The Leader Newspaper 16 May 22 - Edition 919

No 919 Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd May 2022

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

ORIHUELA MAINTAINS TOP SPOT FOR BLUE FLAGS

With 11 Blue Flag beaches, Orihuela has once again become the second city in Spain with the most awards for bathing quality, and first in the Valencian Community, maintaining it’s position for the fourth consecutive year.

Orihuela’s Councillor for Beaches, Antonio Sánchez, said that the Blue Flag is a badge that recognises meeting the highest quality for quality of water and coastal sand, in addition to public information and a first class rescue and lifeguard service.

"With the work and involvement of the Orihuela town hall, we have once again achieved these awards that add so much value to our beaches and to our municipality as a national and international tourist destination," said Sánchez.

The Orihuela beaches to which this distinction has been awarded are Punta Prima, Cala Bosque, La Caleta, Cala Capitán, Aguamarina, Campoamor, Barranco Rubio, Cala Estaca, Cala Mosca, Cala Cerrada and Mil Palmeras, along with the Campoamor marina, which has also achieved a blue flag.

Torrevieja has also been awarded six blue flags at Cala Piteras, Los Náufragos, El Cura, Los Locos, Cabo Cervera and La Mata-Sur, each of which will once again fly the blue flag that

certifies their quality.

In addition, the Club Náutico Marina Internacional, the Real Club Náutico de Torrevieja and, for the first time, Marina Internacional de Torrevieja, have also been awarded the Blue Flag for the rational use of resources in their facilities and nautical activities and awareness on protection of the marine environment and sustainable navigation. These awards puts Torrevieja in first place for marina distinctions.

Similarly, the Centro Azul 2022 award has also been confirmed to the Torrevieja and La Mata Lagoons Natural Park Visitors Centre.

The Mayor of Pilar de la Horadada, José María Pérez, was also delighted that his municipality has renewed the awards at it’s six blue flag beaches. He said that "repeating blue flags is a source of pride for Pilar de la Horadada.

The beaches gaining the awards are Playa de Mil Palmeras, Playa Calas de Rocamar, Playa de Jesuitas, Playa del Conde, Playa del Puerto, Playa de Las Higuericas and Calas de Rocamar Beach.

In addition playa els Vivers, in Guardamar del Segura, has recovered the award that it lost in 2016.

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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.

CHORAL CHARITY CONCERT RAISES ALMOST 4,700 EUROS

Crescendo International Choir performed a wellreceived concert with Chivenor Military Ladies Choir at Salt Church, Los Montesinos, Saturday May 7, raising 4680 euros for four charities.

Chivenor Military Ladies Choir sang 10 songs including Home Thoughts from Abroad. This original song was performed by this choir at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

It was also performed in the movie Military Wives.

Crescendo Choir performed nine works, including Fix You and Viva la Vida, both by Coldplay.

The two choirs sang two pieces of music together: I Can Only Imagine and You Raise Me Up. About 350 people attended the concert and gave an extended standing ovation to both choirs when it ended.

Shortly before the concert began, the Royal British Legion, led by David Last, performed on the terrace outside Salt Church.

Finca la Castellana Animal Welfare Centre

Crescendo Choir will be giving two free concerts soon.

The first will be Saturday, May 28, at 20:00 at Iglesia Parroquia Nuestra Senora del Pilar in Los Montesinos.

If interested in joining Crescendo, see the Crescendo website at crescendo-choir.com.

Crescendo lives up to its name of International because it has many nationalities among its expat members along with a Spanish Musical Director, Irene Oliva, and Spanish pianist Cristian Martinez.

Chivenor Military Ladies Choir is made up of female military personnel, wives, partners, mothers and daughters of military personnel serving or retired.

The choir is especially seeking men to join. The choir includes sopranos, altos, tenors and basses.

Many ladies who performed at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011 are still members of the choir.

registration and gates open at 11am, dog show 12noon.

We are looking for people to help out in our San Miguel charity shop, Monday to Fridays 10am to 2pm. For information on our events or volunteering, please contact Beccie on 603 251 005.

The second will be held Saturday, June 4 at 18:00 at La Siesta Evangelical Church at Urb. La Chaparral in Torrevieja.

There are six classes, puppy obedience (18 months and under), best senior (over 7 years old), best pedigree (no age limit), adult obedience (over 18 months old), best rescue (no age limit) and best in show.

There will be lots to do on the day, BBQ, refreshments, tuck shop, tombola's, and lots of stalls, bring the family for a fun day out.

Finca la Castellana Animal Welfare Centre, in San Miguel de Salinas, are holding a dog show to celebrate their 13th anniversary as a registered charity. Saturday 21st of May,

POETRY

The group sings a wide variety of songs ranging from musicals to spirituals, from pop to classical, in English and Spanish. Choir rehearsals take place at Rincon de Miguel Restaurant in Los Montesinos Monday between 17:45 to 20:00. All singers are welcome!

Date for your diaries, last Thursday of every month come and join us at Browns Cocktail and Gastro Bar for a three-course luxury lunch, only 17 which includes a drink. Book your table through our Facebook page, Finca la Castellana.

Would you like to volunteer? Can you spare a couple of hours a week?

CORNER

THE DEVIL’S CHAIR by David Whitney c2022 Tyrants don't fight wars they make They've young men used for that Young men of little consequence Who they use for armed combat

Reasons? Well it's power An ego feeding need People do not matter They obey and then they bleed

No matter if they're barely men No thought for their regard No matter what their parents want Their sons stay battle scarred

A tyrant lost in selfish lust A war zone spread with fear The body count continues And peace doesn't seem that near

That's those who live to carry on But many don't survive They die through no fault of their own Who cares they're not alive

The futile sad destruction The war crimes and despair The tyrant smiles in victory But Hell's reserved

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

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Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd May 2022 The average soldier barely earns 1,100 euros gross per month.

Spain military take to the streets with wage demands Several military associations have called a demonstration on Sunday, June 25, just three days before the NATO summit, to demand an increase in military pay and structured careers, since, they warn, having an Army that is not motivated, poorly paid and without future prospects, is "very dangerous".

Marco Antonio Gómez Martín, president of the Association of Troops and Sailors (ATME). Along with ASFASPRO (Professional Association of Non-Commissioned Officers of the Armed Forces) and UMT (Military Troop Union), posed in front of the Congress of Deputies to announce that they will take to the streets as they are tired of "empty promises" from the Government and the Ministry defence.

Representatives of the three organisations announced the date of the mobilisation in the Plaza de las Cortes, in front of the Congress of Deputies, coinciding with the celebration of the Plenary.

The associations fear that the increase in defence spending to reach 2% of GDP, to which the President of the Government Pedro Sánchez has comitted, will not contain "one additional cent" for the salaries of the Armed Forces personnel and will be purely for the acquisition of weapons and equipment.

Spain becomes first Western nation to offer 'menstrual leave' Spain is planning to offer up to 3 days per month of 'menstrual leave' for employees who experience severe period pain. The new policy is part of a package of health measures designed to protect menstrual and reproductive health, which Spain's government is expected to approve next week. The package also includes the removal of a parental permission requirement for

AVERAGE SALARY OF €1,089 As the president of ATME has pointed out, no matter how good a battle tank is, it needs a driver and if there isn't a soldier to drive it, "it's worth nothing."

"If we don't take care of the most important thing, which is the manpower, and we don't invest in it, Spain is going to have a problem," warned Gómez, who pointed out that for 1,089 euro (the average monthly salary) it is likely that in the future fewer and fewer people will want to join the Army.

The conveners use as an example that of a soldier, a driver of a Leopard tank costing more than 11 million euro, but who barely earns 1,100 euros gross per month. "No one puts their life at risk for that salary but we do," he stressed.

They have denounced the Government which hey say repeats over and over again that the greatest value of the Armed Forces is its personnel, but it does not want to invest in it. In addition the criticise the refusal of the Defence Minister, Margarita Robles, to meet with the associations, and they have insisted that the current crisis "will inevitably drag down the soldiers and non-commissioned officers to be classed as poor workers" 16- and 17-year-olds seeking an abortion.

