The Leader Newspaper 02 April 24 – Edition 1017

WEA WEA THER

F THER F AILS TO DAMPEN AILS TO DAMPEN ORIHUELA ORIHUELA ’S HOL ’S HOL Y WEEK Y WEEK

Holy Week in Orihuela is one of the most outstanding religious and cultural spectacles in Spain. It was granted the status of International Tourist Interest back in 2010 and has a series of remarkable features that make it unique with the Holy Entombment procession (Holy burial of Christ) on Holy Saturday a highlight of the week, where the Caballero Cubierto (the Covered Knight) is given the privilege of carrying a black banner bearing town’s motto, during the oldest Easter Week procession.

Nominated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, it is possibly the most distinctive procession during Orihuela’s Holy Week, as it represents official mourning, during which the entire local government takes part.

This is the procession that many residents eagerly look forward to every year. The reason is that the world famous statue 'The triumph of the cross' also called La Diablesa or the 'She devil' (a cross that sits on a globe, flanked by a skeleton to one side, and a devil with breasts, on the other), as it is carried through the streets, a work of art that dates back to 1696 and is so special, with its deep alchemical representation, that it is extensively featured every year on news bulletins across the whole of Spain.

With sombre respect and reflection, Orihuela silently welcomed the Holy Entombment parade like a painful mantilla, with sadness, but also with hope for the rising of Christ on Easter Sunday, in an experience that was full of faith, devotion, tradition and art.

Men dressed in morning coats and women in black mantilla dresses paraded through the streets and into the Cathedral, with all levels of Oriola society taking part.

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ORIHUELA HOLY WEEK

This was the only procession organised by the Orihuela Council, an ancient tradition that has been maintained since the 17th century.

To the sounds of drum rolls, horns and solemn hymns, starting at the Church of Saints Justa and Rufina, the celebrants paraded to the Cathedral of the Savior and Saint Mary, led by the Covered Knight, a figure that symbolises all the virtues of which Orihuela feels proud, being the most prominent character of the entire Holy Week.

This year the position was held by Antonio Martínez-Canales, wearing the characteristic tailcoat with a top hat, and carrying the black velvet mourning banner.

Martínez-Canales made the traditional walk through the vaults of the Cathedral with the black banner in hand, until he reached the altar, where the bishop, José Ignacio Munilla, was waiting for him to perform the protocol greeting to the person who holds the highest distinction

of Holy Week.

Orihuela Passion Week, despite interruptions caused by the weather, the most recent being Easter Sunday, is a unique experience.

Hundreds of years of Spanish history, the visual experience of the bright colours of the robes of the Nazarenes, the spectacular thrones; the smell of incense, the sound of the "twin" trumpets during the day and the Song of the Passion in the pitch dark of night.

But also the experience of honouring the extraordinary works of the great sculptor Francisco Salzillo, among many others, the face of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, patron of the city, that the message of Jesus Christ brings to us all.

Footnote:

The Covered Knight of Orihuela is one of the most characteristic appointments of the city. Made annually, this position dates back to 1750 and grants the designated person the privilege of not removing their hat inside a church or in front of the monarch.

P O E T R Y C O R N E R ‘ENOUGH’

By David Whitney 2024

These days nothing is sacred

TV Adverts see to that

From Incontinence to Haemorrhoids

To the worming of your cat

You've problems with your waterworks

Do we really need to know

But if you wear protection pads

You can just let it 'all go'

Or if you've bedroom problems

And the little man won't rise

Hot foot it to your nearest 'Boots'

They've got tablets for us guys

Now if you're menopausal

There's a shampoo just for you

I don't know what is in it

Or what the hell it's meant to do

But TV adverts spread the word

There's nothing that's taboo

They even show folk knickers down

And sitting on the loo

Condoms, tampons, it's all there

Pile creams and lubrication

I cringe sometimes it seems so set

On embarrassing the nation

I'm not a prude but really

Do we need to see such stuff

Maybe one day they'll go too far

And we'll say enough's enough!

RIGHT: Popularly known as La Diablesa, the only devil that goes out in procession during Holy Week.

It is not allowed to enter the church, so when the faithful and members of the brotherhoods enter, it has to wait outside.

BELOW: In Torrevieja, since 2006, the Paseo of the Brotherhood of Our Father Jesus in Prayer in the Garden of Olives has been carried by brothers who are, predominently, expats.

Lack of Beach Bars costs Orihuela 2 million euros

Holy week is now behind us, and despite assurances from the council earlier in the year the 11 Orihuela Costa beaches have been without their popular chirunguitos, while the other services such as walkways and toilets were provided with days to spare.

The beach bar contract, which includes umbrellas and sunbeds, expired in January of last year. The PPand Vox government team put it out to tender in November for an amount of 2.5 million euros for a period of four years, establishing a minimum annual fee of 641,858 euros, with the intention that they would be operational by Easter, but we all know how that ended up.

The large number of bids, and the fact that it was divided into five lots, including water sports, have delayed the process, so much so

that in the 15 months in which the beach bars have remained closed, the Orihuela Council has lost around 2 million euros in earnings.

At the moment, lots 4 and 5 have been awarded to CafÈ OlÈ & Friends and Recreativos Acu·ticos Horadada respectively; that is, those corresponding to the beach bar, hammocks and umbrellas on the beaches of La Glea, Barranco Rubio and Mil Palmeras (179,695 euros) and the nautical facilities in Cala Bosque and La Glea (37,466 euros).

Still pending signature are lot 1, which corresponds to Punta Prima, Cala Mosca and Cala Estaca (79,708 euros) and the most attractive lots 2 (Cala Cerrada, Cala Bosque and Cala Capit·n for 239,663 euros) and 3 (La Caleta and Aguamarina ( 105,324).

The forecast is that they too will be formally awarded during this coming week, if there are no setbacks. Thereafter, the start-up will depend on the capacity and interests of each company in setting their beach bars up.

ORIHUELA RELEASES FURTHER DETAILS OF BUDGET BREAKDOWN

Following confirmation of the 2024 Orihuela budget, agreed just over a week ago at a special plenary meeting of the municipal council, more details have now been released with regard to its breakdown.

The new budget for the financial year totals 140,534,089.19 euros, compared to 80,384,314.99 euros when it was last set in 2018. That represents an increase in both income and expenditure of 60,149,774.20 euros, a percentage of 74.83%.

After running costs, the largest amount in the difference is that of Real Investments which amount to 40,933,211.67 euros of which we now have an itemisation of how it will all be spent.

Of the 40.9 million euros, the figure is divided into 22.4 million for the city and districts (53.3%), 12.6 for the coast (30%) and 6.8 for miscellaneous services that will benefit the municipality as a whole (16.4%).

Whilst the amount allocated to the coast is far from ideal, with many residents thinking that it is still not enough, arguing that it should be equal to the percentage allocated to the city and districts, after the perceived abandonment over many years, the figure and its breakdown has been largely met with nods of approval and some degree of satisfaction by coastal bodies and associations.

On its Facebook page AVCRL says that ‘this is great news for the municipality, that is in dire need of funds to renovate its basic, insufficient, outdated and failing infrastructure after six years of not approving a budget’.

The largest investment in the entire municipality is to be made on the coast, the new drinking water tank at a cost of 2.8 million. There is the promise of a walkway over the AP-7 (1.3 million) and a new civic centre and auditorium are also planned (1,1 million).

With each specific item costing over a million euros, the coast is promised the replacement of trees and palm trees, new urban furniture and improved access walkways to beaches, together with the tarmacking of many of its roads.

There will be half a million euros spent on the renovation and replacement of public lighting, the acquisition and installation of three new lifts for access to the beaches at Punta Prima, La Caleta and Barranco Rubio, to provide accessibility for people with reduced mobility, will cost 250,000 euros,

while 440,000 euros will be spent on public toilet modules on promenades and areas permanently attached to the beaches.

The amount of 600,000 euros is also ringfenced to expropriate the land currently owned by the Bellavista urbanisation in order to reopen the walkway between Cabo Roig and Aguamarina.

Also included is the second phase in the construction of the Orihuela Costa Emergency Centre costing 1.1 million, despite the fact that the first phase is still only partially in use.

What is still missing however, is a cemetery, the stormwater master plan, the Aguamarina storm tank, including a solution for the regular flooding of the children’s park, an overnight parking area for motorhomes, a Day Centre, an industrial estate, the construction of social housing, improvements to the areas sporting facilities and the reorganization of the bus stops, all of which appeared in the PP's election manifesto. With the actual number of inhabitants (around 100,000) and the severe deterioration of coastal infrastructure AVCRL has said that the percentage of the monies allocated should be around 50% of the total budget, however the 13 million euros allocated is, nevertheless, an important window of opportunity to improve the infrastructure on the coast.

As the budget is unlikely to be available to spend until well into May or June, just six months before the end of the year for bidding, awarding and getting projects underway, priorities will have to be set based on neighbourhood demands and the capacity of the Contracting Department to put the contracts in place, starting with the approval of the budget right through until the end of the year.

Image courtesy of AVCRL

2024 Campaign to Protect the Kentish Plover on La Mata Beaches

Adopting conservation measures for endangered fauna in urban environments, such as La Mata beach, is an important challenge that has borne fruit for many years.

Now the Torrevieja Town Hall has once again launched its campaign to protect the Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus), one of the most endangered bird species in the country and whose nesting populations experience a successive decline year after year.

In Torrevieja it breeds mainly in the Natural Park of the lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja, but a few pairs also choose the dune system of the Paraje Natural Municipal "Molino del Agua", located on the beach of La Mata, the most important beach in the city.

The main threat to nests in this dune system is the presence of unleashed dogs and crowds of people. For this reason, every year a wooden and rope fence is erected to try to free up a strip of beach for the kentish plovers, allowing them to use the rest of the beach. But even so, if there are loose dogs running on the beach or trespassing on the fence, the birds do not manage to build their nests.

Adopting conservation measures for endangered fauna in urban environments, such as La

Mobile phone boost

for Santa Pola

Mobile telephone operators Telefónica, Vodafone and Orange have announced that during the next few weeks they will carry out the implementation of new generation mobile telephone services, 4G and 5G, in Santa Pola, on the 800 and 700 MHz bands, which will allow mobile phone users to enjoy high-speed mobile connections with better coverage inside buildings and with a greater geographic extension.

To guarantee the compatibility of the new technology with digital terrestrial television (DTT), Llega700 is the group launched by the operators to solve any impact on the reception of the television signal.

The deployment is framed in the provisions of Royal Decree 579/2019, from which the frequencies between 694 and 790 MHz (UHF channels 49 to 60) were released for the reception of Digital Terrestrial Television, a process also known as the Second Digital Dividend. From then on, these frequencies were assigned to mobile telephone operators to provide their new generation mobile telephone services.

