The Leader Newspaper 23 January 23 – Edition 955

MENOR’S THE MAR

JAILHOUSE ROCKER

AScottish musician is searching for the band he created when he was imprisoned in Murcia’s Sangonera Penitentiary, over three decades ago.

Allan McCarthy, the former frontman of rock group ‘Berlin 90’, arrived in Spain in the mid 1980’s. He is the first to admit that, still in his early twenties, he became entangled with a ‘bad bunch,’ the end result of which was a drugs related offence, resulting in a six-and-a-half year sentence in the Murcia prison.

Within the prison the authorities were keen to keep the inmates occupied and one of the things they provided to budding musicians was a practise room, a teacher and musical equipment, so in no time Allan had established a relationship with a number of likeminded individuals and ‘Berlin 90’ was formed.

The band was unsurprisingly labelled "the bad boys of rock", and after a music teacher at the prison submitted a demo ‘Berlin 90’ tape to a ‘battle of the bands’ contest, organised by Angel Sopena at the local radio station, Onda Regional, the band quickly made National headlines; Berlin 90 had been born.

Realising the PRbenefits, the prison authorities got behind the project and supported the band with a rehearsal space and instruments; while the other inmates became their audience, and their critics.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Such was their success that the band were given day release by prison chiefs to record a few tracks in a local studio, with one track, Stormy Waters, then chosen to appear on a double compilation cassette, entitled ‘A Year of Rock in Murcia 1991’, edited by the radio station. On the tape they played alongside popular local bands, Ferroblues, Joaquín Talismán, Fenomenos Extraños and Doble Cero.

Speaking to The Leader from his home on Mr Menor Golf, McCarthy said: “When our song got entered for the radio competition it ended up on a double cassette compilation.

“Since we were ‘track one, side one’ on the tape if anyone played anything of it, it was us.

“We were featuring in the newspapers everyday and on the radio, not just in Murcia but in Madrid and across the whole of Spain.

“Of course it was a novelty, we were singing in English, plus the band was lead by a Scotsman singing from a Spanish jail.

“We were under no illusions about it, and it was a good story at the time: ‘Bad boys go out and make a record’. The track, Stormy Waters, surprised quite a few people.”

Prison chiefs also granted Allan

CRUZ ROJA

CONTINUE TO WELCOME FOOD DONATIONS

The Cruz Roja Torrevieja seemed very pleased with yet another delivery of donated food items.

David and Lorraine Whitney, were happy to deliver two trolley loads of food items for the charity, one courtesy of the generosity of

and his fellow Berlin 90 band members day release to perform in front of an audience at a local venue, which Andy admits was a far cry from the band playing to just their music teacher and a handful of prison staff in the prison’s “wee auditorium between the blocks”.

However, things came to an abrupt end when the Scotsman was transferred to the infamous Carabanchel Prison in Madrid, many miles to the north, losing all contact with his bandmates in Sangonera.

Having served his time, and following his release from prison, Andy returned to his native Scotland where he forged a career in magazine publishing, but following his retirement he returned once more to the Murcia region, where he now lives on the Mar Menor Golf Resort, with his girlfriend and her family.

Soon after his return, Allan once again made contact with the DJ, Ángel Sopena, to ask for his help in locating his old band mates.

The DJ had continued to present his radio show, Música de Contrabando, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2021, and one of the bands that he continuously played on his show, according to the proud Scot, was Berlin 90.

"At the time, in interviews he gave

about his popular radio programme Sopena said that one of the best memories he has from his career is the story of Berlin 90. This guy has met Bowie, The Stones and many other top names, but he said the one thing that he remembers fondly is the prison band he was involved with at the very beginning."

Unfortunately, Allan was to soon learn that one of the old band members had died, one had returned to Madrid and disappeared from the scene, and the drummer, who was French, had returned to France.

Overseas Supermarket customers and another supply of food bought with money raised at the recent charity event "Mingle Bells" at the Marina Bar, Calle de las Rosas. This event, organised by David and Lorraine, once again highlighted the generosity of people in these difficult times.

A big thank you must go to all of those people who kindly donated food items into the trolley in Overseas Supermarket

As such, Allan says that he cannot now reform the original band, but he does intend to start a new version of Berlin 90, whose music is back on the radio, thanks to Ángel Sopena.

He says that he has been discussing the possibility of returning to the prison where he was confined to play a free concert for the inmates. However, one thing he also says is certain; his time as a rock and roll jailbird has long been left behind. And one further footnote as the story was picked up by UK media, Allan has just been interviewed by The Times.

Torrevieja and to the manager James Lound for his charitable support. Thanks too to Rita and Dave Monaghan and their loyal team at the Marina Bar who again support and donate to worthwhile charities like the Cruz Roja.

(The photo shows Lorraine with some of the food items destined for the Charity)

637 227 385 sales@theleader.info PROPERTY 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 PARTOF THIS NEWSPAPER MAYBE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENTOF THE PUBLISHERS.

Alllan with radio presenter Angel Sopena at Onda Regional Radio Station

USA among possible New Destinations from Alicante Airport

With the arrival of the spring and summer in which travel, both within Spain and abroad, is experiencing exponential growth, airlines have announced new routes that will begin operating from March from the Costa Blanca’s Alicante - Elche Miguel Hernández airport.

In addition to the confirmed routes the President of the Alicante Diputación said at the FITUR Travel Fair in Madrid that he also wants direct flights from Alicante to the USA this year.

He said that he is committed to US tourism due to the great offer of "language tourism" available at the University of Alicante and the UMH, as well as the fact that Alicante is consolidating itself as a base port for cruise ships in the scheduling of visits by shipping companies in the Mediterranean . “We are raising the bar and we are going to start working on a US tourism strategy. It is the pearl we are missing. My goal is that we work together with the Generalitat and the airport authorities to negotiate with tour operators, agencies and airlines”, Mazón stated.

“It is the most powerful challenge we have set ourselves to date and we are going for it. There have never been direct regular flights from the US to Alicante. We are the number one destination for Erasmus. Why not compete to also attract students from the United States,” said Mazón at IFEMA.

Of the confirmed routes that were announced, a total of 17 will be launched between the three Valencian Community airports, (Valencia airport, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport and Castellón-Costa de Azahar airport. From Alicante, there will be ten more routes between the months of March, April, and May.

Ryanair, the Irish low-cost airline, will launch five of them, connecting Alicante Elche airport with the Austrian city of Klagenfurt and the German region of Paderborn Lippstadt. Starting in March, it will also be possible to travel to Belfast,

the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, and domestically, Santander. In May, Ryanair will open a further new toute with the Italian city of Turin.

There will be two destination in Nordic countries from Alicante starting in April.

The Norwegian airline will launch a connection to Stockholm Skavsta, serving the capital of Sweden, and another to the Norwegian city of Haugesund. With Norwegian you can also travel to Aalborg, a spectacular city in northern Denmark.

In May, Niceair will open a route with Iceland, and it will be possible to fly from Alicante to the city of Akureyri. In May, the German airline Condor will link the cities of Alicante and Düsseldorf.

Also in a tweet last week, SOUTHEND Airport has teased at potentially bringing back Alicante airport as a flight destination as it announced that easyJet will be running flights to Amsterdam from May.

One cheeky customer jokingly quipped: “You’ve spelt Alicante wrong.”

A recent Facebook post by the airport encouraged customers to voice their support for an Alicante flight with a poll finding that it is the most wanted new destination from the airport. Taking the jab in good spirits, an airport spokesman cryptically replied: “Maybe tomorrow, but not today!”

And they received a huge response, as the Twitter and Facebook posts combined received more than 250 comments in just 24 hours.

But it’s not all good news for the air travel industry as, once again, Spanish Air Traffic Controllers have announced strike action.

The Usca and CC.OO. unions, which represent Air Traffic Controllers in privatised control towers, have called a five-day strike between January and February, "before the failure of the negotiations" of the collective agreement.

The strikes will take place on Monday 30 January, and February 6, 13, 20 and 27 in the control towers of A Coruña, Alicante-Elche, Castellón, Cuatro Vientos, El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Ibiza, Jerez, Lanzarote, La Palma, Lleida, Murcia, Sabadell, Seville, Valencia and Vigo.

New Torrevieja school to be built in Los Altos

Torrevieja’s new Secondary School Number 6 is to be located on a municipal plot between Avda Espuña and Calle’s Abreu, Manzanilla and Caramujo, in the Los Altos residential area.

The City Council approved the file on Friday with which the municipality is promoting the construction of this new educational establishment.

Initially, although it had not been made public, the planned location

was a plot in the La Coronelita sector, an area where there are currently dozens of tourist homes under construction, next to Los Balcones.

The Councilor for Education, Ricardo Recuero, explained that the decision to modify the location has been made in consultation with the school communities which will be the main supply centres to this new institute, the Romualdo Infant and Primary School Ballester and the Infant and Primary School Number 14.

NOBEL PRIZE WINNER ROALD HOFFMANN IN ORIHUELA

Roald Hoffmann, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1981, and professor at Cornell University in New York, visited Orihuela on Friday where he met the mayor and many of the city’s councillors.

Hoffmann also visited the Miguel Hernández Museum and the Santo Domingo school after which he went to the Marqués de Arneva Palace, the seat of the City Council, where he signed the Book of Honours.

The Nobel Prize winner came to Orihuela to present the translation of his collection of poems "Los hombres y las moleculas", with which the Department of Education collaborated.

Hoffmann was also able to visit the Jesús Carnicer

Science Didactic Museum and the campus of the Higher Polytechnic School of Orihuela (EPSO).

The mayor said that she has obtained 100 copies of Hoffmann's collection of poems that will be distributed by local schools.

Roald Hoffman received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1981 for his work applying quantum mechanical theories to predict the course of chemical reactions. In the text that he wrote in the Book of Honors, he has thanked "the people for their hospitality, in a city so full of history."

He also thanked the Council for it’s support with the publication of the translation of his collection of poems.

SYSTEM CHANGED

The system used by the Local Police to process and track fines has now been changed as, at the time of the offence, there were no security measures in place to monitor traceability

Anow retired former inspector of the Torrevieja Local Police force has been sentenced to eight and a half months in prison after he cancelled a traffic ticket from a friend.

The acquaintance who was fined, and who never received his 200 euro penalty, has also been sentenced to seven and a half months in prison in addition to the 200 euro fine and all legal costs.

During the more than nine years that has elapsed since the complaint was registered, in April 2013, the agent who reported the offence has had to leave the Local Police staff due to the alleged pressures that he received from the accused officer and from other agents.

In the last six months the courts have sentenced four officers from Torrevieja Local Police for improper actions in the exercise of their duties.

Last June one agent was sentenced for document falsification to a 90 day period of suspension of employment and salary, for issuing fines to a hotelier with whom he had a personal dispute, whilst using the identification of another agent.

In July 2022, the Court sentenced two other local police officers from Torrevieja to five years and three years and six months in prison for taking money from commercial establishments to avoid being penalised with administrative fines.

