The Leader Newspaper in Spain Edition 910 – 14 March 22

No 910 Monday 14th - Sunday 20th March 2022

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Keeping people safe and informed for over 18 years - The Costa Blanca’s oldest ‘FREE’ English language newspaper

he Saint Patrick's Day Parade will return to the Orihuela Costa after a two year absence.

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ST PATRICK RETURNS TO CABO ROIG

best St Patrick’s Day Parade on mainland Europe, “it is already an important tradition on the coast, where more than a hundred nationalities coexist. We hope to live up to this very special day as we continue to work toward making it a benchmark on the Costa Blanca," the councillor added.

Suspended due to the Coronavirus pandemic pandemic, on Thursday Cabo Roig will be painted green as the business community celebrates it’s 10th Although the fun will start Anniversary Event with a much earlier, the parade, parade that the involving 28 “We are especially organisers have groups, will get excited this year to promised will underway at celebrate our 10th be bigger and 3pm. It will Anniversary Parade. better than ever. tour the streets All we now need is "Orihuela will for St Patrick to from Calle make sure that the be dressed in Agua, along weather is kind to green," said Calle del Mar, us.” Nial Burns Mariola before turning Rocamora, Councillor for by the medical centre and Festivities, and just to show continuing back to the start that the Orihuela Council point along Calle Cielo, at really is on board, she has the front of the Cabo Roig promised that the Orihuela strip.

Costa Town Hall in Playa All of the roads will be Flamenca will be lit up in closed from early morning, that colour all week. so do make sure you move "It is a special day in the your cars, but during the municipal festival calendar," event there will be chairs she added at last week’s press release, “and being the and a large screen that will broadcast the event live, as tenth edition, we are assured of a turnout like no other.”

well as interviews and pro-

Described by many as the

Orihuela.

motional videos displaying

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

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

Customised masks will also be distributed for the occasion in order to comply with security requirements.

Mayor Emilio Bascuñana said that he and his councillors have had to make many difficult decisions during the last two years of the pandemic, but he was pleased that the Orihuela Costa is now, finally, able to recover such an important festival for the municipality.

The event itself has been in planning for many months.

Costing in the region of 20,000 to organise, all of the finance has been raised by social events and fundraising activities organised by the many bars and businesses in Cabo Roig.

President of the organising committee, Nial Burns, proprietor of O’Riordans, told The Leader, “We are especially excited this year to celebrate our 10th Anniversary Parade. It has been a great deal of hard work for very many people, but I’m sure it will all be worthwhile. All we now need is for St Patrick to make sure that the weather is kind to us.”

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POETRY

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CORNER

“Apocalypse Now” by John McGilvray - 3 March 2022 Joseph Conrad, born Josef Konrad Korzeniowski in Polish Ukraine, whose seminal novella Heart of Darkness (1902) was the inspiration for the aptly named film Apocalypse My country burns my country mourns my country fights.

Last week I danced at a party, drank wine.

This week I fill those bottles with petrol to fuel the flames.

I will throw them to defend my country.

Last week I was a kindergarten teacher caring for children.

This week I cradle a machine gun.

I will pull the trigger to defend my country.

Last week I preached my weekly sermon in the Ukranian Catholic Church.

This week I offer solace to the dying and dispossessed.

I will continue to pray for my country.

A dark heart lies at the heart of darkness.

A man who made a choice.

The world awaits the consequence.

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

Led by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums, Saint Patrick himself, the Parade Grand Marshall and other dignitaries, there will follow a variety of street performers, dancers and floats from many Spanish Brotherhoods, local pubs, restaurants and local businesses.

We are 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 year, the 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 supermiddleweight titles simultaneously and never losing a fight as champion.

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

Last Thursday’s St Patrick’s Day Press Conference

33ft Sail Boat with 1993 16.2KW Vetus M10 Diesel inboard Engine. SSR Registered.

New Ropes & Rigs and Sails all in good order. Brand new Batteries. Engine Overhauled.

5 Berth. Main V shaped double front cabin and 3 more single beds and 3 x Sleeping bags.

Galley with sink, Gas cooker and Fridge.

Salon with dining table and bench seating.

Toilet with shower and sink.

Chart table and seat. Hand held Compass.

Binoculars. Charts.

Lots of storage spaces and cupboards.

Hand held Smoke Flares and life jackets. Life ring.

2 x hoist harness with climbing equipment.

First Aid Kit. Fire extinguishers and a Fire blanket.

Radio CD, VHF Radio, GPS plot finder.

Auto helm Control System.

Depth sounder. Wind and direction finder. (needs attention) Auto bilge pumps. Midship Helm and Compass.

Binini Covers. Various Tools.

Very good and clean condition. Moored in Cabo Roig Marina.

Steve will be leading the parade, along with St Patrick himself of course, and a number of other local dignitaries.

So, don’t miss out on the ‘craic; of this year’s Cabo Roig St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Go along and join in the fun and help make this one of the very best events that will be remembered for many years to come.

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TRAFFICKING GANG WITH DRUG LINKS TO ORIHUELA COSTA

Police searching a truck that was said to be to be transporting aubergines from Almería to Sweden Although the organisation had its nerve centre in Albacete, it also operated across the Spanish Levante area, from where it was supplied with narcotic substances.

Agents of the National Police have broken up a criminal gang dedicated to the trafficking of marijuana and cocaine.

The organisation had its headquarters in Albacete, but it also operated across the Levante area, from where it supplied narcotic substances. Ten gang members have been arrested and 140 kilograms of marijuana and cocaine have been seized.

The investigation focused on an individual who had previously been arrested for trafficking and who was now running an operation distributing cocaine in the province of Albacete.

Following his release from prison, the man had fallen back into his criminal activities, dealing with narcotic substances.

As he gradually added to his workforce, meetings were held in a mechanical workshop in La Mancha.

The investigation found that the group was cultivating and exporting marijuana throughout the European Union and distributing cocaine in Albacete. One gang member had access to a fleet of trucks and trailers which were used to transport the drugs, simulating intra-community export operations.

During the operation, agents identified two other members of the organisation, residents of Albacete and Orihuela. Another of the traffickers was in charge of obtaining marijuana buds in the Murcia area, before packaging and transporting them to other European countries, where the price of the narcotic substances was much higher than in Spain.

The mastermind of the export activity was a man of Swedish nationality and of Iranian origin, resident in the Orihuela

Costa, from where he found clients across Europe.

Last October a marijuana load was detected in Sangonera la Verde, Murcia, where the trucker pretended to be transporting aubergines from Almería to Sweden. Inside the truck the police found 138 kilograms of marijuana buds hidden inside the load of vegetables he was transporting.

In January, another five members of the gang were arrested, and three marijuana plantations were dismantled in the Librilla, Sangonera la Verde and Albacete. Cash and other effects linked to the cultivation and distribution of marijuana were also seized.

Alongside the marijuana export business, the organisation was also distributing cocaine to traffickers in the province of Albacete and just before Christmas, the leader of the organisation was spotted in Albacete.

The man was subsequently arrested with 880 grams of cocaine, which according to the investigators he intended to sell to a trafficker in the town of Las Navas de Jorquera.

Following the arrest, searches were carried out at two drug distribution points in Albacete, where another 100 grams of cocaine, 394 grams of hashish, cash and effects for the dosage and distribution of narcotics were discovered.

The police operation has now broken the gang up and arrested all of its members whilst confiscating 140 kilograms of marijuana, 1 kilogram of cocaine, 394 grams of hashish, 162 marijuana plants, 16,500 euros in cash, three vehicles and a handgun, in addition to other effects related to this criminal activity.

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COURTS FORCE MAR MENOR SANCTIONS Courts have forced the Murcia Community to sanction eight companies for discharges into Mar Menor

Prosecutor's Office and has now told the regional Executive to take legal action against these firms.

The Superior Court of justice has finally forced Murcia’s Ministry of the Environment to prosecute eight agricultural companies for the damage caused to the Mar Menor with their toxic discharges. The Administrative Litigation Chamber of the Superior Court of Justice (TSJ) has upheld the lawsuit filed by the

The Prosecutor’s Office went to court after the Ministry ignored their request to take legal action, urging them to open proceedings these eight companies for the polluting discharges, coming from their illegal desalination plants in Campo de Cartagena, which ended up flowing into the lagoon and affecting its envi-

ronmental status.

A year after their request, the Community had not only failed to initiate such proceedings for the damage caused to that marine ecosystem but also got itself off the hook with a report in which he argued that the competent administration that should take any necessary action was the Segura Hydrographic Confederation (CHS).

The Prosecutor's Office then

went to the contentiousadministrative court to demand that the Regional Administration accepted it’s responsibilities, with the court now finding that "the requirement of environmental responsibility is not made for damage to the hydraulic public domain, but to the Mar Menor, and is independent of the sanctioning procedures that the Segura Hydrographic Confederation initiates.

MAN ARRESTED FOR ORIHUELA COSTA RAPE A man has been arrested by the Guardia Civil accused of the rape of a young woman in Orihuela Costa The assault of a young woman in her twenties, of Russian nationality, occurred last Saturday in Campoamor, with the alleged aggressor arrested just 24 hrs later on Sunday morning.

According to sources, the rape occurred last Saturday night around 11 p.m. when the young woman was walking home after making purchases at a nearby petrol station, about 200 metres from her home.

The detainee came out of a block of flats and asked the girl to help him put some shopping bags inside the building. Once inside the building the sexual assault took place.

Gran Alacant N-332 Work Awarded

First on the scene were Orihuela Local Police officers who were called by a neighbour. When they arrived, they found the young woman inside the building's doorway in a state of shock.

The Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda has awarded the contract for the execution of the extension of the acceleration lane on the N332 link from Gran Alacant, in the direction of Santa Pola.

The Civil Guard from Pilar de la Horadada took charge of the investigation and just 24 hours later the alleged aggressor was arrested.

The purpose of the works is the implementation of a slip road that channels the traffic from Gran Alacant and the road located at a distance of 60 m from it, which has a connection with the CV-851 road, and it’s convergence through a new acceleration lane parallel into the left bank of the N-332.

The awarded budget is 196,966 euro.

This action will achieve a significant improvement in the level of service and road safety on this stretch of road, as well as accessibility to Gran Alacant.

