The Leader Newspaper Edition 871

No 871 Monday 14th - Sunday 20th June 2021

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

HALF THE POPULATION NOW HAS AT LEAST ONE DOSAGE

alencia reached another milestone on Friday in it’s vaccination campaign against the coronavirus, having now inoculated more than half of the population, at least those over 17 years of age, with at least one dose, specifically 51.4%.

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Almost 2.2 million people in the Valencian Community, and about 800,000 people in the province of Alicante, have now had both jabs, approximately three out of ten people.

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, said some weeks ago that June would be the month where we would see some real movement in the numbers and

as last week came to an end, a record number of more than 406,000 doses had been administered.

Medical staff are now beginning to vaccinate the group from 49 to 50 to 49 years of age while on Friday, people born in 1975 were being notified.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Vaccination Program ADVERTISING SALES

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However, the spokesperson for the Generalitat, Mónica Oltra, said on Friday that the vaccine allocation strategy is all wrong and that numbers should be based on the ‘real’ vaccination figures and not just those who are registered as, within the Valencian Community, over 100,000 of the vaccinations have been carried out on people who are living here at this particular time, people from other regions or from other countries, who have second residences in the community.

She says that these inoculations are not being considered in the numbers of vaccines that are being delivered.

She cited the example of Madrid Politician Pepe Pérez who is registered in Madrid but has a residence in Gandia. He is currently living in Gandia which is where he was vaccinated, and yet his dose of the vaccine was delivered to Madrid and not to the Community.

Meanwhile, the SATSE nursing union has criticised the Community as it’s nurses continue to work an average of 1,500 overtime hours every day, so as not to disrupt the rhythm of the vaccination program, because the Ministry of Health "has blocked the hiring of additional nurses”, deciding only to bring them in as summer holiday replacements as of 1 July, when they could have been taken on in June to reinforce the vaccination timetable.”

As vaccinations continue at a brisk rate there is more good news with current figures showing that the incidence of coronavirus in the

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province of Alicante is three times lower than the average across Spain. It is lower also than in many countries of the European Union and in the United States.

The rate of the Alicante incidence currently stands at 33.41 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the data update on Friday from the Ministry of Health, compared to the 110 registered across the whole of Spain. The figure is the lowest of all the country's provinces, with the Valencian Community also recording the lowest regional data, with 40.16.

The province's index of active cases is also far below the average currently being experienced by countries such as the Netherlands (199), Belgium (187) and France (154). It is also lower than others with a more encouraging situation such as Italy (59), Germany (56) and the Czech Republic (47).

It should also be noted that the upward trend of the contagion rate in the province has moderated in recent days. Since the previous update of the data, on Tuesday of this week, it has barely grown seven tenths. Thus, Alicante continues to be at low risk, somewhat further from the new normal but still a long way from the medium risk threshold.

The number of people currently being treated for the virus is 631, which is 12 more than last Tuesday.

Examples of Incidence in selected municipalities: San Fulgencio 0, Santa Pola 72.07, Guardamar 75.71, Torrevieja 29.53, Orihuela 15.29, Pilar de la Horadada 17.9, Almoradi 9.43, Los Montesinos 0, Rojales 6.

COSTA BLANCA BLUES – CELEBRATION CHARITY FUN DAY (The one and only Officially Registered Manchester City FC Overseas Supporters Club on the Costa Blanca) English Premier League Champions with many Team and Individual honours for the 2020/21 Season.

In celebration of a successful season we are holding a charity fun day on Saturday 3rd July 2021 at The Aurora Bar in Dona Pepa, Quesada.

There will be a Quiz, Guess the weight of the cake, Guess the name of the Teddy, Golf Putting Game amongst many others and Bran Tub for the Children ALL PROFITS GOING TO THE JODIE LEE BAXTER LIFT FUND

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The next Meeting of the Orihuela Costa and District Branch, the first in over a year, will take place on Thursday 17 June at the Olympia Pool Bar in Mil Palmeras, 7pm for 7.30pm start.

EVERYONE WELCOME

Torrevieja U3A News Update Normally we cease functioning during the summer months but in light of the fact that we have only just been able to restart our meetings, it has been decided to hold one more full meeting, later this month, which will be a chance to meet up with friends old and new and also to be entertained by a popular local singer.

All of our normal facilities will be there for you. New members wishing to join the group will also be welcome.

Coffee mornings will be held during July and August allowing future events to be booked and paid for and to simply socialise.

Our annual Groups Fair will be taking place in September.

After this time it is hoped that we can fully return to a precovid existence.

A Craft Fair to raise funds for our Presidents Charity is proposed to be held in the autumn. Fuller details will be made available in due course. The Fair will be open to stallholders, regardless of whether they are U3A members or not. The price to have a table at the fair will be €5 per table. So come along to sell your wares and to help a good cause.

All queries should be directed to our social team by email on torreviejau3asocialteam@gmail.com.

All of the above activities will be held at the Los Angeles Bar in Torrevieja, hopefully in the open areas thus allowing more space for friends to meet up in comfort and take advantage of the facilities available.

Fuller details of all events will be announced in due course via our normal means of communication (Newsletter, Website torreviejau3a.org. and Facebook pages)

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Port of Torrevieja to be transformed

he Department of Infrastructure is working on the bidding process, prior to putting out to tender, a contract for the complete transformation of the port area of Torrevieja, for the establishment of hospitality, commercial-nautical, leisure and parking activities.

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It is a plan that differs little from that proposed by Eduardo Dolón during his first term, with the exception that it preserves the fishing activity in an area very close to where it is now, and at least one of the buildings belonging to the fish market for public use. In addition, most of the port buildings would be demolished.

A group, headed by Arcadi Spain, has confirmed that "it is working" toward this intention but the tender "is not imminent."

The opening of the centre of the urban area and its walkways to this spectacular bay is an old aspiration of the municipality. At the beginning of the 2000s, the then mayor Pedro Hernández hired the architect Santiago Calatrava to draw up a proposal with large surfaces and an auditorium. The scheme was depicted in a model that cost € 600,000.

The current priority is the old aspiration of the council to open up the port and its bay, now physically separated by a fence, but which is not yet ready, except for the Paseo de Levante and the fair, for public use.

What is included in the bidding process for the new infrastructure depends exclusively on the regional administration.

It will have a lot of input from the Torrevieja City Council, which is already working on the project, despite lacking the powers to do so, but the last word on the configuration of the concession will be that of the Consell.

Although the Ministry does not see it as being imminent, it does anticipate the drafting of the tender by the business sector, with at least one promoter from the Vega Baja, with experience in such projects, already working on the development.

The main area to be refurbished covers about 185,000 m2 and appears in the port ground plan under the ambiguous name of "complementary uses" compatible with ports "such as cultural, sports, educational, fair competitions.

Most of this land is situated in what is popularly known as "relleno", enclosed by the Paseo de La Libertad and its extension to the bar La Marina, the Levante dyke, and the bay itself in the area closest to the town access, where the fair and car park are located.

The proposals that are currently on the table relocate the fairground to where the parking is situated and take advantage of the land closest to the bay for hotels and nautical businesses.

In 2009, also by Hernández Mateo and his relationship with the Valencian Government, the concession of a huge commercial area inside the port area was put out to tender. However, the economic crisis quickly saw that contest abandoned.

In 2014, during the first term of Eduardo Dolón, another project was presented, with less commercial surface, more open areas, and the suppression of the activity of the fishing fleet, but the legislation had changed: the Generalitat's Ports Act now required the delimitation of port areas prior to any reorganisation on the ground.

The 2015 elections then left Dolón in Torrevieja and the PP in Valencia out of power, with the project subsequently discarded by the Los Verdes government that followed.

But now, with Dolón back at the helm once again, the mayor seems keen that this PP aspiration, to open up the spectacular bay to commerce, will finally be followed through. Although we are unlikely to see any real movement during the next couple of years, the project is being worked on behind the scenes, and it could now be a real possibility.

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Resumption of cruise ships in Valencia this month

Monday 14th - Sunday 20th June, 2021

M

ichael Harris, Anne Hernández, Debbie Williams and Sue Wilson, who all run prominent citizens’ rights organisations in Spain, have been awarded MBEs for services to British Nationals in Spain and the European Union, in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List published on Friday 11 June 2021.?

Anne Hernández, pictured right, a retired university lecturer, is based in Andalucía, where she spearheaded the formation of Brexpats in Spain. As its

By Andrew Atkinson

TUI Cruises ship 'Mein Schiff 2' will return to the Port of Valencia on June 27 - the first ship of its kind to dock in the city since March 8, 2020.

The Spanish government lifted the ban on cruise ships on June 7 as part of travel restrictions allowing the international tourism sector to resume.

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arlier this year, a bank of solar panels appeared alongside houses on the south side of Montebello, Algorfa.

NO INFORMATION was provided on who they belonged to or why they had been erected in that particular position!!

The residents of Montebello have now discovered that Algorfa Town Hall has received notification of a proposed Solar Panel Farm, consisting of approximately 140 THOUSAND panels to be situated between the Urbanisations of Montebello and Monte Mar, and alongside the main road to La Finca.

The Port Authority of Valencia (APV), Mein Shiff 2 will come from Alicante Port prior to setting sail from Valencia to Barcelona.

