our sport should look like as we head into the next decade," said Clout, who has 25 years experience of national and international sports administration.

"I feel privileged to be elected as the President of the sport’s international body," said Clout, former President of Softball Australia and Bowls Australia; Head of NSW Department of Sport & Recreation, and Director of Commonwealth Games Australia.

Petanca Winter League The winter League starts mid October, with the Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja again the League Sponsor, this is welcome news after the long Corona virus disrupting so many people.

We now await the return of many players who had stayed home, now we hope for safe conditions for this winter. All teams need to register by October 1st.

The Peacocks club have moved to the El Rancho Country Club, with 4 teams they have ample space to settle on Another club on the move are Rojales who were unhappy with many changes, so a move to La Siesta is a far better location and already the club have a new name Los Rayos.

The Town hall are providing new surface so with new shirts the club are moving ahead for a busy winter programme, The Civic Centre in Orihuela the home of Los Bandidos and the Falcons clubs were shocked to find the venue closed down, both clubs having to relocate.

The League secretary Mike Bartlett has obtained Telecable as the Sponsor for League competitions which are supporting Debra, a children's with needs charity who do such a caring job.

Registration for entry to the Winter League will take place at the Racin Toast Bar in Orihuela between 11 am to 1 pm Roger Seymour

Emerald Isle Bowls Club

By Elwyn Morris The Isle travelled to Greenlands on Wed for the return of our friendly games and they came out on top home and away, winning 10-6 away aggregate 112-103 Winners were: Linda Freeman Robin

Sue Bosworth Andy Miles Gary

QBC Roundup by Steve Hibberd The annual 4 match Greenlands 'friendlies' series, came to a conclusion last Thursday evening.

Although Greenlands won the final match by 4 rinks to 3 at their home green, it was only a mere consolation.

Quesada not only won 3 games to 1, but due to a complex scoring system, they officially won the series by 50 points to 20 (there's no truth in the rumour that points were awarded

Ponsford 17-14

Los Bandidos raid Las Ramblas

Great games, good after match as well

By David Brench

We have SAPS at club watch out for

On Monday 30th August the team competition was “Best 2 from 4 all on Par 3’s” and had a strange bunch of Mexican style characters known to us all as now as “Los Bandidos” winning the event.

dates as we are Holding the Valencian Tournament between 15th and 28th Sept. New members always welcome at

The winning score was an exceptional 106 and only 6 pts off an all-time record of 112!

Adams Colin Lindgren 27-6

the club.

Sheila Adams Elwyn Morris M Odell

The Emerald Isle Bowls Club wish to

20-8

pass on our condolences to Seamus and

Peta Rhodes Mick Ellis Pat Coffey 17-

the Moran family for the loss of Vera, a

Well done..... El Presidente (Dave Pullen), El Bandit (Mick Brentnall), El Back 9 (Joyce McClusky) & El Hablador (John Shervell).

14

lovely lady.RIP

Wednesday 1st September was a cloudy and at times damp

for touchers!).

On the day, Sandra Heath, Ann Linley & Steve Hibberd were the best scoring rink for QBC. Following the match, a good turnout congregated in Greenlands restaurant, for an excellent meal to round off the series.

Another internal league competition is nearing completion.

Winner of group A in the drawn 2 wood pairs competition were Terry Morgan & Allen Bowen, whilst in group B, it was the pairing of Shena Barnes & Ann Linley who have qualified for next Wednesday's final. affair at Las Ramblas! Wednesdays are usually set aside as a handicap qualifier day, but as next week is “Stableford Week” we had a fun “Waltzer” team competition.

It was poignant that the outgoing press secretary Peter Reffell was in the rowdy winning group! Other members of the winning 4 ball were serial winner Joyce “Back 9” McClusky and the comedy duo of Paul Brown and Ian Moir. . . . They came in as winners with a very respectable score of 88 points.

Friday 3rd September = 4 Ball Texas Scramble. A beautiful morning at Las Ramblas, the sun was shining but boy was it humid, perfect golf conditions.

Todays winners with a score of 57.1 were ; Peter Reffell, Andy Martin, John Dobson and Petina Murray

PAGE 22

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margin.

WHISTLING STRAITS in Wisconsin, designed by Pete Dye to resemble links courses in the West of Ireland, was constructed on a former military airbase.

