Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader edition 662

No 662

Monday 10th - Sunday 16th April, 2017

Tel: 637 227 385

M I N I STRY RE J ECTS N332 WI DE N I NG PLAN

T

orrevieja’s mayor, José Manuel Dolón, said last week that the Ministry of Public Works has returned the proposal to widen the N332 saying that it was both submitted far to late for implementation and the project is in need of 13 major changes before it can again be considered.

The National body state that in many areas the appropriation of land is in breach of the law whilst in others it is far too little which will route the new stretch of dual carriageway far too close to public properties.

However the mayor has said that he has no intention of ‘throwing in the towel’ and that he will look at all of the observations made with a view to their modification. In a recent appearance before the press he said that there are a number of difficult issues to

be addressed and he will be requesting an early meeting with María José Salvador the Minister of Public Works in the Generalitat Valenciana.

Continued on Page 2

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N332 WIDENING Continued from Page 1

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He said that he also intends to take the matter direct to Madrid.

He added that Fomento now envisages a four-lane fast lane that requires more ground than planned in the original project.

“The objective is resolve the situation because we cannot continue as we have done in recent years with the constant logjams along the single lane stretch of the N332 south of the Park of Nations,” he continued.

Despite a second carriageway being added to much of the N332 around Torrevieja some years ago the 8km stretch from Punta Prima to the Park of Nations, which carries up to 30,000 vehicles per day, was ignored as a result of which, particularly during the warmer months, the traffic tends to tail back causing severe jams and delays in both directions.

Unfortunately the rejected plan diverts the road to within just a few metres of public housing which would not be acceptable to any of the parties. There are also many other areas where the Ministry consider there to be a lack of adequate flood defences

or drainage The Ministry of Public Works has said that the traffic study is "insufficient" as the data is taken from 2007 and must be updated.

In addition, there are many other parts of the study that no longer comply with the regulations that are currently in force.

It is the Regional Government that is responsible for authorising the project prior to submitting it to Central Government who will then be providing the funding.

However the statement from the Torrevieja mayor brought immediate criticism from the opposition Partido Popular who accused the mayor of "hiding the deficiencies noted in the Ministry’s response for almost 4 months.

According to the PP spokesman, Eduardo Dolón, it now seems that the report was first received by the municipal registry prior to Christmas on 22 December since which time there appears to have been nothing done.

Needless to say the mayor vehemently denies the accusation stating that the PP are once again simply up to their usual dirty tricks, and confirming that the document was not received

until just last month.

Alicante Deputy Joaquín Albaladejo, previously a member of the PP administration in Torrevieja, was quick to defend the former administration blaming the Provincial government of “socialist” Ximo Puig and “Catalan” Monica Oltra for dragging their feet and causing the delay of the new carriageways.

He said that improvements to the N-332 passing through Torrevieja have been planned for over a decade, for which the Ministry of Development has budgeted nearly 17 million euros to which it is adding a further million every year.

But while the adversarial political jousting continues we can only expect the delays with this essential scheme to continue and all the while the unacceptable levels of congestion cause immeasurable damage to the local economy.

It seems that the political establishment are currently more concerned with scoring points against each other than in doing their job!

The 2019 deadine for the start of work is now looking increasingly unlikely.

RBL FUNDRAISER ON ST GEORGES DAY Popular Flamenca Dancer Francisca Samper Navarro

O

n 23 April the Emerald Isle in La Florida, in conjunction with Sunshine FM, will be hosting a charity fundraiser for the Royal British Legion.

The event will get underway at 12 noon and will last well into the early evening.

As well as a large selection of market stalls for visitors to wander round there will be a full afternoon of entertainment provided by some of the very best talent on the Costa Blanca.

Rebecca Holt will be appearing fresh from her success at the Benidorm Palace. She will be joined

by Dan Davy, Cindy and the Crazy Ladies. Also featuring will be the Phoenix School Choir which

will be supporting the RBL at a number of events throughout the year, as well as popular Flamenca Dancer Francisca Samper Navarro with her Sevillanas. The RBL’s very own Sandie Coates will be making her debut appearance at the event along with the very popular Torrevieja Pipes and Drums.

The day will be brought to a close by the draw for the mega raffle, all funds raised from which will be donated to the annual RBL Poppy Appeal.

There are still a number of pitches available for any traders wishing to take space at the event.

Please contact Alan Darby on 667 941 165 for more information.

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The political establishment seems only concerned in scoring points against each other rather than doing their job!

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ORIHUELA CONTEMPT FOR COSTA CHILDREN The next edition of the

will be published on Tuesday 18th April

This children’s park in C/Cardamomo, just south of Villamartin, is completely overgrown. All of the equipment is broken and the area is littered with broken bottles and dog mess.

D

espite the promises made by the Orihuela Ayuntamiento over the years, the legal obligation that they have to do so, and the UNANIMOUS approval in the November 2015 Plenum of their commitment to providing adequate parks and gardens, as well as improvements and maintenance to existing sites, the team led by mayor Emilio Bascuñana Galiano, have made it abundantly clear that they have little interest in what goes on beyond the boundaries of Orihuela city.

This has been quite clearly amplified by the current lack of maintenance and investment in Orihuela Costa’s so-called parks and gardens, often no more than wastelands, which have now resulted in an appearance of environmental neglect and abandon.

Since 2015 it is a legal obligation for local governments to maintain ALL public parks and gardens, irrespective of their administrative status and as such the council has an obligation to provide sufficient budgetary finance to improve the state of Orihuela Costa’s parks and gardens.

Indeed you simply have to drive around the locality to see the disrepair that our parks and gardens have

fallen into. No longer are many of them worth visiting, neither are many of them safe for children to play in as the large majority have been allowed to decay and through a lack of investment and maintenance fall into disrepair with much of the equipment now being dangerous for the children to use.

In a last attempt to improve a facility in Villamartin one resident sent a number of photographs to the FAOC (Federación de Asociaciones de Orihuela Costa) in the hope that they can apply some pressure on the Ayuntamiento. They show the poor state of the children’s park located in C/Cardamomo, in Villamartin where the resident staes “no one in their right mind would take the children to such a place.” He says that the equipment is dangerous and an accident waiting to happen.

“How can the council show such disregard to the children who live on the urbanisation. The slide is completely broken, the swings are unusable and the concrete base base around the remaining equipment is illegal and in need of replacement.”

It has been almost 18 month since the mayor and his councillors made a commitment to improve our parks and garden to the standard required by the Spanish Association of Public Parks.

Unfortunately this seems to be just yet another area in which they have shown contempt for the residents of the Orihuela Costa as they concentrate their spending in the city and the pedenias.

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Easter Week Celebrations in Orihuela and Torrevieja Transport is provided daily from the Orihuela Costa calling at Entre Naranjos.

Tel: 96 676 00 00, EXT. 32

EASTER PARADES IN ORIHUELA Easter is one of the most celebrated religious and cultural festivals in Spain and in Orihuela, Holy Week was acknowledged as being of International Tourist Interest in 2010.

The streets will be transformed into scenes which will commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ a schedule of which is shown below.

Of all of the processions and celebrations one of the most moving is on Holy Thursday, starting at eleven o'clock in the evening: The Santísimo Cristo del Silencio. (Holy Christ of Silence). This is when two long lines of devotees, dressed in their hooded gowns, covering their heads, walk through the crowds in complete silence.

But all of the festivities are well worth attending if you really want to see cultural Spain at its very best and from the Orihuela Costs the council are providing a daily bus service to the city which will drop

you are the very centre of all the celebrations, but it will only run if it has a minimum of 20 people who must book in advance at the Playa Flamenca town Hall.

For further information, timings and bookings, contact the tourist office at Orihuela Playa on telephone: 96 676 00 00, EXT. 32 HOLY MONDAY 10 APRIL 10 pm: PROCESSION of the Brotherhood of La Samaritana (The Samaritan) and the Pontíce (Pontiand the Royal and the Illustrious Brotherhood of Our Father Jesus in the float El Prendimiento (Jesus Arrested).

HOLY TUESDAY 11 APRIL 10 pm: PROCESSION of the Brotherhood of the Pardon and the Ecce Homo Brotherhood.

HOLY WEDNESDAY 12 APRIL 6:30 pm: PROCESSION of the Secular Franciscan Order and Illustrious Stewardship of Our Father Jesus.

10:30 pm: PROCESSION of the Brotherhood of the "Last Supper" Eucharist and the Royal Brotherhood of "Jesus Washing the Feet".

MAUNDY APRIL

THURSDAY

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11 pm: PROCESSION of the Brotherhood of Silence.

GOOD FRIDAY 14 APRIL 2 am: PROCESSION of the Penitential Brotherhood of the Holy Christ of the Good Death.

6:30 pm: GENERAL PROCESSION of the Passion.

EASTER SATURDAY 15 APRIL

EASTER SUNDAY 16 APRIL

7 pm: PROCESSION of the Holy Burial of Christ followed by mass at 11pm

12:30 am: PROCESSION of the Brotherhood of the Resurrection.

EASTER PARADES IN TORREVIEJA

Concepción church where it will also finish.

MAUNDY THURSDAY - Midnight Cristo del Calvario Procession from the Plaza del Calvario to the Plaza de la Constitución.

GOOD FRIDAY -14th April - TIME: 8pm Holy burial procession from the Inmaculada Concepción church to which it will return.

HOLY SATURDAY - “15th April - TIME: 10.30pm Drum Saturday - Tamborada Sábado de Gloria. In anticipation of the resurrection of Jesus, in a general expression of joy you can join the drum concert. Just take along your own drum. From the Centro Cultural Virgen del Carmen de Torrevieja finishing in the Plaza de la Constitución.

EASTER SUNDAY - 16th April - TIME: 8am There are two Hallelujah Processions from the Inmaculada Concepción church to which they also returns. Both processions will meet at the crossroads of Calle Concepción and Fotógrafos Darblade, where the 'Encuentro' or encounter will take place. During this event petals will fall from the balconies of the surrounding buildings and the traditional Hallelujahs will be sung.