The port had 205 stopovers and welcomed 420,000 travellers in 2019, with plans to receive 500,000 tourists by 2023.

Hundreds of trees would have to be removed, along with losing acres of wildlife habitat.

The APV warned the lifting of the ban will not see the sudden return of cruise liners as shipping companies will first have to reset their itineraries, hire staff, stock up on supplies and sell the cabin reservations.

The implications regarding erecting a solar panel farm so near to houses,

"The intentions of the shipping companies are to return to a return to normality as soon as possible.

"It will take the ships a few weeks to reach Valencia again," said the port authority.

"Their imminent return is vital as the absence of the liners has cost the sector in the city tens of millions of euros," they added.

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President, Anne has worked tirelessly to inform UK nationals of their EU exit rights and responsibilities.

Debbie Williams, pictured left, a former member of the armed forces, is based in the Valencia region, where she set up the grass roots organisation Brexpats - Hear Our Voice (BHOV) as a pan-European group a few days after the EU Referendum in June 2016.

The fourth recipient, Sue Wilson, as Chair of Bremain in Spain, is one of the most visible campaigners for the rights of UK nationals in the EU. Sue moved to Spain where she retired over 10 years ago.

Erection of Gigantic Solar Panel Farms a threat to local health

Not only are these panels being placed extremely close to houses in both Urbanisations but will totally surround three dwellings in the campo, with their only access being through the panels themselves!!

The APV said the cruise ships have to be repositioned, due to a plethora of them being in Israel, having to return to the west Mediterranean.

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Four MBE’s for Spain in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Based in Madrid, Michael Harris is the founder and Vice President of EuroCitizens and a British in Europe committee member.

Cruise ship tourism is to return in Valencia on the back of losses estimated at €70 million since a ban on cruise ships was imposed on June 23, 2020, due to COVID-19.

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By Patricia McEwan

Nanny Joan ‘a picture’

are numerous. The main one being the effect on health.

The huge number of planned panels could produce dangerous amounts of Electromagnetic Radiation.

Of course, those who build the structures will say they are totally safe. Algorfa is a beautiful area, which would be totally destroyed by 140 THOUSAND solar panels, coverings acres of countryside.

There will be no benefit to the locals as the electricity produced will go straight to the into the grid.

It is understood that San Miguel Town Hall has also received a similar proposal!

Jacqueline Carpenter recently ran a competition for her latest novel ‘JOAN’ whereby she asked entrants to send her photographs taken with JOAN indoors.

Jacqueline told the Leader that she was overwhelmed with all the brilliantly imaginative entries that she received.

Alan Morris of Sharky's Photography chose the winner, Claire King, for her picture of her Nanny, Joan Norman.

Jacqueline presented Claire with her prize at a celebratory lunch held last week at the fabulous No 6 by Genoa restaurant, Mar Menor Golf Resort.

JOAN is the sequel to LOUISA, both of which are available on Amazon and Kindle worldwide.

Orihiela Councillor for Health, José Galiano, gets back his powers The mayor has returned the powers to the Orihuela Councillor for Health, who resigned last February after objections were made following his vaccination against Covid-19 The Alicante Prosecutor's Office has archived the preprocedural proceedings against the councillor, José Galiano, understanding that his vaccination against Covid-19 on January 6 was in line with the protocol.

The finding confirms that the Councillor did not receive the inoculation through his intercession, but that it was administered, rather than go to waste, as a member of a priority group could be found.

After the case was dropped, the mayor, Emilio Bascuñana, announced that the councillor has regained powers in the area of Health, Statistics and Urban Transport, which were withdrawn, at his own request, last February, since which time he has retained his position but without the powers.

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Monday 14th - Sunday 20th June, 2021

Plague of mosquitos forces all Torrevieja schools to be fumigated

By Andrew Atkinson

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he Torrevieja City Council has had to rush through an emergency programme of fumigation in the last week of all the Infant and Primary schools in the town following a "brutal" outbreak of mosquito larvae that has occurred in the municipality.

In some schools the fumigation was carried out at the end of last week but has had to be repeated again this week.

Mosquito infestations are common in Torrevieja, with large areas of salt marsh and hundreds of stagnant pools where rain water tends to accumulate, but this spring has been especially volatile with school lessons disrupted and sports activities cancelled.

Residents in many urbanisations adjacent to La Torretas are unable to hang out their washing and it is completely impossible to take the family pet out for a walk unless you wish to be relentlessly bitten by swarms of the parasites.

The Councilor for Health, Diana Box, says that she fully understands the complaints of residents and explains that the fumigation service hired by the City Council is working constantly to tackle the problem. But she qualifies by explaining some aspects of how far municipal services can go.

Legal restrictions on the use of larvicides

and insecticides are now greater than ever. "The use of aircraft that many people ask for is a thing of the past,” she says.

Box also highlights the numerous private breeding sites of larvae such as common areas of urbanizations and swimming pools that are not maintained, in which the municipality cannot intervene.

"After the last intense rains and the heat, we anticipate spraying all the public areas of the municipality that are likely to be outbreaks of larvae but we cannot get into the private areas. It should also be noted that the fumigation must be done very early or by giving prior notice so that there are no people in the vicinity when we are spraying”.

Such is the desperation that, the City Council has received authorization from the residents of Las Torretas to be able to act in its interior streets, which are not municipally owned, after residents of these urbanizations threatened to demonstrate in front of the town hall to demand council action.

"In San Luis next to la Mata park we cannot go out due to the mosquitoes," said Torrevieja based Randi Veines. “The previous fumigations have not provided the result we all expected.”

"We will have to find a way to be more effective in the future. It is impossible to

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SAT ANIMAL RESCUE We need to find a home for 15 year old Capi, so he can spend his twilight years in a loving home.

He has come from a home and is a happy, healthy boy.

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

Residents say that the fumigation vehicle travels too quickly lead a normal daily life in these conditions," said Rodolfo Carmona from Torrevieja.

"Myself and my son were almost 'eaten alive' by mosquitoes when we went out shopping," said Aroa Serrano Saiz.

Much of the criticism is aimed at the speed the vehicle that is carrying out the fumigation spraying travels, as it is said to travel too quickly.

Torrevieja resident Elidia Martinez said: "It's okay for the authorities to spray - but they go too fast - spraying goes behind the vehicle and does not get the result needed."

Pilar Rodriguez echoed the point, adding: "If you just smoke the edge of the pavements and interior of grounds and parks is that going to help? No."

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Orihuela collects thirteen blue flags

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hirteen blue flags were presented to the Orihuela Councillor for Beaches, Antonio Sánchez, on Monday morning, by the President of the Valencian Community, Ximo Puig.

ORIHUELA MUNICIPAL CULTURAL ACTIVITIES WEEK COMMENCING 7 JUNE Venues in Orihuela and on the Orihuela Costa

The ceremony took place at Valencia Oceanographic, where the award-winning municipalities were all present, including Orihuela, which achieved the most Blue Flags in the Valencian community, 11 Blue Flags for its beaches plus a Blue Flag for the Campoamor Marina and a Blue Flag for the Paseo Cabo Roig, which it achieved for the first time this year.

The Blue Flag is an international symbol awarded annually by the European Environmental Education Foundation.

These awards recognise the high quality of the water on the beaches and the excellence of the services provided to its users.

LITERATURE Exhibition - Through to 27 June “María Zambrano. La aurora del pensamiento”. (The dawn of thought). Exhibition Rooms Miguel Hernández. Rincón Hernandiano.

LITERATURE Wednesday 9 June 19.30 hrs. 7.30pm. Presentation of the book “Miguel Hernández y los poetas. Hispanic Americans and other Hernandist pages ”. María Moliner Municipal Public Library.

Orihuela.

Antonio Sánchez thanked “the work of the entire team of people who have made it possible for Orihuela’ s success, particularly after two very complicated years due to storms and the pandemic, as it

El Palmeral celebrates World Environment Day On Sunday, El Palmeral de Orihuela hosted the local celebration of World Environment Day, postponed by heavy rain from the previous day The event was opened by the councillor for the Environment, Dámaso Aparicio, the president of the Association of Moors and Christians Festivities Santas Justa and Rufina, Pepe Vegara, and the Armengola, Gloria Quesada who together with members of the Board of Directors visited all of the displays, as well as enjoying first-hand the palm tree exhibitions, including carving with a chainsaw, by Omar López.

The day was attended by hundreds of people who were able to enjoy guided visits to the Interpretation Centre and the Palm Grove, Zumba and Urban Fitness classes, a climbing wall with a zip line, educational and environmental workshops as well as a dance exhibition at the Ana Belén Navarro academy.

You can find up to date info on Facebook at: www.facebook/playasorihuela

continues to be an international benchmark for good management, quality and excellence, both in environmental conditions and in the services provided on it’s beaches, marinas and trails”.

MUSIC AND THEATRE Saturday 19 June. San Bartolomé Musical Union, "The tale of the jungle." Auditorio de San Bartolomé.

Sunday 20 June. Orihuela City Orchestra, "Hipano Cubana Music". Teatro Circo Atanasio Die ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN Saturday June 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - "CanvaLovers" Resources and tricks that the Canva graphic design program makes available to its users to create posts for Social Networks.

