The Costa Blanca Leader Newspaper 726

No 726

Monday 30th July - Sunday 5th August, 2018 Tel: 637 227 385

Back to business as Chiringuitos set to re-open

olidaymakers and beachgoers on the Orihuela Costa will once again be able to

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enjoy their chiringuitos, sun beds and parasols as, according to the municipal spokesman, Rafael Almagro, the contract for their seasonal service should be signed within the next few days.

He said that this will partly save the summer season by reopening the beach bars for the busiest month of summer.

In making his statement Almagro also explained that the two appeals presented by individuals against the bidding process have already been

resolved.

Therefore, the Contracting Committee is now in the final stages of making the award. "During the coming few days the award of the contract should be fully resolved," he said.

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Continued From Page One Chiringuitos set to re-open As such the eleven beach bars on the Orihuela Costa beaches could reopen to serve the thousands of tourists during the first few days of August.

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

It seems ironic that the operator, Chiringuitos del Sol, which had its agreement suspended by the city council at the end of Easter holiday, is said to have been awarded the contract once again. However it is understood that the company will now pay the City Council 891,178 euros per year, almost three times the amount paid when the award was last made in 2014.

The Councillor for Beaches, Luisa Boné, said that this is the highest offer ever made by any company for this service, almost three times the 363,000 euros paid by the company four years ago.

The final report made by the contracts department concludes that of the six bidding companies, the one that obtained the highest score was Chiringuitos del Sol SL, with a total of 99.88 points. The company finishing second achieved a score of 98.90, and the third 91.91 points. In the

opinion of the councillor "this has been a very close process, where the business proposals and the economic offers have been fairly proportionate to each other. " Boné said that " Chiringuitos del Sol SL has now been notified of the requirement to provide documentation (a guaranteed deposit, confirmation of economic solvency, etc.) and once received the contract will be signed and the company will once again be to be able to provide their services on the beaches of Orihuela Costa ".

She also said that has never had any problems with the company and that they have presented a good tender submission that was rated with the maximum score by the municipal technicians. In that regard, the initial decision to proceed with the extension of the previous award was fully justified. And secondly, that her decision in November 2017 was fully justified for not proceeding with a further extension at the end of the Easter holiday period, not because of the service itself, but because of the doubts that continued to overshadow the previous tender and award four years ago.

Luisa Boné, said that this is the highest offer ever made for this service

National Award for Orihuela Costa Royal British Legion

The Noel Rogers Trophy – Runner Up Certificate 2017/18 was presented to the Orihuela Costa and District Branch at the Annual Legion Conference in Belfast at the end of May. Collecting the Award for the Branch was Chris Wyatt, past District North Chairman. Chris said “I was honoured to be asked to collect this on behalf of the Branch as it was truly well deserved reflecting the hours of work from a dedicated Branch in support of the Poppy Appeal.

The Award recognised the raising of 383.88€ per member which was a tremendous result. Along with the Certificate came a sapling Beech Tree from the Woodland Trust and it is hoped to plant this locally” District Committee Member Chris then presented the award to the Branch where it was received by the Poppy Appeal Co ordinator, Eddie Coleman, Branch President Pastor Keith Brown and Vice Chairman Walter Shatford

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SPAIN - The Weakest Link

ith over 19,000 asylum seekers entering Spain illegally during the first five months of the year Spain has now become the weakest link, the new main entry point into Europe, as politicians and EU Officials seem unable to stem the never-ending flow.

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seen as a soft destination with Fernando Maura, foreign policy spokesman for Ciudadanos, saying that the prime minister’s current approach is sending out the wrong signals. However, if the number of arrivals continue to increase in numbers Sanchez will undoubtedly start to feel political pressure from within to toughen up his stance.

The figure even surpasses the numbers flowing from North Africa to Italy and is almost as many as arrived in Spain during the whole of 2017.

Maura said that “When you send out these types of signal, they could well be misconstrued by those who want to come to Europe.”

