The Costa Blanca Leader Edition 859

No 859 Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th March 2021

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

POLITICIANS JEOPARDISE VACCINATION PROGRAM

he alarmism generated last Monday regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine, the vaccination program of which was stopped by the Government due to isolated events of thrombosis, completely paralyzed the first mass vaccination trial that was already underway in Valencia, amongst

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teachers and educational staff.

It was said at the time that the suspensions had more to do with political considerations than scientific ones, and that would now seem to have been the case.

Many experts working in the Spain health area said that, based on the data offered by the Ministry of Health, the decision was completely wrong.

However, once Germany hit the pause button, the pressure mounted on the Spanish government to do the same, lest public opinion punish them if they seemed incautious by comparison, and presumably also, for the sake of showing a United European front.

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Continued from Page One AstraZeneca Vaccine ADVERTISING SALES

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Germany’s decision set off a domino effect of defections from the vaccine. A cascade of countries soon joined the decision to suspend AstraZeneca, dealing a significant blow to Europe’s already shaky inoculation drive, despite a lack of clear evidence that the vaccine had caused any harm.

José Antonio Forcada, president of the National Association of Nursing and Vaccines (Anenvac), said that the decision had assumed an "excess of precaution" since there is no evidence to show that the introduction of the vaccine has increased the incidence of thrombosis amongst its recipients.

He said in his support of the AstraZeneca vaccine that “it saves an infinitely higher number of lives, in comparison to the possible adverse reactions that are currently receiving a disproportionate amount of publicity.”

Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said that all cases were being investigated for a possible post-vaccination adverse reaction but that they did not advise stopping vaccinations, since the incidence rate of cases was not higher among the group of vaccinated people, than among a similar group of those unvaccinated.

In Spain, two autonomous communities immediately suspended vaccinations and were followed by the Ministry of Health, which opted to suspend the vaccine for 15 days.

“We think that there has been a lot of haste when it comes to stopping vaccination and a great lack of coordination at the European level,” Forcada said.

The decision to suspend in the Valencian Community came late afternoon on Monday as teachers and staff from across the province were already receiving the Astrazeneca vaccine, in the first mass vaccination trial in the Valencian Community.

The day began well in La Fe field hospital and at a number of other authorised points, but it ended in confusion, both for those who had received the vaccine and for those also who were sitting on the sidelines waiting to be inoculated, many of whom learned of the news through WhatsApp.

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At 6.12 pm, to the astonishment of those still waiting, the head of Preventive Medicine of La Fe appeared in the field hospital shouting "No, no, no, the vaccination is suspended. No more vaccines".

It was at that point that the program was brought to a halt with hundreds of medical staff and teachers shaking their heads in disbelief.

As the damage of the delays became clear on Tuesday, together of a realisation that the decision had been rather hasty, European officials then tried to play down the disruption.

They said they were only waiting for European regulators to complete a fast review of the problems before they began vaccinating people with the AstraZeneca shot once again, but for many European scientists, that was a tortured argument, and the suspensions a devastating miscalculation

by Europe’s politicians.

By Thursday, following additional tests, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had again concluded that the vaccine was safe, as it’s benefits in combating Covid-19 far outweigh the risks of side effects.

Less than 24 hours later Ximo Puig said that vaccinations with AstraZeneca would resume in the Valencian Community just as soon as the Ministry of Health gives their approval.

On Saturday morning however, following a videoconference with the heads of Health and Education, Ana Barceló and Vicent Marzà, he was a little more specific, stating that the Ministry of Health will resume it’s vaccination program with AstraZeneca next Wednesday, with personnel from home care services, municipal social services and private health staff, while the immunization of educational staff would recommence on Friday and Saturday of next week.

Currently, about 177,000 people have received two doses of the vaccine against the coronavirus in the Valencian Community, according to data from the Ministry of Health, that is 3.5% of the population.

Another 8% have developed antibodies due to being ill with coronavirus, so in total, 11.5% are now immune. Experts estimate that herd immunity is reached when 70% of a population is covered, so with a population of very nearly 6 million people, the Valencian Community still has an extremely long way to go.

Happy 70th birthday to Jill Durrant, this week, actually the 20th, seen here enjoying her second favourite tipple, after P.G.Tips.

Jill's been married to Paul, one of the Leader’s regular contributors, for 54 years, and yes, she was a 16 year old teenage bride, Paul a more mature 18.

They were married at St Marys Church, Tottenham, North London, where they both lived and met.

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Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th March, 2021

ORIHUELA TAKES COSTA’S TO COURT FOR REFUSAL TO REPAIR COASTAL ROAD THE ORIHUELA CITY COUNCIL presented an administrative contentious appeal before the Valencian Community Superior Court of Justice last week, against the Provincial Coastal Service, for their rejection, by virtue of their administrative silence, of their failure to authorise the restitution of the La Glea beach road, following which the court has admitted the appeal for processing.

The floods that we saw during DANA in September 2019 gushed through the, usually dry, bed of the Rio Nacimiento, destroying the section of road that crosses its natural mouth at La Glea beach.

Storm Gloria, in January of last year, exacerbated the damage on the road, that connected the coastline of Campoamor with the rest of Orihuela Costa.

Since that time, Avenida de las Adelfas, has been closed, now a year and a half, isolating the residents of this urbanization who are now forced to make a detour of about three kilometres to go the supermarket, go to the pharmacy or the health centre, which are all located in one of the divided sectors.

According to the refusal issued by Costas in October, the section, of about 100 metres, that crosses the mouth of the Rio Nacimiento, may only be repaired as a pedestrian walkway, with removable slabs, linking both sides of the river mouth, but not to road traffic.

According to its surveyors, laying paving "is considered detrimental" which, they point out, is floodable, concluding that the destruction suffered requires the reconstruction of the entire section of the missing road on the sand of the beach, which, according to the resolution, is contrary to current regulations.

The Council requested in that the resolution be rescinded, based on the special urban planning of the "Campoamor Residential Complex", approved by government decree in 1969. This planning is prior to the demarcation of the Coasts in that area and was declared of public interest, which is why the municipal council considers that the road and the stretch of promenade should be replaced.

Images following floods in early March 2021

Works carried out to ease the situation pending it’s resolution in the courts saw the Council replace the promenade and the section of the road right up to the riverbed at a cost of 72,003 euros.

The work also included a detour in the northern part of Avenida de las Adelfas, so that cars can move between the two sectors, but this is regularly flooded, so the council itself recognises that it does not meet road safety conditions.

Along the section of the mouth of the promenade it has laid wooden walkways for pedestrians but these were washed away by recent rains.

However, in view of the refusal of the Provincial Coastal Service to effect the necessary repairs, the only solution, for now, is to replace them once again.

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Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th March, 2021

Be sure to scrap your vehicle the LEGAL way

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vehicle, you use a company in which you have complete trust.

One such company is Bradley Breakers. They are experts in the field and they can make the whole process simple and uncomplicated.

Simply make the call, they will make you a cash offer for your vehicle and, if accepted, they will collect on a tow truck from your home.

They will leave you with the necessary legal documentation advising that they have taken ownership of your car and then, once the vehicle has been officially 'scrapped’, you will be issued with the official DGT Certificate {Baja'.

Do be aware that, if this is something that you are currently considering, you need to ensure that your vehicle is scrapped by 31 December to avoid any further SUMA bills.

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tem where they are properly recorded and stacked on racking within the warehouse. You can even buy parts online.

At any one time they also have over 2000 cars on site so they will always be able to find that elusive part from a wheelnut to a complete gearbox or an engine.

So, if you are looking for a component for your car, before you buy new, you could save time and money by going directly to Bradley Breakers.

The new fully legal scrapyard is located just minutes from the AP-7 motorway exit 730 at Catral. … they are sure to be able to help and they can even recommend a reliable local

A spokesman for Bradley Breakers said. "We can't overemphasise the importance of making sure that the ‘baja' of your old vehicle is done properly in Spain. It saves so much hassle and heartache further along the line if it is done in the correct way, and with a trustworthy company.

BRADLEY BREAKERS have been established on the Costa Blanca for over ten years during which time thousands of scrap cars have passed through their hands. Many of the vehicles required to be de- legalised, so it is a procedure in which the staff have an enormous amount of experience.

It is also a subject about which they could tell you a horror story or two about; people who thought they had scrapped their ‘old banger’ only to find that the car was still registered many months later, even accumulating fines.

I personally know of individuals who have faced many such sanctions after the vehicle they thought they’d seen the back of was still driving around.

I’m sure that many of you reading this article know of similar instances.

Unfortunately, as long as your name remains on the document of ownership you are legally responsible for that vehicle.

Here in Spain the system of scrapping a vehicle is far more complex than anything you are likely to face back in Ireland or the UK. You also have the added complication of the language barrier, so it is imperative that, when considering disposing of a

Bradley Breakers, who employ over 40 people, also have an impressive new scrapyard consisting of a 20.000 sqm site on which they house a 3.000 sqm warehouse in which they store thousands of used parts which they have removed from cars.

All parts are recorded on a computer stock sys-

Contact Bradley Breakers Catral in English on (0034) 607 848 332 or drop an e-mail to bradleybreakerscatral1@outlook.com.

Facebook Bradley Karl Thompson.

The new location is at Poligono 18, C/Novelda 2B, Crevillente 03330.

Check out the 5* rating on Facebook: www.facebook.com/desguacesalicante

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EXPLOSION OF GERMAN TOURISTS OVER EASTER

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Orihuela Priest refuses to wear a mask when saying Mass

The Bishop of Alicante - Orihuela, Jesus Murgui, has removed from the office of diocesan treasurer, Fr Francisco Martinez Noguera (64), a priest who has carried out the role for the last 20 years, even though his appointment could have been extended for a further five years.

By Andrew Atkinson Mrs Merkel and Germany's 16 state leaders will meet again on Monday to discuss extending a lockdown that has been in place since mid-December, as well as reversing plans to reopen the economy.

with its tour operator Jetholidays, has told the hotels it works with of its intention to return to operations at the Alicante-Elche airport on May 17, coinciding with the day that the United Kingdom government plans to reopen its borders.

The meeting has been arranged following fears of a third coronavirus wave, with Germany among the European countries warning of an "exponential growth" in infections.