If passed, it would make Spain the first Western country to offer menstrual leave. No other countries in Europe or the Americas currently offer a menstrual leave policy of this sort, but several other nations like Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and Zambia reportedly do.

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UNIONS DENOUNCE COLLAPSE OF PRIMARY CARE IN PILAR DE LA HORADADA

HOLLY'S TIME HAS FINALLY COME! Quote: 'I’ve been fortunate to not have had too many bad nights. Sometimes as a woman in this industry, turning up alone and dealing with a lot of drunks, can be hard' Holly Bannis daughter of Murcia based exHot Chocolate lead singer Greg Bannis talks to Andrew Atkinson ahead to her role in Theatre shows 'What's Love Got To Do With It - A Tribute to Tina Turner and 'Whitney, Queen Of The Night' touring across the UK, Ireland, Europe and appearing in the West End, after breaking into stardom.

The CSIF union has denounced the situation in Pilar de la Horadada where they claim that many of the primary care clinics find themselves in a state of “collapse”.

According to union sources, "there is an alarming lack of medical personnel that, with the arrival of the summer tourist, will further exacerbate the problems and pressure that exist with care at this time."

However, the union also warns in a statement that this is not the worst. The situation is currently serious, but the problem is expected to worsen due to the fact that the reports state that the Department of Health will not provide any additional personnel for summer reinforcements.

As such, they demand that the Ministry clarify whether the report is true and how it intends to respond to the increase in population that will inevitably be experienced in the summer months.

They add that “the situation in some of the health centres is so critical that in the Torre de la Horadada Clinic the doctor has a quota of more than 2,100 patients, while it is advisable not to exceed 1,700.

They also quote the example of the Rojales II lo Marabú Health Centre, where there are four doctors with more than 2,000 assigned patients, in addition to which there are a further 3,000 patients who don’t have an assigned doctor.

However, they conclude, in the Pilar de la Horadada Health Centre the situation is also "very complicated, since, at the moment, there is a lack of a doctor, who has been on leave for a long time and who has not been replaced.

There is also another doctor who retires at the end of May and a third one who has notified that he is going to be absent for other reasons”.

SAT ANIMAL RESCUE Bruno, just over 2 years old, Lab/Pointer cross

For more info 966710047 (leave a message) / info@satanimalrescue.com

"I WILL never forget where I came from working in pubs, restaurants, social clubs, workingmens clubs, birthday parties, golf clubs - you name it I’ve done it!," said Holly.

Holly, who was signed-up after appearing as Tina Turner on TV show 'Starstruck' in April, said: "I’ve always given 100% - having worked up to five gigs every week for eight years, grafting my way forward.

"It was a learning curve about myself, studying my performances, my vocal ability, my stage presence.

"Most of all, just being me, doing what I love has got me along the way. I always knew I was built for more, but you MUST do the ground work."

Holly has followed in the footsteps of dad Greg Bannis, lead singer of Hot Chocolate for 18 years, when replacing Errol Brown.

"As my dad always said 'remember these gigs are your bread and butter and I will always return, should I ever have to'.

"Having said that, I still have a handful of gigs in December for my agents, already in the diary, that I will be doing whilst Theatres have Panto shows over the festive period," said Holly.

Holly.added: "I’ve been well looked after and respected by all my agents. I am forever grateful for the amount of work they have given me, along with some lovely venues over the years.

Holly has followed in the footsteps of dad, Murcia based Hot Chocolate lead singer Greg Bannis

"Remembering the not so good venues too but work is work - we have to do it.

many bad nights. Sometimes as a woman in this industry, turning up alone and dealing with a lot of drunks, can be hard.

have to load my car up - and unload all myself - after singing around 36 songs a night, with sore feet and bad back."

"I’ve been fortunate to not have had too

"I honestly can’t wait for the time now to not

Holly, who left her job at South East Water, Gillingham, after a decade, said: "I am about to work much harder - but that’s on stage - so it’s all good.

"Singing to two people or 200, I still give the same show. Now my time has finally come to grow. I have always said to myself 'something has got to give'.

"That message has been delivered and I couldn’t be happier also more scared. I thank everybody who has met me along the way, come to watch and support me, shared the journey and most of all believed in me.

"It's on to the next chapter.

Going on tour with two incredible shows, starting in May, outside of the UK."

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WHAT WI LL OU R PE N S ION S B E WORTH? e must presume, or I must anyway, I am often accused of being presumptuous, that job opportunities were limited in the past. Before fire was discovered in the Early Stone Age, there weren't any firefighters, only people throwing the first stones. And before wheels started rolling off production lines, no cars travelled along nonexistent roads, so becoming a driving instructor was a doomed ambition.

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It also stands to reason that cavemen stood on their own two feet before the invention of footwear, so any talk of prehistoric shoemakers is just a load of old cobblers.

Even hairdressers were probably few and far between; theirs would have been a niche profession to say the least, given the hairstyles visible on some of those cave paintings.

But suddenly someone cried out, "Ouch! We have ignition!" and cavewomen could start their unpaid daily toil as head cooks and childminders, rocking the cradle and slaving over a hot stone watching the nettle soup bubbling in the earthenware pot. Not too different from the domestic life of my dear old gran, minus the nettle soup.

She cooked thistles.

The average human today is more likely to die from obesity than hunger. I often see folk taking Marie

Antoinette's suggestion literally, eating cake instead of steamed tofu with quinoa, although I'm not sure that is an exact translation of the French queen's advice. Not that eating well did her much good, her health suffered badly when she was beheaded.

Some writers believe that 21st-century mankind is now poised to make a serious bid for immortality. Apparently, mortality is a technical problem which can be solved. Any ideas? Death is seen as a crime against humanity, but surely the idea of living forever is a short-term solution?

The prospect of "a job for life," so beloved by politicians -- all that extra tax! -- will bring some problems in its wake, not that there will be wakes anymore. Eternal longevity might lose some of its initial appeal by the time we turn 110 or so, unless we still feel healthy and -- if you are anything like me -- 18.

Immortality of the earthbound kind could also cause some concerns for organised religions; they may have to organise some alternative holiday packages to heaven, or offer sightseeing visits instead. The former company called Paradise Travel and Tours Limited has gone into liquidation, if that helps, so their name is now available.

There will be definite downsides once we start living forever. Granted, our pensions will be worth quite a bun-

dle of lettuce as we rack up the years of employment, and we won't even have to eat lettuce if we don't feel like it.

But I have a sneaking suspicion that each time we approach retirement age,

governments will revise it upwards.

120...135...150... Our pension will eventually amount to a considerable sum -but will we ever live long enough to collect it?

Los Alcàzares Camera Club Appears on UK TV! Back in November 2021, Los Alcàzares Camera Club visited the home of member Nilam Wright for a demonstration of Indian cooking and a curry lunch.

At that time Nilam was being filmed for the popular Channel 5 series ‘Bargain-loving Brits in the Sun’ so the Camera Club were delighted to see themselves on TV in the episode aired on Tuesday 26 April 22.

The ‘highlight’ of the event was when member Brian set light to the poppadum he was cooking and had to put out the flaming food by stamping it into the ground with his foot. Nilam’s only comment was ‘Nice shoes, Brian!’

Whilst they can’t promise any celebrity appearances on tv in the future, Los Alcázares Camera Club is always looking for new members, who can

be permanent residents in Spain or ‘swallows’.

The Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month on ‘Zoom’ at 10.30am (Spain) or 9.30am (UK).

At this meeting members discuss their monthly photo competition and usually watch a photography workshop video.

On the third Tuesday of the month, the Club has a field trip to take photographs followed by a meal to which family and friends are also invited.