ACTIVITIES FOR ENGLISH SPEAKING CHILDREN ON THE ORIHUELA COSTA. Venue: Centro Cívico, Alameda Del Mar Every Saturday morning at 11am. A recreational and cultural program of storytelling and theatre, puppets and music.

Tuesday 15 June. 19:00 (Infantil) The endless story (culture and the Arts) Thursday 17 June. 19:00 (Infantil) Flying V Air Guitar. A Rock n Roll Workshop. With Susana Delgado Tuesday 22 June. 19:00 (Infantil) Children’s Tales. Kikiriki, Kummerlin (Cristina Vazquez) Tuesday 29 June. 19:00 (Infantil) The monster of colours. The girl creates.

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6,000 tourists processed at Alicante Airport on first day of border reopening All foreign passengers, less those arriving from Brazil, South Africa or India, can now enter Spain by proving that they are vaccinated or with a negative PCR. Health is now also issuing the covid digital certificate that speeds up travel

Moscow, Amsterdam, Bordeaux, Milan, Dublin, Tolousse, Zurich, Rotterdam, Oslo, Teeside, Manchester, East Midlands, Bournemouth and Bristol, apart from the usual destinations national, where it is not necessary to prove anything.

Six thousand tourists arrives by plane on the Costa Blanca on Monday, the first day of the total opening of Spain’s borders, to travellers from all over the world.

Alicante-Elche airport had 123 flights scheduled, to which the authorities allowed entry without special restrictions to those passengers who could show the green covid certificate, that is, without them having to wait in long queues. They were processed through a special corridor that was set up in which scanning machines directly detect the QR code where the information appears.

Also since Monday, the Ministry of Health is issuing - via telematics or in person - the digital green certificate in its three models. The certificate is an EU initiative to safely facilitate the free movement of citizens in the EU during the pandemic. It is intended to function as a "fast track" or fast circuit in order to speed up entry and exit procedures between the countries of the Union.

Travelers must be vaccinated (double guideline or with the Janssen), have recovered from COVID within 180 days, carry a negative PCR, or an antigen test issued 48 hours before traveling.

The border is also open to travellers from third countries who can show that they have been vaccinated against covid and countries associated with Schengen, except India - they are not prohibited from entering but are obliged to keep a tenday quarantine - Brazil and South Africa.

On Monday around 12,000 passengers passed through the provincial airport terminal on the 123 flights scheduled by Aena. Of these 24 were with the United Kingdom, whose airlines continue to

Countries can now start issuing and using it and it will be available in all EU Member States from July 1, 2021.

operate with the province despite the fact that Spain is still in "amber", and which requires that passengers from Spain must keep a 10-day quarantine when they return to UK, and prove that they are free of covid with two PCR tests.

The airport had connections on Monday with London, Eindhoven, Liverpool, Brussels,

The certificates are issued free of charge in electronic or paper version, at the request of the individual with their SIP card. It can be requested in the coronavirus portal, in the GVA + Health App or the patient portal. All of them meet the security criteria required by the Spanish Data Protection Agency. In addition, the possibility of obtaining a face-to-face certificate is also available by requesting an appointment at the health centre.

HELP Vega Baja expands its assistance This week HELP Vega Baja introduced their new Welfare Team.

Following a request for volunteers, a team of 6 new volunteers were appointed. President of the charity, Michele Masson said “the new Welfare Team provides a far greater opportunity to support people who are struggling with welfare related needs.

Not only do we now have people who have experience with benefit applications such as attendance allowance, we have a team that has vast experience in other areas. For example, we have a qualified OT with experience working alongside patients with dementia and alzheimers.

Sonia can be called upon to offer general advice and make recommendations for example on mobility aids, adaptations in the home etc.

Similarly, the team will be able to call upon others in the team plus of course the practical support that HELP Vega Baja is renowned for. With experienced listeners on-board we are also able to offer emotional support.

Several members of the team have experience volunteering with UK Samaritans, and counselling.

We are also very aware of the support needed for carers and we have several projects in mind which we believe will support this group of people, many of whom struggle daily.

We would like to remind people that all our services are offered completely FREE.

Following the success setting up the Welfare Team the charity is now looking to recruit a fundraising team. Working together it is hoped that fundraising can start once again.

“We very much appreciate the support we receive in our charity shop and at the various market stalls we attend but we need to raise funds with events, raffles and other fundraising opportunities.

If anyone is interested in becoming part of this new team, please do get in touch,” said Michele.

Based at their San Miguel Centre, the Welfare Team co-ordinated by a member of the Elective Committee, are ready to meet people and can be contacted by calling 966 723 733, WhatsApp on 634 313 325, email office@helpvegabaja.com or simply by sending a message via the charity Facebook page.

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Of training dogs and children…

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n my book, ‘If Ever a Man Suffered’, (which incidentally is still selling away … plug …plug!) I related this episode to do with the type of training that our collie dog received from my father.

One day a few heifers broke into the cabbage garden - igniting an awful fit of temper in Daddy. Rover, the young working dog was mad for action when called upon to deal with this emergency.

However, the frenzied instructions from the over-anxious master to the over-anxious-to-please collie were anything but clear-cut, was responsible for leaving the entire wire fencing trailing in sections all the way down to the river Deel. ‘Here Rover … come on …good dog … go on Rover … put them out … go-on … good dog … give it to them Rover … go on …. No …no .. back behind, come back, come back … back behind … lie down … lie down, ya brown hoor …. Lie down …lie down Rover: … Get into the yard ya f####n eegit of a dog.’ (With possibly a stone now thrown in dog’s direction!) No wonder that Rover went around with a bewildered expression on his handsome face!

It wasn’t only Rover that was in receipt of very confusing directives from both my parents in our house. There were six sons along with Rover and how we ever managed to make any sense of some of the orders is one of the great mysteries of our time.

‘When you fall out of that tree and break a leg, don’t come running in here complaining that you weren’t warned!’ I never thought much about that one – knowing that I was really far too smart to fall out of a tree.

My father’s simple logic to us was short and to the point: ‘Because I said so!’ I suppose it was easy to understand when the alternative was ‘to be left in the middle of next week with a belt!’ Another bit of parental logic was, ‘stop that whinging or I’ll give you something worth crying about!’ ‘The last of your bread is baked’, was another great favourite around our house - and I did often wonder as to how would the baker know when to turn off the oven?

‘If the hungry children in Africa had half that they’d be glad to eat it’, scolded my mother. At the time, I wondered how she could know that and anyway, I couldn’t believe that anybody might want to eat whatever I was being force-fed. Due to not eating whatever it was, I was by now destined to be ‘nothing but a puny little runt.’ I know … I should have eaten it! ‘You’ll end up blind as a bat from

reading in the dark’ and ‘eating sugar from that bowl will fill you full of worms’, didn’t curb either habit.

A rather severe warning from our mother was, ‘you will turn into your Uncle Dinny’. Whatever that threat implied was left in abeyance. Anyway, my Great-Uncle Dinny was dead and I figured to turn out like him would mean I had to be buried.

bite and the crisis would generally have receded prior to the great man’s arrival home. One threat I treated with a bit more seriousness was, ‘I’ll be talking to your teacher, Master Lawlor, next week and I must remember to tell him about that.’

The greatest mystery is that Rover and myself got through all of this unscathed … well sort of!

‘If you are not home in this house by six o’clock, you won’t know what hit you as soon as you cross that door’. The early curfew was generally met though cut fine; so I never got to see what I wouldn’t see! Sometimes if you asked an awkward question, the only satisfaction advanced was, ‘wait until you get to my age and you’ll know all about it.’

Don’t Forget

From about this time onwards every year, the great ready-made threat hung over us like a black cloud. Several times a day the warning was issued; ‘Santa won’t be coming to you.’ Or ‘Santa’s bird is looking in the window.’ How-and-ever Santa always forgave and stopped off at our house on Christmas Eve … but how do I know now how much more I might have got if I had been good?

*Author, entrepreneur and newspaper columnist, Bernie Comaskey, now spends most of his time on a farm in Ireland; but he retains his strong links with the Costa Blanca.

‘Wait until your father gets home’, was usually a bark worse than a

No one would object to the meek inheriting the earth if we could be sure they would stay meek after they got it.

Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com

Bernie has published four books; ‘If Ever a Man Suffered’, ‘The Best of Bernie’, ‘The Team’, and ‘Just Between Ourselves’.

Bernie’s books are available at half price, on sale from either Spanish Solutions or ‘The Leader.’ Call 637 227 385 for info.

GARDEN FELIX ....... The nodding purple flowers of Comfrey C

omfrey has short stems of red buds, which open to clusters of nodding purple flowers just above the leaves, which are nectarpollen rich.

Comfrey's green, slightly coarse and bristly foliage, produces huge amounts of leaves during the growing season.

A low-maintenance, very fast growing weed-smothering ground cover plant it is tolerant of poor soil and neglect.

Self-seeding it can become invasive, if not controlled.

Easy to grow in most soil types, pro-

viding it's moist, well-drained, it will tolerate dappled, full or partial sun.

To propagate divide plants in spring time.

Comfrey is excellent for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies, moths and other pollinators. It can be toxic to dogs and cats.

Foliage is useful for putting onto the compost heap, or used as a mulch when cleared at the end of the season.