Below is the programme of each parade. The best parades to watch are the 'big' processions at 8pm on Good Friday and 8am on Easter Sunday. For more information take a look at the official Semana Santa Torrevieja website.

HOLY MONDAY - 10th April - TIME: 10pm Solemn Procession. Starting and finishing in the Plaza de la Constitución HOLY TUESDAY - 11th April – TIME 10pm Solemn Procession starting and finishing at the Inmaculada Concepción church, in the Plaza de la Constitución HOLY WEDNESDAY - 12th April TIME: 10pm Solemn Procession starting and finishing at the Inmaculada Concepción church, in the Plaza de la Constitución. The procession will meet a second march which will have left the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús church at the same time. This meeting is called the Encuentro en la via dolorosa after which both parades will continue to the Plaza de la Constitución.

MAUNDY THURSDAY - 13th April - TIME: 11pm The Silence procession from the Inmaculada

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Alicante’s Classic Car and Bike Show

you are remotely interested in Motorcycles and Classic Cars then the Motor Show ‘Antic Auto,’ which will run over the weekend 22/23 April at the International Exhibition Centre just by Alicante Airport, is the place to be.

The show runs on Saturday and Sunday, 22 and 23 April, from 10 am on each day. Doors will close at 8.30 pm on Saturday and 7pm on Sunday.

The exhibition Hall will be filled with vehicles and bikes owned by private individuals as well as a number of unique collections from major exhibitors from across Spain.

This will be the 14th year of the show which promises to have something for everyone. As well as pure exhibits there will be cars and bikes for sale, motorcycles and spare parts together with many enthusiasts clubs and

associations. Auto magazines will also be represented as will be a number of specialised agencies, insurance companies, toys. There will be an antique and collectors' corner together with clothing and accessories plus many custom made items.

The price of entry for the general public is 8 euros, for pensioners or those under 30 years of age 6 euros by presenting the discount voucher that can be found in the "Downloads" section of the main web page of the ANTIC AUTO Fair on the IFA website www.feria-alicante.com It is even cheaper, just 5 euros, if you buy your ticket in advance which you can also do on the website.

The entrance for clubs and associations is 5 euros per person when presenting your membership card. Tickets for groups of at least ten people are 4 euros. Children under 12 years old are free. See main ad on back page.

PLACE: IFA - INSTITUCIÓN FERIAL ALICANTE, Dates: 22 and 23 April Opening: Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. www.feria-alicante.com

New Girlguiding group for Orihuela Costa Orihuela Costa Rainbows and Brownies will be opening at the end of April. This is a brand new Girlguiding group for girls aged 5-11 years.

Rainbows 5-7 years and Brownies 7-11 years We will meet every Wednesday at the Madhouse in El Galan.

Parents can find our more on our Facebook page: Orihuela Costa Brownies and Rainbows.

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Interested in Astronomy? Go to MOONWATCH Health Platform calls for an You may remember that in October we invited people to come and view the Moon through our telescopes. Unfortunately this date coincided with with a thunder storm!. We would now like to invite you all to view the Moon again.

The event will take place on Punta Prima Promenade, just up from the Nautilus Restaurant on 20th April

end to private referrals

We are all familiar with the appearance of the Moon up there in the sky that we usually forget what it is - a completely separate world, orbiting Earth, out there in space. The Moon is one celestial object that never fails to impress when seen through a telescope.

Its our nearest neighbour in space - big, bright and beautifully bleak and just a quarter of a million miles away. When observed through binoculars or telescope. the terminator [the line that separates sunlight and shadow] makes the lunar landscape stand out in stark relief.

Mountains, craters and valleys look especially steep and rugged because the low Sun makes every hill cast a long dramatic shadow.

The event will take place on Punta Prima Promenade, just up from

the Nautilus Restaurant on 20th April 2017 from 9pm - 10pm Vega Baja Astronomy Group - vegabaja.astronomygroup@gmail.com The group meets the second Wednesday of each month at 2:30pm at Casa Tom on Avenida Jaca, San Luis.

Alicante’s Military History Torrevieja u3A Military history group recently arranged a visit to the Archivo Historico Provincial de Alicante (Provincial Historical Archive of Alicante) The visit was organised by the group leader Felipe Lopez and the group members plus family and friends got together to visit and view the current exhibit on display about the Spanish Civil War and its effect on the city of Alicante. The history of Alicante during the Civil

War is extensive and not well known. Alicante was the last town to fall to Franco’s Nationalist Army and the war ended shortly after its fall.

A significant aspect of the exhibit is that it is related to the Republican side of the conflict, something that it is not always available. All members were really impressed and touched by the presentation and display, and the guide’s narrative, who also willingly shared memories of her own family’s struggle with this still sensitive topic for many Spaniards.

They also had the opportunity to visit a section of the Archivo where the preservation and conservation process of old documents takes place and learned how books are treated and safeguarded for future generations. They also were allowed to visit the extensive archive where the books are catalogued and referenced for easy finding and access.

The exhibit is open to the public until the end of June 2017.

Just one of the many interesting visits and topics shared by the Military history group - further infor from www.torreviejau3a.org

The Vega Baja Health Platform has shown its dissatisfaction with the Department of Health claiming that patients from the Vega Baja Hospital are regularly being referred to private hospitals for medical tests.

They say that one member of the platform has recently received a letter, and refused to have a colonoscopy in the privately managed Torrellano Hospital.

The Oriolano group claims to have received many complaints from patients about such appointments, and have now sent a letter to the Health Minister, Carmen Montón, along with the current vice president of the Consell, Mónica Oltra.

They say that diverting patients to the private sector is done to the detriment of our Public Health and that priority should be given to ensure that our public hospitals are better equipped and able to carry out such tests themselves.

The platform warns those responsible in the Generalitat Valenciana, "that we cannot and will not allow the lack of investment in the services of the Vega Baja hospital to continue whilst funding that should be used in the public sector is being spent elsewhere.

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FAOC slam Ayuntamiento for state of Costa Roads

T

he FAOC (Federación de Asociaciones de Orihuela Costa) and its partner organisations and groups have long been compiling a list of the many serious deficiencies that we are all aware of on the coast. The latest inventory includes broken pavements and the poor state of our roads which they have drawn attention to once again with the Orihuela Ayuntamiento.

The list is accompanied by an album of photographs submitted by members of the public.

The great majority of the problems were highlighted in the proposal for the 2017 Participatory Budgets, which the group presented to the Council in September 2016, almost 6 months ago.

FAOC have zoned the needs for asphalting in the document "Asphalted needs O.C.", having identified 10 sites where necessary action has been prioritised.

They include the following: 1. Access to the Playa Flamenca Secondary School and the bridge over the AP7 (zone 4):

priority action. A large number of cars and people (children, for the most part) use the area daily as they arrive and depart from college, with considerable risk.

This is a very poor situation.

2. Avda. Villamartín (zones 1 and 2): several sections of the avenue along which thousands of cars travel on a daily basis, many going to Zenia Boulevard.

3. Dehesa de Campoamor (zone 8): There are extensive areas with serious asphalting deficiencies, there has been practically no maintenance work carried out in the area for more than 10 years.

FAOC accept that some actions are being carried out in some areas (av. Villamartín, access to the Playa Flamenca Institute, etc.) by maintenance staff, but these are only minor repairs which are totally inadequate to the needs of the area. Holes that are filled quickly reappear in an even worse condition just days after being repaired.

The works currently being carried out are totally insufficient for the needs of the Orihuela Costa, and they are also far too few as can be seen on the attached schedule of works that are required, many of which suffer such a level of deterioration that they pose a risk to road safety and to the safety of the general public as well as presenting a very negative image of those responsible for the maintenance.

Although the government team repeatedly state that there are upcoming asphalt actions in the process of being financed with the remnants of previous budgets, as the months go by nothing has been done.

FAOC therefore request that the Department of Infrastructure includes, in the 2017 Budget, the funding necessary to cover all needs so that a comprehensive "asphalt operation in Orihuela Costa" can be carried out.

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Restaurant Fire in CEIP PLAYAS DE ORIHUELA VOTE FOR CONTINUOUS DAY La Zenia Boulevard

V

ery nearly 2/3rds of those who voted in a recent poll taken at the CEIP Playas de Orihuela, came down in support of changing the school hours to a continuous day.

In a census gathered from 409 parents, 272, 66.5%, voted in favour of the motion while 266, 34.5% voted against.

Organisers said that the information campaign that they launched was the largest that the school had seen in 14 years. It was also the one which created most interest, even more so than the recent battles to provide brick built

accommodation in a new school This behind the campaign said that they used circulars as well as holding meetings with translators and presentations with slides, all explaining the continuous day. There were even banners made by the students, and displayed on the perimeter fencing around the college.

The vote was held at the school last Tuesday, 4th April, between 9am and 7pm. It is understood that the new school day will begin on the students return following the Easter break.

New Citizens Care Office for Las Filipinas San Miguel De Salinas has opened a Citizens Care Office which is located in the Las Filipinas Community Centre in El Galan, on Calle Aranjuez. The office will remain open during business hours, Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm.

In the office residents will be able to obtain general information, make complaints and find out information about residency and citizenship. The office will be manned at all times by a local police officer.

The measure is to take the council and public services to the residents of the suburbs, providing them with an information service that they previously lacked.

In addition, the new service will provide the opportunity to present their suggestions, complaints or claims that they wish to notify. The council say that everything that is brought to their attention through the centre will be dealt with.

Firefighters from Torrevieja and Almoradi were called to a blaze on Wednesday morning that had broken out the the kitchen of the ‘Good Rices’ Restaurant in La Zenia Boulevard.

The fire was first reported at about 7.40 am when, according to a spokesman from the Bomberos Provincial office in Alicante, a spark ignited a bundle of vines that were drying in the kitchen. Fortunately there were no injuries with the fire eventually distinguished in just over an hour.

