The Leader Newspaper Edition 876

No 876 Monday 19th - Sunday 25th July 2021

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

Despite being fierce opponents, the opposition Socialist party PSOE Supported the PP in the vote rihuela Costa was completely excluded from a package of 9.5m investments approved by a special meeting of the Town Hall plenary last Thursday. This is a huge disappointment for Orihuela Costa which lacks so many facilities and services.

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The coast is showing signs of major abandonment with rubbish accumulating in the streets, many streets in bad state of repair, no second health centre, no cultural centre and an emergency services centre which is still not completed after 10 years of delay.

The €9.5m investment package will be dedicated exclusively to projects in the

City, restoring a series of historic buildings and improving the historic centre.

The €9.5m were taken from funds left over which have not been mobilised because of tensions between the governing coalition of Popular Party and Ciudadanos and their inability to agree a general budget. general budget.

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Continued from page 1 Abandonment of Orihuela Costa

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It is this 2018 budget, which is still the basis for government expenditure although increasingly out of date and unsuited to current needs.

Ironically, a significant part of the €9.5m is the result of the sale of municipal land on the coast.

Furthermore, dedicating the entire sum of 9.5m to the City breaks with a principle that Orihuela Costa should receive 40% of investments to make up for the acknowledged historic deficit in funding for the coast.

PRESS RELEASE Despite the origin of the funds, the acknowledged needs of the coast and the break with the 40% principle, the decision to dedicate the entire sum to the City is not entirely unexpected and conforms to the pattern of discrimination against Orihuela Costa which is a constant feature of the politics of Orihuela municipality.

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What was unexpected in the decision of the Plenary last Thursday was that it was voted for by the Popular Party, the principal party of the governing coalition and the opposition Socialist party PSOE. Ciudadanos, the junior party in the governing coalition voted against, arguing that the measures did not apply in an equitable manner to the whole of the municipality. They detailed a series of measures which they said should have been included and which would have benefitted the coast. Some commentators think this was just a smokescreen to hide their embarrassment for having been ditched by the Popular

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Party who preferred to cut a deal with the PSOE. It does look as though the tensions between the Popular Party and Ciudadanos are now reaching crisis level and the two major Orihuela parties, the PP and PSOE, may be out to kill off the Orihuela Ciudadanos party, which has recently suffered a catastrophic loss of support nationally and in many regions of Spain.

Infighting between the Orihuela based parties which may go on until the next municipal elections in May, 2023 is not a promising prospect for the interests of Orihuela Costa.

Promoting Flexibility at the RBL Something a little different as members of the Orihuela Costa and District Royal British Legion enjoyed a session of light exercise at the Olympia Restaurant last Thursday.

The routine was prepared and delivered by the branch’s own Madam Motivator, Nicola Louden, who put approximately 30 participants through their paces for almost thirty minutes.

Although the first such session it most certainly won’t be the last with all of the partakers keen to see it become a regular activity following meetings.

Amazon logistics up and running in Alicante

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he new Amazon distribution centre opened in Alicante last week. This 8,000square-foot, hub will employ 60 full-time permanent employees and create more than 300 contract drivers from Amazon's five local partner delivery companies in the area.

This new logistics station in Alicante is the company's second in the Valencian Community, following the centre in Paterna, that opened in 2017.

"We are delighted to invest in Alicante with a new logistics station that will provide efficient and much quicker delivery to customers.

It will also create dozens of job opportunities for many different people and trades," says Aída Villalobos, Manager of the new Amazon warehouse.

A further Amazon distribution hub is also about to open close to Corvera airport in the Murcian Community. Scheduled to begin operations in Autumn it will directly employ 1,200 people within three years of opening.

The operations will move around 550,000 units.

The multinational will provide coverage from the platform to the entire southeast of Spain and also to several European countries.

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ONLY 5 MUNICIPALITIES IN ALICANTE NOT AT EXTREME RISK On Friday the Province of Alicante recorded 640 new cases, the second highest figure since mid February.

There are currently 57 patients who are hospitalised and 8 in the ICU.

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he latest cumulative incidence data of coronavirus in Valencian municipalities continues to show a worrying picture of the Community as we approach the month of August. While waiting for the recently announced restrictions to come to fruition, the limitation of private and public meetings to 10 people and a curfew in 32 municipalities, the growth of the new wave continues to develop exponentially.

According to the update of July 15 - the last one carried out - only 10 coastal municipalities are not at extreme risk due to the accumulated incidence. That is, only a dozen localities which have recorded fewer than 250 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last two weeks.

The only positive data is that hospital pressure is increasing much more slowly than in the third wave, where 4,500 people were being treated in hospital for the virus with over 600 patients in ICUs, figures from which we are still a long way from.

Likewise, between January and February, more than one hundred daily deaths were being registered in the Region, while now

there are hardly any daily deaths. Proof that the vaccination is working.

To date, only 10 coastal towns register less than 250 accumulated incidence cases, four of them have less than 5,000 inhabitants, Cabanes (134 from IA), Xilxes (0 from IA), La Llosa (101) and Guardamar from la Safor (0), and six are medium or large cities: l'Alfàs del Pi (189 in IA), Elx (203), Torrevieja (179), Orihuela (124) and Pilar de la Horadada (76).

Torrevieja pays tribute to the Virgen del Carmen As it does every year, on Saturday the city of Torrevieja honoured the Virgen del Carmen, although on this occasion the celebrations were rather different due to the pandemic and the restrictions that are currently required.

One of these acts was the traditional Mass and Communion in the church of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated by the parish priest, Manuel Martínez Rocamora, and attended by the mayor of the city, Eduardo Dolón; the Salt Queen, Raquel Tévar and her aides, together with the president of the Fishermen's Association, Pedro Ángel Carmona.

After the mass, thehymn of the Salve Marinera, performed by the Unión Musical Torrevejense and the José Hódar Choir, took place next to the Fisherman's Monument.

It was followed by many acts of tribute to the fishermen, by the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, together with the Salt Queen, Raquel Tévar and the President of the Fishermen's Association, Pedro A. Carmona, who threw a wreath of flowers into the sea, in memory of the fishermen and the sailors who had lost their lives.

Police ‘Scam’ in Los Montesinos ends in pensioner’s bank cards stolen

By Andrew Atkinson A police 'scam' took place on July 16 in Los Montesinos when a member of the public who claimed to be a police officer stole an unsuspecting 85-year-old lady's bank cards.

Frank Robinson and his 85year-old wife: Victim of police scam bank cards theft.

"A Spanish looking man, aged approximately 40, balding, 4ft 8-9", who claimed to be a policeman stopped my wife," said Frank Robinson.

The incident occurred near to Friends Cafe in Los Montesinos within minutes of the local police station at 6pm.

"He said he was investigating two women- passing off forged notes - and suspected she was one of them," Mr Robinson told The Leader.

"He said he was aware she had been to the market and supermarket Dia. "My wife said his English was poor - but he was polite - and convincing.

"The man demanded to see my wife's ID and during a check of her documents somehow managed to steal her bank cards.

"The Bank cards have been cancelled and the police have been informed."

Los Montesinos has recently installed CCTV in the town and enquiries are ongoing.

Los Montesinos Mayor Jose Manuel Butron, speaking to The Leader said: "Be careful. There are scammers about - and they take advantage of older people."

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ALICANTE’S RUSSIAN HACKER WHO SCAMMED 5 MILLION EURO

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fraudulent extraction of money from banks around the world, through malicious programs (malware) that they sent by email to bank employees, pretending to be from the companies with which they worked.

he National Court has imposed a sentence of four and a half years in prison on Denis Katana, a Russian hacker, who pleaded guilty to multiple crimes of remote robberies.

From his home in Alicante, Katana infected the computer systems of banks across the world managing to defraud them of 5 million euros in the process.

Once the employee opened the mail, the program infected the complete computer system, allowing them to control bank accounts and ATMs remotely, modifying the limit of certain accounts and directly accessing the cashiers system. Later, they extracted money by sending remote orders so that at a certain time the money would be dispensed.

The defendant pleaded guilty of creating a malicious program with which, from his home in Alicante, he infected the computers of hundreds of banks in different countries of the world, allowing him to manipulate ATMs remotely to extract money which the prosecution claimed was in excess of five million euros. The money was then laundered as he purchased bitcoins.

Katana, accepted the sentence of three years in prison for a crime of computer fraud, six months for integration into a criminal group, another six months for falsification of a public document and another six months for money laundering, the final offence for which he is also required to pay a fine of six million euros. His partner accepted the penalty of six months in jail and a fine of 300,000 euros for money laundering.

In delivering the sentence the judge said that it was purposely much

Using this system, called "Cobalt", the organization obtained cash from ATM’s all over the world. Thus, in coordination with a number of accomplices, he managed to introduce the malicious program to banks including the First Commercial Bank of Taiwan.

more lenient than it might otherwise have been as the defendant had been fully cooperative throughout the proceedings.

The investigation began following information from the Belgian authorities about the existence of an organisation dedicated to the

Police break up Torrevieja botellón of 1000 Youngsters

On July 9 and 10, 2016, several people who had subsequently travelled to Taiwan, were able to make various cash withdrawals at the bank’s ATMs for an amount greater than 2.6 million US dollars.

However, the Taiwanese authorities managed to arrest two people and recover almost all of the proceeds.

In Spain, the banks attacked were Sabadell and Santander.

Infections rampant in Murcia Region’s 20-29 Age Group In twenty-somethings: the incidence exceeds 700 cases The rebound in infections in the Region of Murcia has a clear and dominant focus: the group of Murcians aged 20 to 29 years.

Incidence by Age Group in the Region

This age group now shows a 14 day incidence of 701 infected per 100,000 inhabitants, according to data provided by the Ministry of Health.

This high figure, even so, is nowhere near the highest in the country, with a number of other communities experiencing a rate higher than 3,000 cases per 100,000 citizens, as is the case in Castilla y León (3,692) and Catalonia (3,401). The national average of this age group is close to 1,000 infected (996.4).