T O R R E V I E J A L O C A L P O L I C E I N S P E C T O R

E N T E N C E D T O 8 M O N T H S I N P R I S O N

The site of the new school in Calle Manzanilla

Hoffman was named after the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen

If you would like to book an appointment or receive any further details of treatments or courses, then please contact Christine Quinlan at Body Harmony Tel :966 795 103 Email:bodyharmony44@gmail.com

THERMO-AURICULAR THERAPY

(HOPI EAR CANDLES)

What are Hopi Candles?

Hopi Ear Candles are hollow tubes made of cotton, soaked in beeswax, honey and herbs. When lit, the candle acts like a chimney, causing warm air inside it to rise and creating a vacuum at the bottom.

This vacuum gently stimulates the ear, facilitating removal of excess wax and impurities

It is important to note that the candle does not suck wax out of the ear. It stimulates the ear to eliminate the wax naturally, ensuring maximum safety.

How are the candles used?

The treatment should be carried out in a relaxed, draught free atmosphere and the patient should lie in a comfortable position on his/her side with their head supported on a pillow.

Asmall cotton towel should cover the hair.

The lit candle is inserted into the outer ear and the flame is allowed to burn down to within a short distance of the marked red line, when the candle is then removed gently and extinguished in some water.

The practitioner then massages gently around the ear, using draining movements towards the neck.

The procedure is repeated on the other ear, and then the patient lies on his/her back for a gentle drainage massage on the face.

It is then important for the patient to have a drink of water and lie still for at least 10 minutes before he/she stands up

What are the benefits?

Hopi candles can be used for many conditions including deafness caused by excess wax, congested sinuses, irritation in the ears, ringing or noises in the ears, helps with tinnitus, glue ear,

Web:bodyharmonytherapies.co.uk.

BODY HARMONY

IS BASED IN LA MARINA See our advert below.

colds, flu, headaches and migraines. As their action is so gentle, this treatment is particularly suitable for children

What are the effects?

In most cases the treatment is extremely soothing and relaxing, leaving the patient with a sense of well-being and reduced pressure in the ears or head. Alittle warmth is felt, and hissing and crackling noises are heard, with a little popping. Most people say that it is a very pleasant experience!

The initial effect can be an improvement in hearing or freer nasal breathing and an improved sense of smell. However, improvements can continue occurring for a day or two.

When should candles not be used? Use of the candles is contra-indicated if:

*The ear drum is perforated Ö........... (perforated ear drums can heal up)

*Grommets are in places

*The ear is infected

*The patient is allergic to any of the candles components ..e.g. beeswax Safety

I use BIOSUN Ear Candles which are medical products Class IIa according to medical device directive 93/42/EEC, and are regularly tested by independent institutes. You can therefore be confident that the candles are made of the highes quality and safety standards.

COURSE IN HOPI EAR CANDLING

Body Harmony offers a one day course in learning Hopi Ear Candling which will enable you to offer treatments to others. With this course you will get a certificate, and a comprehensive manual.

Medical malpractice claimed 699 lives last year

According to the 'Memoria 2022' report published by the Patients' Ombudsman in Spain, the organization received an average of 37 complaints per day for medical malpractice in 2022.

This shows a total of 13,611 cases of medical malpractice, an increase of 455 from 2021, out of which 699 resulted in death, an increase of 71 from 2021.

Andalusia to announce new measures to curb rise in Covid-19 cases

The President of the Junta de Andalucia, Juanma Moreno, announced new measures to combat the spread of Covid-19 in retirement homes in Andalucia.

The decision was made after a meeting of the Regional Committee of High Impact on Public Health, and will involve reinforcing prevention and surveillance in homes for the elderly. .

Spain, France sign a friendship treaty at Barcelona meeting

The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, and the French President, Emmanuel Macron, met in Barcelona on Thursday to sign a friendship and cooperation treaty reinforcing ties on issues such as migration, defence, and energy.

The treaty aims to cement stronger ties between southern European countries and France, as the Paris-Berlin alliance that underpins EU unity is showing signs of strain.

The two most visited countries in the world are in Europe

According to GlobalData,France is on track to becoming the most visited country in the world,having welcomed 66.6mn international visitors in 2022.

The number of international arrivals in France is expected to rise by 12.1% per year.

Spain comes in second place in the ranking of most visited countries in the world,having welcomed 26.3mn visitors in 2022.

Fuel prices are 15% higher since the govt scrapped the discount

Fuel prices in Spain have increased by an average of 17% for gasoline and 15% for diesel in the last three weeks, according to the European Union (EU) Oil Bulletin.

This is a result of the government ending its 20 cents per litre discount on fuel. However, fuel prices remained relatively stable in the last week, with gasoline increasing by 0.19% and diesel decreasing by 0.18%..

The Rebate Story; 500 years of history

family, owners of Rebate, for their involvement and contribution to the project, without which it would not have been possible.

As the council continues to catalogue the history of the town and itís surrounds it has already begun planning for an account of Torre de la Horadada, but before that, on February 5 a presentation is planned on the history of Campoverde pine forest.

IN BRIEF

SPAIN SAYS 'VERY CLOSE TO DEAL' WITH BRITAIN ON GIBRALTAR

Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, said that Spain and the UK are close to a deal in settling the post-Brexit status of Gibraltar.

The status of Gibraltar and the policing of the border with Spain has been a point of contention since the UK voted to leave the EU in 2016.

The peninsula was excluded from the exit deal reached between UK and EU.

More than 400 people walked alongside the Virgen de la Fuensanta de Rebate, together with the mayor of Pilar de la Horadada, JosÈ MarÌa PÈrez, and several councillors, who distributed medals of the patron saint, the work of the sculptor S·nchez Lozano.

The procession was followed by the Huapango brass band, as they moved through the village, ending with a song dedicated to the Virgin written and sung by Pilar LÛpez, sung by herself, along with several women, in front of the small church.

Following a short presentation by DarÌo

Quesada, delegate of culture, everyone was presented with a copy of the book ìRebate; 500 years history (1522-2022)" published by the Pilar de la Horadada Council. Its author, MarÌa GarcÌa Samper, gave a brief history of Rebate, which was once the nerve centre of the area, for several centuries providing services to the population.

The mayor and the delegate for culture also handed out forty-one awards to all those who had provided information to the author of the book, with the mayor concluding by thanking the author and all the collaborators, highlighting in particular the Van Iseghem Van Heden

A statue of the virgin being carried into the church Ermite de Rebate during the celebrations

ARE THERE ELEPHANTS IN OKLAHOMA?

Songs lie to us, and we are willing accomplices. In the film Carousel, the Rodgers and Hammerstein ballad "You'll Never Walk Alone" claims that "at the end of the storm there's a golden sky and the sweet silver song of a lark." Rather than, say, rivers flooding their banks, widespread power cuts, and looting. They must have had a different day (or storm) in mind.

Incidentally, what do moths do during power cuts, with no light bulbs to flock to, are they reduced to flapping their wings at the headlights of passing cars?

Songwriters are simply following the tried-and-true path whereby song lyrics offer us comforting untruths. I mean, "the corn is as high as an elephant's eye"? Are we talking baby elephants here? Are there even elephants in Oklahoma? Or should I say, Oklahoma!

Some songs are deliberately created to tug at one's heartstrings -"How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?" -- or to boost one's patriotism -- national anthems -- or to confirm one's prejudices -"There is Nothin' Like A Dame." (Never refer to a woman as a dame unless she has been ennobled.) Other lies we are asked to swallow include such unlikely statements as, "I got plenty of nothing, and nothing's plenty for me." I have less trouble believing Abba when they tell us "it's always sunny, in a rich man's world."

Frequently, musical declarations are negative -- "I never promised you a rose garden... along with the sunshine there's gotta be a little rain sometime." Abba please note. And sometimes the promises are tantalisingly vague: "Do you want to know a secret? Do you promise not to tell? Let me whisper in your ear..." In 1965 Barry McGuire's most negative statement of all was that we were on 'The Eve of Destruction.' You should never predict the end of the world, because you are almost sure to be wrong, and if you are right there's no one left to congratulate you.

Occasionally, it is the singer who doesn't want to deal with the truth. "Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies," requests Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac. Billy Joel, though, advises honesty, while warning us that "If you look for truthfulness, you might just as well be blind."

Not only song lyrics cheat. The Eagles bemoan the fact that "There ain't no way to hide your lyin' eyes, and your smile is a thin disguise." A woman may smile, and smile, and be a villain, as Hamlet almost said.

Most songs that feature those oft-used words 'forever' or 'always'

contain promises that are not keepable, and consequently are in fact lies.

The song 'Forever and a Day' by the Dave Clark Five really pushes the envelope in that respect, and Willie Nelson's version of 'You Were Always On My Mind' perhaps harks back to a time when Willie's mind wasn't 89 years old.

Even as a mere stripling of 76, nowadays I can't hear the words "I never saw the sun shining so bright," without thinking of skin damage and drought. But I do wish you all -- metaphorically at least -- "Blue skies, nothing but blue skies from now on." And that's no lie.

Spain among European countries where house prices will fall most till 2025

According to S&P Global Ratings, property prices in Spain are likely to fall during 2023, as well as in most of Europe, due to interest rate hikes by central banks.

The agency predicts that Spain will experience one of the most intense house price decreases among European countries, with a decrease of 2.5%.

Airlines to announce new hand baggage allowance

Airlines including Ryanair, Iberia, and Air Europa have different baggage rules in Spain.

Many travellers choose to only carry hand luggage due to the hassle and expense of checking in a suitcase.

However, this could be a costly mistake as several popular carriers have now warned that the price of tickets will be going up this year while there have also been changes in hand luggage allowances.

Castille y Leon drops order to offer heartbeat before abortion

The president of the central Spanish region of Castile and Leon, Alfonso Fernandez Manueco, has denied an announcement made by a member of his cabinet that doctors must give women the opportunity to listen to the heartbeats of foetuses before any abortion procedure.

He emphasised that "neither doctors nor pregnant women will be forced to do anything."

Big Four firms questioned over employees being made to work long hours

The Spanish offices of the Big Four accounting firms (PwC, KPMG, EY and Deloitte) were visited by government inspectors in November as part of an investigation into potentially abusive practices. The inspections were in response to bad publicity over employees being made to work at least 12 hours a day.

For more info 966 71 0047 / 688792515 info@satanimalrescue.com

Mombasa is a happy, 3 month old, who is fully vaccinated/ passport/ microchipped.

Ye olde rumour mill continues to grind …

Let me tell you this one again: A couple of American tourists were strolling down Dublin’s Suffolk Street, trying to decide which of the many fine restaurants they would have sate their educated palate. Suddenly the man sees something in a posh restaurant which grabs his attention.

In the window is planted a glass tank full of live crabs, where the diner can choose which crab is next to take a dip into boiling water. He addresses his wife thus: ‘Gee Honey, you have to see this. The water reaches the top of the tank and there is no lid to prevent the crabs getting out of the tank like there is back home. I gotta investigate this one …’

So the American goes inside and meets the manager. ‘Hey, my friend, back in the U.S of A, a restaurateur would have a glass lid on top of that tank to stop the fish going AWOL, so can you tell me, how come your crabs don’s escape?’