Jet2.com will also launch its tenth hub this summer, in Bristol, from which it will offer flights to 10 Spanish airports, joining those already operating in Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham, East Midlands, London-Stansted, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Belfast, with direct flights.

Despite all this, and although the German government still advises against non-essential travel, hundreds of excited German tourists in face masks spilled out of Palma airport on Friday afternoon, among the first to arrive at the popular holiday destination after Germany last week lifted quarantine requirements for travellers returning from the Balearic Islands.

And a similar situation seems likely to occur here on the Costa Blanca over Easter, with the announcement that Alicante-Elche airport will have connections from March 28 with eight German cities In the absence of British tourism, which will not begin to move again before the end of May, the Costa Blanca will be able to count, in the short term, on an influx of visitors from Germany, after last week's lifting of the German travel ban into the Valencian Community.

The Costa Blanca, which is no longer considered a contagion risk area, is now receiving hundreds of reservations in hotels and apartments.

Ryanair will start flying from 28 March between Alicante-Elche airport and eight German cities, including Cologne, Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg, Nuremberg, Bremen, Baden Baden and Düsseldorf, with at least a weekly frequency.

This puts an end the worst streak in the history of the airport, which last February closed with just 38,000 passengers, 95% less than the same month of 2020.

From this week, passengers travelling from the Community Valenciana to Germany do not have to go into quarantine, simply presenting proof of a test that shows they are free of covid. The situation is exactly the same, travelling in the opposite direction.

Two German companies, Lufthansa and Eurowings, have also supplemented their programming as of March 28.

Ryanair will offer 200 additional flights that will connect Palma de Mallorca and Alicante with the main German cities during Easter.

This will mean an increase in capacity of almost 40,000 seats on 22 different routes from March 28 to mid-April.

In addition, many of these routes will continue to operate throughout the summer with flights available until March 2022. Ryanair has launched a seat offer with flights starting at € 19.99. This promotion will be available on the company website until midnight on Sunday, March 21.

Meanwhile, Jet2.com, the airline that connects the Costa Blanca with eight UK cities, and moves around 800,000 tourists a year, together

The appointment, one of the most senior in the diocese, has been handed to Fr Vicente Martínez Agulló, director of the San José Obrero Diocesan College in Orihuela and parish priest of San Antón.

Fr Martínez is something of a black sheep in the bishopric, having been involved in a controversy when he refused to wear a mask in social situations, when officiating mass, nor in the meetings of the Bishopric, or in the priestly house where he resides. In early February, he was infected with the virus.

However, parishioners of the Virgen del Camino-La Callosilla parish, shared between the municipalities of Orihuela and Callosa de Segura, alerted the Local Police that the priest was officiating at mass without a mask, but despite being sanctioned the offence was overturned because the Local Policeman that attended was from Orihuela and the parish is located in the Callosa municipality.

The fact that he refused to wear a face covering caused discomfort among parishioners, staff and other ecclesiastical officials.

I have just looked at the German figures for COVID infections and their 7 day average of new cases 9900.

Cannot believe that Valencia is allowing German tourists at the end of this month.

Great we will be back in lockdown by the end of April.

It is bad enough that vehicles from over Europe are not stopped at Valencia boundaries, but now plane loads are free to arrive.

Submitted by Sue Gell

The Diocese has meanwhile, highlighted the obligation to wear the mask to all diocesan officials, residents and workers of the Bishopric, Priestly House and Theological college, both in internal displacements and where there are meetings of two or more people.

Shortly after the warning from the parishioners of Callosa, at the beginning of last February, the priest was infected by the virus during an outbreak in the Alicante parochial house. There followed an outbreak of coronavirus among the nuns of the Santa Faz convent, in which this parish priest regularly delivered mass, although it has not been confirmed that the priest was responsible for both outbreaks.

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SPAIN TO TRIAL 4 DAY WORKING WEEK Software Delsol, a southern Spanish firm, became the first in the country to implement a four-day working week in 2020: “They saw a reduction in absenteeism, productivity went up and workers say they are happier,” said Tejero.

Quote: 'Clearly the way that we work is making people stressed, burned out, overworked and causing massive workplace and mental health issues'

By Andrew Atkinson SPAIN are looking to trial a four-day working week after the government agreed to launch a modest pilot project for companies interested, scheduled to get underway in the autumn.

0pposition in some quarters has been voiced, with one of the leaders from the country’s main business associations describing it as madness in the wake of the country’s worst recession since the civil war.

Spanish party Más País said the government had accepted its proposal to test out the idea and talks have been ongoing: “With the four-day work week - 32 hours we’re launching into the real debate of our times,” said Iñigo Errejón of Más País.

“It’s an idea whose time has come," she added.

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Guided tours to recommence in Guardamar The mayor of Guardamar, José Luis Sáez (PSOE) believes that, from June, the town will be in a position to offer a guided service for visits to recently excavated archaeological sites.

Recent training day for guides

“Getting out of this crisis requires more work, not less,” Ricardo Mur of CEOE.

The project will cost 50 million euro and last for 3 years

If the four day week materialises it is seen as a plan to increase productivity, improve the mental health of workers and fight climate change, with the proposal taking on new significance following the coronavirus pandemic flagging up wellbeing, burnout and work-life balance.

“Spain is one of the countries where workers put in more hours than the European average - but we’re not among the most productive countries,” said Errejón.

“I maintain that working more hours does not mean working better," he added.

year, 50% the second year and 33% the third year: "With these figures, we calculate that we could have around 200 companies participate, with a total of anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 workers,” said Héctor Tejero of Más País.

“The only red lines are that we want to see a true reduction of working hours - and no loss of salary or jobs," he said.

The exact details of the pilot scheme will be discussed with the government, with a proposed three-year, €50m project, allowing companies to trial reduced hours with minimal risk.

Tejero estimated that the pilot scheme could commence in the autumn, bringing in the first national initiative to reduce working hours: “Spain will be the first country to undertake a trial of this magnitude,” said Tejero.

The costs of a company’s foray into the four-day work week, for example, could be covered at 100% the first

“A pilot project like this hasn’t been undertaken anywhere in the world," he said.

Spain proposed pilot scheme is being closely tracked in the UK and around the world: “My understanding is that this would be the first-ever national level pilot of the four-day week,” said Joe Ryle of the 4 Day Week Campaign.

“We’re calling on governments across the world to follow the Spanish example in paving the way for the four-day work week," he said.

“Clearly the way that we work is making people stressed, burned out, overworked and causing massive workplace and mental health issues.

“The four-day week would be good for the economy, good for workers and good for the environment.

What’s not to like about it?," he added.

Spain saw a 44 day strike in Barcelona in 1919, resulting in the country becoming one of the first in western Europe to adopt the eight-hour workday.

A source with Spain’s Industry Ministry said talks over the 4 days working week pilot project were in their initial stages.

The Generalitat has invested 700,000 euros in recent months, to carry out excavations that have unveilled secrets that have been buried under several metres of sand in the dunes.

With this objective in mind, the Council is analysing models of cultural management in cities that already have heritage visits as one of their main tourist attractions, such as Cartagena.

The idea is to group together in the same service the visits to the Phoenician remains of La Fonteta and el Cabezo Pequeño del Estany, the Rábita Califal; Arab warehouses, the Roman villas of Montcaio, in addition to the Castle.

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Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th March, 2021

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Five new roundabouts for Pilar de la Horadada

Children’s playgrounds in Elche’s Municipal Park will take a technological leap in the next three months.

We all know how much they like their roundabouts in Spain, despite the difficulties that many have driving around them. Well in Pilar de la Horadada they really are taking the bull by the horns with the approval of a new contract for five such installations that went out to tender on Thursday at a cost of 746,384.63 euros.

A spokesman for the town hall said the new roundabouts would be installed at junctions with very high traffic flow and intensity, where traffic accidents regularly occur.

The five new roundabouts, 2 inland of the N332 and the remaining 3 to the east of the National road, in addition to better managing traffic flow, will serve to reduce the speed of the vehicles that pass through these areas, and make left turns safer. The new roundabouts will be built at the following locations: Junction of Calle Mayor with Avenida Reina Sofía.

The intersection of Avenida Virgen de la Asunción with Avenida Comunidad Valenciana.

Torre de la Horadada at the intersection of Avenida Virgen de la Asunción with Avenida de la Costa Blanca.

Access to the Playa de las Higuericas area of Torre de la Horadada, at the intersection of Calle Veleta with Calle Alhelí.

Access to the Cemetery from the town centre, at the intersection of the Prolongación de la Calle Mayor, with the access road to the Cemetery.

The Alicante Provincial Council is subsidising 390,000 euros of the works, with the Pilar de la Horadada Council meeting the remaining 356,384.63 euros.

There will be a giant slide, themed swings which can be used by several children at the same time and a digital zone with lights for the children to train their skills.

The project was announced by Héctor Díez, councillor of parks and gardens, on Wednesday morning with the contract scheduled to be awarded on Friday with a completion period of 3 months.

The councillor said that the new area will cost 190,000 euros (39,000 euros less than the bidding price) and it will be ready to welcome children at the beginning of the summer.

The councillor said that the proposal is "respectful and inclusive in the World Heritage Site, and it has now received the approval of the General Directorate of Heritage.”

Orihuela adviser López Bas returns to Congress Juan Ignacio López Bas will join Ciudadanos once again in the Congress of Deputies where he will replace Marta Martín as deputy for Alicante, following confirmation of the appointment by the provincial coordinator of training, Javier Gutiérrez, on Thursday afternoon.

López Bas, who occupies number 2 on the Ciudadanos list to Congress for Alicante will assume the seat vacated on Thursday morning by Marta Martín, who in a tweet announced that she was resigning her seat, but adding that it has been an "honour" to serve the Province of Alicante in parliament.

Gutiérrez welcomed López Bas, stating that he will play a great

role in the promotion of Alicante and the Valencian Community.

"He is a person who knows his region very well," Gutiérrez said.

Lopez Bas previously served in the national government from May to December 2019.

Marta Martín has not

only resigned from Congress, she has also left the Ciudadanos party saying that she has been unhappy with the strategy of the new leadership of Inés Arrimadas for a long time.

With her decision she adds to the steady trickle of casualties from the senior ranks of Ciudadanos since the motion of censure in Murcia failed to unseat the PP.

