The Leader Newspaper in Spain Edition 909 – 7 March 2022

No 909 Monday 7th - Sunday 13th March 2022

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Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Cabo Roig’s St Patrick’s Day Parade on 17th March - See our 16 page pullout inside

ORIHUELA’S MESSAGE OF PEACE AND HOPE F

the Awakening of Orihuela ollowing on from the peace rally in Costa, AIDOC, the N332 Torrevieja last weekthe Charity Association of end there was not one, but the Guardia Civil, CLARO, two such events held on Help at Home CB and Saturday and Sunday in Caritas. Disappointingly, Orihuela Costa. however, it “What is important is On Saturday the great amount of only drew humanity, generosity, about 80 particpeople stood in collaboration and ipants. solidarity against solidarity that Russia's invasion Speakers exists on the of Ukraine and addressed the Orihuela Costa.” in support of crowd in Laura Domenech the people of Russian, that embattled Ukrainian, Polish and country.

Spanish but all had a similar message in support of the The rally got underway at people of Ukraine "against noon. It involved over 20 this inhumane breach of different groups and international and humanitarAssociations, including the ian law."

International Association for

Continued on Page 2

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Orihuela Costa Peace Rallies ADVERTISING SALES

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While some spoke of their personal grief, and that of friends and family who were directly caught up in the conflict, Francisco Morales of the N332 and Luis Manuel Carcedo from Caritas, both gave details of charitable drop off points for donations of goods, as well as bank accounts, managed by Caritas and Cruz Roja, into which financial donations can be made.

Morales confirmed that Castillo trans, a local transport company, have offered to transport any donated goods to the Ukraine for free, although on the day, donations were also disappointing, numbering fewer than a dozen bags.

Saturday’s rally ended when a dozen doves were released by Orihuela children, bearing a symbolic message of peace and hope for the people of Ukraine.

On Sunday, the second weekend rally was preceded by a live broadcast from Sunshine Radio, presented by Stevie Spit BEM, although, because of the heavy rain, the show was moved indoors to the adjacent ‘Surfers’ Bar. Nevertheless, despite the very wet conditions, about 150 people gathered at what turned out to be a frequently emotional rally, during which several Ukrainian speakers told of the damage being done to their country.

The event began with the singing of the Ukraine National Anthem, following which a number of short speeches were made by organisers.

The attendees were largely Ukrainian, with members of the Association from Torrevieja joining their brothers and sisters, including some Russians, in Orihuela Costa.

There were far more expats in attendance and also, unlike Saturday, there were a large number of banners and

flags on display, representing Wales, Scotland and Ireland as well as a number of other European nations.

Leading the singing of the Ukraine national anthem

The emotion they brought ensured that it was going to be a far more passionate rally than that of the previous day. And such was the case, especially when one young Ukraine lady, having arrived from Kyiv earlier in the afternoon, spoke between her tears of the gunfire, the bombing and the destruction she had witnessed, as she fled the city with her sister and daughter, leaving her husband behind to fight.

“It’s a difficult situation because the madman (Putin) has nuclear weapons.

I think he has cut himself off from the entire world, totally,” she said.

Organiser, Román Jiménez, thanked all those present for their support.

“The people of Ukraine are the real heroes of Europe today. They are defending freedom and trying to stop Putin starting the third world war” he said.

And while Ukraine resists on the front line we too can help by providing donations of food and supplies to the most vulnerable people inside Ukraine and in neighbouring countries, especially those on the move in search of safety.

And if you cant find a drop off point locally you can either contact us by

POETRY

This family had just arrived from Kyiv WhatsApp +34 604 38 81 83 or you can take your donations to Help at Home, where we know they will be

CORNER

“Nobody’s Won” by David Whitney c2022 Too late to pray forgiveness When the battlefields are red The whole world now against him He's a gun pressed to his head

Alone without an army With nobody left to heed His orders born of madness And his lust for personal greed

His finger on the trigger Counting all the lives now lost The families, the children Who had paid the final cost

His finger quivers slightly Has he lost the will to live Is there no one there to hear him Is there no one who'll forgive

Their blood upon his selfish hands Their lives of little worth A heart so cold and thoughtless Who the hell put him on Earth

And then he hears a whisper As his fears are realized And the ghosts appear to haunt him Now he sees how he's despised

His eyes awash with guilty tears His power reigns no more The generals once obeying him Betray what he stood for

As they near his only option Is to face what he has done Pulling hard now on the trigger In a war nobody's won.

If you would like to see your poem published on this page send to: office@theleader.info

received and passed on.

"Ukraine will rise again. It has done it in the past, it will do so in the future."

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DETAILS OF PROPOSED TANATORIO RELEASED FOR ORIHUELA COSTA he Funeral Director Pompas Fúnebres Samper SL has been been processing an application for the construction of a funeral home in Orihuela Costa for more than two years.

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The proposed site looking toward La Zenia

The company has requested an environmental license for the funeral parlour activity, but without cremation or incineration, and now, with the Department of Urbanism, the information regarding the building has been released to the public.

The plot on which the construction will take place is close to the AP-7 toll booths, in La Zenia, known as Villamartín Sur. The financial budget to carry out the work will cost almost one million euros.

The plot on which the structure is planned is located on the street corner of Calle Diamante and Calle Amatista, opposite the entrance to Leroy Merlin Builders merchants, in PAU-2 of Orihuela Costa, which is classified as urban land.

The funerary building is to have four floors: basement, ground floor, first floor and second floor. Each level would have more than 400 m2 of usable area, except for the rooms on the second floor, which would have 127 m2. In addition, two terraces are planned that would add a further 320 m2.

On the ground floor there would be a parking area, outdoor garden, reception, hall, administration, two meeting rooms, manager's office, toilet, an embalming area, chapel of rest, two assembly rooms and public toilets. The first floor would house a hall, four rooms, changing rooms for staff and a further embalming area. The second floor would have a multipurpose room, toilets, warehouse, facilities room and terrace.

According to the project report, prepared in 2020, the budget for the construction of the funeral parlour would be 990,200 euros. The processing of this project dates back to

October 2018 when the promoters first requested urban information regarding this plot.

As for the company, Pompas Fúnebres Samper, is a family run business based in Pilar de la Horadada whose activity has been carried out since 1950. In 1987, the Virgen del Pilar funeral home was opened in that municipality, the first in the southern area of the province.

In 2009 it opened its own crematorium facility, also in Pilar de la Horadada and since then it has also expanded throughout the Murcia region.

The owner, Francesca Samper, is very well known and respected businesswoman throughout the expatriate community, which she has supported since taking over the management of the company, almost 30 years ago.

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Orihuela demands repair to La Glea road The Orihuela Council has demanded before the Valencian Superior Court of Justice (TJCV) its right to restore the 60 metres of the Avenida de las Adelfas road and the La Glea beach promenade in Dehesa de Campoamor, destroyed by the Dana storms of September 2019.

The road separates the north and south of the urbanisation and it’s 3-year closure means that drivers have to resort to less safe and much longer routes.

However, the provincial service of Costas alleges that the promenade and the road are on land that is in the maritime-terrestrial public domain, for which they are responsible.

The main municipal argument for repairing the road is that, in 1969, at the height of the Spanish tourist-economic boom, the Dehesa de Campoamor, with the road over the riverbed included, received authorization as a project of national tourist interest. It was subsequently recorded in the current General Plan for Urban Planning (1990), since which time there has

been no objection at all by the State Provincial Coastal Service, to the maintenance of the public road or the promenade.

The road was destroyed by the DANA storms of September 2019.

Orihuela council continues to state that the closure of the Avenida de la Adelfas road has resulted in "the rupture and isolation" of two areas of Campoamor, an urbanization with thousands of residents that has been divided into two parts, "to the detriment of residents, visitors and businesses located in it.”

In addition, the Council criticises the provincial service that interprets the coastal law differently in similar situations. In La Vila, Alfàs del Pi and Moraira, all in the province of Alicante, there are municipal roads or bridges over ravines, on the front line, that have authorisation from Costas.

The provincial service of Coasts has not yet responded to the legal action submitted by the Orihuela City Council, despite it being registered with the TSJCV eight months ago.

Search continues for Punta Prima’s missing driver

It is almost 3 weeks since José Luis Galiana went missing. You may remember the story. José was the driver of the red Audi A1 that was found on it’s roof, abandoned in the sea, just off the rocky outcrop in Punta Prima.

When the police waded out and searched the car he was nowhere to be seen which still remains to be the case despite extensive searches by divers and coastguard personnel in the days following this disappearance.

At the weekend his wife was walking through the streets of Orihuela Costa handing out posters, still very much in a state of shock. She is absolutely convinced that he is still alive. If you can help the family will forever be in your debt.

A well established Tax Advisor from Murcia, " José Luis Galiana is 49 years old, 1.85 meters tall, with a corpulent complexion, black hair, green eyes and wearing a dark blue jacket."

His wife posted a message on a social network pleading with him to come back: "If you see this, please come back. We are all very worried and your children need you. There is nothing in life that cannot be solved. You are the best person in the world, and we're going to help you. I love you."

If you have any invormation about the whereabouts of José you can call 112 or either of the following numbers. 34 649 952 957 / +34 642 650 775. Alternatively you can email: info@sosdesaparecidos.es

By Andrew Atkinson

Torrevieja continues to promote Sports Tourism Diana Box, Councillor for Sports and José Antonio Carmona, have thanked Miguel Sotos, manager of the FPN Spania project for his commitment to Torrevieja for the sports training of Scandinavian teams, mainly Norwegians.

An academy of Norwegian children undertook different sports, technical, tactical, individual and team training, under a scheme that trains football players from an early age to youth category.

The Cadet category team of Club Fornebu FK trains at the Ciudad Deportiva, where they spent a week, enjoying both the climate and the sports facilities of Torrevieja.

"The Department of Sports Tourism and the Department of Sports, is receiving countless requests to arrange sports campuses of different sports, as well as regular requests for events," said Diana Box, Councillor for Sports.

"This type of Tourism is extremely strong in Torrevieja and the Department of Sports is completely committed to providing a quality service, in addition to the facilities that are currently in excellent condition," said José Antonio Carmona.

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NZ Actor Antony Starr, arrested for assault in Alicante

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The entrance to Altea Hills

Anthony Starr, the New Zealand actor, best known for playing Patriot in the superhero series The Boys and Lucas Hood in the Banshee series, has been arrested in Alicante for allegedly assaulting a 21-year-old man, whom he punched several times before pushing a glass into his face.

The arrest took place during the early hours of Wednesday morning at a bar on Calle Castaños. After listening to witnesses, police arrested the actor, who was said to be drunk, before supervising the transfer of the victim by ambulance to the hospital, where he received four stitches in a cut above his eye.

On his appearance in court on Thursday morning the actor was sentenced to a suspended prison sentence of 12 month and the payment of 5,000 euros in compensation to the victim.

Starr is in Alicante where he has been shooting the Hollywood production "The Interpreter," with Emily Beecham. The movie is directed by Guy Ritchie with scenes filmed in Alicante that recreate various landscapes from Afghanistan.

Putin’s luxurious Summer Bolthole in the hills of Altea Russian President Vladimir Putin is said to own a luxurious property in Altea Hills

that Vladimir Putin visits Altea twice a year during the summer away from his duties in the Kremlin.

By Andrew Atkinson

The Costa Blanca has encapsulated a plethora of Russian tourists during the last 20 years, with Altea having had the first Russian Orthodox church built in Spain.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, underfire following Russia's attack and subsequent war in Ukraine, has a luxurious property in Altea Hills, Alicante.

Putin has spent vacations during the summer in Spain, having spent several summers in the luxurious urbanization in Altea which has 24 hours surveillance.

The property has views of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains of Marina Baixa.

Luxury villa real estate agent Alex Soviet revealed in 2019

Altea has become one of the destinations for Russians around the world, due to the warm climate.

The signs in Cyrillic alphabet found in the beautiful municipality of Altea highlights that Russian citizens are in this part of the Valencian Community.

The President of Casa Russia in Alicante is reported to have said there are an estimated 25,000 Russian citi-

UK's most wanted woman Sarah Panitzke arrested in Spain

By Andrew Atkinson Fraudster Sarah Panitzke was arrested while walking her dogs in Santa Barbara, Tarragona, on February 27.

She is registered as the UK's most wanted woman - arrested in Spain after almost a decade on the run.

Panitzke, 47, disappeared in May 2013, while on trial over her part in laundering cash from a £1bn mobile phone tax scam.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) revealed Panitzke's arrest, who was convicted and sentenced in her absence to eight years in jail.

The Russian Orthodox Church of St Michael the Archangel sits just across the road from the entrance zens registered in the province.

Many have a high purchasing power, allowing them to access residences, reserved for billionaires.

In Altea Hills apartments are

priced at approaching 500,000 - with mansions priced up to e7.5m.

It is estimated there are approximately 25,000 Russian citizens in the province of Alicante.

Simon York, from HM Revenue and Customs, said: "Panitzke had played a pivotal role in the scam, moving millions through offshore bank accounts.

"She had been the subject of a number of most wanted appeals to find fugitives since she vanished."

The Spanish Guardia Civil said: "Panitzke was tracked down to a town near Barcelona in 2015, but she became aware of the police operation to arrest her, so disguised herself and managed to flee.

"Last month, she was traced to the small town of Santa Barbara and put under surveillance, until her arrest."

Extradition proceedings have started to take Panitzke back to the UK, the NCA said.

The agency's international deputy direc-

tor Tom Dowdall said: "Sarah Panitzke has been on the run for almost nine years. Given the length of time, she might have thought we had stopped searching, but she remained on our radar.

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Torrevieja Hospital Unions criticised for speading alarm he head of Oncology at the Torrevieja Hospital, Juan Carlos Toral, has accused the hospital unions, CCOO and UGT, of generating "social alarm", following their statements on Wednesday, indicating that women, from the diagnosis of a lump on their breast, now have to wait up to 6 months before they are called by the hospital for a mammogram.

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tion that they have not verified."

He said that their claims are completely unjustified, "and that they are quoting from informa-

The unions are claiming that there has been a change in protocol , as "until recently the patient

According to union delegates, Esteban Rives (UGT) and Fran García (Commissions), the waiting list for the first radiological study, following the detection of a breast anomaly, is about 5 or 6 months, "half a year, from the time the patient detects a lump and contacts her family doctor, until she has her first mammogram.

Dr. Torol said that the procedures in Torrevieja Hospital have not changed and that the unions are spreading unnecessary alarm was summoned for a mammogram immediately, following which she was assessed by a radiologist on site", and if it was felt to be necessary, ultrasound and a biopsy were performed. Thus, the diagnosis was often obtained in a single day.