The restaurant manager answered thus: ‘Well, Sir, these are all Irish crabs in the tank, and if one of them looks like climbing out, the others will pull him back down!’

Funny – but there is a lot of truth in that parable.

Now first of all, we have to reiterate the fact that Ireland is the best country in the world in which to live - with all due respect to my English and Spanish readers … but without apologies to my American cousins!

But nothing or nowhere is perfect and if illegal refuse dumping is one blot on our idyll, another one is that which you cannot see but can hear. This is the prevalence of the groundless rumour; a lie invented by somebody and sown as a seed among a fertile following.

NEWS IN BRIEF

There are different categories of rumours and at the lower end of the scale there are those minor inaccuracies which are quiet harmless. Somebody overhears a bit of mild gossip and takes it up wrong before passing it on.

At the other extreme is the downright lie; invented and spread with malicious intent. Names and detail are added to give the story the stamp of authenticity. If the name of an auctioneer, solicitor or clergyman can be added to the mix there is a good chance that the story will stick.

Inventing or spreading rumours is a first cousin of begrudgery. This ploy has been known to be used by a business rival in the hope that it will damage the competitor.

A nod and a wink and ‘I hear’ is all that is needed to sow the seed and from there the ever-willing foot soldiers will do the devil’s work. Just throw it out there and let it spread like chaff in ‘The Idiot Wind.’

Most people who start or embellish rumours do so because they have nothing better to do. They feel that this ability to command attention, belittle somebody and perhaps get a laugh at someone’s expense – always someone who isn’t there to defend themselves with the truth; makes the rumour-monger more likeable and wanted.

The other cousin of rumour-mongering is jealousy. These people cannot be you, they resent the object of their ridicule and believe they are raising themselves up by trying to pull down the victim of their story.

‘Misery Loves Company ’and ‘birds of a feather will flock together’ – and all that jazz. The thing about the rumour mill workers is that they have to stick together. They all know that if one of then gets separated from the

*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.

pack; he or she will then become a possible candidate for a bit of oul back-biting and a ‘there could be something to it!’

The classic example of the rumour mill feeder is one who feels insecure, low self-esteem, angry at the world – and top of the list, jealousy of others.

A little further down the chain there is the link who do it because they enjoy the illusion of being ‘in the know.’ All those who spread lies are nothing more than dysfunctional misfits who can never be trusted by anyone.

When one strand of their story is proven to be false, the story gets changed – starting with a ‘Yea … but …’

‘That’s what I was told’, was the answer a

Bernie

man made me one time in Spain when I confronted him about telling the ludicrous lie that my pub was being investigated by CAB. ‘THAT’S WHAT I WAS TOLD!!’ And that was meant to excuse and be a reason for spreading a malicious rumour? But you cannot reason with these people – so we, ‘the doers’ will get on with doing … because, ‘if it weren’t for the doers, the critics would be out of business!’

A funny thing about this country is that the penalty for telling the truth can be greater than for spreading the worst lie!

DON’T FORGET

Experience makes a person better or bitter.

Catalonia's Maria Branyas now oldest living person at 115 Maria Branyas, at 115 years old, is now the world's oldest living person after the death of Lucile Randon, a French nun who was 118. Branyas, born in San Francisco, moved to Catalonia as a child and has memories dating back to WWI and the Spanish Civil War.

Tags that government wants to put on sexual offenders?

Telematic devices to monitor sexual offenders are being offered to women who are victims of sexual violence on the release of their aggressors.

The devices are to be worn by both the victim and the aggressor.

High power prices driving Spanish residents into poverty

Middle classes in Spain is now being affected by poverty due to the economic crisis. According to a survey by Oxfam, nearly 4% of Spanish households in the middle class, have spent more than half of their income on energy since the rise in prices last year.

Amazon likely to let go of employees in the country, say unions

Amazon has plans to cut more than 18,000 jobs, citing the "uncertain economy" and the fact it hired rapidly during the pandemic. The company will be cutting the workforce in both the UK and Spain, according to trade union FIT-CISL.

Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com

has published four books; ëIf Ever a Man Sufferedí, ëThe Best of Bernieí, ëThe Teamí, and ëJust Between Ourselvesí. Bernieís books are available at half price, on sale from either Spanish Solutions or ëThe Leader.íCall 637 227 385 for info.

Ik Ik ea N ea N oo w in the B w in the B oule oule vv ard ard

Everyone´s favourite Swedish furniture store, Ikea, has opened a new shop in Zenia Boulevard.

However, before you get too excited, it´s not a full-on superstore like they have in Murcia, but rather a collection point for orders.

It does potentially make life

a little easier though, as you can buy online and pick up your purchases at the pick-up point, IKEA Zenia Boulevard.

The pick-up point is located next to Casinos Mediterraneo and it is best to park in the park outside the area of Norauto and Casinos Mediterraneo car parks, rather than under-

ground.

The pick-up point compliments the design store which is operating at the Boulevard.

To encourage you to use the new service, for a limited time, using the Ikea pick-up point can also see you entered into a raffle for a 100 euro gift card.

TIPS FOR PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT

ESSENTIALADVICE

Be suspicious about any unusual emails, texts or direct messages that you receive on social media.

Stay vigilant about any messages you receive that specifically ask you to act immediately, offer something that sounds too good to be true, or require you to provide personal information.

FOCUS ON PREVENTION

ABOUT HOW WE CAN ALLSTAYSAFE THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK

Make passwords as complicated as you can manage (a sentence or phrase rather than a word). Don't reuse them.

Update apps regularly for security improvements. Always use two-factor authentication.

Keep an eye on accounts, credit reports and bills, and verify unusual activity.

Torrevieja to invest 806,000 euros in 775 new computers

Public employees in Torrevieja City Council are getting brand new computer equipment over the next 6 months, according to councillor,Federico Alarcón (PP),who has approved a tender bid by the company Bechtle Direct to supply 775 new computers - 225 of them laptops.

The council is making an investment of 806,000 euros (VAT included),which is a a decrease of 20% less than the bidding price,the initial amount proposed being

one million euros.

One of the main objects is to facilitate teleworking and mobile working for all those municipal public personnel who need it.

The Council is already making an investment in cybersecurity.It awarded the company Nunsys a 5 year contract worth 513,296 euros for the design,supply, deployment and start-up of an end-toend distributed cybersecurity platform with the aim of guaranteeing the perimeter defence of the council’s main telematic networks

SERVE THE COMMUNITY WITH US

We are looking to recruit Duty Supervisors for our charity shop – all positions are voluntary and unpaid.

We are a charity dedicated to the emotional wellbeing of all English speaking residents of Spain. Our vision is for a society in which fewer people die by suicide, people are able to explore their feelings, and people are able to acknowledge and respect the feelings of others.

We do this by enabling people of any age who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those who may be at risk of suicide, to receive confidential emotional support.

This support is provided by appropriately trained Samaritans via freephone and email between 10am and 10pm, 365 days a year. We offer this support in order to improve emotional health and to reduce the incidence of suicide.

THE SKILLS WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

Ability to exercise good independent judgement

Ability to work to financial targets

We are looking for individuals who are willing and able to devote the necessary time and effort. INTERESTED?INTERESTED?INTERESTED?INTERESTED?

Contact Les Holloway for an application form by email to: igretail.spainsams@gmail.com or by calling into the charity shop. Closing date for completed applications: 7 FEBRUARY 2023

Applicants may be fluent English speakers of any nationality, and must be legally resident in Spain. References will be required for the service provided by Samaritans in Spain.

For further information about Samaritans in Spain, visit www.samaritansinspain.com

ESCAPE TO THE VEGA BAJA

VEGA BAJA WAS WELL REPRESENTED AT THE YEAR’S FIRST MAJOR TOURISM FAIR

The first major tourism fair of the year took place in Madrid last week, the 43rd edition of FITUR, held at the IFEMA, where dozens of politicians, representing many of our local municipalities, spent the last few days, along with a substantial sum from our hard earned taxes.

Torrevieja and Orihuela both sent sizeable delegations to the fair, while Guardamar, San Miguel de Salinas, Pilar de la Horadada, San Fulgencio and a number of other smaller municipalities were much more thrifty with their council expenditure.

By far the largest delegation was sent from Torrevieja, with the mayor and many of his councillors accompanied by a number of municipal staff along with dozens of young ladies who were there to demonstrate the advantages of the city as an appealing carnival destination.

There were also chefs on hand to exhibit some of our wonderful local gastronomy as well as a number of sports personalities who were in attendance to show off the many benefits of sports tourism in and around the area.

The event got underway on Wednesday when Torrevieja presented the best of its annual carnival as more than 100 singers, musicians and dancers, all members of seven of the main comparsas (groups of dancers) from the city, paraded along Calle Preciados to the Puerta del Sol, and into the adjacent pedestrian area in the capital.

The objective of "this impressive parade was to promote the city and it’s local carnival, declared of Regional Tourist Interest, and one of the largest and most popular festivals in the city of salt, in which 23 comparsas currently take part with more than 1,500 people parading."

Back in the main exhibition centre the mayor and his team went on to present details of the festivities that focus on December in Torrevieja. Through a video

entitled "Once upon a time in December", the presentation showed the more than 50 days that the salt city celebrates its patron saint festivities and the Christmas program.

As well as the gastronomy featuring showcooking of gazpacho marinero and rice with anchovies, there was also the Hospitality Calendar 2023, presented by the Department of Tourism, Commerce and Hospitality.

The Department of Sports was on hand to show off it’s Sports Agenda, made up of more than thirty events of various disciplines, national and international, as well as the many training camps that are part of the tourism sports centre in which the city has been working in recent years. The presentation ceremony was attended by the president of the Spanish Swimming Federation, Fernando Carpena.

Sport was also an important feature of the Orihuela presentation in which the mayor and the councillor, Luis Quesada, from the Department of Sports, spoke of how “sport is revitalizing the city, its tourism and economy."

Along with Diana Box, vice president of the Royal Spanish Handball Federation, the party unveiled the 1000 Playas de Orihuela Beach Handball Championship which the Orihuela Costa will be hosting for a fifth consecutive year on La Zenia beach, bringing into the area dozens of teams from all over the country along with many hundreds of competitors, during the early summer.

The councillor said, “"this is great news for our city and for the practice of sport, through dynamic events such as this, which is good for the territory, our municipality and our region.”

Orihuela’s Holy Week was another major attraction that received exposure at the fair. "You won't find anything like it anywhere, it's

that simple." said the president of the Cofradía de la Santa Cena, Juan Carlos Sevilla, as he held up the the poster for Holy Week along with mayoress, Carolina, Gracia. The event was also attended by municipal representatives, the Junta Mayor, as well as cofradías, brotherhoods and stewards.

Gracia said that. “there is nothing quite like Holy Week which is one of the oldest in Spain and whose origins date back to the 16th century, and of which we can say, without a doubt, it is unique and spectacular".