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How to Learn Everything gnome -- stop me if you've heard this before -- is a short statement encapsulating a general truth. Gnomes are maxims, and nothing to do with a restaurant in Paris. Growing older, one knows more but understands less.

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Groucho Marx famously said

he didn't want to belong to any club that would welcome him as a member, and these days some of us will have our own ideas as to what that club might be. The human race? The Covid deniers? The global warming

disbelievers?

Those who mock the moon landing?

Scoffers who don't consider the food in Maxim's is almost worth its outrageous price?

There are even some misguided souls who don't accept that

Mars, the "Red Planet", was once blue. But it was -- I've checked, twice.

How do we know what to believe nowadays, in the age of fake news -- which, to be fair, is often more convincing than fake tans -- and more customer platforms than a multitude of double-decker buses?

Eyes fixed on our mobile phone apps as we pound the pavements, no wonder we walk into so many lamp posts which fail to illuminate our way ahead. In the daytime, at least.

But fear not, help is at hand.

Animal researchers (consulting their apes, perhaps) have come up with a concept called 'Learning without Thinking', how difficult can that be to master? Considering it is what most of us have spent our whole lives doing.

"One way to absorb new information," states their leaflet (leaflet!) "is to actually not focus your attention at all."

Crikey, is it as easy as that? I gave up at Step 2: "Aspiring pilots, after one hour, can..."

I've sent back my Frequent Flyer air miles.

www.theleader.info Startlingly, the writer of this pamphlet appeared to be amazingly satisfied with his own handiwork. He managed to give the impression that he was pleased as Punch -- or at least, Punch with a hangover, who had just walked into a lamp post. But then, I suppose, if we were to take his thesis (thesis!) to the logical (logical!) conclusion, by not

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thinking about anything, we can learn everything!

Abracadabra. And mumbo jumbo.

Little wonder that sometimes we can't see the wood for the trees. Which, as maxims go, is just a common or garden gnome, I suppose. But what do I know, I haven't been paying attention.

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BIG BOYS TOYS FOR ORIHUELA POLICE rihuela’s NEW ‘Drone Unit’ was introduced to the public on Thursday by the mayor and his councillor for security. And with the deputy mayor, the councillor for emergencies and the Chief of Police also attending the ‘launch’ it really was a case of everyone trying out the ‘big boys toys’.

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The mayor said that the Drone Unit is made up of four trained officers and two top of the range aircraft, DJI MAVIC 2 ENTERPRISE ZOOM, equipped with loudspeaker, lighting spotlight, stroboscopic beacon and DJI MAVIC MINI 2, as well as a radio transmitter, a support van equipped with a monitor, computer, chargers, independent power supply system and a tent for protection. The drones can be kept in the air for 30 minutes with a flight radius of around 10 km”, explained the councillor.

The police spokesmen said that the drones will be used for traffic control, accident investigation unit, monitoring of fly tipping, control and surveillance in rural areas, control of large crowds, as well as searching for missing persons.

The event was also attended by members of the Local Police of Alicante, Elche and Cartagena, Firefighters from the Alicante Provincial Council, Autonomous Police, National Police, Pegaso Group of the Civil Guard, MOE, Civil Protection, Red Cross, infodrones and Emyplan.

Don Trucking Group and PIOC - Sponsor Ukrainian appeal Don Trucking group offer to transport donations to help support Ukrainian refugees. They will provide a truck, driver and fuel for FREE, to take donations where wanted.

This fantastic offer was made to Peter Houghton, President of PIOC, who sent out a cry for help for those evacuating from Ukraine, fleeing their homes, leaving everything behind.

They will receive help and support from Don Trucking Group who is known to Peter’s family. Jacques contacted Peter offering to provide and sponsor the transport for however long they are needed, to go anywhere they can, to help the thousands of refugees who need essential supplies urgently.

Dry and tinned food, Baby food, nappies, clothing, warm bedding, toiletries and medical supplies etc.

Don Trucking Group's generosity is genuine, they will collect donations from Alicante and anywhere else on the way to Ukraine or Poland, in fact anywhere they are needed.

Volunteers with transport are desperately needed to help collect donations from Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas to be transported to a warehouse in Alicante where they will be loaded on the lorries.

Don Trucking group have 160 vehicles based in the Netherlands with branches in Poland and Rumania. Jacques says it is a family business run by his son. They are ready to go, are you ready to work with them to support Ukrainian refugees who need help now.

If you want to get involved as a volunteer and have transport or want to give donations, please contact President of PIOC, Peter Houghton on mobile WhatsApp number +34 604 38 81 83.

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AIRPORT TRAIN LINK TAKES STEP FORWARD The Ministry of Transport has begun the drafting of the tender document for the construction of the railway connection project with Alicante-Elche airport, Phase I of the Torrellano Bypass.

This was revealed following a question raised by the Compromís senator, Carles Mulet, to which the central government answered on Monday The Government also clarified that ADIF's General State Budget for the year 2022 includes an amendment for half a million euro to promote the project of the railway connection with Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport.

The train link with the terminal located in El Altet was established by the Minister of Transport, Raquel Sánchez, as one of the priority projects to be developed within the Valencian Community.

SAT ANIMAL RESCUE Sula is a 7 year old Mastin Cross who is quite a shy girl but playful.

She needs lots of love and understanding.

For info leave a message on 966710047 or email info@satanimalrescue.com

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King’s return on hold The former King, Juan Carlos I, has decided to put his return to Spain, expected to take place in May or June, on hold, following the indignation of the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, who has demanded that he provides explanations following the sudden announcement.

The former monarch has decided to immediately freeze his plan to return to Spain, which he had made known through a statement in which he told his son, King Felipe VI , of his desire to return "frequently" to the country in the next few months.

Sánchez's discomfort lies in the statement that the King made public last Monday. In the twopage document, King Juan Carlos informed his son of his decision to stay and live, longterm, in Abu Dhabi, in the Emirates United Arabs.

However, he told of his desire to be able to return to Spain on a regular basis to visit his family and friends.

The day after the publication of this letter, which was made public just a week after the Supreme Court Prosecutor's Office shelved the three investi-

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Three dead in San Javier traffic accident Three dead, one seriously injured, another critical and three slightly injured, is the tragic situation following a traffic accident that occurred on Sunday night in San Javier.

The accident occurred on the AP7 in the direction of Cartagena, at exit 788 of Los Alcázares Norte, at the height of the municipality of San Javier.

The 112 emergency services from the Region of Murcia received several calls at 10:29 p.m. reporting a traffic accident with people trapped in two vehicles. Two adults and a baby are known to have lost their lives in the accident.

It seems that King Juan Carlos still has a lot of questions to answer about his financial situation gations that were taking place around the monarch, the Prime Minister told journalists that King Don Juan Carlos had still to provide "explanations" about the information surrounding his opaque financial operations.

And this angry reaction from Sánchez seems to have been decisive for Juan Carlos I to cancel his return to Spain for the time being.

“I still believe that he has to

give an explanation because the information that we have is not acceptable,” Sánchez said without hiding his discomfort at a decision that puts the stability of the Crown at risk. The Prime Minister is understood to have made his remarks during an informal conversation with several journalists on the plane in which he travelled to Latvia to visit the Spanish troops taking part in a NATO deterrence mission against Russia.

There is also a child, approximately 7 years old, in critical condition and another, about 9 years old, with two broken legs. In addition, three people were slightly injured.

Those attending the scene included firefighters from the Murcia Region Fire Extinction and Rescue Consortium, Civil Guard, Local Police and several ambulances from the 061 Emergency and Health Emergency Management.

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The Battle of the Sexes …

I loaded the wife into the car and headed for the lakes, where we both proceeded to walk in the shallow salt water. The salt crystals are very sharp, so you need to wear footwear in the water. Also, we needed to take containers of fresh water in order to rinse the salt off the skin after the immersion.

‘F

Pamela thought her foot felt better and we promised to come out again next day, but unfortunately she had …let’s say, a ‘Turkish tummy’ and the trip had to be abandoned. This is delicate, Girls, but it wasn’t so much her tummy that was affected … if you get my drift, like!

I have been hit many times by such shots – and in fairness to myself, I have returned fire – or more often waited for the opportunity to retaliate. Let me give you a few examples of domestic friendly fire at its best … or worst? Is this what they mean when they talk about ‘the battle of the sexes’?

On the third day as we prepared to set off again, the wife discovered a problem with her runners. Because she hadn’t washed the salt out of them, the shoes were set solid and as hard as rock. Another pair had to be located.

The other morning I was looking out the window of the back bedroom, when I spied an amazing scene of nature at work. Two magpies were building a nest in the silver birch outside the window. I called Mrs Youcantbeserious to witness the birds at work.

She owed me that one for yonks years. One night I was closing up the Squash Centre. The rain was lashing and there was this little kitten mewing at the front door. I tried, but I couldn’t bring myself to ignore the cat’s plight. I put it in the car and brought it home. There I mixed a dish of milk and tasty morsels and put the cat and the food out in the garage.

Next morning the dish was empty and the cat

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People came from all over to lie in the mud baths and bathe in the salt water to cure pains.

RIENDLY FIRE’ is a term generally used to describe an incident where you are hit by ammunition fired from your own side. As far as I’m concerned there isn’t a household in Ireland that is safe from friendly fire. Having spent a great deal of my life in pubs, I could write a book about the level of friendly fire exchanged between couples – and often when they have an audience.

One magpie was perched on the building site whilst the other carried the twigs from the ground, passed them one by one to the builder, who laid them into position. ‘Isn’t that beautiful’, I gushed. ‘A couple, male and female, setting up home and building their own house.’

‘And we know which one is female’, sez the wife. I fell for it. ‘Which one?’ ‘The one doing all the work!’ See what I mean, Lads?

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was gone. ‘At least we found out its gender’, I ventured. ‘What do you mean’, asked my puzzled wifesheen. ‘Easy to tell; it’s a she; ate the fancy meal the man gave her, used him for accommodation … and disappeared in the morning without a word!’

I was collecting Mrs Youcantbeserious from Dublin airport late one night. We try to time it so that I don’t have to park the car – instead opting for a ‘pick and go’ from the departure zone. You cannot loiter there, so timing is everything.