However, the Ministry of Health has denied this delay and has accused the unions, who received detailed information about the procedures on Wednesday, of causing "significant social alarm",

because they are referring to mammography appointments that "are not urgent".

Dr. Torol said that the procedures, which were introduced in the Department fifteen years ago, continue to remain unchanged. "The protocol has not changed," he insisted, "I think the unions are completely mistaken in their understanding, because they do not know what the breast cancer procedure is."

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ORIHUELA CALLS IN THE E1.2 M GUARANTEE TO BUILD PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE OVER AP-7

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he Orihuela Council has said that it will send a request this week to CaixaBank and that within 48 hours it will receive the guarantee of more than 1.2 million euros that was deposited in the bank has by Urbana San Miguel SL under an urban planning agreement, twenty years ago, back in 2002 .

This will finally enable the widening of the CV-941 road bridge in the Lomas de Cabo Roig sector crossing the AP-7 motorway in Orihuela Costa, in order to create a pedestrian footpath.

The builder, who began the construction of new homes in December 2004 deposited the guarantee in the old Bancaja. However, the pedestrian walkway over the motorway was never built despite promises from everyone involved.

In November 2018, the Ministry of Public Works authorized the construction of a new bridge, parallel to the current bridge to the south. It was then that the council gave the company a period of 15 days to start the work, warning it that if it did not do so, the Administration would carry it out using the bank guarantee, but nothing

was done.

After years of problems and continuous neighbourhood complaints, although measures were announced last March, it was not until July when the Orihuela plenary agreed to seize the guarantee Last March, José Aix, the Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Urban Development, said the work would be completed by May 2023 at the latest.

Aix said the work would be completed

by May 2023 at the latest.

Meanwhile, Residents Associations, such as the Cabo Roig and Lomas Neighborhood Association, the Orihuela Costa Federation of Associations and the Orihuela Costa Neighborhood Association in Action (Avoca), have warned on multiple occasions, of the serious dangers to those who cross the bridge on foot every day, the only one that connects many of the inland urbanisations with the beaches, the health centre, the pharmacy and supermarkets.

With a single traffic lane in each direction and no pavements, pedestrians are forced to walk along a hard shoulder that is barely 40 centimetres wide, putting their safety at risk.

The problem is aggravated for people

with reduced mobility or for those with small children in pushchairs.

ing such manoeuvres even more dangerous during hours of darkness.

The space available in which to walk, is further reduced by the amount of brush that is only very rarely cut back and neither is there any lighting mak-

Avoca confirmed that it requested a series of provisional measures to improve safety until such time as the bridge is built.

ELECTRICITY TAX CUTS EXTENDED Sánchez explained that the Government will extend the current tax cuts

he also announced the extension of the discount on the electricity social bonus, inviting regional and municipal governments to approve protective measures for vulnerable consumers, and also the 80% reduction in tolls for the electro-intensive industry, as well as the flexibility measures in contracting natural gas for this type of consumer.

FEBRUARY CLOSES WITH ELECTRICITY 602.7% MORE EXPENSIVE THAN A YEAR AGO meanwhile, the average price of the wholesale electricity market during the month of February stood at 200.22 euro per megawatt hour (MWh), which represents 602.7% more than in the same month last year and barely 0.74% lower than January.

Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, announced on Wednesday ,in the Congress of Deputies, the extension until June 30 of the current tax reductions on electricity, additional discounts on the social bonus and aid for industrial consumers.

He made the statement during his appearance before the plenary session of Congress, during which he also explained the position of the Government and the European Union regarding the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

In his speech, the Sanchez proposed a battery of economic measures in the face of the emergency situation, inviting unions and employers to reach an income pact to

moderate margins and avoid falling into an "inflationary spiral", as well as labour and tourism measures, and the energy field.

Specifically, Sánchez explained that the Government will extend the current tax cuts -- IVA from 21% to 10%, suspension of the tax on generation from 7% and lowering the special electricity tax from 5.11% to the legal minimum of 0.5 %-until next June 30th.

The temporary cut to non-gas-emitting power plants is also extended due to their 'profits from heaven', approved by the Government last October, and softened weeks later to exclude from it the energy sold in long-term contracts.

The 200.22 euro/MWh for February places it as the third most expensive month in the history of the 'pool', only surpassed by the 239.16 euro/MWh of last December and the 201.72 euro January.

According to data from the Association of Companies with Large Energy Consumption (AEGE), this price is 55.4% above that of Germany and 7.9% of that of France.

In addition, considering the evolution of the daily market in 2022 and future price quotes until the end of the year, the estimated average price of the Spanish electricity market is 220.50 euro/MWh, 97.8% higher than that of 2021, 10.8% more expensive than the German market.

These petitions, which were made as a matter of urgency almost a year ago, have also been repeatedly demanded of the City Council by the Síndic de Greuges, but still without any result from the Orihuela council.

info@satanimalrescue.com Horus is a 5 month old, Shepherd/Doberman cross.

He is fun, loving and loves to explore.

More information by calling 966 710 047 (leave a message) or by emailing the address above

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MAJOR INVESTMENT IN SAN FULGENCIO SPORT FACILITIES The councillor for Sport with Samantha Hull, the mayor and the councillor for Works

Children learning about the interior of an ambulance

Ambulances in Educational Visits to Schools

San Fulgencio invests 285,000 euros in sports facilities The works will see the installation of artificial grass on the urbanisation football pitch, as well as cricket nets and a tennis court in the town centre.

Councillor for Sports, Ana Maria Villena, has announced that the San Fulgencio Council will start of improvement works to of several sports facilities in the municipality, both in the urbanisation and in

the town Centre, which will be funded by the Provincial Council of Alicante, with a total investment of 285,018 euros.

The work will see the installation of artificial turf on both the 8-a-side football pitch in the urbanisation area and on one of the tennis courts in the town centre, where the height of the perimeter fencing will also be increased to 2 metres, along

with replacement of the existing posts and nets.

The funding will also allow the installation of a rugby goal on the football pitch.

Consideration has also been given to the creation of a training ground for cricket, “a very popular sport among the British population," explained Samantha Hull, councillor for Works and Services from the urbanization area.

Within the framework of the Healthy Days campaign, ambulance and the health personnel have visited educational centres across Pilar de la Horadada, to give a talk to the infant and primary students, explaining their roles and showing the equipment carried by the ambulances, with the aim of promoting Health Education.

The Department of Health of the Council has collaborated with the Municipal Ambulance Service and with all the Early Childhood and Primary Education Centres of the municipality during school hours, offering, in addition, basic training in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), -a first aid technique to save lives-, to 5th and 6th grade students.

The health personnel, together with the ambulance, travelled to the four schools in the municipality: Virgen del Pilar, María Moliner, Mediterráneo and Martín Artigot.

"We already have a player from San Fulgencio in the national team, so it will be useful when it comes to training," she said. The pitch will be located next to the football pitch of the urbanisation sports centre, and will cover an area of around 60 square meters.

Mayor José Sampere, said that "we are carrying out theimprovement of these outdoor areas so that the residents can make use of them with all the possible comfort and safety".

He added that "the San Fulgencio Town Council will continue to work to improve the sports facilities in the town so that they can be enjoyed by the entire population".

Facemasks were handed over at each of the schools Taking advantage of the visit, the Councillor for Health, Nieves Moreno, together with colleagues from the Government Team, also delivered masks to the directors of the schools for the use of their students.

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‘The nearest thing to one of ourselves …’

despairing feeling of impotency with regard to stopping this repeat of history by an ego-driven madman. My Uncle Paddy always said you can deal with anybody except a liar. This is a good time to be reminded that Putin’s big lie is no bigger than Trump’s and so we live in the most dangerous of times

ohn Zbitnew was his name and he was my first underground shift-boss in Canada, and the first Ukrainian I had ever met. John was one of those lucky breaks I got along life’s trail.

He was the right man in the right place when I needed him.

In recent years we have become accustomed and maybe even anaesthetised to the horrors of famine, terror and genocide being brought into our living-rooms on the nine o’clock news: War being played out on our TV screens just like a Netflix movie.

I say I was lucky to have known John Zbitnew, because he was a kind and fair man in an industry noted for its tough, harsh and unforgiving regime.

He was the oldest shift-boss working with INCO and I was his youngest crew member. Being very much a ‘green man’, struggling to make an impact, I needed time to adjust.

A life snuffed out in Sudan or Syria should not be of any less value – and it isn’t: But somehow it is different when the unfortunates being slaughtered are “the nearest thing to one of ourselves” … in other words, people just like us, and tonight my heart aches for Ukraine.

J

Very few bosses would give a new man that time, but John not only gave me time, but took me under his wing and we became the most unlikely of friends. He talked a bit about his life and I’m sorry now that I didn’t ask the questions you don’t when you’re twenty-two. He had come through the war, was a POW, and I’m almost sure he told me that his introduction to mining was as a result of forced labour back in Ukraine.

Three years later I had become a hardened hardrock miner, when I went to work on development for contractor RF Fry, out at Soab Lake, Manitoba. Coincidently, I was partnered with another Ukrainian, by the name of Peter Petkevicius. A year my junior, he too carried the scars of war from his country, where his father was a casualty of WW2.

Pete and I hit it off from the word go, both as partners and friends. We drove ‘drill-drifts’ and made good bonus. He was the only miner I ever knew who didn’t rant and rave when things went wrong – and he only had one swear word! Pete

Pete and I hit it off from the word go and I remained friends until his death in 2016. On his online memorial tribute, his family included a photo of their daddy and me together in happier times.

When we worked together we would often go into Thompson or Wawboden for a few beers. It would be more than a few with me, and like most of my friends, Pete was concerned about my drinking. There were no other Irish miners with Fry at that time, and whenever I linked up with my Irish buddies in the beer parlour, I always introduced Pete as “the nearest thing to one of ourselves!”

In 1970, Pete married Eunice, the daughter of another Ukrainian shift-boss. I was best man at their wedding; a Ukrainian wedding of 300 guests.

I remember every detail around that time because I had quit drinking only a few weeks beforehand and I wasn’t looking forward to my duties on the big day. The support I got from my friend on the day was tremendous – and I would say I got more

attention from the groom than did his new bride!

After Pamela and I got married and set up home in Longwood, Pete and Eunice came to spend time with us. They also visited us in Spain, and we stayed with them in Canada.

I find myself thinking of John and Pete much of the time this week – as well as the many fine Ukrainian people I have met in Ireland and Spain over the past twenty years. Like most fair-minded people across the globe, I am sickened to the gut by the criminal invasion of a modern, free, Europeans country. None of us thought this could happen. The myth of modern civilisation is well and truly shattered forever.

All of us; individuals and government have this 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.

In Ireland we have had our troubled past with England, but another thought struck me during the week. Thank God that the bigger country next to us is Britain. There are no nuclear warheads pointing at Dublin. They would defend us if we are attacked. Britain has even pledged that the northern part of our country under its jurisdiction can be reunited with the republic as soon as a majority votes for it. Now, that is democracy at work and just think how Ukrainians would rejoice if their big neighbour was to become similarly minded?

DON’T FORGET In the war of right and wrong, we cannot afford to be neutral.

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

GARDEN FELIX - Gaillardia - Blanket Flower Gaillardia - known as the blanket flower - is an easy to grow perennial, in shades of reds and yellows, with daisy like flowers that work equally well in borders and containers and make excellent cut flowers.

The common name may be a reference to how they spread and blanket an area, as the flower re-seeds itself and easily sprawls through your garden.

Plants can grow to about 2 feet high, with a 20in spread, thriving best in full sun.

They can handle some partial shade, particularly in hot climates, but will get a bit floppy and will not flower as profusely.

Gaillardia prefers poor well draining soil, which seems to encourage more flowering than rich soils, so avoid fer-

tilising.

Extremely drought tolerant it can go without watering, unless there are extremely hot and dry conditions, then it's best to water the bed, once or twice per week. Avoid over-watering.

Blanket flower does not require dead-heading to

keep blooming, but will stimulate additional blooms; the plant will look better and fuller, if you cut the stems back, when flowers start to fade.

If the plant languishes in the heat of summer, cut it back dramatically, which will reinvigorate it, for good autumn blooming.

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PAGE 11

HOLLY IS FOLLOWING IN DAD’S FOOTSTEPS bring great success, if you really work hard for it," she added.

HOLLY WITH HER FATHER GREG.

Who have you met and appeared with during your career, to date. Any famous names?: "I’ve met some great people over the years, who I’ve worked alongside and shared the stage with.

“Sunny Spain is a home from home for me with dad.”

"Including this latest show, especially on Starstruck, performing for Adam Lambert, Sheridan Smith, Beverley Knight and Jason Manford. They are all icons. And of course - the one and only Olly Murs!

"I'm hoping to come over before the summer for sure - I've even been asked to do some singing out there which would be great!," said Holly.

"Appearing in Starstruck as one of my favourite music icons Tina Turner and show the Nation was the biggest achievement in my career to date," added Holly.

"I’ve landed myself some great gig opportunities here in the UK, in front of the likes of Rio Ferdinand, and some Reality TV stars, who have praised my singing and helped share me on their platforms," said Holly.

Where did you do the filming for the Starstruck ITV show?

"We filmed at the ITV Bovingdon Studios, which is where Dancing On Ice and the Masked Singer are filmed - it's huge!

"It’s like a massive arena - and the stage production is just unimaginable," said Holly.

Andrew Atkinson talks Exclusively to Holly Bannis, daughter of Murcia based Greg Bannis, former lead singer of Hot Chocolate, who starred on TV show Starstruck hosted by Olly Murs.

“Sunny Spain is a home from home for me with dad.”

“Meeting Olly Murs and the Starstruck panel, Adam Lambert, Sheridan Smith, Beverley Knight and Jason Manford was really surreal! - they were really friendly and nice,” said Holly, who appeared as Tina Turner on February 26.

"The show is really fun and positive and generally an all-round friendly experience with them all.

"Due to it being filmed last year during Covid19 we weren’t able to quite meet them, one-onone, or get too close, but I managed to get an elbow nudge from Adam Lambert!," quipped Holly.

Holly, who first started singing in pubs, restaurants and parties eight years ago, said: "I’ve been

really lucky to come across working at some great venues in London, including the Oval Cricket ground.

"I headlined a show at the O2 Academy in Islington in 2019. I’ve also appeared on a BBC 1 TV Documentary, winning a talent show, taking place at a famous local market which had a small judging panel, with the likes of an ex XFactor contestant and won a cash prize!".

So, what's it like to have Greg as your father.

And are you set to follow in his footsteps to fame?