The Murcia Region has entered the fifth wave of the pandemic, now showing four consecutive days of increases above 300 positive cases per day. There are already 2,730 Murcians infected; most of them with mild or asymptomatic symptoms (2,690).

Less than a month ago, at the beginning of the summe , there were barely more than 400 infected.

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he State Security Forces broke up a number of impromptu parties in the Valencian Community, during the early hours of Saturday morning, one of them of about 1,000 people in Torrevieja.

The Government delegate in the Valencian Community, Gloria Calero, said that the Civil Guard and the National Police dispersed the crowd "without notable incidents".

The most notable of all the botellón’s took place in Torrevieja, when, at around 2:20 am, in the area of ??the city’s natural pools, the local police reported a macro-bottle of about 1,000 people.

After the warning, several Civil Guard patrols arrived at the scene and the eviction took place without incident.

Many other similar parties were also organized across the Alicante Province, but with a much smaller number of people, who were dispersed by the police patrols, all without incidents, the Government Delegate indicated in a statement.

In Castellón, the night passed with-

out incident and in the province of Valencia, in general, the situation was also calm.

In the city of València, specifically in the area of the Plaza de Honduras, no massive influx of people was detected.

However, the National Police issued a total of 61 sanctions for breach of night mobility restrictions: 18 in Valencia, 14 in Burjassot, eight in Gandia, seven in Mislata, six in Paterna, five in Xirivella and three in Quart de Poblet.

This is the first weekend of the current curfew in 32 Valencian municipalities after the Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV) gave its approval to the measure to reduce infections. The Government Delegation has reinforced the night shifts of the National Police and the Civil Guard to increase surveillance and "guarantee compliance with the measures."

Gloria Calero thanked the agents for their work and their "commitment to the public to prevent the spread of the virus."

The regional incidence, which for a long time was barely noticed in the Region, ranged from 50 to 70 cases, but it now stands at 236 positives per 100,000 Murcians, according to the Ministry of Health figures. However, it is

Two off-road vehicles for Orihuela Police The Councilor for Citizen Security, Antonio Sánchez, handed over two new off-road vehicles on Wednesday to the Chief of the Local Police, José María Pomares.

From the Ford Ranger brand, the vehicles come fully equipped with a winch for dragging, lifting or moving objects and an elevated air intake for driving through water.

The Councillor said that “we have opted for these vehicles because they are capable of driving off-road, that is, through rural areas and in complicated situations such as a flood and they will be of great help when it comes to working and improving the service that the police can give to the public”.

Both are contract vehicles costing a total of 110,436.70 euros and with a duration of four years.

among the lowest in the country, only surpassed by the autonomous cities of Ceuta (100) and Melilla (158) and Castilla-La Mancha (170).

Twenty-somethings lead the upturn in cases in the Region, but teenagers are not too far behind, those aged 12 to 19 show 552 cases per 100,000. Adults between 30 and 39 years of age register a rate of 254, and from the age of 50, the incidence gradually decreases, until it reaches octogenarians, who present a rate of 28 infected per 100,000.

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‘British in Europe’ call decision by Schapps “epidemiologically illiterate” N ew rules, announced last week by Grant Shapps, state that travellers who have had both vaccine doses can skip quarantine when travelling into the UK if arriving from countries on the amber list.

However, the new rules — which come into effect at 4am on Monday 19 July — only apply to those arriving in England who received jabs that were administered by the NHS. The rules mean that UK nationals in Spain who had their jabs in the UK can travel overseas and return without having to quarantine – but those who had their vaccines in Spain, or anyone who travelled through Frnce on their way back to the UK, will still face a 10-day quarantine period, as well as paying around £160 for the compulsory testing on the second and eighth day of self-isolation.

The announcement sparked fury among UK nationals living abroad, many of whom have now signed a government petition that calls on the UK to recognise vaccination certificates of those Brits who are living in Spain.

Overdue road works in La Regia

Indeed the citizens’ rights group ‘British in Europe’ has since written to Shapps to ask for the reasoning behind the “epidemiologically illiterate” exclusion of people vaccinated outside the UK. They point out that any UK resident who has been vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines has received a dose made in the exact same production facilities as a UK citizen living in an EU amber country.

Shapps said the exemption was for “residents returning to England” but speaking on Sky News on Friday morning, he said he hoped to be able to make an announcement on whether the UK can recognise people vaccinated in other countries “within the next couple of weeks”.

Meanwhile an online petition launched to persuade the UK government to allow vaccinated Britons living abroad to visit families back home without having to quarantine is nearly halfway to its target of forcing a debate in Parliament.

Requiring 100,000 signatures to be considered for a parliamentary debate the petition is closing in on 50,000 signatories.

Councillor for Infrastructure, Ángel Noguera with his motley crew.

At long last the appalling state of roads in and around La Regia is finally being addressed with the announcement by the councillor for Infrastructure, Ángel Noguera, that asphalting work and improvements to the drinking water service and public lighting is now underway.

He said that some streets do not comply with the current regulatory conditions for accessibility, as well as for vehicular circulation. Pavements are overgrown by trees, thus making pedestrians walk on the road.

There is also a lack of signposting for parking lots and the absence of horizontal road signs, both directional for circulation and parking, as well as pedestrian crossings.

"The work will be carried out in C/Isla Cabrera, Isla Dragonera, Isla Sardinia, Isla Córcega and Isla Formentera.

POETRY CORNER It would have been less painful (From ‘El Rayo Que No Cesa’) by Miguel Hernandez It would have been less painful if it had been nard your complexion to my gaze, nard, thistle your skin to my touch, thistle, bitter-apple your voice to my ears, bitter.

Bitter-apple is your voice to my ears, bitter, and I burn, in and around your voice, I burn, and I’m slow to burn, what I’m slow to offer, juniper oil, my voice for yours, juniper.

Briar is your hand, if I hold it, briar, wave your body, if I reach for it, wave, close to me once, yet a thousand times not close.

Heron is my pain, a slender sad heron, alone like a breath and a cry, alone, stubborn in its error and disgrace, stubborn.

Send your poems for publication to: office@theleader.info

(https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/585438) Of course people who were vaccinated in Spain can travel anywhere within the EU or Schegen zone using the EU digital vaccine passport, but unfortunately, the UK is not part of the scheme.

However, it is said that talks are ongoing to allow non-EU countries such as the UK and USA join for mutual recognition of vaccine passports, that talks are ongoing at the technical level and are progressing well.

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New ‘feminist’ cabinet announced by Sanchez Prime Minister Sanchez has announced his cabinet reshuffle, swapping heavyweight ministers in foreign affairs and justice while boosting the representation of women and reducing the average age of the government.

Catalonia.

The incidence rate in Spain has once again climbed above the “extreme risk” level just as the country reaches the height of its summer tourist season, crucial for the economy.

“The changes have just one goal: to boost economic, social and territorial recovery,” Sánchez said.

The reshuffle is the first undertaken by Sanchez since his second government was formed in 2020 and marks the first change since Salvador Illa resigned as health minister in January and Pablo Iglesias stepped down as deputy prime minister in March, later retiring from politics.

“We begin a new stage with a team that brings youth, proximity and experience in public service to commit to a recovery that’s fair, social, digital, green and feminist,” he added on Twitter.

Spain plans to use most of its €70 billion in grants from an EU recovery scheme to respond to the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left some 16% of the overall population – and nearly 40% of the country’s youth – unemployed.

It will also invest €4.3 billion in the production of

electric vehicles and batteries as the country adapts to the changing automotive industry in Europe, according to a national strategic plan approved Tuesday.

Sampere announces more DANA Restoration works The works are valued at around 350,000 euros and are made up of eight projects that will be undertaken across the municipality They include repairs of Camino del Convencion and Francisco de Quevedo, the repair of damage to the sports centre paddle tennis and tennis courts, as well as the municipal football field.

The mayor of San Fulgencio, José Sampere, has spoken about restoration and repair work that will be carried out in the coming months in municipal areas that were badly damaged during the torrential rains that affected the Vega Baja in Sept 2019.

Repairs will also be carried out in the José María Manresa public school and the 'La Ranita' nursery school, as well as in the theatre, the 'Expo' youth centre and at the municipal cemetery”.

The cost of 349,920.05 euros, will be met by subsidies received from the Alicante Provincial Council and scheduled to end on September 30,

The cabinet reshuffle coincides with a COVID-19 fifth wave that has seen a soaring increase in coronavirus cases among young and unvaccinated people. Particularly worrying is the situation in

Government sources said the reshuffle was aimed at politically strengthening the executive branch before the next legislative session. It removes many of his strongest critics from the cabinet after Sanchez pardoned nine Catalan politicians and activists jailed for their involvement in the illegal 2017 independence referendum and subsequent declaration of independence.

Free bus to connect SanFulgencio with Urb The Councilor for Tourism and Markets, Darren Parmenter, has announced a new bus service that will link San Fulgencio with the La Marina area two days a week.

The service will be provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays, market days, to enhance access to all commercial areas in the municipality. With 12 stops and five trips a day, it will also be competely free.

Departures at 9:00 a.m., 9:40 a.m., 10:20 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 11:40 a.m. The departure and arrival point of the buses from the urbanization area will take place on Tuesdays from

C/Francisco de Quevedo (the sports area), while on Thursdays it will begin and end in the multipurpose area in the urban area.

The service is operating, at this stage, as a trial and will continue to do so until, at least September.

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Celebrating Beverley’s life in Los Montesinos Brenda and George Stanhope with a photo of daughter Bev.

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Alicante Airport 5* status for Covid safety

By Andrew Atkinson Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport and five additional airports in the Aena network in Spain have been awarded 5 star status by the COVID19 Safety Ratings programme.

By Andrew Atkinson Los Montesinos couple George and Brenda Stanhope missed their daughter Beverley's funeral in Manchester, due to the coronovirus restrictions underlined by the isolation legislation in the UK. Mother of two Beverley, 59, who died suddenly in June was cremated on July 14. Her brothers Nigel, Warren, sister Sharon, daughter Lauren, son Oliver, along with family and friends were in attendance.