Mata beach, is an important challenge. However, little can be done without the collaboration of the public: users of La Mata beach in its central area should avoid invading the fenced areas and reduce the presence of dogs, which, if brought, should always be kept on a leash and should walk as close to the shore as possible.

The experience accumulated by the Torrevieja Town Council in the practical management of Kentish Plover nesting events on the coastline of its municipality has allowed the adoption of procedures and strategies which, once their effectiveness has been proven, could be used in other stretches of the coastline of the Valencian Community with similar characteristics. Such actions are part of the collaboration between the Torrevieja City Council, the Regional Ministry for the Environment, Water, Infrastructures and Territory, and the Provincial Coastal Service in Alicante.

The Marina Bar in Torrevieja was packed on Friday night as members of the Torrevieja u3a poured in for a delicious french themed meal.

After it was finished and cleared away the audience was entertained with an interesting talk given by Dave McCall who, as his alter ego Dave Emsworth, has written many historical novels.

We were taken back in time to World War 2 where he told us stranger than fiction stories that are featured in his "A Betrayal Of Heroes" novel and also informed us how, many countries, including Spain, played important parts in bringing the war to a conclusion.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and thanks must go to our Social Events Club and the Marina bar for hosting the event.

Auditorium on Saturday 13th April, featuring performances, shows, raffles, music, and more.

COUNTDOWN TO EL RASO PARTY U3A GO CONTINENTAL

The El Raso area of Guardamar del Segura is gearing up for their neighbourhood party, a celebration to which everyone is invited to get involved and have fun, which will be taking place between 11 and 14 April 2024.

The event offers fun, food, community, and even a place for your pets to get involved (by

‘pets’ we mean dogs of course, because, let’s face it, most cats would just shrug their shoulders and say, “yeah, whatever!”).

Food fans can participate in the International Tapas Route, which takes place on Thursday 11th and Friday 12th April (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), with a cost of 3 for a tapa and drink in any of the participating restaurants: Manolo, Don Pepe, El Bar, Stan and Ollies, Chillies Indian El Raso, Legends Bar, Med Bar, O’Briens Bar, Los Rosales, and Patagonia Steak House.

Then the big party at Campo de Guardamar

Finally, the dog show and artisan market takes place on Sunday 14th April (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the Campo de Guardamar Auditorium. The SAT Animal Rescue group will benefit from the event, with the usual categories for bestest boys and girls, and their human companions even eligible for a prize, and fancy dress (it is unclear if that is the dog or the human, so best you both dress up to cover all eventualities). The artisan market has 20 stalls selling hand-made goods, & cakes.

The Campo de Guardamar Auditorium is located on the CV895, commonly referred to as the Lemon Tree road, which connects the CV-905 Torrevieja to Quesada road with Guardamar at Moncayo.

A rope fence has been erected to protect the nesting birds

miracle at le fe hospital

The operation was performed by more than thirty staff, consisting of two complete surgical teams

The Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe in Valencia has successfully performed, for the first time in Spain, a surgical procedure to remove a cardiac tumour from a baby still in the mothers womb.

It was a rare cardiac tumour known as pericardial teratoma that was diagnosed in the 24th week of pregnancy (five and a half months) and that was spreading aggressively, compressing the heart and neighbouring structures, therefore, threatening the life of the baby and the mother.

Doctors initially decided on intrauterine management with obstetrics performing techniques to relieve tumour compres-

sion in order for the baby to complete weeks of gestation and avoid premature birth.

In week 28 of gestation, that is, at six and a half months, it was then decided to extract the baby by caesarean section, weighing only 900 grams.

According to Raquel Escrig, head of the Neonatology section, “the complexity of the procedure, due to the characteristics of the tumour, meant that the patient could die immediately after cutting the umbilical cord that held her to the mother, so "We had to keep it attached to the placenta while the patient was stabilised and the surgical procedure

began." This is the technique known as EXIT (Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment).

The operation was performed by more than thirty professionals, consisting of two complete surgical teams: one for the mother with obstetric anesthesiology and specialists in obstetrics and gynecology; and the second for the baby, with neonatology, pediatric anesthesiology, pediatric surgery, pediatric cardiology and children's cardiac surgery, in the same operating room.

For several days, the surgery was studied and rehearsed, recreating the scenario through clinical simulation. It is the first time that this type of operation has ever been carried out in Spain.

After the caesarean section, the baby girl was kept alive thanks to the placental assistance provided by her mother. Sonia Garcés, specialist in pediatric anesthesiology at La Fe Hospital, explained that “this is an exceptional case because it was a premature baby. There are few reports in the scientific literature of children who, at such an early stage, have survived this type of cardiac tumour without complications." The patient required further surgery two months later by the pediatric surgery services, pediatric cardiac surgery, pediatric anesthesiology and the Pediatric Intensive Care and Resuscitation Unit to remove remains of the tumour that had grown again. After two cycles of chemotherapy in children's oncology at Hospital La Fe, the patient is now free of the disease.

According to the manager of Hospital La Fe, José Luis Poveda, “the coordination and experience of the professionals at our hospital have been the key to the success of this operation. "This was a very complex challenge that represents a fundamental milestone in the treatment of cardiac tumours in premature babies."

TORREVIEJA IDENTIFIES THE TEN AREAS WITH THE HIGHEST MOSQUITO RISK.

The mosquito is part of the environment of the municipality of Torrevieja. It will never be eradicated. It lived in the salt marshes many centuries before the arrival of holiday townhouses, and it will still be there many years after most have them have gone.

However, the municipality can prevent mosquito infestations from getting out of control after episodes of torrential rain, that are followed by high temperatures.

The Council has now identified the ten areas with the highest risk of mosquito outbreaks, based on years of experience in the battle against the insect.

The identification is designed to be especially relevant to the awarding of the new pest control contract, which is costing almost half a million euros over the next five years.

TORREVIEJA LAGOON

The irrigation areas located are in the flooded expanses between the CV-905 and the shores of the pink lagoon, which include the urbanisations (and their green areas) of El Limonar, Punta de la Víbora and the different phases of Las Torretas; or the flooded areas located between the N-332 and the shore of the Torrevieja lagoon.

Also included are the areas where rainwater can accumulate between the CV-95 and the Torrevieja lagoon, including the Lago Jardín, Villa Sol and Los Balcones urbanisations.

Likewise, the area configured by the salt canal between the N-332 and Avda Gregorio Marañón Avenue, with Estación park and the Rincón del Salinero Park.

The same occurs with the areas around the Doña Sinforosa, Islas Canarias, San Roque and Rincón de Asturias parks.

Finally, the drains around the La Libertad and Vistalegre promenades, where the main stormwater collection infrastructures of the urban area converge, are noted as

being especially problematic areas.

HEALTH CENTRES

Outside of this top 10, but still included in the areas needing preferential treatment, are the cemeteries of Torrevieja and La Mata, and for health reasons the Hospital of Torrevieja, located next to the lagoon, as well as the Acequión health centres, La Loma, San Luis, La Mata, and Patricio Pérez.

TORRENTIAL RAINS AND BIOLOGICAL METHODS

The new contract incorporates two important conditions, in addition to special attention to the impact of pesticides in the natural park, when there is rainfall of more than 20 Liters per square metre, the winning company must establish widespread campaigns. And the company must also incorporate a project to promote biodiversity in comprehensive pest treatment, prioritising the recovery of those species that fundamentally feed on mosquitoes: bats, the main allies of human populations in this battle.

SPECIAL SENSITIVITY IN THE NATURAL PARK

The Council has also included a large section in the specifications outlining and explaining the measures that must be adopted when spraying in the Lagunas Natural Park.

It states that the area is characterised by the great diversity of fauna, flora and ecological processes of enormous environmental interest, and is designated a Place of Community Interest and Area of Special Protection for Birds from the Natura 2000 network of the European Union.

It states that, due to its close relationship with the town centre, particularly in the different urbanisations that surround it, it is necessary to control any mosquito outbreaks.

This must be done using environmental criteria that allow the impacts to be minimized, also maximizing the well-being of the residents who live nearby.

The service company must be especially cautious with those areas of environmental interest included in the scope of the Natural Resources Management Plan of the protected area, such as the ponds of the Torrevieja irrigation channel, and process authorisations before the Department of the Environment.

Exceptionally, if it is necessary to spray during bird nesting season, the management of the Natural Park must be informed, with any guidelines established becoming mandatory.

QUIP BY TORREVIEJA MAYOR ON ORIHUELA COSTA MISMANAGEMENT

“Torrevieja is always better,and so is its municipal management”.This is what Mayor Eduardo Dolón (PP) says,someone who rarely misses the opportunity to make it known.

He made the remark on Tuesday during the Plenary session of the council,in response to a request from the Sueña spokesman,Pablo Samper,who questioned the state of the urban service buses that the Council has been using,provided by Avanza,for over a decade without a

contract.

Unfortunately,the images presented by Samper to support his claims were of an Avanza minibus operating in Orihuela Costa.

Dolon was quick to point out the oversight,saying,“Indeed,yes,I can see it.But there appears a sign in the photo from the Orihuela Council." He added," I don’t think we have responsibility for Playa Flamenca just yet."

He went on to say,"However,there are many residents of Orihuela Costa that I meet who tell me that they wish the Torrevieja City Council had the responsibility of managing their services". Perhaps then realising that his words could be interpreted as a slight on the management of Orihuela Costa by his party colleague and mayor,of what is the historic capital of the region,Pepe Vegara, he clarified: "That is not the case.We can transfer it to the mayor of Orihuela."

The declaration by Torrevieja’s Mayor Dolon will be welcomed by many resi-

dents of the Orihuela Costa,who are fed up with their own council,taking into account that the majority vote in the recent municipal and district boards was obtained by an independence party.

This is an Oriolano City Council whose main headquarters is more than 30 kilometres,a council that still has not done something as simple and symbolic as hold a plenary session in its coastal town hall. We must wonder what the mayor and his colleagues would have thought of the Torrevieja leaders’words in the Orihuela City Council.

Dolon, left, considers the Municipal Management of Torrevieja to be much better than that of Orihuela Costa

‘WHEN GOD MADE THEM, HE MATCHED THEM!’

Isn’t Yulia Navalnay an extraordinary woman?

Within hours of her husband being cruelly murdered by Vladimir Putin, Yulia, showing the same bravery and resolve, had stepped into Alexi’s shoes. The fact that Mrs Navalnay had stayed out of the limelight during their 23 year marriage, makes the story all the more remarkable.

