The Costa Blanca Leader Newspaper Edition 857

No 857 Monday 8th - Sunday 14th March 2021

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

EMOTIONAL TRIBUTES F OR M R E DUAR D O’S

Eddie alongside his father, former professional boxer Eddie senior, flanked by his two sons Elliot and Eddie junior

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heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday, alongside photos of the happy memories shared with his father.

Wright passed away peacefully with his family by his side on the 02.03.2021 after bravely fighting Covid for 8 weeks.

The announcement was made by his son, former TOWIE star Elliot Wright, in a

Revealing that Eddie, 65, died on Tuesday, Elliott told his followers: ‘It is with heart wrenching regret, that I have to make this post, my father Edward George

‘For those who knew my father, you know what a great man he was, always smiling, always humble, always happy.

ributes continue to pour in for Eddie Wright, the founder and long-time boss of Eduardo’s Restaurant in Villamartin, who died of Coronavirus last Tuesday.

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Continued from Page One Tributes pour in for Eddie Wright ADVERTISING SALES

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637 227 385 E-mail office@theleader.info Website www.theleader.info Journalists 600 228 616 office@theleader.info The Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader, its publishers, members of staff and its agents do not accept responsibility for claims by advertisers nor can it be held responsible for any errors in advertisements which are reproduced from poor artwork, low quality electronic data or inadequate instructions for text or other layout features. Further no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by an error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of any advertisement, although all advertisements produced are checked prior to insertion. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for more than ONE incorrect insertion and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement. E&OE. NO PART OF THIS NEWSPAPER MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHERS.

In his later years he bravely fought prostate cancer, but he never moaned, and always did his best to put a brave smile on.

‘His love for his family is what he will be remembered for to all of us, the ultimate family man, wanting to spend every woken minute with his 10 grandkids and children was his only daily thought pattern and request, was that to be with them, the ultimate family man.’

Elliott, 41, said he is ‘simply devastated’ by his father’s death, going on to describe Eddie as his ‘rock, my best friend, the man who taught me to always be a gentleman’.

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1990’s. After a short period in property sales, he opened Eduardo’s Restaurant in Villamartin, which he ran successfully with his family for many years.

He also established La Finca de Eduardo’s in Lomas de Don Juan but that sadly closed following disputes with local neighbours.

A former professional golfer who played on the European Tour, Eddie was a popular member of many golf societies on the Orihuela Costa. He organised, and played regularly in a multitude of local tournaments.

In 2015 the family moved down to the Costa del Sol where Eddie helped his son, Elliot, with his new venture, as he opened Olivia's in La Cala de Mijas.

After praising Eddie’s entrepreneurial success, the reality star continued: ‘The legacy and mark you leave is colossal, put simply if I could be half the man you were, when my time finally comes.. I would go a very happy soul.

Eddie’s nephew, Mark Wright, also paid tribute to his uncle and commented: ‘You’d have to be God to find a better man than my uncle. Put simply, you won’t. I love you uncle Eddie, I’m never going to forget you.

Broken to pieces.

Eddie Wright, the uncle of TV personality, ex Towie star, Mark Wright, moved to Villamartin in the late

Hundreds of tributes to Eddie were also posted across a multitude of popular social media pages.

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Sue Whalley wrote, “Very sad news. Been going to Eduardos for years now and also a number of times at La Finca. The Plaza, Eduardos and La Finca helped us make the decision to buy in Villamartin.”

A post from Alan Smith said, “First Met Eddie back in 1998. Wow what a gentleman, I Was 18 and I have always looked up to how he ran and treated customers. Good Night Fella you are Villa Martin in my eyes.”

But perhaps the final word should come from son Elliot, who wrote on his Instagram page, “A man of many talents. Dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, son, friend and advisor to many throughout the course of his full life.

Eddie leaves us with his fighting spirit and solid business acumen, which we will carry on with a sense of pride.

A void that can’t be filled, but we will cherish the time we had with you and look back together with laughter and love on the countless memories shared.

We salute you, the heart of the family and business.”

SPAIN TO OFFER RESTRICTIONFREE ENTRY TO VACCINATED BRITS If the European Union fail to reach an agreement on International Travel and vaccination documents, Spain’s government has said that it will create a “green corridor” for all citizens of the United Kingdom who have been vaccinated against the Coronavirus.

Spain’s Tourism Minister Fernando Valdés confirmed that the country is seeking to reach a mutual agreement with Britain in a bid to facilitate the travel process for the summer season.

However, Valdés said that he hopes that Spain will find an agreement with the European Union to start reopening its doors for tourists as soon as possible.

“For us, the British market is our main market. But obviously, since we are a member of the European Union, the solutions have first to be part of discussions with the EU,” emphasising that if such a deal could not be reached, the

.95 Euro 2

last tocks while s

country’s government will start to find other solutions, such as green corridors in order to revive the country’s tourism sector.

UK Minister of Health, Matt Hancock, said that British authorities are working on the need for a document in terms of “having had a vaccine to be able to travel to another country”.

He confirmed that that if other countries state that citizens must have received a recognised vaccine to travel there, Britain will enable its people to be eligible to take that journey.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism in Spain, Reyes Maroto, has also called on the European Commission to accelerate the launching of such documents in order to help the countries gradually get back to the pre-pandemic situation.

According to the UK press the Tourism

Minister of Greece, Haris Theoharis, also confirmed that UK holidaymakers will be welcomed with or without a Europe-wide vaccine passport.

Cyprus has said that it too will welcome British tourists from 1 May, as long as they have had two doses of any vaccine approved by the European Medicines

Agency (EMA).

With the EU vaccination rollout an absolute horror show, huge political decisions are looming for Europe, of which freedom of movement is just one.

If those decisions are going to help save this summer then the time to take them is already running short.

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TWO YEAR PLEDGE FOR PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE OVER THE AP-7

AVOCA, the Orihuela Costa residents association (www.face-

Bascuñana, as to when the undertaking may be carried out.

book.com/avocaorihuelacosta) has confirmed that it has received an assurance from the Orihuela Council that it will finally meet it’s 16-year promise, to build a pedestrian walkway across the AP-7 motorway, between La Regia and Lomas de Cabo Roig.

Last week however, AVOCO tabled a question to the full council meeting in Orihuela, in which it stated that the mayor and his coalition partner had approved a motion to carry out the work back in 2015.

After 16 years of paralysis, during which time neither the developer nor the municipal council have made any real efforts to complete the work, the Oriolano consistory has said that it now wants to restart the project.

The Association asked what plans there were for the scheme, what stage they were at, and what the council was doing about ensuring that it goes head. It also asked who was responsible for the delay and what is preventing the council from moving the project forward?

Pedestrians and cyclists who currently walk or ride between the two locations have barely half a metre at the side of the busy CV942 road, and often have to stop and step up onto an uneven embankment in order to avoid traffic. Indeed, vehicles can often be seen swerving into the centre of the two-lane highway, as they endeavour to avoid the pedestrians and cyclists.

While the mayor once again promised, by no means for the first time, to speed up the process and to allow AVOCA access to the official information, Deputy Mayor, Planning Councillor and Ciudadanos leader, Jose Aix, said that technical plans had still not been drawn up.

One of the biggest, local, protests in recent years saw almost 1,000 people take to the streets three years ago in a march that was organised jointly by CLARO and Orihuela Costa (FAOC).

However he added that the council would be introducing procedures to seize the 1.2 million euro bank guarantee, deposited by the developer at the outset of the Lomas de Cabo Roig construction plan, and that a tender would be issued to draft a plan for the construction of the new bridge and walkway.

At the time, many of the protesters were in wheelchairs and electric buggies holding messages saying “How do you expect me to get to the Medical Centre or the Pharmacia.”

He said that this work would be immediately put into place and the new bridge would be finished by the end of the current legislature in two years time.

Three councillors from Orihuela also took part in the march, Sofía Álvarez the councillor for Tourism, Víctor Ruiz of the PSOE and Karlos Bernabé of Cambiemos. They were joined by CLARO leaders, Román Jiménez, Bob Houliston and Paul Piccio.

Every day there are dozens of people, many with small children, from the urbanisations of Lomas de Cabo Roig, La Cuerda or Lomas de Golf, with more than 5,000 residents, who risk their lives when walking or cycling over the bridge across the AP-7 as they have no pavement and only a very tiny shoulder.

The problem is exacerbated for those people with mobility problems who travel in a wheelchair or those who push baby carriages.

Cars can often be seen swerving to avoid pedestrians because there is hardly any room to pass.

The situation becomes even more hazardous after dark, with visibility almost non-existent, in the absence of any street lighting.

Despite promises from the Municipal government at the time, which were augmented by both the Partido Popular and Ciudadanos in the run up to the 2019 municipal elections, there is still no progress, or even any indication from Mayor Emilio

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ORIHUELA COSTA EMERGENCY CENTRE TO BE OPERATIONAL BY SUMMER

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Supreme Court turns down Ribera Salud appeal

The Orihuela Ayuntamiento is still awaiting confirmation from the Fire Consortium and the Ministry of Health that they will operate their Services from the Emergency Centre when it is eventually completed.

Ribera Salud’s management of the Hospital will end as planned

Orihuela’s mayor, Emilio Bascuñana, met DOALCO Director, Gonzalo Rodríguez, when he visited the Orihuela Costa Emergency for a tour of the ongoing development.

He was told by Rodríguez that the building is expected to be operational by the middle of next year.

The build would possibly have progressed a little quicker other than the fact that a number of modifications have been made to the plans following visits by the future users.

The Councillor for emergencies, Victor Valverde, said that he hoped the centre would be fully operational in time for the summer, during the months of the largest population influx.