Friends in Spain celebrated the life of Beverely, the eldest daughter of Octogenarians George, 83, and Brenda, 80.

"We might not be together at Bev's funeral in the UK but it did not stop us celebrating her life," said Brenda.

"It’s not goodbye, my mum will always be in my heart. I know she is still here guiding us and protecting us.

"Every time I see a butterfly, I know she's here. It's the memories we have that matter most", said daughter Lauren.

Tabarca looking for a doctor to cover July

Before the pandemic, there were summer days when the population of Tabarca multiplied by 100, often exceeding five thousand people. Now the floating population by comparison is very small, but still the visitors increase exponentially in the summer season.

Hence the concern of the neighborhood association at the lack of a doctor from Monday to Friday during the month of July, leaving only one nurse to attend to any possible health contingencies.

The fact is that the Ministry of Health confirms that a locum doctor is "authorised, budgeted and advertised", but the problem is that "there is no one available for the post.

Tabarca’s Is not a new problem. In the Centro Salud summer of 2019, Tabarca even offered a free house to any doctor who could work on the island at weekends.

The Ministry has said that “on the island there is currently a nurse every weekday and a doctor at weekends and although everything is in place to recruit a weekday doctor there are none available. As soon as one is available, the position will be filled, "they say.

COVID-19 application measures include: to restrict access to terminals, COVID-19 test facilities, application and signalling of social distancing, health controls, requirement to use facemasks by passengers, availability and visibility of hydroalcoholic gel devices and sale of PPE/masks, air flow and improved ventilation filters at the terminal.

Cleaning and monitoring of public areas, bathrooms, restaurant areas. Safety control: hygiene policies and compliance with personal PPE. Internationally renowned airport research and studies consultancy

Pilar to open 4 town centre car parks Pilar de la Horadada Council has put out to tender a contract for the revision of four lots in the town centre to be used as public parking. The plots that will be allocated for this free use are located in Calle Gratiniano Baches, Plaza de la Iglesia, Ramón y Cajal, Azorín and Camilo José Cela.

The budget for the refurbishment work, with IVA, is 63,500 euros.

The Covid-19 Safety Ratings programme is specifically for the airport sector under group auditors who visited the six airports, inspecting measures implemented by Aena to guarantee the safety of passengers and workers.

Audits evaluate up to 175 security protocols, introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to reduce risk and improve the well-being of passengers and airport workers.

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On two of the plots in the Plaza de la Iglesia and in Ramón y Cajal, it will be necessary to demolish the existing buildings. They are private plots although the municipality does not disclose in the project, any compensation for the owners.

Skytrax undertake the COVID19 programme ratings.

The Spanish 5 star airports are: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El

Prat, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, Malaga-Costa del Sol, Palma de Mallorca and Tenerife North-Ciudad de la Laguna.

The Council has also reopened the coastal car parks adjacent to the beaches at Higuericas, El Mojón, and the Río beach in Mil Palmeras.

COME AND JOIN OUR PANTO CREW The Rojales Pantomime Group are raring to go again after the cancellation of the last two panto seasons due to Covid 19.

This time they are going after lots of buried treasure in the Carribbean in their very funny and unique version

of TREASURE ISLAND which they hope to perform at the beginning of next year in the traditional ‘panto season’.

If joining a local Dramatic Theatre Group is on your list of things to do now is your chance as YOU ARE INVITED to our Recruitment Event on Friday, July 30th to be held at The Tavern in Lo Crispin at 6pm.

We are all amateurs who enjoy entertaining the public so don’t be shy, this is a great way to get out and about again and meet new friends.

We have an excellent Social Secretary who loves arranging social events for the Group, so if you fancy acting, singing in the chorus or helping behind the scenes we would love to meet you on the 30th July.

For more information on how to join our Group email Doug McClone on douglasmcclone@yahoo.co.uk.

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Four million euro sale price on abandoned Santa Pola hotel Now the real estate agency Wallapop has put it on the market on their second-hand sale and purchase platform for the price of 4,247,857 euros.

Casper was released from prison in early January because of his advanced cancer. He died on 3 February in Madrid.

Since then, the abandoned building has become the object of regular vandalism, including a fire that was

started by a group of youths in 2019. To prevent such behaviour, the bank that assumes ownership of the property was required to increase security measures, build a wall and block up all possible entrances to the abandoned complex.

What was a three-star hotel with a glass palace, a spa as one of its great attractions, a place to celebrate wedding banquets and large functions, may now have a new owner, but only one who can afford the price tag of more than 4 million euros.

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Free Breakfast Club to launch for veterans on Orihuela Costa In it’s centenary year, The Royal British Legion continues to have an impact, making the most of local resources, and evolving in line with changes in the Armed Forces community.

Eleven years ago the Rocas Blancas hotel, located on the N332 at the entrance to Santa Pola was abandoned.

Largely used by tourists, and also known as the JM hotel, the facility, with five floors, was used by many thousands of tourists for decades as they enjoyed the spa, outdoor pool, pub and gymnasium.

When the hotel first closed its doors in 2010 due to the economic crisis at the time, there was speculation that the drug trafficker Ángel Suárez, known as Cásper, wanted to acquire it and turn it into one of the largest brothels in Europe but his imprisonment for 89 years for crimes of torture, threats, injuries, drug trafficking, illegal detention and illegal possession of weapons, soon put paid to that.

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As the type of support needed continues to be increasingly complex, people require help across multiple issues, particularly those of mental health, wellbeing and mobility issue, so at the beginning of last year RBL welfare worker, Sandie Coates, launched a trial, forming a Winter Activities Club in Punta Prima, that was aimed at highlighting the work of the Royal British Legion in Spain, as well as reducing social isolation and loneliness that Veterans and their families often experience.

The three meetings were a great success bringing together almost a hundred people, many of them with no prior connection to The Royal British Legion, who might otherwise have spent the day sitting in isolation at home.

The events were funded from monies raised in Spain through the Poppy Appeal and included a

number of different activities.

Such was the popularity of the gatherings that The Orihuela Costa and District Branch of the RBL is now forming a Veterans Breakfast Club, the inaugural meeting of which will take place on Tuesday 27 July at the Hi Life Bar and Restaurant close to Zenia Boulevard, and thereafter on the last Tuesday in every month.

At the meeting there will be a presentation by the N332 Organisation, covering the legalities of driving in Spain as well as new speed limits, changes to rules for overtaking, clean air zones, personal mobility vehicles and much more.

The meeting is open to all and you do not need to be a veteran to attend. A free breakfast will be available to veterans and their partners but non veterans who might also wish to take breakfast will be required to make a donation.

The event is funded by The Royal British Legion.

More information is available on the advertisement below.

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I come from a parlourperfect family. here are many things which I could not understand as a child which subsequently became clear with the onset of adulthood.

Then there are also a few things which I understood as a child, but which baffled me after I grew up. The ‘parlour paradox’ is one such mystery that I ponder upon until this day.

T

The furniture in the parlour consisted of a sofa, sideboard, china-cabinet, mahogany table, four cushioned chairs and a totally unrelated assembly of various ornaments – mostly old stuff. A grandfather clock hung over the mantelpiece above the ornate black grate, and various grim-looking photographs adorned the papered walls.

I was born into a fairly large, fairly poor family not an unusual situation for a child of the 1950s.

We lived in a small house, where one more bedroom would have made such an incredible difference in space, comfort and domestic peace for our flourishing family. Of course we could, and did, live without that extra bedroom - but the ceist remains as to why was the one best room in the house not used except for social dialogue a dozen times during the year?

Possibly because it was closed off from our everyday life, our parlour boasted its own unique smell that I never experienced anywhere else. I cannot place it exactly, and I can only guess that it was a combination of moth-balls, mustiness, furniture polish – and maybe even mice.

Why could this room not have been turned into an additional bedroom? The answer is that this strange situation had all to do with pride, status, snobbery and one-upmanship. You see, we were a family with a parlour – the most wasted space in our house!

When you came into our house, you found yourself in a little porch. The door to the right led into the kitchen. It was here that all of life was played out. Everything happened in the kitchen, from family gatherings, music, the wireless, card-plays – and of course cooking and dining.

Now, instead of turning right from the porch into the kitchen; had you tried the fancier door on your left, you would find this door locked. This was the parlour – and unless you were an important visitor, and my mother knew you were coming, that room would be out of bounds to you as well as us children.

GARDEN FELIX ....... Camelias

If an important visitor, such as a priest, or a longlost American exile claiming to be a distant cousin, arrived unexpectedly, Mammy made them welcome in the porch and then left them standing while she went to a cracked mug on a shelf on the kitchen dresser. From the mug she extracted the key to the parlour door and returned to impress the visitor.

After a short while she would retreat to the kitchen and furnish tea for the guest, which was served on a tray.

While the tea was ‘drawing’ we would be ordered to wash our face and hands – “and don’t let me see a speck of dirt on one of you!” The washing of the faces generally paid off, for as soon as we were brought forward for inspection, a man’s hand would delve into his trousers pocket or a woman would root a purse from a large handbag.

Coins would be placed in a child’s freshly scrubbed hand … despite Mammy’s exaggerated protests!

The one time of the year when it was ‘open house’ in the parlour was Christmas Day. RedPopular evergreen shrubs Camellias produce beautiful flower displays during late winter-early spring, with a plethora of varieties to choose from: white, pink or red, can either be single or double-headed with shiny, evergreen leaves all-year round.

Get soil conditions right, as Camellias need to grow in acidic soil. Mulch with ericaceous compost or bark chippings.

Make soil more acidic by adding composted bracken, leaf mould or composted pine needles.

Camellias prefer a dappled or full shady position.

Morning shade is good; direct morning sun can dry out developing flower buds.