Whilst there was little physical destruction noted in the premises many neighbouring establishments were unable to open because of the damage caused by smoke. The fire also destroyed a network of water pipes in the restaurant which cases severe flooding in premises directly below.

However the fire has not unduly affected the activity in the commercial centre, the largest large such establishment in the province, as most of the retail outlets were able to open their doors as normal.

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'Carrying on in Pompeii' Classical Rehearsals are going well for Stagestruck's next show to be presented at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio on the 11th, 12th and 13th May. 'Carry on Pompeii' is an adult musical comedy set in Ancient Pompeii and features a host of comical characters. The show opens in the home of Senator Pius Maximus, an amazing backdrop designed and created by Joe Luker who plays Centurion Sextus Magnus. The scenery is offset by incredible props designed and built by Don Payen.

The show focuses on Grovello, head slave to the Senator played by Alan Appleton and his fruitless attempts to buy his freedom. The Senator and his wife, Lamenta are played by Stagestruck favourites, Jim and Jean Speakman and Blanca Helena Sierra plays their daughter, Virginia. The cast of 25 will take the audience through two days in Pompeii and will share love, disappointment and bags of laughs. As well as comedy, the audience will be treated to song and dance, so there really is something for everyone.

Tickets are 7 euros each and includes a free drink on arrival. Proceeds from ticket sales go to local charities and we donate an average amount of 4000 euros from each show. Our main beneficiary is the Torrevieja Alzheimer's Association but other local charities also receive a donation.

Theatre from Noel Coward Actors Community Theatre Society, return with their first production of 2017. After two successful productions at Beniojfar Cultural Centre, and donating 5000€ to The Benijofar Crisis Appeal, A.C.T.S are currently rehearsing for Blithe Spirit

by Noel Coward, directed by Ian Vallender.

Tickets are on sale at the Card Place, Benimar, Cards and more, La Marina, the Post Room, Benijofar, The Post Box, Dona Pepa, Quesada, Marabu Lounge, Quesada, Kennedys Supermarket, Los Montesinos and Ray's Laundry, La Marina.

Alternatively call Leigh on 679 679 584 or Jenny on 608 129 983 or email leigh.humphries58@gmail.com or

The Good Old Days Campoverde Theatre Group are busy rehearsing for their next Supper Show, The Good Old Days to be performed on the Wednesday the 3rd, Thursday 4th and Friday 5th of May at the Fiesta Plaza, formally known as Breakaways, Calle Republica Dominica, Urb. Pueblo Principe. The audience will be able to enjoy a one course meal then sit back and enjoy a night of Olde Tyme Music Hall featuring dance, music, sketches and well known songs from the Edwardian period.

This promises to be a fun filled evening where audience participation is actively encouraged.

Come along dressed in typical Olde Tyme Music Hall dress, long dresses, fancy hats etc end sing along with songs that will remind you of family parties of long ago when your parents would sing songs that have stood the test of time. Prizes will

be given to the member of the audience in the best Olde Tyme dress.

Campoverde Theatre Group donated over 2500€ to local charities last year and the proceeds of this show will go to a very worthwhile local charity, Help at Home that offers invaluable help to local residents who are ill, need short term help, transport to health services, hospital visiting; and much more. Come along and help us raise funds for this very worthwhile charity.

Tickets are available from the Ticket Line: ctgticketline@gmail.com or telephone : 626 772 256. You can also purchase tickets directly from The Book Shop, San Miguel or why not drop into the Community Centre, Blue Lagoon (Mon and Weds 2-4 pm).

Charles Condomine (Tony Goddard) an author whose first wife Elvira (Robin Smith) has been dead for seven years has been reasonably happy with his second wife Ruth (Dianne Scott). To collect material for his book he invites the quirky Madame Arcarti, (Eileen Hamilton) a local medium, to conduct a séance at their home.

Supernatural hilarity and anarchy are unleashed as Elvira returns.

Noel Coward´s Blithe Spirit has been entertaining

audiences for over 60 years. Tickets are 8€ and are available by contacting tickets.acts@gmail.com or telephoning 646 277 724.

Tickets are also available from various local outlets including Restaurante Catorce, Beniojfar who are offering an Early Bird dinner before the show and are only a five-minute walk from the theatre.

For more information please contact Catorce on 966 84 90 30 The performances are on Thursday 18th May, Friday 19th May and Saturday 20th May with curtain up at 7.30pm sharp at Benijofar Cultural Centre. All profits from this show will go towards the Benijofar Crisis Appeal.

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QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS QUICK ACROSS: 1 Yearbook; 5 Rang; 9 Mass; 10 Reprisal; 11 Diary; 12 Capture; 13 Independently; 18 Terrific; 19 Gate; 20 Referee; 21 Havoc; 22 Mild; 23 Standing.

DOWN: 2 Evasion; 3 Reserve; 4 Over-confident; 6 Assault; 7 Gallery; 8 Triple; 13 Interim; 14 Direful; 15 Pliers; 16 Niggard; 17 Let-down.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Flamingo; 5 Spiv; 9 Lees; 10 Coverage; 11 Moral; 12 Heroine; 13 Interest rates; 18 Fair play; 19 Rail; 20 Retired; 21 Vague; 22 Odds; 23 By halves.

DOWN: 2 Lie down; 3 Massage; 4 Good husbandry; 6 Pianist; 7 Viewers; 8 Wearer; 13 Inferno; 14 Twisted; 15 Report; 16 Airmail; 17 Epicure.

ACROSS 7.

Showdown (13)

8.

Disparage (8)

9.

Crockery (4)

10.

Alcove (6)

12.

Showy (6)

14.

Intelligent (6)

16.

Bully (6)

18.

Fight (4)

20.

Despondently (8)

22.

Perfidy (13)

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

11.

13.

15.

17.

19.

21.

Predict (8) Function (6) Plunder (4) Force (8) Daze (6) Station (4) Contend (8) Unblemished (8) Truth (6) Advent (6) Climax (4) Dispossess (4)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z

They could produce caustic art, sir (13)

8.

Near site that could be used for apprentices (8)

9.

Deck labourer kept at arm's length (4)

10. Craftily manipulate the western viewpoint (6) 12. Wish to insert a title in incomplete document (6) 14. Attacked by gangster and delayed (4,2) 16. About a badly aimed shot showing negligence (6) 18. See 3 Down.

20. An upright post provides the criterion (8)

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

Solution on Page 23 CAN YOU MASTER THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE? Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

QUIZ ANSWERS

24.0 million sq km (1270 or 1309), 3.

Russian Empire - 23.7 million sq km (1866), 4. Spanish Empire - 20.0 million sq km (ca. 1740-1790), 5. Qing Empire, China - 14.7 million sq km (1790. The Roman empire made it to number 15 with 6.5 million sq km and the Portuguese Empire a respectable 10th place with 10.4 million sq km.

22. Bookkeeper's office (13)

Girl (Neil Young), 11. Finland, 12. Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, 13.

Midnight Cowboy, 14. 248.54 years, 15.

Science, 16. Knots, 17. a. The Police, b.

Gary Numan, c. Roxy Music, d. Kate Bush, 18. Cardigan (The seventh Earl of Cardigan), 19. Orchestra, 20. a. Womens' shoes. 21. The top five largest empires at their greatest extent: 1. British Empire - 33 .7 million sq km (1923), 2. Mongol Empire -

7.

DOWN 1. Bearing required for a piece of rolling-stock (8) 2. One threatened with it, may go into it (6) 3 and 18Ac. Stop Press: X involved in Wales disorder (4,4) 4. One who has little backing, but he hasn't been taken in (8) 5. Spectacles essential for marksmen (6) 6. It's crazy, when upset, to cause stupefaction (4) 11. This results in a picture of shelterless state (8) 13. Check about nervous tension (8) 15. Five hundred trees transplanted in wasteland (6) 17. Unassuming street fronted by a certain style (6) 19. Send out when sentence is up (4) 21. Nurse in Malaya Hospital (4)

lakes? (Russia excluded) 12. What were the names of the five D-Day beaches?

13. Which 1969 Oscar winning film was X-rated in the USA? 14. Plus or minus 50 years, how long does it take Pluto to orbit the sun?

15. Which well-known word stems from the Latin for 'knowledge'?

16. Turks Head, Flemish Flake, Dutch Cringle and Granny are all examples of what?

17. Who released the following No 1 albums in the UK in 1980? a. Zenyatta Mondatta. b.

Telekon. c. Flesh and Blood. d. Never For Ever 18. Which man, whose name is now an eponym (a thing named after a person), led the disastrous charge of the Light Brigade?

19. The name for which musical ensemble translated means 'dancing place'?

20. Manolo Blahnik, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, Roger Vivier, Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta and Escada are all names associated with very expensive what?

21. From a list of historical Empires at their greatest extent, the British Empire was by far the largest, covering an area of 33.7 million sq km back in 1923. What other historical empires feature in the top five?

1. Parker (Porter in the books), 2.

Nineteen-Eighty-four, 3. Prague, 4. The witches in Macbeth, 5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus. Ros (dew) Marinus (sea)), 6.

Sir Charlie Chaplin, 7. b. Geography, 8.

Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler, 9. British Honduras, 10. a. Georgy Girl (Seekers), b.

Another Girl (Beatles), c. Barbie Girl (Aqua), d. Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison), e. Calendar Girl (Neil Sedaka), f. Cinnamon

ACROSS

1. In the Tarzan films, what was Jane's last name?

2. Airstrip One is the new name for Britain in which book?

3. The name of which central European capital city means 'ford'? (as in river ford) 4. Who cooks with nose of Turk and Tartar's lips?

5. The name of which popular herb stems from the Latin for 'dew of the sea'?

6. Petula Clark had a surprise No 1 hit in the UK charts in February 1967 with 'This is my Song'.

Which famous English Sir wrote the song?

7. Eratosthenes is the 'father' of what? a.

Astronomy b. Geography c. Philosophy d.

Mathematics 8. Which film couple had a daughter named Bonnie Blue?