I got the text that the plane had landed and I glided into position a half hour later – but no sign of Precious. I was beginning to seethe a little when txt number two came through.

“Waiting for baggage”, it read. I couldn’t help myself Girls: I knew there would be a price to be paid, but without giving it a moment’s thought, I txd back; “me too!”

A number of years back, Pamela had trouble with her foot, which eventually necessitated surgery. But in the early stages of the problem we tried everything for a cure. I met a German couple in Spain who were venerating the healing powers of the salt lakes outside Torrevieja .

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.

After paddling around for an hour, the foot felt much better. ‘This really works, I said … if only you had come out and sat in it yesterday, it would have cured that other problem as well!’ I chuckled, pleased as hell with that one, until, like a shot, came the return fire. ‘No … it’s you who needs to sit in it … when I see what it did to my shoe!’

Up until that moment I always felt I had been ahead on points. But when you get a knock-out punch like that, what can you do but take your beating! That’s how friendly fire works …

DON’T FORGET The best thing about women is that there are so many of them 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 - Bleeding Heart early Spring show

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looms of the bleeding heart plant - Dicentra Spectabilis appear in early Spring, with its heart-shaped flowers in pink and white, or solid white displayed on arching stems.

As the plant awakes from dormancy its attractive bluish-green foliage emerges first.

The bleeding heart plant likes to be planted in a shady or part shade area, where the soil will be consistently moist.

An herbaceous perennial the bleeding heart plant dies back to the ground, as the heat of summer arrives.

As the plant begins to yellow and wither away, the foliage can be cut-back to the ground.

However, do not remove the foliage before it turns yellow or brown, as this is the time when your bleeding heart plant is storing food reserves for next year’s growing.

When foliage emerges in the Spring, work timerelease plant food into the soil around the plant, encouraging more and longer lasting blooms.

The easiest method of propagation is to divide clumps every few years, which will produce an early Spring show.

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By Andrew Atkinson PANISH celebrity chef José Andrés is on the Poland-Ukraine border - serving hot meals to refugees fleeing the war-torn country.

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US-based restaurateur Andrés has served over 4,000 meals at the frontier fence in Medyka, in the wake of the Russian attack on Ukraine.

José Andrés said, in a video he uploaded to his Twitter page: “People just keep on coming.

It is below freezing and I am meeting so many refugees, families who are escaping and don't know what's next...we will do our

Monday 14th - Sunday 20th March 2022

best not to let them down."

Andrés, 52, and his team from his charity World Central Kitchen has set up his portable stove, cooking and hand-delivering meals.

Originally from Mieres, Asturias, Andrés, who moved to the USA aged 22, runs a string of élite restaurants.

Amazon chief Jeff Bezos gave him 85 million for World Central Kitchen last autumn. Andrés, who won the 2021 Concordance Prize in the Princess of Asturias Awards, is in sub-zero temperatures as Ukrainians, including children, the elderly and people who are sick, pregnant or disabled, stand in line in the hope they can get through the border into Poland and the European Union.

In a tearful message Andres said, “These families are cold. The snow is coming down and the temperatures are really freezing.

They've brought with them whatever they can carry, which is normally just a suitcase. There are children coming. All I see is people trying to escape the war."

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José Andrés, at Poland-Ukraine border in Medyka.

Photo: @chefjoseandres Twitter.

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FIREFIGHTERS EN ROUTE TO UKRAINE

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ORIHUELA DONATIONS TO UKRAINE. The two official delivery points in the municipality for donated goods are La Lonja in Orihuela and Cáritas in Orihuela Costa The Councillor for Social Welfare, Almudena Baldó, held meeting at La Lonja with representatives of the Ukrainian Association, regarding the collection and transfer of donated products, to the logistics centre that has been opened in the City of Light just south of Alicante Information was also provided to the group on the refugee arrival procedure.

The councillor said that financial donations should be made to the official accounts of the Red Cross and Cáritas, while the two official delivery points for donated goods (food, medicine, hygiene products, shelter material...) are La Lonja Auditorium in Orihuela, and the headquarters of Caritas in Orihuela Costa which is situated in the Parroquia Cristo Resucitado - Centro Ecuménico, in La Zenia.

The mayor visiting the humanitarian aid collection point

Nine firemen leaving Alicante on Thursday. They were closely followed by three Saanta Pola Policemen n Thursday, firefighters from Alicante are en route to Ukraine. Four vehicles and nine firemen are traveling to the Ukraine with their vehicles packed with donated material collected by NGOs.

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the firefighters for their solidarity and reiterated the "absolute willingness of the Alicante Provincial Council to help the Ukrainian people in whatever way necessary in the face of this terrible invasion ."

They are carrying medicines, food, clothing, toys and basic necessities resulting from donations.

The caravan will travel 3,000 kilometers, non-stop to arrive as soon as possible, and another 3,000 back with civilians fleeing Russia's offensive in Ukraine. All of the fuel costs and toll charges will also be covered by the fire consortium.

On their return trip they will bring back to Alicante with them 27 people fleeing the Russian offensive.

Javier Sendra, the provincial deputy for Emergencies, explained that this solidarity initiative arose from the firefighters themselves in collaboration with local charities and the Provincial Council of Alicante, as he explained to the local press.

"Now more than ever we must provide whatever help we can to the thousands and thousands of civilians who flee their country every day across borders, or those who remain behind, suffering all kinds of deficiencies" , he added. The deputy then thanked

Entrepreneurs of former USSR offer free housing to Ukrainian refugees

By Andrew Atkinson Entrepreneurs from the former USSR along with other Russian-speaking origins have offered free housing to Ukrainian refugees, via the Alegria de Torrevieja real estate agency.

The agency is also applying another series of special discounts to all those affected by the war in Ukraine, revealed a company executive.

SANT POLA POLICE ALSO TAKE TO THE ROAD Also on Thursday, three Local Police officers set off from the Santa Pola police headquarters heading for the Ukrainian border with medical supplies and basic necessities to help the Ukrainian people.

The officers had requested donations from the entire town of Santa Pola of medical supplies and basic necessities that they are now taking to Ukraine.

"Many who flee Ukraine or were abroad, tried to return home and have not been able to and are looking for an alternative country in which to live.

"Torrevieja is a city quite well adapted for Russian-speaking people," said a company executive.

Torrevieja has 3,675 Russian registered, along with 3,675 2,805 registered Ukrainians.

Owners of companies from the former USSR are willing to pay a full year's rent for a home to any family that escaped from the Ukrainian war and needs shelter in Spain.

The Association of Housing Promoters of the Province of Alicante (Provía), has also said it will offer unoccupied housing to people who need it, through the administrations.

The real estate executive said there are a plethora of Ukrainians who have been working here since the 1990s - now trying to rescue their relatives and compatriots in the war crisis against Russia.

Spanish and English Estate agents have also offered their help for those caught up in the war torn country.

Ukraine donations leave Torrevieja for Alicante centre Torrevieja’s mayor, Eduardo Dolón, was accompanied by the councillor for NGOs and Volunteers, Concha Sala, and the secretary of the Torrevieja Association of Ukrainians, Natalia Xhezhnyasvska, when he visited the humanitarian aid collection point of goods for Ukraine, on Tuesday morning.

The centre, operatingfor the last ten days, and located on Calle Clemente Gosálvez, nº 24 (low), is being manned by volunteers from the different NGOs who are sorting and repacking the donated goods by type of product.

The visitors were shown some of the goods arriving as a result of donations from the people of Torrevieja, including medicines, all kinds of clothing, blankets and non-perishable food.

The councillor said that the first solidarity truck left last week for the provincial logistics centre in Ciudad de la Luz (Alicante) where all the aid is being centralised before moving it on to the border between Poland and Ukraine.

The opening hours to deliver donations is from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

ALICANTE FIELD HOSPITAL TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION Alicante field hospital to provide temporary accommodation for Ukrainian refugees The field hospital located on the grounds of the General Hospital of Alicante, will provisionally welcome the Ukrainian refugees who arrive in Alicante. The intention is to get these facilities operational in between two and three weeks, until such time as Ciudad de la Luz is ready.

In addition, information posters are already being prepared in the three languages: Spanish, Ukrainian and Russian.

In the field hospital there will be 200 beds, while the capacity of Ciudad de la Luz will be around 400 .

Both in the field hospital and in Ciudad de la Luz dining areas and recreational areas will be set up for children. Refugees will remain in these facilities for between two and three days, while they are identified, their documentation is processed and they are transferred to other autonomous communities across Spain

The health authority is already fitting heating pumps in the hospital as the first refugees will be offered accommodation from next week.

It is also understood that a specific terminal has been reserved at the Alicante airport for flights from Ukraine.

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 909

ACROSS 1.

Chance (11) 9.

Spinning-top game (7) 10. Nobleman (5) 11. Fight (3-2) 12. Exact (7) 13. Idea (6) 15. Accident (6) 18. Ugly thing (7) 20. Light anchor (5) 22. Rummage (5) 23. Opening (7) 24. Property seller (6,5) 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.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

14.

16.

17.

19.

21.

Braid (5) Sherry (7) Company of actors (6) Dignified (5) Stain (7) Miscellaneous items (4,3,4) Translator (11) Latticework structure (7) Slight suggestion (7) Far-off (6) Musical drama (5) Condescend (5)

QUICK ACROSS: 1 Research; 5 Spur; 9 Comb; 10 Unctuous; 11 Diary; 12 Clement; 13 Unforgettable; 18 Ultimate; 19 Bind; 20 Proviso; 21 State; 22 Dust; 23 Asterisk.

DOWN: 2 Emotion; 3 Embargo; 4 Conscientious; 6 Proverb; 7 Rosette; 8 Street; 13 Usurped; 14 Fatuous; 15 Remain; 16 Arbiter; 17 Linctus.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Stocking; 5 Ammo; 9 Frau; 10 Stranded; 11 Guile; 12 Ragtime; 13 White elephant; 18 Regional; 19 Olga; 20 Tenders; 21 Sleet; 22 Deer; 23 Estimate.

DOWN: 2 Through; 3 Couplet; 4 Natural causes; 6 Madeira; 7 Oddment; 8 Hang-up; 13 Worsted; 14 Ingenue; 15 Erodes; 16 Hoodlum; 17 Neglect.

