School starts without places for 200 children in Orihuela Costa
Orihuela has started the school year with 12,098 students, 1,628 fewer than last year, although the gure is provisional because it will vary with the last registrations that are still taking place. Last year there were 13,726 enrolled, 1,074 more than in 2022.
However, in Orihuela Costa
alone there are about 200 children without a school place. The two schools - Los Dolses and Playas de Orihuela - are overwhelmed and simply cannot cope with the demand. Meanwhile, as previously reported, the new centre Number 20, which will be located on a plot of land on
Níspero Street on the Orihuela coast, parallel to the road that connects the La Zenia shopping centre and the Villamartín golf course is still not a reality and looks set to remain that way for several months.
Despite the high mobility of local students - who leave the school at any time during the school year depending on their family situation, as many are expats - both public schools on the coast have used up all their available space to accommodate more classrooms and the ratios - number of students per group - are the highest in the Valencian Community along with those in Torrevieja.
The expansion of Los Dolses, which has been overcrowded since 2018, is still pending. The dissatisfaction with the lack of places, infrastructure and its maintenance is such that the educational community does not rule out carrying out new mobilisations, as was already done in mid-June.
The number of students who started classes last Monday is, by educational stage, Infant 1,829 students, Primary 4,012, Secondary 3,457, Baccalaureate 1,240 and in Vocational Training 1,560. These gures were reported by the Councillor for Education, Vicente Pina, who inaugurated the school year at the CEIP Virgen de Los Desamparados together with the Mayor of Orihuela, Pepe Vegara and other councillors.
The opposition Councillor, Quique Montero, regretted that
the third school on the coast is not yet ready, and recalled that, despite the announcements in the media, the summer school could not be held. As if that were not enough, he continued, the educational centres of Orihuela “are starting the school year with di culties due to the inability to tender the maintenance contract for them.”
(See story on page 4).
Pilar police officer faces fraud trial
A Civil Guard o cer stationed at the Pilar de la Horadada police station will be brought to trial this Thursday, accused of using his status as an o cer of the law to extract information from o cial databases at the request and provide o cial and con dential information to of third parties.
The events occurred between March and July 2017 when, according to the
Public Prosecutor’s O ce, the defendant checked two number plates and the identity of a person. The Public Prosecutor’s O ce adds that in June 2016, the guard hatched a plan with two other men to collect and divide between them a deposit of 6,000 euros. This cash was for the rental of a house in Torrevieja deposited in a real estate agency where one of the two men worked and was done in such a
way it was impossible to prove that the o cer ever collected this deposit.
The prosecution is asking for a prison sentence of nine months, a disquali cation from public employment or o ce for two and a half years, and a ne of 3,240 euros for the Civil Guard as the perpetrator of a continuing crime of revealing secrets and another crime of conspiracy to commit a crime of fraud.
Spain wants to lower drink drive limits to reduce accidents
The Spanish Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has called for the initiation of parliamentary procedures to lower the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers, citing a readiness in Spanish society to accept the change as a means to reduce traffic accidents.
Speaking at a Forum Europe breakfast briefing, GrandeMarlaska explained that the proposed reduction would align with a recommendation from the Directorate-General of Traffic (DGT). The current legal limit for most drivers, set at 0.5 grams per littre of blood
alcohol, would be reduced to 0.2 grams per litre under the new proposal.
Ministry sources clarified that the change would be made through Article 20 of the General Traffic Regulations and would require parliamentary approval to be implemented. The shift would bring Spain in line with stricter standards seen in countries like Sweden.
The proposal had already been raised in June but was initially limited to novice and professional drivers. Now, the Interior Ministry aims to expand it to all drivers, responding to
growing concerns from road safety advocacy groups.
Grande-Marlaska emphasized that the move is a direct response to the rising toll of traffic accidents on Spanish roads, with 241 fatalities recorded over the summer. “In more than half of the accidents, alcohol or drugs were the determining factor,” the minister stated, underscoring the urgency for reform.
If approved, the measure could mark a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety.
New British Ambassador, Sir Alex Ellis, arrives in Spain
Sir Alex Ellis has arrived in Madrid, where he takes over from Hugh Elliott in the service of His Majesty King Charles III as the British Ambassador to Spain and Non-Resident Ambassador to Andorra.
Alex Ellis will present his credentials to His Majesty King Felipe VI in a ceremony that will take place in the coming weeks.
“I am honoured to represent His Majesty Charles III and my country as Ambassador to Spain and Andorra,” said Ellis.
“Our countries enjoy a close and enduring relationship across so many areas: between our citizens, our cultures, our armed forces and across the world of academia, science and commerce. I am looking forward to supporting this relationship to become even stronger.”
This will be Ellis’ second posting to Spain, a country he already knows well from his role in the British Embassy in Madrid in the early 2000s. Since then, he has served as Ambassador to Portugal and Brazil and most recently, as the High Commissioner to India. He has held a range of roles across the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development O ce, Cabinet O ce and the Department for Exiting the European Union, in
addition to being an Advisor to the President of the European Commission.
His X account is @AlexWEllis.
Get to know your new Ambassador:
Name: Alexander Wykeham Ellis
Married to: Teresa Adegas
Children: One son, Tomás, on the autistic spectrum
2021-2024 - High Commissioner to India (equivalent to Ambassador)
2020 - Deputy National Security Adviser, Cabinet O ce
2017-2019 - Director General, Department for Exiting the European Union
2013-2017 - Ambassador to Brazil
2011-2013 - Director of Strategy, Foreign and Commonwealth O ce
2007- 2010 - Ambassador to Portugal
2005-2007 - Adviser to the President of the European Commission
2003-2005 - Counsellor EU and Global Issues in the British Embassy in Madrid
Orihuela school return labelled a disgrace
Cambiemos Orihuela has denounced the start of the school year as ‘the worst that can be remembered’ in the municipality. This follows claims that during the back to school preparations no maintenance work was carried out in the majority of schools, despite the fact that the Education Department announced that these works were being carried out.
This has led some schools to have to rely on parents themselves to make improvements, and companies
are also being hired with the school’s own money to carry out work that is the responsibility of the City Council, according to the Cambiemos councillor, Leticia Pertegal.
Cambiemos Orihuela wonders what management the Councillor for Education, Vicente Pina, has done in 15 months of legislature. There has been no summer school, the contract for maintenance of school centres is still not put out to tender, creating a significant problem in the educational community, and the new school in Orihuela
Costa is still not being built, saturating the educational centres in the area that exceed the appropriate ratio for the correct development of classes, affecting the well-being of the students.
For all these reasons, Cambiemos is asking for explanations on how the transfer of students from the two coastal centres in the middle of the academic year to the new school in barracks will be carried out, in order to minimise the impact on their academic development.
Ryanair gives Spanish airport operator a slap on the wrist
Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair has publicly criticised AENA, the Spanish state-owned company that manages 46 airports across the Iberian Peninsula.
The airline’s CEO Eddie Wilson has revealed at a press conference the reasons why it is not growing in Spanish areas attacking Aena’s fee hikes for airlines using the country’s airports and he has pointed out that this is slowing down the increase in passenger tra c for Spain.
The company is still going to increase its capacity in Spain by 6% next year, but that does not compare favourably with their planned 9% increase in overall growth. In fact, Ryanair has added 63 new routes to its scheduled ights in
Spain for this summer, bringing the total number of connections in the country to 765, and the company expects to have carried a total of 58 million passengers (+7%) by the end of this year.
Still, it could have been much more.
The Ryanair CEO pointed out that the impact of the airport tax increase for 2024, at 4.09% and applied since last March, has resulted in an increase of some 50 million euros to Ryanair’s operating costs.
For 2025, also applicable from next March, Aena has proposed an increase of 0.54%, a decision against which Ryanair has lodged a formal appeal with Spain’s national markets and competition commission (CNMC). The
Irish airline accuses Aena of “failing to comply” with the decision taken by the Spanish government in 2021 to freeze airport charges until 2026. Wilson is adamant that, had Aena maintained a discount plan, Ryanair would have increased capacity. According to the CEO, the correct strategy would be to freeze charges and allow tra c growth at airports in Spanish regions with traditionally fewer ights, which would increase revenues and, once there, increase charges. He also pointed out that this would be aimed at alleviating the problems of ‘empty Spain’ and diversifying the tourist o er beyond the usual sun and sand destinations.