"I think I’m ready to finally follow in his footsteps - but as long as I enjoy doing what I’m doing - the fame would just be a bonus," said Holly.

"Singing is all I really know and I know it can

Have you got any plans to visit Spain in the near future?

"I always plan to visit sunny Spain! It’s a home away from home for me, with dad living over there.

Holly as Tina Turner on Starstruck.

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1965 - During a Rolling Stone’s gig at The Palace Theatre in Manchester, a female fan fell from the circle while the group were playing. The crowd below broke her fall and the girl escaped serious injury just breaking a few teeth.

1969 - Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman at Marylebone Register Office. They then held a reception lunch at The Ritz Hotel, Paul then went to Abbey Road studios in the evening to work.

Monday 7th - Sunday 13th March 2022

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their only UK No.1 single after the track was used for a Levi's TV advertisement.

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

1975 - Actor Telly Savalas was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with his version of the Bread song 'If'. He was currently high in the TV ratings playing the policeman Kojak.

1976 - Elton John was immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds in London. The first rock star to be so since The Beatles.

1978 - Meat Loaf's ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ album began a 416 week run on the UK chart. The album went on to become one of the most influential and iconic albums of all time and its songs have remained classic rock staples and in the same year French singer Claude Francois was electrocuted changing a light bulb while standing in his bathtub. He had the 1976 UK hit, 'Tears On The Telephone'.

1985 – Bob Geldof and Midge Ure received the Best Selling A Side award at the 30th Ivor Novello Awards as the composers of 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'

1990 - Cher won the worst dressed female, and worst video for 'If I Could Turn Back Time', in The Rolling Stone Magazine's awards, Donny Osmond won the most unwelcome comeback award.

1991 - 'Should I Stay Or Should I Go' gave The Clash

1997 - Notorious BIG was gunned down and killed as he left a party at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Born Christopher Wallace the rapper was pronounced dead on arrival at Cedars Sinai Hospital.

He was 24 years old.

2000 - Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde was arrested for leading an animal rights protest against the clothing firm Gap, who were accused of using leather from cows slaughtered 'illegally and cruelly'. The protest took place in a store in Manhattan.

2003 - Singer and actor Adam Faith died. He had the 1959 UK No.1 single 'What Do You Want', plus over 20 other UK Top 40 singles, and acting roles include the

TV series 'Love Hurts.'

2013 - The Gig in the Sky, an acoustic show for 128 passengers on board a Boeing 767 aeroplane set a new world record for the highest ever gig.

Tony Hadley, Kim Wilde, Bananarama and Go West all performed at 43,000ft beating the previous record of 42,080ft set by James Blunt in 2010. The event was held to raise money for Comic Relief.

UK Ambassador, Hugh Elliott, working alongside Balearic Islands Minister for Tourism to raise awareness of alcohol laws

By Andrew Atkinson UK Ambassador for Spain Hugh Elliott is working alongside Balearic Islands Minister for Tourism Iago Negueruela to raise awareness of alcohol laws.

UK tourists are expected to visit the islands with Covid-19 travel restrictions easing, after hitting visitor numbers during the pandemic over the last two years.

Airlines, tour operators and the UK government have updated advice for Brits, with the Balearic islands reiterating new rules, in an attempt to reduce anti-social drunken behaviour.

Those who fail to adhere to the rules including anyone caught balconing - drunk tourists jumping between balconies - or advertising party boats, face fines of up to 60,000.

The Balearic Islands include Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca, who introduced new alcohol laws in 2020.

Holidaymakers staying at all-inclusive hotels across Magaluf, Sant Antoni and Playa de Palma are limited to just six drinks a day.

Buying alcohol at shops is also banned between 9.30pm-8am.

Happy hours, pub crawls and two-for-one drink offers have been banned.

Mr Negueruela said the islands would opt for quality over quantity, when it came to tourists.

Efforts to promote the Balearic Islands, to provide it with better quality through both public and private sector investments, and position it in an increasingly competitive and global market, have been affected by certain un-civic behaviour.

Most of this type of behaviour is directly related to alcohol abuse in certain tourist areas of Majorca and Ibiza.

EasyJet has issued a warning to anyone booking holidays to the islands to be aware of the new rules.

A spokesperson for easyJet said: "Due to a change in Spanish law which affects certain resorts in the Balearic Islands, alcoholic drinks are now limited to three per person at lunch and dinner as part of the all-inclusive basis."

UK Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott: Raising awareness of alcohol laws.

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Thursday 17th March 2022

Cabo Roig, 10th Anniversary Parade

Help to celebrate ten years of St Patrick’s Day Parades in Cabo Roig fter a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Cabo Roig’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns for 2022. From the excitement and run-away success of the very first Parade in 2011, this year we celebrate the tenth running of Spain’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which has been recognised as one of the largest, if not the largest, in mainland Europe.

A

This year, the parade has returned to its roots and the event will take place on Thursday, March 17th, 2022, along the Cabo Roig Strip, starting at 3.00pm.

Over the years, the parade has attracted upwards of 10,000 spectators, and since we all have been starved of entertainment and fiestas over the past 24-months, this year could be one of the biggest ever. My advice would be to arrive early, park the car or better yet, get dropped off, so you enjoy a tipple or three, along with the intoxicating atmosphere.

The Irish are not only known for their sense of humour, a bit of craic, their love of a little libation and then some, but also for their love and giving nature. St. Patrick’s Day, which you may also know as St. Paddy’s Day, has some specific traditions, which we hope you will encompass to help you get into the spirit of the day.

These include, the wearing of the green, having a little drink , especially if it’s drop of the dark stuff in Guinness or Murphy’s Stout, plus dancing, singing and generally having a great time.

By Keith Nicol This year, our Grand Marshall is STEVE COLLINS. A true Irish legend, this Irish former professional boxer, who retired in 1997, was known as the Celtic Warrior.

Collins is by far the most successful Irish male boxer in recent professional boxing history, having held the WBO middleweight and super-middleweight titles simultaneously and never losing a fight as champion.

He also beat both Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn, not once but twice.

Don’t miss out on the ‘craic; of this year’s Cabo Roig St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Come and join in the fun and help make this one of the best events that everyone will talk about for years to come.

While there may only be two types of people you will find at the parade: those who are Irish and those that wish they were, the Irish also say; “On St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish”, so everyone will be welcomed with open arms and we hope each and everyone, has a fantastic time.

Traditionally, just before the Parade starts, there will be short speeches and addresses from the dignitaries. Once they have been completed, the parade proper starts, led by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums, Saint Patrick himself and the Parade Grand Marshall, dignitaries and former military staff, along with their military standards.

They are followed by a variety of street performers, dancers and floats from many Spanish Brotherhoods, local pubs, restaurants and local businesses.

I’m assured that this year the parade will be more colourful and more spectacular than ever in true Spanish carnival style, and we all know just how good our adopted nation is in putting on an extravagant parade.

This publication was produced on behalf of Asociación ‘CABO ROIG STRIP’ and Ayto Orihuela by The Leader Newspaper - Tel 637 227 385

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te, marks his grave.

For those who celebrate its intended meaning, St Patrick’s Day is a day for spiritual renewal.

WHEN WAS THE FIRST PARADE? The first St Patrick’s Day parade was not held in Ireland at all, but in Boston in the United States in 1737.

This was followed by an “official” parade in New York in 1766. Ireland was a little further behind with the first parade held in Waterford in 1903, while Dublin joined the club back in 1931.

Today, the parade in Dublin is a huge, colourful, theatrical event that snakes through the historic city centre, with vivid displays and international bands.

WHO INVENTED ST PATRICK’S DAY?

WHY 17 MARCH? Simple – the date marks the saint’s death. Patrick died in 461 in Saul, County Down.

It was here that he had established his first church in a small and simple barn, after arriving nearby at the mouth of the Slaney River.

He is buried in the grounds of Down Cathedral in Downpatrick and a memorial stone, made from local Mourne Mountain grani-

Raise your glasses to Luke Wadding, an Irish Franciscan friar from Waterford whose persistent efforts turned March 17 into a feast day.

Born in 1558, Wadding died in Rome on 1657 and his remains are interred there in the college of St Isidore’s, which he founded.

If you visit the National Gallery, you can see a painting of the friar by Carlo Maratta, while in Waterford city he is commemorated with a statue outside the French Church (Greyfriars).

New York City's St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the world's largest parades. Since 1762, roughly 250,000 marchers have traipsed up 5th Avenue on foot with another 2 million watching from the sidewalks.

In 1999 the Grand Marshall was Maureen O’Hara, only the 3rd woman ever to be so.

The odds of finding a four-leaf clover are not exaggerated so ifyou find one, spray it with hair-spray, stick it in a laminated folder, and frame it on your wall with the caption “I win at life” beneath it, because you may never find another one…ever again.

St Patrick was born in Scotland or Wales.

Rumour has it that when he was 16 years old, he was kidnapped by pirates and held in captivity in Ireland for six years where he found religion. He eventually escaped but later returned as a Christian missionary.

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Thursday 17th March 2022

Cabo Roig, 10th Anniversary Parade

YOUR GRAND MARSHALL T

his year's Grand Marshall is boxer Steve Collins, known as the 'Celtic Warrior' during a career that spanned from 1986 to 1997.

Collins, 57, is the most successful male Irish boxer in recent professional boxing history, having held the WBO middleweight and supermiddleweight titles simultaneously - never losing a fight as champion.

Born in Cabra, Dublin, Collins had 36 wins from 39 fights, with 21 being knockouts.

(USA) in 1986, working out of Petronelli Brothers gym in Brockton, Massachusetts, alongside Marvin Hagler.

After reaching 16-0, Collins stepped in as a substitute in a WBA middleweight title fight, after Michael Watson was injured in training, and fought 12 rounds against Mike McCallum in Boston in 1990.

Collins moved to Belfast under Barney

Eastwood, before basing himself in England joining Barry Hearn's Matchroom Boxing.

In 1994, Collins finally won a world title by defeating Chris Pyatt by stoppage in five rounds, to become the WBO middleweight champion.

In 1995, Chris Eubank (41-0-2) had been scheduled to have a third WBO super-middleweight title fight against Ray Close, but

Collins' first 19 professional fights took place in the United States. In 1988 he won the Irish middleweight title, and the regional American USBA middleweight title the following year, defending the latter successfully in Atlantic City and Las Vegas.

Collins won 26 Irish titles as an amateur, before turning professional in Boston, Massachusetts

Collins defeated the then unbeaten long-reigning champion Eubank by unanimous decision, to win the WBO super-middleweight title.

In 1995 in a rematch in Cork, Collins changed his usual fighting style by adopting wild, brawling tactics throughout, which Eubank struggled to deal with and Collins won by a split decision.

Collins successfully defended his WBO supermiddleweight title seven times, including two fights against Nigel Benn in 1996.

Collins who retired in 1999, came out of retirement to fight Roy Jones Jr., WBA light heavyweight champion.

Collins fulfilled his potential, becoming WBO middleweight champion in his third world title attempt, with a fifth-round TKO victory over Chris Pyatt in 1994, before moving up in weight to defeat the undefeated Chris Eubank and claim the WBO super-middleweight title in 1995.

Collins successfully defended his title by winning the rematch against Eubank later in the year and successfully defended his title another six times, before pulling out of a proposed fight in October 1997 against Joe Calzaghe, and retiring from the sport.

Close was forced to withdraw after failing an MRI brain scan and Collins stepped in, moving up to super-middleweight.

Collins, set to fight Joe Calzaghe, collapsed during a sparring session with Howard Eastman. Tests and a brain scan could not find any problems, but Collins decided it was a warning to stop boxing, and retired for a second time.

By Andrew Atkinson

Collins held the WBO middleweight and super-middleweight titles simultaneously.

Marvelous Marvin Halger was a big influence on Collins who idolised him: "Rubbing shoulders with a legend like Hagler in the gym every day was incredible. It was a tough way to learn your trade, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world," said Collins.

Collins won the last 15 fights of his career, the last nine of which were world title fights.

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Cabo Roig, 10th Anniversary Parade

Thursday 17th March 2022

YOUR PLACE IN THE SUN Blue Flag beaches along the Orihuela Costa. A wonderful oasis on the mediterranean that can be enjoyed all-year round

Orihuela Costa has 17 km of coastline with fine sand beaches surrounded by cliffs, small islands, long beaches and charming marinas.

Here you can enjoy sunshine 300 days of the year on some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.

Most of these have the “Q” mark for Tourist Quality, awarded by the Ministry of Industry, and possess the prized Blue Flag awarded by the European Foundation for Environmental Education.

This certifies that the beaches have passed the checks on environmental conditions and the availability of adequate services. Some of the best are shown below.

CALA BOSQUE BEACH (LA ZENIA) Cala Bosque, located south of Hotel Servigroup La Zenia hotel, is one of the most visited beaches in Orihuela. Its 350-metre length is borde red by Cala Cerrada to the north and Cala Capitán in the south.

It was deservedly awarded the sought-after Blue Flag due to the qua lity of its services. It is a fine-sand beach, making if perfect for practi cing sports or for enjoying a nice sunny day relaxing on a sun lounger.

Among the numerous services it offers are a first class beach bar, lifeguards, spe cial access paths for people with disabilities, car parking, bus stops, a children’s play area.

CALA CAPITÁN (BETWEEN LA ZENIA AND CABO ROIG) Cala Capitán is small in size. It is 157 metres long and has a width of 86 metres. It is bounded by a strip of land that separates it from other beaches such as Cala Bosque to the north and Cabo Roig to the south.

It has fine sand and calm waters, and is the proud beneficiary of the Blue Flag and the Tourist Quality “Q” mark. It offers a walkway, parking, wheelchair access, first-aid stations and boat slipways. There are also two small islands opposite the beach, which are great fun for adults and children.

CALA ESTACA ESTACA / FLAMENCA BEACH Cala Estaca is bounded to the north by Cala Mosca and to the south by Cala Cerrada. It is 150 metres long and has fine white sand.

Due to its state of conservation and the services it offers, it too has been awarded the prized Blue Flag by the European Foundation for Environmental Education.

Its services include a promenade, walkways, showers, car parks, lifeguard stations and a kid's play area.

CALA MOSCA / FLAMENCA BEACH Cala Mosca is 100 metres long and is bounded by Cala Estaca to the south and Punta Prima to the north.

The beach is very clean and offers Golden sand and turquoise waters. It can be accessed from the N-332 road in the direction of Alicante.

It has a walkway, all necessary services, and along it are a wide range of restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine.