Choose a sheltered spot, as camellias don't thrive in exposed, windy spots. Plant in autumn, when the soil is still warm and roots have plenty of time to establish before winter.

Camellias grow well in pots, are slow-growing, and don’t need re-potting often. Re-pot in spring, into

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Our guest waiting for mammy to return with the tea

berried holly would be lavishly piled on the mantle-piece, stuck behind every picture and protruding from every nook and crevice. Daddy would attempt to light a fire in the grate; an action which often failed due to the revenge of the jackdaws.

But the Comaskey family cared not an iota about the room being full of smoke or the door left open to ‘make a draw on the fire.’ No, these type of hitches were only small potatoes – because you see, not everybody had a parlour!

Times have changed and nobody has a parlour any more. The sitting-room has replaced the parlour – but it isn’t nearly as valuable, simply because everybody has one.

The word ‘parlour’ has lost most of its aura, but the name still comes up every day. There are ‘beauty parlours, funeral parlours, pizza parlours – and even parlours for cows to be milked in.

None of these give that sense of mystique that was associated with the parlour of my childhood.

Do families play ‘parlour games’ anymore? It was

mostly an English custom and usually led to having great fun.

That reminds me of another ceist I need to ask you: I have heard a lot of talk about ‘massage parlours.’ I am just wondering if this is some sort of modern ‘parlour game?

Don’t Forget The person who knows everything has a lot to learn.

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

Bernie has published four books; ‘If Ever a Man Suffered’, ‘The Best of Bernie’, ‘The Team’, and ‘Just Between Ourselves’. Bernie’s books are available at half price, on sale from either Spanish Solutions or ‘The Leader.’ Call 637 227 385 for info.

fresh compost and before the plant is visibly potbound. Quality bark mulch in spring will give a boost and act as a soil conditioner.

Water with rainwater, if possible, particularly important in hard water areas that have high calcium deposits in tap water, which can affect acidity of the soil.

Water well during July-September, when next year’s flower buds are forming. Dead-head flowers as they begin to turn brown.

When grown in the right conditions, they don’t need feeding, unless they’re showing signs of illhealth. Be careful not to feed too much in summer, which can cause bud drop.

Camellias don’t need pruning to promote flowering.

Some varieties can grow up to 5m in height if left unpruned. If space is limited, prune for height.

Shape as soon as possible after flowering.

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In PSIConsultants We Trust Established in 2002, PSI Consultants has many years of experience and thousands of satisfied clients.

We are here to help you with your legal & fiscal needs in the Costa Blanca area.

Whether you require advice or any essential services, we guarantee you professionalism all year round.

We provide a range of proficient & personalised services.

At PSI Consultants, we are transparent & honest. This is why residents and nonresidents of Spain are happy to use us for their legal and fiscal needs.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Conveyancing.

Resident Applications.

Spanish Golden Visa.

Here are some of many reviews that we have received on our review page at www.Trustpilot.com: • Anna - “Good, efficient service. My requests are addressed promptly”.

• Jacqueline - “Thank you for such an excellent service, I would highly recommend this company for their efficient and friendly approach to clients”.

Kentish plover chicks born in "Molino del Agua" All expectations have been exceeded with the birth of 13 Kentish Plover chickens in the Municipal Natural Area "Molino del Agua".

• Jean - “We have been using PSI for more than 15 years while we have had our house in Spain.

Following the additional conservation measures adopted by the Department of the Environment in Torrevieja there were at least 4 couples building their nests in May, on a stretch of 370 meters of the protected beach / dune complex.

They have always been extremely helpful and looked after all our needs. We would always suggest and recommend them to anyone moving to Spain”.

The Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) is a small bird that regularly nests on beaches. 'Renaturing such beaches for the plover' is a pilot and innovative project that was born with the aim of creating a network of beaches to guarantee the conservation of the bird

Non-Resident Tax. Income Tax (Renta).

Rental Tax.

• Peter - “I wish to thank Martine for taking care of us. Well done”.

Wills & Inheritance.

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We have a TrustScore of 4.3 / 5.

Home Insurance.

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For more information about PSI Consultants and our services, feel free to visit our website: www.psiconsultants.es.

During the first spawns a total of 9 chicks were born, while in the second spawns there were 4 more chicks. In short, 13 new plovers were born in the Municipal Natural Area "Molino del Agua" during 2021.

According to the Councillor for the Environment "these figures represent a resounding success, and they are clear proof that the conservation of biodiversity in urban and peri-urban environments can be successfully promoted”.

PAGE 12

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1996 - The Spice Girls made their debut on UK TV music show Top Of The Pops performing their debut single ' Wannabe' which gave them their first of nine UK chart toppers.

This week in music 1963 - Cilla Black made a recording test for EMI Records after George Martin had spotted her whilst at a Gerry And The Pacemakers gig in Liverpool.

Kiki Dee and Elton John in 1976

1964 - The Beatles were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'A Hard Day's Night', the group's fifth UK No.1.

1972 - Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger & Keith Richards were arrested in Warwick, Rhode Island on charges of assault after a fight broke out with a newspaper photographer.

1973 - TV talent show Opportunity Knocks winners Peters And Lee were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their first single & only chart topper 'Welcome Home.'

1975 - The Bay City Rollers were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Give A Little Love', the group's second & final UK No.1.

1976 - Elton John scored his first UK number 1 single with ‘Don't Go Breaking My Heart’ a duet with Kiki Dee.

‘Strictly’ Star Vincent Simone reunited with mum and dad after 18 months Quote: 'My dad is really funny, my children laugh a lot with him. And my mamma cooks the best pasta, lasagna and tiramisu - we couldn't wait to see them again'.

By Andrew Atkinson Exclusive Strictly Come Dancing star Vincent Simone saw his parents for the first time in 18 months in the

VINCENT SIMONE Reunited with parents after 18 months.

It was written by Elton John & Bernie Taupin & was Elton's first UK No.1 after 16 Top 40 hits. Elton had met Kiki when she was working as a backing singer.

1982 - Survivor started a six week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Eye Of The Tiger', taken from the film 'Rocky III'. Also No.1 in the UK, Survivor won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance for the song.

1995 - Two R.E.M. fans died at Dublin's Slane Castle gig, one drowned in the River Boyne & the other was allegedly pushed from a bridge. wake of the coronovirus pandemic.

"My my parents have arrived in Spain from Italy.

I haven’t seen them for a year and a half," Vincent told me.

Vincent, whose dancing partner was Flavia Cacace, who starred on Strictly Come Dancing during 2006-12, resides on the Costa Blanca with his wife Susan and their two children Matteo and Luca.

Vincent, who met his parents at Valencia Airport on a flight from Italy, said: "It’s been hard, nobody is getting any younger, and my children missed them too.

"My dad is really funny, my children laugh a lot with him. And my mamma cooks the best pasta and lasagna and tiramisu - we couldn't wait to see them again!"

1999 - This year’s Woodstock Festival ended with riots resulting in 120 people being arrested. Three people died during the 3-day festival in separate incidents & many were hospitalised after drinking polluted water.

2003 - A tooth said to have been pulled out of Elvis Presley's mouth after an injury failed to sell on the auction site eBay . The tooth had been put on a 10-day sale with a reserve price of $100,000 (£64,100) In the same year Coldplay singer Chris Martin was charged with malicious damage in Australia after he allegedly attacked a photographer's car after he had taken pictures of him surfing at Seven Mile Beach. He admitted he had lost his temper due to the constant harassment by that journalist, & consequently smashed his windscreen & let the air out of his tyres.

2008 - A waxwork model of Amy Winehouse was unveiled at Madame Tussauds. The singer's parents, Mitch & Janis, revealed the model, ‘complete with trademark beehive & sailor tattoos’, at the London attraction.

2019 - Ed Sheeran spent £4million on new properties in a bid to stop his neighbours moaning about the noise. He bought two houses next door to his £19.8million mansion in London. The singer had also acquired a flat above his Notting Hill bar.

2008 model of Amy Winehouse in Madam Tussauds In the same year Queen's iconic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ video reached one billion views on YouTube, a new record for one of the band’s videos.

The milestone made it the first pre-1990s video to reach one billion views on the platform. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ was also named as the most Googled song of 2018.

Vincent launched dancing classes in Spain last year with Georgia born Latin-America dancing star Torrevieja based Katie Street.

Carolina Casado to compere the 67th Torrevieja Habaneras

Vincent, 42, and Ian Waite are returning to Britain in their second UK Ballroom Boys ACT 2, 2021-22 tour from September.

The 67th edition of the Torrevieja International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest to be held in the Eras de la Sal from 18 to 24 July will be presented by a familiar face, the Madrid journalist Carolina Casado.

It will be the eighth time that she will have been involved in the choral event.

A special program will be recorded for Televisión Española during the seven evenings, which will be broadcast on La 2 and Canal Internacional.

"I just can’t wait to return on stage performing around the UK with my fellow professional Ian Waite.

"It’s a magical show full of entertainment," said Vincent, whose dancing teacher parents lead to him becoming Italian Champion, aged 12.

"I’m hoping one day I’ll be able to perform at Benidorm Palace," added Vincent.

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 875

ACROSS 6.

Mean (7)

7.

Fall into (5)

9.

Intelligence (3)

10.

Attractive (9)

12.

Ban (11)

15.

Instantly (11)

17.

Degeneracy (9)

19.

Reserved (3)

21.

Roost (5)

22.

Competent (7)

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.

8.

11.

13.

14.

16.

18.

20.

Courteous (5) Wager (3) Adhesive (4) Ghostly (9) Prospect (7) Gallows (6) Complaint (9) Greeted (6) Hindered (7) Infant (5) Applaud (4) Mournful (3)

QUICK ACROSS: 1 Pomp; 8 Reasonable; 9 Handcuff; 10 Clip; 12 Regale; 14 Remedy; 15 Strong; 17 Lunacy; 18 Plot; 19 Sanctity; 21 Chronicler; 22 Fine.