‘When God made them, he matched them’, the old people used say – and when you think about it; who can argue but that God is spot on most of the time! Evidently he matches the bad as well as the good … or maybe Satan looks to his own. We’ll tell you about the bad further down; but first let us marvel at some of the great ones that God got right! Barack Obama found Michelle – or was it the other way round? They met whilst still at college and it was love at first sight. Michelle passionately believed that her husband was destined for greatness and she supported him all the way to becoming president of the United States. President Obama and his First Lady are one of the most famous couples in history. Michelle is said to be the most popular woman in America today.

This writer is far from being a fan of royalty –but when they don’t bother me, I leave them alone. We have a ‘live and let live’ understanding. Despite what any of the rest of you might be saying about Princess Kate at the moment, I think she is fabulous. Prince William is a good guy too. The Prince and Princess of Wales are so incredibly well matched and time will show that they did their realm some good.

If Johnny Cash hadn’t met June Carter, his life would have spiralled out of control. This iconic couple influenced a generation of country music and are one of music’s most enduring and endearing couples. They were married for 35 years and when June died, Johnny

never slept in the marital bed again and he soon followed her up above – to where they tell us, some marriages are made.

Coretta Scott was a civil rights activist in college. It was there and then that she met Martin Luther King Jnr. Martin fell head over heels for Coretta and proposed to her on their second date. Martin got more of the spotlight during their civil rights campaign, but his wife was there by his side supporting him and their cause. The Kings are regarded as one of America’s most historical couples.

These are all examples of like-minded couples being drawn towards each other. Whether are not they are guided by the hand of the Almighty, is debatable; but nobody can argue but that they are well matched.

Now, on the other side of the coin, we have to look at the union of couples that surely must have been overseen from hell.

I like to watch true-crime documentaries on TV sometimes. I am regularly dumbfounded at how evil individuals are drawn to each other in order to become an evil couple.

Myra Hindley is rightly regarded as Britain’s evilest woman. What perverted sort of magnet drew Ian Brady into her embrace and allowed this satanic couple to torture and murder innocent children?

Likewise, Fred and Rose West, who brutally mass-murdered nine innocent human beings. ’25 Cromwell St.’ is etched into the brains of the British people. It was in the back garden that the remains of this vile couple’s horror spree were dug up. One of the victims was their own daughter.

Probably the most infamous criminal couple of all time was ‘Bonnie and Clyde’. Their criminal campaign became somewhat romanticised, but this is wrong thinking. It should never be overlooked that this cowardly and

callous couple shot dead 13 people – including 2 police officers doing their job.

We have covered the good and the bad here, giving you a few examples of how similarly minded people are drawn to each other. But it is not only the rich and famous who fall into all of the above categories. Look around and you will see how the ordinary, every-day people you meet are most often like two peas in a pod.

On the one hand are nice couples of all ages, who complement each other as both have a kind word and a helping hand for those

B£RBARASOLER APPOINTED TO PSPV-PSOE'S EXECUTIVE

Following the recent resignation of Ximo Puig,Diana Morant has been appointed Secretary General of the PSPV-PSOE.Her election was confirmed at the PSPV-PSOE's Extraordinary Congress held in Benicàssim, where she took no time in adding the name of Torrevieja’s Bárbara Soler,to her Executive.

With this appointment,the PSOE Torrevieja will once again have a voice and a vote in the main socialist body of power in the Valencian Community.

Soler will lead the Secretariat of the Area of

around them.

Then you have a minority of couples who find each other through their common sourness and hatred of others. They love the chip they choose to carry on their shoulder. As time goes on, they are cemented closer together through the glue of jealousy and begrudgery.

I suppose when God made us all – and gave us a free will, he had to match us somehow!

DON’T FORGET

You can save yourself from anyone except a liar. (Uncle Paddy)

Foreign Residents, a challenge that she faces with great responsibility and great desire,especially because this area has a special importance in Torrevieja,where there are more than 120 different nationalities living in the city and in which the foreign population reaches almost half of the number of registered rsidents.

Torrevieja asked to clamp down on Unregulated tourist rentals

Tourist accommodation websites offer thousands of homes that are not included in the registry managed by the Generalitat Valenciana.The main platforms are Airbnb,Booking and Vrbo.

Whilst the final two remove advertisements for homes that are not registered, but only when the Administration demands it,Airbnb,based in the United States,does not respond to such requests.

Just days after the National Institute of Statistics published data showing that Torrevieja had more than 6,300 registered tourist apartments and 26,829 beds, the opposition party,Sueña Torrevieja has requested that the Torrevieja City Council take action to control such "clandestine" and "fraudulent " rental properties.

The statistics show an increase of 16% in a single year,where it is now said that by offering them through the internet,more than 60,000 homes are being marketed for holiday rentals in conjunction with their private use by the owner.

The Urban Planning department authorises dozens of municipal compatibility certificates for the use of flats as tourist apartments,which is one of the requirements required by Valencian legislation.

However,in Torrevieja it is very difficult for municipal staff to deny these requests as the current PP local government has

Panto Auditions for 2024 are Done

and Dusted!

The Rojales Pantomime Group recently held auditions in preparation for their 2024 pantomime,Dick Whittington.

A number of enthusiastic auditionees gave their all to secure the role they wanted and as a result,an entertaining time was had by all those involved.

Competition was stiff and the panel faced a very difficult decision.

After much deliberation - the wealth of talent in the group was certainly outstanding - the panel agreed on the cast list and all the auditionees were notified.

As this pantomime draws on a large cast, everyone who applied was given a role or in some cases,multiple roles.

Soon after the auditions,the group also enjoyed a well organised social event in the form of 10 pin bowling followed by lunch.

Of course,the panto and upcoming read through dominated a very cheerful and excitable afternoon.

Pantomime is a very traditional,British

The Hotel Industry is putting increasing pressure on councils to ‘better control’ private rental accommodation

already stated that it is not going to impose,for the moment,any limit.

The objective of the Sueña Torrevieja motion is to confirm that the different apartments for tourist use that are currently being marketed through the different platforms "are not clandestine, and that the activities are regulated,and comply with the legal requirements."

Sueña has asked the Council to draft an ordinance on the control of "fraudulent apartments",that are available through

form of theatre and this classic story of Dick Whittington contains no end of humorous lines,slapstick comedy,singing and dancing and a Cat with lots of Cattitude! We are always looking for new members to join our happy crew and the planning is now being put in place for extra hands to help with building and painting of scenery, making props,helping backstage,etc. Should you wish to join the group,please email: rojalespanto@yahoo.com.

You will receive a warm welcome!

rental platforms so that they do not escape the control of the Administration and, above all,fiscal surveillance.

Drinking water supply replaced in Rafal

Rafal Council has reported the end of the works carried out for the renewal and improvement of connections to the drinking water supply network in Calles Juan Carlos I, Juan Ramón Jiménez and adjacent streets in the town.

The mayor, Manuel Pineda, visited the área along with technical staff of the Provincial Council to inspect the works, included in the aid plan for the conditioning of hydraulic infrastructures of the municipality.

The Alicante Province contributed 96,000 of the 153,342.70 euros that it cost to carry out the work, the remaining 57,342 euros paid by the council.

The councillor for Works and Services, Jesús Manuel Ramón Bas, said that, “the service will now provide a solution to the frequent water cuts that were a problem for the homes located in the streets". The ongoing work also allowed improvements in accessibility and the widening of pavements in this area of the town.

AIRPORT STAFF MAINTAIN PARTIAL STRIKES

The works council of the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport has decided to maintain the partial strikes scheduled from March 28 to September 1, after not having reached an agreement with the company, which it has accused of refusing to sit down to negotiate" in the arbitration court.

The Works Council said that the strikes will be for one hour in the morning (8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.) and another hour in the afternoon (6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.).

BATTLE OF THE SPANISH BANKS

BBVA's share price has more than trebled since late 2020, narrowing its valuation gap to Santander and highlighting a divergence in fortunes between the Spanish banks that may be short-lived. However, Santander emerged as the dominant bank in Spain with more than twice the assets of BBVA and, until very recently, a far larger market capitalisation. But the gap has narrowed from 20 billion euros ($22 billion) three years ago to around 5.5 billion euros now.

CPR INSTRUCTION IN MONTESINOS SCHOOL

Schoolchildren at the Virgen del Pilar de Los Montesinos School have undergone CPR training, a health initiative that aims to teach students how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The first sessions of this workshop were undertaken by 4th, 5th and 6th grade students, who were shown the basic procedures of how to act in an emergency and how to save lives.

These workshops were carried out by staff from the municipality's Medical Office.

‘SAN MIGUEL ARCÁNGEL’ WANT FREE AP-7 TOLL WHILE NEW CV-95 BRIDGE IS BUILT.

The Neighbourhood Association of "San Miguel Arcángel" has submitted a proposal to the San Miguel council and the Generalitat to reduce traffic problems that the construction of a new bridge on CV-95 will cause in Lo Quiles. In order to cause the least possible impact on the internal urban traffic of San Miguel de Salinas,the Association requests the construction of a bypass parallel to the current CV-95 bridge.

This measure uses the street of the SUS-A urbanisation without encroaching into the urban area.

It is something that they consider "feasible and

economical because the area is currently uninhabited and the road in question is never used. The detour would see traffic diverted along wide,paved streets that are in pristine condition.

The Association has also requested that during the period of the work,traffic is decongested

on the CV-95 by diverting it onto the AP-7 motorway in Vistabella,at the intersection of the CV-95 with the CV-945 "with the removal of the toll" on a temporary basis for all the workers who use the CV-95 daily,10,000 averagepassage vehicles daily,a measure that is unlikely to be agreed by the concessionaire,Ausur.

MOVES TO REINTRODUCE BULLFIGHTING TO ORIHUELA

The Orihuela bullring will have a second life years after its controversial partial demolition and rehabilitation.

A group of bullfighting fans are promoting, together with the City Council, the creation of a social club and museum of the history of bullfighting in Orihuela next to the bullring on Calle Obispo Rocamora.

The name of the association about to be founded is the Asociación de Aficionados Prácticos de Orihuela and its president is to be the former Oriolano bullfighter Mariano Marín.

Promoted by former members of the extinct bullfighting club on Calle de la Acequia (closed for more than a year), its objective is to return the hope of bullfighting in the city.

The intention is to establish a coffee bar in a local establishment for gatherings and brotherhood meals.

Main Image: early days of the Orihuela Bullring which (Inset) the former Oriolano bullfighter Mariano Marín wants to see reopened

In addition, these fans are compiling what will be the basis of a museographic tour of the bullfighting history of Orihuela with old photography, historical documents, costumes, and period posters from private collections, an initiative for which they already have the support of the Council.