“Holy Week in Orihuela is a celebration that offers the visitor an infinite number of attractions: religious fervour, devotion and art. And all this through its impressive imagery. Believe me when I tell you that whoever comes to Orihuela during these days always has a unique experience, because Holy Week is like no other, thanks to the grandeur of its processions, and also because of its peculiarities that differentiate it from all others”.

23 comparsas are currently taking part in the Torrevieja carnival with more than 1,500 people parading.

Orihuela’s Holy Week is a unique experience, thanks to the grandeur of its processions,

More than 30 sporting events will take place in Torrevieja

I m p r o v e t h e q u a l i t y o f y o u r s l e e p w i t h

H e a d b o a r d s a n d B e d s i n C . C . L a M o s c a

Everyone deserves a quality and restful sleep after a busy day. Regardless of what you do, a sound sleep prepares you for a productive day ahead.

Here at H&E, we provide you with all the bed types and accessories, from soft to firm mattresses designed according to your desire that will guarantee that you will sleep like a baby.

H&E you will find our new MATTRESS and HEADBOARDS store, local to you, in Centro Commercial LA MOSCA in Orihuela Costa.

You will find a large selection of mattresses of different sizes with the best quality FLOATING effect (A Patented System) for maximum comfort and adaptability at a

most affordable price. We also have bed boxes with large storage capacity, upholstered bases, bed bases and bedside tables.

Our headboards are lacquered and upholstered. We have different models and sizes according to your needs. You can also select your desired fabric and colour combination for our headboards to provide you with your own personal touch.

Come and visit us so that we can help you to relax and improve the quality of your sleep, thereby ensuring that you will wake up well rested and ready to face the following day. (See main ad on page 3)

WATERCOLOUR

OF OLD ORIHUELA TOWN HALL

Central

At midnight on 31 December, the clock with its chimes announced the beginning of a New Year, 2023. Let's hope they are chimes of glory, of hope, of peace and of progress.

Artist Manuel Sola PÈrez has captured the character of the Old Orihuela Town Hall in a watercolour painting.

to the painting is the clock, always an important element in local events, and of especial importance in Orihuela for many centuries.

ACROSS ACROSS

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD ANSWERS

QUICK

ACROSS: 1 6 Imperil; 7 Aware; 9 Again; 10 Calling; 12 Unfeignedly; 14 Altercation; 18 Combine; 19 Diary; 21 Revel; 22 Fatuous.

DOWN: 1 Image; 2 Region; 3 Dig; 4 Twelve; 5 Wrangle; 8 Naughty; 11 Descent; 13 All over; 15 Emblem; 16 Odious; 17 Fraud; 20 Gay.

CR CR YPTIC YPTIC

ACROSS: ACROSS: 6 Funeral; 7 Hoard; 9 Shrug; 10 Lodging; 12 Demonstrate; 14 Fatal errors; 18 Sleeper; 19 Abbey; 21 Anode; 22 Bulldog.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Ought; 2 Refuse; 3 Lam; 4 Forger; 5 Granite; 8 Consort; 11 Foresee; 13 Mailing; 15 Agenda; 16 Ribald; 17 Demon; 20 Nun.

ACROSS ACROSS

1.Condiment makes many sick (4)

3.Lose track of account in simple form (8) 9.Agrees to have a couple of hundred different pets (7) 10.Where a washer is always available (2,3) 11.One looking for scraps may show it (12) 13.Settle a clue (6) 15.Doing nothing right in an examination (2,4) 17.Remain calm and avoid being executed! (4,4,4)

20.More or less important player (5)

21.Geological term for beach wear, possibly (7) 22.Army units also included in the projects (8) 23.Mad cricketers (4)

DOWN DOWN

1.Exhausted and insensitive to rhythm (4-4)

2.Near-beer place? (5)

4.How to march on foot (6)

5.Estate agent's office behind the scenes? (8,4)

6.What one may write about a recital (7)

7.Discover an Eastern secret agent (4)

8.It's noted for being honest and quiet (7,5)

12.The boss sent out learners (8)

14.Possibly I retain indolence (7)

16.It's still produced in Ireland, though illegally (6)

18.Not an all-American name for a girl (5)

19.He has a piano for collection (4)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 23)

1.What were the two great civilisations in Greece between 2000 and 1000 BC?

2.Since 1670,what is the oldest commercial corporation in North America?

3.Which two European countries were eliminated by South Korea in the knock-out rounds of the 2002 World Cup,and who beat South Korea in the semi-final?

4.Which 1965 007 children's toy with all the accessories can now fetch up to 1,500 dollars when sold at auctions or through E-Bay?

5.Which tiny country has the highest number of snake bite fatalities each year?

6.What are the three most populated cities in Africa?

7.Name the first eight UK number one hits from The Beatles.

8.The Pretenders hit 'Stop Your Sobbing' and The Herman's Hermits hit 'Dandy' were both written by which man?

9.What did the US buy for $7.2m in 1867?

10.Which women,famed for having something named after her,said "When women go wrong,men go right after them"?

11.Charlie Chaplin and Arthur Jefferson (Stan Laurel) both worked in which

famous 'circus'?

12.What kind of creature are taipan,fer-de-lance and krait?

13.Which British writer-comedienne and dinner lady famously said "I thought coq-au-vin was love in a lorry"?

14.Which four countries in the world have armed forces with more than 1,000,000 active troops?

15.In which decade of the 20th century did the Supreme Court of the United States declare racial segregation in schools illegal?

16.Other than Hornby Model Railways,what were Frank Hornby's two most popular additions to the world of toys?

17.What was the title of the first Beatles album in which all the songs on the record were composed by the Beatles?

18.The Hejaz appears on the list of original members of the League of Nations.Today,Hejaz is a part of which country?

19.'Q' in James Bond films.What does 'Q' stand for?

20.What is the main ingredient of houmous?

21.The inspiration for which children's book character died in April 1996?

22.Name the native city of Italian artist Canaletto that many of his works portray?

23.Which book ends with the line 'thank goodness!' said Bilbo laughing,and handed him the tobacco jar?

‘Los Verdes’ want Torrevieja’s C/ Plácido Domingo renamed

After the broadcast last Sunday of the TV programme "Salvados" in which the chilling testimonies of sexual harrassment victims were told, Los Verdes is demanding that the motion presented in February 2020 be carried out and that Calle Plácido Domingo be renamed.

It’s spokesman said “Let us hope that Eduardo Dolón does not turn a deaf ear after having ignored the motion for over two years, as well as the further demand to remove the street name of his his mentor and former mayor, Hernández Mateo, who was convicted of corruption.

It is very sad that Torrevieja is one of the few cities that still

Woman falls to her death in Pilar de la Horadada

The Civil Guard is investigating the death of a 45-year-old woman who died instantly after falling from a fourth floor apartment in Pilar de la Horadada.

The tragedy occurred on Calle Alquerías del Niño Perdido, very close to the town centre. The health services and Local Police were notified just after midnight on Tuesday.A doctor attended the scene but the woman was dead on his arrival.

The woman was of Ukrainian origin and was in the apartment at the time with her 19year-old son.

Investigators say that at this stage the information they have points to her suicide.

gives public recognition to corrupt officials and sexual harassers when they can quite easily decide not to do so.”

One of the two investigations into the complaints of several women against the tenor Plácido Domingo has already concluded. It found "a clear pattern of inappropriate sexual conduct and abuse of power" by the opera performer over two decades, according to the testimony of 27 alleged victims and witnesses.

A spokesman for ‘The Greens’ said, “Torrevieja is one of the few cities that pays homage to him and we cannot don’t know why this street should still bear the name of a man who has been denounced by more than 20 women for 'sexual harassment.'

Orihuela publishes Tourism Calendar

The Department of Tourism has published it’s 2023 Orihuela desktop calendar,highlighting many of the local events and festivities in the municipality. “This year we present a calendar design in which there are twelve drawings highlighting our monuments,traditions or festivities that attract the visitor due to their interest or relevance.With this new edition,the tourist richness of Orihuela can be seen at a glance”,said the Councillor for Tourism,María García,

The drawing chosen for the month of January represents the celebration of the festival of San Antón.The medieval market is the image used in February while March and October are the months committed to Miguel Hernández.

In April and July the Holy Week in Orihuela and the Moors and Christians festival are the two main events while the May page is dedicated to the Palm Grove,June to the Church of Santiago and the and August is devoted to the Oriolan coast with an image of the beaches.

The Virgin of Monserrate is depicted on September,the Cabo Roig tower in November and the image of the city's cathedral closes the year.

Councillor María García with the new calendar

The Church of JESUS CHRISTof 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, a friendly, English-speaking church. We hold services at 11.15am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month (and the 5th when there is one). For more info see our website at: www. lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org Join us at the SALTCHURCH 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, PolÌgono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. We look forward to meeting you. www.Saltchurchspain.

Facebook SaltChurchSpain

International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, TorreviejaEvangelical 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 ñ Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. www.icatorrevieja.org

The Car of the Month at AUTOMOVILES

CRESPO

is a 2016 Ford Grand C-Max Trend+ Diesel which is priced at just 17,500 euro.

Come along to our large showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. See page7. We can assure you of the biggest and best in the area for price, choice and quality.

ENGLISH SPOKEN

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Los Montesinos - La Herrada

2 double bed/fitted wardrobes, bath/shower. South facing ground floor bungalow apartment, DialPrix Supermarket 2 mins away. Private tiled garden, double glazed Patio, Seperate kitchen, Galleria. Close to all amenities - 35 min Alicante Airport, Priced to sell at E79,995

Tel: +34 634 383 099.Tel: +44 776 230 3798. Tel: +44 770 234 0744.

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

at 11.00am, for drinks and conversation, on the terrace at Reflections Bar /Rte, C/Aviles, San Luis Lakeside. Regular activities will include games nights, ten-pin bowling, petanca, and meeting up, but on an informal basis. The group is open to singles and couples. For further information, Phone Kitty 622 180 500

The Meetings of the Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch are held at 7 for 7.30 pm on the 3rd Thursday of every month at the Olympia Pool Bar in Mil Palmeras. Everyone is welcome incl non members. The Feb meeting will be followed by an N332 brief on vehicle low emission zones. Call Jean on: 630 28 08 99.

The RBLTorrevieja BranchMeets 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

Phoenix Friends Torrevieja

This new friendship club, replacing Phoenix Solos, meets on Monday mornings,

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50ís. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Home Visiting Team to visit a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. 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 5pm at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanisation, Torrevieja. For more info contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Mike Cockman 670 224 822

The RAFACosta Blanca RMG replaces the RAFACosta 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 RAFAand the RMG is via the RAFAwebsite

New staircase for Rocamar Beach

Three years after its destruction in the 2019 DANA storm, the Provincial Coastal Service is building a staircase that will once again provide access to Rocamar Beach through La Calle Levante de Pilar de la Horadada, located in the north of the municipality.