Couple arrested for attacking hospital doctor
Guardia Civil seize over a million ecstasy pills
Civil Guard o cers have arrested a man and a woman, aged 26 and 24 respectively, both of Spanish nationality, for their involvement in an attack on a doctor at the Vega Baja Hospital. The detainees have been charged with the crime of assault against a public o cial.
The incident took place early September when, while performing her duties, a doctor was assaulted by the couple in the hospital. The assault resulted in serious injuries to the victim. After receiving the complaint, the Civil Guard of Jacarilla began an investigation to clarify the facts.
According to the initial investigation, the detainees are the parents of a minor who had been operated on that morning at the hospital. During the day, an altercation occurred in which the couple allegedly attacked the doctor.
After identifying and locating the suspects, the o cers proceeded to arrest both of them wo days after the attack. The woman, the minor’s mother, was summoned and released because she was in
charge of the child. The man, on the other hand, was brought before the Court of Instruction number 2 of Orihuela, which granted his release after his appearance.
In reaction, more than a hundred people , mainly health professionals, gathered at the main entrance of the Vega Baja Hospital recently in protest against the attack that had occurred.
The Civil Guard has been developing the Comprehensive Plan for the Safety of Health Professionals with the aim of
increasing the safety of medical centres and their sta , with the help of the Police Health intermediaries, who advise the Health Administration and the representatives of health professionals on the implementation of specialised preventive measures.
These intermediaries play a fundamental role by working in a coordinated manner with healthcare centres, ensuring the safety of professionals and guaranteeing that the necessary measures are taken to prevent future attacks.
Spanish PM meets Chinese President amid trade tensions
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his second visit to China in less than two years, following recent tensions over tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. The meeting, held at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guest House, was reported by China’s staterun Xinhua News Agency, though details of the discussions were not disclosed.
Sánchez, leader of Spain’s Socialist Party (PSOE), also participated in a business forum in Beijing, aimed at fostering economic ties between Spanish and Chinese companies. Following the forum, Sánchez travelled to Shanghai, where he is set to attend further business engagements and inaugurate a new branch of the Cervantes Institute, an organisation dedicated to promoting Spanish language and culture.
Before his dinner with Xi, Sánchez held talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, head of China’s ceremonial legislature.
During his address at the business forum, Sánchez emphasised the “strong ties” between Spain and China. “Even on those issues where our positions do not fully coincide, we maintain a constructive willingness to engage in dialogue and cooperation,” Sánchez said in a video shared on his social media accounts. He highlighted the importance of fostering a “balanced relationship, based on respect and reciprocity,” benefiting both nations.
Sánchez’s visit follows a previous trip to China in March 2023, when Spain held the rotating presidency of the European Union. His return to China comes amid rising trade
tensions between the EU and Beijing. Earlier this year, Spain was among EU nations that supported a 36.7% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, prompting China to launch an investigation into EU pork imports in retaliation.
The trade dispute has impacted EU exports of pork to China, which peaked at €7.4 billion in 2020. By 2023, exports had dropped to €2.5 billion, with nearly half of that total coming from Spain. Despite the tensions, Spain has continued to strengthen economic ties with China, including plans by Chinese automaker Chery to open an electric vehicle plant in Barcelona.
Sánchez’s visit aims to navigate these economic challenges while promoting mutual investment and cooperation between the two nations.
Spain’s Guardia Civil police have announced the seizure of over one million ecstasy pills and other narcotics valued at more than €25 million, marking the largest synthetic drug haul in the country’s history.
As part of the operation, nine individuals were arrested in Málaga, Andalusia, and on the holiday island of Ibiza in the Balearic Islands. The suspects are believed to be members of a major criminal organisation involved in tra cking synthetic drugs throughout Spain and across Europe, according to a police statement.
The organisation, police said, was led by Italian nationals based in Ibiza, an island renowned for its beaches and vibrant nightlife, where party drugs like ecstasy are frequently used.
In total, authorities con scated 1,071,327 ecstasy pills, 73 kilograms of MDMA (the active ingredient in ecstasy), 212
kilograms of ketamine, 20 kilograms of cocaine, 21 kilograms of “pink cocaine” – a potent mix of synthetic drugs – 10 kilograms of hashish, and 6 kilograms of marijuana.
“This is the biggest seizure of synthetic pills ever made in Spain,” the Guardia Civil con rmed in their statement.
Investigators suspect the gang used vehicles equipped with hidden compartments to smuggle the drugs into Spain. The
country serves as a major entry point for narcotics into Europe due to its geographic proximity to Morocco, a top cannabis producer, and its close ties to Latin American nations, a key region for cocaine production.
This operation marks a signi cant victory for Spanish authorities in their ongoing e orts to combat the drug trade, which continues to plague parts of the country.
Gang of violent robbers arrested in Torrevieja
The Civil Guard of Alicante, as part of their Safe Tourism Plan, successfully dismantled a criminal group in the “Polizist” operation, targeting drug tra cking and violent robberies in tourist areas of Torrevieja. Three Algerian men, aged 26, 29, and 32, were arrested, and various narcotics, including hashish, cocaine, and methamphetamine, as well as stolen goods, were seized.
The operation started after reports of drug dealing and robberies on Torrevieja’s seafront promenades, often targeting intoxicated tourists. The gang, using coordinated e orts, recruited tourists for drug deals and then assaulted them to steal highend items like mobile phones and watches.
One disturbing detail was the involvement of a 15-year-old homeless girl, used to transport the drugs.
She was taken to a juvenile shelter after being rescued.
Once su cient evidence was gathered, the authorities raided the house the gang operated from, recovering stolen items and narcotics. The arrested men face charges of belonging to a criminal group, drug
tra cking, violent robbery, and illegal occupation of property. They have been released under precautionary measures by the Court of Instruction No. 1 of Torrevieja, and e orts continue to return stolen items to their rightful owners, many of whom were foreign tourists.
Drink something different .....
Almost everyone likes to drink a glass of wine from time to time.
But not everyone likes it that much, or you are no longer allowed to drink alcohol because you are on medication or for whatever reason.
Then you go and drink water, or a juice. And if you’ve kept that up for a while, you’re a bit fed up with that and you want something di erent or you get homesick for something with alcohol.
And that solution is of course just up for grabs !! A beautiful company from France makes very good, high-quality syrups.
The Bigallet factory comes from Virieu-sur-Bourbre and the factory is located next to the train station along the Lyon-Grenoble line.
The Bigallet family has been a producer since 1885 and rst traded in sugar loaves, oranges from Spain, lemons from Italy and rum from Martinique.
The company outgrew its premises because there
was much more demand for liqueurs and syrups from restaurants and bars.
Since 1996, the family has only produced 100% organic syrups. The family exports to all over the world such as the United States, the Middle East, China and of course throughout Europe.
The syrup is concentrated and, unlike the “regular lemonades” that often contain coloring and avoring, has a mixing ratio of 1:10.
And you can mix it with water, but also with jus dórange or sprite, as well as rum and gin.
The combination of gin
with a real rhubarb syrup is the ultimate recipe for an Irish gin, as an Irishman taught me.
Many di erent avors such as the strawberry, raspberry, cassis or apple, but also “Blue Curacao”, or Mojito, Sangria or Pina Colada.
And the great thing is, at Beau Win tastings in Albir you can taste all the syrups in advance and they are also for sale there.
And the motto of the Bigalletis family: “Do not be the victims of imitators and counterfeiters! Ask for a Bigallet, the one and only with high ratings, anytime, anywhere”
Guardamar presents a new campaign for the Consumer Bonus
Guardamar del Segura has launched a new Bono Consumo campaign in collaboration with a subsidy from the Provincial Council of Alicante. This initiative will run from October 14 to 27 and has a total budget of €212,395. The goal of the campaign is to boost local commerce by o ering vouchers valued at €20, €50, €100, €200, and €300, which consumers can
purchase at half their price. Residents and nonresidents alike can buy these vouchers online through the o cial website www. guardamarbonoconsumo. es. People a ected by the digital divide can visit the municipal facilities during the rst two days of the sales period to get assistance. Each person is allowed to purchase up to €150 in discounted vouchers,
which can be used together for larger purchases. The deadline for businesses to join the campaign is September 15, and a list of participating establishments will be available on the website. Buyers must be adults with a valid ID and a bank card. Voucher availability will be limited, so early purchase is recommended.