On Tuesday the received a special visit that, they hope, will be the first of many. Pedro Gutiérrez, better known as El Niño de la Capea, visited his Oriolano followers and, as manager of three important bullfighting ranches in Salamanca and Extremadura, was interested in the current state of the Oriolano bullring, where he met the president of the Moros y Cristianos, Manuel Ortuño, who attended, as an advisor, representing the Orihuela council.

The main objective of this new association is for the bullring to once again burst with life with

bullfighting shows, and also with all types of cultural events.

With the Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community overturning the motion, approved in plenary session in 2015, to declare Orihuela as an anti-bullfighting city, this group of bullfighting enthusiasts insist that the door is still open to the return of bullfighting in the city.

The sensible diversion is the road that runs to the left of the current CV-95

Take it EASY but Don’t do Nothing

As we get older, our bodies slow down and our muscles naturally begin to waste away. Over 55s, need to regularly exercise our muscles. Heavy lifting, running or jogging can cause more problems than they solve for people in our age group.

The constant pressure and pounding in these types of exercise cause catastrophic damage to our hips, knees, ankles and feet.

There is a much more effective way to keep our bodies mobile and flexible with reduced pain.

EASY Exercise is specifically designed for the over 55s and those with health issues.

At EASY Exercise Cabo Roig we have 18 comfortable motorized machines that move you evenly and without pain, strain or tears. Expect to see an improvement in a few weeks.

Phone 663 771 345 for a FREE trial on a Tuesday and Thursday mornings so you can see for yourself if EASY Exercise suits you.

If you wish to come as often as you like Monday to Friday either in the mornings from 9am to 1pm or in the afternoons 2pm to 4.15pm, the cost for a whole month is only 55e

Here are a few experiences from new members this year:

Maureen O (79).

I am thrilled to have my mobility back since joining EASY Exercise especially after having my second knee replacement last year. I will be 80 soon and it is wonderful to be mobile again. I’ve just played mini-golf and recommended EASY Exercise to my friends.

Avril R (65).

I have been attending EASY Exercise for three months and I’m surprised with the results. I’ve lost inches off my bust, waist, hips, tummy, arms and legs. I feel better mentally as well as physically. EASY Exercise is not hard on the body and only takes a few hours a week

Tony R (76).

I’ve always been active but noticed that I was slowing down over the last few years. Since Joining EASY Exercise two months ago my energy, mobility and flexibility has increased. Last week I ran up the stairs two at a time like I did when I was much younger. I find that I sleep better at night, my breathing is better, have much less leg cramp.

P I N K L A D I E S O F F I C E C LO S U R E

NEW MEDICAL CENTRE PLANNED FOR REDOVÁN

The Redován Town Council is finalising the procedures to make available a plot of land to the Regional Ministry of Health for the construction of the new medical centre in the municipality.

This was stated by the councillor for the Presidency,José Nájar,which he hopes will culminate with the approval,by the Plenary,of the transfer of the land "as the Department of Health has 100,000 euros in this year's budget earmarked for the drafting of the project and the contracting of the project management".

For

Volunteers have been going into the office every day to get rid of, approximately, 50 litres of water, yes that's every day.

The cupboard units have all fallen off the

on tripping, so we have taken the decision to close the office down as it is neither safe nor healthy for to continue to operate from there.

The Pink

will, nevertheless, continue to book screening appointments for members of the public, so anyone needing to book an appointment can do so by any of the following methods:

Call Maria on: 633 487 595

Via the web site www.pink-ladies.org

Every Monday at Zenia Boulevard between 12.00 & 14.00 hrs Meanwhile, we are desperately looking for a new location to operate from so if anyone has a cheap unit we can rent please call Maria on the above number. The charity has been very fortunate in that PSI Consultants, who own the current office have let us use it rent free for the last 10 years, and we are very grateful for their kindness.

Maria Wilson

President AACC Orihuela Costa

The plot is located on the Avenida de la Diputación

Provincial de Alicante and next to the Plaza Comunidad

Valenciana,very close to the centre and with good transport links.

It has a surface area of 1,872.61 square metres,"which will allow us to build much larger premises than the current salud and,therefore,extend the services provided in the current clinic," said the councillor.

This should happen in approximately two months."This will be the beginning of the construction of the medical centre, but also the end of a long and cumbersome process that allows us to begin the process of the health facilities that our town deserves," said Nájar.

The Pink Ladies have been forced to close their office at Flamenca Beach Commercial Centre.

MINI-MUM.

BY JOHN MCGREGOR

My late Mum, God bless her, passed her driving test at the first attempt aged fifty-two. Impressive? Perhaps, but then she should after seventy-seven lessons and five different instructors (sorry, Mum, I made up the last bit).

She-who-brought-me-up then came under the category of never having had an accident herself, but was dangerously associated with a few who did.

No-one in the family liked to be driven by her, but when my poor old Dad accidentally chopped the end of his finger off one Sunday afternoon in his shed, he was forced to ask his beloved wife Lucy if she would drive him in her Mini to hospital.

This must have been excruciatingly painful in his hastily bandaged up finger versus the usual background of swerves from cut-up motorists and angry shouts from passers by, all to which Mum was completely and happily oblivious.

Dad passed away some years later and to keep herself occupied Mum volunteered to work in Oxfam in the nearby town and went there four days a week. By this time, she was in her mid-seventies, although still fairly fit, if not perhaps ideally suited for the road.

Mum would only drive an automatic Mini, not an easy type of car to find. When her first one began to show the strain of its twenty years of faithful service she dispatched her mechanic, Terry, to find her a newer model –that had to be a Mini. Some of the family were unsure about Terry, a spotty youth who couldn’t look you in the eye, but he was a handy neighbour who kept Mum’s Mini running, in spite of the harsh treatment it received.

The young man was regularly predicting failure as the MOT approached, and as hard as he tried, the dermatologically-challenged one could not find another automatic Mini. As ‘D’ day approached, in desperation Terry advised Mum he had found her the perfect solutionan automatic Nissan Micra.

‘No,’said Mum sternly, ‘I only want a Mini, Terry, you know that.’

‘But Lucy, they´re like hens teeth’ the pressured youth protested. ‘They´re just not about. Believe me, this Nissan Micra has

everything going for it: automatic, one careful lady owner, very low mileage, similar size, beautiful condition - and it´s a good low price.’ Mum, still unconvinced but running out of options, eventually said yes, and the following day the deed was done.

The house in which she lived was a sixteenthcentury listed building in a village on the old A4, thirty miles west of London. The ancient ‘L’ shaped building consisted of seven very different dwellings, all oddly linking into each other.

Inside the L was an enclosed shaped building for residential parking, accessed only from the main road by a narrow oval archway running though the middle of the building.

One of Mum’s neighbours, Diane, a middleaged lady lived on her own, and actually had the only door to her property in the archway herself. This made coming and going a little adventure all of her own, should any cars be coming in or going out through the fairly narrow gap.

The day after Mum’s new Japanese acquisition she was returning from Oxfam mid-afternoon. No-one, least of all Mum could accurately record what actually happened. It seems that as she swung the Micra in off the main road to negotiate the archway, she either under or oversteered. Oh dear, Mum bounced off both walls in spectacular fashion several times, instantly writing off the immaculate, previously-unscratched Nissan in the process. But that was only part of the story...

If you know anything about listed buildings, you know what’s coming next. You daren’t even breathe on the walls of a listed building without some jobsworth-for-life person from the Heritage people coming out - when they’re ready – usually gravely shaking their head as they assess the damage. But much worse, the hugely expensive time-consuming job then has to be done in restoring the building back to exactly as it had been originally.

Poor Diane was hysterical, and not with laughter. Her one-and-only door, the frame and its surrounding walls were all badly smashed. It was rumoured that she dodgily dealt in antiques, and there were several valuable items inside that were uninsured and could now be easily accessed.

All sorts of precious, expensive people had to be quickly summonsed to sort things out but the weeks soon drew into months. The whole thing, rebuilding-wise took about a year with

about a hundred and three visits from the Heritage mob who must be obeyed in all such matters.

Mum? Well, all-in-all she took it pretty well, mercifully physically uninjured in the accident, although emotionally was a different story. There were many family summit meetings called along the way, my two sisters always sad and sympathetic, although my brother and I were always struggling to keep straight faces on the subject hearing the latest step in the saga.

But my Mum was a real trooper, a survivor, and somehow, magnificently, it has to be said, steadily turned herself from accidental perpetrator to the role of sympathy-sucking victim, brilliantly stealing the role from Diane who gradually became ‘horrid and sarcastic’, according to Mum as time went on.

Poor old Terry didn’t get away scot-free either, having to take his share of the blame, seeing that he had ‘forced’ poor Mum to buy the

Nissan in the first place, against her better wishes all along.

Amazingly to finish the story Mum got her car at last. It transpired that an automatic Mini was available somewhere and Terry redeemed himself by acquiring the precious item.

The newer green one actually outlasted my lovely Mum who sadly passed away in 2003, no doubt to relate the by-now-perfectly-spun story to Dad, St Peter and the angels.

Back here on earth I even briefly considered bringing the Mini to Spain when I came here to live, but that sadly proved impractical. As Terry had moved away I believe the mechanic who inherited its servicing actually took possession, so hopefully it is still about somewhere giving pleasure to someone.

In our family we often have a chuckle about it, and now my sisters can join in. Mini-mum fun, bless her.

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ACROSS ACROSS

3.Heedlessly rash (9)

8.Military force (4)

9.Unequalled (9)

10.Paradise (6)

11.Show contempt for (5)

14.Merger (5)

15.Old form of you (4)

16.Teams (5)

18.Period before Easter (4)

20.Dried plum (5)

21.Vagrant (5)

24.Sibling (6)

25.Giving (9)

26.Peruvian Indian (4)

27.Leave office (5,4)

CAN YOU MASTER THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE?

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

Solution on Page 21

DOWN DOWN

1.In a shy way (9)

2.Easily irritated at delay (9)

4.Gulf state (4)

5.Regional (5)

6.Using maximum effort (3-3)

7.Record (4)

9.Wherewithal (5)

11.Annoyed (3,2)

12.Forcing (9)

13.Practice (9)

17.Small shoot (5)

19.Satellite of Neptune (6)

22.Miaowed (5)

23.Qualifying race (4)

24.Wintry precipitation (4

ANSWERS

Week 1016

QUICK QUICK

ACROSS: ACROSS: 1 1 Pump; 3 Laudable; 8 Rung; 9 Confound; 11

Perverseness; 13 Retort; 14 Stable; 17 Misbehaviour; 20 Chaperon; 21 Limb; 22 Wreckage; 23 Shoe.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Perspire; 2 Minaret; 4 Arouse; 5 Definitive; 6 Blues; 7 Eddy; 10 Heartbreak; 12 Terrible; 15 Boorish; 16 Throng; 18 Inane; 19 Scow.