It can also be made into a liquid fertiliser, as comfrey is one of the few plants to contain vitamin B12, making it a rich source of food for plants.

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No fixed reserve as Orihuela’s Oasis goes under the hammer.

Andrew Atkinson sits down with world market luxury property leader Concierge Auctions managing auctioneer Ruud Van Oost and Derek Ray coowner of Orihuela's jewel in the crown Casa La Pedrera in an Exclusive interview.

SEVENTEEN years after Grand Designs Abroad C4TV showcased Casa La Pedrera, Orihuela's famous house goes to auction this month - listed at a cool €3.45m valuation.

"We are the world's market leaders in luxury properties with clients ranging from millionaires to billionaires," said Ruud Van Oost.

Ruud, who travels throughout Europe, is in Orihuela ahead of Costa Blanca's Casa La Pedrera opening bids getting underway on June 25, with the closing sale on June 30. There is no Reserve.

"Worldwide, presently we have 21 luxury properties for sale, with a team liaising with bidders, including viewings since I arrived," said Ruud who travelled from Mallorca to oversee the auction.

a part in deciding to move, along with the coronavirus pandemic," said Derek.

Casa La Pedrera's 6 acres, approximately 25,000sq m property overlooking Lake Pedrera, stretches beyond the spectacular country estate, sitting in two and a half acres of landscaped grounds, owned by Derek and Jenni Ray.

"It was my late father's birthday. He recently died of coronavirus," said Derek.

Jenni was a Florist in London, who delivered flowers to The Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, Princess Diana, Joan Collins, Elizabeth Hurley, Rowan Atkinson, Cherie Blair and many others. Michael Caine and Rory Bremner were amongst stars who visited the shop.

"We are now grandparents, that played

Barcelona to open beaches for San Juan Celebrations While much of Spain has cancelled San Juan the Barcelona City Councillor, Albert Battle, said that beaches would be open but carefully managed for the fiesta.

Civil Protection, however, continues to recommend that they are closed but they add that if allowed to open only small bonfires be authorised.

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Ruud Van Oost, Derek Ray and reporter Andrew Atkinson at Casa La Pedrera.

"It's exciting - but at the same time stressful," said Derek, who purchased the land to build the family dream home on March 31, 2000.

"We landed in Barcelona and drove five hours to Orihuela and saw Lake Pedrera.

"We managed to get the plans for the plot of land for sale from a lady in San Luis.

"When you look back there's always a reason for things that happen in life," said Derek.

Casa La Pedrera has been a magnet attraction to thousands of visitors including music and sports stars - to watch spectacular Flamenco shows,

amongst other events.

books," said Ruud.

Concierge Auctions HQs are based in Austin, Texas, USA, and at Berkeley Square House, London.

"3% is paid to an agent as a buyer's commission for a sale of Casa La Pedrera," added Ruud. Ruud Van Oost can be contacted on: +34 666 376 059 (WhatsApp+Call) ConciergeAuctions.com

"We have 700,000 clients who are billionaires and millionaires on our

Podemos to name new leader after departure of Iglesias The left-wing Podemos Party is expected to name Ione Belarra as it’s new leader after the departure of Pablo Iglesias who founded the party seven years ago.

Belarra, aged 33, is currently the Minister of Social Affairs and it the top choice of many party members.

Spain to accept cheaper rapid antigen tests from foreign visitors From last Monday Spain has started to allow foreign visitors as long as they can show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid 19 test report.

Spain is also accepting rapid antigen tests whereas, previously, border authorities would only recognise the much more expensive PCR tests.

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Monday 14th - Sunday 20th June, 2021

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Jac & Maisie May

Costa Blanca's leading international music venue hit with bombshell news

By Andrew Atkinson Villamartin Plaza one of the Costa Blanca's leading music venues has been hit with the bombshell news that they will not be allowed to stage live music for the remainder of the year.

"It is with deep regret that we announce that there will be no live music in the central plaza for the remainder of the year," shocked Villamartin Plaza President and spokesperson Casey Shaddock told The Leader.

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his week, we’re back to the live music scene and featuring the hottest duo on the Costas ‘Lucid’. Lucid consists of Maisie May and Jac Bentley. Together they play acoustic guitar, ukulele and cajón.

You’ll hear them playing a variety of music from artists such as The Beatles to modern day music like The Weekend.

I popped a few questions their way to find out a little bit more about Maisie May and Jac. Where are you both from originally and how did you become to love music?

Maisie – I’m 21 years of age and from Wolverhampton. I moved to Spain at the age of 6 and have grown up listening to whatever my Dad and Sister had playing in the house (Kate Bush, The Smiths, Fleetwood Mac).

A

Jac – I’m 25 years of age and from Stoke-OnTrent. I moved to Spain when I was 11. I grew up listening to more Rock Music as my Dad is into the likes of Iron Maiden and Metallica. So together it gives myself and Maisie a wide range of music.

Q

What made you both decide to work together?

Maisie – I was a solo singer and Jac approached me and asked me if I’d be interested in starting up a new project which ended up being Lucid. So we straight away picked a bunch of songs and practiced in my parent’s garage. We knew it would work as we clicked instantly.

A

Q A

Did you know each other beforehand?

Q A

What do you miss about home?

Maisie – Jac went to school with my sister, so we didn’t know each other but knew of each other.

We both agree that we have both lived here in Spain longer than we have lived in England so we consider this home.

We obviously miss family and friends but we love our life in Spain.

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No live music at Villamartin Plaza this year

LUCID

Q

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Q

What is your favourite thing about Spain?

It would have to be the ability to work as musicians and have so many appreciative people come to support us at the venues we play. We also love the fact that it feels like a constant holiday for us.

A

Q

What has been your favourite gig to date?

We were fortunate enough to travel to France to do a week of shows. It was a small venue but it was rammed with people who loved music and ended up dancing on the tables.

A

Q A

What are Lucid’s plans for the future?

Q

Where can people find you performing?

A

You can catch us at

We would love to keep building up on our set list and hopefully have some original music to share later this year. Also we are currently recording a C.D of our favourite covers so keep an eye out for that. It will available to purchase at our gigs in the near future. Mainly, we just want to keep having fun.

The Royal Oak, Villamartin, Monday 6pm The Stray Sod, La Fuente, Wednesday from 8pm Marco Polo, Punta Prima, Thursday from 8pm Jenny’s Bar, Campoverde, Saturday from 4pm Paddy’s Point, La Zenia, Sunday from 8.30pm Any other gigs will be posted to our Facebook Page, just search for ‘LucidAcoustic’. We are also on Instagram at ‘lucid.acoustic’.

"Unfortunately the community as a whole were unable to obtain a full consensus, regarding the current Valencian guidelines and laws, which would have enabled us to carry on with a reduced music programme," said Casey.

Villamartin Plaza has showcased top artists including Leo Sayer, The Bay City Rollers, Tony Christie, and The Foundations: "We pride ourselves in bringing the very best live music - the only Plaza in Spain to feature international acts," said Casey.

"We are also huge supporters of the local music scene and showcase the very best acts, such as Ges Rogers Union Gap, Austin Slack, The Cages, Greg Bannis and more.

"We have raised 180,000 euro for local charities to

date," added Casey.

Villamartin Plaza is amongst other venues that have been hit during the coronavirus pandemic that has seen lockdowns during the last 15 months.

Looking ahead, Casey said: "Rest assured we have already begun to plan an incredible line-up of music in 2022.

"On a very personal level, it is devastating not to be able to put on the fantastic live entertainment and charity events to which have become accustomed.

"On a positive note, please remember that all of the restaurants and bars at Villamartin Plaza are open.

"We hope to see as many of you as possible during the remainder of the season and we thank you so much for your continued support."

Shaddock plans an incredible line-up of music in 2022.

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S

D L O

PAGE 13

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 870

ACROSS 7.

Whole (6) 8.

Severe (6) 10. Lie (7) 11. Perch (5) 12. Ceremony (4) 13. Shatter (5) 17. Tactless (5) 18. Novice (4) 22. Fragrance (5) 23. Elucidate (7) 24. Run (6) 25. Border (6) CAN YOU MASTER THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE? Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

Solution on Page 23

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

9.

14.

15.

16.

19.

20.

21.

Need (7) Law (7) Dispute (5) Everlasting (7) Axle (5) Condition (5) Choirboy (9) Folded (7) Despotism (7) Aimed (7) Flaw (5) Irritable (5) Scanty (5)

QUICK ACROSS: 3 Fortitude; 8 Lard; 9 Territory; 10 Ponder; 11 Rebel; 14 Ample; 15 Rest; 16 Taunt; 18 Curb; 20 Ashen; 21 Trite; 24 Terror; 25 Forgotten; 26 Mien; 27 Brutality.

DOWN: 1 Flippancy; 2 Transport; 4 Over; 5 Terse; 6 Titter; 7 Dark; 9 Tenet; 11 Rouse; 12 Lethargic; 13 Itinerant; 17 Taken; 19 Bright; 22 Total; 23 Poor; 24 Tent.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 3 Off-chance; 8 Draw; 9 Full board; 10 Clever; 11 Sound; 14 Those; 15 Dead; 16 Robes; 18 Omen; 20 Cease; 21 Sense; 24 Priest; 25 Get-at-able; 26 Scar; 27 Alternate.