He said that talks were ongoing with the Provincial Consortium of Firefighters and with Forest Firefighters so that they can have a base in the centre during the summer season where they would be in the heart of Sierra Escalona from where their response times would be quite short.

The mayor and his followers We are also having meetings with the Ministry of Health, so that the SAMUR ambulance has a presence in the area 24 hours a day.

Both forces have complained that total road controls were unfeasible as there were not enough police to monitor them for 24 hours a day.

However, during the five weekends

awarded just last year.

The mayor of Orihuela recalled how the project first got underway 2007 but was brought to a halt by the builder’s bankruptcy of the company.

When it eventually opens the centre will accommodate the Policia Local, the Foreigners Office, Civil Guard, SAMU, Basic Life Support, Civil Protection and Emergencies and a car pound, which will mean that cars seized by the police will no longer be taken to Orihuela city.

The project was by the council in 2015 with an amended plan drawn up and the contract

The addition of other emergency services is still under discussion.

Civil Guard and National police want Easter closure of municipalities Although Spain’s regions and the central Health Ministry have already decided to extend the current coronavirus restrictions on social activity over Easter week, both the national police and the civil guard consider that this is not enough and that closures of municipalities will be more effective in reducing mobility, rather than the perimeter closures that have been in place in many territories since last October.

The Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV) has said that Ribera Salud must hand over the Torrevieja health authority, which affects 140,000 people, to public management, under the terms set out by the Generalitat.

of municipal closures, when they imposed more than 7,000 sanctions, they had the support of the local police, which enabled them to better control the mobility into large municipalities and tourist areas from other autonomies, and this needs to be the case once again over the Easter holiday period.

Ribera Salud had sought to invalidate the changeover, saying that they should retain control because of the difficulties caused by the pandemic.

The ruling denies the request for suspension of the handover with some harsh arguments, stating that Ribera Salud was acting as though it had only just been notified of the handover and it was not foreseen, when it was actually written into the contract many years ago, at its time of signing.

The contract between the Generalitat and Ribera Salud for the private management of the Torrevieja Health Authority, expires on October 15, 2021.

ALICANTE EXHUMATION FINDS EVIDENCE OF STOLEN BABY The team found a tiny coffin containing only stones

The Torrevieja shop is now open MONDAY to FRIDAY 10:00am until 2:00(14:00) pm as well as Thursday late afternoon, 5:00pm until 7:30pm. The shop is on the corner of Calle Concordia and Patricio Zamit, behind the bus station.

The only region to oppose the measures was Madrid, which has the highest incidence rate in Spain among the regions and which refuses to apply a perimeter closure.

The city seems to be swimming against the tide with regard to its Covid-19 strategies.

Violent gang busted in joint operation The National Police in co-operation with the Guardia Civil, have arrested six people from Los Montesinos, Catral and Torreveija, busting what has been described as an 'extremely violent criminal organisation'.

Those arrested are responsible for 131 robberies from industrial premises in Alicante, Valencia and Murcia provinces.

Policia investigations got underway in September 2020 following a plethora of identical crimes which occurred between 8-10pm - flagging up the same modus operandi..

The breakthrough was the identification of a vehicle used in the thefts after which the security forces were quickly able to round up the gang Six members of the gang were arrested, all of Albanian-Kosovar origin. Police officers seized a laptop and €2,400 from a theft committed in Murcia.

The stolen goods have an estimated total value of €443,000.

Torrevieja shop Re opens

The excavation work in grave X at the Municipal Cemetery of Alicante, which is searching for the remains of civilians executed during the Spanish Civil War, has discovered a possible case of a stolen baby, after finding tiny wooden box, prepared for individual burial containing a quantity of stones, without there being any human remains.

The coffin is 12 centimetres high and would correspond to the burial of a child but no human remains have been found inside.

The group carrying out the exhumation has denounced the simulated burial to Court number 1 of Alicante, which it has asked to open proceedings.

The Minister for Democratic Quality, Rosa Pérez Garijo, has said that "unfortunately we have only found remains of the people shot in the post war period of the Franco regime but, as in this case, there is possible evidence of a crime against humanity involving the systematic theft of babies."

The finding corresponds to a burial carried out between 1963 and 1964.

The exhumation is expected to recover the remains of 11 Republican victims shot in 1940 who are buried in the common grave.

The objective is to scientifically recover the remains of the people murdered during the Franco dictatorship so that they can be identified and handed over to their families.

The shop stocks an excellent variety of cards and gifts running up to special occasions such as Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day Halloween, Christmas and so forth.

Due to the regulations social distance is maintained, and there is a a limit of how many customers can enter. Hand sanitiser and masks are compulsory.

The charity still accepts donations of books jigsaws, clothes, bric a brac tand furniture. but we are asking that they be disinfected and clean, We would like to thank all our volunteers, and customers in anticipation

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MARCH 8 CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ‘TikTok for Equality’ in San Fulgencio

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY IN TORREVIEJA

San Fulgencio commemorates International Womens Day through The Council has installed several information points on Equality the resources available for victims of gender violence.

It also announced the activities programmed for the commemoration, organised by the Department of Social Services.

The commemoration of International Women’s Day on March 8th will be marked in Torrevieja by a mini film festival.

The Council of Equality says that the contribution of women has been very important throughout our history and must take the place it deserves in a free and egalitarian society. It therefore wishes to remind the people the women who have preceded us and paved the way for the new generations, with their endeavours and their talent, so that the areas that have now been conquered by equality do not close.

As such the Council of Equality will be holding an online film cycle "WOMEN OFCINE", with three films, which, throughout the month of March, will take place on March 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 March, allow us local society to reflect on women in our time and also to see women through the eyes of our filmmakers.

They are all films directed by women, with women as protagonists, and they will be available to watch for free during three weekends in March: March 12-14. THE GLORIOUS CHAOS

It is a program that “will be developed online and through social networks, adapting to the current circumstances arising from the Covid-19 pandemic,” explained the councillor Josefina Sampere.

OF LIFE. Shannon Murphy March 19-21. ROL&ROL. Chus Gutierrez March 26-28. Invisible. Grace Querejeta To any of the films you must send an email to one of the two addresses: igualdad@torrevieja.eu or agua.serviciossociales@torrevieja.eu indicating which film you want to watch and confirming the email where you want us to send the link. The deadline for your application will be three days before the date of screening. Each film will be limited to 150 participants.

In addition, a banner will be available on the Council website to book and watch the films: www.torrevieja.es

It started with a ‘TikTok for Equality’, contest through the popular video platform in which the municipality’s secondary school students took part last week.

On Monday and Tuesday there will be a videoconference entitled “Awareness against gender violence” which is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m.

To participate it will be necessary to register by sending personal data to the email: sanfulgencio@porlaigualdad.es.

Orihuela celebrates women’s role in arts and sciences

There is also a brochure which can be found in various places in San Fulgencio such as the town hall, the tourist office and medical offices.”

In addition, on the 8th the manifesto will be read on social networks by councillors and Council staff.

The Councilor has urged the people of San Fulgencio to participate in this program stating that we must continue promoting Equality between men and women. “In this way we can achieve a fairer municipality that offers the same opportunities for all.” apart from Thursday when it will be replaced by a conference led by Cande Sánchez Olmos, professor in the Department of Communication and Social Psychology at the University of Alicante entitled "Rebel Girl!.

The creation and representation of women in music, film and art.

Each of the films will get underway at 7pm as follows: Monday Hidden Figures, directed by Theodore Melfi Tuesday A documentary Women in History Weds

Friday A documentary "He Called Me Malala", an intimate portrait of Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Susi Sánchez, councillor for Equality Pilar de la Horadada, announced that most of the activities in the town will be carried out "through social networks due to the coronavirus situation."

On March 8, there will be an awareness campaign on equality, where she will publicise the services offered by the Department of Equality and how to participate and receive information.

The 8M statement will be read at the door of the City Hall, which will also be published through social networks.

From March 9 to 13, videos will be featured on social networks highlighting the importance of coming together to achieve real and effective equality through positivism, energy, kindness, attitude and respect.

In conjunction with the employment workshop, from March 15 to 31, there will be a storytelling with a gender perspective in the municipality’s schools.

On the 26th, the activity of the Cinefórum Pilar de la Horadada will resume, with the film "The book thief" with which we work on the empowerment of women through cinema, a very cultural resource. valuable that helps us delve into the subject.

Finally, on March 28, role-playing session will be held by the Y outh Council.

All information will be available on the Facebook and Instagram pages of the Youth Department @igualdadpilardelahoradada

The Battle of the Sexes by Valeri Faris and Jonathan Dayton

Orihuela has developed a program that includes the screening of several films and documentaries in which the role of women are highlighted.

The theme of this year’s celebration is "Women Leaders: For an Egalitarian Future in the World of Covid-19" and celebrates the enormous efforts made by women and girls around the world to define a more egalitarian future and recovery from the pandemic, highlighting the shortcomings that still persist.

The film screenings will take place in the Multipurpose Room of the María Moliner Municipal Library on each evening this week

There will also be three exhibitions: "Nobel Women" at the Maria Moliner Library; "María Zambrano, the dawn of thought”, in the Miguel Hernández Exhibition Hall and "Retazos"by María José Portugués, in the Sorzano Palace of Tejada.

The department of Equality will alco be celebrating International Womens Day with its own program under the slogan 'Orihuela, making Equality a reality' There will be a social media campaign consisting of six posters covering the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on women.

There will also be a co-educational campaign with local schoolchildren and the Town Hall, both in the city of Orihuela and on the coast, the Lonja and the bust of the Glorieta, will be illuminated from midnight on March 8.

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They have now completed a georadar scan

Heritage to continue excavations at los Saladares Site The Council of Historical Heritage has now completed preparatory work at the Yacimiento de Los Saladares that will give way to detailed archaeology and research that will begin in the coming weeks.