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Futuristic Refurbishment of play areas announced in Elche Palmeral There will be three zones in the park, the first of which will be for people over five years of age. It will be called "Palomar" with a slide with a walkway. The second area will be called "shoe factory" and will feature themed swings, educational games with optical effects.

The third zone, called "I Sport" will be a digital zone in which children will have to overcome various technological challenges.

There will also be swings that can be used by six children at the same time, as well as games and carousels for children in wheelchairs.

Héctor Díez, councillor of parks and gardens

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Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th March, 2021

Dr. Lucía Galán shares an emotional dedication to the young boy after he won his battle against the disease.

After two years of treatment at the General Hospital, Enzo, a young boy from Alicante, has finally won his battle against leukaemia.

The video of him carrying out the gesture has since gone viral on social networks and in just two days it accumulated more than 20,000 "likes" and more than 1,300 shares on Facebook.

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Just 2 Covid patients in Torrevieja Hospital

Child’s two year fight to overcome leukaemia

He left hospital on Monday morning when, as a symbolic act, he was able to ring "the bell of life", which means victory over the disease.

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The video was shared by the Alicante doctor Lucía Galán, who wrote an emotional dedication: "With you we started this journey and with you I want to finish it; I have the need to give you a hug for everything that you

have meant to us in this time." "When I received this video, my eyes filled with tears as I saw little Enzo and his parents closing the most difficult chapter of their lives," he said.

The new room has an area of 160 square metres and stands out with its cheerful and functional design. It houses a kitchen and a dining room, showers, internet connection, a living room with television and a rest area with recliners as

At the time of writing, the hospital is treating just one patient in ICU and one on the wards, who are suffering with coronavirus.

At one point, on January 3, it reached 140 patients on the wards, with 24 critically ill in the ICU. This figure did not include the patients who were being treated by the Quirón private Hospital during that period.

Ronald McDonald room opened at Virgen de la Arrixaca hospital Murcia’s Regional Minister of health, Juan José Pedreño, formally opened the new Ronald McDonald Family Room at the Virgen de la Arrixaca hospital just south of Murcia city on Wednesday morning. Also present at the ceremony were Blanca Moreno, president of the Ronald McDonald Children's Foundation, and Ángel Baeza, managing director of the hospital.

As the cumulative incidence drops to 53 cases per one hundred thousand inhabitants, the constant fall in infections from Covid 19 in the Torrevieja health area, since the beginning of February, has led to a situation at the Torrevieja University Hospital that has not beem seen since the end of May last year;.

In the first week of March there were 68 cases notified by the Department of Public Health, which has fallen to only 29 in the second week of the month. well as an area for activities and games.

The facility will enable more than 1,000 paediatric patients and their families to spend more quality time together during their stay in hospital every year.

Meanwhile the accumulated incidence over the last 14 days has fallen from 77 cases per 100,000 inhabitants to 52, on the verge of the threshold of fifty where the situation is considered to be low risk.

In the most acute phase of the third wave, throughout the month of January, the Torrevieja authority registered more than a thousand cases for several weeks, close to 1,300 in the last seven days of January, while the accumulated incidence was more than 1,500 per one hundred thousand residents, reaching more than 2,000 in some municipalities, such as San Miguel de Salinas.

However, the health authority’s management company, Ribera Salud, has remarked how the situation can change abruptly in a just few days, as it begins to look ahead, with some concern, to what may happen after the San José and Easter long weekends, because, despite the restrictions imposed by the National and Regional Governments, the holiday periods will always generate additional mobility, especially in the case of Madrilenians with secondary homes in the area, which will lead to them returning home and leaving behind a multitude of new cases for local residents to deal with once again.

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‘Floggin’ a dead horse …’

Richard Baker was the face of BBC TV news for around thirty years. Like our own Charles Mitchell of RTE over the same era, Richard was highly respected and much loved by the households into which he brought the daily evening news.

I remember visiting my Aunt Betty in England sometime in the early 1980s: I remember, because my arm was in a sling and my wife shipped me out – ach sin sc?al eile!

In my room I came across a hard-cover book, which turned out to be Richard Baker’s account of his 30 years as chief newsreader with the ‘Beeb.’ I read the book during my stay in Solihull. Despite remembering it as an entertaining book, only one little story of the entire autobiography stuck in my mind.

Richard wrote as to how they had developed a habit of finishing up the news coverage with a somewhat lighter story.

One night he concluded the bulletin with a throwaway news item about a lady who phoned the fire brigade because her cat was stuck up a tree in the garden and was afraid to come down. The firemen arrived in her yard and extended the ladders far enough up the tree to rescue the pet.

The little old lady was so grateful to the crew that she invited them in for tea and scones. After the tea the firemen mounted the engine, shouted their goodbyes – and drove over the cat!

The television viewers believed they had copped the hint of a smile on Baker’s face as he finished the story. The BBC was inundated with angry complaints and Richard received more hate-mail as a result of that story than he did from all of the rest of his career in broadcasting.

I was reminded of Richard Baker’s story with the ongoing furore over Gordon Eliot being photographed straddling a dead horse.

Allow me first of all to say that I too was disgusted with the poor taste of the photo: But that is all it was … poor taste!

For God’s sake … the horse was dead and couldn’t give a rat’s ass who was sitting on him, or about his ‘dignity.’ I know little of Gordon Elliot and I am far from being a champion of the bloodstock set. I haven’t been to a race meeting in yonks years and I rarely bet on a horse … but can we have a bit of balance here?

It was a serious lapse of judgement by Gordon Elliot, but we don’t

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know the background to taking the photo. A stupid lark that was never intended to go any further than the few people who were present. This does not make it right – but in my book it doesn’t even qualify for Irish crime of the week. Elliot is brilliant at his job. He looks after his live horses very well – that is an indisputable fact. Now, should his future in horse training be destroyed over one stupid, crude, spontaneous moment of madness? Again, the horse was dead and felt no pain!

The problem for Gordon Elliot is that urban dwellers rarely see dead animals. Those of us reared in the country are well used to the reality of dead animals being a fact of life.

Richard Baker getting ready to introduce the first BBC News bulletin in 1954

Farmers tend to their animals with great care. A farmer will go out in the morning and feed his livestock before he feeds himself. I have spent more on a veterinary bill to save an animal than what the animal is worth – because that is what those of us entrusted with the care of farm animals do.

Animals, other than breeding stock are destined to be killed for the food chain whilst still in their prime. We all know this. The living animal is cared for, humanely killed, dies from accident or disease and, one way or another, finishes up a dead animal.

Pet lambs generally turn into Easter roasts. Turkeys rarely get to ring in the New Year and the pig – the most intelligent animal of all, is fed like a lord so that he is worth killing and gets to sizzle on your frying-pan.

I love animals and my Dexter herd are treated like royalty, but that didn’t prevent ‘Ed’ and ‘Jake’ from taking a one-way trip to the abattoir recently. I don’t have to prove here how much I respect the animal kingdom - but I do believe that the venomous hysteria directed at Gordon Elliot should stop now.

No point in flogging a dead horse any longer – get over it. Ruby Walsh got into trouble a few years back for stating: “The death of a horse can be tragic, but it’s not as bad as losing a child!”

Confucius say; ‘People who like animals too much, like people too little.’

Don’t Forget A racehorse is an animal that can take several thousand people for a ride at the same time.

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.

GARDEN FELIX .......... Verbena flower long lasting blooms - from June into September The Verbena flower will provide you with long lasting blooms - from June well into September - in shades of red, purple, white, blue, and pink.

The plant performs well during the hottest days of summer heat, even when planted in the sunniest and possibly the

driest areas of your garden.

It is loved by fans of prairie-style planting and welcomed by the butterflies and all pollinators in the garden with tall stiff stems towering gracefully above many other plants, growing up to 2 meters in height.

Not particular about soil except being well-draining, while drought resistant, the blooms are improved with regular watering of an inch or so each week, at the base of the plant, to avoid wetting the foliage.

Apply an application of

complete, slow-release fertiliser in the Spring and again in September.

When the blooms finish, trim the entire

plant back by a quarter, which will promote a new show of flowers in two to three weeks time. Also lightly fertilise and water it well in.

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Spain Congress passes Euthanasia Law Congress has approved last Thursday the Law for the introduction of Euthanasia, after the Senate first approved it last week.

The regulations, which will come into force three months after being published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), establishes that the practice may be carried out on patients who requests it and who is suffering from "serious, chronic disease and incapacitating or serious and incurable disease, causing intolerable suffering".

This patient must have Spanish nationality, legal residence or registration certificate that proves a time of residency in Spain greater than 12 months, as well as being of legal age and "be capable and aware at the time of Ramón López died of Coronavirus in the Vega Baja Hospital last Monday

application".

another meeting between the two.

The law states that, if the patient is conscious, he must request euthanasia twice in writing (or by another means if he cannot write) in two documents 15 days apart, making it clear that it is not " a result of external pressure ".

It will be the doctor who will authorise the process, but first, he has to get a second opinion from a doctor trained in the "field of pathologies suffered by the patient" but who is not from his "same team."

After the first request, the responsible doctor will inform the patient about his diagnosis, therapeutic possibilities and expected results, as well as about possible palliative care, making sure that he understands the information that is provided to him. "After that, the patient must confirm his intention.

After the second request there should be

The regional evaluation commission must then choose two experts (one of them a lawyer) to evaluate the case. Both experts must agree on their decision.

The law also states that health professionals directly involved in this procedure "may exercise their right to conscientious objection", an objection that "must be made in advance and in writing."

Only Spanish Nationals or Residents will be considered considered

Emotional farewell for Ramón López

present to say their goodbye’s.

Relatives, friends and colleagues walked behind the coffin, on Wednesday, of Ramón López Cabrera, the Orihuela councillor for Education, Security and Beaches, who died in the Vega Baja Hospital on Monday evening.

Ramón López Cabrera had been a councillor in the Orihuela City Council since June 15, 2019. He became part of the Government team after the Government coalition between PP and Ciudadanos when he was appointed as the councillor responsible for the departments of Education, Security and Beaches.

The coffin was carried through the streets of Hurchillo by officers of the Policia Local, prior to a funeral mass, which was held in the parish church.

Members of all municipal groups in the Orihuela City Council, including the mayor, and all his Ciudadanos colleagues, were

The 59 year old councillor died of coronavirus, having spent nearly a month and a half in the Vega Baja hospital.