Anyone interested in joining Los Alcázares Camera Club should have a look at the website http://www.los-alcazares-camera.club/ or contact the Chairman, John Dorsett on 0034 966 76 2715 or mobile 0034 606 452 445 or the Secretary, Pip Shail on mikeshail45@googlemail.com

The correct way to cook a poppadum

Los Alcàzares Camera Club on UK TV

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MURDER MYSTERY DINNER IN THE HONDÓN VALLEY DIVAS (Drama in the Valley Association) joined with the local Branch of the Royal British Legion and Neighbourhood Watch and arranged a “Bond Themed” (You only die once) Murder Mystery Dinner in “The Hondón Hub”, Hondón de los Frailes on Friday 6th May. The 80 guests – or Special Agents – arrived to find the Crime Scene roped off and the rooms beautifully decorated in “Bond” type memorabilia. This all set the scene for “M”’s retirement party at which there had been the murder of Roger Damsels 006? - a well known secret agent.

“M” – played by Joe Logan, then introduced all eight suspects

and the Special Agents asked questions to deduce who had done the dastardly act…. The suspects, all appropriately dressed then explained how it had not been “them” who had caused Roger’s demise. The suspects were Ernst Fuzzyfelt (with his cat), Kitty with Claws, the elegant Xenia, Dr No, or is it Yes, Golden Thumb, Scaryminger, Cuttlefishy, and Miss Penny Farthing.

There were some amazing accents!

An excellent supper with dessert was served during the proceedings and at the end of the evening Teams of Special Agents were asked to name who they thought had murdered Roger. This appeared to be a little tricky but in the end just one team named the culprit who was immediately despatched by “M” with a single

shot, for upsetting his party! (but we are not able to say just who that was!)

A great evening, fantastic decorations and guests were invited to join Divas at the production of “Agatha Crusty and the Village Hall Murders”, a drama, on lst and 2nd July. Further details about this can be obtained from: hondondivas@gmail.com

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Life is just one big Haka! raditionally the haka was performed by Maori warriors going into battle and intended as a means of intimidating combatants. It has famously been adopted by the ‘All Blacks’ rugby team and is a feature of the match each time New Zealand takes the field.

The haka is all about laying down a challenge and the objects of the fierce show-boating have only two choices: accept the challenge or run away and cower in a corner.

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I opened the door of a pub last week, which was closed for five years and after putting in sixteen months of work and stress to ensure this landmark venue was retained for the village. It was a challenge. I love a challenge and the sense of achievement in overcoming the challenge is in proportion to the intensity of the battle. Some people go looking for challenges, whilst others avoid them like the plague.

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One morning Andy arrived to feed the bird, only to find that all that remained was a small pile of feathers outside the fox-proof fortress.

The fox had arrived that morning and proceeded to do the fox haka outside the hutch. The fighting cock was so confident of his own fighting prowess that he couldn’t resist the challenge.

He felt so confident that he could move up a couple of divisions and so he accepted the challenge: First round K.O … pile of feathers in neutral corner ….

Some challenges we can choose, whilst others are trust upon us. The ones we choose to accept should give us at least a sporting chance of winning. One of the great feelings is to grab hold of an idea and make it work – such as that pub I was telling you about. I have a few of those on my score sheet and the ones I get right pay for the defeats.

I have been thinking about challenges and the haka and I have come to the conclusion that life is one big haka – or at least a succession of hakas!

Some haka challenges are foolhardy to accept and I often draw the comparison of a hopeless haka with Andy Cosgrove’s fighting cock. Andy and I were good friends and I always enjoyed our chats. He once kept me up to date on a fighting cock he was rearing. Andy had no doubt but that this one would be the best ever champion. The feather coated warrior was mad for action. Ensconced in his fortified fox-proof fortress, the bird passed the time of day blowing his own trumpet and doing the rooster haka.

From the day we are born isn’t the gauntlet of the haka thrown down to us? One challenge after another … big ones, small ones and a threat around every corner. Learning to walk and tie a shoe. Having numerous falls off a bicycle before mastering the challenge of riding one.

Figuring out how to navigate the intricacies of the school classroom and even more so, the school playground. Then the haka laid down by the opposite sex and adolescence. And all this before you have to grow up and face the haka

*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.

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The lurking fox did some reconnaissance work, but Andy had the coup so well made that the cock could wander in and out, but the fox couldn’t get in.

Now, I immediately need to emphasise that I am not bragging with regard to the number of challenges I have overcome – but as Dizzy Dean said; “it aint braggin’ if you can do it!”

Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com

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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 - Mimosa Pudica ‘Touch Me Not’ The Mimosa Pudica - humble, dancing, sensible plant and touch-me-not - named, due to its unique feature when touched, or caught in a breeze, with feathery leaves folding up and stems drooping, taking several minutes to unfurl.

It is deemed that in the wild, this is a defence against being eaten.

Mimosa Pudica is an annual or short-lived creeping perennial with pretty 'pom-pom' flowers in summer, followed by seed pods.

It becomes less attractive with age, so it's best to grow from seed annually.

Sow seeds in spring, having soaked them overnight. Seedlings should appear in 21-30 days.

Pot-on plants into larger pots as they grow, and plant out into a warm, humid, bright spot; east or

of adult life!

The challenges we manufacture for ourselves and which other people can see, are the easy ones. We referee the game ourselves. Examples for me are a literary haka of writing three very different books that I set for myself: an autobiography, a novel, and a book of original short stories.

rewards. The real haka of life is getting to know and understand oneself. We all have different strengths and weaknesses and it is how we deal with these that is the real challenge.

The biggest and most important haka is being honest and endeavouring to see ourselves as others might see us. Overcoming such challenges is the greatest victory of all.

I walked from Mullingar to Croke Park and from Killucan to the top of Croke Park. I allowed my name go on a local election ballot paper – where I was beaten by a better man.

These were all challenges, but they were all ‘soft hakas’.

Life is made up of overcoming one haka after another; until one day the Grim Reaper arrives, does his dance and each one of us will finish up in a little pile -just like Andy Cosgrove’s cock!

It isn’t the pubs, the businesses, the job, or the outward signs of success that pose the most meaningful challenges or give the greatest

DON’T FORGET

west-facing is ideal, as it is not shade tolerant.

Keep soil moist, but not soggy, in spring and summer, and water sparingly in winter.

Feed with a balanced fertiliser every couple of months in the spring and summer months.

Pruning can keep the plant looking bushy, otherwise it may get a bit tall and leggy.

If leaves do not curl up when touched, or react slowly, it usually means you have been touching the plant too much.

Leave it alone for a few weeks, in order for it to become sensitive again. Too much touching can drain the plant’s energy and ultimately shorten its life.

Any yellowing leaves can mean the plant is too cold.

Truth is something which must be known with the mind, accepted with the heart, and enacted in life.

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A DAY OUT AND A PINCH OF SALT FOR THE RBL here else can you take pictures in the famous pink lakes or climb a salt mountain other than the salt lakes of Torrevieja? An incredible experience, and one that was enjoyed by over 30 members of the Orihuela Costa and District Branch of the Royal British Legion on Wednesday.

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It was all aboard ‘the Salt Train’ as the branch took part in a guided tour that lasted a little over an hour, during which we were told about the different phases of production of the salt, the origin of the salt lakes, their characteristics, the flora and fauna that coexists in the area, as well as the mysterious pink colour of the salt lakes.

The train took the group from the very centre of the city into the facilities of the salt lakes where members alighted to take photographs in the pink lake. There was even an opportunity to climb the salt mountain.

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On top of the salt mountain

ly be seen leaving the city destined mainly for countries across northern Europe and the United States.

And one interesting fact that we learned; salt is the only mineral that is edible and also, along with water, the only food product that has no expiration date.

The trip around the salt lakes was followed by an excellent lunch at the Sunrise Restaurant in Orihuela Costa where the meal was served to the magnificent backdrop of a deep blue sky and the Mediterranean sea.

New members are always very welcome at the brach which meets at the Olympia Restaurant, Mil Palmeras, at 7.30 pm on the third Thursday of every month. More information can be obtained from the secretary on orihuelacosta.secretary@rbl.community.