The investment amounts to 113,862.55 euros. The works are expected to be completed shortly by the Provincial Coastal Service in Alicante of the Ministry for Ecological Transition through the TRAGSA Group

Due to the storms back in September 2019, the only access to Rocamar beach was destroyed.

Currently, Rocamar beach does not have public access, so there is no public access to the sea.

Costas state that the most viable method of providing access from the constructive point of view will be via a public staircase" , which will connect with the nearby private staircase, located in front of Calle Rocamar Nº 44, which has been made available voluntarily by local residents.

Date Change for U3A Groups Fair

Torrevieja U3Ahas changed the date of its Annual Groups Fair which invites non-members to go along and find out more about the association with the offer of a full years membership upon joining.

The Fair will now be held on January 30th in the CMO building in Torrevieja, behind Carrefour, starting at 11am.

More information on the activities and anything else that you may need to know can be found at: torreviejai3a.org website

Fancy a stall at the Medieval Market in Orihuela

If you would like to run a stall at the Medieval Market in Orihuela,the Department of Festivities has finally opened the registration process.

The Market is set to take place from 3 February in the city centre.

Applications for stalls,terraces and taverns are now open,and can be accessed through the electronic head-

quarters of the town hall website, Orihuela.es,but you need to get a move on as they must be submitted before next Wednesday,26 January.

For those not looking to run a business but who might be excited about attending this year,there will be particular attention given to disabled access, and to offering goods for sale for celi-

acs and those looking for gluten-free items.

The Orihuela Medieval Market will be held on the streets of the historic city on February 3,4 and 5th.

It is hoped that the town hall will once again organise transport for those wishing to attend from the coast.

Costa workmen building the staircase

The Mimosa Tree YOUR VOTE HAS POWER

Once again the Orihuela Town Council, led by a coalition of the PSOEand Ciudadanos, has shown itís true hand with their Intransigence directed at Orihuela Costa,

Not so long ago there was a National Alzheimerís Day, then there was a Mobility Week, these were both marked with events in Orihuela, BUTNOTA SIGN OF ANYSUCH EVENTS HERE ON THE COAST

Do we not have the same issues In Orihuela Costa?

As we reported on several occasions, the coast is a most unfriendly place for those many hundreds of people who depend on wheelchairs, mobility scooters etc to get around.

Everyday tasks that we take for granted, like shopping or going to the beach, can be nigh on impossible for those who are less able, because of the state of the pavements, with many of them forced to plan their journeys well in advance.

Surely, just weeks away from the Municipal Elections, there can be no more sitting on the fence from either residents or businesses who choose to ignore what is going on arond them, thinking that what is happening around Orihuela Costa has nothing to do with them. Those thoughts cannot be any further from the truth.

Directly or indirectly, what goes on is affecting your everyday life. It is time to sit up and take notice.

Investment projects in Orihuela Costa are virtually none existent, rarely. if ever, keeping pace with those in the remainder of the municipality.

We know exactly what Carolina, the PSOE mayor thinks of us on the coast!

ITIS NO USE BEING SILENT, NOWIS THE TIME TO ENGAGE. Is she really oblivious to the needs of the masses and to the continually deteriorating state of Orihuela Costa.

Orihuela has always paid little heed to its neighbours, hence the situation that we now find ourselves in.

PIOC has spent many months legalising itís situation. It has now succeeded in becoming a legal political party with the eventual aim of independence.

In 10 years there will be more residents

Sea Hare stranded in La Mata

A sea hare - Aplysia punctata –found stranded on the shore of La Mata beach last week, was returned to the sea.

It is a relatively common opistho-

registered on the coast than in the rest of Orihuela combined.

It is an absolute necessity that Orihuela begins to use that strength that the additional population will bring with it, that it creates and supports a political party that can provide a serious opposition to the cityís politicians, and that more people on the coast turn out to vote.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

Bad politicians are elected because of the apathy of residents who choose not to vote.

Ensure this is not allowed to happen again. USE YOUR VOTE in next May’s Municipal Elections

PIOC intends to create a single list of candidates for Orihuela Costa for the municipal elections in May, the more votes = more Councillors, it is that simple. That is the only way to succeed, Although you should complain in writing when necessary etc, do join associations and PIOC, and go to demonstrations, but the one thing that is fundamental to the respect and the services that we will receive is THEVOTE.

Orihuela Costa is developing by roughly 2,400 residents a year, with expats accounting for one in eight of the registered population. There are currently a

branch mollusc, regularly found in Torrevejense waters.

Sea hares are not afraid of people, they contain no ability to bite or sting, and their skin is not poisonous to humans.

However, the skin does secrete a purple toxin from its body pores when under threat, helping it to avoid being eaten by predators.

Photo: Crònicas Naturales de Torrevieja.

At this rate, in several years time, Orihuela Costa will be as big as the rest of Orihuela combined.

Meanwhile PIOC continues to extend an olive branch to Associations, groups, Businesses, and companies, each of which has a major part to play. So let us unite, work together, make a single unique list for the next elections and, at long last, let us see coastal Councillors representing people on the coast.

If you've had enough of being embarrassed/ashamed of the area in which you live, and the state of the coast in general, ITIS NO USE BEING SILENT, NOWIS THE TIME TO ENGAGE.

The image of Orihuela Costa is important to us all. Let us see it restored to itís previous state when it really was considered to be THEJEWELINTHECROWN.

Make sure that you vote in May 2023.

Mimosa - showy and fragrant yellow flowers, blooms in late winter to early spring

THE Mimosa tree is very common and popular in the Mediterranean region and very useful in your garden, as it attracts wildlife and can be used as a cut flower, for both its foliage and flowers.

Also known for its nitrogen fixing abilities that benefit other plants growing nearby, as well as the tree itself. An attractive evergreen tree, which can grow to a height of 6m, with a spread of 5m, that has a very fast growth rate of 25-50cm or more per year.

Its bark is smooth and silvery grey, with attractive feathery leaves, with numerous small leaflets of bluish green and smooth on both sides.

It has showy and fragrant yellow flowers, which bloom in late winter to early spring, borne in dense, fluffy clusters of golden yellow balls 0.6cm in diameter.

Their fruits are flat, brown coloured pods, which are about 9cm in length and contain the plant’s seeds.

Easy to propagate by seeds and semi-hardwood cuttings in the summer. To propagate by seed, remove the seeds from the dry pods and place in boiling water. Once cool the swollen seeds can then be sown.

Mimosas grow in full sun and are drought tolerant, requiring well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and need to be sheltered from strong winds.

Once established Mimosas require no watering. However, during their first year they need at least 2025 litres of water twice a week, increasing to 40 litres once a week in its second year.

By the third year the tree should be established and not require any supplementary watering.

Little maintenance is required, but prune after flowering, to encourage compact growth. Take care to avoid any hard pruning.

total of 10,500 UK citizens registered on the Padron.

The coast continues to be treated as a poor relation by Orihuela’s politicians.

Sea hares can reach a length of 75cm and a weight of 14kg

RESULTS

FOR 19 JANUARY WEEK 14

Pint Depot Queens0-12Mind The Gap

Tipsy Toppers7-5Danny´s Bar

Domino´s Desp’dos 1-11CC´s Bees

Ck1 Lads6-6Hub Hyenas

El Capitan11-1Tipsy Toad Tiaras

CC´s Flyers10-2Freakie Taverners Hub Hellraisers2-10Milo´s

Angel Delights4-8Ck1 Ladybirds Leeson St Trotters9-3Fallen Angels

League Table P Pts Legs

Mind The Gap1428152

Hub Hyenas1426134 El Capitan1423122

Tipsy Toad Toppers1421113

Cc´s Bees1421105

Cc's Flyers1419107

Ck1 Lads141697

Leeson StTrotters141692 Milos141588

Danny's Bar141483

Freakie Taverners141481 Fallen Angels141378

Domino's Desp’dos14754

Ck1 Ladybirds14859

Tipsy Toad Tiaras14548

Angel Delights14336 Hub Hellraisers14333 Pint Depot Queens14027

MOST 180´S TO DATE: Dave Rowlinson CC`s Bees got his 4th 180 this week, the maximum so far, and Mark Farmer of Leeson St got his 2nd

HIGHEST FINISH TO DATE: 154 - Mario GarciaFreakies

HIGHEST CHECK-OUTS THIS WEEK: Graham Solomons-Tipsy Toad Toppers 124, T20-14-Bull, Darren Sanderson-Mind The Gap 122, 18-T18-Bull, Tony Spiers-Fallen Angels 107, 7-T20-D20

PINT DEPOT QUEENS V MIND THE GAP

A handful of three figure scores from the Queens, Marie Cummins, Lorraine Cox and POTM - Debbie Wright (2) proved a "drop in the Ocean" against a very strong Gap side, who amassed 17, the best of which a 12th leg out of 122 (S18,T18,Bull) from Paul Moody.

lt didn't however merit a POTM accolade, that honour went to Darren Sanderson's effort, 100,3x140, 4x80+, but only one game shot. Pull your socks up Darren. Sam Salt banged in 5 tons, James Brown a little off colour this week with a meagre 2x100,140 and 2 outs.

CK 1 LADS V HUB HYENAS

Resplendent in his new SpecSavers glasses, Kevin Wood turned in a POTM singles performance, in 17 darts that included 140,121 and a 2 dart 80 out, T16,D16, opponent Peter Spence sitting on a shot after 95,100,100.

Dario Sierra saved the match for Hyenas in the 12th, nailing a 121 and D16 for shared spoils. The extra point was lost by the visitors when they failed

to convert some decent scoring in the opening triple, leaving the door open for Steve M.Dalton to find D3. Jay Wilkinson's 100,140, D20 victory over Terry David earned him POTM for Hyenas, Spence adding a further 100 and 2x140. M.Dalton on a 60 out and Steve Mullen were Lads other singles winners.

LEESON ST. TROTTERS V FALLEN ANGELS

Trotters made it a creditable 8 game unbeaten run, this weeks victims the Angels. Sharpshooter Billy Dolling found the going tough this week, one win on D20 and surprisingly no 3 figure scores.

Graham White the lone singles winner, Tony Spiers their 3rd point scorer, hitting a more than useful 107 out on S7.T20,D20. Mike Tierney POTM with numerous 80+ scores.

Some impressive performances from the Trotters, Steve Tilley 4x80+, 3x100,2x140 and 2 outs, not forgetting Mark Farmer 5x80+, 2x100,180 and 3 outs, one a 16,4, Bull finish to claim the 7th leg and both points. Mike Fellows - POTM.

DOMINOS DESPERADOS V CC BEES

A dearth of 1st half Doms scores, resulted in a 0-6 lead to Bees at the break. Not the case however for B's, as Dave Rowlinson piled in with 100,140 and a 180, Simon Bantleman 135,85,95 and double, plus Liam Lumb with 2 winning doubles.

Doms livened up in the 2nd half, but could only muster one win courtesy of skipper Steve Harding on D9 earning POTM. Bantleman D12 and Rowlinson 99,100,140,D20 POTM continued their form in the singles.