With two miles of undulating shoreline and countless bunkers, golfers say the wind coming off Lake Michigan makes for an 'interesting game.'

Most links courses offer the option of running a shot up along the sloping turf, especially if it’s played out of high fescue. Justin Rose says: “Whistling Straits is more target golf than links, the ball doesn't run there.”

Steve Stricker has had some fairways widened, to the advantage of the Americans. Fair enough, in 2018 at Le Golf National the fairways were narrowed, forcing the Americans into playing a throttled-down, precision-focused game. But a secret weapon at Whistling Straits may be the bald eagle which lives on the course.

was known for his smart dressing.

“Everything is co-ordinated,” he would say. “My shirts, slacks, socks, even my underwear. I take six suitcases to every tournament.”

Remembered in particular for missing a short putt to win The Open at St Andrews in 1970, he lost out to Jack Nicklaus in a play-off the following day. “I might have been a very rich man if I'd sunk that putt,” he would sigh.

Even so, he'd come a long way from Georgia, picking cotton as a boy during the Depression.

Aged 10, he caddied at a local course, attended University on a golf scholarship and turned professional in 1956. having already won the Canadian Open.

Sanders won a further 19 times on the PGA Tour and played on the 1967 US Ryder Cup team in Houston when the USA won by (cough) a rather large

Whistling Straits is one of the top 200 public golf courses in the world

JUSTIN ROSE, asked about his memories of previous Ryder Cups: “The gala dinner can be nice if you're sitting with the right people – they mix the teams, so it's the calm before the storm when everyone is still quite jovial.”

After more than five minutes of Patrick Reed's “joviality” one would probably be tempted to empty one's soup on his head.

Justin is to receive the 2021 PGA Tour's Payne Stewart Award, given in honour of the 11-time PGA Tour winner who died in a plane crash in 1999.

The award is presented to the golfer who exemplifies character, charity and sportsmanship.

The Kate and Justin Rose Foundation which provides food and books for deprived schoolchildren will receive the $300.000 donation.

In 2020 Justin and his wife Kate launched the Rose Ladies Series in the UK and for many years Justin has sponsored the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship.

The Yanks have probably trained it to perch on the grandstand glowering down on the opposition, or soar over them dropping a greeting as they tee off.

The second English player to receive the award after Sir Nick Faldo in 2014, Justin recently gave a very diplomatic interview in

“PEACOCK OF THE FARWAYS” Doug Sanders, who has died aged 86,

Mike Probert talks Golf H

ere on the Costa’s golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers.

THEATRE OF THE MIND

J

ust how do you improve your golfing brain and is it important?

The answer is yes because the KEY to playing good golf is to have sound basic swing fundamentals and to control your state of mind.

Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton will be joined at Wentworth by 2020 Race to Dubai Champion Lee Westwood, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose and Ian Poulter in the 3rd Rolex Series event of the 2021 Race to Dubai.

Along with The Two Matts (Fitzpatrick and Wallace) they will be hoping to delight the fans and impress Padraig Harrington in the final Ryder Cup countdown.

SOME REVIEWS recommend cavity irons filled with air, some prefer foam.

To please everyone Taylor Made have injected their “All New” P790 irons with “Speedfoam Air” which is 69% less dense than the Speedfoam in their previous two models, apparently giving increased speed.

A mere $1.299 for a 7-piece set.

Will T. Made's customers go for it? If they do the Speedfoam won't be the only thing that's dense.

Until next time: Happy Golfing.

Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. 638 859 475.

Remember, the swing is unlikely to have to have changed BUT your state of mind has.

Most golfers dwell on poor shots rather than focusing on the positives and as a result they get used to playing poor golf on a mental level.

How you feel affects the way that you play and how you play affects how you feel.

Experts such as Martin Glover advocate FOUR ways to improve your golfing brain in this respect, namely: Arrive at the course in a relaxed state of mind (play music in the car), have a routine and DON’T be rushed.

Use your imagination (the theatre of the mind) to play good shots instead of poor one’s.

Change your physiology by walking upright and purposeful because body language affects your mental state and vice versa.

Breath correctly and slowly.