Orihuela hosts ninth conference on municipal policies for preventing addictive behaviors
The Councillor for Health , Irene Celdrán, presented this morning the IX UPCCA Conference that will take place on September 19 at the María Moliner Municipal Library at 5:00 p.m. The councillor was accompanied by Álvaro Botella, a psychologist from the Addictive Behaviour Prevention Unit ( UPCCA ). “These are conferences that will be held in person or online on municipal policies for the prevention of addictive behaviour in Orihuela, entitled “Women and addictions: vulnerabilities and stigmas”, as the Orihuela councillor has announced.
For his part, Álvaro Botella has announced that among the speakers who will participate on this occasion are Teresa Bodí, a psychologist from the UPCCA in Catarroja, who will address the field of prevention; Mireia Pascual, a journalist who
will address the issue from a journalistic perspective; and Vicente Palomares, a psychologist from the Balsablanca Women’s Community, who will share his experience.
On the other hand, Irene Celdrán has encouraged “to participate in these sessions that will address issues of great interest to
citizens”. Those interested in registering or obtaining more information about it can do so through this registration link: https://forms.gle/ TJXaAxvXbQRLXqKe8 . The sessions can also be followed from the UPCCA de Orihuela YouTube channel (@ upccaorihuela2666).
Francisco Girona school in Arneva starts the school year without electricity
Cambiemos Orihuela has raised concerns about the CEIP Francisco Girona school in the Arneva district of Orihuela, which began the school year without electricity in its facilities. According to reports from the families of students,
the school has been without electricity since Monday, leaving the start of the academic year in the dark.
The lack of electricity stems from ongoing construction work at the school. During the construction, a
temporary power supply was provided, but after the completion of the work, the necessary adjustments to adapt the electrical supply were not made. As a result, the entire school remains without lighting.
Leticia Pertegal, the spokesperson for Cambiemos Orihuela, expressed deep concern, stating that the situation is “very serious” and that the school year should not have started under such conditions. She criticized the local PPVox government, urging Mayor Vegara to take immediate action and hold the Councillor for Education accountable.
Cambiemos Orihuela extended their support to the school’s educational community and expressed the hope that such issues would not be repeated in the future.
The mayor of Almoradí calls for speed in essential works to prevent large-scale flooding
In a recent presentation held at the Almoradí Water Court, the Generalitat Valenciana presented the “Study of Solutions and Management Model for the Evacuation of Rainwater from the Urban Areas of the Vega Baja del Segura.” The event coincided with the fifth anniversary of the DANA (a severe storm) that hit the region. Before the presentation, Almoradí’s mayor, María Gómez, the General Director of Water, Sabina Galindo, and Ana Serna, vice president of the Alicante Provincial Council
and deputy for the Water Cycle, addressed the media.
Mayor María Gómez called for swift action on essential infrastructure to prevent future large-scale flooding, specifically urging the Segura Hydrographic Confederation and the central government, led by Pedro Sánchez, to expedite the work. She emphasized the importance of the Tabala dam, noting that “all current pipelines flow into the Segura river, and if the river doesn’t have the capacity, flooding
becomes inevitable.”
Sabina Galindo, the General Director of Water, stated that the total investment for these works would amount to €13 million, funded by European sources. The project aims to improve flood management across Vega Baja, ensuring faster and more efficient water evacuation during torrential rains. Galindo also highlighted the value of consulting the affected water courts to integrate their local expertise into future projects.
VISIT THE MORO TOWER OF TORREVIEJA
This is an old watchtower located on the Torrevieja seafront, boasting splendid coastal views. Located about 5km from Torrevieja centre next to the road that leads to La Mata, it is an ideal spot for walking, picnics and relaxing in front of the sea. The construction has undergone various modi cations and repairs over the years, and has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest since 1985. These type of defensive and watch towers were of vital importance, with the predominant being Torrelamata, which gives its name to the district, and Torrevieja, which gave its name to the city. Maritime transport has always been used as a regular means of salt production in Torrevieja, loading both in La Mata and Cala Cornuda, mostly known as Eras de la Sal. Although the towers or-
igin is not dated, it is known that Jaime II was authorized to build a watchtower at Cabo de Cervera, but it is not said if the tower was built in 1320 on top of an earlier one or it was a new one. Its function was clearly defensive, intended for coastal surveillance, as demonstrated in 1378 by the invasion of two Muslim galleys, where Orihuela militias had to attack. During the 16th century, the Torre del Moro tower was built, as a union in the surveillance work between Torrevieja and La Mata, within the defensive framework of towers created to repel the coastal attack by Barbary pirates. The tower can be found on Urb. Cabo Verde, 1, 03188 Torrevieja, Alicante.
More fascinating and beautiful places to discover on the Costa Blanca can be found on the website www.costablancascene.com
GBP
GBP maintained its strength this week against other major currencies including the EUR andUSD, both of which are feeling the pressure of the upcoming interest rate cuts scheduled forSeptember. Investors continue to look towards the sterling during this period of relatively strongeconomic data. Last week’s meeting between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholzalso will have boosted the pound as it indicated a new chapter in the development of relationsbetween the UK and Germany. The UK-Germany treaty will be part of a wider reset with Europe,planned to be agreed upon early next year, potentially bene ting the UK currency in the shortterm. Due to a rescheduling, next Thursday, Governor Andrew Bailey and other members of theMonetary Policy Committee are due to testify before the Parliament Treasury Committee onin ation and the economic outlook.
EUR The in uence of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has surged following recentregional state elections, where the party secured a 32.8% vote share in the eastern state ofThuringia. This marks the rst time a far-right party has achieved such a result since World WarII. The AfD is also polling high in Saxony and Brandenburg, both of which are holding elections inSeptember.The
GBP / EUR UPDATE
AfD’s strength in Germany places immense pressure on the EU. Chancellor Olaf Scholz hasdemanded that mainstream German parties avoid working with “right-wing extremists” as theAfD wins this sign cant victory in state elections. The political uncertainty this will sow inEurope’s largest economy is likely to weaken the euro if polls continue to show a lack ofsupport for centrist parties leading up to the federal election in September 2025. Historically,markets respond negatively to political uncertainty, which could lead to volatility.This week saw a plethora of PMI data releases from European regions. The EU’s nalmanufacturing PMI came in slightly above forecasts at 45.8, remaining in contraction. Thelargest in uences were downturns in factory output from two of the eurozone’s largesteconomies, Germany and France.Meanwhile, the EU’s nal services PMI data fell below forecasts at 52.9. Despite this, theeurozone’s private sector economy expanded at its strongest pace since May during August,driven by a quicker upturn in services activity. This marked the sixth successive month ofgrowth – the longest sequence in over two years.This commentary does not constitute nancial advice.
All rates are sourced from Bloombergand forecasts are taken from Forex Factory.
Four out of ten men aged over 60 have prostate issues
On the occasion of Prostate Health Day, observed across Europe on September 15, Dr. Sven Petry, head of Urology and expert in Robotic Surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, emphasized the increasing risk of prostate disorders as men age. By age 50, the likelihood of developing these disorders rises significantly, and by age 60, around 40% of men show signs of prostate cancer.
Common Prostate Disorders: Dr. Petry highlighted three major prostate conditions: Prostatitis
(prostate infection) Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) Prostate Cancer
While these conditions are distinct, they share certain symptoms. Hyperplasia and prostate cancer can lead to difficulty urinating due to the prostate’s pressure on the urethra. In contrast, prostatitis presents with symptoms
such as high fever, painful urination, and ejaculation due to inflammation.
Prevention and Early Detection
Prostate cancer typically progresses slowly, allowing for early diagnosis. Dr. Petry stressed the importance of early detection through regular screenings like PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) tests and digital rectal exams, particularly for men over 45. Although there are no definitive prevention methods, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce overall cancer risk.
Dr. Petry recommends a Mediterranean diet, regular physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining an active sex life.
Robotic Surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja: Quirónsalud Torrevieja is a leader in robotic surgery, having implemented the technology 15 years ago.