Lunch at The Sunrise with Cala Mosca and the Med in the background

We were told that the colour of the Torrevieja Pink Lake is due to special algae that inhabit the bottom of the lakes, equipped with microorganisms that give this original and characteristic colour. For this reason, the salt lakes are also known as the Pink lake of Torrevieja.

Both the Torrevieja pink lake and the green lagoon of La Mata have been used for centuries for the production of salt. Currently about 750,000 tons of salt are produced every year as different formats of sea salt for sale, both in the national market and in the international market, with almost 50% of its production going for export.

Salt boats with a capacity of up to 30,000 tons can regular-

STUDIO32’s QUINTESSENTIAL THEATRIC AL E XPERIENCE

S32 Musical Theatre Company are proud to present our production of Guys & Dolls which will be showing at the Cardenal Beluga Theatre, San Fulgencio and will run from Wednesday 18th of May through to Saturday 21st May.

Thursday 19th performances, a discount of e24 which will be refunded on the night of the performance on production of the ticket receipt at front of house.

Doors open at 7:00pm.

To book tickets online visit our website at www.studiothirtytwo.org and for further information and advice on how to use our online booking service email: tickets@studiothirtytwo.org.

Studio 32 believes that they have assembled one of the best vocal casts that they have ever had for this performance and don’t want anybody who enjoys musicals to miss out on seeing this fantastic show.

For this reason they are offering groups of 20 or more who book on our website online booking service for Wednesday 18th and

There will also be a complimentary drink on arrival and at the interval.

TICKETS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR ON THE NIGHT OF THE PERFORMANCE. For further information call 679 062 272 or 636 020 547.

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1965 - Driving away from a gig at the Civic Hall, Long Beach, California, the limo taking The Rolling Stones back to their hotel was besieged by fans who caved in the roof by standing on it. The band attempted to hold the roof up while their chauffeur drove off with bodies falling onto the road.

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den and as the evening progressed, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr ended up jamming together along with Clapton, Ginger Baker and Mick Jagger.

1998 - The funeral of Frank Sinatra was held at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills. Mourners in attendance included, Tony Bennett, Faye Dunaway, Tony Curtis, Liza Minnelli, Kirk Douglas, Angie Dickinson, Sophia Loren, Bob Newhart, Mia Farrow and Jack Nicholson.

1986 - Spitting Image started a threeweek run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'The Chicken Song.' Spitting Image had become the 'must see' Sunday night UK TV show, which mocked politicians and public figures.

2003 – Mariah Carey hit back at Eminem's threats to sample the slushy voicemail messages she left on his mobile. She described the rapper as "a little girl" saying it's "like dealing with a girlfriend in 7th grade, and he shouldn't do it because it'll get him in a bit of trouble with her lawyers."

1989 - Ferry 'Cross The Mersey' by Ferry Aid started a three week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart. The song was recorded to raise funds for the Hillsborough Football victims, Gerry Marsden, Paul McCartney, Holly Johnson and The Christians all featured on the 1958 - Jerry Lee Lewis arrived at London's Heathrow Airport to begin his first British tour, along with his new bride, 14 year old third cousin, Myra. Although advised not to mention it, he answered all questions about his private life. The public's shock over his marriage marks the start of a controversy leading to his British tour being cancelled after just 3 of the scheduled 37 performances.

637 227 385

Heavy metal monsters Lordi

recording.

1995 - Robson Green and Jerome Flynn started a seven-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their versions of 'Unchained Melody' (There'll Be Blue Birds Over) The White Cliffs Of Dover'. They had performed the song in the UK drama series Soldier Soldier.

Robson Green and Jerome Flynn

2006 - Heavy metal monsters Lordi became Finland's first ever Eurovision Song Contest winners after their song ‘Hard Rock Hallelujah’ won in Athens. The band won the Eurovision public vote after singing their heavy rock anthem dressed in horror costumes.

2014 - Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie was honoured with a lifetime achievement at this year's Ivor Novello songwriting awards. She played with Fleetwood Mac for 28 years and wrote some of their most famous songs, including 'Don't Stop' and 'Little Lies'. Other winners at the ceremony in London included London Grammar, The Chemical Brothers and Nile Rodgers.

1970 - The England World Cup Squad were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Back Home.' The track spent three weeks at the top of the charts.

1979 - Eric Clapton held a party at his Surrey house celebrating his recent marriage to Patti Boyd. He had set up a small stage in the gar-

BONNIE TYLER CONFIRMED FOR BENIDORM’S IBERIA FESTIVAL Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler will be one of the main artists of the tenth edition of the Iberia Festival, which will be held on the 7th and 8th October in Benidorm (Spain).

Her latest album, ‘The Best Is Yet to Come’, released on 26 February 2021, is a contemporary approach to the sounds and styles of 80s pop rock.

The tenth anniversary of the Iberia Festival is the perfect excuse to enjoy the best music in Benidorm, one of the best-known tourist destination of Europe.

Her distinctive husky voice rose to worldwide fame in 1977 with the release of her well known single ‘It's a Heartache’. Not very much later, she released one of her biggest hits, 'Total Eclipse of the Heart', which became an anthem of the 80's and consolidated her as an international music star.

Bonnie Tyler’s legacy to music history includes 16 studio albums and more than 20 million records sold, making her one of the most successful women in rock history.

Music lovers will not only be able to enjoy the best concerts of the beginning of the autumn, but also the privileged surroundings of the city, its fantastic climate and, of course, its incomparable natural environment, its world-famous beaches and the mountains of the inland.

Her music has been influenced by a wide variety of styles such as country, rock, pop and blues. In her long-lasting career, she has also been compared and influenced by some of the greatest artists of all times such as Janis Joplin, Rod Stewart or Tina Turner.

With this new addition, the lineup of the tenth edition of the Iberia Festival is taking shape along with other great artists already confirmed such as LOQUILLO, ILEGALES, TAHÚRES ZURDOS and BURNING, a list thay will grow in the coming weeks with more confirmations and that will surely be one of the great lineups of the national and international pop rock scene in 2022.

All this, without forgetting the wide variety of options offered by one of the largest tourist offers in Europe.

Tickets already on sale at: www.iberiafestival.com/entradas More info: www.iberiafestival.com

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 918

ACROSS 7.

Tend (5)

8.

Thriftiness (7)

9.

Famous (7)

10.

Correct (5)

12.

Dumbfounded (10)

15.

Explanatory (10)

18.

Blemish (5)

19.

Withdraw (7)

21.

Harsh (7)

22.

Freight (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 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

11.

13.

14.

16.

17.

20.

Detention (10) Retinue (5) Festival (4) Alight (6) In company (8) Still (7) Cutting up (10) Place (8) Most favourable (7) Lambaste (6) Bear (5) Diplomacy (4)

QUICK ACROSS: 1 Affidavit; 8 Mob; 9 Prohibition; 11 Twinkle; 12 Mopes; 13 Poison; 15 Whiten; 17 Chart; 18 Absence; 20 Impropriety; 22 Let; 23 Easterner.

DOWN: 2 Far; 3 Drink; 4 Voiced; 5 Triumph; 6 Omnipotence; 7 Obeisance; 10 Originality; 11 Typically; 14 Octuple; 16 Famous; 19 Serve; 21 Tie. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Workshops; 8 Aid; 9 Stage-struck; 11 Entitle; 12 Donor; 13 Clamps; 15 Propel; 17 Ropes; 18 Ecstasy; 20 Astronomers; 22 Eon; 23 Side-track.

DOWN: 2 Oft; 3 Spent; 4 Outset; 5 Sounder; 6 Taking place; 7 Admiralty; 10 Astral plane; 11 Encircled; 14 Pesetas; 16 Second; 19 Shoot; 21 Roc.

ACROSS 7. Say something extreme? (5) 8.

He is no dreamer about an inventory (7)

9.