The Orihuela City Council decreed three days of official mourning - from March 15 to 18 – during which flags on all municipal buildings were displayed at half mast.

PAGE 12

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Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th March, 2021

BEE RUMBLE his week I took the time out to ask the Costa Blanca’s very own Bee Rumble a few questions.

Bee is one of the finest female vocalists on the circuit and I have to say that I was in awe of her performance on the main stage in the Villamartin Plaza last September.

T

It’s so nice to see the bars and restaurants reopening and fully supporting the Costa Blanca’s artists who have been out of work.

It makes you feel important, needed and I truly believe, and have seen for my own eyes over this last year, that music brings people together, and is so beneficial to people’s mental health.

You can see Bee performing live at The Local and The Emerald Isle

Who doesn’t love to sit down with a drink and enjoy a gig?

How long have you been in Spain?

I've been in Spain for 4 and half years. I moved here in July 2016.

How long have you been singing?

I had never sang professionally until I moved to Spain, I always wanted to, so I finally plucked up the courage.

I sing Soul & Motown, Northern Soul but I also sing a variety of music i.e. Rock ‘n’ Roll, Pop, Funk, Modern but my favourite music is Soul & Motown.

choose and why?

I grew up listening and singing along to Diana Ross & The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder etc since my Dad bought me a Supremes album when I was 7.

I would love to duet with guitarists such as Luis Blacknight or Mark Farrow.

I have sung since I was a baby. My Mum said I would spend all night singing at age 2 or 3!

In my spare time I love watching programmes/movies or reading about Aliens or UFOs or the paranormal things as it is my favourite thing since I was young.

What do you miss the most about home?

I miss going to the theatre in London and all of the big stores and clothes! I miss the food like at Nando's, Zizzi, Dominos and Tescos, M&S foods!

What’s your most memorable gig on the Costa Blanca?

My most memorable gig has to be at the Benidorm Palace Variety Show with Stevie Spit, in both 2018 and 2019. It was an amazing experience.

If you could duet with any other performer on the circuit, who would you

I duet with Nikki Gale and she is an incredible vocalist and performer and the loveliest person.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

What has been the toughest moment of the last year been for you during the pandemic?

My toughest moment during the pandemic has to be at the start, back in March 2020.

So many people were ill and dying it made me very sad and scared.

Bee currently gigs every 2 weeks at ‘The Local’ in La Florida and every Thursday from 1pm 4pm at ‘The Emerald Isle’ also in La Florida.

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D L O

PAGE 13

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 858

ACROSS 1.

Shriek (6) 4.

Market (6) 9.

Alone (13) 10. Right (7) 11. Cogs (5) 12. Sorcery (5) 14. Perfect (5) 18. Cleanse (5) 19. Reap (7) 21. Eligibility (13) 22. Team (6) 23. Impudent (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 1.

2.

3.

5.

6.

7.

8.

13.

15.

16.

17.

20.

Sew (6) Landing-gear (13) Plentiful (5) Warned (7) Simultaneously (2,3,4,4) Metre (6) Togetherness (5) Detail (7) Obscure (6) Series (5) Mean (6) Attain (5)

QUICK ACROSS: 1 Objective; 8 Run; 9 Drive insane; 11 Decoder; 12 Prior; 13 Piracy; 15 Negate; 17 Reign; 18 Appoint; 20 Unemotional; 22 Rod; 23 Tasteless.

DOWN: 2 Bar; 3 Creed; 4 Ignore; 5 Example; 6 Trepidation; 7 Underwent; 10 Incertitude; 11 Departure; 14 Content; 16 Famous; 19 Price; 21 Ass. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Battle-axe; 8 Ova; 9 Chamberlain; 11 Charles; 12 Stole; 13 Lahore; 15 Edison; 17 Story; 18 Dickens; 20 Illtempered; 22 Ass; 23 Yesterday.

DOWN: 2 Ash; 3 Libel; 4 Arrest; 5 Elapsed; 6 Connoisseur; 7 Sauternes; 10 Anachronism; 11 Celestial; 14 Royalty; 16 Adders; 19 Copse; 21 Era.

ACROSS 1. Doesn’t get drunk (6) 4. Hackneyed saying about Chile’s reform movement (6) 9. Out of clothes? (13) 10. Painter taking a vehicle to the embankment (3,4) 11. Bondsman? (5) 12. Rates as a flower (5) 14. Join or untie badly (5) 18. Grown-up isn’t right (5) 19. Expert goes to the gallery for a chemical (7) 21. Be overpresumptuous about what a dictator might do (4,9) 22. In ecstasy about art pen (6) 23. Bighead meets a villain with an Irish accent (6)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. In which countries would you find the following cities? a. Cayenne, b.

Tabasco, c. Whiskeytown, d. Gin Gin 2. Opened on the 27th of April 1828 and still open today, in which city was the world's first scientific zoo located?

3. What was the name of the boy in 'About a boy' who accidently kills a duck with a loaf of his mothers homemade bread?

4. What do the following places ALL have in common: The former countries of Northern & Southern Rhodesia, the Philippines, El Salvador, Mauritius, Ormskirk in the UK and Cochrane in Chile?

5. Since 1572, which countries flag is the oldest tricolour in the world?

6. Which popular quid pro quo economic expression today once meant smuggling?

7. Which fictional character(s) lives at each of the following addresses? a. Cemetery Ridge, b. Danemead, High Street, St. Mary Mead, c. 124 Conch Street, d. 4 Privet Drive, e. Apt. 56b, Whitehaven Mansions, Sandhurst Sq., London.

8. What is the name of the foreboding island in King Kong?

9. "Samhain", literally means "end of summer" and is a Gaelic language word. What is it's direct English equivalent?

DOWN 1. Despicable disease (6) 2. Mad to fall off a chair (3,4,6) 3. It’s awfully easy to hide a small composition (5) 5. A broken antler the Norman leader used for a light (7) 6. The Prime Minister’s craft? (7-6) 7. The cross one is Roman (6) 8. New ideas for the assistants (5) 13. Encourage to throw a drink (3,4) 15. Was out to get the bandage (6) 16. A month to live perhaps (5) 17. A man has to observe the tenant (6) 20. A terrorist’s mistake (5)

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 3 ) 10. Matilda of Flanders was the wife of which King of England, bearing him a grand total of eleven children, including two kings?

11.What was the name of the gypsy dancer in The Hunchback of Notre Dame?

12. A green gelatinous substance known as calipee is used to make which favorite amongst gastronomes?

13. Franz von Werra was apparently the only German to do what?

14. Miranda, Ariel, Umbriel, Titania and Oberon orbit which large object?

15. The first book featuring English author A. A. Milne's fictional bear Winnie-the-Pooh was first published in which year?

16. Still with Winnie, what was the name of author A. A. Milne's son.

17. Who sang the following? a. The Safety Dance. b. I can't dance. c. I don't wanna dance. d. Dancing with myself. e. You should be dancing 18. The Scoville scale, which is quoted as a number from 0 to 16,000,000 SHU, is a mesurement of what?

19. Which worry prone film character is fluent in more than 6,000,000 forms of communication?

20. Once upon a time in America (circa 1900), which extremely expensive edible product, known then as 'Albany beef', was sold for a penny a pound and was often used in saloons like salty beer nuts today ?

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PAGE 15

your stomach needs acids to digest your lunch, so it will simply step up production, paving the way for tomorrow's gastric ulcer.

A windowsill of fresh herbs in pots and a well-stocked spice rack can do more for your digestive health and happiness than a truckload of antacid pills. Herbs and spices aren't just upmarket flavour enhancers: for thousands of years people all over the planet have been using them as friends to their digestion too.

The mints are soothers for the entire gut, effective against gas, cramps, colicky pains. Garlic and onions help you digest rich fatty foods. The cayenne, so widely used in hot countries like India and Mexico, is powerfully antiseptic, as well as a terrific tonic.

Sage, too, is antiseptic, and is traditionally paired with pork to protect against bugs and parasites; it also aids the digestion of rich, heavy food. Caraway seeds or bay leaves can take the wind out of beans and cabbage.

The warming spices that feature in rich festive fare - cinnamon, cloves, ginger - all boost circulation to aid digestion, and dispel gas from the stomach and intestines. Coriander, beloved in the Middle East, is a cooling spice and another friend to the digestion, while cumin, with its deep sweet pungent flavour, is another favourite anti-wind spice.

In the Far East a dash of ginger is added to almost every fish or meat dish to counter toxicity, fire up the taste buds and boost digestion.

And while ulcer-sufferers are usually warned off spicy food, a number of spices have actually been shown to be strongly active against the bug helicobacter pylori, now thought to be responsible for stomach ulcers. Among them are turmeric, chilli, caraway and cumin.

EXECUTIVE STRESS AND EVEN ASPIRIN CAN TRIGGER A PAINFUL ULCER Executive stress, excess coffee and alcohol intake, bad eating habits and a wide range of drugs including - yes - aspirin, as well as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs swallowed in heroic quantities by arthritis patients, can all help trigger a painful ulcer in the sensitive mucous lining of the gut.

The acids our stomachs produce for digestion then burn and irritate the ulcer. A number of herbs can help see off this painful problem: consult a professional herbalist who will help sort it out for you. Among the herbs they're likely to include in a prescription is liquorice, wonderful for acid situations.

QUIT YOUR BELLYACHING Suffering from Indigestion, gas, heartburn and 'acidity'?

Don’t go on popping antacids – use kitchen medicine to sort out the problems that start right there.

It's not just what you eat but when and how that could be causing your digestive hassle.

Too much rich food and drink, smoking, irregular meals, bolting your food down without chewing it properly, grabbing a lunchtime sandwich at your desk, eating when you're extrastressed, or miserable or in a rage: any of these can give you an unhappy gut.

Swallowing an antacid pill may give you instant relief - as those TV commercials invitingly suggest - but it could be a costly habit;

It foams in the gut and puts a protective layer on the stomach, allowing healing to take place from underneath.

Another is slippery elm; it is spectacularly high in mucilage, which, once swallowed, swells to provide a soft protective coating for the damaged gut lining, soothing inflammation into the bargain.

Linseeds are another wonderful soother for the unhappy and inflamed gut; crush a dessertspoonful of the seeds and drink with a big glass of water. Down in your gut they will swell to soothing jelly that will help calm and heal a troubled gut.