ACROSS 1. Where those who aestivate are accommodated? (6-5) 9. Cut into various indices (7) 10. Leaves a deposit when the lists are revised (5) 11. Caterpillar right inside the mountain ash? (5) 12. Being more spiteful could result in tears (7) 13. Gold transaction becomes a testing experience (6) 15. Fungoid alga from N. Chile (6) 18. Two seamen get the last of the mayonnaise dressing (7) 20. Where males were implicated in a witch-hunt (5) 22. One working automatically produces nonsense about outside broadcast (5) 23. He tampers with a fruit tree we hear (7) 24. Minute-men (11)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. Columbus first discovered the 'New World' on the 12th of October 1492. The land they first stepped on is called what today?

2. The title of which monster film was apparently the US military code name for New York City during the cold war?

3. The original meaning of the word sinister, derived from the Latin sinestra, was not evil. What did sinister mean?

4. What was the full official title of Queen Elizabeth II in Britain between the 20th November 1947 and the 6th February 1952?

5. In which country did the Haloween custom of Trick-or-treating originate?

6. Liv Tyler didn't learn the true identity of her biological father until age nine. Until then she was told she was the daughter of which rock star?

7. Which Oscar winning actress, famous for her film line "Divine decadence darling", was Freddy Mercury's stage role model?

8. What did all of the following have in common? Claudius Ceasar, Dudley Moore, Mother Theresa, Josef Goebbels and Lord Byron 9. How many players have come off the bench to score a hat trick in the Champions League?

10. With 89.4 million foreign tourists in 2020, which country is ranked as the first tourist destination in the world?

11. "Samhain", literally means "end of summer" and is a Gaelic language word. What is it's direct English equivalent?

12. Who's managerial career took off when he became the manager of

DOWN 2. The physical effects of this could be cruel (5) 3. Cosmetic mother used to cover a blemish (7) 4. Equestrianism I had seen in the arena (6) 5. Is so mixed up about a lonely fertile spot (5) 6. It’s not altruistic to market sea-food, one hears (7) 7. They stick an advertisement among the accounts (11) 8. No more stars would certainly disturb them (11) 14. It could be a bad rule but it’s lasting (7) 16. Could he be a convict who’s admitted to the clique? (7) 17. Timber put in favourite window fitting (6) 19. Bustling atmosphere around the street (5) 21. Sick in the French city (5)

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 3 ) AS Monaco, winning the league a year later, the national cup 3 years after that and signed Hoddle, Weah and Klinsmann?

13. Churchill called it the "largest capitulation" in British history after 80,000 British led troops surrendered. In which country did this take place?

14. The following one liners are from which 'eye' songs? (the word 'eye' or 'eyes' is in the song title), a. soon I'll return bringing you all the love your heart can hold, b. I'm all out of hope, one more bad dream could bring a fall, c. one more lonely night for me, I look up, what did I see? d.

You feel like heaven to touch. e. She's pure as New York snow.

15. Which Hollywood 'golden boy', who won a best actor Oscar for his role as a POW, was best man at Ronald and Nancy Reagan's wedding?

16. Why does the Hogget Decanter have a knob on its round base?

17. In which year was the Suez Canal first opened to shipping?

18. How did the Montgolfiere brothers rise to fame in the late 18th century?

19. Which organisation was created by Justin Berkmann under the concept "100% sound system first, lights second, design third (in that order); the reverse of everyone else's idea"?

20. Puff Daddy, Mozart, Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal, professional poker player Stu Ungar, film character Raymond Babbit and Dr. Spencer Reid from the TV series Criminal Minds have all had or claim to have which ability?

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GOVERNMENT TOLD TO ACT ON FUEL PRICES Carriers warn of "shortages" if the Government does not act on fuel prices

T

he Association of International Road Transport (Astic) has warned of the "economic debacle and acute shortages" that Spain faces if the Government does not "immediately" adopt measures to alleviate the effects that high fuel prices are causing in the sector.

The employers have said that the transport of goods by road is "essential" to supply both the population and almost all of the economic sectors, especially in a country like Spain, where 95% of the land movement of goods, and 70% of exports to Europe, are carried out by road by a fleet of 360,000 trucks.

Astic gives as an example the confinements that were

required by the coronavirus, during which there were shortages across the country, which was only reduced thanks to the transport of goods, medicines and other basic elements fby the haulage industry.

As a result of the mobilisations that the sector carried out last December, the Government has already established the obligation to automatically review the price that customers pay to carriers, except in contracts that already include other types of reviews.

"We ask the Government to act immediately, promoting a package of measures that help these companies, as governments like the Portuguese are already beginning to do," explained the executive vice president of Astic, Ramón

Valdivia.

Specifically, it proposes that the government make the return of professional diesel on a monthly basis, instead of quarterly as is done now, to combat the financial "strangulation" currently suffered by transport companies. Another possible measure to provide liquidity to these companies would be to lower Social Security contributions, Currently, the average price of diesel is on track to exceed 1.95 euro per litre, which represents a rise of 40% since January 2021, an accelerated rise in these first two weeks of March, which means that carriers with long-distance vehicles must spend an average of 2,000 euro more per month on fuel.

Protest called over cost of living crisis

tricity, fuel and basic supplies fired, the patience of the Spanish has come to an end," he warns.

The mobilisations will be coordinated by Vox together with the union, Solidaridad.

VOX is calling for a demonstration on March 19 in protest against the rise in prices of electricity, fuel and basic supplies, and in defence of the need for Spain to have energy sovereignty to supply itself.

This Monday, the vice president of Vox, Jorge Buxadé, also denounced the rise in prices and inflation that Spain is facing and warned that Pedro Sánchez, will try to "take advantage" of the invasion of Ukraine to justify them.

This was announced by the leader of Vox, Santiago Abascal, on his personal Twitter account. "With elec-

Vox already called on citizens to take to the streets to protest the rise in electricity prices last September.

PAGE 16

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Monday 14th - Sunday 20th March 2022

chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. All Welcome.

Phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 648 914 347

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

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 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

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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. Guest speaker on Craft Beer. 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

637 227 385

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.

PERSONAL Misuky... Professional Asian massage. Intense and antistress massage. Strong and much more. Private. In Campoamor (in front of CEPSA). Tel. 663 088 170 Mery... 35 sweet Polish girl.

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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 Blonde, mature, 56, Torrevieja.

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Call 634 300 074 Torrevieja, Valentini, Brazilian lady, 35. Erotic massage with complete satisfaction. Good time guaranteed. 688 340 708 Norma... Russian lady, mature, big breasts. Torrevieja. Tel. 665 056 834

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Purchase of a Defibrillator Age Concern Costa Blanca South have taken delivery of a defibrillator in their Centre.

Monday 14th - Sunday 20th March 2022

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PAGE 17

MURDERED TO DEATH Actors Community Theatre is proud to present MURDERED TO DEATH A play by Peter Gordon At Casa De Cultura, Benijofar 25th & 26th March

Age Concern would like to thank all the generous organisations who have donated money to us in the last few years, which has enabled us to purchase the defibrillator.

It is one piece of equipment which is great to have in our centre where beneficiaries, and others can come to our centre to enjoy the many facilities and social activities and daily pop in coffee morning, open to everyone.

The defibrillator is shown in the centre with Maureen Payne, BEM, (President) of Age Concern and Alan Robson( Secretary) For any information is required regarding any of the services provided by AGE CONCERN, just call 966 786 887 Monday – Friday between 10.00 and 1.30pm. or check our website: ageconcerncostablancasur.org

To say that the last two years have been difficult for all performing societies in the area would be a massive understatement, but with a succession of events unrelated to Covid, the ACTS drama group have suffered the added setbacks of serious illness and the loss of several value members who through necessity have had to return to the UK.

bers, ACTS are back to full strength with some new and exciting talent.

Nevertheless, following a wellreceived production in November and a very successful open evening for potential new mem-

Rehearsals for their latest play are proceeding according to plan with tickets priced at 10 still available from the following outlets:

Cards & More, La Marina - The Post Box, Dona Pepa - The Card Shop, Benimar - The Post Room, Benijofar - Bargain Books, San Miguel - The Card & Gift Shop, Ciudad Quesada - Divitos by the 4 Amigos, Ciudad Quesada - The

Pilar de la Horadada short film festival The VI International Film Festival "CortoPilar 2022" is now underway with its annual section of short films, in which, at every screening session, the public will vote for it’s favourite.

In the coming weeks all of the 20 selected short films competing for the award will be screened.

Last weekend “La pared” by Gala Gracia,

“Abracitos” by Tony Morales “Volvemos en 5 minutos” by Felipe Garrido Archano, “Pozo” by Diego Puertas and “17 minutos con Nora” by Imanol Ruiz de Lara, were all enjoyed by members of the public in the assembly hall of the Cultural centre.

The next session of films will take place on Friday, April 29.

Gastro Bar, Av. De la Costa Azul 2, Ciudad Quesada.

Alternatively on actstheatre@icloud.com; via Facebook: A.C.T.S Actors Community Theatre, or WhatsApp 602 683 925.

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Andrew Atkinson talks to Campoverde based author Kedric Rhodes

We Learn Nothing

Kedric Rhodes: Novel 'The Need to Know' a challenging and ambitious project, spanning 100 years.

The late afternoons are getting lighter, and the time is not too far away when the terrace will be the spot to sit and watch the sun going down. We, that is my wife, the lovely lady, and I, have never been enthusiastic about watching television, spending the time listening to music with a glass or two, much more to our liking.

And so, it was the other evening, with the pleasant tones of Michael Bublé and others, flowing through the room. Then the wonderful sound of Old Blue Eyes came on with ´Pennies from Heaven.´ It is a bit late for Sinatra to change the words, but as the banks are reluctant to accept small change then Bitcoin would be more appropriate. I know, sometimes I talk nonsense.

Movie Making It is not often one sees, sitting on the back of a truck and travelling through our village, a group of Taliban fighters armed to the teeth. However, those in the know are aware they are a group of actors making a film on the edge of the Hondon Valley, where, to the West, there is an unusual sight of a string of white caravans, no doubt housing the film makers.