EL CAPITAN V TIPSY TOAD TIARAS

The Tiaras, like many teams, are beset with illness this winter but managed to field 6 players to face

the El capable Capitanos. An impressive scoresheet for the ladies showed five 3-figure scores to El Caps 16, plus a further ten scores of 80 or more. The hosts produced a cacophony of noise in four different languages but consistently found their sweet spots, being harried by the ladies in at least 4 of the legs.

Pat Schofield (123, 121) as unlucky not to convert to a leg point against Marcos but POTM Simone de Lacy (122, 134, 2-D1) struck gold in her singles against Chris Logan. POTM for El Cap - Ben Kernehan (100, 100, D5)

By Paul Durrant

ter on 67 and a 76 (20,16,D20) from Matt Smith, all comfortably finding the outer ring.

Flyers were 6-0 at the break, the visitors struggling to find the big trebles, Madrid managing 2x100,117,125, Dougie Adkins 2x100.

Madrid 100,133,D8 got the all important 7th for 2 points, Chelsea Campbell and Smith adding 2 more, before Freakies finally responded with wins from John Boden 95,133,D7 and Bryan Livesy 81,83,140,D16. Adkins earned himself a POTM award in the closing 12th with a 53 out. LivesyFreakies - POTM.

HUB HELLRAISERS V MILOS

Raisers put in a superb performance this week despite gaining just two legs. A bucketful of scores only to be let down by their inability to find the outer ring. Take nothing away from Milos, they were outscored in the 1st seven legs but won them all, Cain Garcia taking the 7th for both points.

Carol Peace stopped the rot on D18, followed by a Linda Davies D8 for POTM. Angel Gallardo merited Milos POTM for his multiple 80+ scores and 3 winning legs.

TIPSY TOAD TOPPERS V DANNYS BAR

This match wasn't decided until the closing 12th game, Lee Maiden gaining his 2nd winning double of the evening, this one the most important on D10, for 2 valuable points.

Toppers were 4-2 up at the break via Maiden 140,D18, Lance Hardy D20, Paddy Winterbourne D18 and Hardy D2 in the 6th. Danny's response from Dave Stevens D12 and Simon Todd 100, D10.

Further tons from Bob Smith, Jane Wills and Steve Hodgett 125.

John Giggs 135, D4 resumed the match, Graham Solomans 100 and a very nice 124 out on the Bull, taking the score to 5-3. Steve Lumb121,D5 keeping Dannys alive, only for Phil de Lacy to give a POTM performance, nailing D8 for at least a draw. Smith 140,D20 made it 6-5, Maiden claiming the match.

Lumb - POTM

CC'S FLYERS V FREAKIE TAVERNERS

Some clinical finishing from Flyers, put the San Miguel Taverners firmly on the back foot, Charles Pritchett a 66 out in the 3's, Suso Madrid one bet-

ANGELS DELIGHTS V CK 1 LADYBIRDS

lt was a bridge too far for Delights, 1-5 down at the break, but a fine 2nd half, sharing the singles with a strong Ladybirds team. Henni Oortwijn was Delights sole victor on D14 at half time, Donna Ralph excelling for Birds with an abundance of scores and 2 outer rings.

Oortwijn found D19 for Delights 2nd, Ralph restoring the visitors advantage winning her sides 6th leg and guaranteed point.

Sue Collins D6 and Nikki Dean D14 got the hosts to 4 legs and the possibility of a draw. lt didn't materialise as Kirsty Green 81,100,D16 and Sue Christie D1 wrapped the match. POTM - Oortwijn - Green.

Jay and Kevin

Ben and Simone

Angel and Linda

El Rancho Bowls

On Monday the Pintos had a bye. Wednesday saw our winter league team at Javea, a good run out for a game of bowls, but that’s fun for you. But alas despite playing well, they were up against a stronger team and came away without a point. Frances Johnston, Bill Johnston, Diane Yates and Keith Longshaw 6-32. Lesley Day, Judy Foley, Bob Day and Jim Eastwood 16-27. Sheila Cox, Pam Harris, Brian Harris and Mike Cox 10-33.

On Friday morning the Mustangs entertained Quesada Swifts ending with several close results, with the Mustangs taking one ring and drawing another. Frances Johnston, Sue Ziepe and Steve Ziepe 11-34. Lesley Day, Dave Haynes and Marion Haynes 13-19. Bill Johnston, Judy Foley and Bob Day 16-15. Ann Abbott, Tony Abbott and Sheila Cox 20-20. Debbie Ham, Ron Greenstreet and Adrian Ham 14-15. Bowlers of all levels are welcome at El Rancho, for further info contact Sheila Cox at micksheilacox@gmail.com.

A reminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays 1.30pm for 2.00pm - 5euro 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 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

SOUTHERN LE SOUTHERN LEAAGUE GUE

FRID FRIDAAY 20 J Y 20 JANUAR ANUARY Y

DIVISION DIVISION A A

La Marina Sharks 94 (10)Greenlands Cedars(2) 65

Víbella Lanzadores92 (10) Em Isle Cavaliers(2)71

Greenlands Oaks81 (4)San Luis Lions(8)94

Quesada Swallows90 (8)Country B Gekos(4)87

P P W W D D L L Dif Dif ff Pts Pts

Quesada Swallows103111818381

Greenlands Oaks102931814977

Vistabella Lanzadores10291202868

San Luis Lions1029219-268

Country Bowls Geckos10235225464

Emerald Isle Cavaliers10242241660

La Marina Sharks921222-5350

San Miguel Apaches914229-10538

Greenlands Cedars1010238-27020

DIVISION B DIVISION B

EM Isle Claymores68(4)La Siesta Golds(8)78

El Rancho Mustangs74(3)Quesada Swifts(9)103

La Siesta Blues111(6)Vistabella Picadors(6)88

Quesada Swans94(8)San Miguel Navajos(4)70

P W W D D L Dif Dif ff Pts

Quesada Swifts102921914274

Quesada Swans102912011173

Emerald Isle Claymores102622210966

La Siesta Golds1025025-4360

Vistabella Picadors1024026-2158

San Miguel Navajos9232201454

La Marina Seagulls922221-1254

La Siesta Blues1020129-549

El Rancho Mustangs1016232-29536

DIVISION C DIVISION C

San Luis Tigers87 (11)Vbella Conquist(1)58

Country B Panthers88 (6)San Miguel Comm(6)86

Em Isle Outlaws82 (10)MímarMatadors(2)72

P P W W D D L L Dif Dif ff Pts Pts

Country Bowls Panthers92801715172

San Luis Tigers92721615170

MontemarMatadors9232204559

San Miguel Commanches9232201357

Emerald Isle Outlaws921321-4951

La Siesta Silvers815421-9637

Vistabella Conquistadors813225-10525 Greenlands Elms712122-11022

Greeenlands Bowls Club

The Maples entertained San Miguel on Monday and in a dominating display they ran out winners by 10-2 and 104-65 losing the other rink by just 1 shot.

Best winning rinks were J.Bright, K.Hardy and L.Bonsor and D.Toozer,C.Broomfield and J.Hier. Agreat game in very high winds.

The Chestnut entertained a strong La Marina side in the afternoon and it proved a bad day at the office. They lost by 2-10 and 61-91 shots. Winning rink was C.Taylor, P.Taylor and R.Watley.

The Beech also had a hard day away at Monte Mar in very high winds and they lost out 10 points to 2 and 104 to 65 shots.. Winning rink was D.Beattie, V.Duchart and F.Beattie.

QBC Roundup

In the Winter League We entertained San Miguel and in a very good game won by 6-2 and 61 shots to 91.

Friday Saw the Cedars visit another strong team from La Marina and in a hard fought game lost 2-10 and 65-94. Winning rink was B.Tomlin, P.Houghton and L.Rudge. We were a player short until the last minute prior to the game but all players gave their best effort so well done all.

On Avery sad note we lost one of our long-standing members this week, Vic Young, a real gentleman who will be a great loss to the club, Our thoughts are with Doreen and family at this sad time.

If you enjoy a mix of competitive and fun bowling in a friendly environment at a wonderful venue. If you want to share in and contribute to our continued success.If

by Steve Hibberd

What a week for Quesada bowls club. Five of our six teams won, whilst the sixth had a rest day. Twas the Pearls who had a day off from South Alicante league div 1 action, but div 2 side Diamonds had a great 8-4 win over at La Siesta.

Against the Pioneers, these 3 rinks helped earn the points - G Kershaw, S Jakeman, A Benson 21-13. A Bowen, B Elliott, S Cooper 22-15. K Gordon, D Collings, T Voisey 18-17.

Div 3 side Rubies recorded an even better 10-2 result, at home to La Siesta Sputniks. Well done - L Armstrong, A Johnston, B Armstrong 22-6. C Bowles, D Gould, P Bradbury 24-13. S Johnston, B & L Miller 27-16. J Cleal, M Holmes, D Riley 19-11.

In the Southern league, all our 3 teams ended the day victorious. Swallows were up against CB Geckos at home, coming away with a very useful 8-4 scoreline. Here's the winning rinks - C Brazier, M France, Jason P 21-16. T Morgan, C Dye, M Ward 22-14. G Carnell, V Campbell, F Roberts 18-15.

Swans were also at home, also achieving the same 8-4 result. These 3 winning rinks contributed to beating San Miguel Navajos - C Bowles, D Gould, K Bowles 21-12. L Armstrong, P Bottle, T Voisey 21-11. G Kershaw, P Farrell, A Benson 22-10.

But it was Swifts who recorded the best result of the day, coming away from El Rancho with a great 9-3 victory over the Mustangs. Get in there - K Gordon, D Collings, A Reid 20-20. S Johnston, B & L Miller 34-11. C Skinner, S Jakeman, G Skinner 15-14. J Cleal, M Holmes, P Bradbury 19-13.

Emerald Isle Bowls Club

With Elwyn Morris

Titans started the week at San Luis Klingons and they slipped to a 3-9 Aggregate,80-99 defeat.M Veale S Marks R Marks 21-18,S Verity

Julian Pering D Gerrard got a 1616 draw

Neptunes played at home to Country Bowls Seahawks and the game finished all square at 6-6 Aggregate of 96-83.M Riley R Pollock R White 34-10,M Oakley M Ellis J Pooley 20-13

you are interested in joining our Club why not give one of us a call?

Also coaching available either groups or individual, by fully qualified coaches. Equipment available.

Pete Bonsor (Captain) 711 02 08 46

Keith Stobbart (President) 693 06 53 55

John Rosati (Secretary) 688 70 93 62

Also we have Joes roll up every Saturday morning 9.30 for 10.00, entry fee 1 euro FANTASTIC PRIZES ( honest), non members are welcome and pay a green fee of 6 euros. Food and drink available after. Just turn up before 9.45.

There is also an adventure golf course available for the Husband or wife and children whilst the partners are playing bowls just book at the bar.

Chris Dewar.