We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us: The deals shown in the table are some of the best prices currently available to you:

Don Cayo (Altea) €90 Two Green Fees & Buggy El Plantio €84 Two Green Fees & Buggy El Valle €140 Two Green Fees & Buggy Font Del Llop €82 Two Green Fees & Buggy (post hollow tining until 12/09/21) Hacienda Del Alamo €100 Two Green Fees & Buggy La Finca €180 Two Green Fees & Buggy La Marquesa €150 Two Green Fees & Buggy La Sella €130 Two Green Fees & Buggy La Serena €114 Two Green Fees & Buggy La Torre €140 Two Green Fees & Buggy Las Colinas €171 Two Green Fees & Buggy Las Ramblas €140 Two Green Fees & Buggy

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A HOST OF HOME HOPEFULS will try to make it three English victories in a row at the BMW PGA Championship from the 9-12th September.

Firstly, by using your imagination (the theatre of the mind) you will improve your chances of playing good golf.

In previous articles I have discussed relaxation and breathing techniques and therefore I shall concentrate for the remainder of this article on imagination and physiology.

Price €98 €84 €120 €100 €125

Today's Golfer regarding previous Ryder Cup teams. Sir Nick is justly praised for a lot of things but probably not diplomacy.

It is often the case that they do not realise this and blame the swing instead or revert to that old favourite “I picked my head up”.

Many golfers find that they can hit good shots on the practise area (because they are relaxed) but then play badly on the golf course (because they are more tense).

Course Alenda Alicante Altorreal Bonalba Campoamor

office@theleader.info

Use your imagination to visualise good golf shots (tee shots, approach shots, recovery shots or putting) instead of poor one’s.

When you come to play your round, you might not play perfect golf but you will be a step closer to doing so.

Secondly, watch your posture and do not slouch (even after a poor shot) because it affects the way you feel.

Colin Montgomerie once gave a TV interview regarding showing no ‘weakness’ to and opponent during an important game and the answer from his mind GURU (Hugh Mantel) was simple.

“Stand tall and walk purposefully onto and from the first tee as if you OWN the place”.

He did so and he won the match, if it works for him then it WILL work for you.

Lorca €78 Two Green Fees & Buggy Lo Romero €166 Two Green Fees & Buggy Mar Menor €120 Two Green Fees & Buggy New Sierra Golf €85 Two Green Fees & Buggy Puig Campana €98 Two Green Fees & Buggy Roda €115 Two Green Fees & Buggy (3.30pm) Saurines €100 Two Green Fees & Buggy Villaitana Levante €90 Two Green Fees & Buggy Villaitana Poniente €70 Two Green Fees & Buggy Villamartin €156 Two Green Fees & Buggy Vistabella €123 Two Green Fees & Buggy (2.00pm) For Bookings and info Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting reference LEADER or on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931

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PAGE 23

IMPRESSIVE THADER OF TO A FLYER AGAINST BENFERRI Thader’s first line up of the new season

by Ezequiez, earned the Benferri full back a deserved red card.

CD Thader.................3 Benferri CF................1

A

bumper crowd inside Moi Gomez stadium, were treated to a real humdinger of an opening Preferente division fixture.

Against near rivals Benferri, the hosts kept their cool, despite high levels of provocation being thrown their way.

Although not in the match day squad, central defender Victor became the final piece of a 22man Thader squad jigsaw, when he signed from Mar Menor FC earlier in the week.

It couldn't have been a better start for Raul Mora's men, when on 9 mins, a glorious Dani Lucas assist found Quino, who beat the offside trap, before slotting the ball past an on rushing keeper.

Parity was restored 8 mins later, when an inch perfect pass from the dead ball line by Agustin, found an unmarked Cristian, who did the rest.

A horrendous 2 footed lunge to the head of Rafa

Not surprisingly, Thader players were incensed, none more so than Quino, who himself received a yellow card for his protestations. Down to 10 men, the visitors were exposed when a trade mark Ruben pass found Dani Lucas, who then coolly shot into the far corner, restoring his sides lead.

A bizarre incident occurred on 39 mins, when having signalled that a Dani Lucas shot has crossed the line, ref Bailen Pachero was persuaded by his assistant to do a u turn, then awarded a drop ball instead.

Apart from this one incident, Pachero controlled this feisty match admirably. Benferri were taking no prisoners, kicking anything that moved, and it was no surprise that 2 further cautions were administered before half time.

Jony, making his league debut for Thader, should have added a 3rd before the interval, but his close-range header failed to trouble the keeper.