DOWN: 2 Ornamental; 3 Prod; 4 Mature; 5 Coffer; 6 Watchman; 7 Help; 11 Indication; 13 Adoption; 16 Gossip; 17 Lonely; 18 Pick; 20 Turf.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Dual; 8 Inoculator; 9 Plantain; 10 To-do; 12 Carboy; 14 Remiss; 15 Chilli; 17 Gas-men; 18 Edge; 19 Darkness; 21 Diving-bell; 22 Else.

DOWN: 2 Unbleached; 3 Limn; 4 Notary; 5 Turner; 6 Pastimes; 7 Ergo; 11 Dispensers; 13 Bulletin; 16 Indigo; 17 Garter; 18 Eddy; 20 Nile.

ACROSS 6.

Obtain a means of escape (3-4)

7.

Attack in uncertain tones (5)

9.

Prohibition cuts orchestra by 500 (3)

10. Blew up dam? Deny it! (9) 12. Be too late with letter and thus fail to get job? (4,3,4) 15. Show how the devil treats badly (11) 17. Comfort of creature at water-source (4-5) 19 & 20Dn. Bird got beak into tasty morsel (6) 21. He is entertained in the synagogue still (5) 22. Have a discussion about one tree (7)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. How many Oscar winning films for best picture have an animal or animals in the title? Extra points for the film titles.

2. According to a 2008 UN estimate, how many horses are there in the world?

Plus or minus 10 million.

3. The French call it La Manche, meaning 'the sleeve'. What is it called in English?

4. Which famous spy and adventurer wrote the book 'The Seven Pillars of Wisdom'?

5. With 39 years and 321 days, who is the oldest player to debut in a FIFA World Cup tournament?

6. The word 'horde' stems from which language? a. Danish b. Mongolian c.

German d. Hindi 7. Where was John Jacob Astor IV when he died?

8. On which continent are all of the following languages spoken? Baule, TwiFanti, Azeri, Chiga, Edo and Hadiyya 9. Twenty five square feet of land in which US state officially belongs to the UK? a. New York state b. Massachusetts c. Hawaii d. Rhode Island 10. The following words are from songs with a street name (street, road, alley

DOWN 1. Punishing for plane crash (5) 2. Observed cutting tool (3) 3. Cautious method is about right (4) 4. Confused is it? End up being argued about (2,7) 5. With regard to poetry, the opposite applies here (7) 8. Ring for a machine to do laundry? (6) 11. Role is now settled, whatever the result of the game (3,2,4) 13. One of the family in hospital? (6) 14. Again, meeting-place produces income (7) 16. Dangerous woman gives warning note (5) 18. Negative mirrored at mid-day (4) 20. See 19 Across

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 3 ) etc) in the title. Can you name the song? a. Hello lamp post what cha knowin. b. He's gonna give up the booze and the one night stands. c. Four of fish and finger pies. d. They say the neon lights are bright. e. I was born in a trunk 11. What is the more common name for triatomic oxygen?

12.The following foods are associated with which country? a. Parata, b. Ragu, c. Tempura, d. Bulgogi. e. Mole. f. Bobotie 13. In July 2007, which former formula one racing driver was forced to attend a driving education course following a string of convictions on the road?

14. Which famous conqueror's title translated means 'ocean ruler'?

15. What are the four largest landlocked countries in Africa?

16. Which language do Walloons speak?

17. In which harbour city did the Rainbow Warrior sink?

18.The alcohol in Brazils national drink Caipirinha is called Cachaca. Cachaca is fermented what?

19. The name of which Russian city loosely translated means 'possess the east'?

20. Zener cards are used in experiments to test for what?

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Six lighthouses to visit in the province of Alicante We have seen your article in the Leader Newspaper about the rubbish dumping attitude in the Orihuela Costa Area.

Despite a lot of promises nothing has ever happened to remove these containers from our house to another location near commercial areas of Via Park III in Calle Lagunas de Ruidera.

Since May we have complained on 10 occasions with photos and we would like some help at to how we can approach this miserable and disgusting situation with the area around out house looking like a dumping yard.

We also have the constant noise of banging when the rubbish is thrown into the containers, cars stopping with running engines, car doors banging al day and night.

And last not least, the containers are often emptied late nights or very early mornings and disturbing our sleep when the noisy rubbish trucks turn up.

Your help would be greatly appreciated as it appears the Orihuela Costa Ayuntamiento is not seriously interested in resolving the situation.

We live in Los Altos in Calle Laguna de Ruidera 311 in 03189 Orihuela Costa and we feel quite annoyed about the attitude of the administration responsible for the rubbish containers in our street with 2 containers straight in front of our house. We are getting sick and tired of people dumping their rubbish on the street right in from of our house.

We want the containers completely removed and placed somewhere else near the Commercial Centre Via Park III, but though written complaints were handed to Orihuela Costa Ayuntamiente since May on at least 10 occasions we ae yet to see any action being taken or even an acknowledgement of our complaint.

Regards Alfons Dhein

Also, the Town hall of l’Alfàs del Pi has converted the interior of this building into an visitor centre with the aim of disseminating the natural, cultural and intangible heritage of Serra Gelada.

Cabo de las Huertas Lighthouse The lighthouse located at the tip of the Cabo de las Huertas It is located between the beaches of San Juan and Almadraba. A circular building, this lighthouse rises above the ancient remains of the watchtower of l’Alcodre that was built in the 16th century.

We live at Los Altos and have a similar problem with the waste containers right in front of our door and with people who are are constantly offloading their rubbish next to the containers on the street.

We have complained several times to the Orihuela Costa Ayuntamtiento and also to the administration of the Urbansisation of the Dream Hills Administration.

PAGE 15

The views are spectacular from where we can see the bay of San Juan beach, Muchavista beach and the coast of Campello. Also on the opposite side you can see the bay of Alicante and the Cape of Santa Pola and its lighthouse.

Currently this lighthouse is un used, although it will soon become a luxury restaurant despite the objections of various environmental groups.

Tabarca Island Lighthouse

Cape Santa Pola Lighthouse

A

lthough there are about 400 lighthouses scattered across the Spanish coastline only 187 are still in operation. Each one of them has a different story to tell and a good many of them are certainly worth a visit.

Albir Lighthouse

Whilst we cant list them all, what we can do is tell you about the 6 lighthouses that run along the Alicante coastline which we encourage you to go and discover.

Since 2015, this beautiful site has a cantilever walkway which acts as mirador looking towards the Mediterranean. There, next to a cliff that descends to the coast, we can walk along a walkway hanging in different sections while enjoying the panoramic view of the Alicante coast.

Cape San Antoni Lighthouse in the municipality of Xàbia The Cap de San Antoni, located between the municipalities of Dénia and Xàbia, is part of the natural park of the Montgó Massif. This emblematic site is considered not only the second most eastern point of the entire Alicante province but also of all Spain, only exceeded by Cabo de la Nao. It is on a site of more than 110 hectares with cliffs that rise to over 150 metres above sea level. At its base we find the Cabo de San Antonio Marine Reserve, which is home to microreserves of important flora on its north cliff and on the Islote de la Mona. In addition, apart from the importance of its Marine Reserve, established in 1993, it is a common place for whale watching. This is why fishing is prohibited and diving is limited.

Just before the end of the cape is a mirador, perfect to enjoy all the Xàbia bay. This attractive lighthouse, first lit in 1855 is not open to the public although, soon, it is expected to become an environmental interpretation centre.

Cabo de la Nao lighthouse The Cabo de la Nao is at the easternmost end of the entire Valencian coastline being the point of the peninsula closest to the island of Ibiza, just 85 kilometres to the east.

This lighthouse is located at 122 meters above sea level and is 20 metres tall. Built in an octagonal plan,

its powerful beam can be seen at a distance of 23 nautical miles.

Its spectacular landscape has made the Department of the Environment protect its micro-reserve. It is also very close to the incredible Cova dels Orguens, described in the 18th century by the naturalist Cavanilles.

Tabarca Island Lighthouse The Tabarca lighthouse, (main image) gets its name from the island on which it is located, ten miles from the city of Alicante and about three from Santa Pola.

This islet, in addition to being the largest in the entire Valencian Community, is the only one that is inhabited.

Punta Albir lighthouse, in the Alfàs del Pi

The large lighthouse, has two floors and a square tower with two wells. It was first lit in 1854, being Built in 1863, this idyllic lighthouse is located in the characteristic of the romantic engineering of the XIX municipality of Alfaz del Pi (Alfàs del Pi). This woncentury. Currently, the building houses a biological derful tower, known as the Albir lighthouse, is located laboratory which serves the Nueva Tabarca Marine at 112 metres above sea level in the Natural Park of Reserve, which was opened in 1986.

Serra Gelada. It has several telescopes with which it is possible to see in detail everything that surrounds this wonderful area.

Cape San Antoni Its 5 kilometre paved road and the various trails that surround have made the site a popular tourist attraction for families. Just close by, in the midst of a lovely pine forest lie the ruins of the old Bombarda tower that once guarded the city?, a place of surveillance used in the 16th century to warn of frequent attacks by Barbary pirates.

SAT ANIMAL RESCUE Pepo is a shy, 3 year old, who would love to be in a loving home.

He is fully vaccinated with passport, microchipped, neutered, blood tested, treated for fleas and ticks, de-wormed and heartworm prevented.

For more information or for an appointment (appointments only) contact the refuge directly on 966 71 0047 (leave a message) or email info@satanimalrescue.com.

Very close to the city is the Cape Santa Pola lighthouse, built on the site of an old Roman watchtower and one of the sites from which you can see some of the most spectacular and beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the province of Alicante. The lighthouse was erected in the year 1858 on the old watchtower Atalayola, which was used to repel the invasion of the Berbers.

It’s beam has a maximum range of 16 miles.