9. What was Belize called until 1973?

10. The following words are from songs with the word 'Girl' in the title. Can you name the song? a. Shed those dowdy feathers and fly. b. She's sweeter than all the girls and I've met quite a few. c. Life in plastic, it's fantastic. d. Whatever happened to Tuesday and so slow. e. January you start the year off fine. f. A dreamer of pictures, I run thru the night, you see us together chasing the moonlight 11. Which European country has the most

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‘Letters from the Atlantic’ Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper.

He enjoys life in the sun as a columnist and author, and continues to write a series of popular novels, books for expats, as well as designing mobile apps and websites to promote the Canary Islands.

The Belted Bus

I

wonder what readers think about those magic words ‘health and safety’? For me, it is usually an excuse for some ‘jobsworth’ in a government or local authority office trying to stop me from doing something that I really want to do, with nothing more to offer than a feeble, illogical excuse. Of course, ‘health and safety' is important and is intended to be a good thing, but only when it benefits workers, individuals and the wider community, and not as a pointless control mechanism designed to irritate.

In the UK, Germany and much of Scandinavia, ‘health and safety’ is taken very seriously and there is usually some consistency to the approach. For instance, if you trip on a paving slab, a complaint to the local authority is usually taken seriously and the issue corrected.

It can also provide a convenient opportunity for litigation lawyers to pounce and sue the Town Hall on your behalf.

In Mediterranean countries, such as Spain, France and Italy, the issue is generally taken much less seriously. One could kindly say that maybe a more pragmatic and flexible approach is taken to such matters.

I know from several correspondents who have slipped or tripped on tiled pavements or broken concrete stairs in public places, that the response from the Town Hall is often little more than “You should

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By Bar rie Mahoney

have been more careful”.

Maybe they have a point.

It was with this in mind that I was surprised to find seat belts fitted to all the seats on a new bus on the island when I caught the bus to Las Palmas this week.

There was an incident on the island a few weeks ago when an ancient bus caught fire; fortunately, no one was hurt, but I think it did lead to questions to be asked of the bus company and several new buses were ordered and added to its ageing fleet. Fitting seat belts in buses is a sensible idea; after all, these valuable safety additions have been compulsory in cars for many years. When we boarded the bus, a warning light shone at the front of the bus to remind passengers to belt up.

I noticed an Italian couple with two young children, and an elderly German couple using the belts, but only a few other passengers complied. Still, the thought was there.

This sudden attention to health and safety contrasts starkly with the bus company’s policy of allowing up to thirty people to stand in the aisle of the bus during the fifty-minute motorway journey to Las Palmas.

Whilst I fully understand the necessity for occasional standing on crowded, but short bus journeys in the city, asking passengers to stand for the entire journey on a busy motorway, renowned for regular accidents, is nothing short of highly dangerous, as well as uncom-

Of course, ‘health and safety' is important and is intended to be a good thing. fortable. Personally, I no longer cooperate with this, since I would rather get off the bus and wait for the next one.

So, there we have it, a brand-new bus fitted with seat belts, which few people use, whilst the bus company continues to allow passengers to stand in the aisle of a bus filled to capacity on a fast-moving motorway well known for traffic accidents. Logical? No, but then again, few things are… As for health and safety, I guess it is a step in the right direction.

If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie’s websites: http://barriemahoney.com and http://thecanaryislander.com or read his latest book, ‘Footsteps in the Sand’ (ISBN: 9780995602717).

Available in paperback, as well as Kindle editions. © Barrie Mahoney

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Boats and Nautical A good strong old fashioned reliable Cuddy. 6 metre, 2 birth seats 6. Inboard Volvo Penta , recently serviced, runs great.

Ideal boat for pottering, fishing on the Mar Menor. Yours for 2500€ ono call or WhatsApp 0044 7706 578 300 or email rmabiss@hotmail.com JetSki For Sale - Yamaha Wave Runner XLT 1200, 3 seater, super fast, own trailer recently serviced. 3000€ ono Call or WhatsApp 0044 7706 578 300

Car and Vehicle Sales The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2016 Ford Edge Sport Diesel Automatic 4x4 priced at just 47,900 euro. Come along to our showroom in Elche and see our vast range of used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers.

The biggest and best for price, choice and quality. (69148)

Social and Clubs The next meeting of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion will be on 20 April at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras starting at 7.30pm. The Torrevieja Branch meets at the Casa Ventura in San Luis at 7.30 pm on the 2nd Friday while the La Marina/Gran Alacant Branch meets on the 1st Monday at The London Bar, behind Dial Prix in Gran Alacant at 6pm. Everyone Welcome.

Volunteers are urgently needed in all areas by the Age Concern LIFELINE Team visiting people in their own homes to assess their needs, reporting back to the Lifeline Team Leader. There are many people who live alone, are lonely and need some form of social contact. Please call Age Concern on 96 678 6887.

(69185) HAH CB need you to help us help those in need in their own homes in areas surrounding Quesada, San Luis, La Siesta Torrevieja, La Mata, Orihuela Costa,

Villamartin to Campoverde, short or long term medical conditions of all ages and nationalities.

Contact our head office on 965 328 794 or email charitycentre. helpathomecb@gmail.com.

New Girlguiding group for Orihuela Costa. The Orihuela Costa Rainbows and Brownies will be opening at the end of April. This is a brand new Girlguiding group for girls aged 5-11 years. Rainbows 5-7 years, Brownies 7-11 years. We will meet every Wednesday at the Madhouse in El Galan. Parents can find our more on our Facebook page - Orihuela Costa Brownies and Rainbows

Churches and Services La Siesta Evangelical Church hold services each Sunday and everyone is welcome. Our 11am

Services are held every 2nd and 4th Sunday in the month (and on the 5th Sunday, if this applies.)

On the 1st and 3rd Sunday’s our Services are at 9.30 am. Our choir sings at our 11 am Services and there is also a Sunday School, Stepping Stones, on these Sundays. We welcome residents, visitors and children. For information see our website www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org or phone Pastor Keith on 666 180 108.

Pets Delmonte Catotel Cartagena. The cattery that cares! Tel 968 168 711 or 616 276 379 (69083)

Items For Sale Aluminium set of gates for sale.

Personnel 123cm high, min 100cm wide. Drive 123cm high, min 290cm wide. High quality and very good condition. €300.

Email rondhill@hotmail.com for photos and more details.

Why not use the power of the Leader to sell your unwanted goods or to advertise your business. Classified advertising is available on these pages from just 6 euro per entry while you could take a business card size display ad in the run of the paper for only 120 for 3 months. Email office@theleader.info

Items Wanted Can you help the Royal British Legion. The Orihuela Costa and District Branch are in need of a small, new or second hand, projector that members and guests can use through their laptops when making presentations. If you can help please contact the Branch Chairman at: orihuelacosta.chairman@gmail.com

Property for Rent Villamartin, Very large 2 Bed Flat, 2 Bath, Furnished, Air Con, Sky TV, Com Pool, Sun Terrace, 5 Mins walk from Plaza, €350pcm plus only Elec,Water & Community Charge, Dean 639 288 935 Property to rent in Roda village. 2 bed apartment and 2 bed townhouse with communal pool.

Rents from 300-400 euro (+ utilities). Please call 628 931 306 4 Bdrm 2 1/2 bathroom furnished Villa for rent LMC 1000 euros PCm fully inclusive of all magm fees, water charges , rates and has wifi . Great Views . Use of 2 communal pools and heated indoor pool and a small gym, available early Apri. Email meandjoe@netvigator.com

Property for Sale FOR SALE: Los Montesinos, La Herrada, Alicante. 2 bed/1 bath bungalow/apartment, near to G u a r d a m a r / To r r e v i e j a / S a n Miguel. Gated garden entrance, with fully tiled path/garden.

Balustrades to side/front; mature garden. Gazebo. Entrance: door, leading to fully double glazed tiled terrace/Conservatory area; water tap, 2 elec. sockets. House: Comprises of Lounge; sep. kitchen/leading to Roofed Galleria; toilet; 2 double beds.

Exterior security grills fitted to

all windows/doors. Community pool. Habitation Certification.

Genuine enquiries only. Priced to sell at: 67,500 euros. Tel: +447702 340744 Email: lancashiremedia@talktalk.net For Sale Town House In SAX/Alicante. 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, with separate granny flat.

Single Garage space & 50 metre Patio. Quiet area with no community fees. Close to all local amenities. 160,000€ O.N.O. Call: 868 08 34 55 Or email: anna-gargan@hotmail.com LA MANGA - Immaculate 2 bed, 2 bath apartment. Fully-furnished. Close to beaches and Veneziola Golf. 2nd floor.

Reduced for quick sale. 125.500 Euro. Tel 626 253 569. (90187) Beautifully presented 2 bed ground floor bungalow. Consists of Lounge/Diner, good sized kitchen with storage. Master bedroom with fitted wardrobes, twin bedroom with fitted wardrobes and family bathroom. Good sized garden and communal pool.

Property is located just a short stroll to Villamartin, ideal for full time living and holidays 80,000 euros Tel 966 772 553 (92320) Dolores. Large Finca in plot of 10,000 m2. All services connected. Build Size 215m2. Must be viewed. 195,000 euros. Tel 649 189 930 (65297) This three bedroom, two bathroom quad house in Entre Naranjos is

South-facing and has been finished to a very high standard.

Wonderful mountain views. Euro 114.950. For further details, please call 0034 96 897 1860.

(142076) Two bed, one bathroom seaside apartment with stunning views of the Med. This property is in a popular and secure block, just a short walk to the sandy beaches of Cabo Roig and Campoamor. It can be accessed by stairs and by a communal lift and has the use of a communal pool. There is a large balcony with beautiful views. A short walk from the vibrant nightlife of the Cabo Roig Strip, it is close to all necessary amenities including 24hr medical centre. Euro 94,950. For further details, please call 0034 637 227 385. (142073) Wonderful 3 bedroom...2 bathroom house...with views of the sea...in the heart of Playa Flamenca...no need for a car...everything within walking distance...149.000 euros. Must be viewed. Call 640 534 964 Cabo Roig in one of the most sought after urbanisations on the coast. 2/3 bedroom, 1.5 bath bungalow, just 200 mtrs from the sea. Immaculate and cared for property with large lounge, log fire, aircon and all white goods.