PUNTA PUNTA PRIMA BEACH Punta Prima is a small beach with white and golden sand, and bounded to the south by Cala Mosca and to the north by the beaches of Torrevieja. It extends for LA GLEA BEACH CAMPOAMOR This beach is one of the largest in Orihuela. Awarded the “Q” mark for Tourist Quality, it is 650 metres long and 20 metres wide, bounded to the north by Aguamarina cove and to the south by Barranco Rubio beach.

Its fine sand and wide variety of games for children of all ages makes it perfect for enjoying family get-togethers or sports activities. To the north

more than 200 metres and has Blue Flag status.

Just a few metres from this beach is a rocky stretch which is highly recommended for sports fishing with a rod. It is also

of the beach is the wonderful marina of Dehesa de Campoamor, where you can practice all kinds of water sports.

This is undoubtedly the best equipped beach in the area and it has numerous services including foot washing stations and showers, a first-aid station, beach bars, car park and restaurants.

bordered by a small walkway.

It has all the necessary services, including showers, foot washing stations, lifeguard stations, car park, bus stop and a small restaurant.

CABO ROIG BEACH (CALETA) (CALETA) The blue flag Cabo Roig beach, surrounded by beautiful coves and alongside a wonderful marina, is bounded to the north by the various coves of La Zenia and to the south by the coves of Aguamarina. It is 420 metres long and 18 metres wide.

The beach is located in a semi-urban area. It has fine soft sand and access is by steps and ramps. It offers a wide variety of services for sun and sea lovers, including a chiringuito, sailing and windsurfing.

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Thursday 17th March 2022

The stories behind the songs 1998 – Orinoco Flow

by Enya

1993 – Linger – The Cranberries

Taken from the album ‘Watermark’ the song was a global success.

Written by Enya and her lyricist Roma Ryan and named after Orinoco Studios, London where it was recorded and the river of the

Composed by band members Dolores O'Riordan and Noel Hogan, it was the band’s first major hit. When Dolores was auditioned as the lead singer for the band, she wrote the lyrics, turning it into a song of regret based on an experience with a 17year-old soldier she once fell in love with.

same name.

Enya was signed to Warner Music Group by Rob Dickins, who served as executive producer of ‘Watermark’, and the song pays homage to him in the line "with Rob Dickins at the wheel".

It received two Grammy Award nominations for Best Music Video and Best New Age Performance at the 32nd Annual Grammy Awards.

1976 – The Boys Are Back In Town – Thin Lizzy There are many theories regarding the inspiration behind ‘The Boys Are Back in Town’, although none has been verified. One theory is that it is about the Quality Street Gang who operated in Manchester, England, in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

Although considered by some senior officers in the Greater Manchester Police to be the instigators of much of Manchester's major crime, many others believed that the gang was nothing more than a social friendship between a group of men. Written by lead singer Phil Lynott, it’s considered to be the band’s most popular song.

1967 – Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison Written by Van himself (Sir George Ivan Morrison to be precise), the song featured American R&B girl group ‘The Sweet Inspirations’ singing back-up vocals. After finishing his contract with Decca Records and the mid-1966 break-up of his band Them’, he returned to Belfast seeking a new recording company.

When he received a phone call from Bert Berns, owner of Bang Records, he flew to New York City and hastily signed a contract. During a two-day recording session starting 28 March 1967, he recorded eight songs intended to be used as four singles.

The recording session took place at A & R Studios and "Brown Eyed Girl" was captured on the 22nd take on the first day.

1987 – With Or Without You – U2

Taken from the album ‘The Joshua Tree’, a troubled love song the song inspired by Bono's conflicting feelings about the lives he led as a musician and domestic man.

The band's manager, Paul McGuinness, was resistant to U2 releasing the song as a single, as he thought it was too unusual.

Irish Singer and Songwriter Gavin Friday, having helped the band complete the track, disagreed and thought it would be a "certain No. 1". In the NBC sitcom Friends, the song is the theme song of the relationship between Ross Geller and Rachel Green.

It is first played on The One with the List, wherein Ross apologizes to Rachel for the list he made.

In an interview for NME, guitarist Noel Hogan said of the song: It's only really since Dolores passed away that I've grown a pro-

per appreciation for songs like 'Linger' and 'Dreams'.

They were just songs in the set list for us; everybody else was losing their mind about them. And when I listen to them now I realise how great they are for someone so young, which I never, ever appreciated at the time.

We must have played it a gazillion times in our lives and it just becomes a part of the set, but it's different now. We're so lucky to have left that behind, to have that legacy.

Dolores O’ Riordan sadly passed away aged just 46 in January 2018

by Julie McKracken

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Cabo Roig, 10th Anniversary Parade

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Thursday 17th March 2022 environment.

CELEBRATING ST PATRICK’S DAY WITH CHIRINGUITOS DEL SOL

We are also very excited because we will once again be organising many major sporting events on our beaches, such as the Children's Football Tournament and the Beach Volleyball Tournament, in addition to continuing with the extremely popular Yoga sessions.

We will also be introducing many new activities such as Zumba and Latin Dances.

What does it mean for Chiringuitos del Sol to celebrate St. Patrick's Day once again?

Joining with the Saint Patrick's festivities represents an important turning point in 2022.

In addition to the joy of being able to celebrate the day with our friends and clients, it is important for us to convey the message that we continue to work toward achieving 100% normality, which we are all getting closer to day by day.

The Beach Bar at La Caleta (Cabo Roig)

“A

t Chiringuitos del Sol we have always felt especially committed to Orihuela Costa and its people. In this year, in which it finally seems that, little by little, we are returning to normality, it is an immense joy for us to be able to contribute toward the celebration of Saint Patrick's Day with our many clients and friends.”

Thomas Herteux, CEO of Chiringuitos del

Sol, shares with us the magic of his involvement, once again, in Saint Patrick’s Day, and tells us just how he and his team are preparing for the 2022 summer season.

How does Chiringuitos del Sol look forward to 2022?

The truth is that we are especially motivated as we believe that this year our coast will,

These have been very hard years for us and for the entire sector. We have adapted and stood firm against all of the dark days that have gone beforehand, and now, being able to celebrate St Patrick, along with the many other events and activities that are being arranged in the area, it is a reason for special joy for all of us who contribute toward the Chiringuitos del Sol family.

once again, look like it did before the pandemic. Our entire team is already working hard to prepare for a season in which we hope to be at full capacity on the 11 Orihuela beaches, so that we are again able to offer all of our visitors the very best service.

Finally, what message would you give to all those who do not know Orihuela Costa and are planning to visit the area?

Fortunately, we work in an amazing area and we are sure that our visitors will be eager to return and to enjoy our wonderful facilities and coastline.

You have told us about events.

What have you prepared in this regard?

I could be all day talking about the wonderful attractions of our Coast. It is an incredible area, a wonderful place, with many spectacular beaches and coves, and with all the essential services that you will need to enjoy them to the fullest.

We are the Spanish Coastline with the most Blue Flags for a reason. I would say, without any doubt, that Orihuela Costa is a special destination.

On the one hand, we are very aware of the importance of care and respect for the environment.

For this reason, in addition to adapting our operations and trying to reduce plastic on the beaches as much as we possibly can, we will carry out awareness-raising measures that will involve the whole family. We intend to contribute as much as we can to the care of our

Every corner of it deserves to be explored, as you can spend your days relaxing and enjoying the sun, the beaches, all of our wonderful gastronomy, entertainment venues and shops, which, together with our people, make up a unique and exclusive destination on the Costa Blanca.

Chiringuitos del Sol CEO Thomas Herteux

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Round and about St Patrick’s Day in Irish History 1777 - Patrick Brontë, originally Brunty; clergyman and father of Charlotte, Emily and Anne, is born in Ballynaskeagh, Co. Down.

1839 - John B. Yeats, painter and father of William Butler and Jack B. Yeats, is born in Tullylish, Co. Down 1903 - St Patrick's Day is declared a bank holiday.

1927 - Cairbre, the lion used to introduce Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer films was born in Dublin Zoo.

1949 - Snooker player and two time world-champion Alex "Hurricane" Higgins was born in Belfast.

1955 - Belfast born Singer Ruby Murray scores five simultaneous hits in the British charts.

1959 - RTÉ interviews Ireland's first ban garda (female police officer), Mary Brown from Roscommon.

1970 - Dana (Rosemary Brown) wins the Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland with 'All Kinds of Everything'.

1976 - Boyzone singer Stephen Gately was born in Dublin. He sadly passed away aged just 33 in October 2009.

1998 - The US Ambassador to Ireland, Jean Kennedy Smith, confirms she will leave her post after US Independence Day celebrations in Dublin on July 4th. In the same year Cork athlete Sonia O'Sullivan won

a gold medal in the World Cross-Country championships.

1999 - The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Jim McDaid, unveils plans to commemorate the Year 2000. Commencing on St. Patrick's Day, "The Party Starts Here," is the official title of a 21-month long series of events, which will link over 300 separate festivals 2000 - Hundreds of sprigs of shamrock are airlifted from Ireland by the RAF to Irish regiments of the British Army around the world in accordance with a decree issued by Queen Victoria 100 years ago. It is exactly 100 years since the queen decrees that all Irish regiments of the British Army wear a shamrock in their head dress on St Patrick’s Day to commemorate the bravery of Irish troops during the Boer War.

Cabo Roig, 10th Anniversary Parade 2001 - For the first time, Queen Elizabeth II sends a special St. Patrick's Day greeting to President Mary McAleese. Publicans in Westport, Co. Mayo call time on hen and stag parties. Bar owners in Westport, Co Mayo say the revellers are no longer welcome and will not be served in the town’s 44 pubs and Mary Robinson, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, announces that she is stepping down from her post, saying she thinks she can do more outside the "restraints" of the UN system.

2006 – An Eczema gene is identified in a study led by Irish doctors.

The findings are regarded as the first steps towards finding a cure.

The study was led by Dr Alan Irvine from Enniskillen, a consultant paediatric dermatologist at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin, and Professor Irwin McLean from Ballymoney, a geneticist at the University of Dundee in Scotland.

Cabo Roig, 10th Anniversary Parade

Thursday 17th March 2022

PAGE 15

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Thursday 17th March 2022

Cabo Roig, 10th Anniversary Parade

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 908

ACROSS 1.

Investigation (8) 5.

Incite (4) 9.

Search (4) 10. Oily (8) 11. Log (5) 12. Merciful (7) 13. Memorable (13) 18. Final (8) 19. Tie (4) 20. Stipulation (7) 21. Declare (5) 22. Powder (4) 23. Star (8) 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 2.

Feeling (7)

3.

Veto (7)

4.

Diligent (13)

6.

Saw (7)

7.

Favour (7)

8.

Thoroughfare (6)

13.

Arrogated (7)

14.

Foolish (7)

15.

Stay (6)

16.

Judge (7)

17.

Medicine (7)

QUICK ACROSS: 1 Made; 3 Emissary; 9 Glamour; 10 Rumba; 11 Academy Award; 13 Nudity; 15 Poodle; 17 Psychiatrist; 20 Cruet; 21 Barrier; 22 Overdose; 23 Ages.

DOWN: 1 Migraine; 2 Drama; 4 Martyr; 5 Straw boaters; 6 Admired; 7 Year; 8 Domesticated; 12 Dentures; 14 Dispute; 16 Nimbus; 18 Icing; 19 Echo.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Bear; 3 Commerce; 9 Express; 10 Names; 11 Keep on trying; 13 Inside; 15 Repeal; 17 Paper wedding; 20 Rooks; 21 Inroads; 22 Badinage; 23 Sees.

DOWN: 1 Breaks in; 2 Apple; 4 Onsets; 5 Moneylenders; 6 Romance; 7 Erse; 8 Second person; 12 Elegists; 14 Seafood; 16 Awning; 18 Irate; 19 Drab.

ACROSS 1. Keeping a hosiery item (8) 5. Rounds, perhaps, for doctor after the morning (4) 9. German woman giving the priest gold (4) 10. Abandoned journalist on a London street (8) 11. Glue I mix with cunning (5) 12. When to criticise music? (7) 13. We hit the plane badly - it?s not wanted (5,8) 18. Local that?s number one in beer returned (8) 19. She?s always in gaol (4) 20. Offers for nurses? (7) 21. It may make a wet blanket! (5) 22. Rush back for the animal (4) 23. Guess I am in the car (8)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. Which treat is known in France as 'Barbe a papa' (papas beard)?

2. Which 18th century American polymath (from the Greek meaning 'having learned much') coined the phrase 'time is money'?

3. What is the largest land mammal in Europe?

4. The 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life used a mixture of Foamite (a fire fighting chemical) and soap and water to simulate snow flakes falling.

Before that, what kind of white painted flakes were used to simulate snow falling in Hollywood films?

5. Where did Aristotle claim the human mind was located?

6. In which European country that has had at least 66 governments since 1945 is there a political party named Existentialist Impotents?

7. Doug and Dinsdale were two brothers in a Monty Python sketch who used violence, sarcasm and a thermo nuclear device to rule the London underworld. What was their vorocious last name?

8. What is the name of the unit used to measure the strength of a pollution source (or scent emission)?

9. In which country was Josef Stalin born?

10. "The Halloween Tree" is a 1972 fantasy novel by which American author?

11. Plus or minus 10 ft., what is the existing world record distance in cherry pit spitting?

DOWN 2. But outside right is finished (7) 3.

A brilliant stroke allowed in poetry? (7)

4.

Reason for death supported by environmentalists? (7,6)

6.

Made Mr Gershwin a cake (7)

7.

Strange people getting shirt, or a bit of one (7)

8.

Put the phone down when there?s a mental problem (4-2)

13. The least successful journalist?s yarn (7) 14. Terribly genuine, but innocent (7) 15. Wears out the Queen with poetry (6) 16. Home Office breaking mould to find gangster (7) 17. Fail to care for Glen, etc.? (7)

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 3 ) 12. Once the youngest billionaire in the world, which popular book is responsible for Mark Zuckerberg’s wealth?

13. Plus or minus 100,000, what are the odds of getting a Royal Flush in poker? (with 5 cards) 14. Although George Orwell did it in his book Animal Farm, it's illegal in France. What is illegal?

15. The following words are from which songs with 'Wait' or 'Waiting' in the title? a. Everybody listen all over the world, I got a story bout my favourite girl. b. But if your heart breaks, don't wait, turn me away. c. 26 dollars in my hand. d. I was a lonely soul, I had nobody till I met you. e.

Hopes dashed to the floor like shattered teenage dreams 16. What is the strongest muscle in the human body?

17. With 2,496 bridges, which of the following cities has the most bridges in Europe? a. Hamburg, b. Amsterdam, c. St Petersburg, d. Rome 18. Sometimes even the best medicine doesn't help. Kuru is an incurable neurological disorder also known as which sickness?