To treat cruelly, stop half the newspapers (7)

10. Happening still to Turkish capital (5) 12. Work on place for the other side (10) 15. It is unlikely that one politician can be formally dressed (10) 18. Lit up flower (5) 19. Real net lasting for ever (7) 21. Strive to put 100 on 10 with 500 more (7) 22. Animal noise from the table (5)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. What is Elton John's heroic middle name after he legally changed his name to Elton ? John.

2. The name of which board game translated means "sparrow"?

3. Ackees, sapotas and soursops are all examples of what?

4. What was the last black and white film to win the Oscar for Best Picture?

5. The name for which form of transport stems from the Latin "for all"?

6. What did Chuck Yeager break on 14 October 1947?

7. Energy contains the Greek root 'erg'. What does 'erg' mean?

8. Name the three Oscar winners for Best Film in the 1990s with a single word film title.

9. Sometimes called "the first great war of the 20th century", which two world powers were at war with each other between Feb 1904 and Sept 1905?

10. Eight tennis players have won the mens singles title in all four Grand Slam tournaments. (Australian Open, Wimbledon, French Open and US Open) Can you name them?

DOWN 1. Not in order, coming from a piece of meat (3,2,5) 2. Measures taken to get a rise? (5) 3. Release without charge (4) 4. Forces to make wall-painting (6) 5. The stuff to make ship’s officer bad liar (8) 6. I regain the country (7) 11. The reasonableness of taking a number with skill (10) 13. He would seem to be more than ready to help the actors (8) 14. No let up for the rich (7) 16. Finishes in the morning, gets compensation (6) 17. Notes disorderly attack (5) 20. Enterprising get-up for Napoleon’s island (4)

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 3 ) 11. What is the culinary term for cutting food into long thin strips?

12. Which two bands had a top 10 hit with the song 'Venus'?

13. Measured in area, what are the five smallest landlocked countries in the world?

14. Which royal title or term of courtesy stems from an Old English word meaning "one who kneads bread"?

15. What was the only country to have hosted the Summer Olympics and not win a single gold medal?

16. In which E.U. country does 'Wiehed' mean one? (as in the number 1) 17. What nickname was the horribly disfigured John Merrick given?

18. Which company built the Dr.l triplane flown by the Red Baron?

19. After leaving John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Peter Green became a founding member of which famous band?

20. When does one use the word 'Kanpai' in Japan?

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Facemasks are still compulsory on flights to, from and inside Spain.

Spain to maintain masks on flights and public transport The Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, has ruled out that the elimination of the compulsory use of facemasks in public transport and on planes, following the European Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Prevention and Disease Control (ECDC) announcement of a change in their policy on Wednesday.

This was stated by Darias at a press conference following the end of the Interterritorial Health Council, also held on Wednesday, in which she said that the recommendations of the ECDC and AESA on the use of masks both in airports

and on flights must be aligned with the measures and regulations on Spain public transport systems.

She confirmed that the decree approved by the Government last April establishes that the use of face masks is not mandatory in the airports themselves, but it is on public transport and on flights to, from and inside the country.

In addition, she said that the European organisations have recommended that flight operators maintain their use, before insisting that Spain “very recently” decided to extend the obligation to wear the mask on public transport.

“All measures have to be sensibly considered and therefore we have to walk hand in hand with prudence and always by taking into account the proposals of the experts who advise us and in this case with the government”, added Darias.

Corvera Airport to bear the name of Juan de la Cierva Juan de la Cierva was initially said to have been a Civil War agitator

T

he president of the Region of Murcia, Fernando López Miras, announced on Twitter this week that the International Airport of the Region of Murcia, located in Corvera, will bear the name of Juan de la Cierva.

López Miras said that "the legacy and figure of this illustrious Murcian inventor will be forever linked to the area." He said that the initiative will be approved this week in the Governing Council.

The Ministry of Transport informed the regional government a year ago that the name of the Murcian aerodrome was not suitable due to incompatibility with the Historical Memory Law based on a report, provided by the historian Ángel Viñas, who placed the inventor among the participants in the 1936 coup.

However, the Government of the Region of Murcia has responded with two of it’s own studies that say it is "unfounded" that the Murcian inventor supported the military

uprising, the Civil War or the subsequent dictatorship.

the Portal of Transparency of the Region of Murcia.

These new reports by the historian Villa and Professor Guillamón have been sent to the Ministry of Transport and have been published in the Transparency Portal of the Region of Murcia and on the website of the Government of the Region of Murcia.

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructures, José Ramón Díez de Revenga, said that the historians conclude that engineer Juan de la Cierva “has never provoked confrontation, offense or grievance or exaltation among those in conflict; on the contrary, the inventor of the autogyro has always been a meeting point, without his ideas arousing controversy, neither in the context of the Civil War nor in the most recent history of Spain”.

The documents show that the beliefs of the engineer "do not contravene the spirit" of the Historical Memory Law, according to the Government of the Region of Murcia The Community has made public the reports of the Professor of Political History at the Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid, Roberto Villa, and the Professor of Modern History at the University of Murcia, Francisco Javier Guillamón, on Juan de la Cierva, which highlight his exceptional contribution in the world of aeronautics.

The documents are accessible on the website of the Community and on

Díez de Revenga underlined Villa and Guillamón's arguments about the international relevance of aeronautical engineering, and argues that "it is for these achievements that Juan de la Cierva is honoured, in addition to his status as a Murcian and for being the first person who publicly proposed the construction of a commercial airport in the Region of Murcia”.

PAGE 16

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Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd May 2022

aware. www.Saltchurchspain.

Facebook SaltChurchSpain 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

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

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

GENERAL Builder, remodelling,kitchens, extensions, we beat most

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quotes. Call Andy 697 834 934.

Cremation plan.2575 euros.One time payment. Full paperwork.

Call 697 834 934.

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

SOCIAL AND CLUBS The May Meeting of the Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch will be held at 7 for 7.30 pm on Thursday 19 May at the Olympia Pool Bar in Mil Palmeras. Guest speaker.

Everyone welcome, incl non members. Call Jean 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.

SHARE THE COST OF BUYING AN APARTMENT I am looking for someone to share the cost of buying a 2 bed apartment in Los Alcazares.

Total cost is 100k so 50k each.

Please contact Fintan on +353 86 878 1317

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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

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.

Tel:0044 800 018 2361.

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ROYAL BRITISH LEGION POPPY APPEAL e're so pleased to announce that the 2021 Poppy Appeal raised an incredible £38.6

W million.

We would like to say a HUGE thank you to all our wonderful volunteers, supporters, partners, members and staff for their considerable efforts and help in making this achievement possible.

While the 2021 Poppy Appeal took place during a challenging time with pandemic controls still in place across the country, this is an amazing total

and will help us continue to carry out our life changing work supporting the Armed Forces community.

This is an amazing amount that will benefit so many people around the world.

Here in Spain, your generous donations reached 119,835.02. All this money, and more, will be spent supporting beneficiaries right here in Spain.

If you, or someone you know, needs our help and support you can contact us through Spain District North Facebook page or through any of the details given on our web page.

Collecting outside the Iceland store in Lomas de Cabo Roig last year

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Would you want to cope with organising a funeral in Spain W

hen a close friend or a family member dies, the last thing you need is the worry of complex regulations and the red-tape of a Spanish funeral. At such a difficult time could you or your family cope with organising a funeral in Spain?

If not you need look no further than PF Samper, a third generation independent family funeral director, based in Pilar de la Horadada.

We know that the death of a loved one is a difficult experience, one that all of us are likely to experience during our lifetime, and when mourning the loss of a friend or a family member, the very last thing you want to think about is the planning of a funeral, a fact that is considerately recognised by Francisca, a long time supporter of The Royal British Legion, who has been helping the expat community from her family run business in Pilar for over 25 years.

“At PF Samper”, she says, “we aim to provide only the highest level of personal attention as we ease this process for you and your family. We will take expert care and provide due consideration to ensure that your loved one gets an appropriate and caring farewell, whilst making the funeral planning process is as painless as possible”.