CRYPTIC YPTIC

ACROSS: ACROSS: 1 Duck; 3 All clear; 8 Junk; 9 Dovetail; 11 Cheap edition; 13 Endear; 14 Tender; 17 Streets ahead; 20 Eventual; 21 Omit; 22 Everyone; 23 Oder.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Dejected; 2 Contend; 4 Lloyds; 5 Chew the fat; 6 Erato; 7 Rely; 10 Apparently; 12 Creditor; 15 Dreamed; 16 Strain; 18 There; 19 Cede.

ACROSS ACROSS

3.Deserted, showing lack of self-control (9)

8 & 15Ac. Note the moment to move on the spot (4,4)

9.Making some stipulation when supplying stock (9)

10.Strive for inordinate praise (6)

11.Ask quietly to go in front (5)

14.Flock of geese hide round the top of the elm (5)

15.See 8 Ac.

16.Vehicle not returning to Georgia (5)

18.Conceited one in the forefront of battle (4)

20.Fall back in a bit of a flap, seemingly (5)

21.Kind of grass providing a comfortable place to lie (5)

24.The sort of organ through which a bullet passes (6)

25.Agirl more confused by rambling account (9)

26. Almost a gimmick to cause stupefaction (4)

27.Remove any roughness from this arboreal feature (5-4)

DOWN DOWN

1.Being stoical, I'm not resisting (9)

2.Clairvoyant hit copper in disorder (9)

4.Produced a tidal wave (4)

5.Original piece of literature (5)

6.Aged bowler is out-of-date (3,3)

7.She reveals part of her married name (4)

9.Computer information gets out after this (5)

11.Belabour Toby's master (5)

12.Lack of balance could put pairs in a tidy mess (9)

13.Removing any inclination for flatfish! (9)

17.Seaweed dispersed by a gale (5)

19.The standard linked with an early invader (6)

22.It shows something is missing from a broken crate (5)

23.Instrument with an unpleasant sound? (4)

24.Squander money, feeling depressed (4)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 21)

1. Known as a 'flag of convenience', the flag of which country is the most popular in the shipping industry?

2. One of the best selling albums of all time is Meat Loaf's 'Bat out of Hell'. The album cover depicts a motorcycle leaving what in a hurry?

3. Born on the 22nd of December 2001, what name was given to the world's first cloned cat?

4. In which popular film do the main characters journey through the Sea of Time, the Sea of Science, the Sea of Monsters, the Sea of Nothing and the Sea of Holes?

5. Once known as 'the land of a million elephants', which country's capital city is Vientiane?

6. "The Greatest Fairy Tale Never Told" was the movie poster tag line for which 2001 film?

7. Since the Open era in 1969, who are the only 3 players to have won the mens singles title at the Australian Open 4 or more times?

8. Which US president does one associate with the expression 'the buck stops here'?

9. Which country is the world's largest producer of cocoa beans, the heart and soul of good chocolate? a. Brazil b. Honduras c. Ivory Coast d. Vietnam

10. The following lyrics are from songs with the word 'Road' somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song? a. Has left a pool of tears crying for the day, b. The life I love is making music with my friends, c. No phone, no

pool, no pets, d. I'm not a present for your friends to open

11. Joan Fontaine won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1941 for her role in the Hitchcock film Suspicion. Her elder sister, best known perhaps for her role as Melanie Hamilton Wilkes in Gone With The Wind, won the Best Actress award twice. Who is Joan Fontaine's famous elder sister?

12. According to the WTO, based on the amount of money spent on imports, name the six largest import nations in the world.

13. The Swiss surrealist artist H R Giger won an Oscar for his design of the extra terrestrials in which famous science fiction horror film?

14. Which American singer songwriter wrote and produced Nancy Sinatra's hit songs 'These Boots Are Made for Walkin'', 'Summer Wine' and 'Sugar Town'?

15. The USAmade formal declarations of war on which three countries during the 19th century?

16. Meaning "circle" in Sanskrit, what name is given to the ritualistic symbols, designs or patterns that represent the universe in Hinduism and Buddhism?

17. With one word, complete each of the following Album titles from Cat Stevens. a. Tea for the ..... b. Teaser and the .....

18. Name the two films which won the Oscar for Best Picture in which Sir Ian Holm played a role.

19. The novel and film titled 'City of Joy' is about life in which mega city?

20. Peter Cushing, Anthony Hopkins, Mel Brooks, Laurence Olivier and Hugh Jackman have all played the role of which fictional character?

THE CONTEMPTABLE ATTITUDE OF ORIHUELA’S COUNCILLOR FOR HEALTH

Despite her appointment as Councillor for transparency, Irene Celdrán, who also holds the portfolio for health, failed to answer a question in last Wednesday’s Plenary, submitted by AVCRL, on the subject of the Orihuela Costa Health Centre.

The question asked about the specific reasons leading to the council ruling out an extension, the budget for which was in the process of being approved by the Generalitat, whether there was approval by the Generalitat Valenciana for the construction of a second health centre. what progress is being made toward the second centre and when it will be available to the residents.

However, Celdrán, argued that AVCRL had submitted 4 questions instead of one. Her answer then went on to avoid the question completely, responding with, ’as of today, this council has updated budgets which we have not had for 6 years. Thanks to them, much more will be invested in health’.

This was not the question that was asked, and for a councillor who boasts that she holds the responsibility for Government Transparency, the councillor has shown utter contempt for

“Transparency in Government leads to reduced corruption”.

JULIAN ASSANGE

the people of Orihuela Costa that she has been elected to represent.

A post on the AVCRL Facebook page states that the attitude of Councillor Celdrán is totally unacceptable and a blatant breach of article 87bis of the Organic Plenary Rules, which regulates the right of citizens and associations to intervene in the Municipal Plenary.

The question has since been re-submitted directly to the mayor, asking that it be answered in full at the next Plenary

It adds that this same question has been submitted on many occasions previously by electronic mail to which the Association still awaits a response.

“There can be no faith in government if our highest offices are excused from scrutiny — they should be setting the example of transparency.”

LINKEDIN FINED 10,000 EURO FOR DATA BREACH

The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has fined the professional social network LinkedIn 10,000 euro for sending communications to users without consent in violation of the Law on Information Society Services and Electronic Commerce (LSSI).

This article establishes that "the sending of advertising or promotional communications that has not previously been requested by recipients is prohibited."

According to the judgement a user complained because she continued receiving emails from LinkedIn despite having repeated requests to unsubscribe.

CHILD POVERTY DEBATE TO BE HELD IN TORREVIEJA

Torrevieja is to hosts the 2024 assembly of the Network of Universities for Children and Adolescents (RUIA). RUIA, made up of 31 Spanish universities, is a project in the field of childhood and adolescence between Spanish universities and public authorities and administrations, private entities and Spanish society as a whole.

The Real Club Náutico de Torrevieja, has offered its facilities to hold this first assembly of RUIA in Torrevieja on the 19 and 20 April.

The Church of JESUS CHRISTof Latter-Day Saints in Torrevieja meet at 10.00 each Sunday in their chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. All Welcome. Phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 659 016 733

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

Facebook SaltChurchSpain

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENGLISH SPOKEN

AGE CONCERN BEREAVEMENTGROUP.

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

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

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

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50ís. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Home Visiting Team to visit a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. Call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887. Or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 5pm at the Lakeview bar/restaurant, Quesada. For more info contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Steve Hemingfield 0n Mob/Whats 711 011 373

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

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

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

Fixed Radar Cameras

We have been talking about speed detectors used on the road by the Guardia Civil, but there is also a network of fixed cameras around the country, which remain in place the whole time.

The locations of these cameras are published on the DGT website, and are provided in mapping devices, because these cameras are installed in areas known to be problematic in terms of the numbers of incidents which occur on the roads they cover.

In other words, the presence of these cameras is not primarily to fine drivers, but rather to encourage safer driving on an otherwise potentially dangerous road.

Although it takes on different aesthetic forms, from small white boxes to larger containers on poles, the functionality remaining the same, one of the most recent additions to the arsenal in called Traffic Eye.

Traffic Eye is manufactured by Tradesegur, and was the first to be released in Spain, and is an intelligent camera and as well as monitoring speed, it is capable of spotting if a driver is using a mobile and if everyone is wearing a seat belt.

Now, more providers are able to supply similar equipment which are working well for traffic law enforcement groups around the world.

The system is live across the entire road net-

work of Spain, with hundreds of these intelligent eyes keeping a check on every vehicle that passes.

Traffic Eye and its cousin MultiRadar C, offer the most advanced technologies that are currently available for monitoring traffic, which not only check and report speeding motorists, but also other safety critical traffic violations such as not wearing a seat belt, children and animals not properly restrained, using a mobile phone or electrical device whilst driv-

Speed camera locations are published on the DGTwebsite

ing, and checking with the established databases to see if your vehicle is correctly insured.

One of the surprising functions of Traffic Eye is that it is capable of monitoring traffic in multiple lanes, and, the bit which surprises many motorists, in both directions at the same time.

This means that unlike the traditional roadside cameras, your activities can be monitored irrespective of the camera’s position.

UNION STRANGLEHOLD

Tony Mayes Rant

Would you like to drive a train? I bet many of you would say yes. And would you like a salary of £100,000pa for doing so? I bet the answer to that is also a resounding yes.

And that is what some British train drivers may well be collecting this coming year when average overtime pay is taken into account.

It’s no wonder that rail fares are so high with these crazy pay scales.

My opinion is that driving a car is far more complicated and mentally demanding than a modern-day train – and especially in our part of the Costa, where hazards on our roads are so numerous.

The problem is the stranglehold some trade unions still have. I can remember a classic cartoon in one of the national UK newspapers years ago of a cloth capped trade unionist with his hand constantly out for more money while sitting on his bum doing next to nothing – demanding year on year more for doing less, and prepared to go on strike at the drop of a hat.

Train drivers at Avanti West Coast will see their fee for an overtime shift increase to £600 following a deal between the company and union Aslef.

Avanti said it hoped offering more attractive terms to its drivers to work extra shifts would make its services "more reliable and resilient".

The company has faced criticism over cancellations, delays and poor service.

The new rest day working agreement is in addition to a driver's salary. Previously the deal involved a flat £125 payment, with an hourly rate paid on top, which could have totalled between £421 and £495 depending on whether a driver worked and eight or 10hour shift.

With all this, some drivers could enjoy a salary of up to £100,000 a year, but neither Aslef nor Avanti confirmed these figures. Surprise, surprise.