Dani Lucas almost increased his sides lead on 52 mins, but his acrobatic overhead kick narrowly missed the target. Another league debutant had the fans on their feet on the hour mark.

Attacking full back Rosquin, my man of the match, beat 4 players on the overlap, before unleashing a shot, which visiting keeper Roberto did well to palm away for a corner.

Substitute Calderon virtually made the game safe

for Thader on 66 mins, when from the edge of the box, he executed a curling shot which squeezed just inside the far post.

Back from injury, Calderon almost notched a brace, but when through on goal, his effort lacked pace and was easily saved.

Next weekend (check CD Thader facebook page for further details), Thader travel north to face relegated side Novelda CF, for another tough Preferente division encounter.

Levante, aged 14, where he will start his fifth year at the club this season.

The summer campus also saw the attendance of two referees from the Orihuela College, Juan Josè Lidon and Victoria Miralles.

New deal for fans favourite Soriano Sporting Saladar fans' favourite goalkeeper Adrian Soriano has put pen to paper ahead of the 202122 season in the Valencia Regional, yet another boost to dressing room morale.

"Soriano will give us security at the back, commitment and good moments - on and off the field," said a club spokesperson.

There has also been a glut of signings at CD Benijofar where Midfielder/defender Ezequiel Roca has renewed his contract along with central defender Enrique, captain Sergio Gea and Raul Rodriguez.

Despite a 5-1 defeat in their pre season friendly against CD Thader the club is in a positive frame of mind ahead of the 2021-22 season.

"It was a good game, despite the result against a higher league team in CD Thader. "It was the first

pre-season friendly, with many new players appearing for the first time. "All the players who featured showed they have enough to be in the team.

There was also an encouraging 6-1 win for CD Montesinos against Sporting Saladar last weekend 6-1 in a pre-season friendly at the Municipal stadium and on the road CD Montesinos defeated CF Bigastro 6-2 ahead of the club's annual Fred Griggs Trophy against Atletico Benejuzar.

CD Dolores Youth team has also returned to training ahead of the new 2021-22 campaign with preseason friendlies that included a 5-0 win against CF Rafal, under coaches Jose Antonio Lope and Pablo Vilata.

Dolores born Juande - Juan de Gios Garcia Martinez - was present at the CD Dolores summer football campus. La Amaleda and Kelme CF prodigy Juande joined Elche CF, prior to moving to

Victoria Miralles has been promoted to the National Iberdrola League

Juanjo, 24, is a referee in Division 2B and also on the National football (Feminino) Iberdrola League.

The new season will also see Almoradi resident Miralles promoted as an assistant to the Iberdrola League.

Valencia 1st Regional Group 9 club Racing San Miguel coach Dani Pérez Williscroft is pleased with the way the pre-season friendlies have gone, ahead of the new 2021-22 season.

"The team drew 1-1 against Sporting San Fulgencio in a game dominated, from start to finish," said Dani.

"We played well despite the absence of leading players out through injury, players who have stood out in pre-season, including Chispas.

Meanwhile Racing Youth team beat Torrevieja 5-1 as cadets Anton, Pablo Casañas, Lucas and Paco all featured.

TRIVEA QUIZ

(Beatles), c. Mother (Pink Floyd),

ANSWERS FROM PAGE 14:

d. Does Your Mother Know

1. Gladiolus. (Gladiolus means 'little sword'), 2. Hallelujah, 3.

Sylvia's Mother (Dr Hook), 4.

Mother, 5. Dardanelles, 6.

Winston Churchill, 7. a. Rhea, b.

Eleanor (of Aquitaine), c. Mary ("mother Mary comes to me"), 8.

'Ma', 9. Nero. 'Nero fiddled while Rome burnt', 10. a. Mother's Little Helper (Rolling Stones), b.

Your Mother Should Know

(ABBA), e. The Mother And Child Reunion (Paul Simon), f. Mother Nature's Son (Beatles), 11. Alien, 12. USS Nautilus, 13. Pontifex Maximus, 14. Sugar, 15. Robert Shaw, 16. I'm Henry the Eighth, I am. (Herman's Hermits), 17.

Calypso, 18. b. 3,929,214, 19.

Imhotep, 20. "Mother Russia" Nickolai Nebrasov 1821-1877, from 'Who is happy in Russia'

SUDUKO SOLUTION From From page 14

PAGE 24

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