The hospital’s use of the da
Vinci robotic surgery system allows for highly effective treatments, especially in patients requiring a radical prostatectomy. Dr. Petry emphasized the benefits of robotic surgery, including better recovery of urinary continence, improved erectile function, and faster overall recovery. Most patients return to normal life within four weeks after surgery.
About Quirónsalud: Quirónsalud is Spain’s largest healthcare group and, together with its parent company FreseniusHelios, is a leader across Europe. With over 50,000 professionals and 180 healthcare centers, Quirónsalud is known for its advanced technology and specialized care. Notable facilities include the Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Quirónsalud University Hospital Madrid, and Quirónsalud Barcelona Hospital.
Vega Baja hospital completes renovations in internal medicine hospitalisation unit
The Vega Baja Hospital in Orihuela has recently completed renovations to enhance the accessibility and comfort of its Internal Medicine Hospitalisation Unit, which serves patients from the Oncology and Digestive Medicine departments. The project, which began in July and was nished within two months, is part of a broader e ort to upgrade the hospital’s infrastructure. This improvement plan includes the ongoing construction of two new buildings. The new facilities consist of a north building, which will have a ground oor and two additional oors to accommodate outpatient clinics, a day hospital, and centralised electrical and water systems. The south building will house operating theatres for outpatient surgery, an endoscopy unit, and a new haemodialysis unit. These developments aim
to increase operational e ciency and energy savings, with a strong focus on environmental quality and reducing risks associated with aging structures.
As part of the recent upgrades, the hospital replaced its lighting with low-consumption LED xtures, adapted the bathrooms, polished the oors, and renewed the paint, doors, cupboards, sockets, thermostats, and
intercoms in the rooms to improve communication between patients and healthcare providers. Additional improvements include the installation of a new warehouse system designed for e cient use of consumables, the replacement of vacuum suction systems, and the addition of new furniture and protective elements to enhance both environmental quality and patient comfort.
How hearing aids can transform your Life
For millions of people around the world, hearing loss is a silent struggle that affects every aspect of daily life. From social interactions to professional environments, impaired hearing can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and decreased quality of life. However, modern hearing aids are making a transformative difference, allowing individuals to reconnect with the world around them.
Hearing aids, once bulky and stigmatised, have evolved into sleek, discreet, and highly advanced devices. Today’s hearing aids are not only designed to improve hearing but also enhance the wearer’s overall experience by adapting to different sound environments. Many of these devices now feature Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to stream music, phone calls, and television audio directly to their ears, enhancing both functionality and convenience.
The impact of these devices goes far beyond just improving sound quality.
For many users, hearing aids restore confidence. Social gatherings, once sources of anxiety due to the inability to follow conversations, become enjoyable again.
Relationships often improve as communication barriers are lifted. The emotional and psychological benefits of regaining the ability to hear clearly can be
profound. Studies show that untreated hearing loss is linked to depression, cognitive decline, and even dementia. By addressing hearing loss early, people can maintain sharper mental function and greater social engagement.
Workplace productivity also sees a significant boost. Many individuals with hearing loss report difficulties in meetings
or conversations with colleagues. With hearing aids, they can more easily engage in discussions, ensuring they remain active contributors in professional settings. In an increasingly fast-paced and communication-driven world, this is an essential tool for maintaining career success.
Hearing aids also promote a sense of independence.
Tasks like driving, using public transport, or simply going for a walk in busy areas can become challenging with reduced hearing. The heightened awareness of surroundings provided by hearing aids makes these activities safer and more enjoyable.
In essence, hearing aids do much more than just amplify sound. They empower individuals to live fuller, more connected lives. With ongoing advancements in technology, the future looks even brighter for those affected by hearing loss. What was once seen as a limitation is now a challenge that can be overcome, allowing people to reclaim their sense of hearing—and with it, their quality of life.
To arrange an appointment with Protea Wellness Audiology you can visit them at Calle Los Arcos 17, Ciudad Quesada or Tel: 698418642. Please see their main advertisement on page 31
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This Week´s Movie Picks
21 Jump Street
Friday 20th September, ITV2, 10.00 pm
In 2005, Schmidt and Jenko are high school students, one an honor roll geek, the other a cool, athletic
underachiever. By 2012, they are rookie cops, paired together, on bike patrol yearning to make arrests. After a screw up, they’re sent undercover back to high school to find the source of a dangerous synthetic drug. They mix up their names, and Schmidt gets the no-brainer classes where he auditions for Peter Pan and falls in love with Wendy; Jenko gets AP classes where he falls in with high-achieving dweebs. This second chance at high school gives Schmidt delusions of grandeur, which threaten the operation. Can they sort out their relationship as they stumble onto the bad guys?
Mr & Mrs Smith
Saturday 21st September, ITV2, 10.00 pm
John and Jane Smith are a normal married couple, living a normal life in a normal suburb, working normal jobs...well, if you can call secretly being assassins “normal”. But neither Jane nor John knows about their spouse’s secret, until they are surprised to nd each other as targets! But on their quest to kill each other, they learn a lot more about each other than they ever did in ve (or six) years of marriage.
WEDNESDAY16THOCTOBER
Tuesday 17th September
04:00 My Mum, Your Dad
04:50 Unwind with ITV 06:05 Lingo 07:00 Good Morning Britain
Lorraine
11:00 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women
14:30 ITV Lunchtime News
14:55 ITV News London
15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal
16:00 Lingo
17:00 Tipping Point
18:00 The Chase
19:00 ITV News London
19:30 ITV Evening News
20:30 Emmerdale
21:00 M&S: Dress the Nation
22:00 My Mum, Your Dad
23:00 ITV News at Ten
23:30 ITV News London
Newsnight
23:45 Sorry, I Didn’t Know
Wednesday 18th September
04:00 My Mum, Your Dad
04:50 Unwind with ITV
06:05 Lingo
07:00 Good Morning Britain
10:00 Lorraine
11:00 This Morning
13:30 Loose Women
14:30 ITV Lunchtime News
14:55 ITV News London
15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal
16:00 Lingo
17:00 Tipping Point
18:00 The Chase
19:00 ITV News London
19:20 Party Political Broadcast
19:30 ITV Evening News
British Railway Journeys
20:00 Amol Rajan Interviews 20:45 Grand Tours of Scotland’s Lochs
Earth 22:00 The Zelensky Story
Colin from Accounts 23:30 Newsnight
20:30 Emmerdale
21:00 Coronation Street
22:00 My Mum, Your Dad
23:00 ITV News at Ten
23:30 ITV News London
23:45 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera
08:15 Cheers
08:45 The King of Queens
09:10 The King of Queens
09:35 The King of Queens
10:05 Frasier
10:35 Frasier
11:05 Frasier
11:35 Frasier
12:05 Come Dine with Me: The Professionals
13:05 Channel 4 News Summary
13:10 Narrow Escapes
14:10 Find It, Fix It, Flog It
15:10 Countdown 16:00 Chateau DIY
17:00 A Place in the Sun
18:00 Help! We Bought a Village
19:00 A Place in the Sun
19:30 The Simpsons
20:00 Channel 4 News
21:00 Emergency Helicopter Medics
22:00 Trump’s Heist: The President Who Wouldn’t Lose 23:05 Night Coppers
08:45 The King of Queens
09:10 The King of Queens
09:35 The King of Queens
10:05 Frasier
10:35 Frasier
11:05 Frasier
11:35 Frasier
12:05 Come Dine with Me: The Professionals
13:05 Channel 4 News
Summary
13:10 Narrow Escapes
14:10 Find It, Fix It, Flog It
15:10 Countdown 16:00 Chateau DIY
17:00 A Place in the Sun
18:00 Help! We Bought a Village
19:00 A Place in the Sun
19:30 The Simpsons
20:00 Channel 4 News
21:00 999: On the Front Line
22:00 Trump’s Heist: The President Who Wouldn’t Lose 23:05 Extraordinary Extensions
09:10 PAW Patrol
09:30 Peppa Pig
09:35 Peppa Pig 09:40 Peppa Pig
09:45 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom
09:55 Reu & Harper’s Wonder World 10:10 Milkshake! Story Den 10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:30 Storm Huntley 13:45 Friends 14:10 Friends 14:40 5 News at Lunchtime 14:45 Home and Away 15:15 Happily Never After 17:00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun
18:00 5 News at 5 19:00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly 20:00 Our Great Yorkshire Life
The Yorkshire Vet
The Wives
999: Emergency Call Out 09:10 What’s New ScoobyDoo? 09:35 Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?