LA SIESTA Bowls Club

Members Run Club by Alan Carr

Division (C) The Silvers played host to Emerald Isle Outlaws for their afternoon game which resulted with a win on one rink by; Lesley & Wayne Howlett with David Whitworth (277) with two of our other rinks gaining a further 2 points for a draw. The game ended with a result of 4-8 (Shots 87-94).

Enterprise The Apollos travelled to Vistabella for their game against the Albatrosses. Not much to say about this game except great bowling by the home side who convincingly won on all rinks to secure the maximum points. Lost 0-12 (44-134).

Discovery A home game for the Pioneers with the visitors being Quesada Diamonds, we achieved wins on two rinks plus 2 pts for the overall shots. Rinks won by; Ann & Robert Heath with Alan Mawer (24-9). Pat Moore, Bill & Sue Jordan (17-13). The game finished with both teams sharing the points 6-6 (Shots 86-83).

Voyager The Sputniks away game was at Quesada to play the Rubies, who played really well to win on four rinks and just missed out on securing all of the points. Our only win for 2 points came from; Lesley & Wayne Howlett with David Whitworth (15-14). The game ended 2-10 (Shots 61-106). Interested in joining La Siesta members run bowls club, there is always something going on with events being arranged by the social secretary to suit all members. George´s Chicken and Egg, every Wednesday 1.30 for 2pm, with Mike & Grahams roll up every Saturday 930 for 950 am. Just pop in or call the President George 865772498 or the Captain Wendy 633068399 who will be pleased to give you any further information you may require.

Moonrakers were at home against San Luis Trekkers and they went down 4-8 Aggregate of 77-93 M Nash,I Wren,J Macgregor 22-11,V Cameron,E Sheppard,T Upham 21-19

Cavaliers played at Vistabella Lanzadores on Friday and had a bad day at the office home team winning 10-2 Aggregate of 71-92.D Jones A M Gerrard C Lindgren 2315

Claymores played at home against La Siesta Golds and went down 4-8 Aggregate of C Thomas A Malcolm J Loughran 14-11,S Ellis E Morris P Willicott 19-17 Outlaws were at home against

Montemar Matadors and had a great win 10-2 Aggregate of 82 -72. M Nash D Clark A Forrest 21-10,J Forrest J Sawyer K John 17-13,V Cameron C Selby T Upham 16-13,I Fay J Speedie A Fay 13-12, Claymores played La Siesta Golds at home and slipped to a 4-8 Aggregate of 68-78 loss.C Thomas A Malcolm J Loughran 14-11,S Ellis E Morris P Willicott 19-17

Emerald Isle played the Highjackers on Tuesday and Home advantage paid off with Isle taking all 6 Trips.

Remember SAPS pm Sat at 13-15 2 hours bowling with Tuition Shoes and Bowls for 5 Euros with a bar.

SAN MIGUEL ROUNDUP

by Barry Jones W/E 20th January

Monday all three teams were in action, San Miguel Orcas were home to Vistabella Drivers, where they won 8 - 4, 107 to 67. Best winning triple were Dave Sceal, Ann Young and Bill Brownlee, 29 shots to 5. San Miguel Dolphins were away to Greenland Maples, where they lost 2 - 10, 65 shots to 104. The best winning triple were Anita Brown, Dave Champion and Ron Nairey 21 shots to 20.

On Monday afternoon San Miguel Stingrays were home to Vistabella Eagles, where they lost 4 - 8, 74 shots to 84. The bet winning triple were Pat Luijk, Ken Guiney and Bob Donnelly 20 shots to 11.

On Wednesday San Miguel were home to Greenland Gladiators in the Winter League, where they lost 26, 38 shots to 64. On the winning rink were Allan Patterson, Lee Sinclair, Don Darby and Derek Farmer 17 shots to 13.

On Friday San Miguel Navajas were home to Quesada Swans where they lost 4 - 8, 70 shots to 94. Best winning triple were Meg Brownlee, Barbar Scotthern and Tom Dalgleish 18 shots to 13.

Also on Friday San Miguel Comanches were away to County Bowls Panthers, where they shared the points 6 - 6, 86 shots to 88. The best winning triple were Bill Knight, Ken Hope and Lynn Greenland 21 - 16.

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, by appointment ONLY. To book, please call Dave or Lynn Greenland on +34 667 207 508.

We welcome all bowlers who would like to join San Miguel B.C. as we are a unique clubwe 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

LA MARINA BOWLS CLUB

Monday 16th and afternoon games are not our favourite time to play but our Explorers visit to Greenlands Chestnuts proved very beneficial we came away with 10 points and a shot difference of 91-61 in our favour.

I would just like to congratulate our top trip which proved to be our ladies Kath Manning, Wendy Latham and Margaret Finlayson with a 23-10 win. In the morning our Pathfinders were at home to the high flying Country Bowls Flamingoes who unfortunately proved their worth by winning 9-3.

Our thanks go to John & Lorita Rae ably supported by Trevor Stemp with a 19-30 win, and to Irene Mangam (welcome back), Paul Tregoing, and Garth Slater for their 15-15 draw. The overall shots were 65-96 in the Flamingoes favour.

Friday 20th and it was the Seagulls turn to have a bye, and in the morning our Sharks were at home to Greenlands Cedars with exactly the same result as Monday's a fine win 10-2. Well done Tom's crew a very successful week.

Dave Hadaway

By

COUNTRY BC

Peter Dix - 20th December 2023

The weather is being very kind to us so far in 2023 enable us all to enjoy our bowls in the sun so far, on Monday the Flamingos welcomed La Marina Pathfinders to Country Bowls. A good game was had in the sunshine with the home team taking the match 9 points to 3, shots 96 to 65. Winning rinks were Sylvia Rennie, Gary Ponsford, Andy Failes 32 to 6, Jayne Storey, Derek Lewis, Kevin Storey 18 to 15, Jayne Storey, Derek Lewis, Kevin Storey 18-0.

The Seahawks made the trip up to Emerald Isle to play the Neptunes, resulting in mixed fortunes the game was tied at 6 points each, winning on 3 rinks but losing the overall 83-96. Winning rinks Sue Hudson, Del Gunning, Dean Webb 17 to 11, Liz Mildon, Nick Mildon, Peter Whitehall 26 to 18. Sheila Whitehall, Phil Newham, Peter Robins 17 to 13,

On Friday in the Southern League the Geckos travelled to Quesada for a top of the table clash with the Swallows, it was a great effort from our team eventually losing by only 3 shots, winning on 2 rinks, overall 4-8. Winning rinks were Derek Lewis, Gary Ponsford, Graham Richardson 18-17, Sheila Whitehall, John Jukes, Ray Robson 24-12

Country Bowls Gekos suffered a narrow loss to Quesada

The Panthers entertained San Miguel Commanches on the home green and had a fight on their hands with the visitors adapting well to surface, managing to hold on winning the match by the narrowest of margins of 2 shots with the spoils shared 6 each. Winning rinks were Liz Mildon, Nick Mildon, Dean Webb 22 to 14 and Graham Richards, Ben Noke, Derek Jiggins 16 to 11.

New members and guests are always made welcome at the only club in Murcia region competing in the Levante Lawn Bowls Leagues, why not come along to one of our roll up mornings on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday at 10 am.

VISTABELLA BOWLS CLUB

Week ending 21st January, by Brian Zelin Monday 16th January, Vistabella Albatrosses Division A, were at Home to La Siesta Apollos, Winning on all Rinks, Sue Kemp, Barbara Brown, Brian Zelin 23-10, Geraldine Fisher, Arthur Brown, Gordon Fisher 36-7, Lynne Bishop, Carol Thorpe, Gary Thorpe 23-13, Mo Foulcer, Maggie Furness, Eric Bishop 26-8, Olwyn Ratcliffe, Stuart Allman, Brian Dunn 26-6, Shots 134-44. Points 12-0.

Vistabella Drivers Division B, Away to San Miguel Orcas, Winning on 2 Rinks, Ron Smith, Jeff Neve, Alice Howe 17-14, Alan Whitley, Sue Wilson, Alan Bannister 18-13, Shots 67-107. Points 4-8.

Vistabella Eagles Division C, were Away to San Miguel Stingrays, Winning on 3 Rinks plus the Shots, Julia Clarke, John Ridley, Paul Durham 18-13, Maureen Slater, Peter Westwood, Freddie Willey 24-

8, Peter Caldwell, Avril Kendall, Sheila Westwood 22-17, Shots 84-74 Points 8-4.

Friday 20th January, Vistabella Lanzadores Division A, on a very windy Morning were at Home to Emerald Isle Cavaliers, Winning on 4 Rinks plus the Shots, Sue Kemp, Mo Foulcer, Brian Zelin 17-14, Richard Lee, Arthur Brown, Eric Bishop 30-10, Olwyn Ratcliffe, Stuart Allman, Brian Dunn 11-10, Lynne Bishop, Maggie Furness, Gary Thorpe 19-14, Shots 92-71. 10-2.

Vistabella Picadors Division B, were Away to La Siesta Blues, Winning on 3 Rinks, Ron Smith, Jeff Neve, Alice Howe 22-17, Alan Whitley, Sue Wilson, Alan Bannister 22-18, Derek Howe, Dense Howell, Brian Pointon 23-11, Shots 88-111. Points 6-6.

Vistabella Conquistadors Division C, were Away to San Luis Tigers, only drawing on one Rink, Rosemary Savage, Ken Savage, Keith Black 11-11, Shots 58-87. Pts 1-11.

SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB by Sheila Cammack

Just as we started to enjoy some pleasant, warm sunshine for bowling, that changed to low temperatures and strong, cold winds. This made playing very challenging, especially being bundled up in layers of clothes, and dodging chairs that were being blown around; watching the matches also became extremely uncomfortable.

South Alicante League, Enterprise Div. (A) Monday 16th January; Klingons were home, against top of the league; Emerald Isle Titans and had an excellent result on “Blue Monday” the shots 99-80, points 9-3. Well done to our winning teams: Neil & Sandra Burrows, Scott Malden 21-16, Giuseppe Galelli,June & Keith Jones 22-11, Jane Hamill, John Smyth, Stewart Hamill 22-16, Kevin McKenna, Vic Mahomet, Neil Morrison 16-16.

Voyager Div. (C)Trekkers, later in the afternoon, had a good result away v Emerald Isle Moonrakers taking shots 93-77, points 8-4. Winners: Tricia Reilly, John Bagnall, Pat Reilly 21-12, Cas Blay, Dave Notley, Bob Bromley 23-9, Chris Jackson, Ngaio & Peter Baldwin 19-12.

Southern League (Div A) on Friday 20th Lions were away v

MONTE MAR BOWLS AND SOCIAL CLUB

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

SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION C - At home to the Panthers we had a tough match only managing to win on one rink well done to Lynne Armitage, Sue Bounds skip Phil Goble.

Shots 73 ñ 88. Points Matadors 2 ñ 10 Panthers.

SOUTHERN LEAGUE VOYAGER DIVISION At home to Greenlands Beech the Matadors won on four rinks well done Lynne Armitage, Barry Watson skip David Eades, Paul Dodd, Chris Harding skip Cindy Bedford, Desi Freeman, Steve Leatherland skip John Hunt and Colin Bedford, Sue Bounds skip Joan Harding.