Many of you may have travelled to Spain via Gatwick Airport, where there is a fully automated rail shuttle service between the north and south terminals. It works perfectly, as far as I know, and, importantly, without some overpaid driver in front.

The same could be introduced on trains throughout Britain. If AI (automated intelli-

gence) can produce a driverless car and do all manner of tasks better than a human, it could easily run all rail services and probably more safely, because AI doesn’t fall asleep at the controls!

So, greedy trade unionists, beware. Replacing your over-paid jobs is just around the corner and good riddance to you, and, in the process, rail fares will come crashing down.

Meanwhile, those enthusiasts who run trains, many of them steam locos on axed railway routes across Britain, would love the chance to get to the front of trains on main lines, so, let’s have a Dad’s Army of train drivers giving two fingers up on greedy trade unionists who will, sadly, be supported if we get a Labour government later this year.

WAR ON WORKSHY

It seems that Britain is becoming the most workshy country in Europe.

Shocking figures just released show that the number of people leaving the workforce is at its highest rate since the 1990s.

Adults economically inactive due to ill-health rose from 2.1m in July 2019 to a peak of 2.8m in October 2023, said the Resolution Foundation. Incredibly more than a fifth of UK adults of working age are in fact not looking for work.

Younger and older people together account for nine-tenths of the rise in overall economic inactivity, which could have serious effects both on individual's living standards and

career paths, say the Foundation.

The rise in long-term sickness leaves the UK as the only G7 economy not to have returned to its pre-pandemic employment rate, according to the Foundation. 69% of benefit claimants claimed for mental health disorders, and 48% had problems with connective or musculoskeletal pain.

I personally know of a someone who, like millions of others, went for Covid jabs. But unfortunately he suffered serious side effects, which have left him with symptoms akin to arthritis. But this has not stopped him from working and caring for his family.

But I also know of a lazy good-for-nothing who, it seems pretends to be ill. When she wants to fly on holiday she uses an invalid chair and gets preferential treatment, but, once on holiday, she struts around without any aids. She has been playing on a non-existent illness for years and doesn’t work – and UK taxpayers are keeping her.

It seems to me that Britain needs to toughen up – on benefit claims and, of course, on illegal immigration.

Anyone arriving in Britain illegally should be sent straight back, no ifs or buts and pleas from wretched lawyers who have been cashing in on immigration for years.

I have no doubt that many of the illegals arriving in boats or lorries and paying thousands of pounds to do so are fleeing, not from persecution, but from prison in their

own countries having committed crimes there, or are simply tempted in the hope of a better life, either in the criminal world or in the working world.

And it sickens me to think that so many clergy are so gullible to think that a Muslim asylum seeker is prepared to convert to being a Christian for a truly religious reason. Sadly those gullible clergy then persuade equally gullible judges that Islamic extremists will get to hear of the “conversion” and persecute and kill the asylum seeker.

It’s now apparent that Muslims are getting crosses tattooed on themselves to try to make the persecution argument even more convincing.

Enough is enough. Toughen up Britain.

FANS MUGGED BY FA

So much has been said about Nike changing the colours of the St George’s cross on the England shirts ahead of the Euro ‘24, introducing purple and blue stripes.

The company said it did so saying it was a “playful update” and it was not their intention to offend.

I suspect that it has a lot do with attracting more people to cough up huge amounts of money on buying the latest edition of shirt, thereby boosting profits for the company. Bigger fools them if they throw their money away in such a way. It’s sickening that the cost for an "authentic" version costs £124.99 for adults and £119.99 for children while a "stadium" version is £84.99 and £64.99 for children.

I wonder how much it costs to make these shirts and how much workers get and in which countries. I would love to see an investigation.

HAPPINESS LEVEL

There’s such a thing as the “World Happiness Report” which, reportedly ranks countries over a wide range of issues – and Spain has been falling down the rankings and is, incredibly, lower than the UK.

The statistics are based on respondent ratings and quality of life factors.

Spain has dropped to 36th place, dropping for the fourth consecutive year, while the UK is 20th.

Unbelievably, Spain has a lower ranking than war-threatened Taiwan, Mexico, Kuwait, Kosovo and El Salvador, the latter of which has the highest murder rate in the world. We’re more than happy living in Spain, how about you? What do you think has sent Spain’s happiness level heading downward? Write to the Leader and tell us what you think. office@theleader.info

CLIVE JENKINS IS THE NEW CELTS GOLF CLUB CHAMPION

We celebrated our last Championship Day at La Serena last Sunday. What is it with all this wind? We have had two months of high winds, and it is proving to be a real challenge. Miguel our green keeper must be very happy with the rain of last night, he probably could do with some more.

Thank you, to you and all the staff for the continued improvements. The staff in the proshop have everything working like and a welloiled machine, thanks are due to Bruno, Jean, Martha, Michael and Oscar for their professionalism. (Something about a diet and cranky, we will say no more) Thanks to Vanessa, Marijose, Duly and all the bar staff for looking after us as always.

Again, thank you to our competitions committee for their continued attention to detail. I must especially thank Alan and Ida for their assistance on the day. They were there from 08.00 and were amongst the last to leave after 16.00. A special thanks to all those who stayed back to show their appreciation of the

hard work carried out on their behalf and to recognise the winners who were present to collect their prizes.

Our Captain David was on hand to present the prizes to our winners. They were; Crystal Cat 1. Stuart Bulling 39, Steve Hopkins 37, and Stuart Tosh 36 Cat 2. Fred Beel 36, Michael Parry 35, and Tony Stafford 35. Golf prizes, Cat 1. Skip Stupplefaharrer 31, Kenny McGeehan 30, and Alan Walker 30. Cat 2. Tony Woodward 38, Jim Hayes 35, and Richard Heaton 34. Week 2. Cat 1. Alan Walker 37, Chris Daw 36, and Eddie Wall 35. Cat 2. Aideen Considine 38, Lynne McCormack 37, and Tony Stafford 36. Medal winners, Cat 1. Andy Currie 72, Robert Smith 75. Cat II. John Aitchison 71, Ian Howie 71. Cat III. Kevin Fitzpatrick 67, Logan Nayager 74.

Results of the day were as follows; NTP’s. Clive Jenkins, Skip, Billy Thomson, Chris Daw, and Alan Ewing. Cat III. Sheila Coyne 38, Steve Formby, 35 and Richie Rogers 34.

SUNNY CORNER GOLF

Another great day at New Sierra with the Sunny Corner, it was a bit wet and cold, pictured is Shane Dennes, on the right the overall winner and Mick Cook.

New Scrabble Club in San Cayetano

As well as the successful weekly quizzes at ‘El Bar S C’in San Cayetano,the owners,Sally and Caroline,are now planning another event to tax the brains of their customers!

Mike Shail,who already runs a successful weekly Scrabble Club in Campoverde on Friday mornings,has volunteered to host a monthly Scrabble session at ‘El Bar S C’in San Cayetano.

The first meeting of ‘Mike’s Scrabble Club’will be on Thursday 04 April 2024 from 3 – 5pm and,if successful,will continue on the first Thursday of every month.Mike says ‘If you enjoy playing word games such as crosswords, Wordsearch or Wordle or like watching ‘Lingo’or ‘Countdown’on TV,Scrabble could be for you.

There is no competition,play is just for fun,and no experience is necessary. ‘Scrabble’boards and tuition will be provided,although you can bring your own board if you wish.’

To find out more contact Mike Shail by e-mail at mikeshail45@googlemail.com or telephone 722 445 006.To book a table at ‘El Bar S C’ring 711 030 590 or email elbarsc4@gmail.com

Cat II. Pat McLoughlin 38, Abraham Numeijer 37, and Alan Walker 36. Cat I. Pauvla Serakova 34, Gareth Conroy 34 and Clive Jenkins 33. Gross went to Jim Imrie with 30 points. Second overall to Chris Daw 39 and the winner with 40 points Phil Sayers. We also had the conclusion of our club cham-

pionship and a very close contest it proved to be, with the result after one year of competing going down to the last hole.

Congratulations to Clive Jenkins our new Champion. Captain Dave Stockton advised Clive that he only had the title for this year and Dave would be back to reclaim the throne next year. Well done one and all.

England Young Lions lift the U18 Costa Calida Supercup

England men’s under-18s continued their unbeaten March camp with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands to lift the U18 Pinatar Super Cup.

The Young Lions went into the match knowing they only needed a draw to win the mini tournament out in Spain, following Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Czechia and Friday’s 0-0 draw with Germany.

And goals from Leo Black and Leon Chiwome either side of halftime secured another win for the MU18s, who are being led for the rest of the 2023-24 season by interim head coach Tom Curtis. Midfielder Samu Amo-Ameyaw, who has already made his first-team debut for Southampton was voted Player of the Tournament, with Liverpool striker Jayden Danns and Tottenham full-back Leo Black, also impressing during the tournament, and perhaps following in the footsteps of players such as Musiala and Bellingham, who have also made their mark at Pinatar Arena in previous tournaments

Mastoras from the Netherlands, the German Noah Darvich, current FC Barcelona player, and the Czech Samuel Pikolon also stood out

during the tournament.

The final table of the Costa Cálida Supercup saw Germany finishing as runners up with the Czech Republic third on goal difference and the Netherlands team in fourth position.

This tournament has directly generated more than a thousand hotel rooms in the area of San Pedro del Pinatar during the 8 days of the event, consolidating Pinatar Arena as one of the reference destinations in the world of international football.

San Luis Beaten in Extra End Shootout

Saturday 23rd San Luis welcomed the Durham Touring Team, comprising of bowlers from Durham and various clubs from Yorkshire. The weather was dull, but the atmosphere was anything but, everyone had a very enjoyable morning, good company and some great bowling from both sides.

Monday 25th Southern League winners SL Lions travelled to Bonalba for the North v South Play Off, against northern Winners El Cid. Before the match, the umpire had drawn an undisclosed team and rink for an extra end, in the event a shoot out was needed. Four teams on each side played, no overall shots, so a possible 8 points up for grabs. Superb bowling from both sides, SL Lions and El Cid won 2 rinks each, an extra end was played.

SAN MIGUEL BOWLS CLUB

Barry Jones

On Saturday 23rd March San Miguel completed the competitions for this year.The results were as follows:

Drawn Pairs - Mike Douglas & Gail

Willshire beat Ron Nairey & Graham

Barwell

2 Wood Singles - Hank Van Essen beat Ron Peters

3 Wood Novices Singles - Graham Barwell beat Mark Westmoreland

Thanks to everyone who took part in the Club Championships and Club Competitions this year and to all those who assisted.It has been a great season and we look forward to next.