08:35 The Adventures of Paddington
08:55 Milo
09:10 PAW Patrol
09:30 Peppa Pig
09:35 Peppa Pig 09:40 Peppa Pig
09:45 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom
09:55 Reu & Harper’s Wonder World 10:10 Milkshake! Story Den 10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:30 Storm Huntley 13:45 Friends
14:10 Friends 14:40 5 News at Lunchtime 14:45 Home and Away 15:15 Stalked by My Stepsister 17:00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun 18:00 5 News at 5 19:00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly 20:00 World’s Most Scenic River Journeys 21:00 Kent: The Garden of England 22:00 The Wives 23:00 James Bulger: The Trial
09:10 What’s New ScoobyDoo? 09:35 Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?
Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records
Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records
Secret Crush
Secret Crush 13:00 Dress to Impress 14:00 In with a Shout 15:00 Supermarket Sweep 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Dawson’s
Nine out of ten infants vaccinated against bronchiolitis in Spain
Nine out of ten babies born in Spain between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 have been vaccinated against bronchiolitis as part of the country’s rst phase of a national vaccine rollout targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These infants received nirsevimab, the rst antibody developed to prevent bronchiolitis, a disease caused by RSV. According to Spain’s ministry of health, 277,000 doses of the vaccine were administered, preventing an estimated 10,000 hospitalisations, which is 75% of the expected number. Before the introduction of the vaccine, bronchiolitis led to between 7,000 and 14,000 hospitalisations each year, with peaks occurring in the winter months.
Spanish regions are now preparing for a new vaccination
campaign this autumn. All regions have been acquiring doses, with some, like Madrid, opening teleappointments for vaccinations that will begin on 1 October.
Bronchiolitis is caused by a buildup of mucus in the smallest airways of the lungs, leading to swelling. RSV, the virus responsible for bronchiolitis, spreads through direct contact or airborne droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. It primarily a ects children under two, with a peak in those aged three to six months, and has long been the leading cause of respiratoryrelated hospitalisations in children under 12 months during the autumn-winter season.
However, the introduction of nirsevimab has begun to change this scenario. The vaccine,
reported to be 80% e ective in preventing hospital admissions, was authorised by the European Union on 31 October 2022. Spain’s ministry of health approved its use for the 2023-2024 season, despite initial disagreements among regions about whether it should be administered to all babies or only those under six months. These doubts have since been resolved, and the vaccine is now available to all children under one year of age, nanced by the public health system.
According to Jaime Jesús Pérez, president of the Spanish Vaccinology Association, the vaccine has been transformative. Spain, along with France and the United States, is among the few countries to have adopted this vaccine, and its results have been overwhelmingly positive. Pérez
noted that their goal is to achieve 100% vaccination, adding that the vaccine is already reducing hospital admissions and primary care visits. In the future, they hope to see if it can also decrease cases of asthma in older children who avoided RSV infection as infants.
The ministry of health has reported that the vaccine demonstrates a “good safety pro le,” with less than 1% of recipients experiencing side e ects. The most common reactions are mild, such as pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, or fever.
With the success of the vaccine in infants, the ministry now plans to extend its availability to pregnant women in future campaigns. Currently, the vaccine is available in pharmacies through private
prescriptions. Additionally, the European Union has approved mResvia, a new RSV vaccine using messenger RNA, for adults over 60. This is the rst mRNA vaccine aside from Covid-19 vaccines to be approved for public use. The outbreak of coronavirus in 2020 led to major changes in the monitoring of respiratory viruses. The dominance of Covid-19, combined with lockdowns and mask mandates, created an imbalance in respiratory infections that persisted in subsequent years. By autumn 2022, as restrictions eased and normal life resumed, bronchiolitis surged among children, leading to 40% more cases than usual and overwhelming paediatric emergency departments.
19th September
Dad
05:15 Unwind with ITV
06:30 Tom Kerridge Cooks Britain
07:00 Good Morning Britain 10:00 Lorraine 11:00 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women
14:30 ITV Lunchtime News
14:55 ITV News London
15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal
16:00 Lingo
17:00 Tipping Point
18:00 The Chase
19:00 ITV News London
19:30 ITV Evening News
20:30 Emmerdale
21:30 Tonight
22:00 My Mum, Your Dad
23:00 ITV News at Ten
23:30 ITV News London
23:45 Emergency Nurses: A+E Stories
Friday 20th September
04:50 Unwind with ITV 06:05 Lingo 07:00 Good Morning Britain 10:00 Lorraine 11:00 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News
14:55 ITV News London
15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 Lingo
17:00 Tipping Point
18:00 The Chase
19:00 ITV News London
Small
18:15 Flog It!
18:45 Great British Railway Journeys
19:15 Richard Osman’s House of Games
19:45 Live: FA WSL 22:00 Gardeners’ World 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight
19:30 ITV Evening News
20:30 Emmerdale
21:00 Coronation Street
22:00 My Mum, Your Dad
23:00 ITV News at Ten
23:30 ITV News London
23:45 Password
Saturday 21st September
Simply Raymond Blanc 07:30 Love Your Garden 08:30 Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh 10:25 ITV News
19:55 To Be Announced 21:25 Abandoned Railways from Above
22:25 The Last Duel
08:35 The Adventures of Paddington 08:55 Milo 09:10 PAW Patrol 09:30 Peppa Pig 09:35 Peppa Pig 09:40 Peppa Pig 09:45 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:55 Reu & Harper’s Wonder World 10:10 Milkshake! Story Den 10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:30 Storm Huntley 13:45 Friends 14:10 Friends 14:40 5 News at Lunchtime 14:45 Home and Away 15:15 Aurora Teagarden Mysteries 17:00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun
18:00 5 News at 5 19:00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly 20:00 Kate Humble’s Coastal Britain 21:00 Yorkshire Great And Small with Dan and Helen 22:00 All Creatures Great and Small 23:00 Murder In A Small Town
08:35 The Adventures of Paddington
08:55 Milo
09:10 PAW Patrol
09:30 Peppa Pig
09:35 Peppa Pig
09:40 Peppa Pig
09:45 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom
09:55 Reu & Harper’s Wonder World
10:10 Milkshake! Story Den 10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:30 Storm Huntley
13:45 Friends
14:10 Friends 14:40 5 News at Lunchtime 14:45 Home and Away 15:15 A Dangerous Affair
17:00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun
18:00 5 News at 5 19:00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly
20:00 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys
21:00 The Seychelles with Jane McDonald 22:00 Mysteries From the Grave: Titanic
08:25 Peppa Pig 08:35 The Adventures of Paddington 08:55 Mixmups 09:10 PAW Patrol 09:25 DORA 09:35 Rubble & Crew
09:50 SpongeBob SquarePants
10:05 Entertainment News On 5 10:15 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun 11:05 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun
12:00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun 12:55 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun
07:45 Mr Bean: The Animated Series 08:05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series 08:15 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 08:45 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 09:10 What’s New ScoobyDoo? 09:35 Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? 10:00
08:45 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 09:10 What’s New ScoobyDoo? 09:35 Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? 10:00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 10:30 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records
Secret Crush
Secret Crush 13:00 Dress to Impress 14:00 In with a Shout 15:00 Supermarket Sweep 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Dawson’s Creek 18:00 Dress to Impress 19:00 Celebrity Catchphrase 20:00 Family Fortunes
21:00 Bob’s Burgers
21:30 Bob’s Burgers
22:00 21 Jump Street 23:05 FYI Daily 23:10 21 Jump Street
13:55 Inside the Tower of London 14:55 Inside the Tower of London 15:55 The Great Plague 17:55 Yorkshire Great and Small with Dan and Helen 18:55 5 News Weekend 19:00 Our Yorkshire Farm 20:25 Mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle 22:25 Althorp House: A Royal Residence 23:25 When TV Goes Horribly Wrong 08:15
Lewis 03:00 Unwind with ITV 03:30 Teleshopping
Classic Emmerdale
Classic Emmerdale 08:00 Classic Coronation Street 08:35 Classic Coronation Street 09:00 Lewis 11:15 The Royal 12:20 Heartbeat 13:30 Heartbeat 14:40 Classic Emmerdale 15:10 Classic Emmerdale 15:40 Classic Coronation Street 16:15 Classic Coronation Street
16:50 Foyle’s War 18:50 Heartbeat 19:55 Heartbeat 21:00 Doc Martin 22:00 Broadchurch 23:00 Broadchurch
Sunday 22nd September
Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh
12:30 Jason Atherton’s Dubai Dishes
13:30 ITV Lunchtime News
13:40 Love Your Garden 14:40 M&S: Dress the Nation 15:40 Addams Family Values 17:25 Tomorrow Never Dies
ITV
Monday 23rd September
00:20 Tom Jones
Teleshopping 04:00 Motorsport UK 04:50 Unwind with ITV 06:05 Jason Atherton’s Dubai Dishes
07:00 Good Morning Britain 10:00 Lorraine 11:00 This Morning
13:30 Loose Women
14:30 ITV Lunchtime News
14:55 ITV News London
by the Sea 18:15 Flog It!