19. The playing surface in which team sport is called a 'sheet'?

20. Which famous Halloween party game originated from a custom to establish who would get married first?

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PAGE 15

WHAT DOES YOUR NAME SAY ABOUT YOU?

nless you created a vaccine for it, the last thing you want is to have your name associated with an illness or disease.

Or a pandemic. Or a war, no matter which part of Korea or Vietnam you live in. Will anyone ever choose Wuhan as a holiday destination from now on?

U

strange musings, reflections which take us beyond our everyday mirror, like Alice's looking-glass. In the 19th century, the use of mercury in hatmaking led to a high rate of mercury poisoning among those working in the industry, which in turn gave us the phrase "mad as a hatter." I wonder if Alice was aware of that.

Lots of modern ailments are only modern because people live longer than they used to do.

Our brief longevity has come with a price tag, scrawled across which is a variety of unfortunate names like Parkinson, Huntington, Hodgkin and Alzheimer. There is even a Turner syndrome, a prize nobody would ever want to win. And Dr George Tourette was shot in the head by one of his foul-mouthed patients, which might have made the doctor feel like uttering a few swear words of his own, since he survived.

In my particular case, I made three new acquaintances in quick succession the other day -- a rare event during a pandemic -- whose surnames were Miller, Merchant and Drinkwater, and this started me thinking about where names come from. Miller is easy to guess, some ancestor spent his time either grinding corn or gritting his teeth when the harvest was poor.

Merchant is self-explanatory, and the Drinkwaters were perhaps partly responsible for Dust Bowl crop failures. I'm guessing there wasn't any corn liquor available as an alternative.

Hans Asperger was a particularly insightful doctor, who noticed that some children struggled to form friendships, held one-sided conversations about themselves, lacked common sense (I'm saying nothing), had limited facial expressions, odd speech patterns and a tendency to stare at others. Perhaps he didn't have to be all that insightful to notice such things.

That inward eye which is the bliss of lockdown, I mean solitude, can lead us to some

Sometimes names don't exactly tell the truth.

Mahler in German means painter, but he possibly joined the wrong queue in the job centre and became a composer. An 'aptonym,' on the other hand, is a name that seems appropriate for its owner.

Swiss professor of psychiatry at Zurich

Sara Blizzard is a weather presenter for the BBC; she once studied drama, which must often help. A long time ago, I met Jules Angst, a

aptonym is the case of the American judge John

University, who has published books about anxiety. Nothing he said worried me particularly.

Not at the time, at least.

An example, perhaps, of a half-hearted Minor Wisdom, pity about that middle name.

And of course -- on the course -- Tiger Woods

often has recourse to a stainless steel putter, which suits him to a tee.

One particular name I recall was that of a shy girl at my primary school, who was called 'Peanut.' She probably wouldn't be allowed in a classroom nowadays, even if we could convince her to come out of her shell, in case the other kids were allergic to her. She had American parents, who sound like nutcases to me.

PAGE 16

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Orihuela route to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Miguel Hernández’ death The Department of Tourism of the Orihuela City Council has published the routes scheduled for March that will have Miguel Hernández as the central character on the 80th anniversary of his death.

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of EUROPEAN DELEGATION OF Meeting Orihuela MEP’S VISITS MAR MENOR Costa Presidents

The MEP’s on the shore of the Mar Menor Lagoon

The next meeting of the Orihuela Costa Urbanisation Presidents Network is happening: Date: March 15, 2022 Time: 16:30 -18:00 Place: Place: NBA Consulting, Calle Orihuela 102, Torrevieja RSVP: Group Urbanization Presidents – Orihuela Costa (on Facebook) Topics for discussion:

group of MEP’s including the president of the delegation of the Committee on Petitions (PETI) of the European Parliament, Tatjana Zdanoka, spent three days in the Region of Murcia last week where they were looking at the situation of the Mar Menor.

A Scheduled for Saturday the 19th, at 11:30 is the children’s Workshop 'Let me tell you', where the children can sit or lie down to read and listen to short stories by Miguel Hernández, in a room that is promised to be full of surprises.

On Saturday 26, the Department presents 'Miguel… dear Miguel', another totally new and dramatized route that will leave at eight in the evening from Puerta de la Olma.

It will highlight the history, customs and anecdotes of the city of Orihuela and its illustrious character Miguel Hernández. A day later, on Sunday the 27th, at half past seven in the evening we will learn about the life and work of the Orihuela poet.

There will also be a number of family routes such as 'El Juglar y las Historias de su Hogar' as well as the highly popular routes of the Palacios, Monumental, Murales de San Isidro, A Walk with Loaces and A Walk with Velázquez, among others.

All of the routes are totally free but with limited places, so it is necessary to make a reservation, either at www.orihuelaturistica.es or through Orihuela Centro tourist office.

Phone numbers: 96 530 46 45 or 96 530 27 47 or, send a Whatsapp to 673 836 385.

Delegation President Tatjana Zdanoka

Absentee owners - challenges and solutions Short term Rentals - issues and Communal Property what’s in and what’s not For more information email:

During the three days they met first with petitioners and then with the authorities, before spending time listening to the concerns of the scientists responsible for implementing the solutions necessary to improve the ecosystem of the saltwater lagoon.

Valerie president@oasisgolf.net Christine chris.berardi@icloud.com

This was the fourth visit to Spain by Zdanoka who said that "the environmental situation of the Mar Menor and especially, the eutrophication of the lagoon, is extremely serious. It is always better to see the situation first hand, particularly by those who have not been here before.”

where they "will have an independent analysis." The MEPs also captured lots of mobile images of the shore of the lagoon where the mud appeared under just a few centimeters of recently placed sand. "The black mud cannot be covered with the beige colour of the sand", said one MEP.

During a press conference at the end of their visit, Zdanoka showed the water samples from the lagoon that she was carrying in two tubes and that she will take back to Riga

In terms of the solutions to put an end to this environmental problem, Zdanoka said "the administration has a great responsibility", from the local, regional and national govern-

ments through to the European administrations.

She also pointed out that the main causes of the deteriorating are linked to economic activities, which in turn are a source of employment and income in the Region.

The recommendations and conclusions are not yet known, but whatever they are, she added that they should all be channelled through political procedure and have the majority consent of those involved.

Esatur win contract to provide Torrevieja Sports coaching and rescue services At an ordinary session of Torrevieja’s Local Government Board (JGL), the award was approved for the new contract to provide sports activities and schools, rescue and first aid services, to the company ESATUR XXI SL, for a total amount of 750,737.75 euros per year.

The award will have a duration of four years (two years plus two extensions), taking the total price to 3,002,951 euros.

In total there will be around 80 staff who will carry out the service for the municipal sports schools. They will provide sports coaching in the following disciplines: athletics, soccer, futsal, basketball, handball, judo, hockey, rugby, swimming and adapted athletics, rhythmic gymnastics, volleyball, table tennis, triathlon, cycling, tennis, paddle tennis and gymnastics.

In addition, they will teach activity classes including: gap, zumba, pilates, body combat and swimming.

At least 10 of those employed will hold a university degree related to the activity to be carried out, while 81% of the staff assigned to the service will receive permanent contracts.

How communities are governed - Horizontal Property Law

Morris Dancers Back on Track With the Covid restrictions being lifted and more movement allowed, the COSTA BLANCA MORRIS DANCERS, members of Torrevieja U3A, have re-started their rehearsals and are looking for new members to join them. No need for previous experience just a willingness to learn something new and join in the fun whilst supporting local charities at danceout events. Great for keeping fit! Come along and join in our fun dances and meet new people.

The COSTA BLANCA MORRIS DANCERS - the only Morris team in Spain that provides the opportunity to learn traditional English dances and enjoy a great social group.

We meet at Dilly’s Bar, San Luis on the 1st and 3rd Friday every month (commencing 4th March) and the hall at the back of the Ayuntamiento in Pinar De Campoverde on the 2nd and 4th Friday from 4 to 6pm.

Just some of the facilities making up the magnificent Torrevieja Sports City

For further info, check out the Facebook Page and/or contact costablancamorrisdancers @yahoo.com.

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

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

CAR SALES

CHURCHES AND SERVICES La Siesta Evangelical Church, 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, friendly church and look forward to meeting you. (Covidaware. www.Saltchurchspain.

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

Phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 648 914 347

The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2019 Ford Focus ST_Line Auto which is on Special Offer priced at just 19,500 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

MUSICIANS WANTED Come Join The Band' The Royal British Legion Concert Band Spain is looking for a second violin player of any nationality to join our growing group of musicians. Please contact Graham Robinson at email by phone on 658 663 846 or by email at: robinsongraham256@ googlemail.com

SOCIAL AND CLUBS The March Meeting of the Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch will be held at 7 for 7.30 pm on Thursday 17 Mar at the Olympia Pool Bar in Mil

Palmeras. Everyone welcome, incl non members. Call Jean for info on: 630 28 08 99.

The RBL 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 info please contact:Torrevieja.secretary@rbl. community 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 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 Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 1700 (5pm) at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanisation, Torrevieja. For more information please contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 966 71 6274 or Margaret Forshaw on 966 92 1966.

Royal Air Force Association Costa Blanca Registered Members Group: The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG replaces the RAFA Costa Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the RAFA and the RMG is via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk.

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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

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Vila Joiosa to celebrate Tears of Santa Marta

By Andrew Atkinson

The CFX Group

I

wouldn’t say we are inveterate gamblers, nothing exciting, a weekly contribution to the lotto although I am beginning to think it’s more of a donation as the returns are never that startling. From time to time, we like a small bet on a horse, that’s more fun than gambling as it can be exciting.

Just the small amounts of money which would not harm if the ‘GG’ does not make it to the front.

It was a couple of years ago, well a bit less. It was at the time when there were many offers being made by brokers investing in ‘Forex,’ a system which chases the constant buying and selling in the exchange of money values. Why it should go up and down is a little puzzling.

Like most people we are always interested in improving our income.

It is now eighteen months since we agreed to be involved in the CFX complex and we are really surprised at the returns generated by their system. In that time since that first investment, we have seen a growth of three hundred and fifty percent. Not unbelievable!

Although, it is difficult to come to terms earning money earning is not really the right word, paying a fee for a weekly return is more accurate.

Balloons of growth which have been seen before, sooner or later there is a levelling.

I looked at the formation of the company, at that time, it produced a history going back to 1933 when it was formed by the result of two big railway establishments merging, and later in the 1940’s they were involved in road building in Florida.

That seemed a strong history and gave me comfort to invest.

Going into Google now and looking for the event there is no mention of the train companies merging at that time, although there are two head offices under the name CFX, one in Orlando Florida, involved in highways, and

Vila Joiosa will celebrate the Tears of Santa Marta in 2022, following an agreement by the Santa Marta Association, representatives of the festive companies and Vila Joiosa City Council during July 24-31.

"During the meeting, the Board of Directors also agreed to change the schedule of the floral offering that is traditionally celebrated in the municipality on the occasion of this holiday.

"The offering will now take place at 12 noon, leaving the rest of the day free for the party companies to organise their own celebrations.

"We believe that this change of schedule will benefit the participation of more people in the offering to Santa Marta, since the festeros will no longer have their meetings and celebrations interrupted", said the Councillor for Festivities of Vila Joiosa, Marta Selles. another in Panama. I am sure they are separate as the latter was formulated more recently.

pany that sells the company’s product for a commission, nothing wrong in that.

In UK’s Company’s House for ‘Cash CFX Company’ there are 219887 matches and rising as I looked at it – my guess is that they are ‘team leaders’ setting up their own administrations.

The CFX Company makes it very clear that buying into their scheme means ‘they are only investing on your behalf’ and you are running your own business which means all the responsibilities that goes with it. Although they use the term ‘team leader’ when someone has recruited other people to their investment programme.

In actual fact they are, like many others in the operation, the CEO of their own company.

Where do the earnings come from in CFX that is the cash version? Is it a free ticket which vanishes in some Ponzi scheme? I don’t think so. A Ponzi scheme, or pyramid is very different and CFX is very dissimilar, in that you are paid on a regular basis for your investment.

The Head Office of CashFX is in Panama where the recognized currency is the ‘Balbao’ named after a Spanish explorer – and known locally as the ‘Pab’.

However, the company has chosen to use the American Dollar in trading, which is also acceptable in the host country, although there is a slight difference in the Pab’s worth, around 99 cents to the Dollar. Is that important, only in that its part of the smoke and mirrors that appears to surround the company, also one percent over millions of Dollars is rather a lot of money.

The operation is similar to other schemes where you can only buy into it through a ‘team leader,’ a person or com-

If CFX went into liquidation it would take a few lawyers to sort out the fallout of who owes what to who - for in my mind it could be that the ‘team leaders’ are responsible to the people they have elected to join them. Just my thoughts – but as the CFX company states that “it is nothing to do with us we are only paying you a commission,” then who is responsible if it all goes belly up?

The CFX company, as I have said, pays weekly earnings on your investment, which accumulates into a sum of money in Dollars. However, although that money is acknowledged by the CFX company to be yours you do not have it, they do.

Certainly, the team leaders have no control over it, so if

things go wrong who is going to pay all the investors who have accumulated wealth in their scheme.

The Mayor of Vila Joiosa, Andreu Verdú said: "I am very happy that Vila Joiosa is once again holding its festivals and traditions normally after the break in local celebrations, caused by the pandemic."

MOORS AND CHRISTIANS FESTIVAL

It is a very deep subject going into the funding of the company, but I understand the CFX company has half a million, and maybe more members, worldwide, in about eighty countries, and it is coming up to two years in operation.

In that period the growth rate has been startling not only paying regular payments to the investors but opening a headquarters building which we are told cost multi millions of Dollars. Is it really possible to achieve that type of growth trading on the foreign exchange markets?

Looking at it another way, that number of people investing only the minimum in the company, buying Bitcoin for an investment of 500 Dollars, totals two hundred and fifty million Dollars in foreign currency, that is nothing like a Ponzi type organization.

It is fun and heart-warming to see the growth every week and I will continue to do so – but my feeling is it is pretend money, and it is kept separate in the accounts. Take care.

Facebook.com/percy chattey ‘The Cormack’s’ Set in the early nineteen hundreds a sad but thrilling story available from Amazon and Kindle.

During the meeting, the directors of the Santa Marta Association and representatives of different Moorish and Christian companies debated the different possibilities for the celebration of the Moors and Christians festivities in 2022.

As it is a year of great uncertainty after two years of non-celebration, the Board of Directors and representatives of the festive companies agreed to create a special commission for the organisation, with the programme of events that will make up this year's Patron Saint festivities.

Councillor for the Fiestas, Marta Sellés said: "The council will support the decisions made by the organising entity and the festeros.