Fully furnished to high standard.

189,995 euros. Tel 600 228 616.

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EURONICS THURSDAY DART LEAGUE “THE ELECTRICAL SHOP” - BLUE LAGOON Euronics Darts Report: Men’s and Ladies’ Singles Finals THE LADIES - All eight distinguished dartesses registered for entry at El Capitan, when they eventually found it! Marie Cummins skidded in on her killer black stilettoes with not a minute to spare as did the ever lovely Leah Chesworth in her bespangled thongs. The Hub’s blonde Bob-shells clicky-clacked down the wooden stairs in their Manolo Blahnik’s, Jimmy Choos and Christian Louboutin’s to give support for their very own Lesley Dolling and the Hen’s chicks surrounded their heroin, Casey, for a night that would turn out to be pitched against the four feisty felines from the Junction Jaguars.

Brian (Gnasher) Nash and Peter (Tufty) Ayres from the Porters oversaw a fair draw and did all the chalking and score keeping for the night which made it easier for the ladies to just concentrate on their arrows.

Quarter Finals - Up first was Jaguar de Lacy (73, D11; 100, 92, S20D10) against Hellraiser Dolling (96, 79) and the first of the jags were through to the Semi’s. Next came Tracey Simpson (70, D20; 100, 95, D2) against racy Casey Shaddock (81, 100, 84) of the Hen’s Chicks. The semi’s now had two Jag’s involved. The third game of the quarters saw Pint Depot Queen Marie Dunne (76, 95) face the diminutive but deadly Lesley Eagles (98, 70, D9; 00, 100, D18) and the latter slid into the 3rd spot for the semi’s which just left the last Jaguar Patty Poo Schofield (85, 82, D20; 80, 125, 76, D5) to defeat Misfit Leah Chesworth (77, 121) to make it a clean sweep for the gals from El Galan.

Semi Finals - Well, it was going to be a Jaguar one way or another and de Lacy took the first leg (83, 95, D1) from Simpson (85, 125).

The latter was not about to roll over though and took the next leg on D1 and the final leg on her favourite D10 despite a valiant effort from de Lacy (83, 79, 100) who also got down to the finish. Lelly Bear Eagles then faced team mate Captain Poo and took the first leg on D3. But like Simpson, Patty Poo wanted victory and upped her game 80, 100, D20 and then 79, 78, D9 to see herself into the finals even though ‘Lelly Bear EAGLES!’ gave a good fight with 85, 94, 81, 97 and was also down to the finish, but was thwarted once more by that wretched D2!

Final - When you get through to the finals you can expect some cracking darts and Simpson and Schofield didn’t disappoint even

Jubilant Jaguars_Simone de Lacy, Lesley Eagles, Patty ‘Poo’ Schofield and Tracey Simpson.

though there were only team mates de Lacy and Eagles to watch!

Patty Poo took the first leg 100, 80, D1 even though Simpson was ahead and looking likely to snatch it. Well 3 chewing gums, a fresh beer and some ear phones later and Simpson got down to business.

She pounded the 20’s relentlessly with 80, 81, 100, 80 to set herself up on a D1 checkout in the 2nd leg versus Poo’s 70, 76, 76. She was at it again in the 3rd leg too with 83, 80, D14 to Poo’s 70, 81.

But Poo’s patience and persistence paid off and she took leg 4 with D8 despite another two 80’s from a simpering Psycho. With steam coming from her ears she couldn’t quite come to the boil before Poo took the 5th and final leg with D9.

Winner: Pat Schofield (Junction Jaguars), Runner up: Tracey Simpson (Junction Jaguars) Semi-finalists: Simone de Lacy (Junction Jaguars), Lesley Eagles (Junction Jaguars) Jubilant Jaguars: Simone de Lacy, Lesley Eagles, Patty ‘Poo’ Schofield and Tracey Simpson THE MEN - All the chaps in the final eight met at the Hub for the show-down, this being a neutral venue for all, as surprisingly this year there were no Hyenas through to the last rounds. In a rowdy atmosphere that required nerves of steel and ear plugs, apparently, players from Massey’s, Tavern, Junction, Hen’s Teeth, El Capitan and Porter House Bees did their level best to earn the ultimate prize of the darts season: - the coveted Men’s Singles Trophy.

Quarter Finals - The first pairing was a clash of the Golden Grahams which saw Graham White of the Hen’s Coqs face Graham Parker of the PH Bees, who started at he meant to go on for the evening by hitting the bullseye to decide who threw first. Well according to the score sheets it was the latter all the way, taking leg 1: 125, S19-D20 and then the 2nd with a 121, D10 send him buzzing into the Semi’s.

Des Field checked out on the first leg T16-D16 and then D1 on the 2nd leg to put Phil de Lacy up the Junction. Local lad, Graham Solomon, from the bar next door but one, made El Capitan Ed Klimonis walk the plank with a 2-0 game which didn’t record any high scores, just finishes of D12 and D8. Finally, Mr Miller of Massey’s won the last pairing against El Cap’s David Rotella, with a fine check out in the 2nd leg of T17-D15 making it an early night for the boys from yonder.

Semi Finals - Into the next round and Mr Parker did not drop a single leg against opponent Des Field in a best of 5 leg game. In Leg 1 he checked out on 52 (20-16-D18) in leg 2 he had an amazing 103 finish of T19-S19-D18 and in leg 3 he scored a 121 and ended on D2. Des also managed a 111 in the final leg but that was water of a ducks back to Point-Precise Parker. But it was not all doom and gloom for the Massey’s lads as Craig Miller managed a 3-1 defeat of Graham Solomon of the Tavern. The later started off very well with 140, 120 and D2 and then scored a 121 in the 2nd but Miller’s fine finishing saw him claim the next 3 legs with S7-S18-D20 followed

by S16-D16 in the next and then finally S20-D18 for the 3rd one to take him through to the finals Final- Well Parker was on fire as he loaded his exocets and hit home in the best of 7 finale. Miller scored a 135 in the first leg but parker matched this with 123 and closed it down on D10. In the 2nd of what was to be just 4 legs, he chalked up a 121 and a S17-D20 finish. In the third he pulled off another 103 signature finish- perhaps hence forth to be known as ‘The Parker’ ticking of the final 103 again with T19-10-D18. In the final leg, both players scored a 140

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By Simone de Lacy

but it was too late for a comeback for Miller when Graham parked his last two arrows in S1-D2 for the match. Very well played Mr Parker, who we shall ask to lead off the dancing on presentation night with Ladies Winner Patty Poo Schofield. I expect they are already practicing their routine.

Winner: Graham Parker (PH Bees), Runner Up: Craig Miller (Massey’s) Semi Finalists: Des Field (Massey’s), Graham Solomon (Tavern A big thank you to all our volunteer chalkers, results-keepers and El Capitan and the Hub for hosting the competitions and making it a great night.

Hub host Simon Williams with Craig Miller (Runner Up) and Graham Parker (Winner)

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SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN LEAGUE TRIPLES FINAL Monte Mar Bowls Club Sponsored by The Belfry, The Pub, Bowling Abroad and Avalon WINTER LEAGUE - Weds April 5th. Monte Mar v San Miguel Winning on only one rink well done to Ronnie Cairns, Harry Dobson, Jan Gatward, and skip Dave Melville. Shots Monte Mar 56 – 94 San Miguel. Points Monte Mar 2 – 10 San Miguel.

SUMMER LEAUGE TRIPS - Friday April 7th - Monte Mar v Quesada Playing at Quesada in lovely sunshine Monte Mar had a good win.

Drawing on three rinks well done to Rita Towle, Les Bounds and skip Danny King. Keith Simpson, Joe Ridley and skip Dianne Ridley. Sheila Roberts, Chris Harding and skip Bill Young. Shots Monte Mar 109 – 87 Quesada. Points Monte Mar 8 – 6 Quesada.

For further information see our website www.montemarbowls.com or email us at info@montemarbowls.com. We are also on Facebook.

San Miguel Bowls by Pat McEwan The Winter League triples Competition reached its climax last Monday when the winners of the Northern and Southern Divisions met at Monte Mar, Benitachell v Quesada Swallows let by Sandra Heath.

Unfortunately, as they turned up with 6 triples teams, the Swallows had to drop one in the 5 rink match. With the outcome decided by a draw Harry Rhodes and Carol Broomfield were therefore consigned to the

spectators gallery.

Despite the hype the match turned out to be a fairly one sided affair with the Quesada advantage of playing the venue regularly telling from the very start.

Results (Quesada names first): Peta Rhodes, Dave Donovan, Peter Morgan v Annie Jones, Patty Johnson, Trevor Neale (22-10), Caroline Smyth, Graham Phillips, Phil Bevan v Jinty Chamberlain, Peter Collins,

Dudley Davies (24-10), Sandra Heath, Veronica Sale, John Smyth v Rod Warnes, David Brown, Jeff Richards (21-13), Chris Brazier, Pearl Houghton, Jason Prokopowycz v Linda Richards, Yvonne Browne, Linda Warnes (14-14), Deidre Leeming, Jacqui Johnson Derek Sale v Richard Chamberlain, Fely Croft, David Roberts (19-14). Shots 100-61, Points 9-1.

La Siesta Bowls Club By Rod Edgerton La Siesta commenced their VCL campaign with an 8-6 away win against Greenlands Jasmin. Irene Mangan our recently crowned Ladies Singles champion kept up her impressive form with a 21-16 win against Sue Brown whilst the other winners were Dawn Taylor and Pat Harman in the Pairs by 25-10, Joy and Brian Gardiner with Jean Cooper in the Triples winning 19-11 and our Rinks four of Dave Davies, Trish Riley, Harold Charleton and Mike Edwards winning 20-10. With a narrow loss on the overall shots by 93 -102 La Siesta picked up 8 points to their opponents 6.