"Once the clearing is complete, the access fence to the site has been repaired and the area marked the detailed study will get underway. They have already completed a state-of-the-art georadar scan that will allow archaeologists to move forward without the need for deep excavations.

When received the report will show the exact location of archaeological remains.

It is expected to arrive in the coming days so that digging can get underway again.

“We have also used a precision drone that has done much of the cartographic work," Almagro explained.

He said that archaeological work will begin in less than two weeks "for which they will use archaeologists who are finishing their doctorates and other specialities in this type of work, that will all be supervised by Alberto Lorrio, professor of Prehistory at the Alicante University”.

Orihuela council has recently signed an agreement with the University of Alicante to carry out studies and excavations at the Site of Los Saladares for the next 4 years.

The site is located on a plot of 10,000 m2 . It is a protected area in a place known as "Los Cabecicos Verdes," an important village whose origin is in the Bronze age. Its chronology ranges from the 9th to the 4th century BC covering a wide chronology.

Its origin is in the Final Bronze Age.

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VACCINATIONS ONLY FOR THOSE WITH SIP CARD

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The Generalitat Valenciana will vaccinate all 70,000 British residents in Alicante even if they are not registered on the Social Security system.

They will also immunize 1,000 Americans and 300 Canadians However, you MUST have a SIP card in order to be included on the list. If you don’t have the “permanent” plastic SIP card you can still get the vaccine with the temporary SIP card.

You can get a temporary SIP card by taking either the EHIC (European Health Insurance) or GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) to the medical centre along with your passport.

Of the 70,000 British residents, 50,000 are said to be legally registered. The problem may be, however, with the 20,000 temporary residents who have not yet applied for or received residency and who spend long periods in the province, often in rented properties, and who are not

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covered by Health.

If they do not request a SIP card or apply for residencia, they will not have the right to a vaccination.

For those who are legally registered the authorities ask that if you have changed your mobile phone number or email recently, you must make sure you update your contact information on the official website below.

The mobile number MUST be Spanish and you can´t use the same one as someone else that´s registered there.

Your health centre will contact you regarding your vaccination appointment. www.san.gva.es/web/dgcal/formulario-de-contacto You will need to enter your SIP number, date of when your SIP card was issued (if applicable) and date of birth.

Once you validate the information, it will allow you to enter your contact details (mobile, house phone and email).

HOSPITAL PHYSIOS BOOSTED TO TREAT AFTERMATH OF VIRUS Spain helping UNICEF to

Vaccinations for teachers

distribute 1 billion syringes worldwide

The mass vaccination of schoolteachers against coronavirus in the Valencian Community, is scheduled to get underway on Saturday March 20.

This mass vaccination process, of one of the largest labour groups, will not be carried out in health centres, but in specially established sites, although these are still to be determined.

There are understood to be 27,694 teachers in the province, a number that is boosted to almost 100,000 when including language and employment centres, other school employees such as classroom assistants, dining room staff and cleaning personnel.

This will allow measures in classrooms to be less restrictive, however what is still to be made clear is what distinctions, if any,

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A high-tech factory in Spain is helping UNICEF distribute 1 billion syringes to countries around the world to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

there will be between state schools, faith schools and private schools.

The vaccine initially planned for the teaching community will be the AstraZeneca vaccine although with the 20% who are over 55 years, this also is still to be confirmed.

Following the return of students to school, at the end of their first week, 99.5% of educational centres were reported to be free of covid.

Meanwhile teachers in the Murcia Region will receive their vaccinations next Sunday, 14 March, in Murcia and Lorca.

However, the news comes in the wake of Pharmacutical company AstraZeneca struggling to produce enough coronavirus vaccine.

W

ith a large number of coronavirus patients still suffering from the effects of the virus long after they have been cleared of the infection the Ministry of Health is boosting the number of physiotherapists on the staff of hospitals in the province to deal with the aftermaths that many continue to experience.

Months after their illness, patients are still dealing with neurological, respiratory and musculoskeletal problems, as well as constant fatigue and weakness in various muscles of the body.

All these pathologies are treated in the Rehabilitation Unit, by specialists and physiotherapists, a group that is seeing an increase in its staff in the province's public hospitals.

Alcoy Hospital will increase by three physios, the same number as the Marina Baixa and the Sant Joan d'Alacant Hospitals. Elda and Orihuela will both have 5 additional staff, while the two generals, Alicante and Elche will increase their staff by 7 and 4 physiotherapists, respectively.

Dr. Camila Maciá, head of the Rehabilitation Service that covid has shown that we are an essential service which helps with their rehabilitation, following what, in most cases, has been the most terrifying situation.

300million doses were contracted for the European Member States with an option for an additional 100million doses but AstraZeneca have announced they would not meet the order in the first quarter of 2021, due to production problems in Belgium.

An anonymous source has reportedly revealed that the company will also be delivering less than half of orders between April-June 2021.

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Sula needs lots of love Sula is a 6 year old Mastin Cross who is quite a shy girl. She needs lots of love and understanding.

Contact 966 71 0047 (leave a message) or info@satanimalrescue.com for more info..

Cambiemos asks that Casa Langostina de Orihuela Costa be classified an Asset of Local Interest CAMBIEMOS ORIHUELA has registered a request to speed up the procedures for the historical protection of the Casa Langostina in Lomas de Cabo Roig, and the stoppage of works that could "irretrievably damage" the property that dates back to the 19th century.

The Opposition Party has had access to a report carried out by the now retired municipal archaeologist, Emilio Diz, in which he recommends that both the property and the adjacent areas, including the well and the stables, also be included in the order as an agricultural site of local interest.

Last Friday the Wesenauer family, who own the farm, but who are unable to travel from India to protect their rights, received the notice that excavators were entering the site.

They fear that protection will come "too late, despite having spent more than two decades fighting to preserve the farm, that they want to maintain as the heritage of the municipality" adding that "what we are experiencing is a robbery and a crime against Spanish history and culture."

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Alicante Airport Car Rental and Parking Companies to move sites.

A report has revealed that the new works planned for Alicante Airport, including a second runway and railway connection, will result in the 55 businesses settled on undeveloped land, some irregular and others with a provisional license, being relocated to other sites.

The report states that in 2003 the local Council gave businesses the opportunity to operate on undeveloped land, and if they complied with a series of conditions, the local executive granted them a provisional license. At this time, many of the 55 businesses that are still trading only have provisional permits, while there are others that carry out their activity irregularly.

This leniency has resulted, as the City Council itself recognises, "in the uncontrolled occupation of the land, generating a negative impact on the environment."

Until now, the City Council has allowed this situation to develop, but now, the planned new developments for AlicanteElche airport are going to

severely restrict the businesses that can still operate.

The second runway is still at the environmental assessment phase, while the construction project for the new access road to the airport is well advanced.

But these established businesses must also be able to fit in with the new railway route, which has been proposed: between the current AlicanteMurcia line and the Torrellano variant.

To legalise many of these businesses, the Elche City Council

proposes the allocation of an area of common rural land on which they will be relocated, after agreeing to comply with basic rules.

For now, however, there is little that is clear in this process that has just started, other than the new regulations will provide far more protection to landscape integration, in order to prevent uncontrolled building.

However, the airport is close to areas of great environmental value such as the Agua Amarga salt marsh and the Clot de

Galvany, and the regularisation aims to avoid and impact of business on these sensitive lands.

In the municipal report, the highest concentration of plots destined for vehicle rental and short- and long-stay parking, are located in the north-western area of the airport.

The Council intends, once it clarifies where and how many of the 55 existing companies will be relocated, to create a network of urban services and necessary public facilities.

PAGE 10

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boating’ was spellbinding for those of us privileged to be there. All this, and Westmeath’s ‘Leinster’ still to come …

The Golden age of Covid Lockdown.

‘GAA Gold’, ‘Premiership Gold’, ‘Rugby Gold’, ‘Olympic Gold’, ‘The Golden Moments of Sport’ etc. …etc: We have been fed a feast of great sporting memories from every vault and every TV archives over the past year. This scribe is not complaining – far from it. For me, sport = sanity. We need a fix of sport and if there is little live stuff, well then, what is better than reliving the golden moments from games past?

For those of you who have no interest in sport, but still pass yourselves off as being sane anyway – well good luck to you! But this column is the wrong stop-over for you this week. For the rest of us, sport is the great escapism, the great retreat into a world where dreams can come true and where ‘the glorious uncertainty of sport’ makes the heart thump and the nerves tingle.

Bill Shankley is reputed to have said; ‘Sport is not a matter of life and death – it is much more important!’ The legendary Cork hurler, Tomas Mulcahy was a regular visitor to my pub in Spain. We constantly discussed hurling and one day, feeling a bit guilty, I asked Tomas; ‘do you ever get tired of everyone you meet wanting to talk hurling to you?’ He looked me straight in the face, with a look of exaggerated astonishment and replied, ‘and what else would uuh want to talk about … boy!’

All this ‘gold’ got me thinking as to what is my greatest sporting moments, and I finally settled on a glorious moment in Croke Park in 2004. I am not talking precisely about a match, but of a moment so golden that it blew me into an out of body experience.

Favourite sporting moments are the ‘fix’ of sporting junkies. As I say, the one that totally blew my mind happened in 2004, during the Leister Senior Football quarter-final. To show how great this moment was for me, I have to tell you of the spectacular ‘fixes’ which didn’t make the cut.