15:00 Dermot O’Leary’s Taste of Ireland
16:00 Lingo
17:00 Tipping Point
18:00 The Chase
19:00 ITV News London
19:30 ITV Evening News
20:30 Emmerdale
21:00 Coronation Street
of a Genius
23:00 We Might Regret This 23:25 Laugh Lessons 23:30 Newsnight
22:00 My Mum, Your Dad
23:00 ITV News at Ten
23:30 ITV News London
23:45 Password
01:20 Midway 03:40 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 04:35 Come Dine with Me 05:30 Hollyoaks: Omnibus 06:35 Para Triathlon: Superhero Tri 07:15 Cheers 07:40 Cheers 08:10 Cheers 08:35 Frasier 09:00 Frasier 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Frasier
10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:30 The Simpsons
SpongeBob SquarePants
Entertainment News On 5
NFL End Zone
Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty 11:10 Susan Calman’s Grand Days Out 12:05 Susan Calman’s Grand Days Out 13:05 Susan Calman’s Grand Days Out 14:05 Kent: The Garden of England 15:05 Kew Gardens: A Year In Bloom
06:45 Countdown 07:25 Cheers
07:50 Cheers
08:15 Cheers
08:45 The King of Queens
09:10 The King of Queens
09:35 The King of Queens
10:05 Frasier
10:35 Frasier
11:05 Frasier
11:35 Frasier
12:05 Come Dine with Me: The Professionals
13:05 Channel 4 News Summary
13:10 Narrow Escapes
14:10 Find It, Fix It, Flog It 15:10 Countdown 16:00 Chateau DIY 17:00 A Place in the Sun
18:00 Help! We Bought a Village 19:00 A Place in the Sun
19:30 The Simpsons
20:00 Channel 4 News
21:00 Jamie: What to Eat This Week
22:00 Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins 23:00 Gogglebox
09:10 PAW Patrol 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Peppa Pig 09:35 Peppa Pig 09:45 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:55 Reu & Harper’s Wonder World 10:05 Milkshake! Story Den 10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:30 Storm Huntley 13:45 Friends 14:10 Friends
14:40 5 News at Lunchtime 14:45 Home and Away 15:15 Danger in the House 17:00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun
18:00 5 News at 5 19:00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly
20:00 Traffic Cops 21:00 Police Interceptors 22:00 The Wives
23:00 The Lie: Murder In Suburbia 09:10 What’s New ScoobyDoo?
and
Secret
Dress to Impress 14:00 In with a Shout 15:00 Supermarket Sweep 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Dawson’s Creek 18:00 Dress to Impress 19:00 Celebrity Catchphrase 20:00 Family Fortunes 21:00 Bob’s Burgers 21:30 Bob’s Burgers 22:00 Family Guy 22:30 American Dad! 23:00 American Dad! 23:30 Family Guy
Classic Coronation Street 09:05 Lewis 11:10 The Royal 12:15 Heartbeat 13:25 Heartbeat 14:40 Classic Emmerdale 15:10 Classic Emmerdale 15:40 Classic Coronation Street 16:15 Classic Coronation Street
16:50 Foyle’s War 18:50 Heartbeat 19:55 Heartbeat 21:00 Doc Martin 22:00 Broadchurch 23:00 Broadchurch
If you have a question or problem with any household technology needing my help or want to join the Technology Help Group please email Brian at cbtechnology.help@gmail. com.
As a group member, you would have access to the group website which contains previous session notes, handouts and access to previous Costa Blanca People published articles. Scan the QR code for a reminder of what the Costa Blanca Technology Help Group offers.
Meetings at Dilly’s Bar, Av. Castuera, 3, 03184 El Chaparral, Alicante. Group meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 10:00 to 12:00. The Next meeting is on Wednesday 11th September 2024. You are welcome to attend.
“How do I alert the police or my family in an emergency”?
Open Windows Explorer and It´s The App “Alert Cops” allows you to call or chat with the police in an emergency. On all phones, there is an Emergency SOS function. Pressing the power button 5 times rapidly on your phone will send a message to your
Your tech questions answered by Brian Hoile of the Costa Blanca Technology Help Group, helping over 400 members with their PCs , smartphones and more. Group members can attend meetings in person or online using Zoom or Teams.
emergency contacts and the police.
Go to Settings and search for: Emergency SOS and Emergency Contacts
“Can two people share a computer and have their Applications and files”?
Yes, Windows makes it easy for multiple people to share the same PC. To do it, you create separate accounts for each person who will use the computer. Each person gets their own storage, applications, desktops, settings, and so on.
To Add people to a home PC
To add a user, click the Start button, select Settings and then choose Accounts. On the Accounts screen, choose Family & other users from the menu on the left. To set up accounts for family members that let you set age limits, game, app restrictions, etc., instead choose
Add a family member under the “Your family”section. On the screen that appears, enter the email address of the person for whom you want to create a user account, click OK and then Finish. The user’s name now appears on the “Family & other users”accounts page. Select Start, select and hold (or right-click) the account name icon (or picture), then select
Switch user. Select the Start button on the taskbar. Then, on the left side of the Start menu, select the account name icon (or picture), then select a different user to switch to their account.
These tools can also help people who work from home and need to share their PC with a family member. They allow you to set up and log in with different user profiles so each user can access only their files and folders, apps, and preferences.
One person, the PC’s administrator, sets up and manages all the accounts, including a variety of system settings that only the administrator can access. The administrator account is established when Windows is first installed or used on the machine.
Hoile Technology Help Group
the Group by searching Facebook for “Costa Blanca Technology Help Group” Send your questions to cbtechnology.help@gmail.com
Brian
Five free tickets to give away for the Autumn gold Fiesta
The Autumn Gold Fiesta will take place on Tuesday 15th October and Wednesday 16th October at the Alannia Resort in Guardamar. The esta will be supporting Rock Against Cancer.
The esta will commence on both days at 12.00 pm until 8.00 pm.
Throughout the Tuesday event you will be treated to four great acts:
Chloe Leigh as Shania Twain
Andrew Mark UK as Tina Turner
Midnight Riders with a Bon Jovi tribute
Finn Lizzy with a Thin Lizzy Tribute
On the Wednesday event you will be treated to:
Mother Monster as Lady Gaga
Andrew Mark UK as Elvis & Friends
Wild Card as Fleetwood Mac Dean Richardson UK as Freddie Mercury
The event will be great fun with lots of fabulous music and of course, loads of dancing.
Costa Blanca People have very kindly been given 5
For a chance to win one of these tickets please send the message “WIN” along with your full name, mobile number and email address via whatsapp to 607031113 or email Claire@ costablancapeople.com
Bars & Restaurants
Victoria Beckham has revealed how her husband David bought a brand new Prada suit just to ‘impress her’ on their rst date after she said she liked the brand.
The fashion designer, 50, opened up about the beginning of their relationship in an episode of the new documentary In Vogue: The 90s, which started streaming on Friday on Disney+.
Gushing about her love for designer clothes, she recalled: ‘Versace, Prada, and Gucci, they were my go-to designers. What was it they were getting right at the time? I suppose they really understood the power of celebrity.
Lauren Goodger has admitted that she ‘hasn’t got anyone’ as opened up about the crippling loneliness she’s endured in the wake of daughter Lorena’s death.