I really hope the current very uncommon wet inclement spring weather is not doing too much of a dampener on the making of the movie ´Interpreter´ which is being directed by Guy Richie, with the star Jack Gillenhaal. The story line, so the rumours are saying, is about a person who was clever with languages residing in the trouble torn Afghanistan.

It is not unusual to see such activity, from time to time, cameras with their accompanying teams in and around the valley, as the ‘A Place in the Sun’ tv crew have visited the area a few times for the Channel Four programme, where people are inspecting

properties wishing to live in this charming and delightful location.

Terrible Wars We live in very wretched times, and I sense the horror of the events that are underway in the East of Europe. It is an occurrence for those that can remember deep and sharp reminders of the Blitz in the early nineteen forties, that rocked the United Kingdom.

Then, like now, started by one man with a grudge against the world, or more likely an egomaniac attitude that he is the only one that matters. Or is it, because he has had boys’ toys for a long time and it is about time to use them to show how clever he is, with no care for the damage and loss of life, because it means people are taking notice of his power. My hope is that by the time this goes into print the current killing will all be over.

Although doubtful, as once again the circle has spun round to war. Looking back over the past one hundred and fifty years there have been short periods when the world lays in peace, however with thunder clouds bubbling in someone’s head, who is not at one with the rest, and by false ideology convinces their followers to make war.

This current controversy is a mirror image of the nineteen thirties when an individual, who was nothing more than a dispatch rider in the – laughingly, war to end wars – of 1914 -18.

Hitler. The tyrant used the ’Blitzkrieg’ or ‘lightening war’ to overrun countries, as he blasted his way across Europe.

Sounds very familiar to what is happening now, where Russia’s Putin is copying the German way from all those years ago, to dominate the adjoining nations and I guess if he has his way he will not stop until he reaches the Atlantic Ocean.

Greed: In a world which is struggling to feed its people there are a group of individuals who could solve a lot of problems by devesting some of their wealth, but it will not happen.

Step forward Roman Abramovich, worth, so we are told by ‘Forbes’ ten point four billion pounds. This is a man who bought a steel works for 374 million pounds which hardly rearranged the nine noughts on his bank statement.

Most of us, when we can afford to go away for a holiday, wake up on the first morning and with bleary eyes look around the unfamiliar surrounding until the events of the previous day come flooding back. I cannot help thinking what type of

sensation he has on awakening.

Is it one of trying to think what bed he was in, as his eyes tour the luxurious room?

With a twenty-two million pound, three story penthouse overlooking Chelsea Water Front, and a 125 million pound mansion in Kensington, surely he gets confused. I don’t know about the four helicopters he owns, perhaps they have a place to kip down, although without a doubt the Boeing airliner, worth a mere 264 million pounds, surely it has sleeping accommodation.

His world is changing because of sanctions - but by my guess, not by a great deal - because his friend Putin is doing terrible and beastly things in his place of birth, one would think with the power that he has, Roman Abramovich would be able to do something to lessen the impact of the invasion, where it is reported some of his relatives live.

I am no agitator, my thinking is a person is entitled to own what he earns, but I do feel uncomfortable with a few having masses of money, depriving the poor, or not helping the needy achieve a decent way to live. Take Care www.facebook.com/percy chattey - ‘Blitz’ Percy’s novel of the bombing in East London available from Amazon and Kindle.

Kedric's first book was The History Lesson, written for his own benefit and self published.

Since he has subsequently realised it is necessary to involve other people, if one wants to sell books in any volume.

"Reviews of the book have been encouraging. ‘An enjoyable read’ and ‘couldn’t put it down’ seem to have been a common theme," said Kedric.

Kedric, whose career in England was based in and around Commercial Insurance Broking, especially Construction Risks, said: "I started my second novel some while ago, The Need to Know. "This is a much more challenging and ambitious project, spanning 100 years.

"I suppose it questions why, in a democracy, we still have files hidden away for 100 years.

"It involves both fictional and real people and includes my own thoughts as to what might be ‘tucked away’ in the files covering the interrogation of Rudolph Hess, the Deputy Fuhrer, who flew on a peace mission unexpected in 1941. "Having done all the research and completed Part 1, Setting the Scene, I must now get writing again and complete the guts of the novel."

Having started in the Insurance Department of Taylor Woodrow when he left school in 1961, after several other positions, Kedric started his own Brokerage, Sceptre Insurance Services Ltd., in 1971.

"This grew over the years and I sold in 2001 to NFU Mutual.

For the next four years I worked on the Management Team there, before leaving in 2005 to start a new Company, Ten Insurance, which survives until this day.

"It was the first Network set up with the aim of helping start-up Insurance Brokerages and now has over 90 Appointed Representatives and turns over in excess of £50,000,000 premiums.

"After five years as CEO I retired and moved to Campoverde. I was on the Board of the Institute of Insurance Brokers for many years and now hold Non-Executive Directorships in three Companies in the UK. So I am still working!," quipped Kedric.

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DIVISION ONE

from Bryan Livsey and Ernie Willis.

Only 2 more winning legs from Rock, Graham Solomans D2,and Forrest, 140, D18. Freakies Livsey, Dobson and Halliday made the score 5-6 with 1 to play. lt went to the wire, Sharon Frain D4 just edging out Tony Spiers for both points. MOTM - Dolling - Dobson.

DANNY'S BAR V C.C.'S FLYERS Flyers raced to a commanding 1-5 half time lead, Matt Smith providing 2 outs and 100,125, Suso Madrid a further 2, Dougie Adkins the 5th. Three figure scores from Charles Pritchett 100,140, Jesus Madrid 2x100 and John McKay, 137. Dannys lone response via John Giggs 100, D16.

ANGELS DELIGHT V HUB HELLRAISERS

Fully refreshed from the break, Dannys responded with 3 straight wins from Alan Walker 2-0 and 3x95+, 2x100, Giggs 2-1 over Sam Farrow 133, and Steve Lumb 2-1 in a tight match with Adkins, 100,134. Suso M's 2-0 victory plus 4x100,125, ensured a draw, leaving Jesus M, to take the match, with a close 2-1 win over Rob Norbury.

Smith took the score to 4-8 over Bob Smith, in an excellent 3 legger, Bob managing 2x100,125,140,3x85+, Matt a similar effort 2x100, 122,125,140, both meriting MOTM. C.C.'s moving to 3rd place.

EL CAPITAN V ALE HOUSE LADS

PAGE 19

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Angels were a whisker away from victory leading 6-5, only for Ali Scammell to nail D2 for the draw and shared points. Angel Winnie McKay, gained her 2nd double of the evening in the 11th to set up the tense finale. Wins from Chris Hutchinson D2 and Andrea Kelly 95, D2 accounted for Angels 1st half legs, Sue Spiers D11, Lesley Dolling D16 and Cheryl McGlynn D16 the damage for Raisers.

MATCH RESULTS FOR 10 MARCH SECOND HALF OF SEASON - WEEK 5 DIVISION 1 El Capitan Tipsy Toad Toppers Danny's Bar Hub Hyenas

9-3 8-4 4-8 3-9

Alehouse Lads Milo's CC's Mind The Gap

DIVISION 2 10-2 6-6 5-7 8-4

Tipsy Toad Tiaras Hub Hellraisers Freakie Taverners Pint Depot Queens

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

The Lads found it tough going against a strong Caps side, their sole win in the 1st half via Andre Wing and Dario Sierra 140, D20. Caps 5 wins courtesy of Andres Liamazares on D1, D16, Ed and Arold Klimonis and Chris Logan.

Boris' Bears Angel Delights Wee Rock Horrors Domino's Desperados

HIGH CHECK-OUTS

DIVISION 2

Wing overcame Logan 2-1 for 5-2, Nigel Justice guaranteeing the draw with a 2 zip over Sierra. Graham White added a 3rd victory for Lads 2-1, Aroldas K. the victim. The remaining legs went the hosts way, Edmundas K, Vycka Bobinas 2x100, and Liama 4x100, all 2 zip. Bobinas recorded a maximum earning MOTM as did White.

Season Highest - Olly Walker (T20-T20-D20) El Capitan 160 Week 5 - Hugh Galloway (19-T20-D20) Tipsy Toad Toppers 119, Andy Forrest (19-D20-D18) Wee Rock Horrors 95 180's - Hugh Galloway , Tipsy Toad Toppers - Akash Panchal, Domino's Desperadoes - Vycka Bobinas, El Capitan

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

P 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Pts 10 8 8 6 4 2 2 0

Legs 52 38 34 32 27 23 18 16

P 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Pts 8 7 7 6 5 5 2 0

Legs 41 35 35 37 28 26 22 18

Kelly gave Angels a one leg advantage after the 1st single, Dolling D6 and Spiers a 51 out reversing the trend. Karen Coutts D17 squared the game, which is how it remained. MOTM - Sue Collins - Sue Spiers.

DOMINOS DESPERADOS V PINT DEPOT QUEENS Despos MOTM, Ash Panchal

HUB HYENAS V MIND THE GAP James Brown was MOTM for the Gap

Moody faced each other in the 9th, the former, enjoying a 90+ out in the 1st, Moody levelling but unable to capitalise on a substantial 3rd leg lead, 3-6.

The 3 remaining ties all went 2-0, Brown 100,123,135 beating Ellis 100,140 both awarded MOTM, Salt defeating Eric Manders and Gordon Cowan 100,2x121,125 making it 9 versus Wilkinson.

TIPSY TOAD TOPPERS V MILOS Hugh Galloway waited until the 12th and last leg to produce his best darts of the evening as did opponent Javier de Gea, both earning MOTM awards. A 180 in one leg followed by a S20,T20,D20 out for the game was a little too much for de Gea 3x100,140.

Scores for show, doubles for dough as the flamboyant Bobby George reminds us and so it was for the Hub against the league leaders. Take nothing away from the Gap, if you miss you'll pay and the Hub did on 3 occasions.

Decent scores and doubles from Queens Marie Cummins and Debbie Wright, were the Depot's 1st half highlights. Two outs from Dave Oats and a further 2 from Paul Chick and Ray Hayes, plus a 140 and 180 from Ash Panchal was the Despos response.