SL Lions were holding, until El Cid’s skip came in for shot. Congratulations El Cid.

VCL: Wednesday 27th SL Falcons had a great start to the summer league, playing away against EI Dukes, winning 10-2 overall shots 102-75. winners: Ladies Singles-Sandra Burrows 21/11. Gents SinglesBill Webb 21/20. Pairs-June & Keith Jones 24/12. Trips-Cathy & Noel Morrisroe/Scott Malden 20/14. SL Hawkes had a tough game at home v CB Foxes with some close scoring rinks 0/12. SL Kestrels had a great start playing away against GL Titans, winning 10-2 overall shots 113-79. winners: Ladies Singles-Barbara Louis 21-16. Pairs-Ken Stringfellow/Gordon Paton 33-11. Trips-Dave Louis/Maxine Wright/Derek Biggs 21-17. Rinks-Pauline Johnson/Chris Phillips/Jim Gwynn/Keith Phillips 26-14.

LA MARINA BOWLS

One season ends and another starts, just like in life the Queen is dead long live the King, however in that short rest period we managed to squeeze our annual Captain's v President's game. Always tightly contested and this year was no different level on rinks won, but the Captain takes the glory with a overall shot difference in her favour.

The spring season starts with our nearest opposition, Quesada.

This is a game of rinks (4), trips (3) pairs (2) and a men's and ladies singles. Janet Parsons our ladies singles had a comfortable win 21-8.

Barry Roberts our men's single was very different proposition. The score was 16-17 in Barry's favour and the opposition scored the first 4 of the game to lead 20-17. Then low and behold Barry immediately scored the second 4 of the game to win 21-20. Avery exciting game to watch.

Our trips of Peter Parsons, Len Daniels and John Rae again had a comfortable win 25-11, giving us 2 wins and 6 points, but unfortunately we lost the pairs, rinks and the shot difference ending up all square with 6 points each.

The winners were El Limonar Justin

Don't forget the green is now open all summer (7 days a week), and potential new members are always welcome, there is invariably members there to initiate any visitors and spectators are always welcome for a coffee and chat.

BYDAVE HADAWAY

EMERALD ISLE BOWLS CLUB

Earls kicked off the new VCLleague playing away at Country Bowls Meerkats and they got a fine 7-5 win Aggregate of 85-83, B Eldred 21-14, I Laverick K Barber M Odell drew 15 all, T Paffett Ros Stockell G Inwood G Dyer 22-10

SAPS is on Saturdays at 13-15 with 2 Hours bowling for bowlers and learners. Coaching, shoes and bowls all included for 5 Euros only with a bar as well.

Come along and enjoy Bowling.

BYELWYN MORRIS

The Durham Touring Team

Drawn Pairs - Mike Douglas & Gail Willshire 2 Wood Singles - Hank Van Essen 3 Wood Novices Singles - Graham Barwell

WHEN THE EDELWEISS emerges from its snowy blanket in spring so too does the Andermatt Golf course. Over 1,400m above sea level, the fairways echo to the tinkle of cowbells and glacier-water tumbles down the slopes into clear streams. Every shot on this 18-hole par 72 championship course provides enchanting views of the valleys and encircling Alps. Some holes test the lungs, but the ball soars unbelievably far through the thin air.

Up until 1818 Andermatt was virtually inaccessible, prone to rockfalls and avalanches. Benedictine monks from the abbey across the pass called it “The Valley of the Devil.”

In the ‘Flight of The Earls’ from Ulster in 1608, the last Gaelic Chieftains lost a fortune when their gold fell into the ravine as they attempted to cross the treacherous ‘Devil’s Bridge’ on St Patrick’s Day. ‘The Lost Treasure of The St Gotthard Pass’ has never been recovered.

When the St Gotthard railway tunnel was finished in 1881 Andermatt was bypassed completely, the line went underneath it.

In the 20th century the Swiss army Alpine unit trained there, afterwards it became an alternative ski resort to its more expensive neighbours St Moritz and Gstaad.

Egyptian billionaire, Samih Sawiris committed £1.2billion to its

regeneration and it has now become one of the most prestigious resorts in the Alps, with the Chedi Andermatt and Radisson Blu hotels providing 5* accommodation never dreamed of by the shivering monks.

Consistently winner of Switzerland’s Top Course award, Andermatt is open on a pay and play basis. Holidaymakers can combine it with a treasure hunt for the lost gold.

AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL Rae's Creek flows behind the 11th green and in front of the 12th in what is known as Amen Corner.

The creek is named after Irish landowner John Rae, who built a fortress home there in 1734. Rae’s house was the farthest up the Savannah River from Fort Augusta, and neighbours would use it as a safe haven during Indian (sorry, Native American) attacks.

SIX OF THE LAST 13 winners of the Masters (three of them Phil Mickelson) have been left-handed. Apparently if you naturally hit a draw, you have more success at Augusta, because several holes require right-to-left tee shots.

Lefties can hit a cut where right-handed players have to hit a draw, although the way Mickelson played when he won his three Masters, it probably wouldn’t have mattered which hand he used.

One of the most miraculous shots ever seen at Augusta was by lefty Bubba Watson, who was looking to be in deep trouble when he drove his tee shot into the trees on the suddendeath playoff with Louis Oosthuizen.

Standing at almost a right-angle to the pin, and using a wedge, he punched the ball through a narrow opening between the pines then bent it on a seemingly impossible trajectory 162 yds down the fairway and on to the centre of the green. He admitted it helped playing left-handed. Perhaps Rory should try it.

A CHIPPING TIP from Pitch Perfect: Good chippers start with the shaft forward at address. This hinges the wrists and creates the angle required for a solid downward strike. After that they just have to maintain the angle through the swing. Do the same and you’ll make smooth, solid contact every time. (Oh yeah!)

SINCE THE FIRST Masters dinner was arranged by Ben Hogan in 1952 some pretty exotic meals have been served, like sushi (Matsuyama, 2022) or wild boar and elk (Mike Weir, 2004.) Tiger did go for cheeseburgers after his first win in 1998, but his choice went more upmarket with every Masters victory.

The Brits went for more homely fare.

Nick Faldo chose fish and chips and tomato soup and Danny Willett Sunday roast and crumble and custard.

Bubba Watson said he wanted plain food; his idea of plain food is apparently chicken/peanut/banana wraps.

Not sure what the yanks made of Sandy Lyle's choice which was of course, haggis.

Until next time: Happy Golfing.

Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. 638 859 475.or visit https://mickthegrip.blogspot.com

CARP-R-US FISHING

A warm but very windy spring day saw Carp-R-Us fish Round 2 of their Spring Series on the Rio Segura at Bigastro/Jacarilla.

Recent rain had seen the river level rise slightly to a more normal level, although it did drop again by about 10cm during the match.

A deserving winner was Paul Burton. Paul does a lot to keep the pegs clear on this stretch so the victory was just rewards for his hard work.

Paul tempted 15.00kg from the downstream end peg caught on pole feeder with pellet on the hook. Second and third were our Belgian contingent with Willy Moons taking 8.28kg from peg 5 and JP 6.08kg from peg 4. Both fished the feeder with maggot.

Fourth from peg 5 with 5.876kg was Steve Fell who fished pole with bread.

Information about the club can be found on its website www.carp-r-us.weebly.com

QUIZ FROM P 14:

1.Panama, 2.Graveyard or cemetery, 3.CC (Copy Cat or Carbon Copy), 4. Yellow Submarine, 5.Laos, 6.Shrek, 7.Three answers.Roger Federer Andre Agassi and Novak Djokovic, 8. Harry S Truman, 9.Answer c.Ivory Coast, 10.Four answers.a.The Long And Winding Road (Beatles), b.On The Road Again (Willie Nelson), c. King Of The Road (Roger Millar), d. GoodbyeYellow Brick Road (Elton John).11.Olivia de Havilland.12.Six answers.In order;USA, China, Germany, Netherlands, Japan and the

Work started on the course in 2009 with it finally opening in 2016

LEAGUE RESULTS 28 MARCH

DIVISION 1

Freakie Taverners4-8Ck1 Lads

Milo's1-11Mind The Gap

CC's Bees1-11Domino's Doms

El Capitan4-8Hub Hyenas

Leeson St Trotters3-9Tipsy Toad Toppers

DIVISION 2

Tipsy Toad Tiaras2-10Illy's Oldies

Hub Hellraisers7-5Pint Depot Queens

Domino's Desp’dos8-4Fallen Angels

Ck1 Ladybirds3-9Fire Station

Tasty Taverners4-8Danny's Bar

LEAGUE TABLES

DIVISION 1PPtslegs

Domino's Doms1732144

Mind The Gap1729149

Tipsy Toad Toppers1727148

Hub Hyenas1722127

El Capitan1719116

CC's Bees171695

Ck1 Lads171075

Leeson St Trotters17871

Milo's17755

Freakie Taverners17141

DIVISION 2

Fire Station1732157

Danny's Bar1728130

Illy's Oldies1725132

Domino's Desperados1724115

Fallen Angels1720114

Ck1 Ladybirds171396

Tipsy Toad Tiaras171388

Hub Hellraisers171172

Tasty Taverners17672

Pint Depot Queens17045

MOST 180’S: Mark Ellis x7, Sam Salt x7

180's THIS WEEK: Sam Salt x2, Mark Ellis, Dave Rowlinson

HIGH FINISH THIS WEEK: Ricardo Perez 120, 101.

Liam Lumb 72, 80.Paul Durrant 88

HIGHEST FINISH TO DATE: Dave Askew 160

MATCH REPORTS

DIVISION 1

FREAKIE TAVERNERS V C.K1 LADS

Steve Hawkins found D6 for the hosts in the 1st triple, unfortunately it was to be the only time Freakies led.John Crabbe D4 and Steve Dalton 122, D2 quickly turning the tables for Lads.

Steve Mullen and Kevin Wood (6x85+) nudged Lads ahead, Les Adams and Dalton 2x100,140 making it 2-4 at break time, Adams finishing both legs.

Dalton claimed a further 3 ton+ in his win over Anette Dobson 103,95, prior to consecutive victories from Freakies Mitch Halliday and Garcia.

Adams ensured the draw beating Ernie Willis, Crabbe getting the better of Livsey for 2 points. Sharon Frain (112,133,4x83+) had a 3 leg belter in the 12th with everybody's favourite Terry David.The Lad coming out on top in 3 legs on D7.POTM - Frain - Mullen.

MILOS V MIND THE GAP

Despite the scoreline Milos keep improving, once again a good stint from Javi de Gea their sole winner in the 12th leg, his victim no other than Paul Moody, both players in form, de Gea winning 2-1.