The TOWIE star, 37, gave birth to her second daughter in July 2022 but the tot tragically passed away just minutes after she was born with her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck.
In the two years since Lorena’s death, Lauren - who has also su ered other traumas such as the death of ex Jake McLean and the split from her girls’ father Charles Drury - Lauren has claimed that friends and family have ‘vanished’ from her life.
Jeremy Clarkson issued a stern warning to The Grand Tour bosses about the future of show on Thursday, after the nal episode left fans in tears.
The presenter brought close to his long-standing TV partnership with Richard Hammond and James May, when One for the Road dropped on Friday.
The nal ever episode sees the trio traverse the width of Zimbabwe in three cars, all un t for the task, as they say goodbye on a high.
Abbey Clancy claimed she was ‘halfway between a freak and sexless’ in very frank admission during Friday’s episode of Loose Women.
The model, 38, who married her husband Peter Crouch in 2011, also revealed how the couple use their podcast as ‘free therapy,’ even though it ‘gets her in trouble.’
In a candid discussion about their relationship with the panel, she spoke about the reaction she receives when she ‘overshares.’
BBC presenter Jay Blades has been charged with engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife, police con rmed today.
Blades, 54, appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court this morning after being charged by West Mercia Police with one count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship. According to court documents, the charge relates to his tness instructor wife Lisa Zbozen, who said on Instagram in May that their relationship was over. The couple married in the grounds of
Hotel Algorfa unveils new bakery range
Hotel Algorfa Bakery is excited to unveil its new “Build Your Own Sandwich or Sub” option, along with a delightful range of desserts featuring cakes, crepes, waffles, and homemade ice creams served in handcrafted waffle cones. Additionally, customers can enjoy an array of fresh bread options, including baguettes, loaves, and rolls, as well as indulgent ice cream milkshakes with the option to add a chocolate bar for an extra treat. Open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, the bakery also offers a supermarket stocked with everyday essentials and popular British brands, ensuring that all your needs are met in one convenient location. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or stocking up on groceries, Hotel Algorfa Bakery has something special for everyone. For more information on our upcoming gigs and events, please visit us on page 2.
a beachfront villa in Barbados on November 22, 2022.
Health & Beauty
I have been working for a Company for many years, and enjoy my job. Recently a woman joined the Firm who does nothing but talk, and talk about herself constantly and how great she is. She also has a habit of telling people what to do, when she is not in a position to do so. To say she is insufferable is an understatement. I am a pleasant, tolerant person who can usually get along with everyone, but this woman is seriously making me want to leave. I am not the only who finds her unbearable. Everyone gives her a wide berth, but this is not good for the business. We know she has complained to HR about us; but the real culprit is her.
Don’t let this problem force you out of a job you love. You need to have a word with your Human Resources manager. This is not your problem to solve so you should go through the correct channels. You should go to your
manager with other colleagues, this would help, and HR would know this is not an isolated problem, or a case of singling out. They should let her know that she is alienating people and causing dissent in the workplace. It is possible she is not even aware of her behaviour, and has probably been doing it for some time; and, left unchallenged, things like this will continue to be so unless someone steps up. You would be doing her a big favour by helping her.
WRITE TO SARA IN CONFIDENCE. A PSEUDONYM WILL BE USED IF YOU WISH. SARA READS ALL LETTERS AND CAN GIVE A PERSONAL REPLY. EMAIL YOUR QUESTION TO SARA@ COSTABLANCAPEOPLE.COM OR SARA IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS, TELEPHONE 650 054 467.
Mixing certain beauty products can cause skin irritation, reduce their effectiveness, or lead to other unwanted reactions. Here are some combinations to avoid:
1. Vitamin C + Retinol
Why avoid: Both ingredients have different pH levels and can cancel out each other’s benefits. Using them together may cause irritation, redness, or breakouts.
Alternative: Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
2. Retinol + AHA/BHA (Acids like Glycolic, Salicylic, or Lactic Acid)
Why avoid: These acids exfoliate the skin and, when combined with retinol, can increase irritation, dryness, and sensitivity.
Alternative: Use acids on alternate nights from retinol.
3. Benzoyl Peroxide + Retinol
Why avoid: Benzoyl
peroxide can oxidize and deactivate retinol, making both less effective. It can also lead to excessive dryness or irritation.
Alternative: Use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol at night.
4. Vitamin C + AHA/BHA Acids
Why avoid: Both are highly acidic, and layering them can cause stinging, irritation, or an imbalance in the skin’s pH.
Alternative: Use vitamin C in the morning and AHAs/ BHAs at night.
Can dehydration cause a headache?
A dehydration headache occurs when you’re not drinking enough water, making it easy for your body to lack the uids it needs to function properly. Dehydration headaches are more common than you might think and often develop during hot seasons and after you nish a strenuous workout session. Staying dehydrated is the best way to prevent a dehydration headache but also lower the risk of serious complications like heat exhaustion or kidney damage. There are two main types of headaches related to dehydration. The rst is a primary headache, which occurs
because you don’t have enough water in your body. The second type is a secondary headache, which means dehydration worsens your other underlying conditions, which may cause a headache to develop.
5. Niacinamide + Vitamin C
Why avoid: Though once believed to deactivate each other, recent studies show they can be used together. However, some with sensitive skin might still experience irritation.
Alternative: If sensitive, use niacinamide at night and vitamin C during the day.
6. Benzoyl Peroxide + AHA/BHA Acids
Why avoid: Both can be overly drying when used together, leading to irritation and flaking.
Alternative: Use benzoyl peroxide for spot treatment and acids on other areas.
7. Sunscreen + Makeup with SPF
Why avoid: Layering different SPF products doesn’t increase sun protection. Using too many SPF products can cause pilling and reduce effectiveness.
Alternative: Use one effective sunscreen and apply makeup without SPF on top.
8. Oil-Based and WaterBased Products
Why avoid: Oil-based products can prevent water-based products from absorbing properly, making them less effective.
Alternative: Use waterbased products first, then apply oil-based ones.
Being mindful of these combinations can help maintain healthy, balanced skin while ensuring the products you use deliver their full benefits.
in the Mi Quirónsalud App
Spanish Government to subsidise electric bike purchases
The Spanish government is aiming to increase the number of a ordable bicycles in cities and towns across the country. This initiative is part of its commitment to public transport as the best solution for reducing urban congestion and protecting the environment. To support this, the government will allocate 40 million euros to promote the use of bicycles, a mode of transport that is already popular in major European cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels, and London.
For the rst time, bicycles are being included in public transport subsidies, which have been in place for several years. The government plans to provide 20 million euros to subsidize the purchase of electric bicycles for individuals and companies, and another 20 million euros to lower the costs of existing public bike-sharing systems in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. The aim is to expand these systems to other Spanish cities as well.
Out of the total funds, 10 million euros will be dedicated
to reducing fares for existing bike-sharing schemes such as BiciMad in Madrid and Bicing in Barcelona. Another 10 million euros will be invested in introducing similar systems to cities that currently do not have them. “We are making a strong commitment to promoting bicycle use in urban areas,” said Prime Minister Sánchez on Thursday, 12 September, during the launch of a new campaign to encourage public transport.
Sánchez also urged mayors to support this “fantastic” mode of transportation, particularly
during certain times of the year, and promised government backing through new laws and nancial resources for municipalities that adopt bicycle-friendly policies.
The prime minister expressed his vision for cities with more carsharing, public buses, metros, trams, motorcycles, and bicycles, ultimately making them “healthier, cleaner, and more welcoming.” He highlighted that, according to the latest report from the Cetelem Observatory, 35 percent of people in Spain already use bicycles.
CHURCH AND CHARITIES
International Christian Assembly Evangelical Church. We welcome you to Sunday Service at 11am (English) Calle Beniajan 14, Torrevieja, 03185 www.icatorrevieja.org Phone; 966799273 or 660127276 (SH) Join us at Salt Church. Sundays at 10.30am. We are a friendly Church, Bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship.Calle Daya Nueva 12, Poligino Industrial Levante II, 03187 Los Montsinos. www.saltchurch.es Facebook: SaltChurchSpain
The Alfaz spiritual friends centre o er a warm welcome at “The Comm” (Ex The Forum/Mare Nostrum) Camino del Pincho 2, l’Alfaz del Pi, 03580, Alicante. Visiting medium every week - services starts 6.30 pm every Thursday. ‘Free Healing is available after the service. contact Dot 634 320 013 email: dorothydorothy608@gmail.com
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Tiger Woods undergoes back surgery
The 15-time major winner on the PGA Tour, Tiger Woods, announced on Friday that he underwent surgery on his lower back to address the back spasms that plagued him throughout the 2024 season. Woods, once a dominant force on the golf course, no longer competes full-time on the PGA Tour due to age and recurring health issues. While he has appeared in some majors and select events, it has become increasingly rare to see the legendary golfer in action.