“We will arrange a dedicated funeral service that will provide you and your family with full value, without compromise, a service that is designed to show respect, whilst still maintaining the dignity,

the values and traditions so cherished by those who we serve”.

Francisca has been providing a dignified service to the expat community for over 20 years

“We will also ensure that every life tribute is distinctive, personal and affordable, in honouring to the full a life that has been lived”.

In ensuring a 24 hour service, throughout the entire province of Alicante and North Western Murcia, PF Samper can be providing you with that care and support within an extremely short space of time. Francisca will immediately respond to your call and while you are able to grieve with dignity she will quickly take charge of all the initial arrangements.

“If you have a previously organised funeral plan we will closely liaise with your provider but if you are without such an agreement we will make all the initial arrangements for you, and unlike many similar companies here in Spain we will not demand any payment in advance”.

The body of the deceased will be prepared to lie in repose in our own private chapel, as detailed arrangements, with either you or your family, can then be left to a more appropriate time.

One aspect that Francisca does warn of are the varying conditions applied by different funeral directors and Tanatorias. “Whichever company you use you must always make sure that you are completely satisfied with the costs and the arrangements, and if in any doubt do not sign any papers”.

his is particularly important” she says “when the deceased has passed away in hospital, many of which have their own preferred agents.”

“T

less of faith, and they can also be made to suit the time frame of the family concerned, allowing mourners to fly in from abroad, if that is what is required.

Ultimately, of course, it’s all about trust and peace of mind, something of which you can be assured when dealing with the multilingual Francisca or her British assistant.

Whether the service takes place the following day or a week later,, unlike many other funeral directors, there is no extra charge.

The company has its own private chapel of rest, mortuary and crematorium in Pilar de la Horadada although the service can be organised by PF Samper at any church that the family wishes across the entire province of Alicante and North Western Murcia.

Ministers, flowers and transport can also be organised by PF Samper who will also take care of all necessary documentation and certificates.

Likewise the arrangements can be made, regard-

The private Chapel of Rest in Pilar de la Horadada

Following cremation the urn will be delivered when required, and in the proper traditions of a genuinely family run business, details regarding payment can be made at a later date.

Francisca says, “Our job consists of making sure that the families remember the day of the funeral as a very special occasion and that the loved one who has passed away is provided with the esteem and the respect that every person deserves.

Though the life is ended we want to make sure that the memory lingers on”.

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Thousands of Bees Swarm on Elche

Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd May 2022

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PAGE 19

Los Alcázares Council Requests Anti-Jellyfish Nets are Not Installed Mar Menor, say that the current function of these networks is solely aesthetic and they cause a dam effect in the Mar Menor by curbing the currents that improve the quality of the beaches. Therefore, they generate a serious problem of sludge in the sea.

López Campoy added that "what we do consider necessary, however, is the marking of the bathing area, in order to guarantee the safety of all bathers."

Thousands of bees appeared swarming around calle Luis Gonzaga Llorente in Elche on Thursday, causing considerable alarm to residents in the area.

The bees were in the area for about 3 hours, forcing residents to close windows and doors, although there were no reports of any entering properties.

A number of residents called the police, who in turn called for the assistance of a beekeeper, although the insects dispersed of their own accord.

CALLS TO LEAVE SWALLOWS IN PEACE Torrevieja Local Police have pointed out that nesting swallows have returned to the area, and, if we are lucky enough to have attracted a nest, above all we should leave them in peace.

The police point out that swallows are a protected species at a national and European level, as are their chicks, nests, and eggs.

Los Alcázares town hall has requested that the General Directorate of the Mar Menor do not place anti-jellyfish nets, thus following the instructions of experts who warn of the "dam effect" that they cause in

the algae, which clogs the transom and prevents the water from circulating, facilitating the appearance of mud.

The Scientific Committee, experts and various social platforms in defence of the

The swallows weigh about 20 grams but have travelled more than 5000 km in flight, passing over the Sahara Desert, and then the Mediterranean Sea without even being able to rest.

As the police point out, they did something extraordinary, and all this to come to reproduce in that corner of our house, under the roof.

Swallows are also of benefit to the environment and act as nature’s own insecticide, consuming up to 850 flies and mosquitoes per day. A family therefore can rid the area of some 1,700 flies and mosquitoes per day.

PETS IN SPAIN TO CLOSE CHARITY SHOP END OF MAY

Kitten season is again upon us, confirmed by the Pets in Spain animal charity, already overloaded with kittens saved from life threatening situations. Eight In just one week.

by the charity’s foster carers.

Six where born to a mum that was injured and could not feed her kittens, and the two in this photo where found abandoned in the under build of a house at age just two weeks. They were starving and infested with fleas.

As a consequence, due to lack of funds, Pets In Spain will close their charity shop in Ave Londres, Urb La Marina on 31st May 2022 and appeal to everyone to please continue to support them and deliver donated items to sell in their other charity shop which will remain open on the lower level of Consum square, Urb La Marina.

A visit to the vet clinic revealed a rare occurrence, with maggots in one eye. Immediate treatment and steroid drops was necessary to eradicate all the maggots and hopefully the eye will recover.

All 8 kittens are now thriving on bottle fed kitten milk

The pandemic has hit animal charities hard with outdoor fund raising events having to be cancelled and long term low customer trade in charity shops.

Charity website: www.petsinspain.com Tel or WhatsApp on 645 469 253.

The Mayor of Los Alcázares, Mario Pérez Cervera, declared that "the funds that the Autonomous Community allocates to the installation of these anti-jellyfish nets that damage our lagoon should be used for other more urgent and necessary purposes for the protection of the Mar Menor, such as the employment of more biomass removal crews”.

PAGE 20

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Emerald Isle Bowls Club by Elwyn Morris The club have spent 5 days in Mojacar bowling, playing three games, including Cabrera where the photo below was taken, and a great time was had including a few beers as well Friday saw the Dukes play Quesada Lions and they had a

fine 10-2 Aggregate win, A M Gerrard 21-15, S Marks R Marks 19-17, N Prior B Eldred J Smyth 20-15, S Johnson M Veale M Odell D Gerrard 24-15 SAPS now on Sat mornings at 9-30am Coaching Bowls and Shoes all for 5 Euros lovely 2 hours

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SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB with Sheila Cammack VCL Southern Div A: Falcons match away v Vistabella Saxons had been postponed because of the rain on 4th May but it was re-arranged for Wednesday 11th which was a complete change as far as the weather was concerned!!

Our rinks team had a close finish, just losing by 2 shots but well done to our winners: Sandra Burrows, ladies singles 21-9 & Triples - Tricia Reilly, Bill Webb & Dave Webb 2112. Falcons finished with 4pts-8, 84 shots-97.

There were no other league matches scheduled for this week because of the National Singles Tournament.

Our internal summer leagues will be starting next month: the “Cocktail League” starts Tuesday June 7th &

the “Aussie Pairs League” on Thursday June 9th, all information from Keith is in the office.

San Luis BC welcomes new members of ALL playing abilities, we hope they would be willing to sign up before the end of August, so we can plan how many teams to enter for 2022/23 season.

Currently we have 2 teams (1 in A Div. & 1 in B Div.) in both Friday Southern & Monday South Alicante Leagues. More new members would allow us to add a third team; so room for all.

For more information, come along to watch on match days or club days, or contact Club Captain June Jones: keithjones81@hotmail.com / 691 903 773.

Vistabella Bowls Club with Brian Zelin

2022 SUMMER MINI POOL LEAGUE

By Andrew Atkinson A new Summer Mini Pool League has been organised

by James Green from The Courtyard, Los Montesinos.

year, in the wake of the Torrevieja Pool League fixtures being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, being well supported by a plethora of teams.

"Representatives from the new 2022 Sumner League met at The Courtyard, with the A and B teams represented, along with the Fire Station, La Zenia Black Watch, and Green Watch, Laguna Tavern and Mickeys Bar.

Vistabella based Laguna Tavern were crowned 2021 Mini Pool League champions, with El Raso based O'Brien's runners-up.