Here's an idea……..

Nauseous? Try some ginger tea. Grate an inch of fresh root into a mug and cover it with boiling water. Leave it to Infuse for five minutes before drinking. Ginger capsules, candled ginger, even ginger ale can work too but make sure the latter Is good quality and actually contains ginger and not just flavourings. Or you could go for ginger teabags.

Take this half an hour before a meal.

Our modem Western diet is predominantly sweet, salty or bland in taste: what's missing are foods with a bitter taste which stimulate the entire digestive process, all the way down the gut.

Selective breeding over centuries has eliminated most of that useful bitterness from our vegetables, though it's still found in some of them - kale,

endive and watercress, for example.

Herbalists turn to a number of plants with a notably bitter taste to help get gastric juices flowing again and boost production of digestive enzymes. Famous European aperitifs, drunk before meals to sharpen the appetite and improve digestion, are based on bitter-tasting herbs such as gentian and artichoke.

Another useful one is centaury: if your whole digestive system is weak and troubled, take 20 drops of the bitter-tasting tincture in a glass of water before meals, twice a day.

And when your digestion is complaining after a particularly rich and heavy meal, take a teaspoon of wonderful Swedish Bitters, composed of bitter herbs including gentian, artichoke leaf, centaury, dandelion, blessed thistle and wormwood, balanced by warming aromatic herbs such as fennel, ginger and cardamom.

Sorry, you can't get it in pill form: that bitter taste is the whole point (Don't take it, though, if you're pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have serious digestive problems.)

The aspirin we all swear by was originally derived from the pretty wild flower meadowsweet.

But unlike aspirin, which can actually cause gastric ulcers if overused, the mix of chemicals in meadowsweet work to protect and heal the mucous lining of the stomach.

When herbalist Dee Atkinson's father was forbidden tea and coffee because of his painful gastric ulcer, Dee blended a special tea for him starring this helpful herb.

PAGE 16

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Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th March, 2021

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

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

CAR SALES

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

Our 11.15am Services are held every 2nd and 4th Sunday in the month (and on the 5th Sunday, if this applies.) On the 1st and 3rd Sunday’s our Services are at 9.30 am. Our choir sings at our 11.15 am Services and there is also a Sunday School, Stepping Stones, on these Sundays. For info see www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org SALT CHURCH (formally

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

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

Phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 648 914 347

The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2017 Ford Ecosport petrol which is on Special Offer priced at just 15,500 euro. Come along to our showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. The biggest and best for price, choice and quality. ENGLISH SPOKEN

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

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

The Royal British Legion, Torrevieja Branch - Meet the second Friday of the month at Casa Ventura, San Luis starting at 7.00 p.m. New members

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

Badminton in Pilar de la Horadada. Mon, Tues, Wed

637 227 385

and Thurs. 10-12.30 pm.

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

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

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

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

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

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Centre in C/Cipres, Lomas de Cabo Roig, is currently closed.

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

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POETS CORNER

A Personal Insult

"Adverts"

The Generation I belonged to in the nineteen sixties, was taking control of the country and imposing its way with modern thinking, the past was the past and the future lay ahead with positive thoughts.

Have you ever had an accident at work?

Or are you waiting for some PPI? Are you waiting patiently for compensation to turn up?

Are you still waiting? No neither am I.

Nothing odd about that, our parents and all the communities who had gone before us had done the same thing as they approached adulthood, changing the old way of accepted wisdom for the new.

It’s possible though, that you’re sitting at home, Staying home watching daytime TV. The chances are that, by not going very far, Lots of adverts you’re going to see

I would like to think that all the innovative laws and the transformations we made to life, and the way we existed, we did fairly and with consideration for others.

For a start someone seems, to have this weird idea, That we’re all sitting dripping in gold.

They’re offering to buy it, you just bag it up, Send it off and consider it sold.

Democracy was respected and in a period when everything was changing very quickly, from fashion to motor cars and computer technology, these were taken in our stride.

There were disagreements and also strong arguments were made against the direction the nation was taking. However, Parliament stayed strong and progress was made.

It is very different at this time as we now have chaos, confusion by the ‘woke brigade’ and a shamble of a generation some of whom are lost in their own thoughts, determined to turn everything into their image.

This is causing panic amongst the business community and discord between the people. Where distrust develops leading to possibly meltdown.

Prior to the current disorganised shambles of hate crimes and people forcing their will on others, over the last twenty years it would appear that laws have been brought in with no thought of the consequence.

Like the destruction of free speech.

When did a ‘personal insult’, which used to be called ‘slander’ and a civil offence, the action heard before a Civil Court, become a hate crime, with the risk of a criminal stigma against one?

When did it become law that one person, that is right ‘one person,’ can say they are offended and change the course of things?

For instance that happened when someone complained to a Council that they did not like a mass of colourful flower beds that had been tended on the verge outside someone’s home for tens of years. The authority decided they had to be removed because of this one complaint.

Surely it should be a group of people complaining before action is taken.

Are you over 50, I think lots of us are, Funeral plans are now worth a thought, Even though you are healthy, no plans to slip off, The ideas planted, that one should be bought!

There is also this determination to attack events of the past as they are an offence against modern thought. Surely if something was acceptable in the sixties, seventies and eighties how can it be wrong now?

Stomach bloating, seems to be something else, But the adverts will sell you a cure.

Just take this pill, and they promise it will, Give you a comfortable, flat stomach for sure.

Laugh at it and criticise it if one wishes and that should be the end of the matter.

How about bingo, without leaving home, You can play it right from your chair.

Just play it online, and all we fine, Play safely though. Serious gamblers beware!

I also think that taking action against someone for an event in the bygone times, no matter how terrible it was, and then for them to be taken to court and tried many years later when opinion has changed and is totally different from when the occasion happened, it is wrong as a fair trial for the person is not possible.

‘Story Telling’ by Percychatteybooks has another two issues in the system and we will start the fifth year of publishing the Series with number 49, which will be out in about three weeks.

To see all of Percy Chattey’s work please follow the link:

'World Rivers Day' was commemorated on Sunday March 14, by the Diagrama Foundation, in collaboration with the Orihuela City Council's Department of the Environment, where together, they spent much of the weekend, removing plastics along the banks of the Segura River between the urban area and the district of Molins.

The objectives are the promotion of conservation awareness and respect for the environment, developing pro-environmental behaviour amongst those who take part, ensuring

There seems to be a definite need, For ladies incontinence pads, They’re on every advert, they’re now all the rage, Our leakage seems to be really bad!

In another story Church Bells, which had rung for a long period of time ,were stopped because one individual did not like the sound of them.

Volunteers clean up the Segura to mark "World Rivers Day"

The measures were part of an environmental volunteer project aimed at unprotected minors or those who are at risk of social exclusion and, in this particular case, at the members of the Orihuela Shelter.

By Carollyn Barclay

that the participants are made aware of the main environmental problems that affect the area and their immediate surroundings. Also to train young people to acquire desirable values ??in society and provide children with positive skills and attitudes towards occupational tasks.

The councillor of the Environment, Dámaso

Aparicio, highlighted the importance “of the two great tasks that he carries out: the cleaning of this area of ??the river, and perhaps the most important, encouraging young people in the spirit of caring for the environment.

In total the volunteers removed around 500 kilos of plastic.

It looks like the adverts on daytime TV, Are catching us hook line and sinker.

Perhaps we need to sit, with the sound turned down, And maybe invest in some blinkers.

"In the Memory of a Name" The "Mother's Day" card was beautiful It's words spoke from the heart It meant so much to hold it close When world's were far apart The detailed embossed roses Were now looking rather pale The card itself and envelope A touch well worn and frail Inside the rhyme still vibrant And the sentiments so true Alone upon a mantle piece Where it's message was on view For this was such a special card And held a special place Regard Each year it came out of a box To brighten mother's face For she had lost her daughter Oh! So many years before The card the last card written Each year's tears just as before So preciously the card became A link to all she'd lost A yearly sad reminder Of a life that paid the cost Now dog eared at the corners It still meant the very same And a kiss each year revived it In the memory of a name.

By David Whitney

c 2021

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

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Stictly star celebrates 42nd birthday in Spain

By Andrew Atkinson Strictly Come Dancing star Vincent Simone celebrated his 42nd birthday on March 15 in the Costa Blanca sunshine.

"Thank you to everyone - very grazia to all of you for wishing me a happy birthday," said Italian born Vincent, while taking a stroll along the coast of the Mediterranean sea.

Vincent who moved to Spain with his wife and children has been caught up in the coronavirus pandemic during the last year, thwarting dance teaching classes plans in Spain.

Vincent, who starred on Strictly Come Dancing during 2006-12, who moved to Spain with his wife Susan and two children Matteo and Luca, saw his dancing classes halted, due to COVID-19.

Vincent, Italian champion aged 12, who teamed up with Georgia born dancing star Katie Street, who lives in Torrevieja, said: "It has been a really bad time for everyone - but we will get through this coronavirus."

Vincent enjoying a birthday treat

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PAGE 19

Stevie Spit BEM raises 180 euro for La Florida Friends Food Bank

By Andrew Atkinson Drag artiste Steve Spit - Brian McLeod BEM - has raised €180 in aid of the La Florida Friends Food Bank campaign following a live solo show, via the internet.

"We want to give a massive thank you to Stevie Spit for the amazing donation of €182 for La Florida Friends Food Bank following his live show.

"We are all truly blessed to live in such a beautiful community. Also thanks to the wonderful Eileen Gleave, stage manager for her continued loyal support," said Fredericko Sparkle from La Florida Friends Food Bank.

La Florida Friends Food Bank was launched in the wake of other food banks closing and are currently looking after 450 families.

"Stevie generously donated his whole tip jar to support La Florida Friends Food bank. Myself and Miguel Anthony Brome support the huge demands since the closure of other food banks.

This massive gesture means so much," said Fredericko.

Stevie Spit BEM (right) hands over €180 to La Florida Friends Food Bank.

PRAYING MANTIS NYMPHS APPEARING FROM OOTHECAS Praying mantis nymphs drop from their ootheca in Los Montesinos.