Red Cross officials say that the surge of migrants into Spain has intensified in recent weeks after the new Italian Government recently shut its ports to the majority of asylum seekers.

It might b purely coincidental but the increase seems also to have coincided with the arrival of Spain’s new socialist prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, who has been particularly welcoming, accepting two boat-loads of asylum-seekers denied port entry by Italy on the troubled Aquarius fleet, a little over a month ago.

The UN agency International Organization for Migration (IOM) has said that this year 50,872 migrants and refugees have reached Europe by sea as of July 15. They added that the total is less than half of the 109,746 migrants registered over the same period in 2017 and almost a fifth of the 241,859 recorded in 2016.

However, last week, the number of arrivals in Spain exceeded those registered in Italy with just over 35% of all irregular migrants who travelled by sea following the western Mediterranean route. Their number is said to have tripled compared to the same period last year.

Many EU officials are now becoming increasingly concerned that with the EU struggling to manage Sanchez and Macron discussed joint cooperation international dissent over their on immigration last week in Madrid migration policy Spain could become the new destination of choice, considered to be the easy option for many People-smugglers in Morocco and North Africa.

Fears within Spain are that Sanchez and Spain are being increasingly

Franco/Espana joint cooperation on immigration is said to have been discussed on Thursday when French President Emmanuel Macron met with Prime Minister Sánchez. The meeting saw the publication of an eight-point document called the Declaration of Madrid, in which the two countries agreed on the need for “disembarkation platforms” and “controlled centres” to process asylum requests or return refused applicants to their countries of origin.

The document also suggested the need for an urgent meeting of European ministers to be held in Spain where immigration issues can be discussed.

In addition to the migrants arriving from North Africa, rescue officials working in the Strait of Gibraltar say that more Asian migrants from countries like Pakistan and Sri Lanka are also crossing into Europe, another worrying sign that smuggling networks are focusing more of their efforts on Spain.

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25 kilo honeycomb of bees found in Torrevieja house

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family from Madrid found rather more than they had bargained for when they arrived at their holiday residence in Torrevieja last Thursday. Sitting in the middle of the porch, their sofa was infested with a 25kg honeycomb of bees.

Because of the unusually large size of the infestation, the danger that it presented and the fact that at least one family member was allergic to wasps, the family immediately alerted the emergency services.

Torrevieja bomberas are accustomed to these situations and are fully equipped with special beekeeper equipment to avoid stings so the firefighters arrived at the house dressed in the appropriate clothing. They simply removed the queen from the swarm and place it in a large container. The remainder of the bees then followed their leader.

The house, which is only used as a holiday home, had been closed for a number of months so the bees had had all the time necessary to create the huge honeycomb, weighing 25 kilos. It was subsequently handed over to a beekeeper.

Bees carry out this type of swarming to create new hives as a natural mechanism to their reproduction of a colony anywhere that they have water and vegetation, especially in spring and summer. Although the rains have not been very intense in recent months they have been more frequent than usual. Normally bees are not dangerous if they are not disturbed but it is advisable to remove them from urban areas.

It should be remembered that bees are also a protected species, because they are essential to our life cycle, as such they cannot be destroyed. The swarm was simply moved to another location in the care of beekeepers.

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Trapped in Town Hall lift on way to wedding María José, her boyfriend Antonio José and their in-laws, were trapped in a San Miguel Town Hall lift for almost an hour on their way to the couples wedding on Friday.

Despite being early for their 12 noon appointment the wedding had to be delayed after the lift, taking them from the ground to the first floor, broke down mid floor making it a day to remember for the couple but, for totally the wrong reasons.

Fortunately, engineers were able to release the couple and the wedding was celebrated just after 1pm. They were then able to leave the Town Hall as husband and wife but this time using the stairs. It was a matter of not tempting fate again.

Antonio said that it was only a matter of minutes before staff realised that the lift was stuck.

They were able to prise the doors partially open and hand down bottles of water and an electric fan to keep us cool so it wasn’t quite as dramatic as people are making out.