Rutter 2x100,125, looked impressive as he increased the Toads lead to 5-2, only for Raul Rocamora and Karim Garcia to reduce Toppers lead by beating Andy Gildea and Maiden, the score now 5-4. De Lacy 2x100, 125, Paddy Winterbourne and Galloway getting the Toad over the line and their 1st points of the 2nd half.

Forming an 8-man climbing team, the Tiaras made the ascent of Boris' stairs, without Sherpas or oxygen, to a wonderful greeting from the Bears. The Tiaras were in a relaxed mood, pretty sure that the Bears would have an easy victory again, which proved to be the case.

The Bears were ahead 4-0 until Tiara Pat Schofield pulled off a 3-darter, 8-8-D20 in the 2nd pairs which at least meant it wasn't going to be another whitewash. The first 4 singles also went the Bears' way but captain de Lacy put paid to Sid Cross' efforts (81, 85), taking out 63 (17 - 6- D20) to get the player accolade for the Tiaras.

DIVISION 2 WEE ROCK HORRORS V FREAKIE TAVERNERS

Gap doubles came from Sam Salt, Paul Moody D9,D20, 132, 2x140 and James Brown, 140, D9.

Hub's via, Mark Ellis D10, 2x140,100, Dylan Fitzsimmons D10, 100,140, Jay Wilkinson 2x100.

Darren Sanderson 4x100,121 and Carlos Escansiano 100,121,137,140, both enjoyed clean sheets in the opening singles, the score 2-6. Paul Durrant and

Main Toad 1st half contributions, Andy Rutter 2x100,2x140 and 2 outs, Phil de Lacy and Galloway the other 2. Lee Maiden providing 3x100, 132. The Alcocers, Fabian and Alejandro replying with 2 outs and tons to match.

Hugh Galloway and Javier de Gea earned the MOTM awards

Freakies inflicted Rock's 1st defeat of the seasons 2nd half and really opened up the 2nd division title race which includes Dominos. All 3 have difficult matches to come the Rock have a 1 point advantage making them favourites, but don't dismiss either of the other 2.

Shared legs to half time, Billy Dolling providing 2 the other from Andy Forrest, for Rock, Michelle Halliday, John Boden, Annette Dobson, for the visitors. Tons

Hayes, D16, Panchal 100, D16 and Ben Kernehan D5, put the match beyond the royals reach, before Vi Turner D18, and Cummins D8 made it 4 for Depot.

Chick D2 completed the game against MOTM Wright, Panchal meriting Despos.

BEARS V TIARAS

Daddy Bear Barry Shingler (123, 121 and 2 checkouts) and Mummy Bear Yvonne Rouffignac (100, 95, 121, D16) had particularly large bowls of scores but it was Baby Bear Amanda Skinner who scooped the biggest bowlful with tasty scoring 115, 105, 95 and 3 delicious finishes (D1, D7, D10), earning herself BOTM. Final score 10-2.

PAGE 20

Monday 14th - Sunday 20th March 2022

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San Luis Bowls Club by Sheila Cammack After all the recent rain, we might hope that the reservoirs are better stocked with water now and we can return to “sunny Spain” weather, especially as we start the Summer League matches from Monday 14th – but who knows, maybe the shorts will have to wait a little bit longer.

arranged from 4th) match Thursday 10th at home in very different conditions! v Country Bowls Geckos. We had some close battles for points 6-4, 63 shots-57.

Winners: Jane & Stewart Hamill, Neil Morrison 18-15, Giuseppe Galelli, June & Keith Jones 24-9.

Monday 7th South Alicante League: Enterprise Div. A the Klingons were scheduled to play at home v Greenland Sycamores; but because of the adverse weather conditions the match didn’t happen & we were able to share the points 55 rather than re-arrange. Div B Trekkers, were also due to play at home; against La Marina Pathfinders, re-arranged for Friday 18th.

Friday 11th home v Vistabella Lanzadores was, in spite of some of the scores, a close fought match going down to the last couple of ends & with some very tight heads so a move of the jack by a few inches turned the score around. Winning 2-2, but unfortunately just losing the shots 6773 giving us 4points-6. Winners: Margaret Morrison, Stewart Hamill, Neil Morrison 26-19, Giuseppe Galelli, June & Keith Jones 21-14.

Southern League Div A. Lions (Re-

SOUTHERN LEAGUE Results/tables Friday 11 March Country Bowls Geckos Emerald Isle Cavaliers La Marina Sharks La Siesta Blues San Luis Lions Greenlands Oaks San Luis Lions

Emerald Isle Cavaliers Vistabella Lanzadores Country Bowls Geckos San Luis Lions Quesada Swallows San Miguel Bulldogs La Marina Sharks Greenlands Oaks La Siesta Blues El Rancho Mustangs

P 17 17 18 18 17 17 17 18 18 17

Greenlands Oaks San Miguel Bulldogs El Rancho Mustangs Quesada Swallows Vistabella Lanzadores La Siesta Blues Country Bowls Geckos W 44 41 39 42 34 30 29 30 25 24

D 3 4 4 0 2 2 1 2 2 0

L O/W Dif 21 15 348 23 9 234 29 10.5 68 30 9 65 32 9.5 31 36 8 67 38 8.5 4 40 7 -141 45 7 -208 44 3.5 -468

0-48 2-50 0-46 0-50 6-73 2-63 4-57 Pts 121 104 103 102 87 78 75 74 66 55

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Div B. Tigers also had to play 2 matches this week after last Friday’s washout.

EL RANCHO BOWLS CLUB

Unfortunately I do not have any team information this time, just the basics: Tigers away v La Siesta Golds, won 6points-4, 75shots-63. Friday 11th Tigers away v Quesada Swans had a bad day at the office taking 2points-8, 56 shots- 94.

Monday's final match for the Pintos was cancelled due to weather conditions, with both teams sharing the points, as it will not affect the league results. The Raiders have played all their matches.

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 info 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

La Marina Bowls Club

DIVISION A 83-10 91-8 88-10 89-10 67-4 78-8 63-6

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I was hoping to give our in-house competions results, but unfortunately our finals weekend was rained off. This was followed by the Pathfinders game being cancelled on Monday, but the Explorers game against the San Miguel Dalmatians at home was played. After a 8.30 green inspection, it looked very playable and so it proved to be – not perhaps the result

On friday the Mustangs were at La Marina playing the Sharks, after a good start for the Mustangs the Sharks came on song and took all the rinks and hence the points. Sheila Cox, Malc Sykes and Mike Cox 11-27. Ria Dukker, Diane Yates and Richard Lee 14-19. Brian Harris, Ngaio Baldwin and Pete Baldwin 11-23.

Lesley Day, Pam Harris and Bob Day 10-19.

In the afternoon the Broncos played at Greenlands against the Elms and had an equally unsuccessful match, but hey it’s just a game.

Bill Johnston, Ron Greenstreet and Judy Foley 10-13. David Baker, Dolly Ford and Marion Haynes 8-19. John Henry, Janet Wright and David Wright 6-34. Sheila Millward, Jim Eastwood and Dave Haynes 10-26.

Bowlers of all levels are welcome at El Rancho, for further membership information contact Sheila Cox at micksheilacox@gmail.com

we hoped for losing 8 – 2, and not the fine sunny weather we would rather play in but competitive bowls cannot guarantee ideal conditions. Well done all for completing this fixture.

Friday 11th The Sharks played at home against El Rancho and got a resounding victory of 10-0, a great result that virtually guarantees we stay in the top division.

Our top winning rink was Janet Parsons, Margaret MacLaughlin and Mike Stone 27 – 11.

VISTABELLA BOWLS CLUB

The Seagulls meanwhile were away to San Miguel Boxers and unfortunately lost 8 – 2, our only winning rink being Lesley & Dave Joynes, skipped by Irene Mangan.

We have a extra game this week, when last Friday's games have both been rearranged for next Tuesday. Also next week sees the commencement of the Summer League and the VCL, keeping us competitively involved with bowling until June. BY DAVE HADAWAY

by Brian Zelin

DIVISION B 63-8 86-10 75-6 94-8 87-8 97-8 63-4

Emerald Isle Claymores Greenlands Cedars La Manga Crusaders Quesada Swans San Miguel Boxers Greenlands Cedars La Siesta Golds

Greenlands Cedars San Miguel Boxers Quesada Swans Vistabella Picadors Emerald Isle Claymores La Siesta Golds La Marina Seagulls San Luis Tigers La Manga Crusaders Emerald Isle Outlaws

P 18 17 17 17 17 18 17 18 18 17

Vistabella Picadors La Siesta Golds Emerald Ise Outlaws San Luis Tigers La Marina Seagulls La Manga Crusaders San Luis Tigers W 60 50 43 39 33 31 26 26 14 11

D 1 3 3 3 7 2 5 3 0 3

2-61 0-42 4-74 2-56 2-59 2-58 6-75

L O/W Dif Pts 11 18 640 157 15 15 435 133 22 12 292 113 26 8.5 198 93 28 10 67 93 39 7 -111 78 37 7 -82 69 43 6.5 -196 68 58 2 -740 32 54 1 -503 27

What a way to start this week with Vistabella Albatrosses Winning the South Alicante Monday Winter League.

our saviour along came the all Girls team of Mo Foulcer, Sandra Burrows, Skip Maggie Furness, Winning 21-12,

In the Enterprise Division A, we played at Home to Emerald Isle Titans,.

Shots 67-68 Points 2-8.

Friday 11th March, Vistabella Lanzadores Division A, were Away to San Luis Lions, Winning on 2 Rinks, plus the Shots. Mo Foulcer, Arthur Brown, Gary Thorpe 19-7,

Needing just 1 point to win it, we lost 2-8, some very close matches but to

Now everyone, how does the Queen song go.

Lynne Bishop, Sandra Burrows, Maggie Furness 21-13, Shots 73-67. Pts 6-4.