Lighthouse

Albergue Animal Shelter Another great donation to the Albergue Animal Shelter, Torrevieja. Desperately needed cat food and litter from Joy Grey of Quesada, plus a 30 euro cash donation to purchase other necessities. Thank you very much Joy. If you care to know more about the shelter and animals or indeed like to help in any way contact - alberguecats@gmail.com

Joy Grey at the shelter

PAGE 16

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The natural oestrogen in your body is around a hundred times stronger than these plant hormones, but as your inhouse production plummets at menopause, phytoestrogens can gently bridge the gap - usually without the problems common with HRT. There is some evidence that they can even protect us against hormone linked cancers.

ALL CHANGE Hot flushes, night sweats, irritability, weepiness, loss of sex drive, the blues, poor sleep - sound familiar?

Well of course, it’s the dreaded ‘change’, the menopause that so many Western women are resigned to suffering.

Hormone replacement therapy or HRT once seemed to be the magical modem solution, the no-change pill that would keep us sexy, soft skinned and strong boned into ripe old age. Now women are deserting it in droves, since its longterm use has been linked with higher rates of breast cancer and stroke. And many women never got on with HRT anyway. So what's the alternative?

In one study scientists measured the amount of phytoestrogens a group of women were eating by studying the breakdown products in their urine. They found that women with the lowest phytoestrogen count were four times more likely to develop breast cancer than the women with the highest intake.

The phytoestrogen they were testing was flaxseed oil (otherwise known as linseed oil), which is particularly rich in them, and a great food medicine. Buy a reliable blend, refrigerate immediately after opening and finish it off within two weeks.

Take it by the spoonful, add it to smoothies or use it in salad dressing.

Vitex agnus castus or chastetree, has been used since classical times

Certain herbs are especially rich in these phytoestrogens, and women the world over sussed them out among the local flora centuries ago. Around the Mediterranean, the berries of Vitex agnus castus or chastetree, with their heavy, powerful aroma, have been woman's medicine since Classical times.

Try nature's own HRT: eat a diet rich in phytoestrogens, the weak hormone-like chemicals found in a huge range of foods. Think wholegrains, especially rye and oats, sesame and sunflower seeds, beans, split peas and lentils, leafy greens of all kinds, fruits, garlic, onions and soya. In cultures where diets are based mainly on such foods, breast cancer is rare and the menopause a non-event.

It may be especially useful during the run-up to the menopause, when the monthly cycle can become wildly erratic, with cramps, breast tenderness, headaches and occasionally heavy bleeding.

Vitex works not by supplementing oestrogen, but by balancing hormone levels generally. Mild nausea is an occasional side effect.

Don't expect it to work overnight, though; you'll need to take it for up to three months before the effect kicks in.

Russian women have used liquorice tea for centuries as a home remedy to sort out their hot flushes and help them cope with the general stress of menopause. Don't overdose on it, though, if you have a tendency to water retention - and forget it if you have high blood pressure.

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

Are hot flushes and night sweats a real pain? The best remedy may be growing in your window box: common or garden sage. Make up a tea by infusing 1 tbsp of fresh sage leaves or 2 tea-

spoons of the dried herb in Asian women have their own 'female' remedy: the 600m1 of boiling water. Let it root of dong quai or stand, covered, for an hour Chinese angelica, the numand then strain it. Cool and ber one women's tonic in freeze it in ice-cube trays; traditional Chinese medisuck a cube several times a cine. It may not directly affect hormone levels, but day. it's a warmer-upper of a tonic, great for those times when menopausal women are apt to feel draggy, listless and low in energy. Beginning to think you'll never feel sexy again? Then this could be the herb for you, especially as it can help halt vaginal drying and thinning.

Phytoestrogenic herbs pack a powerful punch hormonally, and it's not a good idea to combine them with HRT or other hormonal drugs. If you decide to try them instead, consult your doctor about coming off HRT. Ideally, a professional herbalist will help work out a personal prescription for you; otherwise, try these herbs one at a time.

If loss of libido is bugging you, incidentally, copy women in the Middle East and stock up on their favourite warm-up spice, fenugreek seeds. Supposedly, the seeds are aphrodisiac; they'll also help sort out vaginal dryness, soreness and inflammation. Use them in your favourite curry or add a spoonful to a mugful of boiling water, let it stand for fifteen minutes, then strain and drink at bedtime and for breakfast.

NEXT WEEK: Male Misery - Prostate

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BRING ON THE EMPTY BUSES

R

emember when there was no rush hour because every hour was rush hour? Hard to credit it now, looking at the sparsely populated streets during the pandemic.

I recall a school lesson on the nature of Roman imperialism: "They make a desert and call it peace." Of course, that was in 1958, the memory I mean, so I forget the original Latin words, you'll be delighted to know.

In more recent times, I saw the film I Am Legend, in which a virus

has wiped out most of mankind, leaving Will Smith as the last human in New York.

Fortunately Will happens to be a virologist -- what are the odds of that? -- and even luckier for him, he is immune to the virus.

All he needs now is to find some beautiful woman survivor, oh, look, there she is: "You are not alone," she tells Will.

For a large part of I Am Legend, our hero patrols a wasteland of streets littered with abandoned cars and what look like broken fridges (yes, a littered wasteland, but you know what I mean.)

Like many films of this ilk, there are mutants around as well -- did I mention that if the virus doesn't kill you, it turns you into a vampire albino cannibal? And all of this is because someone -- Emma Thompson, actually -- tried to alter the measles virus to cure cancer.

You can't win 'em all, Em. The times we are living in seem almost to pander to our fascination with stories of an apocalyptic nature.

Think Pallbearer, in which a mass vaccination programme with tainted vaccines destroys

First international cruise ship for 16 months arrives in Cartagena The Port of Cartagena welcomed the first international cruise ship of the post-covid era, the AIDA Perla on Wednesday, which arrived from Malaga as part of a Mediterranean cruise.

"It is the first visit of eight that are planned in Cartagena that the AIDA shipping company will make in the next 3 months, which are added to the 33 other cruise ships that are expected to arrive at the Port this year.

The ship was met by an entourage of politicians, including the city mayor Noelia Arroyo and the General Director of Quality Tourism, Carlos Peñafiel.

Passengers began leaving the ship during the early morning climbing onto 16 buses with a total of 36 scheduled excursions. The tourists, the majority of German nationality, were able to choose between visits to the Roman Theatre, Torres Park or a visit to the city in bubble groups with a guide.

At the welcoming ceremony, the mayor stressed that “Cartagena is a safe destination . We have all the certifications, in addition to clear protocols, trained personnel and safe corridors that avoid contagions. We are a safe place, and our tourist resources are adapted to any level of health alert that is required”.

most of the world's population (Gulp!) or The Andromeda Strain, in which a deadly microorganism kills through instant blood clotting, causing people to die in mid-stride or "go quietly nuts" and commit bizarre suicides.

Not one of our variants does that yet, thank goodness.

Similar things, I am happy to report, happen only rarely in my neck of the woods and when they do, they are far less horrific than the examples quoted above.

From where I sit typing this, I have a view of a stage, I mean a bus stop stage, and every so often a large empty double-decker draws to a halt to let no passengers disembark before no passengers hop on.

This might seem terrifically symbolic of modern Pandemic Life (I say modern because there are no zombies) but for me it simply recalls a David Niven story about a Hungarian film director ordering the entrance of a hundred riderless chargers, with the words, "Bring on the empty horses!"

There is something invitingly existential about an empty bus, and when better times return, I shall miss the people who are no longer absent.

"Bring on the empty buses," I may say. Especially during rush hour.

PAGE 18

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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, Torrevieja is a friendly, English-speaking church. We currently hold services at 11.15am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month (and the 5th Sunday when there is one). For more info about our church, please see our website at www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org For info see www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org Join us at the SALT CHURCH Sundays at 10.30 am. We are a friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship. Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, Polígono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. We are a lively,

HELEN...

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.

Church Bible Study: Thursday 1.30p.m. House groups in

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

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

For more info please contact:gill.burden20@gmail.com 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 Chaparral urbanisation, Torrevieja. For more information please contact Chairman

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

Progress?

Perhaps I am one of the people who has helped to bring the payment by plastic to become a common way of purchasing goods.

When I was in business it was a useful way of keeping track of payments because even if you mislaid the receipt the spend would be on the bank statement. That was long ago when using a card was not always to a retailer’s liking.

Now it is the total opposite, no more standing at the bar trying to get the barman’s attention, just wave your card in front of the terminal and by some type of magic money has whistled out of your account into someone else’s. Seeing this procedure in action I think there are many people who are not sure what they have just spent.

Large organisations which control our daily lives would prefer it if cash disappeared totally, the savings must be enormous, no accounts department to count the notes and coins, no expensive security vans to collect it and of course no loss – simpler without cash, accounts are collated automatically.

It is refreshing news to see the British Government is looking at some form of legislation to ensure that cash does not disappear totally, in the meantime the banks are not being helpful as they close not only branches, but ATM’s are also becoming difficult to find.

Of course, it has been cash that has activated the world of commerce dating back to the beginning of time. There is certainly plenty of evidence that the Roman Empire issued coin. However, with no real money how do you value goods and services?

Without cash to pay the gardener for his work it would be by transferring payment to his bank account. I think we would run out of gardeners!

All that is a bit old and been said before – what I really want to talk about is Bitcoin, which as a name is a bit deceiving in that there are no coins as they are mined from a computer through a system called ‘Blockchain’ and that is where they stay, figures on the machine.

Unlike Pound Sterling, Crypto currencies cannot be held in your hand and can only be shown on paper or a screen and are produced as I have just said by a computer mechanism. At its most basic, a Blockchain is a list of transactions that anyone can view and verify. The Bitcoin system, for example, contains a record of every time someone sent or received payment in this cybernetic currency.

The Pound sterling is the oldest currency still in circulation and was inaugurated over twelve hundred years ago in the eight hundreds, and was represented by a pound weight of silver which was divided into two hundred and forty pieces of the metal making the monetary value of a pound sterling.

As the fever of crypto currencies spreads around the world without any real commodity to determine their value, as I write China has started to produce its own, What is the future?