The Moors and Christians festivities of Vila Joiosa, of international tourist interest, are one of the greatest tourist attractions of the municipality and as such, the City Council will work to maintain them.

The party belongs to the festeros, as the main participants, and to the Santa Marta Association as the organizing body. Without them there would be no festival.

“From the City Council we trust that the next celebration of the Tears of Santa Marta will be the trigger that will revive the collective festive feeling that characterises the people of Vila Joiosa with a high participation after these two years absent from celebrations due to the pandemic," added Councillor for Festivities of Vila Joiosa, Marta Selles.

Moros y Cristianos is a highlight of the festival calendar in the Region.

The festivities in Villajoyosa Moors and Christians Festival, involves 22 comparsas (associations), 11 of which represent the Moors and 11 the Christians, with enactments including the embarkment and landing, the battle of the arquebus, the conquest and Christian victory, and the symbolic return of the Moors over the sea.

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DIVISION ONE

Wendy Hayward succumbed to Queen Debbie Wright (84, D16) and then Lorraine Cox's 80, 13-D20 brought the score line to a tantalising 4-5. Princess Cowan's D12 assured the Tiaras of at least one match point, but de Lacy couldn't make it a win, narrowly losing out to MOTM Vi Turner's 5-D11.

EL CAPITAN V HUB HYENAS Matches can't be won in the 1st half, but can certainly be lost, as was the case in this tussle. A couple of missed opportunities before the break cost the Hub dearly.

At 5-1 down it was a bridge too far for the visitors, but take noting away from an excellent Caps. All 3 triples were claimed by Caps, via Arold Klimonis D8, Marcos Lopez D8 and Olly Walker D2, legend Nigel Justice throwing 2x100, 2x140.

Andres Liamazares 125,140,123, D20 and Lopez threw a stunning 21 dart 601, prior to Hubs lone 1st half win from Mark Ellis and John Eyre, Justice 100,140. Aroldas D16, closing the 1st half.

Jay Wilkinson opened the 2nd half with a fine 0-2 win, Aroldas 100,139 resuming the 4 leg advantage with a similar score. Ellis claimed Walker's scalp 0-2, who only last week had recorded a 13 dart single. Justice made it 7 legs and 2 points, Liama making it 8 with 117,100,140, 180 and MOTM. Eyre closed the game with a 1-2 win over Vycka Bobinas. Caps MOTM - Liamazares.

SECOND HALF OF SEASON - WEEK 4 DIVISION 1 El Capitan CC's Danny's Bar Mind The Gap

8-4 7-5 2-10 12-0

Hub Hyenas Tipsy Toad Toppers Alehouse Lads Milo's

DIVISION 2 Pint Depot Queens Freakie Taverners Hub Hellraisers Boris' Bears

5-7 3-9 3-9 8-4

Tipsy Toad Tiaras Domino's Desperados Wee Rock Horrors Angel Delights

DIVISION 1 Mind The Gap El Capitan Hub Hyenas Cc's Flyers Alehouse Lads Milo's Tipsy Toad Toppers Danny's Bar

DIVISION 2 Season Highest Olly Walker (T20-T20-D20) El Capitan 160 Olly Walker (T20-T20-D20) El Capitan 160 James Brown (T20-17-D20) Mind the Gap 117 James Brown(20-T18-D16) (19-T19-Bull)Mind Mindthe theGap Gap06 126 Paul Moody Matt Smith (20-T20-D19) CC's 118 180's - Andres Llamazares, El Capitan 180's Brown (3) the MindGap The Gap Darren- James Sanderson, Mind Olly Walker and Matt Smith

C.C.'S FLYERS V TIPSY TOAD TOPPERS Not much to choose between both sides in the opening half, winning doubles from Jesus Madrid D10, Charles Pritchett D8 and a Kevin Prockter 60 out, plus a 131,140 from Suso Madrid, the visitors Andy Gildea D10, Lee Maiden, D16 and Paddy Winterbourne D20.

Phil de Lacy providing the scores.

Only two Toppers victories in the singles, Gildea a 1-2 over Pritchett and Maiden 140,100 and 0-2 over Gary Dee. Solid winning performances from Flyers Suso M. 3x100, 2x140, Jesus M. 100,120,126,140, Sam Farrow 133 and John McKay, 100,122. MOTM Pritchett - Winterbourne ( 3x100, 120, losing single)

Thankfully for the Tiaras, MOTM Sharon Marshall (100, 92, 85 3-D12) swapped her tiara for crown in the crucial 12th game against Maggie (88).

MATCH RESULTS FOR 3 MARCH

HIGH CHECK-OUTS HIGH CHECK-OUTS Season Highest -

Victorious Caps

DANNY'S BAR V ALE HOUSE LADS Just half a dozen scores of note from Dannys' via John Giggs and Bob Smith in the 1st session proved fruitless against a Lads side in top form. Dario Sierra 3x140,100, and Dale McGuiness 2x100,2x140 doing much of the damage for 0-6.

Alan Walker 2x100,140, 3x85+ and Bob Smith 4x100, halted the slide, only for Andre Wing to take the winning plaudits 1-2 in a real battle with MOTM Lesley Lumb. Best game of the evening Giggs 100,101,121, 4x85+ losing a 3 legger to Sierra 121,125,2x140, 2x85+, Giggs outing his leg on D16,D16. Eugene Lane and McGuiness concluding the match, both in 3 legs.

MOTM - Sierra.

Wee Rock Horrors Freakie Taverners Domino's Desperados Tipsy Toad Tiaras Boris' Bears Hub Hellraisers Angel Delights Pint Depot Queens

P 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

P 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Pts 8 6 6 6 4 2 0 0

Pts 8 5 5 5 4 4 1 0

Legs 43 29 29 26 24 14 15 12

Legs 36 28 27 24 27 21 16 14

DIVISION 2 HUB HELLRAISERS V WEE ROCK HORRORS Horrors found themselves 0-4 up with little resistance from the Raisers. Adrian Coates, Mike Tierney, Graham Solomans and Tony Spiers doubling, Solomans 2x100,125 providing scores. The hosts reducing the deficit via Lesley Dolling and Gill McCarthy, 2-4.

MOTM Coates overcome skip Cheryl McGlynn, Joseph Cuyt earning Horrors the draw. Solomans added a 140 to D5 for the match, Billy Dolling and Andy Forrest a 92 out, making it 9 for the Rock. Spiers had the unenviable task of facing wife Sue in the closing single, the latter earning bragging rights with a 121,D2, MOTM victory.

PINT DEPOT QUEENS V TIPSY TOAD TIARAS MIND THE GAP V MILOS

The Tiaras stole a march on the Queens with a 5-1 lead in the triples and pairs, courtesy of Pat Schofield (81, D5), Simone de Lacy (89, D8-D3), LIsa Ivill (89, D4), Tracey Simpson (D6) and Elizabeth Cowan (03, 82, 81, D2). Queen Marie Cummins clocked up some good throws (92, 92, 205) and diminutive Vi Turner taking out D15 on her first attempt.

Another solid showing this week from Gap at the expense of Milos. Decent displays from visitors Raul Rocamora 140,120,156 and Javi de Gea 2x100 in the 1st half nowhere near enough as the Gap pounded the T20, Darren Sanderson 4x100,140, Sam Salt 100,123,125, and James Brown 134 and a 117 out, not forgetting a Salt's fancy 28 finish D3,D11. for 6-0.

2nd period was much the same, Sanderson a 180, but both legs on D1? Salt banging in 5x100, Paul Moody a nice 106 out, Gordon Cowan 100,2x140 and Brown 3x100,115,140 and a 60 out. All singles 2-0 MOTM Salt - Rocamora.

PAGE 19

Jane Wills post trim raised 150 euro for Ukraine medical supplies

With Tracey Simpson's 'Alien Arm' being retired from the singles (the chalker was in danger of losing an eye) the Tiaras sent Pat in first to bat, theoretically to assure the Tiaras of a 6th leg. Alison Wands blighted that plan with a surprise D10, dispensing Pat back to the pavilion.

FREAKIE TAVERNERS V DOMINO'S DESPERADOS Despos move up to joint 3rd with Freakies after this surprisingly comfortable win. All 3 triples went to Despos, the Chicks' Angela and Paul, plus a Ray Hayes 48 out providing the doubles.

Treble 19 master John Boden, 133 and D18 made it 1-3. Hayes 100,D4 and Ben Kernahan D15 taking the break score to 1-5, Kerny adding 3x80+ to earlier scores of 137,100.

Hayes ensured the draw with a 78 out, Boden 118 keeping the hosts in the game. lt was short lived as Angela C made it 7 for Despos. Kernahan nailed a 60 out and a ton for MOTM -Freakies Mitch Halliday earning the hosts with consistent high scores.

BORIS BEARS V ANGEL DELIGHTS Bears got back to winning ways, Delights failing to improve on their sole point to date. The hosts wasted no time in gaining all 3 triples, Barry Shingler, Amanda Skinner and Yvonne Rouffignac doubling. Sid Cross added a 4th on D10, Skinner scoring 2x100. Maria Ross and Sharon Williams outing for Delights for 4-2.

Cross and Skinner restored the hosts 4 leg advantage and a minimum match point. Ross and Henni Oortwijn gave the visitors the chance of a draw, the score now 6-4. lt wasn't to be as Shingler ensured both points on D8, Ron Chadwick wrapping up the result on D4. MOTM Shingler - Williams.

MIKE RANDELL – RIP 04/10/54 – 13/01/2022 Mike Randell was a loving husband and devoted father. Mike had lived in Spain for approximately 3 years and made an impression on everybody’s lives that he came in contact with.

He loved his darts and was an active member of both Danny’s Bar and the Friendly Bar teams.

He was always smiling and never had a bad word to say about his fellow players.

Mike will be missed by us all and our condolences go out to Jean and family.

PAGE 20

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Monday 7th - Sunday 13th March 2022

San Luis Bowls Club by Sheila Cammack I was anticipating being able to report some good news about this week’s matches, as we get down to the last few, at the end of the winter season BUT as we know, things don’t always go to plan!

Monday 28th Feb South Alicante League: Enterprise Div. A the Klingons were away v San Miguel Alsations, but unfortunately it was a tough match of two halves: 2games-2 but losing the shots 47-75, meant 4 points-6. Winners: Margaret Morrison, Pam Lockett, Neil Morrison 1612, Pat Reilly, Tricia Reilly, Vic Mahomet 17-13. The Div B Trekkers, were home to La Marina Explorers, but they didn’t have the best of times; with points 2-8, and shots 55-89. Well done to our winning team: Pauline Johnson, Stuart Wilson,

Steve Penfold 25-15.

Unfortunately on Wednesday 2nd March our Winter League team should have been playing at El Cid. Sadly, because of the positive Covid cases in the north at Calpe BC, Javea Green BC & BBC (though not at El Cid) it was decided for everyone’s health & safety that we should concede this match as neither of us were in contention for the top spot. A frustrating but sensible solution.

Finally the weather intervened on Friday 4th for the Southern League Div A. Lions & Div B. Tigers with the matches having to be postponed due to torrential rain!

Let’s hope that next week the weather allows us to replay the outstanding

In the meantime we are gearing up for the Summer Leagues which start w/b 14th March, & most importantly team availability sheets are on the noticeboard waiting to be filled.

We welcome additional new & experienced members wishing to commit to joining before the end of August; before team registration for the start of the winter season. For more information, come along & watch on a match day, or contact Club Captain June Jones directly (details below).

IMPORTANT Reminder: 2-day OPEN MIXED TRIPLES TOURNAMENT on Friday 8th & Saturday 9th April. Entries to Keith Jones: keithjones81@hotmail.com tel: 691 903 773, by 11th March.

El Rancho Bowls Club

ENTERPRISE DIVISION

Monday morning found the Pintos play-

Vistabella Albatrosses Quesada Pearls Emerald Isle Titans San Miguel Beagles San Luis Klingons Greenlands Maples La Siesta Apollos San Miguel Alsations Greenlands Sycamores El Rancho Pintos

P 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17

San Miguel Beagles 86 (6) San Luis Klingons 47 (4) Quesada Pearls 85 (8) Greenlands Maples 52 (1) Emerald Isle Titans 91 (8)

ing host to the strong Titans from

W 45 43 39 33 37 33 31 29 20 18

Ryder 8-30. Chris Ziepe, Bob Day and

D 2 2 3 6 3 1 1 1 3 2

L Diff Diff 21 303 23 418 26 239 29 53 28 35 34 78 36 -131 38 -167 45 -334 48 -494

Pts 120 114 105 95 94 85 75 68 51 43

DISCOVERY DIVISION La Marina Pathfinders 85 (10) La Siesta Pioneers 56 (0) Emerald Isle Moonrakers 43 (1) Vistabella Drivers 86 (9) Country Bowls Flamingos 90 (8) Emerald Isle Neptunes 58 (2) San Miguel Dalmations 73 (8) Quesada Diamonds 72 (2) San Luis Trekkers 55 (2) La Marina Explorers 89 (8) P W D L Diff Diff Country Bowls Flamingos 17 51 4 13 368 La Marina Pathfinders 17 38 3 27 125 Quesada Diamonds* 17 40 2 26 209 La Marina Explorers 17 36 3 29 194 Vistabella Drivers * 17 37 2 29 99 San Miguel Dalmations 17 33 3 32 20 Emerald Isle Neptunes 17 29 1 38 -63 La Siesta Pioneers 17 26 3 39 -75 San Luis Trekkers 17 21 2 45 -369 Emerald Isle Moonrakers 17 16 3 49 -508 * 2) deducted for failing to field a full side

Pts 138 101 100 97 96 85 73 67 50 39

VOYAGER DIVISION Quesada Rubies 72 (6) Vistabella Buggies 39 (0) El Rancho Raiders 69 (4)

Greenlands Chestnuts Country Bowls Seahawks Quesada Rubies Vistabella Eagles * La Siesta Sputnicks El Rancho Raiders Vistabella Buggies **

Greenlands Chestnuts 55 (4) Country Bowls Seahawks 85 (10) La Siesta Sputniks 76 (6) P 12 11 11 11 12 12 11

W 34 27 25 22 19 15 13

D 2 1 0 2 3 1 1

L Diff Diff 12 298 16 121 19 103 20 16 26 -119 32 -157 30 -262

* 2) deducted for failing to field a full side ** 5) deducted for failing to field a full side

Pts 90 73 64 58 47 35 26

Emerald Isle and did well to take one rink and coming very close to a second, with the remaining two playing some good bowls. Ria Dukker, Ann Taylor and Henry

Division (A) The Blues welcomed our neighbours San Luis Lions for an afternoon game, winning two rinks apiece and due to the score

by Ann & Robert Heath with Harold Charleton (32-8) we also gained two points for the overall (Shots 80-67).