I was in Giant’s Stadium in 1994 when Ray Haughton scored ‘that goal.’ Every time I see the clip on TV, I have a recurrence of goosepimples. The ‘Bird’s Nest’ in Beijing was very special when Usain Bolt won an Olympic medal with a world record and his ‘show-

Croke Park holds many great moments for me: The emotionally draining Ireland rugby win over England: Galway, Offaly, Clare, Wexford and Limerick winning All-Ireland hurling titles and Westmeath’s minor football success in 1995. Another one to make the short list was Westmeath’s U-21 football success; beating Kerry in Limerick in 1999.

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Mulcahy, the holder of three All-Ireland medals, was a regular visitor to my pub in Spain.

I list the above short-list, just to show how strong the competition for my greatest sporting moment – and there was no cup or medals at stake that day.

When I mention Croke Park and 2004, you are entitled to think that my greatest sporting moment had to be our first ‘Delaney Cup’ win, where we beat Laois in a replayed final.

That was incredible, but by then many of us fanatics were so sore from pinching ourselves and in such a zombie-like state that normal human feelings were alien to us. No, my greatest thrill came a few matches further back.

Westmeath, the no hopers, beat Dublin in that year’s Leinster quarter final. My greatest sporting memory is packed into five minutes of this match.

Time was up when unbelievably, Joe Fallon sent over the lead point for Westmeath. There were three minutes of added time to be played. Now, if you loaded my half-century’s experience of following Westmeath, into a computer and asked ‘what comes next’, the print-out would tell you that Dublin would score a goal – or at best an equalising point to condemn my county to another ‘gallant effort.’ And if all past experiences were anything to go by, we would be trounced in a replay. I believed Dublin had time and would score.

Then Gary Connaughton, who had earlier brought off a spectacular save from Jason Sherlock, came out to kick a free. The ball soared like a golden eagle straight into the Dublin half of the field. Paul Conway rose highest out of a blue forest and fielded the ball. In one herculean movement, his boots barely touched the sod as he

swivelled and sent the ball straight between the posts. The ref blew it up on the kick out – and I cannot adequately express my disbelief and the overwhelming ecstasy. I can only describe those couple of minutes as a brain orgasm!

I remained on such a high from that moment right through to the Leinster final that I thought nothing of walking from Mullingar to Croke Park for the match against Laois.

Don’t Forget The trouble with most of us is that we’d rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.

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 ......... Gardenias - show of heavenly spectacular scented white flowers blooming early spring to summer.

Gardenias are known as a temperamental plant to grow - but rewards the gardener with a show of heavenly spectacular scented white flowers which bloom in early spring to summer.

Gardenias like a rich, acidic soil with good drainage in a light or medium shaded area, away from any tree roots.

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Cover them regularly with a thick layer of mulch, which will help to control any weeds in the soil. Keep the soil moist during the spring/summer, reducing watering in winter. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as it can cause fungal leaf spots.

Feed in mid-March, using an acid fertiliser, the type used for Azaleas or Camellias are good choices; and repeat again in late June.

Don't feed Gardenias during autumn.

There are many cultivars available: Gardenia jasminoides 'Aimee' is a large shrub, growing up to 6ft, with huge 4-5in white flowers.

G. jasminoides

'Fortuniana', one of the most free blooming large shrub, producing 4-in blooms from mid-spring, through to midsummer.

whiteflies, which can be treated. Plants will most likely face frequent infestations.

G. jasminoides 'Buttons' is a dwarf variety, growing 24-30in, with 2-in flowers. G. jasminoides 'Crown Jewel' is a hardy dwarf variety, growing to 3 ft, with 3-in flowers.

Prune Gardenias after they stop blooming, removing any straggly branches and dead-head spent blooms. Re-pot every other spring. Repot sooner, if the plant is not looking as healthy as it had been, and roots could be pot-bound.

Propagate Gardenias by taking root stem cuttings in early spring, or by seed which is a long process, taking 2-3 years to produce any flowering plants.

Common problems, aside from cold temperatures and inconsistent watering, which will cause the buds and leafs to drop, are insects, especially scale, aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and

Gardenias like a rich, acidic soil with good drainage

Gardenias also are also vulnerable to powdery mildew, leaf spot, dieback, anthracnose, and sooty mould. In many instances the affected plants will need to be removed and destroyed.

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POPPY APPEAL RAISES ALMOST 86,000 EURO 12 months, it was the turn of the Welfare Coordinator, Pam Twissell-Cross, to praise the endeavours of her team of caseworkers who, during a difficult year, had travelled the length and breadth of the District providing support to those many people in need.

Poppy Appeal Coordinator Jack Kemp announced that the District had raised €85.983 from the Annual Appeal. He said that he was absolutely delighted that the community had been able to raise such a marvellous amount, in a year that had seen movement so severely curtailed.

The Annual General Meeting of the Royal British Legion, Spain District North, took place last week and, in keeping with the current situation, it was held remotely by videoconference.

Attended by almost 30 members and guests, including Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, Hugh Elliott, the event provided the opportunity to round up the year’s activities, with reports on the District’s financial affairs, it’s welfare operation in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and of course a statement on the annual fundraising endeavours of the Poppy Appeal.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to thank those many dozens of volunteers who have supported both the District, it’s members and the much wider community during an extremely difficult year.

Business then turned to the annual awards, accolades to those supporters, members and branches that had provided exceptional service.

HMA Hugh Elliott spoke of his pride at assuming the role of RBL Patron in Spain during his tenure of office.

Chairman Don Cubbon, formally opened the meeting, providing a short welcome, followed by the remembrance of those who had passed, after which he introduced Her Majesty’s Ambassador, Hugh Elliot.

The Membership Council Member and Overseas representative, Bob Chambers, joined the meeting from Antwerp in Belgium. He discussed the upcoming centenary celebrations and the RBL Annual conference, scheduled for later in the year. There were also brief reports from the Overseas Manager, Kate Green, and Kayleigh Harris, who had joined the meeting from UK.

The Ambassador spoke of his pride in his appointment as RBL Patron in Spain, promising to be an active participant in District activities

Following a detailed report from the Chairman, in which he thanked his committee and District branches for their tireless efforts during the last

Alicante Welfare worker, Beatriz Lara with her citation

First to be presented was The Chairman’s Bugle, awarded to the Branch which has made the greatest advances in furthering the aims and objectives of the Legion. Winner was the Alicante Branch.

The Recruiting Kukri was next, awarded to the Branch with the largest membership increase.

Again, the recipient was the Alicante Branch.

The Fallen Hero Award, to the branch showing the highest percentage increase in Poppy Appeal collection per member went to the Zurgena Branch.

District Citations and Certificates of Appreciation, for those members making an outstanding individual contribution in working through the COVID19 pandemic with selflessness, for the benefit of RBL beneficiaries, were presented to: Susan Shaw, Paul McEldron, Paul Kane, Mary Kemp, Jack Kemp, Billie GrahamThomas, Lesley Hurley, Alexander Thompson,

Liz Gaffney, Veronica Wheeler.

Liz and Mike Gaffney received a citation for setting up the Branch Community Support Group, while Alicante Welfare worker, Beatriz Lara, received her citation for her tireless work with beneficiaries and the statutory organisations in Spain, to help access Spanish funds and services, as well as support.

Finally, there was an award to the UK based Overseas Support team from the district as a whole to give special recognition and as a way of saying thank you for their outstanding efforts.

PAGE 12

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Musical Memories

by Julie McCracken 1962 - The Beatles made their radio debut on the BBC's 'Teenagers Turn', (Here We Go), singing Roy Orbison's 'Dream Baby'. It was reportedly the first time The Beatles wore suits onstage.

1964 - Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel recorded 'The Sound of Silence' as an acoustic duo. It wasn't until record company producers added electric guitar, bass and drums, without the knowledge of Paul and Art, that the song would become a hit in late 1965.

1969 - Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman at Marylebone Register Office.

They then held a reception lunch at The Ritz Hotel, Paul then went to Abbey Road studios in the evening to work.

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I have to say that it was so nice to see photos of people sitting outside enjoying some chats and a drink last week.

Here in Ireland, we are still in lockdown with no light at the end of the tunnel as of yet, but figures are going down so we’ll keep our fingers crossed in the hopes that some good news will come our way over the next few weeks.

Until then, I’ll keep admiring your pictures with slight envy.

We love the chats in Ireland so it’s hard not to be able to meet up. The weather last week here was gorgeous; I even a spur of the moment BBQ last Sunday.

I also celebrated my birthday last week; I’m now a year away from the big 4-0. I had fun at home with my husband and the kids, not a lot else could be done but I will for sure make up for it next year.

Some beautiful and thoughtful video messages were made up especially for me, so I will treasure them forev-

1978 - The debut single from Kate Bush, 'Wuthering Heights' a song inspired by the Emily Bronte novel, started a four-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart.

1988 - Younger brother of The Bee Gees, Andy Gibb died in hospital.

1996 - Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker walked free from Kensington police station after police failed to charge him with any criminal offence following his 'stage invasion', during Michael Jackson's performance at the Brit Awards on 19th February 1996.

2013 - The Gig in the Sky, an acoustic show for 128 passengers on board a Boeing 767 aeroplane set a new world record for the highest ever gig. Tony Hadley, Kim Wilde, Bananarama and Go West all performed at 43,000ft (13,000m) beating the previous record of 42,080ft (12,825m) set by James Blunt in 2010. The event was held to raise money for Comic Relief.

2018 - The Greatest Showman: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was at No.1 on the UK album chart. The album's single "This Is Me" won Best Original Song – Motion Picture at the 75th Golden Globe Awards.

er.

The kids also went back to school last week….Hurrah!

They walked up to the school gates with trousers too short, it’s amazing how much they’ve all grown in the space of a few weeks.

All we can do is hope and pray that

they stay safe in there, but it was time for them to go back education wise.

As much as I tried my best with the homeschooling, I’m not cut out to be a teacher.