The Winter League season ended with 3 matches to report on.

Against Benitachell at home La Siesta lost 10-2 with the winning rink being that of Trish and Pat Reilly with Florence and Mike Edwards by a score of 17-11.The match result the overall shots difference was 57 to 99.Against San Luis away a similar result with a 10-2 defeat the winning rink being Dawn and John Taylor with Irene Laverick and Pat Harman by 22-7.

The overall match shots being 62-95. The final match of the season at home to El Cid was an 8-4 loss with the winning rinks being Trish and Pat Reilly with Florence and Mike Edwards by 22-18 and an excellent win by Dawn and John Taylor with Pat and Brian Harman by 21-11.The overall shots difference in the match being 82-94. The Winter League team endured a difficult season but thanks goes to all those that took part especially those that came in often at short notice

La Marina Bowls By Barry Latham Saturday we played the Dot Careless Group from Cambridgeshire and a great crowd they were. Lots of fun was had and some good bowling as well. Like many touring teams they struggled to come to terms with the carpet as they are nothing like their grass or indoor carpets and a strong wind didn’t help either side. Nevertheless we managed to win on all rinks which was a nice way to end the Touring Team season. Many thanks to Terry Perchard for organising them and hopefully we can a have good share next year.

For the last Winter League game we travelled to Bonalba with great hope finishing the season with a win. Oh dear we were well and truly beaten 11-1. Everyone had some sort of excuse, all the usual ones, couldn’t find the weight, couldn’t find the line, the Skip kept bringing me the wrong hand, I wish I hadn’t drunk so much last night. Let’s face it most of us were pretty useless except Shirley Hadaway and Co who fought to a great draw. The Co being Phil Pape, Angie Butler and Ann Stone. It wouldn’t be very nice to pick out our Champion of Wrong Biases but she did do it again playing with Shirley didn’t you Enna. Once again the Berleen did well and won 19-9 captained by the legendary Alex Whyte with a slightly different four this week of Jim Freeman, Roger Stacey and Margaret McLaughlin.

Thanks for a good season, for backing our Captain, Dave Hadaway, to all the folk who played in the team and to all those who turned out when the team was short.

and to captain Pat Harman for managing to always ensure that La Siesta had a full team for every match.

Trophy Presentation night took place at one of our sponsors Carmens Restaurant and there was a good turnout on the evening. Etched glasses were given as mementoes to the winners and runners up and were beautifully etched with our club logo by Bespoke who are based at Zoco Market.

Good start for both our teams in the South Alicante Summer Leagues. The Wasps in the Spitfire Division travelled to Emerald Isle and came away with an 8 points to 6 victory. Dawn and John Taylor and Harold Charleton were never in any danger winning 2013 whilst Jo Elkin with George Richardson and Brian Fraser won 19-10.Ramsay Sinclair, Irene Mangan and and Alex Morrice went into last end all square and managed to pick up 2 on the final end to claim victory. Joy Gardiner with Bill and Sue Jordan needed to have 2nd wood on the last end to win this extremely close game and this is just what they did by 15-14.Thank you to Dave Laverick, who came as our travelling sub. The overall shots were lost by 105 to 88.

In the Harrier Division the Hornets entertained El Rancho and had a 10-4 win by 107 shots to 92. Winning rinks were Dennis Andrew, Tony Campbell & John Clarke 20 – 13 Hilary Clarke, Trica Reilly & Vic Mohmet 19 – 12 Ken Stringfellow, Jack Burrell & Rab Logan 19 -14, Wendy Ralph, Penny Porter & Pat Reilly 19 – 16.

Greenlands Bowls by Dave Webb

Just the one game to report this week, In the Hurricane Division Greenlands Gladiators travelled to Vistabella for their match against The Greeners. Final score was - total shots for - 73. total shots against - 133. Points for 2. points against - 12. Winning rink was Sandra Jones, Dave Dudding, skip Dave Webb. 14 shots to 13.

Greenlands Open begins on Sunday the 9th for three days, best of luck to all the participants and hope the weather stays fine. As always for all inquiries please telephone Haley on 966844399.

On Thursday Evening it was Presentation night at the restaurant La Prada in San Miguel. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

At this weeks AGM, there were numerous changes in the committee.

New Committee are: - President, Rosamond Stockell; Vice President Jim Jarvie: Club Captain, Janet Thomas: Vice Captain, Gary Raby; Treasurer, Jan Allen: Secretary, Pat McEwan; Match Secretary, Ken Hope; Social Secretary, Paul Thomas.

The Winter League had a good result against Monte Mar winning 10 points to 2. Great bowling by Alan Patterson, Brian Miller, Brian Allen, Lin Miller 13-12; Cliff Plaisted, Val & Chris Collier, Stuart Denholm 20-15; Tony Sansom, Reg Cooper, Mary Dyer, Fred Willshire 26-10; Gail Willshire, Mike Rogers, Lee Sinclair, Steve Cantley 23-6; Hard lines to Jan, Don, Dave & Lyn losing by 1 shot.

Shots for 94, against 56.

The first game of the season in the Southern league saw SM Christians play SM Moors. The points were shared 7 each. Winning teams were Dave Champion, Alan Dobie, Eddie Cowan 1813(Moors); Ken Hope, Noel Davis, Steve Cantley 15-13 (Christians); Pat & Dave McEwan, Gary Raby 19-18 (Christians) Anita Brown, Tom Dalgleish, John Marshall 19-18 (Christians) Stan North, Eileen Potts, Ros Stockell 22-12 (Moors) Sue Milner, Brian Allen, Paul Thomas (Christians) drew against Cliff & Linda Plaisted, Barbara Scotthern 23 across.

Shots 101 to the Christians, 112 to the Moors.

The Champion of Champions start on the 17th April, the schedule for San Miguel players are: Mens Singles, Fred Willshire, Monday 17th at 1230 at Greenlands. Ladies Pairs, Gail Willshire, Lyn Greenland Monday 17th 1030 at San Luis; Mens Pairs, Tom Dalgleish, John Marshall Tuesday 18th 1430 San Luis. Mixed Trips, Reg Cooper, Brian & Lyn Miller Tuesday 18th 1430 at Greenlands; Mixed Rinks Margaret & Allan Patterson, Linda & Cliff Plaisted Wednesday 19th 1030 Greenlands. Come along and support our players, they do appreciate it.

For further information on San Miguel Bowls Club, please contact the President, Rosamond Stockell telephone 965329778 or Secretary, Pat McEwan, telephone 966714257.

Vistabella Report

With Lynne Bishop.

The Winter League team were at home for the penultimate match v San Luis. They had three winning rinks with the long game being nip & tuck, eventually going our way. Winning teams were Sandra Burrows, Barbara Brown, Mike Regan & Gary Thorpe 27-13. Jenny Bowman, Martin Foulcer, Barry Norris & Eric Bishop 18-13 and Olwyn Ratcliffe, Stuart Allman, Brian Dunne & Ian Kenyon 17-13.

VB 80(8) - 78(4) SL. San Luis won the Berleen. Sitting nicely but not comfortably at the top of the league table with the ultimate match next week at San Miguel, everything to play for, its a very close fight between three clubs and its not going to be easy, we can only try our best!

The south Alicante summer league began on Friday with the enterprise Fairways travelling to San Luis and coming away with a much deserved win. Olwyn Ratcliffe, Stuart Allman & Brian Dunne 20-14.

Lin Watkins, Sandra Burrows & Maggie Furness 19-13. Barbara and Arthur Brown & Bill Pain 23-20, picking up a seven on the last end helps to make the opposition pig sick! Mo Foulcer, Geoff Paylor & Ian Kenyon drew 14-14. VB 104(9) - 100(5) SL. Beryl Regan & Dane Howard also won the friendly.

The Hurricane league Greeners played Greenlands Gladiators and had a superb home win. Mike Irwin, Jeff Neve & Pat Rafferty 37-7.

Del Gunning, Bert Ewart & Pete Cadwell 23-12. Ron Smith, Dave Chaplin & Peter Whitehall 23-13. Frank Barclay, Les Barber & Bill Corbishley 17-12. Sheila and Mike Cox & Dave Jenkins 20-15. VB 133(12) - 73(2) G. Well done both teams, a good start.

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San Luis Bowls with Sheila Cammack

Who’d be a manager? - Who’d be a journalist?

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho faces his old team Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday April 16 as his replacement at Stamford Bridge Antonio Conte closes in on lifting the Premier League title trophy.

And woe betide the PRESS - if the former 'Special One' loses the match!

Mourinho is noted for making numerous excuses when he loses, hardly sporting, from someone within sport. And the former Barcelona boss Mourinho isn't on his own!

Having reported in sport for 40 years I have been on the end of a few spats with many a manager and player!

Former England, Liverpool and Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan spat his 'dummy out of the pram' at me, for asking reasonable questions in a Press Conference when in charge at Manchester City, after a game against Preston North End in 2002.

Keegan - like Mourinho - is well known for his rants, recalling when at Newcastle in his famous 'I will love it' blast 21 years ago, when Newcastle beat Leeds to close the gap to three points of leaders Manchester United - with a game in hand and two to play.

The then United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had quipped Nottingham Forest might not try as hard against Keegan's Newcastle - as they did against United.

Newcastle were playing Forest, three days after United had hammered them 5-0.

After Newcastle defeated Leeds, Keegan raged: "I've kept really quiet, but I'll tell you something, he (Fergie) went down in my estimations when he said that. We have not resorted to that.

"You can tell him now, we're still fighting for this title and he's got to go to Middlesbrough and get something - and I'll tell you, honestly, I will love it if we beat them. Love it.

"It really has got to me. I've voiced it live, not in front of the press or anywhere. I'm not even going to the press conference but the battle is still on and Man United have not won this yet."