DOWN: 1 Education; 2 Make notes; 4 Four; 5 Cello; 6 Abound; 7 Cure; 9 Fewer; 11 Sabre; 12 Decadence; 13 Adventure; 17 Score; 19 Negate; 22 Spain; 23 Fell; 24 Plot.

ACROSS 7. Gap made right in strip of land by the sea (6) 8. Her sin destroyed a holy place (6) 10. Gather for prayer (7) 11. Material worn by sedentary workers? (5) 12. Move boulder from side to side (4) 13. Bases - about fifty - for the ships (5) 17. Child - there's one in a farm building (5) 18. Fruity diary entry? (4) 22. Express the view there is nothing on the tree (5) 23. Progressing when doing hospital duty? (7) 24. Somehow rest if conflict results (6) 25. A very small bit of time (6)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1.The Potala palace was once the chief residence of which 'Ocean Teacher'?

2. Hornburg, Badger Pass, Marathon, Ragnorak and Bulge are all what?

3.What do Rex Harrison, Yun Fat Chow and Yul Brynner all have in common?

4. With which country does one associate each of the following soups? a.

Ramen, b. Tom Yum, c. Gazpacho, d. Psarosoupa 5. Name the six European Union countries that have the most borders with other countries.

6. In film, which genteel family owns the 'Twelve Oaks' plantation?

7. In which year did the RMS Queen Mary retire from trans Atlantic service?

8. Rod Stewart's hit song 'Sailing' appeared on which 1975 album?

9. Name the two countries in the world beginning with the letter 'S' that have a sword or a saber on the national flag.

10.The following 'swimming' related lyrics are from which songs? a.We would shout and swim about the coral that lies beneath the waves. b. I'm going where the water tastes like wine, we can jump in the water, stay drunk all the time. c.

Two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl. d. Now she's afraid to come out of the water, and the poor little girl's turnin blue.

11. Which seed has been used for centuries to colour cheddar cheese?

12. Name the only male tennis player from each of the following countries who

DOWN 1. The old boy's remedy is not at all clear (7) 2. Wrestling hold you and I had to take in marriage? (7) 3. Did things in a dramatic way perhaps (5) 4. Wrongly wish solution could be liquor! (7) 5. Measurement in the company of about 500 (5) 6. Trousers for girls (5) 9. All the space not yet full in the liquor store (5-4) 14. Mocking imitation of leaving the ground (4-3) 15. Some lessening of cover for the crown (4-3) 16. Defeats resulting in being given sumptuous meals? (7) 19. The majority include one that is damp (5) 20. Joint goes to the bishop's head! (5) 21. Mark the writer bagged a couple? (5)

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 3 ) have been ranked number one in the world by the ATP. (since Aug 1973) a.

Romania, b. Austria, c. Chile, d. Brazil 13. Which well known Sanskrit word can mean 'to unite' or 'to control'?

14. What name was given to the 3.2 million year old Australopithecus afarensis bones found in Ethiopia in 1974?

15. With the aid of the following pairs of actors who appeared in the movie, name the 'prison film'. a. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, b. Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman, c. Paul Newman and George Kennedy, d. Burt Lancaster and Karl Malden, e. William Holden and Jack Hawkins, f. David Bowie and Tom Conti 16. The scientific name for which well known extinct creature means 'rapid thief' when translated?

17. Name the song in which the song title, or part of the song title, is spelt out during the song.. For example, R-E-S-P-E-C-T (Aretha Franklin) a.The Kinks, b. Them, c. Nat King Cole, d. Bay City Rollers 18. The English word for which popular spice takes its name from the Latin and or French word for 'nail'?

19. In which year were the first daily weather forecasts published in The Times newspaper? a. 1760 b. 1800 c. 1860 d. 1900 20.Tsar Nicholas II, Brian Eno, Tom Sawyer, Lenin, John Quincy Adams, Marc Chagall and Huckleberry Finn have all lived where at one time or another?

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IS CLIMBING TREES THE ANSWER by David Aitken "Vietnam was kinda like the virus," Ohio Bill announced laconically. "You couldn't see the enemy that was lying in wait to ambush you. Usually in trees."

By Andrew Atkinson

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orrevieja's famous Man of the Sea and pedestal monument have undergone repairs after cracks appeared over the last 46 years.

"The deadliest enemy marksman was actually a woman known as Apache," he once told me, and I don't think he meant she was a tough dancer. (I could have informed Bill that Apaches have no word for 'love', according to Louis L'Amour (!) but he probably worked that out for himself.)

The novelist Flaubert believed that an author in his work should be 'present everywhere and visible nowhere,' and you would almost think coronavirus had taken his words to heart, except they would have been in French, of course. Le diable is in the details.

Fortunately we have many willing accomplices in our attempts to remove coronavirus from the land of the living. For every fatal punch, these champi-

Repairs to the Man of the Sea in Torrevieja Quote: 'The Monument to the Man of the Sea sculpted by the Catalan Josep Ricart i Maimir is one of the great symbols of of Torrevieja'

I was slightly fazed by an image of Covid-19 climbing trees, but then I recalled that my old friend from Cincinnati had been a sniper participating in dense jungle warfare against the Viet Cong in the 1960s. Now in his 80s, he wears glasses, his sniping days long gone, except verbally.

It is the very invisibility of our present enemy that is one of its biggest advantages against those of us who don't have powerful microscopes or X-ray vision. It requires a leap (quite a feat) of the imagination to visualise how a seemingly insignificant opponent can deliver such a series of deadly knockout blows without revealing its location -rather like those snipers in Saigon.

PAGE 15

Councillor for quality of urban services of Torrevieja City Council Sandra Sánchez gave the go ahead for repairs to be made almost five decades after the monument, constructed of reinforced concrete coated with mortar, has weathered.

"A protective layer will be applied to the entire monument, providing greater resistance and durability to the historic Torrevieja monument," said Councillor Sandra Sánchez.

ons can counter with endless jabs. Our modern snipers are nurses and doctors with needles in their hands, and eventually in our arms.

Recent research shows that we didn't evolve from knuckle-walkers, but that our tree-dwelling ancestors stood upright on two legs. As the trees grew farther apart -- socially distancing -- it became easier to walk from one to another rather than swing through the forest. Perhaps now might be a

good time to take to the upper branches again in order to put some space between ourselves and the pandemic? It would make a welcome change from climbing the walls at home.

But I know what would happen, of course, if my sensible proposal was adopted. Inevitably, some busybody cat owner or passing dog-walker would phone the fire brigade and ask them to come and rescue the humans who were stuck in the trees.

"The Monument to the Man of the Sea was inaugurated in May 1975 and sculpted by the Catalan Josep Ricart i Maimir. "It is one of the great symbols of the city of Torrevieja, which represents the tribute to the man of the sea," said added.

Following the remodeling of the Juan Aparicio promenade, the monument was moved from its original location, to be integrated into the new urban landscape.

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The Sheep Dog

produced by authors and writers with strong imaginations or word power.

here was a quote on social Media a little while ago where somebody was asking what people did before television, and of course there was such a time.

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In the main, people are not interested in the truth, only what they feel comfortable with.

That is why the box can feed misleading images or words dressed up as honesty.

The answer by some wag was ‘families of eight or nine children.’ Does that mean people only fancy their partner when they are bored?

On a Sunday evening, and with delight, the instrument with its view of the outside domain produced the BAFTA Awards, (Home of British Film and Television Awards) a programme where the people in the entertainment industry are voted for their individual performances.

That time consuming edifice in beautiful, detailed colour in everyone’s homes owes its development to ‘John Logie Baird’ a Scottish inventor of the early nineteen hundred’s. One wonders if he had a vision of how his invention would develop, and would he feel guilty if he was capable of knowing that his amazing discovery produced an ‘Ann Boleyn’ which is nothing like that of history - why stop there and why not portray Admiral Nelson as a sheep dog.

Since the Second World War it has taught us the way of how other people live and helped in the progress of World events. Now on a day to day basis the machine, with its pictures dancing before our eyes, leads us into an unreal domain

However, it is not what it seems. Because it is the misuse of the word ‘vote’ giving the impression of people queuing at ballot boxes to cast their choice in the various categories. It is nothing like that.

It is the industry deciding on itself what it wants you to see by approving in their own thoughts who won in different classifications, which gives the impression they are the programmes you should be following and that because they have been voted as winners, it is all above board .

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In my opinion it is worse than that, it is a show supporting the political woke attitude, otherwise why the diversity and the glorifying of the item that was on ‘Britain’s got Talent,’ which received tens of thousands of complaints against its content when on an evening of entertainment there was an enactment of the policeman kneeling on George Floyd’s neck and the BLM logo.

Any form of politics should not be included in theatre or showbiz, it is misleading.

I think on the whole we are all lovers of animals but beware if next door has a cat. There is the story of a moggy going into the adjoining property where it was fed some food, which must have been out of a tin.

The owner of the Animal was very upset when the creature came home with a cut on its paw.

The yarn explains that the injury came from the tin of food. The vet becomes involved and his bill is the sum of eight hundred pounds, which the pet owner has taken out a court order for the neighbour to pay.

The moral of the story is ‘if you are feeding next doors cat don’t do it out of a tin with jagged sides.’