God help them, they were happy to see the back of me!

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S

D L O

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 856

ACROSS 7.

Cave (6) 8.

Hue (6) 10. Work (7) 11. Power (5) 12. Extol (4) 13. Sentry (5) 17. Subject (5) 18. Bellow (4) 22. Original (5) 23. Destructive (7) 24. Tell (6) 25. Customer (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.

4.

5.

6.

9.

14.

15.

16.

19.

20.

21.

Base (7) Optimistic (7) Purloin (5) Solace (7) Plank (5) Short (5) Financial (9) Twist (7) Stay (7) Attending (7) Append (5) Cunning (5) Last (5)

QUICK ACROSS: 1 Incur; 4 Develop; 8 Forlorn; 9 Lunar; 10 Need; 11 Describe; 13 Lair; 14 Stag; 16 Sanction; 17 Also; 20 Mourn; 21 Effendi; 22 Larceny; 23 Roost.

DOWN: 1 Infinitesimal; 2 Curse; 3 Root; 4 Denied; 5 Velocity; 6 Longing; 7 Perfectionist; 12 Pittance; 13 Languor; 15 Lonely; 18 Lingo; 19 Afar.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Catch; 4 Dualism; 8 Neatest; 9 Takes; 10 Rank; 11 Oilstone; 13 Form; 14 Jade; 16 Turns out; 17 Over; 20 Orate; 21 Balloon; 22 Shelter; 23 Stair.

DOWN: 1 Congregations; 2 Train; 3 Hoes; 4 Detain; 5 Artesian; 6 Irksome; 7 Master-mariner; 12 Prospect; 13 Furnace; 15 Lumber; 18 Viola; 19 Ales.

ACROSS 7. Demands payment in accordance with obsolete laws (6) 8. Instant importance (6) 10. A piece of furniture to provide comfort (7) 11. One personifying the beginning of depravity and wickedness (5) 12. Bad language coming from the boat-house (4) 13. Without any hesitation the monk makes nourishing food (5) 17. The French doctors are frolicsome creatures (5) 18 and 5Dn. Assume permission to go on furlough (4,5) 22. Fastens up one's hair (5) 23. Labels required for neckwear and everything inside (7) 24. Go looking for a scrap when hemmed in by the enemy (6) 25. The net's in a different position for this! (6)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. What is the commonly used Latin word meaning "Elsewhere"?

2. Which country is the only French-speaking REPUBLIC in the Americas?

3. The name of which FIFA World Cup ball is also the name of a flag?

4. 'Divine winds' prevented Kublai Khan from invading Japan in the 13th century. What is the Japanese word for divine wind?

5. In song, who lives "on the second floor", "upstairs from you"?

6. Kunta Kinte is a central character in which novel?

7. The crown of the Empire State Building was originally built for what purpose?

8. According to several reliable sources, Lisa Gherardini was the model for what?

9. In which year did Martina Navratilova win her last ladies singles final at Wimbledon? Plus or minus one year.

10. The Stanislawski method is associated with which profession?

11. Which southern Caribbean island is also the name for a liqueur? seven letters 12. Which word is both the name for a political party in Lebanon and the fascist movement in Spain during the Spanish civil war?

DOWN 1. Cleric holding a nuclear device (7) 2. The gateman has become a tycoon (7) 3. On which one perhaps sits to be in the sun (5) 4. Company tried desperately to produce explosive (7) 5. See 18 Ac. 6. Purloined a vestment (5) 9. He's done something shameful about verification of the will (9) 14. Physiotherapy service required over a long time (7) 15. One who gets the treatment is not easily provoked (7) 16. Troublesome priests don't give in (7) 19. Seek to deceive, being very outspoken (5) 20. Make a scratch number of points (5) 21. Quick - run away before the trouble starts (5)

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 3 ) 13. In whch year did Andre Agassi first shave his head?

14. Nadia Comaneci was the first gymnast to be awarded what at the Montreal Olympic games in 1976?

15. Since 1960, name the six Oscar winning films for Best Picture that have the name of a real historical figure in the film title. (The King's Speech does not count).

16. The vast majority of all the footballs (soccer) in the world are made in which Asian country?

17. Which two women were beheaded by their husband, Henry VIII? 18. Who was assassinated by her own bodyguard on 31st October 1984?

19. Which three men were involved in the first telephone conversation from the Moon?

20. Which nightclub and music venue in Manchester, England, was originally conceived by Rob Gretton and largely financed by the record label Factory Records?

21. Originally billed as 'An Aquarian Exposition', this 1969 event is better known as what?

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PAGE 15

rose comes to the rescue here. Its yield of one key essential fatty acid was demonstrated in the early 80’s, and a bunch of Harvard medical students figured that this might make the stuff good news for a hangover.

Evening Primrose In an informal little trial they all swallowed half a dozen 500 mg capsules of the oil after a heavy evening, and reported that they didn't feel nearly as bad as they deserved to next morning.

Better still, take a couple of capsules before you start the evening, and another two before you go to bed, if you remember.

By the way, gin, vodka and white wine may not contain less alcohol than dark rum, sherry, bourbon whisky, brandy, port and red wine, but they're less loaded wh substances called congeners, toxic by-products of the fermentation process.

In one study, 33% of those who drank an amount of bourbon, relative to their body weight, reported a severe hangover, compared to only 3% of those who drank the same amount of vodka.

Your liver works overtime when you're hung over, struggling to metabolise all that alcohol and help clear it from your system.

Get to know Milk thistle

Here’s and idea for you.....

In my occasionally misspent youth, I once came across a herbal tea which actually helped soothe a hangover quite quickly.

It was formulated, I discovered, by herbalist Jill Davies, and it was made with equal parts of limeflower, spearmint, rosemary leaf, lemon balm, lavender flowers and a dash of peppermint oil - a wonderful mix of calming, cheering and reviving herbs, with the peppermint oil doing wonders to soothe your tormented gut.

If you don’t have the original blend to hand, an infusion of limeflower or rosemary or lavender, to which you add 2-3 drops of peppermint oil, will still help. pure alcohol, tastes so vilely bitter that you couldn't possibly drink it unless you were badly hung over.

I still remember marvelling during one holiday at a friend of mine who used to stagger to the beach bar in Marbella every morning, and order a large Fernet Branca on the rocks for breakfast.

Angostura Bitters, confusingly, are not made from the bark of the Angostura tree, medicinal though it is, but from another famously bitter herb, gentian, together with some gut-soothing spices.

The Bitters were so-called because they were devised by a German doctor based in Angostura, Venezuela, for his dyspeptic patients.

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER

E

VERYBODY REMEMBERS the worst hangover they ever had... the nausea, giddiness, crushing headache, distraught stomach and total physical prostration.

Few hangovers are as bad as this, fortunately, but if you suffer the occasional lesser hangover, it’s good to know of a few herbal tricks, for damage limitation.

Hangovers produce a wide range of disagreeable sensations. Nausea? Damage to your stomach lining inflicted by the alcohol and its by-products inside your digestive system.

Headache, dry mouth and general shakiness? That's dehydration, as your kidneys work overtime to offload all that toxic garbage. Physical prostration? It's down to severe malnutrition, since all that booze has seriously depleted levels of essential nutrients.

High up on this list are essential fatty acids, and the oil extracted from the beautiful, yellow-flowered evening prim-

Milk thistle is one herb all regular drinkers should get to know if they value the health of their poor long-suffering livers. Its seeds exert a protective and regenerative effect on the liver, stimulating the production of enzymes which help speed recovery from that hangover and general detoxification.

Another wonderful tonic for the liver is the bitter-tasting root of the common dandelion, which not only stimulates liver function, but supplies minerals depleted by boozing.

Herbs with a specially bitter taste are the drinker's friend, because they help the liver cope with the digestive havoc that goes with a hangover.

This is why so many of these herbs have been used to create the post-dinner drinks the French call “digestifs” - and why they can work as hangover cures.

Absinthe, made from bitter wormwood, and up to 95° proof, was long popular in Paris's Left Bank Fernet Branca, made from forty different herbs and spices macerated for a year in

The British naval favourite of pink gin is made healthier for livers by the dash of Angostura Bitters it contains, and US herbal expert James Duke suggests making an anti-hangover drink by adding a few drops of Bitters to a glass of hot water.

Don't ask me why, but tomatoes are a known hangover remedy: they're rich in vitamin C and wonder-working compounds called flavonoids.

Hot chilli peppers are an unrivalled pick-me-up and most traditional hangover remedies contain a shot of hot cayenne.

Try stirring a good dash of cayenne into a glass of tomato juice.

Defining idea 'I

feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up In the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day long.' DEAN MARTIN

PAGE 16

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Monday 8th - Sunday 14th 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

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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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JAZZ to roll again Quote: 'Lady Jazz free performances to help affected restaurants take a big step in the right direction. Let's look forward and make the future Jazzy' Andrew Atkinson talks Exclusively in Part 2 to former model and Casino Blackjack dealer Anita van de Berg - Lady Jazz - who made her singing debut in Spain in Benijofar.

ANITA van de Berg is set to perform for free during March - in a bid to get the music rolling once again - after the coronavirus lockdown that hit the hospitality industry hard.

"I would like to promote an excellent opportunity for our Hospitality Industry here on the Costa Blanca," said Anita.

"After too long a period of absence during the Covid troubles it's high time to join forces, under the title 'Winning Back to Business',", she said.

Lady Jazz's biggest venue she's performed at was in Eindhoven in Holland when in Girls Group 'Club Sandwich', in front of 12,000 people.

"Den Bosch, de Brabanthallen, is very famous for their great parties, it was amazing to be part of that," said Anita.