Other winning team being; Dawn, Ann & Jim Taylor (21-15). Result 6-4.

Division (B) The Golds hosts were the Emerald Isle Outlaws for an afternoon game, winning on three rinks courtesy of; Pat Moore, Bill & Sue Jordan (27-8). Irene Laverick, Wendy & Alan Ralph (27-18). Tony & Val Dalton with Alan Mawer (1613) and losing out by only one shot on the remaining rink. Won 8-2 (Shots 80-55).

Enterprise The Apollos at home played San Miguel Beagles, another result where both teams shared the points by winning two rinks each, this time the visitors taking two points for the overall (Shots 61-86).

Rink winners were; Ann & Robert Heath with Harold Charleton (2114). Ann & Jim Taylor with Les Bedford (18-16).

John Taylor replaced a player on the 11th end due to illness. Lost 4-6.

Discovery The Pioneers travelled to La Marina for their game against the Pathfinders, but were unable to

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Monday 28th February, Vistabella Albatrosses Division A, were at Home to Greenlands Maples, Winning on 3 Rinks and Drawing on 1 Rink, Sue Kemp, Tony French, Brian Zelin 16-13, Mo Foulcer, Arthur Brown, Maggie Furness 29-10, Lynne Bishop, Carol Thorpe, Gary Thorpe 26-15, Neil Burrows, Sandra Burrows, Eric Bishop 14-14, Shots 85-52. Points 9-1.

Vistabella Drivers Division B, were Away to Emerald Isle Moonrakers, Winning on 3 Rinks and Drawing on 1 Rink, Frank Barclay, Barry Tarling, Stuart Allman 22-8, Ron Smith, Brian Pointon, Derek Stevenson 28-8, Alan Whitely, Jeff Neve, Paul Durham 21-11, Olwyn Radcliffe, John Goddard, Brian Dunn 1515, Shots 86-43. Points 9-1.

Vistabella Buggies Division C, were at Home to Country Bowls Seahawks, unfortunately losing on all Rinks, Shots 39-85. Points 0-10.

Friday 4th March, All matches Postponed due to bad weather.

by BRIAN ZELIN

John Ziepe 15-20. Lesley Day, Ngaio Baldwin and Pete Baldwin 12-30. John Richards (substituted by Sheila Cox), Diane Yates and Bob Taylor 17-11.

In the afternoon the Raiders entertained La Siesta Sputniks and played well, taking 2 rinks and having a third very closely run. Val Ryder, Peter Blackburn and Judy Foley 9-23. Sheila Millward, Brian Gilham and Jim Eastwood 18-17. Dave Baker,

La Siesta Bowls ... Members Run Club

By Alan Carr

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VISTABELLA BOWLS CLUB

matches.

SOUTH ALICANTE WINTER TRIPLES Week 17 - Monday 28th February La Siesta Apollos 61 (4) San Miguel Alsations 75 (6) Greenlands Sycamores 59 (2) Vistabella Albatrosses 85 (9) El Rancho Pintos 52 (2)

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get their heads in front on any of the rinks so had to return home without any points. (Shots 56-85).

Due to an injury, Wendy Ralph replaced that player on the 5th end.

Voyager For the Sputniks afternoon game they were hosted by El Rancho Raiders which saw Jim Gwynn, Tracey Paffett & Ken Barber rink win well (23-9) and Trever Witcher, Steve Gray & Brian Elkington winning by (18-16) with another rink being unlucky losing by one shot only but did manage to collect a further two points for the overall (Shots 76-69) winning 6-4.

Winter League La Siesta travelled to Greenland’s to play the league leaders knowing the opponents will not want to settle for anything less than the full points.

The home team took commanding leads early on two rinks with a bit of a battle going on with the others, the game ended winning on one rink by; Wendy Ralph, Irene Laverick, Noel Morrisroe & Mike Inns (18-16) with Greenland’s taking three for a result of 2-8 (Shots 50-85).

Interested in joining La Siesta Bowls Club, call the President George 865772498 or the Captain Wendy 633068399 who will give you further information.

Debbie Ham and Adrian Ham 16-18.

Dolly Fords, Dave Haynes and Marion Haynes 26-18.

On Friday the Broncos had a bye and the Mustangs match against Emerald Isle Cavaliers was postponed until the morning of 15th march. Bowlers of all levels are welcome at El Rancho, for further membership information contact Sheila Cox at micksheilacox@gmail.com

LA MARINA BOWLS - Dave Hadaway Friday 25th and The Seagulls afternoon game missed the deadline, but it was a result worth waiting for.

They played La Manga Crusaders and came away winning 8-2, I must congratulate our top winning trip of Mo Taylor, Trevor Hancock, & Garth Slater by getting more than the magic 30 – by winning 32-9 and I must commiserate with Trevor Stemp, and Audrey & Alan Birch who lost by the odd shot of 15-16.

Monday 28th Both our teams are doing our utmost to stay strong for promotion only dropping 1 trip between them, the Pathfinders won at home 10-0 against La Siesta Pioneers, our top trip being Dave Southwell, Dave McGaw and Irene Mangan winning 28-12.

The Explorers won 8-2 away to St Louis Trekkers with our top trip again surpassing that magic 30 – Janet & Peter Parsons, abeley assisted by Carol Smith winning 35-6.

Well done both of you making for a very exciting end of season.

Not able to report on Friday 4th games so this will have to wait until next week, which will also include our internal competitions results.

I can however report on 2 finals winch had to be brought forward.

Wednesday saw the mixed triples of Anne Stone, and Carol & Mick Smith v Dave Southwell and Don & Jean Fowkes which turned out to be a game of 3 halves.

The first half Don's trip pulled away to a 12-1 lead, only to be pulled back by the Smiths to within 3 shots, then Don's team pulled away again to win 21-9. a much closer game than what the score would suggest.

Thursday saw Don on the green again this time aided

by Peter Parsons and Mike Stone, in the men's trips to play against Garth Slater, Led Daniels and John Rae, and what a terrific game of bowls it was, matching each other end after end with a final score of 15-11.

Seems a comfortable win but on the last end with just 2 bowls to play John's team was holding game and with that last wood Don secured a victory by bowling a perfect draw shot.

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Monday 7th - Sunday 13th March 2022

Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club CLUB COMPETITIONS The ladies and mens singles finals was well supported. Joan Harding v Lynne Armitage and Keith Young v David Eades.

After two good matches Joan won the ladies and David won the mens well done to both.

Also on Monday morning San Miguel Beagles were away to La Siesta winning 6 - 4, 86 shots to 61, best winning triple were Lee Sinclair, Lynn Greenland and Steve Cantley 29 - 10.

Saunders.

Mens Pairs: Colin Bedford and Paul Dodd.

Ladies Trips: Lynne Armitage, Rita Towle and Gina Hindle.

Mens Trips: Mick Soars, Ian Hamilton and Neil Crawford.

Mixed Trips: Lynne Armitage, Howie Williams and Keith Young.

Mixed Pairs: Sheila Roberts and Graham Smythe.

Drawn Mixed Pairs: Tanya Oliver and Keith Young.

CHICKEN RUN Twenty two members took part in

February's chicken run. We played three rinks of trips and one rink of pairs. The chickens were won by Jan Soars and Chris Merry thank you to Jack and Tanya who donated the chickens.

Lynne Armitage and Ian Hamilton won the eggs, as Ian and Julia donate the eggs they were sold to the highest bidder. The football card was won by Howie with Bolton.

For further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website www.montemarbowls.com or email us at info@montemarbowls.com. we are also on Facebook.

LAS SALINAS CHARITY MIXED TRIPLES PETANCA COMPETITION Winners were Angel Pandaro and his team from Amigos Belgas

The Las Salinas charity Mixed triples petanca competition at San Luis terrain got off to a great start with 31 teams and 16 different clubs participating with most clubs wearing their team strip.

The chosen charity for this competition is DEBRA (butterfly Children) and the wonderful volunteer Chrissy was selling tickets for the Tombola and with the subscriptions on the day we raised

€465.

The ladies from San Luis were busy selling cold drinks and hot dogs to the hungry players. We had Mac on the tournament desk to maintain accurate records to ensure the day ran smoothly.

with 4 wins were Angel Pandaro with his team from Amigos Belgas, in 2nd place was Manolo Mediato team Los Bandidos also with 4 wins, 3rd place with 3 wins was Jean Claude Merle Los Rayos club.

The volunteer referees on the day were Bosse and Welshie who maintained law and order.

The medals were provided by one of the sponsors of the league Torrevieja Ayuntamiento.

The WINNERS ON THE day

WELL, DONE TO YOU ALL

Carp-R-Us Fishing Carp-R-Us took a break from their Winter/Spring series to fish the second round of the Murcia Cup on the Rio Segura in Murcia. A warmish morning greeted those taking part and it was hoped that, with the weather set fair, a good days fishing would be had. Unfortunately, as is common at this time of year, the fish seemed to be in little pockets and, if you weren´t fortunate to find one, the match was a struggle.

The match was won by Dave Hutchinson with 9.48kg caught, unusually for Dave, using feeder tactics and maggots. Dave was pegged just downstream of the road bridge. Second was Willie Moons with 7.00kg who just pipped Graham Patterson on the next peg who had 6.99kg.

Graham and Willie were at the upstream end of the stretch. Fourth was Terry Screen with 6.58kg from peg 1.

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

PAGE 21

SAN MIGUEL BOWLS by Barry Jones On Monday San Miguel Alsatian’s were at home to San Luis Klingons where they won 6 - 4, 75 shots to 47, best winning triple were Ian Hope, Paul Hayward and Alan Campbell 29 - 5.

Sponsored by The Pub, Gran Alacant Insurances, Dialprix,The Belfry and Sunrise Builders.

After the matches the presentation was held in the Rincon followed by a buffet and a few wines.

WINNERS: Ladies Singles: Joan Harding. Mens Singles: David Eades.

Ladies Pairs: Sheila Roberts and Joan Harding.

Mens Pairs: Keith Young and Neil Crwford.

Ladies Trips: Sheila Roberts, Sue Bounds and Joan Harding.

Mens Trips: Ronnie Cairns, Keith Young and Barry Watson.

Mixed Trips: Sheila Roberts, Chris Harding and Joan Harding.

Mixed Pairs; Rita Towle and Phil Goble.

Drawn Mixed pairs; Sheila Roberts and Graham Smythe.

RUNNERS UP: Ladies Singles: Lynne Armitage.

Mens Singles: Keith Young.

Ladies Pairs: Julia Hamilton and Lynda

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On Monday afternoon San Miguel Dalmatians we’re home to Quesada Diamonds winning 8 - 2, 73 shots to 72, best winning triple were Barry Jones, Frank Scotthern and Bob Donnelly 25 - 13.

Friday´s games have been cancelled due to the bad weather.

The S.M.B.C. Club Finals Championship games have also been cancelled.

Bowlers please note that the

Emerald Isle Bowls The Titans played at home against El Rancho Pintos and had a fine 8-2 Aggregate of 91-52 win. S Kavanagh C Smyth D Gerrard 30-8, L Ponsford G Ponsford J Pooley 30-12, M Veale Jo Pering R Marks 20-15 Neptunes were playing at

Club Championship Finals will be played next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at S.M.B.C. A reminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesday´s 1.30pm for 2pm - €5 for an afternoon of bowling with shoes and bowls available to borrow. Due to the popularity of the Wasps, first time bowlers are asked to attend an initial coaching session on Tuesday afternoons, starting at 1.45pm.

We welcome all bowlers who would like to join San Miguel B.C. as we are a unique club, we only pay owner fees and a club fee and NO LEAGUE RINK FEES. For further information on San Miguel B.C. please contact the club secretary Barry Jones on 602 504 905 or the club president Alan Campbell on 606 676 118.

Country Bowls Flamingos and were beaten 2-8, Aggregate of 58-90. B Taylor S Johnson P Heaney 16-10 Moonrakers played against Vistabella Drivers at home and lost 1-9 with an aggregate of 43-86, M Riley C Wilson G Wallis drew 15-15 No games Friday

By Elwyn Morris

Quesada Bowls with Steve Hibberd In the South Alicante league div 1, Pearls earned a good 8 points away at Greenlands Sycamores. This keeps them 2nd in the table, with 1 game left to play. Well done - B Trinder, G Kershaw, F Roberts 22-18. C Brazier, T Morgan, P Morgan 23-13. G Phillips, M France, J Prokopowycz 25-7.

Over at San Miguel, our div 2 side Diamonds came so close to earning overall shots, but lost by 72-73. Here's the sole winning rink - S Hibberd, S Heath, T Voisey 30-8.

Rubies home match against Greenlands Chestnuts, resulted in a 6-4 victory for the hosts. This little lot did the biz - J Cleal, A Johnstone, A Reid 18-11. T Brinton, R Lewin, J Brinton 30-8.

Last week also saw the first semi-finals in QBC championships. In the mixed rinks, a win for M Highland, C Brazier, P Morgan & J Prokopowycz, means that they will play G Carnell, S Hibberd, S Heath & T Voisey in the final.

Colin Highland & Sandra Heath, will play T Morgan & J Brinton (who went to an extra end) in the final of handicap pairs.

Finally, in the 2 wood singles, J Prokopowycz will meet T Voisey (who went through on a bye) in the final.

Alas, all 3 of Friday's Southern league matches were victims of a heavy rain storm, which promises to run for a few days although on Saturday, the gods were shining once again (well, at least it only rained a little bit!!).

This enabled 4 more championship matches to take place. In the morning, the mixed pairs saw S Hibberd & S Heath win their semi-final match, and will play G Carnell & A Linley in next weekend's final. At the same time, the mixed trips were taking place. Going through to the final are C Highland, S & D Barnes, who will play M Highland, P Morgan & Jason P. Dark clouds were amassing by the time the afternoon session took place, but thankfully that nasty wet stuff only lasted for 30 mins or so.

Winners of men's trips were S Hibberd, D Barnes & T Voisey, who will play G Phillips, C Brazier & Jason P in the final.

Finally, the 2 victorious ladies' trips were I Everett, V Campbell & S Heath, along with M Highland, C Dye & L Miller.

PAGE 22

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Monday 7th - Sunday 13th March 2022

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JORDAN ON THE BRINK!

A CLIFF-HANGER on the par four 8th in the AT&T at Pebble Beach. Jordan Spieth's tee shot kicked off the fairway and finished on the edge of the cliff overlooking Stillwater Cove.