DIVISION C 68-6 78-4 58-6 9271-9

Country Bowls Cubs La Siesta Silvers Country Bowls Cubs Greenlands Elms Quesada Swifts

Quesada Swifts Country Bowls Panthers Greenlands Elms Vistabella Conquistadors Country Bowls Cubs La Siesta Silvers El Rancho Broncos

P 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

Quesada Swifts Vistabella Conquistadores La Siesta Silvers El Rancho Broncos Country Bowls Panthers W 31 30 26 23 21 21 9

D 1 2 3 2 1 2 3

4-64 6-71 2-49 0-34 1-56

L O/W Dif Pts 16 9 141 81 16 9 209 80 19 6 76 64 23 6.5 -9 59 26 5 -40 53 25 5 -140 52 36 1.5 -237 22

SAN MIGUEL BOWLS - Barry Jones On Monday San Miguel Dalmations were away to La Marina Exlorers, winning 8 - 2, 86 shots to 64. The winning triple were Alan Harris, Rab Harvey and Bill Brownlee 30 - 17 On Friday San Miguel Boxers were home to La Marina Seagulls Where they won 8 - 2, 87 shots to 59. The best winning triple were Pete Masters, Derek Farmer and Eddie Cowan 24 - 12 and Rab Harvey, Jan Farmer and Mike Douglas 27 - 15.

Also on Friday San Miguel Bulldogs didn’t fair so well, they were away to Emerald Isle Cavaliers where they lost 2 - 8, 50 shots to 91. The winning triple were Bob Graham, Alan Campbell and

Steve Cantley 17 - 10.

A reminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays 1.30pm for 2.00pm - 5 for an afternoon’s 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 club secretary Barry Jones on 602 504 905 or club president Alan Campbell on 606 676 118

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Quesada Bowls Amazingly, despite an ongoing rain storm, Pearls managed to play their South Alicante league match at Greenlands, which resulted in a 6-4 victory to the visitors, courtesy of these 2 rinks - G Phillips, M France, Jason P 21-8. G Carnell, V Campbell, F Roberts 21-8. These 6 points ensured that Pearls finished the season in 2nd place.

Monday 14th - Sunday 20th March 2022

by Steve Hibberd

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PAGE 21

EMERALD ISLE BOWLS CLUB by Elwyn Morris

Mel, Sandra and Kathy

Both Diamonds and Rubies matches fell victim to the weather.

Swifts were busy little birds, for they had both a rearranged, and an end of season southern league match, in the same week. First off, these 2 rinks secured 4 points against Country Bowls Cubs - S Johnston, B & L Miller 23-9. I Everett, V Slater, P Bradbury 22-18. Then, 3 days later, they beat Country Bowls Panthers 9-1, thanks to these blue shirted bowlers - T Brinton, A Johnston, J Brinton 18-13. I Everett, V Slater, P Bradbury 16-14. P Turner, S Jakeman, A Reid 22-14. S Johnston, B & L Miller 15-15.

Bowles 35-9. S & D Barnes, T Voisey 34-6. T Cunningham, P & B Rees 15-14.

Swallows lost heavily at La

Siesta, but they were able to drown their sorrows at the end of season bash, which was held at Alingui restaurant.

Colin, Fred, Brian & Violet

LA SIESTA BOWLS

throughout this season have bonded well to win a far percentage of games.

Result 2-8 (Shots 63-78). Important game on Friday being the last game of the season, good luck Blues.

Division (B) The Golds rearranged home game was also on Wednesday playing San Luis Tigers which saw both teams winning two rinks apiece with the Golds missing out on the overall (Shots 63-75) losing 4-6.

League Format Week 9 Friendly Temps 4 -5 Tipsy Tigers Gap Girlz 7-2 Racing Toast Ladybirds 7-2 Primadonnas Dolly Mixtures P-P Friendly Chicas LEAGUE TABLE Gap Girlz Ladybirds Tipsy Tigers Friendly Temps Friendly Chicas Primadonnas Dolly Mixtures Racing Toast

Emerald Isle played the last game of the Winter League season at home against BBC needing to win on all rinks and by 24 shots. They won 10-0 and an Aggregate of 95-38 to pip their rivals, Greenlands, in a tight finish. E Morris M Odell G Smyth J Smyth 27-6, S Kavanagh N Prior A M Gerrad D Gerrard 25-8, Jo Pering S Marks J

Winning teams being; Irene Laverick, Wendy & Alan Ralph (20-11). Pat Moore, Bill & Sue Jordan (20-16).

Division (C) The Silvers played their rearranged home game on Tuesday against Vistabella Conquistadors who won on three rinks for six points but were unable to collect a further two for the overall shots, due to our rink winners; Anthony Pridmore, June & David Whitworth gaining a very comfortable

(Members Run Club) by Alan Carr

Torrevieja Darts Ladies Org

HOT DARTS

Emerald Isle played it’s delayed Winter League match at Javea Green on Saturday and came away with 3 points E Morris M O’dell C Smyth J Smyth 18-5 Aggregate Drawn Titans played their rearranged game at Vistabella Albatrosses and came away with a good 8-2 Aggregate 68-67 win, S Kavanagh C Smyth D Gerrard 24-16, P Coffey S Marks R Marks 1615,,,L Ponsford G Ponsford J Pooley 16-15

Swans recorded a fine 8-2 victory over San Luis Tigers, in which these 3 trips scored the points - A Barnes, B Elliott, K

Division (A) The Blues played their rearranged game on Wednesday at Greenland’s the opponents being the Oaks. La Siesta team knew that they required as many points as possible to remain in this Division, but lady luck was not on their side by taking defeats on three rinks with the remaining one winning well to secure 2 points, the team being; Norman Adcroft, Martin Harley & Karen Kirk (24-14) who

Winter league winners

P 9 9 9 9 8 9 8 9

Least Darts: Chelsea Campbell (GG) 17 High Checkouts: Sue Casey (RT) 83, Donna Ralph (LB) 60

Claymores played at home against Vistabella Picadores and won 8-2 with an Aggregate of 6361, M Ellis M Thomas K Jolliffe 19-18, E Morris S Johnson I Grimshaw 16-15, B Taylor B Smith T Upham 16-15 Outlaws travelled to Country Bowls to play La Manga Crusaders and were beaten 4-6, Aggregate of 74-75, M Oakley K John E Sheppard 23-14, M Riley M Nash J Nash 25-22

La Siesta Club Championship finals are being played over the weekend, I wish the finalists all the best in their games and thanks to all the members who participated in these games.

(Thanks Jim (T) for knocking me out in the men’s semis!!! Good Luck).

Next week the summer and VCL leagues commence, with plenty of

TORREVIEJA WINTER POOL CUP FINALS Torrevieja Winter Pool Cup Finals are to be played on March 16th.

Bliss Wright (GG) 140, 100, Chelsea Campbell (GG) 135, 100 x 4, Elizabeth Cowan (TT)132, 121, Sue Wade (FT)128, Mavis Riley (GG)124, Nicola Mosely (FT) 119, Donna Ralph (LB) 117, 100, Pat Schofield (TT) 116, Groa Bryndis (PD) 115, Gena Woods (LB)114, 101, Margaret Boden (RT)111, Sheelah Cooper (PD) 110, Lisa Ivill (TT) 108, Chris Greenwood (RT) 102, Sharon Marshall (TT) 100 x 2, Ellie Attwood (FT) 100, Sue Casey (RT) 100, Yvonne Rouffignac (GG) 100.

Cavaliers clinched the Southern League Title by beating San Miguel Bulldogs by an 8-2 Aggregate of 91-50, A M Gerrard S Marks R Marks 32-7, D Gerrard C Smyth J Smyth 24-11, J Pooley D Jones C Lindgren 25-15

victory (35-6) to secure two points, and a further two points for the overall (Shots 78-71).

By Andrew Atkinson

Pts 76 55 49 42 41 34 30 23

Pering R Marks 25-10, D Jones B Kavanagh J Pooley C Lindgren 18-14

Division 1: Office Aces v Fire Station Black Watch, venue Bar Next Door. Division 2: Office Bulls v Fire Station Green Watch, venue Mi Sol. Division 3: Laguna v Oasis, venue The George.

Torrevieja Winter Pool League Results, week 17: Division 2: Murphs 6 Mi Sol 3, Racin Toast 6 Office Bulls 3, Britannia B 5 The Courtyard A 4, Bar 6 5 Fire Station GW 4, Santana B 5 Marie's Rendezvous 4.

Congratulations to Fire Station Green Watch in being league champions.

Results Division 3: Dejavu 3 The Courtyard B 6, Laguna 6 Reflections 3, The George 5 Oasis 4, Irish Abbey 2 Mickey's Bar 7.

Thirsty boot (bye).

other internal games taking place on other days of the week which include Chicken and egg every Wednesday at 2pm & Organised roll up every Saturday 9.30 for 10am.

If you are interested in joining La Siesta Bowls Club, you are welcome to call the Club President George 865 772 498 or the Club Captain Wendy 633 068 399 who will be pleased to give you further information.

Carp-R-Us Fishing Round 10 of the Carp-R-Us Winter/Spring Series was fished at the El Bosquet complex. The rains and cool weather of the previous weekend has dropped the water temperature and reports were that the fishing was hard, and so it proved to be.

The match was won by Willy Moons from peg 18.

Willy caught using his usual method feeder method with corn or pellets on the hook to take 7.60kg of carp.

Second was Tony Flett who lost a lot of quality carp on peg 40 but still weighed in 6.58kg. Tony fished the pole with pellets or maggots.

Third was Steve Higgins on peg 30 who caught 6.18kg on pole and maggot and fourth was Graham Patterson with 5.80kg who fished the pole feeder on peg 19.

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

PAGE 22

Monday 14th - Sunday 20th March 2022

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SMGS @ EL VALLE 9 March 2022 The weather definitely was a blessing on our Wednesday outing to El Valle. However, it did not help the day having to follow a slow playing society.

These days it seems to be the norm. The group in front of our society had one player who, after his tee shot, was waiting on every 200m shot in. We didn't see one shot make it, perhaps any other day!

For most of our group the course was no bed of roses. The three division winners were well in front of the pack. Hopefully Darren, Norman and Ian were not too lonely at the top of the leaderboard.

The greens were borderline on average.. A putt like a homebound train would catch a bobble or fade and die at the hole, more like a mystery train.

Our group did not see a putt sunk over 2m. Looking at the scores

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TORREVIEJA €600,000 INVESTMENT IN PADEL COURTS Having been closed for over two and a half years Torrevieja Ayuntamiento is to spend over 600,000 euros on the refurbishment of the Sports City’s seven padel courts.