As we daily hear of immigrants crossing the English Channel - it is a wonder that hasn’t been renamed as something to do with diversity – certainly it appears to be the way in without worrying about Covid 19 – sorry I’ll move on.

The problem the government has is that it has to abide by the rules, while the people smugglers – surely that is bordering on slavery – have no rules to govern them, just take the money and if someone ask then run.

It is so true mobs can run around burning and attacking the Police, calling it a peaceful protest and with little consequence.

I

The initiative came from two homeless people who managed to change their lives for the better and who now want to contribute something back to society.

As, from their own experience, they know where to find these homeless people, they are asking volunteers to cook for anywhere from sixty to eighty needy people at a time.

Recently, food has been cooked by

our Freemason friends from the Dutch/Belgian Lodge of Leukopolis, who made sausage and mash with vegetables and gravy!

A whopping eighty-three meals were made by the Masons, and all with a cake and a drink of course.

The lovely Tanya, Natasha and Jon Smith took care of the Calpe – Benidorm route, handing out the much needed meals and other necessary items.

Local Brethren of Leukopolis Lodge No 85 have already volunteered to cook twice for these people.

It brings the Brethren of the Lodge

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POETS CORNER Longer days

By Carolynn Barclay Shorter nights and longer days, More daylight hours are grand.

There are changes happening, as they do every year, Over every bit of the land.

Plants and flowers, which dormant lay, Are emerging with a push, Producing buds on flowers and trees, On every shrub and every bush.

Signs of new life, are showing through.

New colours can be seen.

Yellows, orange, red and pink, Not winter evergreen.

The birds are also livelier now, I can hear them up above.

Prancing on the wire, before a beau, Thoughts are now, turning to love.

The air is warmer, that’s always good.

The sun makes people smile.

Let’s be honest, we could do with that, Your last one, may have been a while.

Let’s breath it in, it’s a brand-new year.

A new season is about to start.

Absorb the energy from around us now.

The law is too soft, in my mind, and leans too heavily on the rights of the ‘persons who are creating mayhem’ with little concern for the people’s rights who are affected.

Let’s hope it brings freshness, to our hearts.

www.facebook.com/ percy chattey - Percy books, all sixty of them can be found on Amazon and Kindle.

If you would like to see your poem

together in providing a much needed service and to support a worthy charity, so please keep supporting us , by liking and sharing our Facebook pages, by becoming a member of our growing community or even better, become a much needed volunteer!!

Freemasons help to feed the hungry n the Benidorm – Altea – Calpe – Moraira region, a group of volunteers are distributing hot meals to numerous homeless people, some of whom who are living under bridges or in empty houses.

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The charity organisation can be contacted through their facebook page, project4all. Alternatively, email sec@glpvalencia.com Should you be interested in Freemasonry or might be interested in joining this excellent organisation please contact me on the email address: prensa@glpvalencia.com

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

CAR SALES The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2019 Ford Ecosport petrol which is on Special Offer priced at just 18,500 euro. Come along to our showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. The biggest and best for price, choice and quality. ENGLISH SPOKEN

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

Our 11.15am Services are held every 2nd and 4th Sunday in the month (and on the 5th Sunday, if this applies.) On the 1st and 3rd Sunday’s our Services are at 9.30 am. Our choir sings at our 11.15 am Services and there is also a Sunday School, Stepping Stones, on these Sundays. For info see www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org Join us at the SALT CHURCH Sundays at 10.30 am. We are a friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship. Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, Polígono Ind.

HELEN...

Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. We are a lively, friendly church and look forward to meeting you. (Covid19 aware) The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) in Torrevieja meet at 10.00 each Sunday in their chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. All Welcome.

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

The next meeting of the Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch will be held at 7 for 7.30 pm on Thursday 17 June at the Olympia Pool Bar in Mil Palmeras. Everyone welcome, incl non members. Seated aerobics and a free buffet. Call Jean for info on: 630 28 08 99.

The Royal British Legion, Torrevieja Branch - Will meet at the Oasis, formerly the Casa Ventura, San Luis. Details will be announced when it reopens.

New members are always welcome. You do not have to be ex-services. For more info please contact:gill.burden20@gmail.com Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for

the over 50’s. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Residential Home Visiting Team. to visit people in a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. If you think you can help call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887. Or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es Almoradi Meal Club. If do you fancy a meal out and meeting new friends, come and join our English speaking club. We have twice monthly meals at various restaurants in and around Almoradi. For info go to FaceBook or email: davedanie@gmail.com.

Badminton in Pilar de la Horadada. Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs. 10-12.30 pm.

Call John on 634 658 506 ...currently postponed Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 1700 (5pm) at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El

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Chaparral urbanisation, Torrevieja. For more information please contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 966 71 6274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 966 92 1966.

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

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

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

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

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

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PAGE 19

PAGE 20

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A WE EK OF TWO FI RSTS

June 2021 Monthly Report On Friday 4th June we drove to El Plantio for our monthly stable ford game.

The weather forecast had indicated showers however I’m glad to say that they got it wrong, the weather was perfect for golf, not to hot neither to blustery.

As usual, we were welcomed to a busy El Plantio golf course, which I have to say was in very good condition.

After our game returned to our sponsor's bar Little Leias close to Consum in Quesada for our presentation to a warm reception where we were greeted with good-priced drinks and sandwiches laid on by Ian the boss of Little Leias.

Today was different in as much that it was the drive-in for our new Captain Peter List, Peter put up a bottle of liqueur as a prize for the player whose drive finished up closest to his.

Barry Grinsell took the fourteenth with Phil Harris winning the eighteenth, none of our players managed to hit the seventh, each NTP winner received a bottle of wine.

In second place with thirty-one points was Keith Loughery winning a bottle of red wine, but our winner on the day was Terry Sharley with thirty-four points winning bottles of red and white wine.

The soccer card winner who had selected Man. United was Ian Allison.

Well done to all our winners on what turned out to be a great day out.

If you are interested in joining our small friendly society (it's free ) please contact me at bustersgolfsociety@hotmail.com Barry Grinsell.

Lo Crispin Golf at Font Del Llop

Silver Division

On 9th. June 26 members of the Society, including a number playing for their Handicap competed in an Individual Stableford Competition.

N.T. P. on Par 3s

The sun shone and the breeze for the most part was not too severe.

We returned to the Lo Crispin Tavern following the game, where Tapas was on offer and the day's prizes distributed.

John Shervell 2021 Presidents Day

were won by, Peter List on the ninth.

This was won by Keith Loughery, our nearest the pins

The course as usual was generally in good condition, but the greens suggested some members were not as quick as they usually are.

1st. Place - Barney Barningham 37 pts. off 22

Las Ramblas Golf Society

2nd. Place - Paul Flanaghan 32 pts. off 25

Joyce McClusky and Paul Brown took Monday’s 2 ball better ball with a resounding 49 points. Close, but not close enough, with 46 points it was myself and Ron Phipps just edging out Nigel Price and Mike Mahony on countback.

3rd. Place - Steve Harrington 28pts. off 27 Hole 3 - Paul Flanaghan Hole 8 - Steve Harrington

This was despite Nigel scoring his first ever Eagle on the second!

Hole 12 - Omer Kouer Hole 16 - Warren Tarrant The prize for best guest / those playing for Handicap was won yet again by 11 year old Jamie Ellis (son of Graham Ellis) with a score of 32 pts. off 36.

Gold Division

There were no 2s, so the 'pot' will roll over to the next game, which is another Individual Stableford at La Finca on 23rd. June.

1st. Place - Steve King 28 pts. off 11

Finally, the Free Game Draw was won by Mark Good.

2nd. Place - Bill Croft 27 pts. off 18 (on count back)

Steve Harrington.

3rd. Place - Andy Quinn 27 pts. off 7

(Membership and Handicap secretary)

Mike Probert talks Golf H

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

RELAXATION Performing well under pressure is a “coping skill” which champions apply naturally and golfers without these skills are only there, to make up the numbers.

Fear will always be a part of golf, and anger is sometimes a problem, just as excitement can be, but golfers can find comfort in the knowledge that there is a very easy way to reduce the effect of these feelings and this knowledge will then enable them to play well instead of We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf. The deals shown in the table are some of the best prices currently available to you: Course Alenda Alicante Altorreal Bonalba Campoamor Don Cayo (Altea) El Plantio

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Joyce’s run of form continued and with 42 points she must have felt she’d done enough to take this year’s President’s Day trophy on Wednesday.

However, it was John Shervell (scoring 9 less than his handicap!) with a massive 45 points who won the title.

41 points saw Tom Hardie take bronze which in most societies would be a winning score. Nearest the pins went to

Friedel Knebel, Ron Luffman and Graham Murray.

For the ladies Olga Douglas was nearest the pin in two on the 5th and for the men it was Mark Western closest in 3 on the par five 18th.

Friday’s 6x6x6 was won with 86 points

by Andy Martin, Yvonne Phipps and a somewhat hungover John Drakesmith (Perhaps that’s the answer)?

Overshadowing them, huge congratulations go out to Nora Betts who recorded her first ever hole in one on the difficult 12th hole. Thanks for the beers Pat and Nora!

Finally; what word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it? Short.

Pues hasta la semana que viene Peter Reffell

failing under the pressure of competition.

impending failure.