Sam Salt joins Mark Ellis at the top of the 180 table, with 7 apiece.both Salts' maxi's in the pairs with Moody 2x140.Salt also enjoyed the benefit of taking the 7th leg for the match.

Stats - de Gea, 6x100,140, Angel Gallardo, 171, Gap - Salt 2x180,2x140,4x100, Darren Sanderson 5x100+, James Brown 5x100+.POTM - de GeaSalt.

C.C.BEES V DOMINOS DOMIGNOMES

Gnomes confirmed their champions status following this excellent victory at C.C.'s, to include yet another 30+ tons haul.Paul Christopher earned himself a POTM accolade with a 12th leg 4 ton victory over Olly Walker, Dava Wharton gaining his with 4x100,140 POTM.

Other fine performances from Bees Simon Bantleman 100,125,137,140 and Paul Tollafield 2x100,117,123.And from Gnomes, Matt Smith 2x140, 2x100,123,125, Ricky Perez, 4x100, 120,135,2x140, not forgetting 2x100 plus outs and lastly Chelsea Campbell 2x100,121, 6x80+, to include 4 outs.

EL CAPITAN V HUB HYENAS

advantage.

Kernahan 4x100,140 and Chris Logan 100,D8, lost out in 3 to Ellis 100,180 and Rowlinson 140 in a real cracker, now 3-2.Dario Sierra D100 and Paul Durrant D16 levelling the game over the two K's Ed and Arold, for 3-3 at the break.

Rowlinson POTM, overcame a below par Logan in the 1st of the 2nd half games, Ellis taking care of an on fire Lumb in 3, for 3-5.

Sierra made it 3 in a row for Hub needing just the 2 legs against Arold K.Durrant getting the better of Bujan with an 88 out for the match.

The larger than life Matt Dawson had to raise his game for his encounter with the very capable Kernahan, winning 2 straight, Ed K.taking the 12th and POTM.

LEESON ST. TROTTERS V TIPSY TOAD TOPPERS

in the 80-99 range.Tiara POTM went to Simone de Lacy, their 2 legs courtesy of her, Alan robbing her of a 3rd.

HUB HELLRAISERS V PINT DEPOT QUEENS

This one was always going to be tight and so it was until the 8th leg. Finishing 1st half doubles from Raisers Carol Peace, Lesley Dolling and Sue Spiers, were matched by Alison Wands, Debbie Wright and Ronnie Bowden for 3 apiece.Spiers knocking in a 129 and 165 for POTM.

Lorraine Cox D10 got the valuable scalp of Spiers for POTM in the 1st singles for 3-4.Then it went all "Pete Tong" for Queens, the hosts reeling off the next 4 courtesy of Cheryl McGlynn, Dolling, Ali Scammell and Linda Davies for both points.Maggie Morgan finding D17 for the visitors.

DOMINOS DESPERADOS V FALLEN ANGELS

A great showing from Toppers this week with 9 players sharing 29 tons and over.The hosts winning legs coming from Yvonne Rouffignac in the 3's, Barry Shingler and Rouffignac in the pairs and Shingler again, in a fine tussle with Paddy Moran the tie going to 3 legs. Pete Spence whacked in 5 tons in his pairs, but still failed to win to Shingler's 2xD20.Five of the singles went to 3 legs, the overall score not necessarily reflecting the result.Amanda Skinner gave Dave Askew a fright taking him to 3 lags, maybe next time Amanda?

John Rodford closed the game with a solid 4 ton effort to earn his sides POTM as did Rouffignac for Trotters.

DIVISION 2

TIPSY TOAD TIARAS V ILLIES OLDIES

Despos secured a creditable 4th league place after this victory over nearest rivals Angels.The hosts raced into a 3-0 lead, Kathy Walbanks D20, Steve Harding and Colin Kernahan 2x100, D2 nailing the outs, Paul Chick adding 140,100.A 95 from Andy Forrest Angels only score of note.

Dave Oates made it 4-0 despite a James Mackay 121,100.Forrest D11, halted the slide with partner Tony Spiers, only for Eunice Letts D8 and Kernahan 100 to retrieve Despos advantage.Now 5-1.

Forrest D8 and Graham White 121,D10, got Angels back into the match, Harding 97,D2 and Walbanks D2 getting Despos over the line.Spiers 121,D4 and Kernahan 140,D8, concluding matters.POTM - Chick - Mackay.

C.K.1 LADYBIRDS V FIRE STATION

Birds were in this one until the 2nd half.Winning the triples via a 59 out from Dons Ralph, a Gena Woods D2, plus another Woods effort D12 in the pairs, Birds were firmly in the game.Roger Phipps 52 out, Luke Monks 100, D8, and Robbie Monks 125, 63 out, made it level with 6 to play.

Pat Wood was the only Bird likely to get something from the singles, but not to be as Station nabbed all 6 straight, Robbie Monks ensuring the draw, Rob Sturvivant D2 the win.POTM - Pat Wood - Robbie Monks.

TASTY TAVERNERS V DANNYS BAR

Bryan Livsey and Tony Garcia levelled the score, the latter hitting both doubles, Livsey pounding the T20. POTM - Ed & Dave

Caps should have won all 3 triples, but had to be content with outs from Ed K and Ben Kernahan, Mark Ellis taking the 3rd. Dave Rowlinson adding a 180.It didn't look too good for the visitors as Moises Bujan 121,100 and Liam Lumb 135, 80 out, extended Caps

Tiaras took an unexpected first leg but were well aware that it was going to hard to progress on that as the visitors have some oldies but goodies on their side.In his signature back-to-front cap, Captain Dez Field earned POTM with plenty of 3-figure throws and 4/4 conversions to a win.

Ant Jesson dazzled with a 78 out (D8-12-D20) and Alan Fleming decided D20-D12 was the best way to see off 64 in the last singles, having trailed by 270. Tiara Sharon Crane 100, 101, 96 was the top scorer for the ladies, with Eileen Askew offering up 4 scores

Dannys needed to win this one to guarantee finishing 2nd, therefore a 3-3 score at the break wasn't in their plans.1st half doubles from Cathy Burgoyne D6, Steph Broadfoot D5 and Ruth Gwilliams D2, were matched by Jean Randell D2, Paul Rafell and Steve Lumb D9, for shared spoils.

Bob Smith nudged Dannys ahead with a solid 100,99,56 out, followed by a further two from the Lumbs' Steve D2 and Lesley 111,D8 for at least a point.Murray McLeod had the responsibility of securing the match, which he duly accomplished with a 65 out after 81, 100.

Jean Randell D10 made it 8 for Dannys, Sharon Williams closing the match on D16.POTM - Illy van Gelder - McCleod

John and Yvonne

POTM’s got half the points between us

THADER REDISCOVER THEIR WINNING FORMULA IN STYLE

This midweek Valencia Community League match was originally due to be played at the end of February,but was postponed because of the tragic tower block fire in Valencia.Prior to this moral boosting victory, Thader had lost 3 on the

Thader enjoy their success

CD Thader ... ........4

CFTavernes.........2

bounce,not having won since mid-February at La Nucia.

Consequently,they had slipped back into the relegation zone,which they had previously fought so hard to escape from.

With Tavernes occupying the 7th place slot,a

marked improvement was required if winning ways were to return.Although Thader made all the early running,it was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play with a firm header from a corner. Serhiy produced a deserved equaliser on 29 mins,when his precise shot from the edge of the box,squeezed just inside the post.From the next attack,Dani Lucas won a penalty, but unfortunately,Raul had his spot kick easily saved.

Inside the 2nd half,Tavernes regained the lead from a counter attack,although it must be said that the scorer appeared way offside when he initially received the ball.Making amends from his earlier penalty miss,Raul levelled the scores with a wonderful,angled drive,which beat the keeper all ends up. Now it was time for sub Berni to take centre stage.First off,he executed an audacious bicycle kick which the keeper failed to hold, then with time ticking away,he completed a fine individual run by slotting the ball under the advancing keeper.

There is another home league match coming soon for Thader.At Moi Gomez stadium on Sun 7 Apr,ko 1130,mid table Eldense 'B' will be the opponents for the men in blue and white stripes.

Missed opportunity for Torry in local derby

It was 4th vs 3rd in this local Derby as Torrevieja visited Almoradí on Wednesday evening. This already,highly charged,fixture was even more tense due to both teams feeling aggrieved that the original fixture had to be replayed,Almoradí as they had been stripped of their 3pts and Torrevieja as they believed the 3pts should have been awarded to them as Almoradí fielded an eligible player.

CDAlmoradi........1

SCTorrevieja.......1

boil,giving away a series of cheap free kicks as their play became scrappy and disjointed.Indeed Maxi,in the Torry goal,was called into action on more than one occasion making a number of smart saves as the visitors seemed to lose their way.

chance as the two sides went into the interval on level terms,but with Almoradi heads held high. Fortunately for Torrevieja the home side failed to make their numerical supremacy count and with the visitors again on the front foot Dani Muñoz went close with a good strike.Moments later the same player was downed in the box but the referee waved ‘play on’which was probably the right decision.

Fran makes sure there’s no way through Goalmouth action

As the Almoradí pressure continued three opportunities came in quick succession,however non of them caused any real problem for Maxi as Torry began to tire.Al though they have the Maxi is not being called in to action.

As the visitors made a decent job of retaining possession toward the end there was,however,one final disappointment with Ramiro off sent off for a 2nd yellow but after playing for more than an hour with 10-men Torry will be happy to walk away with a point.

It was,however,a case of 2pts dropped,points that would most certainly have been achieved on another day.

Gil picked a strong 11 welcoming back Omar,Ramiro and Abadía in midfielder,also seeing young talent Aleksander (Alek) make his full debut playing inbehind striker Lewis.

And for once we saw a lively start from the visitors with Omar creating for Muñoz close to goal,but he was crowded out by the defence.Indeed Torry were in front s early as the 11th minute when Abadía swung the ball in from 25-yards,catching the keeper off his line and bouncing in off the underside of the bar.

This was as good as it got for Torry who,inexplicably then went off the

And they lost it even further on the 35 minute mark when Alek was sent off making his full debut.Two yellow cards for very similar fouls,pulling back opponents,saw Torry reduced to ten men and forced even more onto the back foot.

Omar came close to adding a second for Torry as he hits a good shot from distance that seemed to have the keeper beaten,but was just wide of the post.Lewis then attempted a cheeky chip from distance which narrowly dropped over the bar.

The home side were back on level terms moments later,virtually the very last kick of the half,as a free kick broke to an Almoradi player inside a crowded box.His volley from almost point blank range gave Maxi no

Abadía opened the scoring for Torry in the 11th minute