Speaking about the devastation coronavirus has caused, she said: "Coronavirus has hit us all big time, personally with no support whatsoever because of mistakes made by my accountant I was entitled to nothing.

"It has been a very stressful and negative time. I did my 'Sultry Sunday Live' from my lounge, to keep everybody and myself sane, and I was happy

After the return of bars/restaurants reopening on outside terraces on March 1, amid the coronavirus lockdown, Anita said: "I am still not singing, but remain very creative, practicing new songs, and have loved to go walking and on bike trips along the Costa Blanca.

"I'm looking forward to entertain and being on stage once again, real soon. I am receiving bookings already, so I can't wait." *To book Lady Jazz telephone: 0034 677 233 879.

Lady Jazz Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LadyJazzAnita

The 142-metre luxury yacht Nord, owned by Russia’s richest man, mining billionaire Alexei Mordashov, is sheltering in the cruise ship dock in the Port of Cartagena on Monday, after being caught up in strong winds.

The Nord, designed by Nuvolari Lenard, was launched in 2020. It has 7 generous decks, all interconnected and can accommodate 30 guests in 20 double cabins, all en suite.

In addition, it features a bridge deck, a large aft helicopter landing pad with collapsible side decks, providing shelter for the yacht's helicopter that can be stowed in a retractable hangar that slides into the superstructure when not in use.

Send a message through Anita's Facebook page: wwwfacebook.com/Lady JazzAnita or send a whatsapp to: 677 233 879 and tell her who you are and why she needs to come to your venue.

It also has a large sports and diving centre on the lower deck, an oversized swimming pool on the main deck, and a fleet of custom boats for the use of it’s guests.

"During March I will choose prize winners and as soon as we are able we will plan the dates together, that will ensure a tremendous return of dinner and music in the region. Let's make it work by Winning Back to Business," said Anita.

Lady Jazz with Soul legend Ray Lewis at Villamartin Plaza.

Los Alcázares Camera Club Anyone interested in joining Los Alcázares Camera Club should have a look at the website http://www.los-alcazares-camera.club/ or contact the Chairman, John Dorsett on 0034 966762715 or mobile 0034 606452445 or e-mail dorsett.jill@gmail.com Seeing the almond blossom out on the trees over the past few weeks reminded members of Los Alcázares Camera Club that the last time they met in person was on a field trip in February 2020 to photograph the orchards at Torremendo.

friends.

view an instructional video.

Unfortunately, due to the virus, the Club has been unable to get together in person for a whole year however, one member who had a ‘Zoom’ account, suggested that members should meet instead online.

Due to the restriction of movement, titles for the monthly competitions have needed to become more creative, for example this year subjects include ‘Vegetables’, ‘Drinks’ and ‘View from the Window’!

Normally, the Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month to view and vote for the best photograph in their monthly photographic competition.

This has proved to be a very successful move as it has allowed those who are unable to leave the UK to join in the meeting with their Spanishbased members, something that no-one had thought possible before ‘lockdown’.

On the first Tuesday of every month Los Alcázares Camera Club now holds its photo competition on ‘Zoom’ at 10.30am (9.30am UK) and, at their next meeting in March, members will also be able to

New superyacht Nord shelters from strong winds in Cartagena

that it was much appreciated."

Lady Jazz is willing to sponsor free performances, to help affected restaurants take a big step in the right direction: "Let's look forward and make the future 'Jazzy'," said Anita.

This takes place at 10.30am in Las Claras Community Centre, Los Narejos. On the third Tuesday in the month the Club has a field trip to interesting venues where members can take photographs and enjoy a meal together with family or

office@theleader.info

In 2001 owner Alexei Mordashov studied at Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne from where he gained an MBA

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PAGE 19

POETS CORNER

A Long Journey

¡Vivir en España!

I

n growing old there is a wonderful feeling of contentment.

Looking back over the wonders of the years, at the family and how they have grown. There have been ups and some downs, heartaches, but we never let them get in the way of the growth and upwards.

Living in Spain is no problem, Except for one thing for some folk.

The locals all speak their own language, But linguistics for Brits is no joke.

As one ages there is comfort in the way you are treated, with respect and helped. Although it can be a little annoying when people consider you as one who is ‘loose in the head,’ when being treated like a child. On the other hand, they may be right - but help is always appreciated, athough sometimes disappointing.

For years they have not been taught grammar, And spelling is random at best, So, confronted by rules about Spanish Each lesson becomes a real test.

We had been to one of those big stores to buy pellets for the fire. I had loaded four fifteen kilogram bags on to the trolley. After leaving the check out and trundling the load across the car park to our car one of bags fell off, on to the ground. Instantly a young man who had been loading his car came across and picked it up. I was grateful, as picking them up off the ground is not very easy, and yet I had a feeling of being a little insulted.

To add to the sense of confusion Regions have differences too, Like Murcians don’t use final ‘s’s Even locals are stumped – well a few.

Insulted? It is as if I was no longer capable, and also seen as unable of doing a simple task. That is the downside of age, not wishing to lose the ability to do certain tasks, and not being in control.

Dare I mention the pandemic? Certainly, enough words have been written about it in the last twelve months, but I cannot help wondering what changes it will have made in the world of television.

In Ant and Dec’s Saturday evening ‘Take Away’ they had a virtual audience beamed in from people’s living rooms, and arranged on a bank of television screens; will that be the norm in future?

I find the use of canned laughter or cheering sad. Will there be a change to that, also, in future? Why have a real audience in an expensive theatre, when you can do a show in a studio, with canned, unreal background sound to lend to the reality of the show.

It will be possible to run the snooker championship from a scout’s hut with the taped sound of people cheering.

Television, the all encompassing method of entertainment capable of deceiving the eye and the mind. ITV produced a programme one late evening, ‘Macdonald & Dodds.’ After seeing the show I could not help thinking that it was nothing more than an advert for a well known chain of restaurants. The plot was terrible.

Fiction is ‘make believe’ and unless the author is writing a story which is out of the world, then it should at least be believable. Yes, it is difficult for the writer who is trying to think of a murder plot, killing people without the obvious method of shooting or knifing is not easy. In Macdonald and Dodds, plotting to kill someone by making the supports to the basket faulty, and throwing them out of a hot air balloon, is corny and unreal.

Since the turn of the year, when the UK left the European Union, I think we all still feel exactly the same as before that monumental happening, going about our lives and eating the same food. So why are the supermarket shelves bare and empty of British produce?

Is it some plot that we know nothing about? Is it an excuse that lorries cannot get across the Channel, if so why? It is the same water, same boats and tunnel.

The sun came out over the weekend in the UK and never mind the pandemic, people flocked to the coast, jamming the roads with their cars, and leaving some parked on the pavements as they attempted to make their way to the water’s edge. Some made it, but not all, as they were turned away by the police.

And then there’s the question of gender All nouns have to be F or M, A concept that adds complication – Are inanimates masc. and/or fem.?

So keep attending your lessons Who knows? By this time next year You may visit your favourite café And surprise them by ordering a ….cerveza!

Mike Shail February 2021

It has been a long journey fighting the virus, three lockdowns and now the early signs that the end is in sight, where it will be possible to contain Corvid 19 and its variants.

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

This can only happen with the help of everyone. There is a sad story in the papers of a sixty year old mother, who, with her daughter, broke the rules over Christmas and got together. They both died this week.

Homeless Man attacked

‘Percy’s Ramblings’ are available in book form from Amazon & Kindle - www.percychatteybooks.com

Torrevieja Department of Social Welfare and Donations Association praised for helping elderly homeless man 'Gang attacked his 'home' of boxes of cardboard

By Andrew Atkinson

ORIHUELA TO KEEP PLAYGROUNDS CLOSED UNTIL 14 MARCH

P

ublic playgrounds in the Orihuela municipality will remain closed at least until March 14, despite the current relief of health measures introduced to combat Covid-19.

This restriction will not affect parks and green areas in general, but only children's playgrounds.

The councillor in charge of the Park and Gardens serv-

ice, Angel Noguera, justified his decision despite the fact that the number of people affected by the pandemic is declining in Orihuela, saying that, "we cannot let our guard down and allow all this effort to be thrown away if playgrounds become places of influx for people of all ages, including elderly people, who interact in a very small public space".

The councillor believes that waiting until the third week of March is not a great sacrifice which is when he suggests that they could reopen.

The Department of Social Welfare, led by Tomás Ballester, together with the Torrevieja Donations Association have been praised after helping an elderly homeless man.

The man who was living in an area of Torrevieja in a made-up shack as his home was cruelly picked on by a group of unruly people.

The gang attacked his 'home' that was made of boxes of cardboard and wood by throwing stones.

Having come to the attention of the Guardia Civil the Department of Social Welfare has currently provided accommodation, food, and medical care for him.

The association 'Donations Torrevieja' provided clothes and footwear. Enquiries are ongoing in a bid to contact his family and relatives.

PAGE 20

Monday 8th - Sunday 14th March, 2021

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TORREVIEJA TO HOST NATIONAL 10,000 AND 5,000 METRES CHAMPIONSHIPS The Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) has announced that Torrevieja has been chosen as the venue for the Spanish 10,000 metres championship to be held on Saturday 10 april at the Daniel Plaza municipal athletics track. The race will see a fierce battle involving the entire squad of Spanish and Portuguese elite athletics.

The competition schedule will also feature the National Under23, 5,000 metres, the U-20 and Under-18 events, as well as the Iberian Trophy Spain-Portugal of Athletics.

Torrevieja’s Sports Councilor, Diana Box Alonso, has thanked the RFEA for their confidence in holding the events in the town a s well as her delight at having achieved this important athletics competition.

She said that the council will make every effort to ensure success as well as continuing promoting and improving all sports so that the city can continue to be a sporting reference at the national level.