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Four drug dens dismantled on Mar Menor

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In the first instance, please forward your CV to: offer1096@jobsearchspain.com

Electro Mechanic in Redovan We are looking for a professional electro mechanic with experience of high brand vehicles to join our team. We are a Jaguar, Land Rover, and classic car specialist. We also work with other brands such as Rolls Royce, Bentley, and Aston Martin. The candidate must be comfortable working with such brands. Age is not important.

Code named Operation 'LATERIO', the investigation got underway at the beginning of the year, when members of the BenemĂŠrita detected excessive traffic of people to a building in San Pedro del Pinatar. Suspicions were high that they were visiting the property in order to acquire narcotic substances.

After obtaining the necessary evidence, the Civil Guard employed over fifty agents in

Situations Vacant We are looking for an experienced direct sales person for a construction company. Must have own car, be computer literate, have a good knowledge of the Costa Blanca area and be used to dealing with clients in their homes. Good long term prospects for the right applicant.

In the four properties raided, a large quantity of cocaine and marijuana has been seized, as well as tools related to drug trafficking and a considerable amount of cash.

Agents were able to verify that, although they had not engaged in paid work for many years, they were nevertheless able to maintain a high standard of living, using high-end vehicles and incurring high expenses in restaurants and clothing establishments

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he intense footfall of people to houses in San Pedro del Pinatar and San Javier aroused the suspicion of the Civil Guard, leading to the arrest of six people, including a minor for alleged crimes of drug trafficking and illegal possession of weapons.

A surveillance crew was quickly established on the home that allowed them to confirm the alleged criminal activity related to drug trafficking as well as identifying the people responsible for the criminal acts.

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order to gain entry and search four properties, three in San Pedro del Pinatar and one in San Javier, in which cocaine (381 doses) and marijuana (400 grams) was seized prior to its imminent distribution. Officers also confiscated equipment for the handling he drugs and preparation of doses, as well as other effects related to illegal drug activities including a revolver, two high-end vehicles, cash, jewelry and watches.

During the searches, the agents arrested the six members of the criminal group, largely a family clan, who had been responsible for distributing different types of narcotic sub-

stances to other distributors and habitual consumers in towns of the Mar Menor and south of Alicante.

The detainees – all Spaniards, between 24 and 39 years of age, plus one minor, are residents of San Pedro del Pinatar and San Javier, some of them with a history of similar crimes.

The drugs and effects seized have now been placed at the disposal of the Court of Instruction number 3 of San Javier (Murcia), which is responsible for the judicial direction of the operation.

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‘Twitters 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.

For the Love of Paper “The UK’s National Health Service still relies on archaic fax machines” screamed the headlines this week. Oh well, I guess it makes a change from Brexit and Trump’s controversial visit to the UK. Even so, I couldn’t really see the problem, although I was supposed to be shocked when the article declared that a recent survey revealed that around 9000 fax machines are in use across England, with the Newcastle Upon Tyne Health Authority being the worst culprit with around 600 machines in daily use. Such horror!

I guess the reader was supposed to read between the lines that patients are at risk because of the use of this ‘outdated technology’, and of course the opportunity was used, as usual, to blame the funding crisis for ‘the problem’. “This is ludicrous,” screamed one senior surgeon, “The NHS cannot rely on technology that most other organisations scrapped in the early 2000s”.

Clearly, this esteemed surgeon has little knowledge of life in Spain, where the humble fax machine is still used and revered by most hospitals, surgeries, banks, local authorities and businesses.

When we moved to Spain, we were given several pieces of helpful advice from other expats. One of these pieces of advice was to “buy a fax machine” or at least to make sure that we had ready access to one. This piece of advice was invaluable and is still highly relevant.

Over the last few months, I recall several occasions when I have been asked to fax a document to a bank, the customs office or local

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b y Bar rie Mahoney

authority department. Indeed, my new mobile phone operator asked for a copy of my residency document to be faxed to them only the other day. Fax machines in Spain are still heavily used, valued and trusted. This is not to say that emailing documents is not possible, in most cases it is, but the Spanish have an ongoing love affair with paper and the fax machine fits the bill nicely.