Relaxation is the key and it is available to everyone who is prepared to practice it correctly, the golfer can then ask for the pleasant control, which the “peace” of relaxation provides.

If we know how to relax, then this situation is less likely to occur and we will play the shot with the “short time control” which offers success.

The requirement for relaxation can start even before we play, particularly when trying to get to sleep the night before an important event, at these times, possible success or failure can pass through the mind, preventing the sleep needed to provide energy for the following day.

To deal with the build up of stress on the course we have to find ways to overcome the inevitable waiting time.

We must understand how to place all of the muscles of our body in a “state of peace”, because only then can we dictate peace of mind.

It may appear obvious that the relaxed feelings needed to sleep are not required at the time we play a shot, all shots need muscular effort, but the controlled muscular effort, which a good understanding of relaxation can provide and with TEMPO, which is a freedom of controlled movement needed to combat golf stress.

This inner calm is often needed when we have an awkward chip or putt, these times our mind can race along, and the endless ‘thinking’ before we attempt the shot extends the worry and stress to a state of El Valle Font Del Llop Hacienda Del Alamo La Finca La Marquesa La Sella La Serena La Torre Las Colinas Las Ramblas Lorca Lo Romero

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To reduce the worry which waiting can offer, we have to distract our thoughts away from golf until it is our turn to play, like tidying your bag or yourself.

Just do something other than worry about the next shot, and then you will be more successful when it is your time to play, you really could “smell the flowers”.

If you behave sensibly on a golf course and keep your smile going you will then be able to keep calm when there is the need. If, on the other hand, you lose your temper and get up tight then you must expect less than satisfactory results.

Hollow Tine Watch 14/06/21 Villaitana Levante and El Valle Mar Menor €120 Two Green Fees & Buggy New Sierra Golf €68 Two Green Fees & Buggy Puig Campana €98 Two Green Fees & Buggy Roda €115 Two Green Fees & Buggy (1.06pm) Saurines €100 Two Green Fees & Buggy Villaitana Levante €90 Two Green Fees & Buggy Villaitana Poniente €70 Two Green Fees & Buggy Villamartin €130 Two Green Fees & Buggy (11-2pm) Vistabella €105 Two Green Fees & Buggy ( 1.00pm) For Bookings and info Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting reference LEADER or on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931

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A NEW ERA AND A NEW CARPET FOR CALPE

Our Trips internal league has now commenced which is another step towards a more normal bowling atmosphere.

The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on 4th June 2021. Marking the official opening of our new carpet by our President and Main Sponsor Martyn Tucker.

The four teams are named Oaks, Beech, Ash and Cedars, the results of this weeks matches are as follows..........

Members enjoyed their first roll up on the brand new pristine carpet laid by Dales Sports UK, who did a wonderful and professional job.

The Beech were the home team and the Oaks were their opponents, Final scores - Shots for 34, Against - 45 . Points for 0, Points Against - 8

Calpe Promenade Bowls Club was founded in 2020 when it was decided that the original club Calpe Bowls Paraiso Mar would split into two independent clubs.

Given the outstanding backdrop of the Peñon de Ifach known as Calpe Rock, it is easy to understand why.

Existing and new members are continuing to meet three times a week for a "roll up" on

Best scoring Rink - Kerry C Byrne, Lisa Bonsor, skip Dave Webb - 17 - 11.

Tuesday, Friday and Sunday at 09:30 - 12:00 and will also enjoy membership of Levante Lawn Bowls. Continued Participation in the Northern League will also be a priority, along with league and cup matches and internal and external competitions throughout the LLB region. Plus, organised charity events.

Come along in person to find out more about

our welcoming club...ask about tuition if you are new to the bowling scene.

Calpe Promenade Bowls Club is part of the Edificio Paraiso Mar complex, located on the Playa de Levante promenade in between Bar 78 and the Blue Eden Bar. Or call Tony James on +34 634 328 483 to discuss meeting in person.

The Panthers celebrated coming top of the internal Pairs League at Portico Mar on Tuesday.

Thanks go to Pauline and Roger for organising the event and to Jill for arranging the meals for everyone.

Exciting times are ahead for Greenlands Bowls Club, Negotiations are ongoing to Install a new carpet and underlay in time for the start of the new season.

Presidents - Christine Mawson/Dave Bouttell

If you would like to become a member of the club you would be made most welcome.

Men’s singles - Dave Bouttell/Brian Doggett Ladies singles - Christine Mawson/ Linda Warnes

Triples. Linda Warnes, Rod Warnes & Brian

Best Scoring rink, - Bert Ewart, Mary Lockley, skip Phil Lockley, - 21 - 9.

Runners -up were Bert Ewart and Janet Bliss who won the same two bottles.

WINNERS/RUNNER UPS.

Mixed Pairs. Alan Guest & Margaret Bailey/Bob Cockell & Mary Cockell

Final scores - Shots for - 50, Shots Against 32, Points for - 8, Points Against - 0

On Friday it was Aussie pairs and a meal afterwards.

The best pairs were - Mary and Phil Lockley who received a bottle of wine and a bottle of Brandy.

This past week the BBC has watched the finals of their club championships. This year has been extremely difficult but thanks to the organizing skills of Derek Mawson and help from the club Captain Bob Bailey and members it was able to go ahead. Eight events spaced over the week due to some members being involved in more than one event.

Ladies Pairs. Linda Warnes & Mary Cockell/Shelia Fairbairn/Feli Croft

Ash versus Cedars......

The meal was enjoyed by all, and prizes for each pair were awarded by Barry Collins and kindly donated by the Team Captain Norman Stephens.

Benitachell Bowls Club Championship

Mens Pairs - Jeff Richards & Brian Doggett/Dave Bouttell & Neville Allen

Greenlands Bowls Club

by Dave Webb

Calpe Promenade Bowls Club Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 4th June 2021

Some of the members decided that they wished to continue at the stunning oceanfront location alongside Playa Levante Beach.

PAGE 21

Doggett/ Lynne Avey, John Avey & Alan Overton.

The Setford First Honours Trophy is as the name implies, awarded to a member who has yet to achieve a first honour. This year it was contested between Pam Coombes and Dave Bouttell, who up until this championship were

in that category. Hats off to Pam who not only won the game but also beat the Benitachell Bowls Club new mens champion.bowler Club members and guests were entertained with some very high standards of bowling and although it was spread over four days, was very well supported.

Torrevieja Pool League not returning for summer

The Complex serves food to suit all tastes and has a wide variety of soft drinks wines and Beers served by happy and efficient staff.

So if you are new to bowling or already an accomplished player, our very experienced coaching team are here to teach you all you need to know.

Please call our Club secretary Chris Dewar on tel 698 418 987 for more information.

League Chairman Alan Boswell

By Andrew Atkinson The Torrevieja Pool League are not returning to the green baize for the summer in the wake of fixtures postponements during the coronavirus lockdown.

"After great thought and deliberation I have decided not to run a summer competition," said chairman Alan Boswell.

League fixtures were postponed during the COVID-19 lockdowns over the past 15 months.

"The reasons behind the decision are due to teams that are interested being far too spread apart, from La Zenia, El Raso, Los Montesinos and Entre Naranjos - with only two teams in Torrevieja," reasoned Alan.

"I hope everyone understands why I have made this decision and hopefully we will all be back to normal in October for the Winter League," added Alan.

Following the decision it is understood teams within the league will play friendly games during the summer.

The Courtyard A & B, Bar La Zenia, Bar Brittania, O'Briens, Friendly Bar, Maries Rendevous, Mickys Bar, Dubliners, Laguna

Tavern, The Phoenix (Quiet Man), La Hacienda, Thirsty Boot and Racing Toast being amongst teams.

The La Hacienda in Lo Crispin staged a Pool knockout competition in May, won by Colin Mac, with prizemoney €150/€50 winner / runner-up in a straight knockout, best of 3/semi and final frames.

PAGE 22

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Mendes Gomes: linked to Rangers in summer move “If it's meant for me to be a footballer, whether it's in Spain or England, I will be successful” - Getafe and Atletico Madrid prodigy Mendes Gomes

By Andrew Atkinson Carlos Mendes Gomes netted a penalty for Morecambe in the League 2 play-off final 1-0 victory against Newport County at Wembley gaining promotion to the first division for the first time in the club's 101 year history.

Linked with a summer move to Rangers, former Getafe and Atletico Madrid prodigy Mendes Gomes, 22, moved to Lanzarote as a child, and ventured to Madrid alone, aged 15, when joining Getafe, prior to joining Atletico Madrid.

He arrived in England and played at West Didsbury and Chorlton for two seasons, signing for Morecambe in 2018 after being scouted during his time at The Manchester College where he played in the Academy.

"Even though everything was going well in Lanzarote, it doesn't have that exposure, in terms of making it big as a footballer," said Mendes Gomes, who has aspirations to play in La Liga.

"That was the reason I went to Madrid. I went and played for Getafe the first year and the second year is when I got signed by Atletico. I was 15," he said.

Part of the Los Colchoneros youth set-up, Mendes Gomes was amongst players who won their first league title in 18 years, also being runners-up in the Champions League, losing the final in extratime to Real Madrid.

"It was an amazing feeling. When we were going to games and watching the first team, I'd think that one day I want to have this feeling and I want to be part of it," said Mendes Gomes.