For the record Newcastle drew 1-1 with Forest, and drew in their next game against Spurs. United defeated Middlesbrough 3-0 winning the title by four points - after Newcastle had led by 12 points at one stage.

Under pressure Sunderland boss David

Mourinho is noted for making numerous excuses when he loses.

Moyes made an apology - after he suggested BBC reporter Vicki Sparks 'might get a slap' - for an off-air comment in March, following Sunderland's 0-0 draw against Burnley.

Moyes said: "It was getting a wee bit naughty at the end there so just watch yourself. You still might get a slap even though you’re a woman. Careful the next time you come in."

What was Vicki Sparks 'crime'? She asked Moyes whether he was under more pressure (with relegation this season) as Sunderland chairman Ellis Short was at the game.

A BBC spokeswoman said of the incident: "Mr Moyes has apologised to our reporter and she has accepted his apology."

She was lucky! I have been on the end of some terrible unsporting words by managers and players alike - who were proven wrong in their actions - but never apologised thereafter.

One player phoned me up - 'effin and jeffin' - after I had filed a report to the Scottish papers. He was angry - saying it was only meant for the English press! I ask you!

And I was 'banned' from attending Press Conferences and reporting on games by one club - following an article about a player that they were interested in signing.

And it's not just reporters that can get the 'hairdrier' (Fergie) treatment - players too from certain clubs can be hit with fines - if they speak to the Media, without the managers, or clubs permission!

I can tell you, at times, it's like being in

Quesada Bowls Super 3 Singles Sandra won 2-0

Sponsored by Spanish Life Properties Sunday 2nd April saw the inaugural staging of the Super 3 Singles Tournament generously sponsored

by Seagate Wealth Management, Avalon Funerals and “The Club”.

This has been a venture into a new format for open competitions and was very well supported by members of many of the local clubs.

Despite the innovative formula the competition ran smoothly due to the Quesada members who gave their free time to act as officials

Infant School. Honestly!

Away from the childish antics of some managers I recall when former Preston North End and Scotland national manager Craig Brown - who remains a good friend of mine - gave me an Exclusive interview.

Craig had stated that The Auld Enemy phrase was 'make believe'. It wasn't really like that between England and Scotland!

It hit the headlines in the Daily Record with the banner headline: 'Broown The Bend!'. It also hit the front and inside pages of the paper, with Politicians, et al, all getting involved in the story.

I've had many a manager phone me up including former England boss Sir Bobby Robson - who obliged, having asked him for some quotes on Preston and England legend Sir Tom Finney.

And Sir Tom himself was always a gentleman towards me - including the Foreword he wrote in my book: "David Beckham-In at The Deep End".

Mourinho's handling of Chelsea's former physio Eva Carneiro in the 2015-16 season, when he was unhappy with how she ran onto the pitch during Chelsea's game against Swansea - to tend to an injured Eden Hazard - ended in a court case.

The 'Special One' Mourinho - Chelsea's most successful manager - was sacked for the second time at Stamford Bridge in December 2015.

Who'd be a manager? That said: Who'd be a journalist?!

and markers, and also our umpire Brian Gardiner.

This format of 3 woods, 3 ends and 3 sets, produces a very fast game, with each of the 36 players playing three games in the round robin stage. Throughout the day the lead changed hands many times with the four positions for the finals resting on the results of the last five games in the round robin.

The four finalist were all Quesada members with the first semi-final played between Barry Armstrong and John Smyth, with Barry winning 2 sets to nil. The second semi-final was a tighter affair between Sandra Heath and Peter Morgan. Peter took the first set with Sandra striking back to win the remaining 2 sets. So with the final between Sandra and Barry, Sandra produced some quality bowling to run out a 2 sets to nil winner. The four finalists were presented with their cash prizes by Lorraine from Seagate Wealth Management.

The feedback from all participants was very positive and we hope to see you all again at next year’s event on Sunday 1st April 2018.

Wednesday 5th Winter League away at Vistabella, did not end as we hoped; with only 2 wins for 4 points-8, just missing out on the shots 78-80. Winners: Lynne Morris, Jo Pering, June & Keith Jones 23-10, Shirley Verity, Ray Clarke, Jules Pering, Russell Marks 16-8. The Berleen team: Margaret Morrison, Pam Lockett, Charlie Marigold, Barry Edwards had another great win 24-16.

With 1 match to go, this result leaves us in 3rd place, 4 points behind Vistabella and 1 behind Quesada, so who will finally take the trophy?

“Tuesday 4th saw the first day of this year’s Memorial Competition being played. The teams were drawn triples. Before start of play a one minute silence was observed in memory of Brian Badger & Noel Verity whom we lost during 2016. Each team played 3 games of 8 end 2 bowl triples on day 1 then 2 more games on Thursday (day 2).

After the round robin stage Group A was won by Les Bedford, Barry Edwards & Giuseppe Galelli who won 4 & lost 1. Group B was won by the unbeaten team of Dennis Jackson, Sue Ross & Derrick Cooper. The final did not go in favour of Derrick’s team with Giuseppe’s team winning comfortably. After the final, President Vic Slater presented each team with their prizes & went on to thank Sue Cooper for the organisation.”

Spitfire Division: SL Wellingtons Friday 7th home v VB Fairways; a close fought match, just losing out on the shots 100-104, 5pts-9.

Winners: Allen Bowen, Sheila Cammack, Brian Pocock 20-15, Ann Holland, Pam Lockett, Roy Cordell 19-13, Carol Lowry, Les Bedford, Keith Lowry 14-14.

We are currently looking to take on new members for the 2017/18 winter season. We are aiming to enter an extra team this year in the South Alicante (Monday) league & also in the LLB Southern (Friday) league. With 4 teams across different divisions there should be plenty of games for everyone. We welcome all bowlers, from the most experienced to those who want to step up from purely “social” bowling to the league challenge. We are a competitive but friendly club and Casa Ventura itself is a hub for the local area offering a wide range of activities (if you want a change from bowls).

For more information please check: www.sanluisbowls.byethost7.com or contact June Jones, Club Captain: 691 903 773.

EMERALD ISLE BOWLS

By ELWYN MORRIS Wed saw the Emerald Isle travel up to BBC in the Winter League, and home advantage won the day with a 10-2 home win aggregate100-61, winners for EI M Highland P Kelly M Thomas S Westall 17-11. The home team won the Berleen as well by 19-12 Thursday the Earls played at Quesada and got beaten 10-4, aggregate 118-75. Winners for EI Trips M Jeffs R Adams B Allen 17-14, rinks J Jarvis D Martin E Shepherd P Cresswell 20-16 Friday the Victors played at home against La Siesta Wasps and slipped to a defeat by 6-8 aggregate of 105--88 winning trips for EI were M Highland M Veale D Birkett 24-5 and P Heaney A Burns D Gerrard 24-7 Friday saw the departure from the Emerald Isle of two of our members returning to Geordie land, namely Frank Close and Yvonne Mallerburn. No doubt the pair will be missed in the club and around the bowls circuit.

Frank in his stay at EI established himself as one of the top bowlers in Spain, winning several titles, and many in house competitions.

Yvonne started her bowling career in EI and became a very capable bowler.

The Emerald Isle wish them both all the best in the future and hopefully they will return to visit us on numerous occasions Personally I will miss the sessions we had not always on the green!

22

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Orange Tree Golf Society @ Hacienda Del Riquelme

Monday 10th - Sunday 16th April, 2017

EUROGOLF MEDAL AND FOUNDERS CUP On Thursday 6th April Eurogolf played their monthly medal for the Founders Cup and the results were Cat1 1st Pino Perito 69 2nd George McCallum 73 3rd Malcolm Foskett 74 Cat 2 1st David Blasnchette 74 2nd Linda Lynch 75 3rd Karin Van Der Kryse Cat 3 1st Jim Weston 69 2nd John Cross 74 3rd Jeff Lynch 77 c/b Cat 4 1st Kevin Bonser 67 2nd Bev Evans 73 3rd Eamonn Divine 75 c/b Founders Cup winner Pino Perito Medal winner Kevin Bonser Best front 9 Bert Lawson 34.5 Best back 9 Ian Pegg 36.5 NTPs 5 th and 11th Jeff Lynch 12th in 2 Colin Hobden 15th Pino perito 17th David Gregson Football Bob Buckeridge David Blanchette Morag Turner Tony Forbes and Monique Reeves TUESDAY TOFFS On Tuesday 4th April Toffs played their normal stableford competition and the results were Cat 1 (0-16) 1st John Barracough 37 2nd Bill Martin 35 3rd Malcolm Foskett 35 c/b Cat 2 (17-21) 1st Stan Low 38 2nd Gary Grierson 35 3rd Davide Blanchette 33 Cat 3 (22-25) 1st Bruce Gordon 36 2nd John Cross 36 c/b 3rd Phyllis Venables 33 Cat 4 (26-36) 1st Claire Daye-Gretton 33 2nd Chris Stanley 31 3rd Gina Ashworth 31 c/b Overall Toffs winner Stan Low Best front 9 Ian Pegg 20 Best back 9 Franz Berndt 19 NTPs 5th Debbie Weedon 11th Bev Fairhurst 12th in 2 Pam Davidson 15th Bill Martin 17th Phyllis Venables Football Bev Evans John Kirkwood Chris Stanley Franco Gentili and Norman Woods.

Eurogolf did really well in the recent Spanish competition with John Barraclough being overall winner, Bert Lawson and Claire Daye-Gretton winning their categories and Fred Reeves coming 2nd.

The fully booked society all met at The Orange Tree for breakfast before setting off to the golf course. An extra tee time was needed due to the extended number of playing members. We also welcome a familiar face and new member to the society, who then took some prizes home. All members managed to arrive early this time when the captain gave out the instructions. He decided on a pairs beterball stapleford competition. The weather was lovely and all chose to wear shorts. The course is in lovely condition and the playing conditions were even better.