The Spanish love affair with paper is to blame, of course.

Despite the wonders of modern technology, the country still relies heavily upon paper records. I was recently persuaded to change my credit card, which I thought would be a simple process, since it was to be issued by the same bank branch that I have used for many years. The process was indeed simple, and all I had to do was to provide an electronic signature.

I made a comment to the bank clerk that this was so much easier than on previous occasions when I had left the bank with a handful of paper. He smiled knowingly and wandered over to his combined fax/printer, which was busily churning out continuous streams of paper. He gathered a handful and asked me to initial the fifteen pages before stamping each sheet with a momentary glint of pleasure and passing them to me. Hmm, so much for the use of technology I thought, as I left the bank clutching yet another handful of paper. Some things never change over here.

In Spain, the fax machine fits seamlessly into the love of paper that nothing else can replace. What can be more pleasurable that stuffing an important document into one machine and pressing a button, for it to appear out of another fax machine some distance away as if by magic.

I have to admit that I also still enjoy the process and find it more reliable than battling with emails that may or may not be sent, or sorting out a computer virus, or whatever else should infect my laptop. A fax machine works, just as long as you load it up with paper and remember to top it up with ink and speak to it kindly. Yes, I know, it may jam occasionally, but we are not after perfection, are we?

Do I still use a fax machine? Well, yes and no. Our old fax machine died long ago and I now use an app on my smartphone that does the job nicely. However, I must admit that I do miss the physical process of sending and receiving a fax, knowing that it had been sent and receiving an automatic confirmation of receipt. What’s not to like?

So, to those who bore us senseless about the ‘digital revolution’ and criticise the NHS for not scrapping their fax machines, I suggest the old adage that ‘if it’s not broke, don’t fix it’ may be relevant here.

Many hospitals and GP surgeries may be quite content with this “outdated technology”. Maybe it offers the security and reliability that emails, WhatsApp and Snapchat cannot provide. Oh, by the way, did I mention that the NHS is also being criticised for using that most antiquated of all technologies known as ‘pagers’!

If you enjoyed this article, take a look at my websites: http://barriemahoney.com and http://thecanaryislander.com or read my latest book, ‘Living in Spain and the Canary Islands’ (ISBN: 9780995602724). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle editions. Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney

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HELEN’S STORY - Contact the Samaritans by text Texting the Samaritans is a great option I felt calmer, more at ease, and ready to make my own decisions after confiding in the Samaritans.

Helen used Samaritans’ text service to help her through problems she was having with her partner.

Nowhere else to turn “I have contacted Samaritans by text a number of times. It was mainly around the time I was having problems with my (now ex) partner.

"I needed someone to talk to, in confidence, without anyone knowing. I was feeling really low, upset, angry and worried about my relationship, and didn’t know where else to turn.

“I heard about the texting service through a friend.

As I have a hearing impairment, phone calls can be very difficult for me and I am more at ease when texting people, so it was a great option for me.

“Samaritans helped me by listening (well reading!) to what I said and responding by asking questions and offering support.

“My experience of using the text service was good, even though there were times when I had to wait a while for a response.

"I felt calmer, more at ease, and ready to make my own decisions after confiding in them.

"I think my life would be quite different if I hadn’t sought help from Samaritans.

“I still experience problems with depression and anxiety, but I am much better than I was when I

first contacted Samaritans.

Helen’s story

“The Samaritans’ text service is fantastic, particularly for people like me who have problems with anxiety as you don’t have to speak. I have recommended it to a few of my friends.

You can also now use WhatsApp to contact the Samaritans via either CHAT or a VIDEO CALL. Just Call 634 328 612 our Dedicated Line to Arrange.

We are SAMARITANS IN SPAIN – You Talk We Listen.