I think unwittingly we have all seen the change of the way we will eventually deal in financial matters, when we willingly accepted paying for goods by waving a piece of plastic across a terminal. So, in a way we are already programmed to accept what will be the new order.

No money on your hip or purse just figures on

39 Drones to monitor Summer traffic in Spain

By Andrew Atkinson Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska attended a demonstration of the operation of drones' surveillance on Spanish roads this summer.

It is one of the most effective means of detecting the use of a mobile telephone while driving, representing 12.5% ??of total infractions detected with RPAS, along with incorrect use of seat belts and child restraint systems, 15, 9%; and overtaking cyclists, without respecting the minimum safety distances, 4%.

The General Directorate of Traffic has finalised the distribution throughout Spain of 39 surveillance drones, an increase of 28 in 2020, supporting 12 traffic helicopters.

your computer screen.

Many questions come to mind, how will crypto currencies be regulated, for surely, they must? It also means no one will be able to build up personal wealth with wads of notes under the mattress.

A graffiti artist or artists have left Elche Policia local bewildered by painting a plethora of 'eye-art' throughout the city - in the wake of graffiti artists being arrested in January.

Ongoing investigations are being carried out by the local Police after dozens of eyes have appeared in a number of locations.

The eye-art have symbols depicted on facades, lampposts and on city street furniture, including Sector V, in Glorieta, near to schools, palm orchards, buildings and business premises.

The eye-art depict three stripes - symbolising upper eyelashes - which are being analysed by the graphical unit of the Local Police.

In a separate incident the arrest of four graffiti artists in Elche was made in January for painting in the train tunnel, who face fines of €2,500 and possibly prison sentences.

One of the problems of economics is inflation which can exist when money supply exceeds available goods and services. Will that be the result as more and more virtual currencies are produced? Rojales 2021 summer music festivals got underway this month with a plethora of activities scheduled in At one time I thought simulated currencies would the Vega Baja town under coronovirus health and all fizzle out and go away, but now my opinion is safety guidelines. the opposite in that slowly we will be proChristian was in charge of the Santa Cecilia Musical grammed to accept figures on a screen to value Union with the collaboration of the Sofía Sánchez our individual worth. dance school within the framework of the Rojales summer festivities.

We read on a daily basis how our banking and purchasing online is fraught with danger by experts in the IT world who can come up with various schemes to relieve the man or woman in the street from their hard earned money. My thoughts are at this very moment the villains (I wonder if they call themselves that?) are planning a coin which will be of the same value as Monopoly Money. Take Care!

Rojales music festival

Facebook.com/percy chattey all Percy’s novels and short stories are available on Amazon and Kindle

Spain was the pioneer in drones' use in traffic, inaugurated in May 2018 when used in test mode.

Since August 2019 the drones are used for the surveillance and detection of reckless driving at the wheel and for the surveillance of traffic in areas of high risk of accidents.

Drones will also be used to monitor and support regulation in operations and special events, during an increase of traffic supporting helicopters; and emergencies.

The operation of the drones requires a pilot, camera operator and Civil Guard Traffic Group personnel, undertaking surveillance up to a height of 120 metres, with a range of between 1-2 km.

The DGT has trained 35 personnel in the piloting of drones and 60 personnel in the management of the cameras. The General Directorate of Traffic is accredited by the State Agency for Aviation Safety as an operator of remotely piloted aircraft systems.

The Minister of the Interior attended the DGT headquarters to watch a demonstration of the Spanish manufactured drones.

The DGT helicopter unit is a pilot training organisation for the issuance of basic and advanced certificates for piloting drones.

Each DGT helicopter patrol based in A Coruña, Zaragoza, Valladolid, Seville, Malaga and Valencia will have two drones to carry out surveillance.

The central base in Madrid will have 15 aircraft that, in addition to flying over the roads of the Community of Madrid and Castilla la Mancha, will provide support to the rest of the provinces of the national territory.

The drones' speed is up to 80km/h, withstanding temperatures between 2045 degrees and have an autonomy of up to 40 minutes, a period after which the battery is changed they can resume flight immediately.

Since the commencement of drone traffic surveillance the DGT has recorded 500 flight hours, monitoring 55,000 vehicles, plus; detecting over 600 incidents.

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Smiling Jacks GS at Campoamor What a great day out today at Campoamor golf course. We were treated really well and the course was in excellent condition.

There were some very good scores and some outrageous scores.

NP on hole 6 was Paul Brown. NP on hole 17 was el Presidente himself.

NP in two on hole 11 was again Paul Brown In second place with 34 pts was Morten Røren who has a new handicap of 34.

The winner today with 39 pts was ERKE who now has a new handicap of 30.

A massive thank you to Julie Ann Shaw for all her hard work with the delicious food as per usual. And a massive thanks to Ger for looking after us.

The Blue Johnny was awarded to el Presidente of McCaffrey's golf, Andy Brown. Great day mate still laughing now. Especially the sister in law shot.

Details of our next outing will be released shortly.

Murray run of form continues

Carp-R-Us Fishing report Not having fished it for a couple of months, Carp-R-Us returned to El Bosquet near Catral on 15th July for round 3 of its Summer 'Mini Series'.

Las Ramblas Golf Society Results for w/c 12.7.21 Andy Martin together with Mike Mahony were in the money as they won Monday’s 2 Ball Better Ball with a very impressive 48 points. With Andy playing off a handicap of 2 it was quite some achievement.

Fortunately, the 40C+ temperature of a couple of days previously had dropped to a more accommodating low 20Cs.

In the runners up slot were Reg Akehurst (at the age of 92!) and Graham Murray with 44.

Wednesday’s Stableford was interesting as we all played from the ladies red tees. The men were all cut 2 shots whilst for some strange reason the ladies were all given 2.

However, a strong breeze from the East made pole presentation difficult at times. Pegs 1b to 6 and 18 to 23 were used; two separate channels which performed significantly different on the day.

Graham kept his run of good form going and won with 44 points.

I managed to grab the silver with 41 and John Shervell claimed bronze with 40. Three 2’s; Graham Murray, Liz Robertson and ……………Me!

Fish were being caught from the off on 1b to 6 and continued to feed throughout the day, mainly in the top half metre of water though not actually on the top.

One of our latest recruits, Mike Smith, made a welcome visit to the winner’s podium on Friday. Playing a 6x6x6 and with 83 points he was part of the winning team alongside Joyce McClusky, Friedel Knebel and ‘Albert’.

A close second, with 80, were Graham Murray, Nigel Price and Ken & Liz Robertson.

Mullet up to 2kg featured, often keeping the carp at bay.

Pues hasta la semana que viene

Ken Wilcock was overall win-

Peter Reffell

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.

ments as:

On the 15th March 2020 we entered the first phase of lockdown and golf courses were allowed to re-open as from the 11th May 2020 BUT with a Covid-19 Golfing Safety Protocol that included such eleWe at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us: The deals shown in the table are some of the best prices currently available to you:

Wearing of masks.

No hugs and kisses.

No sharing buggies.

No touching flags.

Stops in holes.

No rakes in bunkers.

No benches in use.

Course Alenda Alicante Altorreal Bonalba Campoamor

Price €98 €84 €120 €100 €125

Comments Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy

No calling through on the course.

Changing facilities closed.

Go direct from car to course 5 minutes before play.

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

€90 €84 €140 €104 €100 €150 €114 €130 €96 €140 €171 €110 €78

Terry Screen and Roy Dainty followed close behind with 17.44 kgs and 16.61 kgs respectively from pegs 6 and 1. Bread with maggots as feed was the predominant bait.

The top 6 weights came from this section. Pegs 18 to 23 performed poorly with the end pegs doing best but with only 7.42 kgs at best from Alfonso Yagues (Click and Catch tackle shop) on 23 and 5.88 kgs from Willy Moons on 18.

Whilst spectacular weights can be caught from this venue, it can be moody.

Club Secretary Steve Fell fished peg 20 yesterday caught probably 40kgs, today, the fish had moved elsewhere.

The Club will be fishing the River Segura at Bigastro (Jacarilla) on 22nd July.

This will be the fourth match of the Mini Series.

No matches will take place during August because of safety concerns due to the usually high temperatures.

Finally, with the new Covid restrictions, the Club has had to cancel its monthly meeting at El Bosque Animado and postpone it's so very much delayed, 2020 season presentation lunch of 23rd July.

For more information, visit our website: www.carp-r-us.weebly.com

Restaurant facilities closed.

No cleaning equipment at the course (clubs and shoes).

Go home immediately after the round.

This all seems like a long time ago but we then experienced another lockdown in January 2021 when golf courses were once again closed.

No water fountains in use.

Covid-19 Golfing Safety Protocols

ner on peg 5 with 18.27 kgs.

Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy (11-2pm) Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy (11-2pm) Two Green Fees & Buggy

Since then we have seen infection levels in the Valencian community drop to less than 30 per 100,000 and the enhancement of the vaccination programme and while cases have increased with the introduction of more freedom of movement and the arrival of tourists the golf courses have been able to relax a number of the protocol rules.

My advice is that you check the rules at the course you are playing but in general with the exception of the need to wear masks when you can’t socially distance and avoiding close contact many of the above restrictions have now been removed.

Lo Romero €166 Two Green Fees & Buggy 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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WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN ‘INJURY-PRONE’FOOTBALLER

BY EUAN BURNS

Footballers are very lucky to earn a level of salary that almost everyone in society could only ever dream of.

Tens or even hundreds of thousands are deposited into footballer’s bank accounts every week by their clubs, without even considering external investments or sponsorships.

That being said, compared to most, it is a very short career. Most players turn professional at around 18years-old and then retire at around 35-years of age.

That is why they have to make so many sacrifices in relation to family and friends if they are to achieve the maximum amount possible during that short window.

With this limited time frame, long-term or persistent injuries can be tragic for footballers as they put your

career on hold or even send it spiralling downwards.