We all returned back to The Orange Tree bar and restaurant for the presentation and refreshments. It was lovely to see EVERY playing member return back, a few refreshment were taken and we must also thank Chris and his staff for the fabulous food and service.

If you would like to play with Eurogolf at La Marquesa Tuesdays and Thursdays please visit the website www.eurogolf-quesada.co.uk

The prize giving was then undertaken. The winners (has seen in the photo) were Jack Sheridan and Martin Lowe with 43 points, 2nd were Nigel Cawthra and John McCleod with 36 points and Andy Shuttle and Fred Noakes also with 36 points.

NTP,s went to John Downie (5th), John Burgess (7th), Jack Sheridan (15th) and John McCleod (17th).

The next society event is on Tuesday 18th April, names now being taken. The entry sheet is on the notice board within the restaurant, or you can email on orangetree@hotmail.es Full fixtures, reports and all other golf related news can be found on the website under the golf society banner at www.orangetree-caboroig.com Finally many thanks to Helena and Paola for the food they provided on Thursday.

SUDUKO SOLUTION

San Javier Captain's Drive-in It was a great turnout for our new Captain (Paul Hamlin) who was represented by Vice Captain Dave Farrington. Outgoing Captain David Archer handed over the reins at the start of the game and the matches teed off, in what was also our first qualifying event of the new season. There was some excellent scoring on a beautiful day for golf, with the divisional winners being: Division 1 - Richard Lovering 37 points, Steve Branston 36 points, Bob Eaton 34 points. Division 2 - John Hillier 38 points, Joyce Armstrong 34 points, Jeff Belt 32 points. Nearest the pins were won by Jim Moffat (2), Steve Branston and Paul Matthews, with the dreaded "Monkey" being taken home by Dave Furze. The gross 2 (for 50 euros) was not won and rolls over to the next game, which is a pairs Texas Scramble at Saurines, teeing off at 9.48am on Wednesday 19th April. Full details will be emailed to all members. Payday will be on Saturday 15th April, between 11am and 12 in the bar area at La Serena Golf Clubhouse, Los Alcázares. For further information on our society, to play as a guest, or to join, please phone Barry Beale on +34 649 245 889 or look at our website and Facebook page. By David Archer David Archer handing over to Dave Farrington

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‘Bouncebackability – Part 2’ Last weeks column concentrated on your ability, as a golfer, to bounce back during the round following a bad shot or incidents that you consider to be bad luck.

You will recall that the first step is to start feeling better about yourself, reset new goals for the remainder of the round and begin to enjoy yourself again.

The ability to recover from a poor series of shots or events is not just limited to golf.

If you watch international cricket you will see that after a ‘play and miss’ the batsman practises the shot that he should have played.

This has two effects, firstly it re-enforces his confidence and ability to play the correct shot and secondly it is to ‘park’ the bad shot and forget it.

You must do the same in golf.

It is essential to remain in the ‘present’ for the remainder of the round and forget the past because you can't change it.

What is done is done!

Your first target after a bad hole is to re-group and make a nett par on the next hole without any incidents or anxiety.

Remember that at this stage the adrenaline is still flowing so do not be too aggressive but deliberately swing the club slower.

Take a few deep breaths, from the stomach, and plan your way down the hole avoiding unnecessary complications and pressure.

When you have achieved the desired result, a nett par, set a new target to play the next three holes in nett par and soon you will find that your score is back on track and will not de-generate as it would have done without taking control of the situation.

We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.

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Deal of the week : New Sierra Golf 2 players and buggy for only €85 For Bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting the reference LEADER or on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 Quotation of the Week “When I fall down I get up again, you ain't never goner keep me down” - Chumawamba pop group and song from 1980's

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Torry reduced to nine in Elche defeat

23

Walking Football Comp

Elche Ilicitano ............... 2 CD Torrevieja ................ 1

F

resh from that amazing last gasp Lewis stoppage time winning goal last week, Torry knew that more of the same was imperative against local rival Elche Ilicitano, if only to save their fans from end of season panic attacks!!

Played inside the magnificent Manuel Martinez Valero Stadium, we all wondered if big stadium syndrome, which suited the lads up at Castellon earlier in the season, would come up trumps again.

Starting the match just outside the relegation zone, Pedreno´s salt lake boys have performed minor miracles to lift themselves from a seemingly hopeless position at the turn of the year, whilst hosts Elche harbour play off aspirations, as they too have been on a good run of late.

Back in November a Pastor goal ensured that the spoils were evenly distributed at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, the ex Elche man still very much on course to pick up the coveted end of season top goalscorer award.

Despite the proximity of the two cities this game never really had a derby feel to it and following a slow start it was not until the 15 min mark that we saw any real action as Caballero free kick sailed narrowly over the

The match took place in the fabulous Martinez Valero stadium

bar following a foul on the edge of the Torry box.

Lewis responded by bringing off a fine save from David in the Elche goal before Javi Llor tested Jose Carlos, the Torry keeper turning his shot around the sticks for a corner.

There was little to choose between the two sides at this stage but as the game progressed the home side were beginning to move the ball around with far more assurance, the Torry response being to get rather more physical.

Pastor and Meca went into Snr Rodenas book as Javi Llor and ex Torry defender Brani created chances for the home side but the move of the half was of Molina’s making when he ran virtually the length of the field before being denied by another fine save from David.

The 2nd period saw altogether more action as Molina found himself unmarked and in space on 50 mins to open the scoring for the visitors only for Javi Llor to pull Elche level moments later.

Now, with the bit between their teeth, the

home side were beginning to show their playoff potential as their belief began to grow, and it came as no surprise when Leomar put the home side in front with a strike from close range with 20 mins remaining.

A double substitution saw the arrival of Luis Carlos and Joel as the game entered the final quarter, for goalscorer Molina and Salazar.

As the seconds ticked away Pedreño replaced Pastor with Damian, but it was too little, too late and with Vicente sent off, despite Jose Carlos saving the subsequent penalty, the home side closed out the game to keep their playoff hopes alive. Further frustration as Torry were reduced to 9 men when Meca received a 2nd yellow in added time.

However there was some consolation as Crevillente beat Buñol 3-1 to keep Torry just above the drop zone with 5 games of the season remaining, 3 at home and 2 away, and all against mid table opposition with little or nothing to play for.

Torry now need to pick up all 3 points next Thursday evening in a 5.30 pm ko against CD Almazora at the Nelson Mandela.

The San Miguel Strollers recently took part in a Walking Football competition held at the CDM sports center Playa Flamenca and organised by The Playa Famenca Walking Wanderers.

This is an annual event The Kieth Whiteman Trophy to celebrate the Life of a passed member.

There were 10 teams invited to play in this years event and there were 3 teams who came over from England to participate.

These teams were:- Coventry City in the Community Leggy Mambos They are based in Barnsley South Yorkshire Hartshill Strollers. They are from Dudley in the West Midlands It was an all day event played with 2 leagues of 5 teams and the final was played between Playa Flamenca Walking wanderers 1st team and Daya Vieja which was a repeat of the final from last year The eventual winners were as Last year Playa Flamenca Walking Wanderers 1st team.

Walking Football has really taken of in the last few years and is helped on in the community by these 2 clubs San Miguel Strollers and Playa Flamenca, it is played by people over the age of 55 who may or may not have footballing skills and want to gain/maintain a healthy body through sport and enjoy a good social life.

For more info contact:- Bill Whitehouse smstrollers@gmail.com or Bob or Maggie bobbyg2542@hotmail.com

El Rancho Bowls Club

With the start of the SAL this week, we warmed up with a match against the touring team from Antrim Lawn Bowls Club, who we entertain each year at this time, as do several other clubs. We

always have great fun, they being an extremely social group; we played 4 rinks of fours and had a great mornings bowls, with both teams taking 2 rinks, though the score hardly matters.

Cadena Sunrise 10 - Pin Bowling Week 24 - 29th March Sol Amigos The Bandits Alley Cats Pin Pushers S***T Happens

8 0 2 8 6

-

0 8 6 0 2

999's Sunrise Colegas Pin Pals Gi Gi's Hookers Alley Gators

Top Performers

Ladies

Gents

Hi/Game Hi/Game+H/Cap Hi/Series Hi/Series+H/Cap

Mavis Riley 163 Polly Farrell 220 Gill Stevens 450 Gill Stevens 600

Gary Walsh Gary Walsh Gary Walsh Gary Walsh

Gi Gi's Hookers Sunrise Colegas Alley Cats Pin Pushers Alley Gators S***T Happens Sol Amigos 999's The Bandits Pin Pals

P W 75 64 75 60 75 58 75 57 75 52 75 51 75 50 75 38 75 37 75 31

Gms Av 75 760 75 751 75 753 75 750 75 750 75 758 75 755 75 731 75 736 75 735

D 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0

L 36 40 42 42 48 48 49 61 63 69

Tot 57068 56360 56496 56292 56309 56897 56636 54870 55218 55144

247 268 662 725

Hi-G Hi-S 858 2431 869 2402 881 2399 857 2418 902 2472 901 2485 881 2412 823 2334 823 2383 855 2342

Pts 128 120 116 115 104 103 101 77 74 62

On Friday we played our opening league match at La Siesta against the Hornets, they are also a great fun team to play and it was a close match, all round. In the end the Hornets took advantage of the home mat and took the rinks by 4 to 2, though most could easily have gone either way, but we did have a splendid morning, in great company, what more can one ask.

Marion Haynes, Dave Haynes and David Whitworth 14-19.

Diane Yates, Gary Dunstone and Jim Gracie 13-20. Pam Harris, Irene Thomson and Malc Elmore 18-15. Emma Walsh, Jim Taylor and Eddie Thomson 19-15. Tricia Elsam, June Whitworth and Richard Lee 12-19. Edward Elsam, Malc Sykes and Carolyn Harris 16-19.

For membership details contact Brian Taylor on 965 077 093 or at briantaylor_es@yahoo.co.uk or Carolyn Harris on 966 774 316 or at elranchobowls.secretary @gmail.com

24

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