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Las Ramblas Golf Society Results for w/c 1.3.21 YES, WE’RE BACK!

Friday saw us compete in a ‘Greensomes’ competition. For anyone unfamiliar with this format it is played in pairs with both players teeing off on each hole.

Having then decided between them which is the better of the two shots that ball is played alternatively until the next hole. It was another good day for Paul Brown. Partnered with Dave Pulling they won the day with a net score of 62.4.

Two teams then followed with 67 but after countback the nod went to Heinz Lei and Ron Phipps.

Pues hasta la semana que viene - Peter Reffell

Monday saw our first game back after the course had been closed for the best part of six weeks due to the latest lockdown.

We eased our way back in with a gentle ‘3-2-1 Waltzer’ and it was John & Ellen Drakesmith together with Ron Luffman and ‘Albert’ who took first place with 89 points.

With a superb net score of 58.3 Mark Western, Ron Luffman, Olga Douglas and Mike Chapman must surely have thought they had done enough to take the top slot in Wednesday’s Texas Scramble.

However with 8 birdies between them and no bogies, finishing with a fantastic net score of 55.8, the glory went to Graham Murray, Nora Betts, Paul Brown and Pete Dunn.

The other highlight of the day went to John Shervell who managed to fall out of his buggy after Bryen Neal took a sharp left turn!

Sapphire Golf Society at Vistabella on 3rd March 2021.

In association with Sapphire Properties and Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

2nd – Don Bishop - 33 points

For this month’s meeting the Sapphire Golf Society and a group of 33 players visited the established course at Vistabella taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

1st – Colin MacDonald – 36 points

This was our first meeting after lockdown and the day was enjoyed by all BUT just nice to be playing golf again.

Nearest the Pins – Probert, S, Bishop & Thursfield

Gold Division

Best Guest – Kim Dixon 40 points

1st - Keith Lowe - 33 points

After the game we returned to Edina’s Bar

Silver Division 2nd – Tony Ollier – 34 points Bronze Division 1st- Gerry Graves – 35 points 2nd – Barry Dexter - 29 points

Football Card – Kim Dixon

Igor Vinokurov is the new president of the Torrevieja Tennis Club after Antonio Tafalla decided not to stand for re-election. Igor Vinokurov moves up from Board of Directors on which he has served for a number of years.

Igor, of Russian origin, has lived in Torrevieja for many years. He is 50 years old, and runs a successful business on the Costa Blanca.

For his part, Antonio Tafalla has decided to step down after sixteen years in various committee positions at the Torrevieja Club, the last eight years as president.

During his period at the helm he has taken the Club to the highest competitive levels as well as overseeing the renovation and modernisation, developing a large gym, new tennis and paddle tennis courts, renovating the restaurant and embellishing its main entrances.

He will be a great loss to the club.

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When Heinz was asked afterwards why he preferred a buggy to a caddy he replied, ‘The buggy can’t count, criticize or laugh’.

A close 2nd, with 87, were Dave Pulling, Mike Brentnall, Ron Phipps and Benedicte Kruse.

Igor Vinokurov succeeds Tafalla as Torrevieja Tennis Club President

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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 Society Day day at Font Del Llop on the 17th March 2021 followed by the bounce game at Vistabella on the 31st March 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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Playing the 19th alone might be worth the $225 green fee at Payne's Valley.

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PAGE 21

the site with me and the project manager and said, ‘Now, on a job like this I walk the land every week checking progress, and change the work if I'm not satisfied. I’m not like these architects who come out for the groundbreaking, look at the photos and then come back for the grand opening.' I suddenly said, 'Pete look out there’s a rattlesnake!' It was a biggy, coming up the path towards us, rattling. We backed off, grabbing clumps of earth and throwing them at it, which only annoyed it. After a long five minutes standoff it slithered away.

Pete said, ‘Actually, we architects are alike, I'll see you boys at the grand opening.’ But, of course, he was back the next week.”

Deane asked Dye to design: “Three finishing holes where if someone who is trailing plays aggressively and well, he can win.” He got his wish with the 137 yd. Island green 17th, although Bob Tway, who took 12 on that hole in 2005 would probably disagree.

TAYLOR MADE SAY their new SIM2 driver is packed with the SIM technology that has been proved successful for Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm.

The SIM2 driver has Forged Ring Technology, a full carbon crown and sole, Twist Face and Thru-Slot Speed Pocket, and a milled face and Speed Injection Port which push ball speed to the threshold of the maximum legal limit. No movable weights to tinker with this time.

Still most testers say they look beautiful and sound phenomenal. although some couldn't distinguish between the SIM2 and SIM2 Max, and both drivers drove the ball just 4yds further than the 2017 M1, if that tempts you to fork out over 400 quid.

They concluded that a lot of marketing claims and hype are just that. (how shocking!)

RE-OPENED ON 6th MARCH: Payne's Valley golf course at Big Cedar Lodge Resort, Missouri. Owner Johnny Morris made the resort one of the top American golf destinations with two short and three full-length courses.

Situated in the beautiful Ozark mountains, Payne's Valley is named after local hero Payne Stewart, who died in a plane crash in 1999.

The public course designed by Tiger Woods' TGR Design Company originally opened in September 2020, when Tiger and Justin Thomas won a match against Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose.

With breathtaking views from nearly every hole, Payne's Valley also boasts The “19th a dramatic par-3 'bonus hole' with an island green under a massive 250ft limestone cliff and waterfalls.

Weary players are shuttled back to the clubhouse high above, along

a cliff-edge and through a labyrinthine natural cave system. Playing the 19th alone might be worth the $225 green fee at Payne's Valley.

RORY MCILROY, who posted a 16-under 272 in the 2019 Players Championship to defeat Jim Furyk, will return to TPC Sawgrass March 9-14 to defend his title, which he has held for two years thanks to Covid.

Although he's out of the Woods, Tiger will probably be doing more designing than playing from now on.

Rory, who is currently No. 8 in the Official WGR, has never successfully defended a title on tour. Still there's always a first time, he'll be using a SIM2 driver, which should make all the difference.

SPEAKING OF ISLAND GREENS, The Stadium Course, TPC Sawgrass has been the venue for the Players Championship since 1982. Constructed on midge-infested waterlogged ground, the palmetto undergrowth was so thick a machete was needed to cut through it.

BOB HOPE: "It’s silly to let the game get to you. When I miss a shot I just think what a beautiful day it is. Then I take a deep breath. I have to do that, it gives me the strength to break the club."

Just think of all the stress we haven't suffered these past months, it should add years to our lives.

Designer Pete Dye was a genius at seeing a site's potential. The first job was to drain the land.

Until next time – Happy golfing.

PGA Tour commissioner Deane Beman recalls: “Pete walked round

Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. 638 859 475.

GOLF COURSES AND COVID - 19

H

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

GOLF COURSES - COVID 19 SAFETY PROTOCOL All of our recent articles since the middle of January 2021 have concentrated on the closure of all golf courses in the Valencian Community as a result of measures to control the spread of the Covid-19 Corona Virus.

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

All the hard work lobbying by the Costa Blanca Golf Association paid off because the Valencian Government allowed golf courses in the Valencian Community to re-open to the public from the 1st March 2021.

This great news for local golfers but we are not yet out of the woods yet with the pandemic and the extremely slow progress with the vaccination programme means that we are all still vulnerable to the virus until later in the Summer so we all need to be careful.

Golf courses operate under a Covid-19 Safety Protocol and so in very general terms this means: Masks to be worn in all communal area’s Masks should be worn in shared buggie’s Buggies sanitised after each round.

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

€90 €98 €59 €123 €100 €180 €41 €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

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

No hugs and kisses No touching flags Holes fitted with stops to prevent ball falling to bottom of hole No rakes in bunkers No ball cleaners in operation Maintain 2 metre safe distance to other’s No cleaning golf equipment at the clubhouse.

Some golf courses are now even stating that masks must be worn at all times when playing the game.

The best way forward is to follow whatever rules are in place at the course that you are playing but as a minimum act in a way that keeps you and your playing partners safe.

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

PAGE 22

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creditable 34 pts (from 40) Bob thought he was in with a shout. ln the last vote Bob scored Cleo Rocco a 7 whilst the other 3 celebs decided to stitch up the larger than life darter and score all 10's for a winning 37.

IMPERIAL POOLS D.L. SEASON 2010 11

Pat true to his word, handed over his cash for the season and was presented with a top of the range dartboard for his generosity and to

improve his neglected ability.

Some teams amalgamated or withdrew, however four new sides were on hand to replace them. The Hub ( V. Martin ) Pint Depot Chicks ( El Galan ) Bills Live Lounge ( Los Dolses ) and Nickys Girls ( Los Dolses ). The format was extended at the AGM to facilitate a draw, both teams TO receive a point in a tight tussle.

Nine matches into the season the Rendezvous Bulls were unbeaten and enjoyed maximum points, the Meerkats (Madigans) as they were now known, a point adrift, after dropping a point to Havana bar.

Another shake up of teams with Busters (Playa Flamenca) Pint Depot Utd and Hattons (both El Galan) joining. Three games into the season, Breakaways were top and unbeaten, some 8 matches later they sat in 5th place. Rendezvous Los Toros were top, dropping just the single point, but level with Gogartys. ln October of this season, I invited Kevin Painter to sling a few exhibition darts over at Don Decades. He was more than happy to oblige, so l hand picked 14 players to take the pro on, all however were beaten over one leg of 701.

Dave Rogers was chosen as M.O.M and was invited to chance his arm again in a best of 3, 501 finale to a special evening. Kevin didn't take prisoners and duly won 2-0. As a reminder of the recently retired players capabilities, his first 2 701's were recorded in 18 and 20 darts.