Photo: Andrew Atkinson

New look to the Palacio de la Musica There was the obligatory visit by the mayor and his councillors on Monday morning to inspect the repair work that has been carried out on the Palacio de la Music in Torrevieja, at a cost of almost 450,000 euro.

The work has been concentrated on the exterior enclosure of the facade and has been carried out with only minimal disruption to ongoing cultural activities which have continued within the building.

The mayor said that the Council will now install exterior lighting to illuminate the entire facade of the Palacio de la Música, just as it was done in the Municipal Library "Carmen Jalón".

By Andrew Atkinson Praying mantis nymphs are appearing this month in the gardens from their ootheca - egg sacks.

cient capture and restraint of fast-moving or flying prey.

The eggs of a female mantis are enclosed in a foamy pouch - ootheca - which is soft, but quickly dries to become a firm and tough shell, protecting the nymphs until they hatch.

Sexually mature males approach sexually mature females when they see them, but due to the physical superiority of the females, males face certain challenges in doing so.

When a female spots a male, she is very likely to attack and kill him - sexual cannibalism.

A praying mantis produced five ootheca sacks last year in our garden in Los Montesinos which can hold between 30 to 300 nymphs in foamy liquids.

Therefore, males can be observed to be very slow and cautious in their approach; after spotting a female, the male usually freezes and turns his head to look directly at her.

The European mantis is a large hemimetabolic insect in the family of the Mantidae, the largest family of the order Mantodea - the common name praying mantis - derived from the distinctive posture of the first pair of legs, observed in animals in repose.

Since the foveae in his eyes face directly forwards, he has the most accurate and detailed view of her and can watch every one of her moves.

Both males and females have elongated bodies, with two pairs of wings. The most striking features that all Mantodea share are a very mobile, triangular head with large compound eyes and their first pair of legs - raptorial - which is highly modified for the effi-

Males can be observed to stop, as soon as the female turns her head, or even moves.

Mantids are very good at detecting moving structures, depending on the environment, males sometimes show a light ‘rocking’ behaviour, believed to imitate the leaves of surrounding plants, to blend in with the background.

PAGE 20

Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th March, 2021

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Benedicte Kruses to the 1st Major!

Las Ramblas Golf Society Results for w/c 15.3.21 Monday saw us play the ‘original’ Counter Game. This is the one where you find out how many scores are to count only after the hole has been played. With 99 points it was Ron Luffman, Nora Betts, Ron Phipps and ‘Albert’ who took to the winner’s podium.

Nine points behind them were John & Ellen Drakesmith, Mike Mahony and Joyce McClusky.

It was down to the final wire for Friday’s best 2 from 4 and all to count on the par 5’s.

With two teams coming in with 95 points it was Ron Phipps, Olga Douglas, Dave Pulling and Reg Akehurst who, after countback, took first place. Just missing out were

Busters Golf Society March 2021 Report Its been some time ( due to the covid problems ) since we played at Alenda golf course which is always a favourite of Busters, we were not disappointed after being welcomed by Jose and his team we had sufficient time to enjoy a coffee on Alenda’s terrace before we teed off.

Our first ‘Major’ of the year, the Caja Murcia Trophy, was competed for on Wednesday. This magnificent trophy was donated to us by the bank of that name twenty years ago.

Benedicte Kruse took the accolades with a tremendous score of 41 points. Hot on her heels, with 40 points, it was Pat Cassidy followed by John Drakesmith with 37. Having achieved 18 points on the first seven holes I felt I could have been in contention.

However, the wheels came off in a dramatic fashion and I finished last with a total of just 25 points! Three ‘2’s today going to Mike Chapman, Paul Brown and Pat Cassidy.

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We were greeted with a strong wind blowing against on the lengthy par-five first hole, however, the wind did slow down some a little later, making things a touch easier. The course was in excellent condition and the greens were superb.

We returned to our sponsor's bar, Bar Little Leias ( ex Bar El Toro ) in Calle Vigo Quesada 03170 for our presentation to be welcomed by Ian and his staff Andy Martin, Benedicte Kruse, John Dobson and Mike Chapman.

Por ultimo, Mike Mahony says to his caddy, ‘What do you think of my game?’ to which caddy replies ‘it’s very good but personally I prefer golf’.

Pues hasta la semana que viene Peter Reffell

Our par three’s winners were Kjell Svenson on the third hole, with Keith Loughrey taking the fifth and the sixteenth, the par-three winners had the choice of either wine or a sleeve of golf balls, in second place with a score of thirty-two points was Terry Sharley who received wine and also a waterproof top that had been donated by George

By Andrew Atkinson

"We won the ECCL t20 league back in October, against the Spanish representative for the 2020 edition of the ECL Minhaj CC, which didn't go ahead, due to the coronovirus pandemic.

Holmes towards any future prizes, as the jacket fitted Terry perfectly he was the obvious recipient, a very popular Kjell Svenson scoring thirty-four points was our winner on the day, Kjell received red and white wines, we had one winner in our two’s pot being Tony Wilson and our soccer card winner who selected Coventry was Rob Ashman, well done all our winners.

Busters next game on April 2nd will be held at the Seve. designed Alicante golf course If you are interested in joining our small friendly society ( it's free and the camaraderie is first class ) please contact me at bustersgolfsociety@hotmail.com stating your phone number, and handicap. By Barry Grinsell.

Carp R Us Angling After another forced hiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions Carp-RUs resumed fishing with the first round of their Spring Series on the River Segura at Bigastro/Jacarilla.

The forecast had been saying for several days we were in for a spell of poor weather and this materialised shortly after the match started.

Cold and steady rain made conditions difficult, particularly trying to get back up the slope at the end of the match, and didn’t do much for the fishing, either.

In the end, only four anglers caught with Dave Hutchinson running out winner with 3.94kg and Richard Crawshaw second with 2.60kg. Roy Dainty was third with 2.30kg and new member Willy Moons fourth with 1.70kg.

Anyone wishing to join the club can contact us through the club website: www.carp-r-us.weebly.com or email stevefell@rocketmail.com.

Most weeks some members also go pleasure fishing where new methods are practiced and ideas exchanged. This is something we are looking to do more of this year.

La Manga to Lords Challenge raises €1,220

"After weeks of hard work from behind the scenes from Cricket España, we were given the all clear to play our National Final," Kieran Wood from LMTCC told the Leader.

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The club fishes matches most Thursdays and these are competitive but friendly affairs.

LaMangaTorre CC Beaten in National Final LaMangaTorre CC lost out in the National League final in Barcelona, after winning the ECCL T20 league, against Spanish representative for the 2020 edition of the ECL, Minhaj CC.

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"The t10 play off matches took place at the Montjuic Cricket Ground in Barcelona, streamed by the European Cricket Network.

"People worked tirelessly behind to scenes to get the games to go ahead. In defeat we are extremely proud of the boys for their cricket. Thanks to everyone who sent messages of support," added Kieran.

"However, there is always a silver lining.

Whilst those in Barcelona were playing for the Trophy, we continued to work hard, in what has been a huge effort from

everyone to cover 3150.59km in the La Manga to Lords Challenge charity event.

"Then we decided to visit each test ground in the UK. The initial La Manga to Lords spreadsheet transferred to the Test Ground challenge, saw us absolutely smash it.

"Thanks to all of the generous donations we have raised a total of €1,220. We are so grateful for every single penny," said Kieren.

"Now we can’t wait to get the new season started," added Kieren.

Sapphire Golf Society at Font del Llop on 17th March 2021.

In association with Sapphire Properties and Costa Blanca Green Fee Services For this month’s meeting the Sapphire Golf Society and a group of 32 players visited the established course at Font del Llop taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

The weather was beautiful and the day was enjoyed by all.

Gold Division 1st - Don Bishop - 36 points, 2nd – Mike Probert - 34 points Silver Division 1st – Morten Kristensen – 35 pts, 2nd – Colin MacDonald – 31 pts Bronze Division 1st- Tilly Preston – 30 points, 2nd – Mick Martin - 27 points

Nearest the Pins Mike Probert, MacDonald, Pardoe, Clarke and Fairbairn Football Card - Barry Dexter After the game we returned to Edina’s Bar and Grill bar, which is located at Dona Pepa, Quesada and we give our thanks for their support and that of our sponsor Sapphire Properties.

Our next fixture is the Bounce Day day at Vistabella on the 31st March 2021 followed by the interim day also at Vistabella on the 7th April 2021.

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

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PAGE 21

Vistabella Golf Director Joaquín Rocamora, Ian St John and Marshall Benjamín Fructuoso. Photo: courtesy Vistabella Golf.

SAINT NOT SINNER Quote: 'Shanks got Bob Paisley to rub some iodine mixed with boot polish on my private parts'.

Andrew Atkinson looks back on the career of Scotland and Liverpool legend Ian St John who frequented Spain and played at Vistabella Golf Jacarilla, who died on March 1 aged 82.

IAN St John spent part of his time in latter retirement in Spain, playing golf after a illustrious football career at Liverpool and Scotland.

After hanging up his boots he became a TV celebrity, with 'On The Ball' and with Jimmy Greaves in 'Saint and Greavesie'.

Capped 21 times for Scotland, he was under Bill Shankly in the Liverpool team of the 1960s that won two League titles, and an FA Cup winner's medal.

Born in Motherwell, one of six children of parents Alex and Helen, his dad worked in the steel industry but sadly died, aged 36, when St John was just 6 years old.

To help put meals on the table St John had parttime jobs as a youngster, at a time when boxing, playing cricket and running with YMCA Harriers, before turning football. Aged 16, he played for Scottish Association of Boys’ Clubs.

Bill Shankly signed him for Liverpool in May 1961, for £37,500, over double Liverpool’s highest transfer fee at the time. He scored a hat trick in his debut against Everton.

He also played at Coventry City, in South Africa and Tranmere Rovers and managed Motherwell and Portsmouth.

St John suffered with cancer, that spread into his bone marrow, and had a stoma bag, to collect fluid. He had his bladder and prostate removed, and underwent chemotherapy treatment in 2014.

Inducted into Scottish football Hall of Fame in 2008, he played golf with Ronnie Corbett, famed for The Two Ronnies: “I played golf with the wee man, and went out for dinner together in Spain.

"I knew Ronnie very well. He was a smashing wee fella, another proud Scot. He had a very good innings, that’s the way I see it," said St John.

On Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, he said: "He shows his emotions, he gets angry, he gets happy, which I like. He involves the fans. He knows how important the fans are, the way Shanks did.

"Shanks roped the fans in from the early days.

He’d get on the Town Hall balcony and shout ‘we are doing it for you!’ Klopp is saying the

same type of thing, getting people on side."

One memory 'The Saint' had was the time Bob Paisley rubbed iodine and boot polish on his privates in the Liverpool dressing room.

John on occasion when he was in Jacarilla, playing at Vistabella Golf, told The Leader: "He was a true gent. Always had a big smile and had time for everyone.

"Shanks got Bob Paisley, then trainer, to rub some iodine mixed with boot polish on my private parts," he revealed.

"Everybody wanted to say 'hello' and have their picture taken with him. He always said 'yes' - a true gent".

St John had retaliated violently and swung a punch at a Coventry City player that was being investigated by the FA.

A spokesperson from Vistabella Golf told The Leader: "Ian sometimes came to play here at Vistabella with his friends John and Pauline who are season ticket holders.

“The press were outside and Shanks said: ‘Come in boys and see the damage’.

"On the occasions he came to play he always did so with a contagious smile - and always the kindest.

"The press came in, and said, ‘Bloody hell, no wonder you reacted the way you did - with those bruised bollocks!’. That was my defence at the Disciplinary tribunal!”.

Barry Butlin from Los Montesinos who met St

GOLF COURSES AND COVID - 19

H

"At Vistabella, the entire team is saddened to hear the news of his death."

Married in 1958 to Betsy for over 60 years, they had children Elaine and Ian. He is survived by them and several grandchildren.

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

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

Let us take a look at the career of Lee Westwood to help you make up your own mind on this subject:

skill, dedication and at times luck but also the mental strength to see it to a conclusion.

Turned Professional:1993, Age: 47, Height:6ft, Weight:205lbs, Children:2, Home(UK):Newcastle, Home (USA):Florida, Career Earnings: $57m, Career Wins: 44 (over 4 decades and on 5 continents), Current World Ranking: 19, Best World Ranking: 1 (for 22 weeks in 2010), Best Finish in a Major:2nd (three times), Ryder Cup Appearances:10

However when you have nothing better to do with your time compare the careers of all the above players with that of Lee Westwood and there is just no comparison.

LEE WESTWOOD – SUCCESS OR GLORIOUS FAILURE?

The only thing missing from this impressive list is a major win but is that how you value the success of the best professional players?

It is unlikely that Lee Westwood will now win a regular tour major given his relatively advanced age and in an era where the average driving distance is in excess of 310 yards and all the talk is about ball and club head speed.

Over the last two weeks we have seen Lee Westwood leading big events on the PGA tour after 54 holes to finish as runner-up but with the consolation of $2.7m in winnings.

Social media is now awash with comments about him being the nearly man, similar to Colin Montgomerie before him for failing to close out big tournaments and to win major events.

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

Price €98 €98 €120 €100 €158

Comments Two Green Fees & buggy Two Green Fees & buggy 1pm Two Green Fees & buggy Two Green Fees & buggy Two Green Fees & buggy

The list of one time major winners include names such as Ben Curtis, Todd Hamilton,Danny Willetts,Trevor Immelman,Mike Reid,Ian Baker-Finch,Paul Lawrie,Shawn Micheel,Larry Mize,Tom Lehman,Wayne Grady and Mark Brooks to name a few.

I am sure that in a few years the name of Lee Westwood will be dominating the over 50’s senior tour and will win a senior major.

Now to win any major championship Championship takes a lot of

A regular tour major win would be the cherry on the cake BUT what a cake and wouldn’t some of you doubters out there like just a small slice of a cake like that?

Don Cayo (Altea) El Plantio El Valle Font Del Llop Hacienda Del Alamo La Finca La Galiana La Manga La Marquesa La Sella La Serena La Torre Las Colinas Las Ramblas

Lorca €78 2 Green Fees, buggy, drink, tapa Lo Romero €59 Sgl Green Fee Mar Menor €116 Two Green Fees & buggy New Sierra Golf €68 Two Green Fees & buggy Puig Campana €124 Two Green Fees & buggy Roda €125 Two Green Fees & buggy Saurines €100 2 Green Fees & buggy (temp closed) Villaitana Levante €104 Two Green Fees & buggy Villaitana Poniente €60 Two Green Fees & buggy Villamartin €156 2 Green Fees & buggy Vistabella €148 Two Green Fees and buggy (3.30pm) For Bookings and info Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting reference LEADER or on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931

€90 €98 €59 €123 €100 €180 €53 €120 €60 €48 €114 €59 €149 €140

Two Green Fees & buggy 2 Green Fees and buggy from 1pm Sgl Green Fee Two Green Fees and buggy Two Green Fees and buggy 2 Green Fees & buggy Sgl Green Fee Two Green Fees & buggy Sgl Green Fee Sgl Green Fee Two Green Fees & buggy Sgl Green Fee 2 Green Fees & buggy 2 Green Fees & buggy

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Super Series 2 Milton Keynes Day 1.

47 year old Brendan Dolan overcame Michael Smith 8-6, to take his 8th P.D.C. title ( non televised ) and £10,000 pocket money.

The Northern lrishman has been around a long time, joining the pro circuit in 2007, but is largely unknown to t.v. audiences. He was however the 1st player to hit a 9 dart, double start, finish, in a 2010 World Grand Prix semi final win over James Wade, losing to Phil Taylor in the final.

ALL OUR YESTERDARTS EURONICS LEAGUE

I

mperial Pools vacated the position of league sponsors after 3 successful seasons, Paul Durrant (league chairman) aware that Debbie Mackleston, Euronics electrical store owner, was prepared to take over the available position.

SEASON 2012 13

Debbie, already familiar with the league as a player, readily agreed to headline Thursday Darts, an association that was to last 7 years.

Leader newspaper editor, Kevin Reardon contacted me prior to the AGM with a proposal for a Saturday pm slot on Exite radio. I readily agreed and for the next couple of years spoke weekly on Euronics and pro darts, plus my questionable input on football’s Premier League. I gave out local darts results and individual performances and of course my predictions on the footy results.

Very enjoyable, Kevin and I were the Saint and Greavesie of local radio.

In February of this season, Debbie of Euronics, celebrated the 3rd anniversary of the opening of her Blue Lagoon showroom, amid fanfare and a cake to mark the occasion. The nearest I got to the cake was via the photograph, soon to be husband Dave Wright claiming his share.

A previous singles winner, the popular Sam Salt, now a Federation player, still turned out for the Hub, but playing football, in the annual charity tournament at Playa Flamenca.

Not only is Sam a pretty decent dart player, but he's not bad at footy either winning the " Player of the Tounament " award.

Simon Williams, Tony Fordy and Sam also raised much needed funds for the MacMillan Support Group by abstaining from alcohol for one month in what was termed OC-SOBER. How those 3 managed is anyones guess, but manage they did, exceeding their original target.

The Hub Meerkats were top after 6 with a 100% record, "Kat" Alex Nikolov banging in a nice 141 game shot.

Fast forward to the 20th match, team mate Lee Maiden recording a fine 14 dart leg, that included consecutive 180's, opponent Leah Chesworth, not a bad player herself, acknowledging his effort. ln the 26th and final match of the season, Pint Depot Queens had their last chance to earn a point, visiting the Honeys of Hattons.

Alas, the Queens finished pointless, after taking 5 of the 6 legs required for a point .

The 141 out that had stood for 20+ weeks was finally beaten by a John Eyres 170 playing Busters. Meerkats dropped just 2 points in their campaign, drawing 2, Hattons Hunks and Busters.

League Winners

Hub Meerkats

R/Up

Que Pasa Eagles

K.O.Cup

Hub Meerkats

R/Up

Busters

At the league halfway stage, Rendezvous Bulls topped the table, Gogartys second, both unbeaten, the La Zenia side drawing two.

Singles

Yvonne Roufignac R/Up

Leah Chesworth

Singles

Pat Abrams

R/Up

Sid Cross

By the end of the season positions had reversed, Gogartys champions, ironically achieving top spot in the last game against the Bulls.

Pairs

Sid Cross /

R/Up

James Browns' Gogartys just needed a draw to take the title as they had a superior leg advantage, but were 6-5 down, one to play. The last single Jack Todd, versus the Bulls Martin Hastings. Todd held his nerve going out on 52 for the draw and title.

Exite Radio Merit Awards

Steph Simpson Team

Porterhouse

Ladies

Simone de Lacy

Mark Filer / Ray Harvey

2013 - 2014 Men

Pat Abrams

A quirk of the result, was that the Bulls actually finished unbeaten coming 2nd, however, Gogartys won more matches.

Lisa Ashton, the only female TourCard holder, gave an impressive performance to reach the last 16, beating Neil Aspinall 6-2, Aaron Beeney 6-2, Adrian Lewis 6-3, before losing to Smith ( 106.0 ave.) 6-0. Two 9's from Ritchie Edhouse, with an unusual 174,174,153 and Wayne Jones in his only winning leg to Gerwyn Price 6-1. Michael van Gerwen withdrew from S.S. 1 prior to starting. Match of the Day. Dirk van Duijvenbode ( 112.7 ave.) 6, Mensur Sulojvic ( 103.8 ) 5, in the last 16.

Day 2 World no. 1 Gerwyn Price got back to winning ways in this 6th Players Championship of 2021. The 8-5 final scoreline against U.K.Open runner up Luke Humphries, a fair reflection of the World Champs' dominance of day 2. His 102.2 average was his 6th ton+ of the day, the 9 x 180's in the final an added bonus. lt was pretty tight semi however for the Welshman, in his victory over a rejuvenated Brendan Dolan, having to use all 13 legs to overcome the stubborn lrishman 7-6. Price returned a 106.8 ave.

Dolan 104.8. Humphries' semi a little less lively in the scoring department, but the same result, in his defeat of Jamie Hughes.

Top averages of the day. Michael Smith 109.99, Devon Peterson 108.79.

Day 3.