Despite the popularity of the sport locally, the news has not been welcomed by Sueña Torrevieja who have accused the PP council of a lack of management during the closure period. They say that had the courts received even basic maintenance during this time the spend would be far less than that now planned.

LA MARINA GOLF SOCIETY

most members found the greens “complicated”. Given the time of year and recent weather no apologies are required.

Despite a slow round, a runaway trolly and generally poor play, everyone seemed to have a nice day.

Our thanks go to all El Valle staff for their contribution to an enjoyable day. Next week we will be at Serena. Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org The day’s winners were the following: Division 1 Darren Strugnell

38 pts

(12)

Division 1 - Winner

Richard Whitely

32 pts

(05)

Division 1 - Runner-Up

Richard McCann

30 pts

(14)

Division 1 - 3rd

Jim Imrie

30 pts

(04)

Division 1 - 4th

Division 2 Ian Merga

33 pts

(23)

Division 2 - Winner

Phil de Lacy

31 pts

(18)

Division 2 - Runner-Up

Kyrre Skårsmoen

30 pts

(17)

Division 2 - 3rd

Red McAuliffe

27 pts

(17)

Division 2 - 4th

Division 3 Norman McBride

35 pts

(31)

Division 3 - Winner

Carol Hanak

31 pts

(52)

Division 3 - Runner-Up

Lee Eastman

30 pts

(28)

Division 3 - 3rd

Pat Dooley

29 pts

(33)

Division 3 - 4th

Abacus: Mike Jordan (By default, for hanging on to the end of the presentation)

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

H

10.03.22 - The battle lines were drawn for the Captain versus Vice Captain team championship held at the well-kept Alicante golf course. The morning started with a chilly wind but soon warmed up and so did the members, it was nip and tuck throughout the course of the day.

The Vice Captian's team led by Iain Lyall saw them win the trophy by 42 points to 38. A very gracious Captain Jeff Wiszniewski presented the winning team with their prizes.

THE THIEVES ARE BACK After the golf courses re-opened on the 11th May 2020, following the first lock down, local golfers were faced by a number of thefts of wallets, money and credit cards from buggies parked on buggy paths but close to roads and trees, where the thieves lay in wait while golfers putted out on greens out of sight of their activities.

Initially these events started at Villamartin but quickly spread to Lo Romero and then La Marquesa using the same technique each time BUT the gang were arrested in the Alicante area

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) El Plantio El Valle Font Del Llop Hacienda Del Alamo La Finca La Marquesa La Serena La Torre Las Colinas Las Ramblas Lorca

€110 €100 €44 €158 €57 €163 €64 €110 €44 €85 €109 €100

The following won nearest the pin prizes, hole 3 - Iain Lyall, hole 6 - John Lywood, hole 12 - Tony Moore, and hole 17 by a new member Phil Rogers.

A big thank you to the owners of the Sports Complex for providing our after-game refreshments.

If you are looking to join a friendly golf society, why not check out our website.

with E40k proceeds from their crimes. Sad to say but it looks like they are back!!

A client of mine and his golfing partners were robbed of wallets, money and credit cards on the 15th tee at Alenda where their buggies were parked while they putted out on the 14th green.

Once informed I issued a warning via my Costa Blanca Green Fee Services facebook page to all local golfers to be aware of these robbers activities and was astounded by the response.

It would appear that Alenda, Altorreal, Altea Hills (Don Cayo), El Valle and La Serena have all been

2 Green Fees & Buggy 2 Green Fees & Buggy (1.04pm) Single Green Fee (from 1pm) 2 Green Fees & Buggy 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

targeted by these robbers in the last week.

The message for all golfers playing in the Costa Blanca and Murcian regions should be very careful with their valuables and if carrying these in the golf bag on a buggy, park the buggy in sight at all times and avoid parking the buggy near bushes and trees or next to fences near to public roads and lanes.

The best thing we can all do is to reduce the available easy pickings while the police start to take the issue more seriously so they can provide a physical and visible deterrent to the thieves.

Lo Romero Mar Menor New Sierra Golf Puig Campana Roda Saurines Villaitana Levante Villaitana Poniente Villamartin Vistabella

€89 €60 €82 €124 €140 €57 €102 €71 €133 €164

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

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Monday 14th - Sunday 20th March 2022

Transfer merry go round at Racing San Miguel

THADER FULL OF CONFIDENCE AS THEY WIN AGAIN CD Murada ..........0 CD Thader ............2

T

hader moved up to 4th in the Preferente div 5 table, following a competent 2 goal victory at nearby Murada.

Manager Raul Mora elected to make 3 changes from the previous weeks win against Betis Florida. Out went keeper Chema, plus outfielders Berni and Javi, and were replaced

by Moroccan keeper Amine, Fran and Dani Lucas.

It was Fran who opened the scoring on 39 mins for his 4th of the season, then on 75 mins, the match was made safe by a season's first for Ruben Konate.

There are no Preferente fixtures next weekend, but on Sunday 27 Mar, ko 1130, Thader will welcome Aspe UD to Moi Gomez stadium.

Earlier in the season, Lloyd scored a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Aspe, but they will be looking for all 3 points this time

Manager Raul Mora has the Thader confidence sky high although he admits there is still much more to do

Crevillente increase lead with win over rivals Guardamar This was an important win for Crevillente over their closest rivals

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The Ex-Torry youth prodigy, Bruno joins RSM on loan for the remainder of the 2021-2022 season.

Bruno is a young central defender in his first year as a senior and arrives at Racing on loan from Intercity B. Bruno, formerly at Algorfa, Elche, Kelme and Murcia, played at Torrevieja for three years as a youth and trained at Racing San Miguel frequently.

"Bruno is going to help us a lot. We appreciate his willingness to come and that of Intercity to loan him out.

"He comes to reinforce an area of the field, that has been weakened after the latest squad movements," said RSM club President, Chema Valero.

The second addition of last week was San Miguel born Cristian Garre who joined the club for the remainder of the season.

Garre is an attacking player who can play in various positions and stands out for his excellent handling of the ball, technique and speed.

He made his debut with the first team, while a Cadet, and has always developed his career in the racinguista team, playing two seasons as a

Cheltenham Festival 2022

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regional player.

President, Chema Valero said: "Cristian is a player that we would have liked to have had from the beginning of the season, because of his talent, his commitment and his status as a local.

"It is excellent news to be able to have him with us to compete".

While two came in RSM goalkeeper Pablo Martínez Gálvez has departed the club following the signing of former Beniel keeper José Antonio Martínez Navarro Benejúzar based Pablo joins CD Beniel as Vicente Llor moves to Raval Also on the move, Benejúzar based Pablo has joined CD Beniel of the Murcia Preferred Regional, under coach César Álvarez, from Oriola, adding to his squad several players from the Vega Baja who have arrived at the club.

Pablo arrives at CD Beniel who are in the race for a promotion play-off place to the Third RFEF. There has also been a new signing at Peña Ilicitana Raval who have secured utility player, central defender and left back Vicente Llor from Orihuela CF. Orihuela CF youth prodigy Llor was linked with a move to CD Almoradí, but returned to Los Arcos in the summer.

During the 2021-22 season Llor has been prominent in the subsidiary of the Valencia 1st Regional Group 9 as well as in the first team of the Third RFEF.

Honeysuckle runs in the Unibet Champion Hurdle on Tuesday

The 2022 four day Cheltenham Festival gets under starters orders on March 15 with the Unibet Champion Hurdle Grade 1 Challenge Trophy featured on the opening day.

The Betway Grade 1 Queen Mother Champion Chase is featured on March 16. The Paddy Power G1 Stayers Hurdle and Ryanair G1 Chase are featured on March 17.

The G1 Triumph Hurdle, and Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase are featured on March 18.

Follow fromthehorsesmouth.info during the Cheltenham Festival.

Crevillente increase their lead at top of Regional 2 Group 16 with a narrow 1-0 win against promotion rivals Guardamar UE CREVILLENTE FB A increased their lead at the top of the Valencia 2nd Regional Group 16 on Saturday with a 1-0 victory against promotion rivals Guardamar Soccer CD.

place Bigastro CF, who are on 22 points.

Formentera CF hit visitors UD la Coca Aspense B for six, in a 6-1 home win, with the victors sitting in fifth on 36 points and lowly Aspense fourteenth, on five points.

Meanwhile in Group 9 of Regional Division One, Pinoso CF A move up to third on 35 points, following a 3-0 away win at fifthteenth place Orihuela CF B, on 10 points.

UE Crevillente went eight points clear of second place Guardamar Soccer, on 53 points, with third place Monovar CF on 43 points defeating eleventh place CD Horadada Thiar A 2-1.

CF Atletico Algorfa moved up to eighth on 26 points, after taking a point in a 1-1 away draw at sixth place CF Rafal, now on 32 points.

CD Altet now move up to eighth spot on 25 points, following a 5-1 away win at ninth

*Sunday's results will appear online at www.theleader.info.

TRIVEA QUIZ FROM PAGE 14: 1. Bahamas. 2. Cloverfield, 3. Left, 4. Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh 5. Ireland 6. Todd Rundgren, 7. Liza Minelli (from the film Cabaret), 8. A club foot, 9.

There have been five. Uwe Rossler, Joseba Llorente, Walter Pandiani, Kylian Mbappe and Marcus Rashford. 10. France (Spain and the United States were 2nd and 3rd). 11. November, 12.

Arsène Wenger (most successful manager in the history of Arsenal and also the club's longest-serving manager), 13. Singapore (Feb

1942) 80,000 British, Indian and Australian troops surrendered to the Japanese. 14. Five answers a.

Spanish Eyes (Al Martino), b. Eyes without a face (Billy Idol), c. Sexy Eyes (Dr. Hook), d. Can't take my eyes off of you (Andy Williams), e.

Bette Davis Eyes (Kim Carnes) 15. William Holden, 16. A port decanter, it can't be put down therefore no one can hog it. It has to be passed around the table'. 17.

1869, 18. They are credited with inventing the hot air balloon. 19.

Ministry of Sound (London nightclub) 20. A photographic memory.

SUDUKO SOLUTION From Page Page 14

PAGE 24

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