League winners K.O.Cup winners Ladies Singles Mens Pairs High Finish

Madigans Meerkats Madigans Meerkats Amanda Skinner James Brown / Chris O'Brien Graham Edgar 157

R.Up R.Up R.Up R.Up

Rendezvous Los Toros Hub Hyenas Babs Warren Steph Simpson / Tracey Simpson

2011 - 2012

At this stage Rob Mc Nulty (Post at the Palms) enjoyed the best 501 (14 darts) Sam Salt had hit 2 maxis and James Elliot held the top finish on 127. Nickys Girls were bottom with a pathetic 19 legs from a possible 108.

The Bulls lost 3 and drew a further 2 over the next 8 matches, allowing the Meerkats to leapfrog their enemies to top spot. ln December of this term l instigated a barmaid of the year accolade, it was won by Lisa Griggs of the Hub, listing her fave hobbies as Origami and Knitting, but l cant find another recipient, so she remains as "BotY." ln the same month Phil Taylor was nominated for B.B.C.'s Sports Personality of the Year and we had a Teaser Corner. The question, What material was used prior to Sisal for dartboard manufacture, or bristle as commonly known. Answer Elm. League winners K.O.Cup winners Singles winner Singles winner Pairs winners

Madigans Meerkats Madigans Merrkats Sam Salt Sonya Cooper Alex Nikolov / Paul Durrant

R.Up R.Up R.Up R.Up R.Up

Rendezvous Bulls Don Decades Graham Edgar Angie Willows James Elliot / Steve Mills

2010 - 2011

SEASON 2011 12

At the A.G.M. a rule was passed to limit teams signing a maximum of 2 Federation players in the interest of fair play.

With a healthy bank balance a motion was passed to supply a free of charge, top of the range dartboard to each team, for exclusive use of Thursday darts.

Looking back in my records, l noted Bobby George had appeared in a Celebrity Come Dine With Me and being a regular hospitality cook at his home George Hall, he fancied his chances. Scoring a

Name the 6 different game shots, that can only be achieved one way. ( sequence can vary in two finishes).

Answers to simonedelacy@hotmail.co.uk

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Raymond van Barneveld got back to winning ways, by taking his 1st ranking title since 2013 ( quite a surprise eh! ), beating Joe Cullen 8-6 in the final. Despite a semi final average of 100.5 against lan White, Barny could only muster a 94.4 playing Cullen, both finalists wasting too many double darts.

Michael van Gerwen was taken out in the 1st round 6-3 by Darius Labanauskas, subsequently losing to Barny ( 105.7 ) 6-1 in the top 16. Gerwen Price retired from Series 1 with an ear infection, in readiness for the following U.K.Open.

Top average on day 3, James Wade 114.15 in a 6-0 drubbing of Daniel Larsson. Crowd favourite, when there is one, Mensur Suljovic used 9 perfect darts, 177,180,144 in his 6-5 defeat of Peter Hudson.

DAY THREE

DAY FOUR

Jonny Clayton (97.7) just had the edge over Damon Heta (96.4) 8-6, in winning the closing day of Super Series 1.

Heta had taken Peter Wrights scalp in the last 16, with a 106.04, Clayton overcoming Jose de Sousa 6-4 at the same stage, despite a tasty 104.9 from de Jonny Sousa.

Clayton Heta must have thought it was his day as MvG was brushed aside 7-3 in the semi, with a 100.5.

Last weeks winner Gail Murray, who correctly answered, Rugby (union/league) as the other sport in which Gerwyn Price attained pro status.

PRO

Bob Smith (Dannys Bar) and Gail Murray (C.C.'s Flyers) recent winners of the O.W.S. competition, with their Tungsten dart prizes.

** After conclusion of S.Series 1, Clayton leads the Order of Merit table with £24,250, 2nd Cullen £19,000, 3rd Callen Rydz £12,500.

** Clayton also topped the maxi table with a stunning 70, 2nd Cullen on 63 and 3rd with only 50 was Dirk van Duijvenbode. ** Gabriel Clemens amassed the most ton plus outs with 15 ( best 150 ).

** Best overall tourney ave.

Joe Murnan 98.84. ** How's this for a little piece of MvG history playing Rob Cross in the 2016 U.K.Open. MvG finished off the 9th leg with 177 and a 170 out. The 10th leg was a 9 darter 180,180,141.The 11th leg was a 12 starting with 177 and ending on a 170. The 2 dodgy throws in the 11th really messing up his average.

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Late snooker star Willie Thorne’s cue sold in aid of 20-20 Voice Cancer Former Villamartin based late snooker star Willie Thorne's lifetime cue has been sold by auction that will benefit 20-20 Voice Cancer charity, which Willie was patron.

"Willie's cue was successfully auctioned for The 20-20 Voice cancer charity," Willie's wife Jill Saxby exclusively told The Leader after the cue went under public auction.

"Willie played all his life with his one and only cue, from the age of 14," added Jill, who took place of Willie as Patron of 20-20 Voice Cancer following his death last year.

"His cue went for auction to raise funds for his charity of choice - 20-20 Voice Cancer. Money raised will help early diagnosis of this little known cancer, that affects so many," said Jill.

An opening bid of £2,000 was made for the cue, with the hammer going down for an undisclosed sum.

Former Miss Great Britain Jill Saxby became the Patron of 20-20 Voice Cancer, following the passing of Patron Willie Thorne on June 17, 2020.

Willie died, aged 66, from septic shock in Torrevieja Hospital, after receiving chemotherapy treatment for leukaemia. He moved to Villamartin in 2019 with Jill.

A Memorial service was held in Orihuela Costa on June 24, attended by his children, daughter Tahli and twin sons Tristan and Kieran, at the Cristo Resucitado Church. His ashes were later flown to

Racing San Miguel return to training

By Andrew Atkinson Racing San Miguel returned back to training after the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions following a ban on both games and training.

"The first team returned to three nights training in the first week of March," said a spokesperson from the Valencia (FFCV) 1st Regional Group 10 club.

Racing's Dani O'Rourke is awaiting to undergo an MRI scan after sustaining injury that has kept him

the UK. "We are delighted that Jill has decided to favour our charity for she knows only too well the depths of despair that cancer can bring, having been a full time Speech and Language Therapist.

"Sadly, Willie passed away last year and Jill kindly took over as Patron," said a spokesperson from 2020 Voice Cancer.

"It was no surprise WT's lifelong cue has now gone to a good home - for a tidy sum, which I am not liberty to divulge.

"For all those that took part in the public auction I thank you very much. All monies raised are being donated to the charity by Jill Thorne and we thank her for that.

"A major piece of snooker history that went to the highest bidder. A magical Mr147 cue, that has made in excess of 190 maximum breaks," added the 20-20 Voice Cancer Charity spokesperson.

Speaking exclusively to The Leader, Jill said: "The cue was Willie's fourteenth birthday present and the case was specially made.

"He played every time with the same cue, winning the first Seniors Masters tournament final gainst Cliff Thorburn at the private member's RAC Club in London.

CAN ESCRIBÁ REALLY TURN ELCHE AROUND

"Willie also won the Mercantile Credit in 1985 with the cue and played with it at the World Championship at The Crucible in Sheffield over the years.

"Willie took it everywhere - the cue has travelled all over the world."

sidelined.

Dani, who is continuing rehabilitation, told The Leader: "I'm still working to get back as soon as possible, but I'm still waiting for them to call me to do an MRI on my knee."

Clubs are waiting to hear when they can return to the field of play after the postponement to date of nine league fixtures of the 2020-21 season since the lockdown.

"We cannot welcome the public in the training sessions and we are awaiting for the Valencian Football Federation to communicate dates for the return of the competitions," added the spokesperson.

SUDUKO SOLUTION From From page 14

Willie took it everywhere he went. The cue has travelled all over the world.

Racing San Miguel coach Dani Pèrez Williscroft.

TRIVEA QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 14:

While it wasn't a great performance from Elche, it was certainly good enough as they took advantage of a weakened Sevilla side that was missing a number of key players (Kounde, Carlos, Fernando, Jordan) to inflict a third consecutive defeat on the Rojiblancos in the last seven days.

Meanwhile, in just his third game in charge since replacing Jorge Almiron 3 weeks ago, the returning Fran Escribá would already seem to be working yet another of those miracles that are now becoming almost common place at the Martínez Valero.

1995, 14. A perfect 10, 15. Six answers -

This is a team that in just a few short days has gone from aimlessly meandering around the field to grinding down the opposition, something they did yet again on Saturday with a determined and dogged display against their fourth placed opponents.

Lawrence of Arabia, Patton, Amadeus, Ghandi, Schindler's List and Shakespeare in

1. Alibi, 2. Republic of Haiti (Canada is not a

Love, 16. Pakistan, 17. Anne Boleyn and

republic and French Guiana is an overseas

Catherine Howard, 18. Indira Gandhi, 19.

region of France), 3. Tricolore, 4. Kamikaze,

Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and President

5. Luka ('My name is Luka', Suzanne Vega),

Richard Nixon, 20. The Haçienda (Fac 51

6. Roots, 7. As an airship dock, 8. Da Vinci's

Haçienda, to give it it's full name). FYI: Rob

Mona Lisa, 9. 1990, 10. Theatre or acting,

Gretton was the manager of Joy Division

11. Curacao, 12. Phalange (Falange), 13.

and New Order. 21. The Woodstock Festival

After a goal less first period, a penalty from Raúl Guti followed by Carrillo’s headed goal, awarded

by VAR, were enough to claim the three points although the home side did suffer a late scare when De Jong pulled on back in the first minute of added time.

The win lifts Elche two points clear of the relegation zone for the first time this year

PAGE 24

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