Hometown club salute Villarreal Star Moi Gomez

"We would take pictures with first-team players, after that it becomes normal, taking advice and trying to learn from them," he said.

didn't happen. Then, when Derek Adams took over, he gave me that opportunity and I made sure I took it," he added.

First-team players included Thibaut Courtois, Toby Alderweireld, David Villa and Diego Costa, along with Atletico stars, Diego Godin, Juanfran and Koke.

Having made no appearances before Jim Bentley's departure in October 2019, Mendes Gomes started 15 of Adams' opening 20 games as manager.

Koke was someone that Mendes Gomes played with in the Atletico Madrid B team, along with brothers Lucas and Theo Hernandez.

"Adams took my game to the next level - mentality-wise and also my technical ability. He's given me the confidence to go onto the pitch, express myself and just be me," says Mendes Gomes.

"I played at u-16s and u-18s. Then my dad decided to move to England, because he thought we'd have a better opportunity for an education for me and my little sisters," he said.

"He's added more directness to my game. My relationship with him is great, when the manager speaks highly in interviews and one-to-one, it's really pleasing to hear."

"We had to move to England and, at the beginning, I didn't want to because I had my football back home.

Mendez Gomes said: "We were absolutely looking for promotion. We had this mindset from the start of the season.

"But I thought, 'If it's meant for me to be a footballer, whether it's in Spain or England, I will be successful'.

"We didn't want to be Morecambe - who just survive relegation each year and never fights for anything. We wanted to push for the play-offs and believed we had the team to do it."

"The first year I didn't play any football because I couldn't find a team. The second year I didn't really care who I played for.

Gomes is out of contract this summer, with the club putting in a contract clause that gave them the right to exercise an extension, amid a link to Scottish Champions Rangers, among other clubs.

"It was tough because I didn't speak any English, but I just wanted to play. So I found a non-League club.

"I always believed that if I trust my ability, it doesn't matter where I play, someone can spot that. I was just playing, making sure everything was right. If any opportunities were to come, I'd try and take it," he said.

After two years at non-League side West Didsbury & Chorlton, the chance to play in the Football League for Morecambe came.

Mendes Gomes: link to Rangers summer move

He made 15 league appearances in his first season at the Globe Arena: "The first season I was playing lots and then I wasn't even on the bench.

the way I was performing in training and the team wasn't really doing that well, at that time," he said.

"I believed I deserved to play more, because of

"I thought I should've at least got a chance, but it

A presentation from Rojales mayor Antonio Perez Garcia

Adams, who quit the Shrimps, just three days after promotion, said: "Carlos has got a very good football brain. If other clubs are being linked with him it means something positive must be happening.

"Carlos is a fantastic boy, you can tell that by his work ethic in training and in games."

On the future, Mendes Gomes said: "Personally, the season has been good - but there's always room for improvement. I believe I can actually up it and do better."

Torrevieja Girls qualify for National Tennis Championships

Villarreal star midfielder Moi Gomez saluted hometown club CD Thader supporters at the Moi Gomez stadium.

Europa League Cup winner Gomez, mobbed by fans, said: "I thank the fans for their love and support."

Gomez joined Villarreal in a move from Alicante CF in 2010, joining Sporting Gijon in 2016, returning to Villarreal in 2019.

He signed autographs and was presented with a trophy by the Rojales Ayuntamiento: "I am very proud," said Gomez.

Moi Gomez arriving at the ground

Last Sunday, the Girl’s Team of the Torrevieja Tennis Club, beat the Valencia Tennis Club at home by 2-0, in the final of the Valencian Community Championship. The team comprised of Charo Esquiva, Marta Pico and Ariadna García -Patron.

Thanks to this outstanding result, the salinero team will compete next August in the Spanish

Championship to be held in Barcelona.

It should be noted that with the achievement of this success, the team number one, Charo Esquiva has won 4 consecutive community championships.

Two weeks ago she also won the Infantil individual in Castellón, and last year she won these same tournaments both individually and the team events in the category Alevín.

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PAGE 23

Thader success condemns Elda to relegation sible contract renewals and they certainly set off at some pace.

However, it was a ‘must win’ game for the home side but their early efforts did little to impress the small, but enthusiastic, crowd.

Elda Union CF............ 2 CD Thader ................ 4

T

hader's visit to Elda for the last match of the season was one of huge importance for the home side.

Before start of play, both Petrel and Orihuela 'B' had been relegated, but the big question was, who would join them?

Elda needed to win, and also hope that either Santa Pola or Pena Raval lost.

Back in early April inside Moi Gomez stadium, Thader recorded a convincing 3-1 victory over Elda, which at the time, significantly eased their own relegation worries. So. following a superb recent run of results, the men from Rojales could now go out and enjoy themselves, safe in the knowledge that they would finish in a respectable mid table position.

With Quino suspended and Dani Lucas, Nano and Ruben all rested by manager Raul Mora, it was an opportunity for a number of the fringe players to go out on a high and impress, in the hope of pos-

Indeed on 12 minutes Thader had the ball in the net, but rather than allow the advantage and award the goal, the referee pulled the ball back for a ‘penalty following an earlier handball by Elda’s Julen.

Nino’s weak effort from the spot got exactly what it deserved, and keeper Marco made a comfortable save to preserve the scoreline at 0-0.

As the visitors began to control the game Nino’s earlier blushes were somewhat spared when Kike drilled a shot into the roof of the Elda net following an assist by overlapping full back Borja on 17 minutes.

Then, Yeray blasted narrowly over for Elda on the half hour mark but when Caldron was brought down in the box following a Thader break moments later, the spot kick was claimed by skipper Lloyd who made no mistake, as he blasted it down the middle to put the visitors two goals up.

At this stage the home side were just beginning to wake up to the realisation that they could soon be playing Regional football, and following encouragement from their dug out they finally began to take the game to Thader.

Adrian made a great save from Elda’s Jairo, the rebound from which was hit onto the crossbar by Nestor and then, from the very next attack, Oscar

was unlucky when his shot sailed narrowly over the bar.

At this stage the home side were beginning to pile the pressure onto Thader so as the referee blew the half time whistle and Elda jogged into the changing room for their most important team talk of the season, ‘the great escape’ was still quite possibly on.

Unfortunately, though, even the most optimistic of supporters knew they faced an impossible task when, straight from the restart, Nino ran onto a loose ball to make it 3-0 for Thader, and then on

Brandon nets winner in 5 goal thriller Bigastro CF.........2 Torrevieja CF.......3

T

orrevieja had to work hard as a late effort from Brandon secured a narrow 3-2 victory against near neighbours Bigastro.

With all five goals coming in the second period there was plenty for the neutrals to cheer as, within ten minutes of the restart, the visitors had rushed into a two-goal lead.

The hosts were caught out by quick breaks on both occasions with Zumeta and Moun setting up Torrevieja with a seemingly comfortable victory. However,

Bigastro thought otherwise and just ten minutes later the teams were back on level terms.

Both teams worked had to fashion a winner but with just eight minutes left on the clock, from a quickly taken throw in Pablo found the head of Moun, who directed the ball to the far post for Brandon to hit the winner.

Brandon netted the winner from a Moun assist in he 83rd minute

The result was even more satisfying for Torrevieja as it emphasised the bond being developed by this young team, many of whom have been with the club since their grassroots days.

Torrevieja scorers: Zumeta (48), Moun (60, Brandon (83)

SUDUKO SOLUTION From From page 14

TRIVEA QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 14: 1. The Dalai Lama. (translated 'Ocean Teacher' or 'Ocean Leader'). 2. Famous battles. (real and fictional). 3. They have all played the King (King Mongkut) in film. Harrison (Anna and the King of Siam, 1946) Chow (Anna and the King, 1999) Brynner (The King and I, 1956). 4. a. Japan, b. Thailand, c. Spain, d.

Greece. 5. France (10), Germany (9), Austria (8), Hungary and Poland (7), Italy (6). 6. The Wilkes family (in 'Gone With The Wind'). 7. 1967. 8. Atlantic Crossing.

9. Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia. 10. a.

Octopus's Garden (Beatles), b. Going Up

The Country (Canned Heat), c. Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd), d. Itsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini (Brian Hyland). 11. The annatto seed. 12. a. Ilie Nastase, b. Thomas Muster, c. Marcelo Rios, d. Gustavo Kuerten. 13. Yoga. 14.

Lucy. 15. a. Shawshank Redemption, b.

Papillon, c. Cool Hand Luke, d. The Birdman of Alcatraz, e. The Bridge On The River Kwai, f. Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence. 16. Velociraptor. 17. a. Lola, b. Gloria, c. L-O-V-E, d. Saturday Night.

18. Cloves (Latin 'clavus', French 'clou').

19. answer c. 1860. 20. In St. Petersburg (Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn lived in the fictional St Petersburg)

65 minutes when Borja ran the ball into an empty net to make it 4-0, the game really was up for Elda.

They did still try to compete, however, and in an entertaining flurry, two goals from Jairo during the final minutes at least provided the scoreline for the home team with some semblance of respectability.

An entertaining game and a performance that Thader will hope to build on for next season but for Elda, with their few stars set to depart, the road back to Preferente looks increasingly long.

PAGE 24

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