The 2024 season proved challenging for Woods. He began the year at the Genesis Invitational in February but withdrew in the second round due to illness. He then missed the cut at the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and Open Championship. However, Woods did make the cut at the Masters, completing all four rounds and nishing in 60th place. On Friday, he con rmed he had undergone successful surgery to alleviate his back problems, speci cally a “microdecompression surgery of the lumbar spine to address a nerve impingement.”
Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi from the Hospital of Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida, performed the operation. In a statement, Woods said, “The surgery went smoothly, and I am hopeful this will help alleviate the back
spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season. I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf.”
Back surgeries are nothing new for Woods, who has now undergone six procedures for his back throughout his career. His physical challenges escalated following a serious car accident in 2021, after which he had major surgeries on his right leg. Despite these injuries, Woods made a remarkable return to the golf course within a year. He also underwent a subtalar fusion on his right foot, which sidelined him for most of the 2023 PGA Tour season.
Despite the setbacks, Woods has expressed no intention of retiring.
“I’ll play as long as I can play and I feel like I can still win the event,” Woods remarked during the 2024 Open Championship.
Retirement was a hot topic at this year’s Open Championship at Royal Troon when former European Tour member Colin Montgomerie criticized Woods’ recent performances, suggesting he should have retired in 2022. Woods responded rmly, noting that Montgomerie is “not a past champion” at the Open Championship, while Woods is.
“As a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60. Colin’s not. He’s not a past champion, so he’s not exempt. So he doesn’t get the opportunity to make that decision. I do,” Woods stated.
Woods is correct. His previous accomplishments have earned him lifetime exemptions for the Masters and PGA Championship, as well as eligibility to compete in the Open Championship until age 55, following a rule change in 2024. Unlike many on the PGA Tour, Woods does not need to qualify for these majors. As long as he remains healthy and willing, he has the privilege to continue playing inde nitely.
Most yellow cards in a premier league match
The Premier League is known for its excitement, goals, and late drama, but it’s also gained a reputation for being a physical and aggressive competition. With erce rivalries and a demanding style of play, the English top ight requires both strength and resilience from those who compete in the world’s most prominent domestic league. In an e ort to protect players, referees in the modern era have become stricter with their enforcement of the rules, particularly around dangerous tackles and dissent. As a result, yellow cards for foul play and unsportsmanlike behavior have been on the rise.
In recent years, records for most yellow cards in both individual matches and entire seasons have been broken. Chelsea, a club notorious for their place in these disciplinary lists, set a new record in their match against Bournemouth on September 14, 2024. A total of 14 yellow cards were issued to players on the pitch at Vitality Stadium, along with an additional caution to Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca. Despite the urry of yellow cards, no players were sent o , and the match concluded with both sides nishing with 11 players each.
Fans were left puzzled by the high number of bookings, as the match didn’t feel particularly dirty. The game lacked the in-
tensity typically associated with such incidents, and many of the cautions, particularly for dissent, were given for minor infractions as referee Anthony Taylor took a rm stance.
This match surpassed the previous record of 13 yellow cards, which was set nearly a year earlier during a game between Tottenham and She eld United, refereed by Peter Bankes. That match contributed signi cantly to the all-time record for yellow cards issued on a single day of Premier League action, with a staggering 44 cautions handed out across all xtures.
Chelsea’s disciplinary record has been a concern in recent seasons, as they set a Premier League record with 105 yellow cards during the 2023/24 campaign. However, despite this, no Chelsea player has made it into the list of top individual o enders in Premier League history.
That list includes seven players who have each received 14 yellow cards in a single season. These players, in order of their seasons, are: Mark Hughes (Southampton, 1998/99), Robbie Savage (Leicester City, 2001/02), Cheick Tiote (Newcastle, 2010/11), Lee Cattermole (Sunderland, 2014/15), Jose Holebas (Watford, 2016/17), Etienne Capoue (Watford, 2018/19), and Joao Palhinha (Fulham, 2022/23).
Abbey Anglers
On Tuesday the 3rd of September we resumed from out summer break and fished the 4th round of the Autumn cup at the El Bosquet Complex near to Crevillent. The Weather was very overcast and with forecast of rains we decided that the 18 anglers would fish every peg from A1 to 16. This as usual drew a few moans and groans from the usual suspects but as the high numbers on pegs 17 to 24 were already underwater, it was done purely from a safety point of view, something that some people disregard. Some people often forget that fishing is not have to be all about catching lots of fish. Its a great sport and is all about the comradery and mental well being that it promotes.
Onto the match, we did get a few light showers during the match but nothing of any great note. The low pressure
conditions and the close pegging did mean that the fishing was a little below par bur the results were very close.
Winner on the day from peg 2 was Graham Patterson. Having sold off all his pole gear, Graham fished the method or bomb mainly with 8mm pellet and caught some lovely carp for 13.20kg.
In second place was Bob Robinson on peg 13. Bob caught 18 mullet and two carp on the pole or feeder for 13.18kg.
Willy Moons was a very close 3rd place from peg 6. Willy also fished the feeder with pellet or Maize and caught some really big mullet and the odd carp for 13.12kg.
Rods N Reels.
The following day we fished the same venue. This time it was actually raining on the way down. When we arrived two Spanish anglers were setting up on pegs
a1 and b1 After a quick discussion with the Higher ache it was decided that the seven brave souls that attended would fish every other peg from peg 28 to 40. The match was won by yours truly, Ian Brown. I was drawn on peg 28 which was expected to win. I did not even set the pole up and after a very slow start I got my first fish after about and hour. I fished the method feeder with 8mm pellet or Maize and caught steadily after that. I ended up with 15 carp and 3 mullet for 21.80kg.
In second place was Nick Bastock, after trying the pole to no effect he too fished the feeder and ended up with 15.36kg.
In third place was Lenny Bolton. At 1pm Lenny was fishless and went for a walk to clear his head. Upon his return he fished down the edge and caught well in the last hour and ended up with 9.10kg. We had not fished this stretch for a
long while but like the other end of the stretch it has had a large bloom of very small fish. It is virtually impossible to fish maggots without catching one. The match finished at 3.30pm and we could see some clouds of impending doom in the distance. I managed to get to the last two competitors to be weighed when the heavens opened and we were pummelled with very very heavy rain and sleet accompanied by thunder and lightning. The banks quickly became a sea of puddles and I had to shelter in my van for 20 minutes before I could load the last few pieces of my tackle. We were all soaked down to the underwear etc and our vehicles as wet inside as they were out. Still we managed to dry out in the pub a good day was had by all.
Ian Brown
Pinafore used back in Roman or pagan days(5)
One cent to add to the total returned makes a
sound!(5)
Is it stopped to play the first note of the scale?(7)
How to raise stock but see profits diminish?(11)
A purposeful glance at the dictionary?(7,4)
Muttered that mother lost blood(7)
Don’t get rid of the staff!(5)
& 22Ac. Toss for ends?(5,2,5) 22. See 21 Across
1 & 3Dn. He makes his first appearance, putting aunt badly in debt(8)
2. Refinement in language?(6)
3. See 1 Down
4. Firing into the air by way of conclusion(6)
5. Leave and throw away that young bird(7)
8. Lies and disclaimers(7)
11. Tool for bridge-building?(7)
13. Commissioned position indeed!(7)
15. The missing corpse is that of an insignificant person(6)
16. Was prostrate longer through expenditure?(6)
17. Climb with laces tangled?(5)
20. Cook small fish(3)
QUICK CROSSWORD
SUDOKU
Fill the grid so that every column, row and 3x3 square includes all the digits from 1 to 9
WORDWHEEL
Using only the letters in the wordwheel, take ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must contain the central letter and at least three others. Letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one nine-letter word in the wheel.