Jonny Clayton ( 101.4 ave.) claimed his 3rd title of 2021, with an 8-5 win over James Wade, ( 98.5 ) the last leg a 13 darter on D12. lt's his 4th appearance this year in a Super Series final, winning two. These Players Championships can be brutally tough to win, the standard of play within the 128 players exceptionally high. Out in the last 64 (winning just 1 round), Price, losing 6-2 to Chas Barstow, Gurney, Anderson, Cross, King, Whitlock, Aspinall and Suljovic, to name a few. After reasonable success on Day 1, Lisa Ashton fell a t the 1st hurdle, 6-0, against Dutch export Vincent van der Voort. What about Peter Wright you may ask, also a 1st round victim.

Losing 6-4 to Clayton in the quarters, Jose de Sousa recorded 2 of the top 5 averages, a 107.41, and a 106.26. Second highest Barstow, 106.84.

A well deserved victory and exciting finale.

Day 4.

K.O. Cup

Winners Hub Meerkats R/Up

Rendezvous Bulls

Singles

Winner

James Brown

R/Up

Phil Waller

Singles

Winner

Babs Warren

R/Up

Shirley Roberts

Pairs

Winners Ali O'Keefe /

R/Up

Paul Easton High Finish Eddie Bendelow 157 Best Single Mark Farmer

SEASON 2013 14

No " inbetweens " for Peter Wright, out 1st round day 3, victorious on day4 against who else but indisputable no1 Gerwyn Price.

Wright opened the final with 14 and 12 dart legs, to include a 161 out. An 11 to make it 5-1, then an eleventh leg 14 darter to wrap up the contest 8-3. As we all know ,Price is no slouch, his contribution, 2x12's and a 14, but darts can be a fine line between success and failure, Wright taking every given opportunity. The World no.3 was in fine fettle losing only 4 legs in his first 3 matches.

James Brown / Chris O'Brien

2012 - 2013

15 darts

Brendan Dolan reached yet another semi, losing out to Price 7-2, after dumping Cross and de Sousa earlier Micky Mansell hit a 9 dart consolation leg in his defeat to Jamie Hughes 6-5.

T

his seasons A.G.M. was held at the now defunct Porterhouse bar, Rioja Centre, Euronics continuing their financial support and generous discounts to Thursday league members.

Brett Badlove introduced his Que Pasa bar venue to the league, the team included an excellent dart shooter in John Walker. Champions Gogartys were now the Gophers, just a shadow of their former selves, several players moving on.

Barny Competition winners Chelsea Campbell and Jane Wills flanking League Secretary Simone de Lacy

Prior to the the use of Tungsten alloy for darts manufacture, what metal was primarily used.

Answers to simonedelacy@hotmail.co.uk by 25th March.

Last weeks winner, Chelsea Campbell, correctly answering Barry Hearn as current chairman of the P.D.C. COMPETITION SPONSORED BY O.W.S.

Raymond van Barneveld was unexpectedly taken ill during day 4, and was treated by paramedics at the Marshall Arena venue. lt was deemed unnecessary for hospital treatment, but he was taken to his hotel for further observation. Our best wishes are extended to him for a speedy recovery.

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Controversial Goal Denies Thader Victory

Without goal line technology being available to Preferente league football here in Spain, a crucial decision of did it or did it not cross the line, was left to an assistant referee.

Santa Pola sub Charly had only been on the field for 10 mins, but when his shot hit the post, then rolled along the goal line, Sergio was on hand to smother the ball. But, the big question was whether or not Thader's goalie had dragged the ball from behind the line or not?

A raised flag indicated that he had, and although Sergio and his colleagues surrounded the linesman (in old terms), the referee pointed to the centre circle.

So, for the first time this season, Thader finished the match all square.

The first half was dire. It really was.

Santa Pola had strong appeals for a penalty on 5 mins, following what appeared to be a push by Lloyd on an opponent inside the box, but the ref was unimpressed.

Sergio got down well on 8 mins to block a fierce close-range effort, then from the rebound a further shot was cleared off the line. A scrappy 45 mins involved few chances, with neitheir keeper having to work up a sweat.

As the players came out for the 2nd half, I couldn't help notice how well maintained the Manolo Macia Stadium pitch appeared. Straight from the kick off, Thader sub Calderon shot straight at the keeper from close range, when a better first touch would surely have produced a goal. Thader were on the ascendancy, and on the hour mark, a well-placed assist by Dani Lucas to Quino, saw the striker's fierce drive tipped over the bar. From the resulting

corner, an unmarked Lloyd headed firmly into the back of the net, to give his side the lead.

Lloyd almost turned from hero to villain in the space of a few minutes, for he deflected a shot onto his own cross bar, then from the rebound, Sergio made another important save.

Nano should have doubled his side's lead on 70 mins, but when through on goal, he blasted over from 10 yards.

Up the other end on 80 mins, a free kick by Santa Pola to the far post, was

headed into the side netting by Paloma.

Apart from the equalising goal, the remaining few minutes of normal, plus 8 mins of stoppage time, belonged to the visitors. First sub Kike shot wide, then a goal line clearance with seconds left, prevented Thader returning home victorious.

Going into next weekend's match away at 8th place Novelda, Thader sit 9th in the table on 13 points, having played 11 games.

Torrevieja swimming club's 77 year old Beryl Altabas has achieved top ten rankings in the FINA World Masters short course championships in 2020, in the female age category 75 – 79 years.

Beryl has been competing in both open water and pool competitions for many years in this region and even though this year has only allowed three pool competitions and very sporadic and limited training, this has not deterred Beryl from some truly great achievements.

When the pool was closed her training continued in the sea, alone or when allowed, with other teammates.

This last year has been very difficult due to the pandemic but in the three competitions in which Beryl competed she manged to achieve world rankings in each of her races: FINA World Masters Ranking Top 10 Short Course Meters (25m pool) 2020 75-79 years category – Beryl Altabas rankings: 200m Freestyle 6th Time – 3:39.68 400m Freestyle 7th Time – 7:31.31 800m Freestyle 3rd Time – 15:22.40 1500m Freestyle 3rd Time – 29:15.10 50m Butterfly 10th Time – 1:01.12 100m Individual medley 9th Time – 1:59.83 200m Individual medley 1st Time – 4:16.81

SUDUKO SOLUTION From From page 14

Getafe 1-1 Elche

A 19th minute goal by Pere Milla, from a Gonzalo Verdú corner, saw the visitors take a deserved early lead, which they comfortably held on to until they were pegged back by a short period late in the opening half.

BERYL IS ON TOP OF THE WORLD Beryl at the Torrevieja Pool

‘Cat’ rescues point for Elche After dominating large parts of the game Elche were very unlucky to leave Getafe on Sunday afternoon with just the one point, although it took a late penalty save from keeper Edgar Badía to ensure that they didn’t lose all three.

On balance of play, a draw was probably a fair result, but up to this match changing incident on 86 mins, Thader looked set to nick a hard fought 3 points.

Santa Pola.............. 1 CD Thader............... 1

PAGE 23

TRIVEA QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 14: 1. a. French Guyana, b. Mexico, c. USA, d. Australia. 2. London. 3. Marcus. 4.

They were all named after people; Cecil Rhodes (N+S Rhodesia), Philip II of Spain (Philippines), "The Saviour", Jesus (El Salvador), Maurice of Nassau (Mauritius), Orme, a Viking chief (Ormskirk, UK), Thomas Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald (Cochrane, Chile). 5.

The Tricolour of the Netherlands. 6. 'Fair Trade' 7. a. Addams Family, b. Miss Marple, c. Sponge Bob Square Pants, d.

The Dursley Family, e. Hercule Poirot. 8.

Skull Island. 9. November. 10. William the Conqueror (William I of England / Guillaume II de Normandie). 11.

Esmeralda. 12. Turtle soup. Calipee is found beneath the lower shell of the Green Turtle. 13. Escape from a prisoner of war camp in WWII. 'The one that got away'. 14. Uranus. 15. c: 1926. 16.

Christopher Robin Milne. 17. a. Men without hats, b. Genesis, c. Eddy Grant, d. Billy Idol, e. Bee Gees. 18. Spicy heat (or piquance) of a chili pepper. (Scoville Heat Units). 19. C3PO, Star Wars. 20.

Caviar (In fact it was often added to the beer to create an 'Albany beer')

However a change of formation produced a better second half performance from the hosts with Enes Ünal drawing them level on the hour mark.

With all of Elche’s good work seemingly undone on 84 minutes, following Verdu’s disputed handball in the box, it took a great one-handed save from the ‘Barcelona Cat’.

With the refereeing adding 8 minutes of extra time there were no more scares for Elche and the clash ended in a draw.

This was a first away point during the Escribá era, which allows Elche to move 2 points above Alaves, and out of the relegation zone, at least for now!

Eric eyes success at Newcastle with Harry's Ridge and Spirit Power

By Andrew Atkinson Exclusive

Trainer Eric Alston

Eric Alston saddles Harry's Ridge (7.45) and Spirit Power (6.15) at Newcastle on Friday, March 26, from his Edges Farm Stables, in Longton, Preston.

"Harry's Ridge is well handicapped. A nice horse and will win again in 2021 for his new owner," said Eric, in an exclusive interview.

Trainer and former jockey Eric, 72, who saddled his first Flat winner with Scrummage at Redcar and his first NH winner, Samanza in a selling hurdle at Cartmel, has a string of 14 horses for the 2021 Flat racing season.

Six-year-old Spirit Power, who had an op on his belly pre-season, won at Southwell on March 9 on his seasonal bow, under jockey Jason Hart, carrying 9st 4lbs when landing the Betway 5f Handicap.

Six-year-old Harry's Ridge won at Nottingham in November 2020 when landing the Apprentice Handicap over 5f, carrying 8st 9lbs, ridden by Harrison Shaw.

Jason Hart rode Harry's Ridge to victory in September 2020 in a 6 furlongs Handicap at Hamilton, carrying 9st 2lbs.

Other noted horses under Eric's rein includes Fox Hill, Redrosezorro and Storm Dreamer: "Fox Hill did well last year. Redrosezorro has gone up a lot in the handicap, and has definitely improved. He loves Catterick, when ridden by Jason Hart.

"Storm Dreamer is a nice horse, one of a couple of two-year-olds," said Eric.

"We have 14 horses ready for the new campaign and we are hopeful of having a good year. Success brings you horses," added Eric.

On the coronavirus situation that has hit racing, being behind closed doors with spectators banned from attending meetings currently, Eric said: "During the winter we've only got two horses that have ran on the all-weather."

PAGE 24

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