"The Mini Summer Pool League fixtures will run until mid-September," James told The Leader.

2022 Mini Sumner League representatives: The Courtyard A & B, Fire Station, La Zenia Black Watch, and Green Watch, Laguna Tavern and Mickeys Bar.

The Mini Winter Pool League was inaugurated last

Caption below:

Wednesday 11th May in the VCL Division A, Vistabella Saxons were at Home to San Luis Falcons in another rearranged match because of the weather, A very good result for Vistabella, Winning on 3 Rinks plus the Shots.

Men's Singles, Martin Foulcer 2115, Pairs, Kath Reid, Gary Thorpe 36-10, Rinks, Janet Parr, Paul Durham, Richard Willey, Eric Bishop 19-17, Shots 97-84. Points 8-4.

La Marina Bowls Club No league Bowls this week as the Nationals are on at Quesada, so perhaps it would be a good opportunity to talk about the requirements of the club.

The grounds of course are privately owned and maintained but the green cleaning, equipment, league entry monies etc are all down to the membership which then comes down to the committee and perhaps the most unsung member of that is the social secretary.

Keeping members happy and trying to make money is never easy. Our main sources at present seem to be race nights, quiz nights and table top sales.

When I was a kid these were called bring and buy sales and this still holds good today. The table top is by far our best source of income, with the advantage of bringing monies in from outside of the club members.

Our next table top sale is Saturday Morning 28th May, so please enter the date in your diary along with your loose change and check those cupboards, wardrobes and under builds for items we can sell.

Let's see if we can reward Loritta (and her helpers) for all their hard work and make this one the most successful ever.

QBC ROUNDUP

BY STEVE HIBBERD

Quesada bowls club hosted the Nationals men's and ladies' singles championships last weekend. One semi-final involved 2 QBC members, in which Terry Morgan beat Jeff Pitt. Terry Morgan then went on to win the final, thereby earning a trip to New Zealand late next year.

In a rearranged VCL match, Lions visited Emerald Isles on Friday to take on the Dukes. A solitary victory by Jeff Pitt, who won the men's singles 21-19, meant that Lions returned home with 2 points.

There were no scheduled VCL or South Alicante league matches last week, but normal service will be resumed next week, when hopefully our 4 teams will get back to winning ways.

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PAGE 21

MONTGO GOLF Montgo Members travelled to Foressos Golf Course as Oliva was closed due to a Tournament taking place.

Foressos was undergoing maintenance, so we had two temporary greens, but to make up for this Foressos gave us a very good discount.

The society was the sponsor this week with a limited field we had 2 main prizes. In 1st Place was John Day with 41points. 2nd place was Keith Cottrell with 38 points. They were happy that it was a non-handicap competition Chris Chapman & Nigel Siddall won the Nearest the Pin prizes on 7th & 11th Holes.

We had 3 two’s today Heiko Schram, Nigel Siddall & Chris Chapman.

Next Weeks competition is a combined pairs Sponsored by Keith & Sally Cottrell.

LO CRISPIN GOLF SOCIETY ANNIVERSARY TROPHY

Gold Division: 1st. Place - Dean Astley - 35 pts. off 15 (Winner of the Anniversary Trophy)

Twenty nine members and two guests 'teed it up' at Altoreal to compete for the Society's Anniversary Trophy.

1st. Place - Julie King - 31pts. off 37

The weather was good and the course also, except some of the greens and fairways were a bit threadbare in places, The greens generally were fast, as is usual for a lot of greens in Spain..

3rd. Place - Mike Ellson 28 pts. off 26

The scoring reflected the benign conditions. Following the game, we returned to the Lo Crispin Tavern, as usual.

As there were no 2s on the day, the 'pot' will roll over until our next game at Font Del Llop, which will be the 2nd.

Eclectic of the year, also an individual stableford competition.

We were treated to welcome Tapas and the prizes for the day were distributed.

Dean Astley, last year's Anniversary Trophy winner, also prevailed this year, with a score of 35 pts. !

2nd. Place - Sarah Haslum - 30 pts. off 6 3rd. Place - Howard Soltau - 29 pts. off 23 Silver Division 2nd. Place - Margaret O'Brien 28 pts.off 39 (on count back) N.T. P. on Par 3s Hole 5 - Eddy Downing, Hole 8 - Sarah Haslum Hole 10 - Nobody, Hole 17 - Nobody

Finally, the Free Game Draw was won by Tony Ellis.

Steve Harrington( Membership and Handicap Secretary)

HOLLOW TINING OF GREENS

May

06/06/22 La Marquesa, La Torre, La Sella &

Our recent golf articles have explained the

16/05/22 Las Ramblas & La Manga West

Villaitana Levante

ere on the Costa’s golf is one of the

H

reasons behind the need to hollow tine golf

23/05/22 Alenda, Alhama & Oliva Nova

13/06/22 La Serena

biggest leisure time activities for both

greens which confirmed that the process is

24/05/22 Lo Romero & Villamartin

14/06/22 El Plantio

tourists and resident alike and with this

usually over a 2 day period but it can take 15-20 days for the greens to fully recover.

28/05/22 New Sierra Golf

20/06/22 Hacienda Del Alamo & Puig

in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to pro-

Below you will see the schedule start date of

vide a weekly round up of local golfing events and

planned works for all local courses and we

topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER

suggest you may be advised to cut out this

31/05/22 La Finca & Roda

will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers

article and put it on your fridge door as a

June

July

and run our golf competitions.

reminder:

02/06/22 Lorca

04/06/22 Las Colinas & Saurines

Mike Probert talks Golf

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

El Plantio El Valle Font Del Llop Hacienda Del Alamo La Finca La Marquesa La Serena La Torre Las Colinas Las Ramblas Lorca Lo Romero Mar Menor

€100 €44 €158 €57 €163 €64 €110 €44 €85 €109 €100 €89 €60

30/05/22 Bonalba, Campoamor, El Valle, Marina Golf, Villaitana Poniente & Vistabella

2 Green Fees & Buggy (1.04pm) Single Green Fee (from 3pm) 2 Green Fees & Buggy Single Green Fee 2 Green Fees & Buggy (4pm) Single Green Fee 2 Green Fees & Buggy (4pm) Single Green Fee (from 3pm) Single Green Fee (from 4.30pm) 2 Green Fees & Buggy (4pm) 2 Green Fees & Buggy Single Green Fee Single Green Fee

Campana 22/06/22 Alicante 27/06/22 Mar Menor

New Sierra Golf

€82

2 Green Fees & Buggy

Puig Campana

€124

2 Green Fees & Buggy

Roda

€140

2 Green Fees & Buggy (3.30pm)

Saurines

€57

Single Green Fee

Villaitana Levante €102

Single Green Fee

Villaitana Poniente €71

Single Green Fee & Buggy

Villamartin

€133

2 Green Fees & Buggy (4pm)

Vistabella

€164

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

PAGE 22

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Spain Womens National Cricket squad.

BRAVE EFFORT BY SPAIN WOMEN ON INTERNATIONAL CRICKET DEBUT

By Andrew Atkinson EXCLUSIVE Spain Womens National Cricket team lost all four games in the historic T20 International tour in France this month.

"Sadly we lost all four games, but they improved so much over the week, and we have a lot of positives to take away," LaManga Torrevieja CC's Elspeth Fowler, who captained Spain, exclusively told The Leader.

The Spain National squad departed from Barcelona to Paris to play Jersey, France and Austria, at Dreux cricket ground.

"It was a really brave effort for our international debut - it was a steep learning curve for the girls - playing on a full-sized pitch for the first time," said Elspeth.

Elspeth Fowler T20 winning batter with teammate Amy Brown-Carrera (fielder of the tournament) among top 10 bowlers.

Spain played Austria (twice), Jersey and France, returning to Barcelona from Paris after the T20 International tournament.

"Our bowling over the week improved considerably, and we cut down on the extras as we went along, which was great to see," said Elspeth.