Phone FREEPHONE 900 525 100 Email: Pat@samaritansinspain.com

60 years after his death a true star still lives on

By Andrew Atkinson

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lmost 60 years since Leaning on a Lampost and My Little Stick of Blackpool Rock icon George Formby’s death - a true star lives on.

Los Montesinos, Alicante, author Andrew Atkinson is to publish a third Edition of Formby’s Lost Love in 2018, due to continued interest in late ukulele star George Formby.

“Formby’s Lost Love was initially published in November 2015, with the book's second Edition published in May 2017,” said Author, Los Montesinos based Andrew Atkinson.

Andrew, who has been featured within world-wide Media coverage, including America, and the BBC, said: “Formby's Lost Love is the biography of icon Formby's fiancee Pat Howson.

“A Religious Education teacher, Pat died aged 46, from ovarian cancer, a decade after Formby's passing of a heart attack in my home City of Preston, Lancashire in 1961.”

Andrew, 60, is set to undertake shows, both in the UK and Spain, to talk about his career as a journalist and author, spanning 40 years during 2018-20.

“It’s almost 60 years since George Formby died,” said Andrew, who has appeared on Spain TV channel Viva TV's 'Let's Talk Show'.

“A reflection of a true star and legend. Formby - Leaning on a Lamppost and My Little Stick of Blackpool Rock icon - lives on,” said Andrew.

Andrew is scheduled to undertake a Formby's Lost Love book signing in Los Montesinos, Alicante, Spain this year (venue and date TBC).

To pre-order a signed copy of Formby's Lost Love contact author Andrew for further details on: lancashiremedia@gmail.com

AECC office closed for the summer Maria & The Pink Ladies would like to announce that the AECC Office in Playa Flamenca will close for the Summer from 30th July & re-open on 3rd September.

Emergency calls only please, can be made to Maria on 633 487 595

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Heathrow scanners to put an end to carrying ban on liquids

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or many years now passengers travelling by air have been limited in the carriage of liquids by strict anti terror rules but with the recent arrival of new technology they could soon become a thing of the past.

The technology, in the form of new computed tomography (CT) scanners is already in place in several US airports, Geneva airport in Switzerland and Schipol airport in Amsterdam, where they allow passengers to leave liquids and laptops in their carry-on luggage during security checks.

Just last week a six month trial was also

rolled out at Heathrow which, according to a Department of Transport official, could be extended to other UK airports if it goes well.

A spokesman said that if the trials are successful, passengers will no longer need to remove liquids (or laptops) from their hand luggage for further screening, a move that will also speed up the security process.

Different from the traditional 2-D X-ray scanning equipment, the new CT scanner is three dimensional, which has the potential to provide better visibility and allow the operator to rotate the bag's image 360 degrees to show the contents of carry-on items at every angle. That will enhance the ability to ins-

pect explosives and other prohibited items being carried in luggage.

CT technology is already in use in the healthcare industry, and is also used to scan checked bags in most airports, but it is rarely deployed at passenger checkpoints due to size constraints. However, the latest scanning tools will be able to solve that problem, however the technology remains far from perfect, the main drawbacks being high costs and logistics.

The current rules for liquids came into being in 2006 after a terror plot to carry liquid bombs onto transatlantic flights were foiled.

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QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS QUICK ACROSS: 1 Heart-throbs; 9 Old; 10 Vacillate; 11 Sedan; 13 Elastic; 14 Design; 16 Stifle; 18 Replica; 19 Bills; 20 Thesaurus; 21 Tie; 22 Pros and cons.

DOWN: 2 End; 3 Raven; 4 Ticker; 5

Reliant;

6

Beautiful;

7

Considerate; 8 Teacher's pet; 12 Disappear; 15 Guitars; 17 Warren; 19 Basic; 21 Ton. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Scared stiff; 9 Hay; 10 Permanent; 11 Rummy; 13 Apparel; 14 Narrow; 16 Seance; 18 Trestle; 19 Piece; 20 Crab-apple; 21 Set; 22 Typewriters DOWN: 2 Coy; 3 Repay; 4 Dorian; 5 Traipse; 6 Free-range; 7 Short notice; 8 At all events; 12 Mercenary; 15 Outpace; 17 Pepper; 19 Pleat; 21 Sir.

of what?