The most high-profile example of this right now is Italy’s Leonardo Spinazzola. He has struggled with injuries during his whole career, but he suddenly emerged as Italy’s player of the tournament at Euro 2020. Then in the semi-final, he ruptured his Achilles tendon whilst sprinting and faces at least six months on the side-lines following surgery. His club, AS Roma, are now seeking a replacement left-back for the upcoming season.

Who are some of the most injury prone past and present players?

The player that springs to many football fans’ minds when it comes to injuries that ruined a career is Ronaldo. The Brazilian striker was so talented that he is held up as a legend of the game, but realistically he spent significantly less time at the top than a player of

Atletico de Catral Juvenile defeat Costa City to lift League trophy Atletico de Catral Juvenile defeated Costa City 2-1 to lift the League title trophy that saw spectators swarm onto the pitch to join in celebrations.

29th goal of the season, and Nico, to

Atletico left it late with two goals in the last 10 minutes through Paco, his

ued at Catral Town Hall holding aloft

gain promotion.

Atletico squad celebrations continthe trophy

Cane returns to Racing San Miguel Daniel Hagenaars Aniorte 'Cane' has rejoined Valencia 1st Regional Group 10 Racing San Miguel ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Central defender Cane was in the Racing squad during the 2019-20 season, after joining the club from the Caliche Group.

Meanwhile, Racing San Miguel are to form a women's football training group next season as a first step to consolidate a women's team in the competitions regulated by the Valencian Community Soccer Federation.

"The initiative is aimed at girls from the age of 15 (Born until 2006). If the required number of registrations is reached, starting in September, when the training sessions of the Racing San Miguel Soccer School begin, the women's training will take place two days a week. "During this first season there will be no official competition, but friendly matches will be promoted with other clubs from neighboring towns," said a spokesperson.

Sign up in the registration form, and enjoy football: http://bit.ly/racingfemenino

his talent should.

He is the youngest ever Ballon d’Or recipient having won it when he was 21, but he then had a series of knee injuries and was inactive for three years. He retired earlier than most due to persistent knee injuries.

Another very talented individual who hasn’t managed to capitalise on his promise is Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus. The German midfielder had seemed destined to be a key player for the national team and earn a move to the likes of Real Madrid or Manchester United. He has still enjoyed a successful career, but his repetitive ankle injury has limited his game time. He also suffered a cruciate ligament injury in 2017 that resulted in a spell on the sidelines.

Ronaldo and Marco Reus still managed to achieve a lot in their careers despite the injuries, but ex-Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has literally had his career ruined.

After having a breakthrough game against Barcelona in the Champions League at 19-years-old, Wilshere has suffered a series of ankle injuries and foot fractures that have stopped him fulfilling that incredible potential. He has played just 30 times since 2018 and yet in that game against Barcelona the Englishman ran the show at the Emirates and outshone the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta, two of the greatest midfielders of this generation.

Arsenal and England thought they were looking at a future star and leader for club and country.

Another ex-Arsenal midfielder, Aaron Ramsey, is a good example of how one very serious injury can set the tone for a career and stop the player ever getting properly fit again. The Welshman suffered a serious leg break which kept him out for over a year. Even before that he had repeated groin and ankle problems. The leg break meant he has never quite been able to stay fit for long periods of time despite possessing immense talent.

Do all players with injury-afflicted careers have the same issues?

When you hear of a player who has repetitive injury problems and can’t hold down a place in a team, it is more often than not related to their knees. The knee is an incredibly complex and delicate part of the body. It gets put under a disproportionate amount of stress during football as players twist and spin whilst having their foot planted on the floor.

Other body parts can be the problematic too, such as ankles or hamstrings. The ankle has many of the same properties as the knee, and hamstrings are a part of the leg that once damaged are incredibly difficult to fix.

Some players such as Jack Wilshere are unlucky enough to have just suffered a host of different injuries during their careers, meaning that they could never have a long run of games to impress with consistency and reliability always being the main issues.

Andy Carroll is another player who has struggled

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Leeds keeper Kiko Casilla has joined Elche on a season long loan.

LMTCC XI and San Javier XI in T20 double-header

From Leeds to Elche Ex-Cartagena loanee Kiko joins Elche from Leeds - writes Andrew Atkinson Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has joined La Liga side Elche on a season long loan ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

Ex-Real Madrid prodigy Casilla, 34, made just three appearances in the Premier League last season, after dropping down the pecking order, behind No 1 goalie Illan Meslier.

Alcover born Casilla spent time on loan at Cartagena in the 2010-11 season, making 35 appearances, returning to Madrid before joining Leeds in 2019.

from Elland Road.

It is understood Casilla wanted to be closer to his family, having found it hard to be separated from them during COVID-19 lockdown.

Leeds director of football Victor Orta is currently looking to sign a replacement for Casilla, with Levante stopper Daniel Cardenas on the radar.

Writing on his social media pages earlier in the week, the veteran Spaniard said: "It is not easy for me to take this difficult decision for this season.

"This club and supporters made me feel something different, just amazing.

After 56 appearances at Leeds he joins Elche, who narrowly avoided relegation from La Liga last season, with the club reportedly agreeing to pay part of his wages.

"We had hard moments and at the same time we had unforgettable moments too but we were always together, feeling the support from our people. This makes us different.

Casilla will have the option to sign for Elche on a permanent basis at the end of his loan period in a move

"We never surrendered and it was a dream for me to be promoted to the Premier League with Leeds.”

Marta welcomed home by Mayor

By Andrew Atkinson San Javier born football star Marta Penalver was welcomed back home after a successful season in Italy with Citta de Falconara by Councillor for Sports of San Javier, Sergio Martínez and mayor Councillor Estíbaliz Masegosa.

Marta, on summer vacation visiting family and friends, won the 2021 Italian Cup and the 2021 Italian league runners-up title.

Spain International cap Marta, 27, began her career aged 10 at the San Javier Soccer School.

The Councillor for Sports, and mayor Estíbaliz Masegosa congratulated Marta who showed them the two medals of her latest achievements in Italy.

Marta with the Councillor for Sports in San Javier, Sergio Martínez.

SUDUKO SOLUTION From From page 14

La Manga and Torrevieja Cricket Club XI (LMTCC) played San Javier XI in a T20 double-header friendly with the spoils shared, taking a game win apiece.

LMTCC’s Connor Wood: Big occasion player.

San Javier took the honours in the final over of the first game with LMTCC winning on the final ball in game two.

In game one LMTCC posted a competitive 144 with 74* from Ravi Panchal, Tommy Knowles (18), Connor Wood (12) and Theo Rumi (9*).

Energetic fielding and early wickets from Theo and Akash Panchal saw the San Javier chase start slowly, picking up in the middle overs when a San Javier batsmen started finding the middle of his bat - and the car park!

Tommy Knowles took a catch off the bowling of Paul Fletcher, prompting a mini-collapse and left San Javier chasing the unlikely target of 40 from the last three overs, with only three wickets in hand.

Loose bowling and clean hitting down the order saw the game slip away from LMTCC, with San Javier chasing down the target off the first ball of the last over.

In game two LMTCC bowled first and were up against it from the off, the outfield had quickened up a bit and the San Javier batsmen had their eyes in.

What followed was one of the greatest partnerships in LMTCC’s short history.

A blend of youth and experience saw them over the line with Connor Wood scoring a quickfire 31*, ably supported by a rock solid 9* from Stefan Rumi.

The pair ran well between the wickets, hit the bad balls and kept LMTCC in the game, until the last ball.

The run-rate was always up around 8 an over and above, but LMTCC stuck at the task and chipped away with wickets at regular intervals to keep dragging the game back. Connor Wood (4-26) was the pick of the bowlers as San Javier posted an above par 173.

With three runs needed to win, Spain 2018 World Cup qualifying player, Academy u17 and 19s and Spanish Select u25 player Connor Wood showed he is the man for the big occasion and dispatched the bowler for six to the longest boundary!

In reply, LMTCC got off to a flyer with Adam Alger (46) and Akash Panchal (58) taking the game to the San Javier bowlers putting them ahead of the required run-rate.

"All in all, it was a great day of cricket. Thanks to San Javier for playing the games in the right spirit, to Alan for setting up the ground/scoring and to Gordon Ashford for umpiring.

Both openers fell during a spectacular batting collapse and LMTCC found themselves reduced to 130-5, requiring a tricky 40 runs off 36 balls.

Plenty of positives to take and plenty of things to work on in training," said LMTCCs Kieran Wood.

TRIVEA QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 14: 1. Four. One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Deer Hunter, Dances with Wolves and The Silence of the Lambs. 2.

59,000,000. 3. The English Channel. 4. T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). 5. David James. 6. b. Mongolian. 7. On board the RMS Titanic. 8. Africa.

9. c. Hawaii (around the James Cook monument). 10. a. 59th Street Bridge Song (Feeling Groovy), b. Baker Street, c.

Penny Lane, d. On Broadway, e.

Tobacco Road. 11. Ozone. 12. a.

India, b. Italy, c. Japan, d. South Korea, e. Mexico, f. South Africa.

13. Both Nelson Piquet and his wife Viviane were obliged to take a week long driving awareness course in Brazil because of repeated speeding and parking offences.14. Genghis Khan. 15.

Niger, Chad, Mali and Ethiopia.

16. French (in Belgium). 17.

Auckland NZ. 18. Sugarcane.

19. Vladivostok. 20. ESP

Mohamed Katir receives Mula's flag The mayor, Juan Jesús Moreno, and the Councillor of Sport from Mula, to the east of Murcia City, were in Torrevieja on Friday where they delivered a city flag to the 23 year old athlete Mohamed Katir who will be leaving next Friday bound for Tokyo where he will represent Spain in the 5000 mtrs.

Moroccan born but a resident of Mula, Katir has been training in Torrevieja with his coach Gabi Lorente.

Just last month Katir ran a new 5000 metres personal best time of 12:50.79 at the Golden Gala, a Diamond League meet in Florence, Italy. This ranked him as the 27th fastest all-time in the event, as well as establishing a new Spanish national record.

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