Shots Matadors 95 ñ 56 Beech. Points Matadors 10 ñ 2 Beech.

WINTER LEAGUE - Wednesday 18th January Monte Mar were at home to BBC winning on two rinks and the shots well done everyone.

Shots Monte Mar 52 ñ 49 BBC, Points Monte Mar 6 ñ 2 BBC

SOUTHERN

LEAGUE DIVISION C

After traveling to Emerald Isle the Matadors only won on won rink but it was a close match. Well done to the winning rink of Colin Bedford, Cindy Bedford and skip David Eades 24 ñ 15.

Shots Matadors 72 ñ 82 Outlaws. Points Matadors 2 ñ 10 Outlaws.

For further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website www.montmarbowls.com. We are also on Facebook.

Greenlands Oaks and had a very productive morning against a strong team, winning on 3 rinks and taking the shots 94-81, 8 points-4. Winners: Giuseppe Galelli, June & Keith Jones 21-13, Kath Reid, Caroline Smyth, Ian Kenyon 24-9, Neil & Sandra Burrows, Scott Malden 20-13.

Southern League (Div C) the Tigers had an excellent result at home v Vistabella Conquistadors. After a cool start the sun appeared and it was back to business as usual on the green, as layers were gradually removed and gloves & hand warmers put away.

The final result was 11points- 1, 87 shots-58. Well done to all our team members: Chris Jackson, Ngaio & Peter Baldwin 23-11, Kevin McKenna, Sheila Cammack, Vic Mahomet 20-13, Jane Hamill, Cas Blay, Stewart Hamill 11-11, Dave Notley, Terry Baylis, John Dowell 14-13, Ray Watmough, Dee Hoey, Bob Bromley 19-10.

If you want to find out more about San Luis BC, come along to Oasis SL, talk to members; we’re a friendly bunch! watch on Monday or Friday match days, or take part in the chicken drive on Saturdays (winter times now 10:00/10:30) or contact Club Captain June Jones for more information: keithjones81@hotmail.com

Swallows

SPAIN TO MEET SWEDEN IN EURO WOMEN’S RUGBY

Spain will defend their title against the Netherlands and Sweden as they aim to win their 10th European Championship in a row.

Rugby Europe has confirmed the threematch schedule of the Rugby Europe Women’s Championship (REWC),to be played in February 2023 as Netherlands,Spain and Sweden go head-to-head for the title.

For this 2023 competition,the REWC will see a new contender,with Sweden earning promotion after an impressive showing in last year’s Trophy Division. They will take the vacant place of Russia,who are still suspended. The Baltic team will play against the

Carp-R-Us

Fishing

On a very windy, sunny but cold day, Terry Screen again showed his prowess on running water by finishing a clear winner of Round 5 of the Carp-R-Us Winter League on the Mercadona stretch.

Terry fished feeder tactics to take 7.94kg from near the reed bed at the end of the houses.

He also lost four or five fish.

Second, towards the other end of the stretch, was Nick Bastock who had 4.14kg of carp from the weed bed near the road on the pole.

Third was Ricard Crawshaw with 1.34kg and fourth was Jeremy Fardoe with 1.00kg.

Torrevieja players to represent Spain

Charo Esquiva and David Pérez from the Torrevieja Tennis Club will represent Spain in the European under-16 tennis championship.

Charo Esquiva will be travelling as a player and David Pérez as Captain from January 27 to 29 in the European Under-16 Championship "Winter Cup" in the French town of Feucherolles,near Paris.

Spain will play against France,the Czech Republic,Austria, Bulgaria,Estonia, Hungary and Poland.

Netherlands in Amsterdam first before travelling to Villajoyosa to challenge the reigning title-holders Spain in the match that will conclude the tournament.

Spain schedule:

Sun 19 February – 13.30 CET – Spain vs Netherlands - Pins Vens,Sitges, Barcelona

Sat 25 February – 17.00 CET – Spain vs Sweden - Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium, La Vila Joiosa

This tournament kicks off an exciting new era for women’s rugby with the launch of the WXV in 2023,by World Rugby,which aims to revolutionise the

women’s international rugby landscape,providing for the first time a meaningful pathway for all unions and a competitive springboard towards an expanded 16-team Rugby World Cup in 2025.

All games will be livestreamed on the platform –www.rugbyeurope.tv and on Florugby in North America. The Villajoyose game will also be shown live by TVE Teledeporte

The Spain vs Sweden match will be played at Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium Saturday 25th February,5.00 pm.If Spain beats Netherlands the previous week this match will essentially be the final with the trophy presentations after the game

Ticket for the game will cost 10.00 euros for adults.

Children Under 14s are free and are available at www.entradium.com.

Facilities at the ground include Bars,DJ Music,food stails,catering area,souvenir shop and Free parking area.

Young Boys on cue

The Young Boys returned a 7-3 away win at The Almoradians in the Costa Blanca Independent Pool League first division.

John Smyth, Mick Margerum, Pete Cleaver, David Stevens and Stan West chalked up wins for TYB.

Super Beer Monsters gained a 7-3 home win against The Pines Nuts, with Graham Mills, Luke Ringrose, Gino Aguis, Sammi Agius, and Al Scoefield returning victories.

Hals Heroes defeated The Shakers away 6-4, with Tim Wright, John Clifford, Eddie Marsh, and David Pope cueing wins.

The Jokers gained a 6-4 away win at El Raso Mixtures in division 2; The Dream Team gained a 7-3 away win at Mixed Spice.

The Taverners edged a 6-5 win against Cab Buddies, with Paul Wilson, Paul Jones, Tony Grimes, Paul Nixon and Christine Cook winning for the victors.

Good support for Esquina Park Rangers Walking Football Tournament

Esquina

Teams were Alfoquia from Almeria, Camposol from Mazarròn, E.P.R from Rojales, Los Amigos from Mojacar, Portobello A & B from Campoverde & Red Lion from Fortuna.

The format was a 7 team round robin, on a great day for some Walking Football.

Portobello, the in-form team, topped the table on 18 points.

Esquina finished a very creditable third place behind Camposol on Goal Difference, having won three games, lost two & drawing one.

Anyone interested in coming along & joining in, please contact...

esquinaparkrangers2018@yahoo.com

Park Rangers Walking Football Team held a 7 team tournament on Friday 13th Jan At Rojales.

PASTOR EXTENDS HIS UNBEATEN RUN AFTER SPIRITED THADER FIGHTBACK

Thader were left to rue a host of missed chances as they were held to a draw by CF Benidorm, when youngster Ferrán scored late to earn the hosts a point after Thader had come from behind to lead at Villajoyosa’s municipal stadium.

Because of a cycling event in the Costa Blanca’s tourism capital, Thader’s second consecutive game on the road saw a switch of venue to Villajoyosa, where new manager, Adrian Pastor, was looking to build on last week’s win in Elche against Carrus Ilicitana. Unfortunately, however, his efforts were frustrated by the absence of the influential Ruben and Calderón, who were both missing from the starting line up through injury.

The early season game between the teams, despite being played out as a 1-1 draw, was completely dominated by Thader so Pastor was looking for much more of the same in this reverse fixture.

And there was almost the perfect start for the visitors when, following some good wing play, Berni was through on goal in only the second minute of the game. Unfortunately, his effort on goal failed to match the build-up as the chance went begging with a tame finish.

The ball did find the back of the next just

eight minutes later but this time it was the Thader net as Antonio bundled the ball over the line.

However, the effort was ruled out because of an earlier handball.

Thader responded well and then went close themselves, but there was no one to pounce on an excellent cross by Berni, with the Benidorm defence in complete disarray.

As the game swung to and fro the home side had a golden opportunity to open the scoring midway through the half when Rafa was penalised in the Thader box. Benidorm skipper José stepped confidently up to the spot, but his penalty was blasted high into row Z.

When Benidorm’s opener did come along on the half hour mark there was more than a touch of fortune for scorer Pato. With Chema looking to make a comfortable save the ball took a wicked deflection and the home side finally found themselves in front.

In an entertaining half, two late chances for Thader came to nothing as efforts from Rosquin and Miguel both went close, however the visitors did find themselves back on level terms within minutes of the restart, but it took a ‘Lloyd Special’ to make the breakthrough.

As he struck his free from fully thirty metres, it was goalbound all the way, beating both the

Esteban earns Torry point

Sporting Costablanca Torrevieja CF B earned a 2-2 draw against promotion contenders Callosa Deportivo CF B in the Valencia 2nd Regional Group 16 on Saturday. Torry took the lead in the second half, with

Sebas Caicedo heading home a cross from Jerry. Callosa Deportivo stepped up to the plate thereafter to lead 2-1, with Esteban equalising with a great goal from outside the area, to level at 2-2 to take a much needed point for

wall and the keeper with a vengeance as it almost burst the back of the net.

A similar effort just five minutes later could have seen Thader ahead but, this time, the skipper’s effort brought a fine save from Spain’s former U18 keeper, Álvaro Pérez, in the Benidorm goal.

Rosquin put the visitors ahead when he confidently hammered home from close range with just five minutes to go, at which point Adrian Pastors’ men looked like they would earn their second consecutive win, but

lowly Torry.

Callosa are pressing league leaders Guardamar Soccer CD in the race for the title going level on 29 points ahead of Sunday's fixtures. "We played at a high level and showed that we can stand up to second placed Callosa," said a Torry club spokesperson.

Regional Results across:

Next weekend Thader continue on the road when they travel to Novelda where they will be hoping to turn in a similar display to the 6-1 drubbing they inflicted on their northern neighbours in just the third match of the season.

Check the CDThader Facebook page for match details.

1st Regional Group 8: UD La Coca-Aspense 3-5 UE Crevillente; Cox 2-2 Elche Dream CF; Rafal 2-3 Algorfa.

2nd Regional Group16: SC Torrevieja CF B 2-2 Callosa Deportivo CF; UD Horadada 1-3 CD Benijofar; CF Popular Orihuela Deportivo 4-1 Bigastro CF: Santa Pola CF B 2-2 Sporting Albatera.

HOTDARTS: Chelsea Campbell (GG) 140, 101, Pat Woods (DM) 136, 115, Ellie Attwood (FT) 134, Sue Cam (LB) 133, Donna Ralph (LB) 133, Simone de Lacy (TT) 128, Pat Schofield (TT) 121, 100, Alison Webster (FC) 121, 100 Margaret Boden (WA) 119, Elaine Willis (TT) 115, Yvonne Routignac (GG) 113, 100 x 3, Kirsty Green (LB) 113, Mitch Halliday (PD) 112, Debbie de Grys 102, Lisa Ivill (TT) 102 Eileen Askew (TT) Gail Murray (GG) 100

HIGHESTCHECK-OUT: Julie Hallett (FC) 64

laboured defending just moments later saw Ferrán as the first to react after a Benidorm free kick bounced back into play off the post.

Thader line up against Benidorm