Batter of the T20 tournament, Elspeth said: "We were consistent with the bat, and I was very happy to get some runs of my own.

"There was some strong competition, but we proved that we weren’t a pushover. I’m sure we’ll get some more wins under our belt next time round."

Elspeth was the winning batter of the tournament, with teammates Uswa, Wania, Amy Brown-Carrera (fielder of the tournament) and Rabia Iqbal finishing in the top 10 bowlers.

Looking ahead to the 2022 campaign for LaManga Torrevieja CC, she added: "During my season ahead with LMTCC, I hope that I’ll be able to continue my form with the bat - and finally reach 50!".

IJC CONFIRM SPAIN RUGBY TEAM THROWN OUT OF 2023 WORLD CUP

BY ANDREW ATKINSON The Independent Judicial Committee has confirmed the sanction on Spain rugby team being thrown out of the 2023 World Cup in France, for improper alignment of Gavin van den Berg.

South African born van den Berg played in two qualifying European Championship games for the world tournament.

IJCs Nigel Hampton, chairman, Pamela Woodman and Frank Hadden confirmed a 10-point deduction from selection and a £25,000 fine, along with a suspended £50,000 fine for previous eligibility breaches during World Cup 2019 qualifying stages.

Romania, ranked third in the preliminary phase after Georgia and Spain, will join Group B, with Portugal playing in the playoffs in November.

The Committee determines in its resolution that Van den Berg had not been resident in Spain for the necessary period of 36 months, before playing with the Spanish team on December 18, 2021 and February 5, 2022.

"The reasons for the 127-day period that you were outside of Spain in the first year of that 36-month period did not constitute

sufficient 'exceptional circumstances' to allow you an exemption from being in Spain for at least 10 months in that year, as required by the Regulation 8.

"Therefore, Gavin van den Berg could not be selected or play," said a statement.

"Apparently, the player's club representatives had manipulated, without the knowledge of Spain or the player, the player's passport travel stamps to make it appear that he had not been outside of Spain for more than two months (62 days).

"In that first year, in order to facilitate the player's reclassification as a national player for the benefit of the club.

"However, despite the modified stamps, the player had been out of Spain for longer than allowed," added the statement.

The Commission does not sanction Gavin van den Berg in view of the fact that it understands that the failures that caused his infringement were largely those of Spain by not putting in place the appropriate systems to check the documentation.

Spain has the right to appeal within 14 days of the full written decision and no further comments will be made until the process is complete.

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PAGE 23

THADER REACH THE PLAYOFFS - NOW FOR PROMOTION Thader’s Tartan Army in full voice

CD Thader ...........0 UD Rayo Ibense....0

dent took place. Having just received a booking some 2 minutes earlier, Pedro was shown a 2nd yellow card for a silly needless foul on 68 mins. Not only did his team mates have to play out the remaining 22 mins without his services, but he will now miss at least the first leg of the forthcoming Patacona match.

equiring only a point from this final league match for play offs qualification, wild celebrations greeted the full-time whistle. Never has a goal less draw been so enthusiastically received, as Thader are now just 3 games away from promotion to the Spanish national 3rd divison.

R

Preferente group 2 winners Patacona (a seaside town on the outskirts of Valencia) will visit Moi Gomez stadium on Sunday 22 May, ko 1130, for the 1st leg of the play-offs semi-final.

The 2nd leg will take place in Patacona on either 28 or 29 May. If successful, Thader will then face a one-off match at a neutral venue, for their aim to be achieved.

Rayo Ibense arrived at a packed Moi Gomez stadium, already assured of play-offs, having been guaranteed a 2nd place finish.

Fresh from suspension, Pedro tested Ethan on 6 mins, one of many saves the Ibense keeper would make during 90+ mins of play.

Dani Lucas was unceremoniously bundled over in Ibense penalty area, but an offside flag denied a certain spot kick.

Even though this match was a non event for Ibense, it didn't stop them from employing rough stuff tactics, resulting in many bookings for their troubles. Raul Mora's men also picked up their share of cards, which would later lead to the dismissal of a key player.

Quino should have opened the scoring on 25 mins, but Thader's big no 9 headed wide from close range. Fran embarked on a mazy run on the half hour mark, only for his fierce low shot to be saved by the over worked Ethan.

This pulsating match followed the same vein in the 2nd half, an early Dani's long range free kick narrowly missing the target. A well worked move on 58 mins, resulted in Pedro forcing a fine save from Ethan, as Thader employed relentless pressure on their opponents.

Substitute Calderon should have done better, when he headed wide of the far post from an in-swinging corner, before a potential game changing inci-

A yellow card was also brandished in the direction of Thader's dug out on 79 mins, as frustration was at boiling point.

Deep in stoppage time, a goal bound Ibense effort was held on for dear life

by Chema, who'd previously been a spectator for long periods of this enthralling match.

The first of potentially 3 massive matches for Thader, kicks off at 1130 next Sunday (22 May), when once again the town of Rojales will be buzzing with anticipation.

Why not come along and witness first hand what this friendly club has to offer? I promise that you won't be disappointed!!!

Diana Lloyd Memorial Shield Winners - Gap Girlz

CD Benijofar

CD Benijofar beaten at home by Pinoso CF Pinoso CF A moved up to fourth place in the Valencia 1st Regional Group 9 following a 3-2 away win at CD Benijofar on Saturday.

SUDUKO SOLUTION

Alguena CF went seventh after defeating CF Sporting de San Fulgencio at home 20.

On May 13, CF Sporting Albatera gained a 3-2 away win at CF Rafal, with CD Cox and Orihuela CF B taking a point apiece in a 2-2 draw.

SC Torrevieja travel to CF Atletico Algorfa on Sunday, May 15, with Racing San Miguel hosting leaders Atletico de Catral, and CF Popular Orihuela CF hosting CD Montesinos.

In the Valencia 2nd Regional G16 UD la Coca Aspense B suffered a 5-3 home defeat against Atletico Benejuzar A on Saturday.

Athletic Club Torrellano B went fourth, following a 3-0 away win at CD Horadada.

UE Crevilente FB A drew 0-0 against visitors Sporting Saladar, who dropped to fifth.

On May 12, Formentera CF hit nine goals in a 9-1 win against Elche Dream CF B. *Sunday's results will appear online at www.theleader.info.

R Up - Tipsy Tigers

SEMI- FINALS 3/5/22 Friendly Chicas 2 - 7 Tipsy Tigers Dolly Mixtures 1 - 8 Gap Girlz FINALS 10/5/22 Gap Girlz

8 - 1 Tipsy Tigers

HOT DARTS: Bliss Wright GG 180, Yvonne Rouffignac GG 133, Amanda Skinner GG 140, 125, 100, Gail Murray GG 121, Lisa Ivill TT 103, Chelsea Campbell GG 100, Sharon Crane TT 100, Lesley Eagles 100 HIGHEST CHECK-OUT: Bliss Wright (GG) 76

QUIZ FROM PAGE 14: 1. Hercules. He changed his name legally to Elton Hercules John. He chose the middle name "Hercules" not after the hero of mythology, but after the horse named Hercules on the British sitcom Steptoe and Son (1962). 2. Mahjong. 3.

Tropical Fruits, 4. The Artist won the award in 2012 prior to which it was Schindlers List in 1993.

5. Bus (omnibus). 6. The sound barrier when he flew the experimental Bell X-1 at Mach 1. 7.

Work. 8. Unforgiven, Braveheart and Titanic. 9.

Russia and Japan. 10.

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Roy Emerson, Rod Laver, Don Budge, Fred Perry and Novak Djokovic. 11. Julienne.

12. Shocking Blue and Bananarama. 13. Vatican City, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Andorra and Luxembourg. 14.

Lady. 15. Canada (Montreal 1976). 16.

Malta. 17. The Elephant Man. 18. Fokker. 19.

Fleetwood Mac. 20.

When making a toast. (as in Cheers, salute, to your health).

PAGE 24

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