19. Name the first teddy bear in space?

20. In MASH what was the character Radars full name?

21. Santa Cruz airport serves which city?

22. Graham Hill won 1968 world championship in which make of car?

23. Opaque 2 is a modern variety of which cereal crop?

24. Who was the first tennis player to achieve the grand slam?

25. What are padmasana, sirsasana and savasana?

26. What is strange about the Golden Queen holly?

27. What is the last book of the Old Testament?

28. What metal is used in galvanizing?

29. Who was the first American to win a Nobel prize?

30. In Shakespeare Hamlet who is Ophelia's brother?

Amen, 17. Wild Bill Hickok’s, 18.

7.

price. 14. Spain, 15. Adolf Hitler, 16.

Lady Vanishes, 5. Fully cremate (a

Diamonds, 13. Envelopes - post half

Moon, 3. Tom Robinson, 4. The

Flight

1. Edward G Robinson, 2. Hunters

Water

Carrier,

of

the

Bumblebee,

12.

Laertes Zinc, 29. Theodore Roosevelt, 30.

King is female, 27. Malachi, 28.

Positions, 26. It is male, Golden Maize, 24. Donald Budge, 25. Yoga Bombay / Mumbay, 22. Lotus, 23.

RED has mounted vet bills up of almost 3500 euro - Photo: Elaine Warnock

18. Old Honiton Genoese and Mechlin all types

6.

QUIZ ANSWERS

17. Whose horse was Black Nell?

corpse),

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.

1. "All my Yesterdays" is which actor's autobiography?

2. Which type of full moon follows a harvest moon?

3. Which pop singer was Glad to be Gay? 4. The Wheel Spins Ethel Lina White basis for what Hitchcock film?

5. On average it takes 1.5 hours to do what to a human body?

6. In Kiplings poem Gunga Din what job had Gunga Din? 7. What began in 1877 but banned women until 1884?

8. Who is the boss of UNCLE? 9. Which city's public transport lost property office is busiest?

10. Name only boxer to win a world title who never had a manager?

11. The opera The Tsar Sultan contains what famous musical piece?

12. Five tons are mined annually - five tons of what?

13. In Venezuela lovers use pink what?

14. What country in distance is furthest from New Zealand?

15. Whose girlfriend had a pet snake called Enid?

16. What word is in 1200 different languages without changing?

Lace, 19. Mishka 1980 Olympic

Solution on Page 15

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

Wimbledon Tennis, 8. Mr Waverley,

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

Myopic (5-7) Colour (3) Evaluate (6) They protect from rain (9) Separated (5) Military tribunal (5,7) Ledge (5) Boldness (7-2) Lax (5) From the near past (6) Farewell (5) Frozen water (3)

mascot, 20. Walter O'Reilly, 21.

DOWN 1 & 18Ac. Trunks required for visits which entail protracted journeys (4-8,5) 2. Cut off the top of the lobe - minor operation (3) 3. Bartender giving advice to the snooker player! (6) 4. For the Hop Kiln, ring Southsea exchange (4,5) 5. Showing no inclination either way (5) 6. Increasing discomforts said to affect children (7-5) 7. He gives a variation of the rondo (5) 10. Crockery disposed of in tenders (6-3) 13. The clown is the first of the stars in the gala (5) 14. One with a stable job at the inn (6) 16. The girl felt ill coming back (5) 20. It's strange what a tot will hold (3)

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

10.

13.

14.

16.

20.

9. Tokyo, 10. Jake La Motta, 11. The

ACROSS 1. Lilliputian elves (6,6) 7. There's nothing in the department store (5) 8. Cut back in earthenware vessels (5) 9. Lecturer almost cheated (3) 10. Fatal hurricane? (5-4) 11. Bound to be a kind of board (6) 12. One of the auks almost out of breath (6) 15. One intended to get the post (9) 17. Take strength from vital fluid (3) 18. See 1 Dn. 19. An escaped convict will be at this (5) 21. Spiteful comments about a household pet? (5,7)

ACROSS 1.