After looking at the 70ft drop he asked caddie Michael Greller for a 7 iron, two clubs more than he would usually take on a shot of 155 yds. Greller tried to talk him out of it, saying “For Pete's sake it's only a tournament.”

However, with his right foot a yard from the cliff and his left sloping down Spieth took his swing, then quickly back pedalled before the momentum carried him over the top. He managed his par, which must have pleased his watching wife. Spieth obviously believes in risk reward golf.

At last years Ryder Cup his incredible shot from the side of a steep bank on the par three 17th sent his ball straight up to land on the green but his backwards momentum sent him running down the bank and he just missed ending up in Lake Michigan. If I were Michael Greller I'd insist on being paid upfront.

AT THE RIVIERA Country Club, California, the World's top 10 players teed it up at the Genesis Invitational, but the winner was Chilean Joaquin Niemann who shot 71 for a 19-under 264 to earn his second PGA Tour win

The Celts Club de Golf.

We celebrated our championship match at La Serena with 88 players. It was kind of cool to say the least and very windy.

Many thanks to the competitions committee of Camillus Fitzpatrick, Philip Mountford and Terry Fitzgerald for organising the competition on the day.

To the staff in the pro-shop, thank you for your attention to detail and for preparing the cards and collating the results.

Muchos gracias, Gloria, Vanessa, and Marijose and all the kitchen staff. To Miguel and his team it has become customary to have the course presented to such a high standard.

Logan our captain presented our prizes and thank you for your kind words. A pity about the match 11-10!

and pocket $2 million.

Out of the top ten golfers only Dustin Johnson failed to make the cut. Of course, none of them went home empty handed, although World No. 1 Jon Rahm only won a paltry $125,000 after tying in 21st place. W. No. 2 Collin Morikawa popped just over $1 million in his wallet after tying for 2nd place on 17 under, but W.No. 3 Patrick Cantlay was one of six who tied in 33rd place, receiving a mere $64,000.

W. No. 5 Rory McIlroy in 10th place took just $300,000 home to the wife, while W. No.6 Scheffler and No. 8 Schauffele (sounds like a comedy double act) came in 7th ($390,0000 and 13th ($243,000.) Poor old No.10 Hideki Matsuyama hardly retrieved his petrol money coming in 39th place, winning just $45.000.

crown to increase flexing for more speed, higher launch and improved distance on miss-hits (Face Wrap Technology.) Not only that, Ping has introduced 'Spinsistency!' The shaping and roll profile of the club face has been altered to produce more consistent spin.

It's a wonder they managed to scrape up the fare for the Florida Swing and the next game on the merry go round.

And there's more! Each fairway and hybrid also boasts a Trajectory Tuning 2.0 hosel with eight unique settings, allowing you to dial in your long game weapons. It's the most fun you can have with your clothes on!

PING SAY their new G425 fairways and hybrids deliver supercharged distance and consistent performance for every level of golfer, with innovations that achieve significant improvement over the G410 line-up that they replace (hard luck if you bought the G410's.)

SIR NICK FALDO's latest venture is Rumanza, Pakistan's first signature 18 hole Championship course, opening this month.

Rumanza will include 'High End Villas and Luxurious Apartments,' golf academy, hotel and spa etc.,etc.,

The thin steel face now wraps into the sole and

Rafa Cabrera Bello and Graeme McDowell,

Results, golf prize winners’ week 1, Cat. I,John Aitchison 38, Terry Fitzgerald 37 and Stuart Bulling 37. Cat. II, Ian Sadler 41, Hanne Johnslov 41 and Sue Lowe 38.

Medal winners Cat 1 Gary Conroy 67, Cat II Grenville Healy 71 and Cat III Sally Hopkins 70.

NTP’s Grant Meekins, Paul Raffel, Alex Reidy and John Doyle O’Brien (3).

Cat. III Hanne Johnslov 36, Stephen Formby 34 and Eddie Stapleton 33.

Cat II Alan Proudfoot 38, Grant Meekens 36 and Peter Dunne 36.

Cat I. John O’Brien 39, Alan Campbell 33 and Clive Jenkins 32. The gross was won by Mike Stott with a fantastic 38.

2nd overall Chris Fyfe 41 and she was thrilled with her prize. The winner with with a marvellous 43 pts was Paul Raffell.

Paul also had the distinction of holing out his second shot on the 12th for an eagle.

Costa Blanca Green Fees We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us: The deals shown in the table are some of the best prices currently available to you: Course Price Comments Alenda €150 2 Green Fees & Buggy Alicante €100 2 Green Fees & Buggy (1.04pm) Altorreal €120 2 Green Fees & Buggy Bonalba €136 2 Green Fees & Buggy Campoamor €158 2 Green Fees & Buggy Don Cayo (Altea) €110 2 Green Fees & Buggy El Plantio €100 2 Green Fees & Buggy (1.04pm) El Valle €44 Single Green Fee (from 1pm) Font Del Llop €158 2 Green Fees & Buggy

Melissa Reid and Charley Hull competed in the inaugural tournament. Golfers will be able to visit nearby Multan, Pakistan's 5th largest city, or ride a camel across the desert, camping under the stars. The advertising blurb says: “Rumanza heralds Pakistan's arrival as a serious golf tourist destination.”

It's a long way to go for a game, and if the top entertainment on offer is a night with a camel I can't see many golfers putting Pakistan on their bucket list, but you never know. The way some golf courses here are starting to behave there may be a mass move to Multan. Sheep's eyeball anyone?

Until next time, Happy Golfing.

Contact Mick for repairs and regripping. 638 859 475.

Hacienda Del Alamo €57 La Finca €163 La Marquesa €64 La Serena €110 La Torre €44 Las Colinas €85 Las Ramblas €109 Lorca €100 Lo Romero €89 Mar Menor €60 New Sierra Golf €82 Puig Campana €124 Roda €140 Saurines €57 Villaitana Levante €102 Villaitana Poniente €71 Villamartin €133 Vistabella €164

Single Green Fee 2 Green Fees & Buggy (2.30pm) Single Green Fee 2 Green Fees & Buggy (2.38pm) Single Green Fee (from 1pm) Single Green Fee (from 3pm) 2 Green Fees & Buggy (2.30pm) 2 Green Fees & Buggy Single Green Fee Single Green Fee 2 Green Fees & Buggy 2 Green Fees & Buggy 2 Green Fees & Buggy (2.36pm) Single Green Fee Single Green Fee Single Green Fee & Buggy 2 Green Fees & Buggy (2.30pm) 2 Green Fees & Buggy (3.30pm)

For Bookings/info Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting reference LEADER or tel on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931

SMILING JACKS GOLF SOCIETY Well what a great day out for Smiling Jack's golf society at Altaona golf club in Murcia, a lovely course with excellent holes and stunning views.

The winner, with another score of 37 and new handicap of 14, was Chris Tate… well done Chris excellent golf.

A big thank you all for supporting Smiling Jack's golf society.

Julie Ann Shaw cooked up her special meatballs for us which as always went down a treat.

We had several people going for seconds, and thirds, and even again eh nick.

The weather was fantastic as was seen by Nick Williams Rosey cheeks. Great company and some excellent scores came in.

Results: Nearest the pin on hole 3 was Julie Reynolds, Nearest the pin on hole 11 was Nick Williams, Nearest the pin in two on hole 13 was again Julie Reynolds In second place with a fantastic 37 points and a new handicap of 29 was Henrik, well done but no cigar.

Julie Reynolds

The winner of Blue Johnny with a great score of 24 was Kev Quinn. Normally the Blue Johnny is won with 12 points but the golfers today all played well, unlucky Kev. Next month's golf is still to be confirmed but stay tuned to the web page for details Once again a big thank you all for your support El Presidente

Winner Chris Tate

Kevin Quinn

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THADER GRIND OUT RESULT AGAINST RESILIENT OPPONENTS CD Thader ............2

F

Out went Konate, Juan, Fran & Dani Lucas, to be replaced by Rosquin, Pascual, Ruben & Berni. When the 2 sides met early season, Thader missed a number of chances, culminating in a disappointing 1-1 draw. Since then, they have become Preferente division in form team, so much so that a playoff spot is now very much a reality.

Moi Gomez stadium pitch was in perfect nick, following 2 days of heavy rain, although as luck would have it, there wasn't a spot throughout the 90+ mins play.

Thader came out of the traps like a team possessed, opening the scoring

thankfully Pala totally miskicked with the goal at his mercy. For the 3rd time, a raised flag denied Betis a goal, but every time the decision seemed correct.

From the next attack on 57 mins, when faced with a one on one, Chema pulled of a magnificent save to deny Luis a goal.

CD Betis Florida...0 ollowing last week's impressive victory against Ilicitana Raval, manager Raul Mora chose to make 4 changes, for what was on paper an odds-on victory over rock bottom Betis Florida.

PAGE 23

after only 6 mins. Quino found Pedro in space just inside the box, enabling the relatively new boy to notch up his 3rd goal of the season.

Chema made the first of a number of important saves on 15 mins, keeping out a low drive at his near post.

From the rebound, the visitors found the net, only for the flag to cut short their celebrations. Pedro came close to doubling his goal tally on 18 mins, but his fierce half volleyed effort was well saved by visiting keeper Miguel.

Next it was Berni's turn to test the impressive Miguel on 28 mins, then from the same attack, Quino and Pedro saw their drives saved.

Straight up the other end, Luis shot

A well worked move involving Dani Lucas and Javi, culminated in Pedro slamming his shot against the visitor's cross bar.

Considering that Betis have won only twice all season, they never stopped believing, so much so that Chema was required to pull off another worldly save from Luis on 72 mins.

Thader’s return from their last 9 games is now 23 pts agonisingly wide of the post, as Betis sent out another warning.

Defensively, Thader were performing admirably, especially when employing the offside trap, as once again Betis had what they thought was a goal, chalked off for offside on 35 mins.

With half time beckoning, Thader had one last attack, this time it was Quino

Racing San Miguel bolster squad in topsy-turvy campaign

A dramatic turnaround for Torrevieja saw them run out comfortable 5-2 winners at home to Albatera.

R

acing San Miguel have bolstered their squad in the Valencia 1st Regional Group 9 with the signing of goalkeeper José Antonio Martínez Navarro for the remainder of the 2021-22 season from Beniel de Preferente Murciana.

José Antonio, 23, has left Beniel after 16 years at the club, during a period in which he spent two seasons at Beniaján in the National League.

Racing sit in 14th place in the table, following a 2-0 home defeat against Alguena CF, who move up to seventh ahead of Sunday's fixtures, in what has been a topsy-turvy campaign for the club.

CF Popular Orihuela Deportiva are 14th in the table after losing 1-0 at home to CF Rafal, who go 4th.

SC Torrevieja CF hosted CF Sporting Albatera on Sunday morning in a game that saw a dramatic turnaround for the home side after trail-

ing 2-1 at half time. Hucha pulled Torry back level after just 60 seconds of the 2nd period and then 3 Torry goals in six minutes saw the hosts run out comfortable winners by 5-2.

Torry leapfrog Sp San Fulgencio into second place in the league after they were beaten 2-1 at CD Montesinos. Also on Sunday CD Benijofar hosted CD Cox. In the Valencia 2nd Regional G16 UE Crevillente FB A top the table on 53 points and are odds-on to lift the title after defeating CD Horadada Thiar away 4-2 on Saturday.

Callosa Deportiva CF drew 1-1 against Bigastro CF, Atletico Benejuzar A defeated Elche Dream CF B 3-2; lowly UD la Coca Aspense B took a point against third place Monovar Atletico A in a 2-2 draw and fourth place Athletic Club Torrellano B remain in fourth after defeating FB Redován CF B 2-1. *Sunday's results will appear online at www.theleader.info.

who could only watch as Miguel saved his goal bound effort.

Dani Lucas was introduced for the 2nd half, and made an instant impression. A delightful cross from the right was headed fractionally wide by Lloyd, as Thader looked to increase their lead on 48 mins. It looked like Betis would equalize on 51 mins, but

It was a long time coming, but on 85 mins, an inch perfect assist by Dani Lucas was dispatched with aplomb by Thader's marauding young full back, for his 2nd goal of the season.

This result means that although Thader stay in 5th place, they are now only 2 points behind CFI Alicante and Redovan.

Next weekend (probably Saturday), a trip to Murada awaits them, when a repeat of the victory from the last time the 2 sides met, will be most welcome.

Barça continues to support it’s Russian sponsor While many other clubs across Europe have cut their ties with Russian sponsors following the invasion of Ukraine, money rather than democracy seems to be rather more important to Barcelona Football Club who continue to support their Russian sponsor, the bookmaker 1xBET, who pay the club eight million euros every year.

There are already many examples of other sports associations and clubs that have severed commercial relations with Russian companies as a result of the war in Ukraine. FIFA, UEFA, Man Utd, Everton, Schalke 04, and many others, have already taken action in this regard, but Barça, refuses to follow the boycott.

Barça reached an agreement with 1xBET during the term of president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Even then it was very controversial due to the Russian bookmaker’s links with cockfights, a pornographic casino and the promotion of gambling in children's sports in

TRIVEA QUIZ FROM PAGE 14: 1. Candy floss, Cotton candy or Fairy floss. 2. Benjamin Franklin, 3. The European Bison or Wisent.

4. White painted Corn Flakes. 5. In the heart. 6. Italy. (Dr. Cirillo's party of existentialist impotents). 7.

Piranha. The Piranha brothers. 8.

Olf. 9. Georgia. 10. Ray Bradbury.

11. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the record cherry pit spitting distance is 28.51 metres (93 ft 6.5 in), set in 2004

by Brian "Young Gun" Krause. 12.

Facebook. 13. 649,739 to 1. 14.

Naming a pig Napoleon. 15. a.

England. Despite this, the agreement went ahead and Barça has since pocketed eight million euros every year since 2019.

Current President Joan Laporta has decided to keep the bookmaker among its Global Partners and not break links with them. In fact, on its official website, the Russian company is the first of a list of 10 sponsors that are completed by other companies and brands including Estrella Damm, Konami, Cupra, Oppo, Stanley, Gatorade, Allianz, Chiliz and FBS.

Wait a minute (Pussycat Dolls), b.

Wait (Beatles), c. I'm waiting for my man (Velvet Underground), d.

I'm tired of waiting for you (Kinks), e. Robert De Niro's waiting (Bananarama). 16. Jaw muscle.

17. a. Hamburg. 18. Laughing sickness. 19. Curling. 20. Bobbing for apples (Apples were associated with love or fertility goddesses; the first person to catch an apple would be the next one to marry, a tradition that is echoed in the modern "throwing of the bouquet" at weddings.)

SUDUKO SOLUTION From Page Page 14

PAGE 24

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