Occult (12) 7.

Teams (5) 8.

Well done! (5) 9.

Digit (3) 10. Nonconformist (9) 11. Tell (6) 12. Obstacle race (6) 15. Weight (9) 17. Paddle (3) 18. Looking at (5) 19. Banishment (5) 21. Ordinary (3-2-3-4)

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University of Philippines sweep the Habanera board T

he Philippine choir "University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors" have been proclaimed the runaway winners of the 64th International Contest of Habaneras and Polyphony of Torrevieja having won the main awards in both of the competition categories.

They were awarded the first prize of 12,000 euros in the Juan Aparicio habaneras category and the choir directed by Edgardo Lumbera, picked up a further 10,000 euros in the César Cánovas classification where they were judged on the harmonic aspects of a musical composition.

And it didn’t stop there as they were also judged to be the ‘stand out’ choir by the audience, winning a further 2,000 euro following a ballot conducted on the final night.

On Saturday evening at the historic site of the Eras de la Sal the winning choir hosted the finale to the event that is considered one of the most important of its kind in the world, the Grand Coral Gala where it was announced that the Belarusian women's choir "The Girl's Choir of Raniza" was placed second in the habaneras category, Francisco Vallejos, where they received a cheque for 5,000 euros.

They also finished as runners up in the polyphony award ‘César Cánovas’ receiving a further 4,000 euros for their troubles. Victor Maslennijov, was also awarded first place as the best musical director.

Bronze prize, and a cheque for 2,500 euros, was won by the Choir of the University of Bucaramanga, Colombia. They also came third in

the polyphony section winning a further 2,000 euros.

The National prize, worth 2,000 euros, was awarded for purely Spanish choirs, and won by the vocal group "Amitié" from Asturias while the award for the best composition "Sal de mi vida", was won by the Venezuelan composer Víctor Daniel Lozada Lima, who received 3,000 euros.

During four evenings of the concert, twelve choirs from 11 countries - Spain, Ukraine, China, Serbia, Romania, Belarus, Mexico, Colombia, Indonesia, Macedonia and the Philippines, took part in the contest after being selected from more than one hundred entries received by the Municipal Board of Habaneras and Polyphony of Torrevieja.

The contest began in 1955 and has now become one of the oldest and most recognised choral contests in the world also being nominated as an event of International Tourist Interest.

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Bale-ing Out on his Wedding

merly trained by Ricky Hatton, are currently being held in custody in an Ibiza prison over the alleged gang rape of a British women.

Despite committing his future to the mother of his two children, childhood sweetheart Emma Rhys-Jones, Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has now postponed their planned wedding until next year because of family turmoil.

According to the survey by 02 Family over 90% of parents also admitted to having regular arguments with their children about when to allow certain milestones.

Breakfast TV with Goldmember The pair, Paul Upton, 30, and his younger brother Sonny, 29, both from London, were remanded following a court appearance last week while two other Britons were released.

The couple had planned to marry in Italy at the historic Vincigliata castle in Tuscany, where Theo Walcott - Gareth's former Southampton team-mate - wed in 2014, to be followed by an ‘all star bash’ in Cardiff, but both have now been called off.

It seems that the family problems are those of fiancée Emma who has fallen out with her fraudster father Martin (54), who was recently released from a US prison, after he moved in with Alina Baranova, a much younger woman. To make matters worse, other members of her family including her aunt Jane Burns, 55, have been embroiled in a violent drugs feud involving a missing suitcase valued at £750,000

Knockout blow for boxing siblings Two professional boxers, who were both for-

they are quite happy to let them have free rein on social media at 13, play x-rated games at just 12 years of age and watch 18+ films while they are still less than 14.

Ben Shepherd was forced to wear a pair of tiny golden hot pants live on air last week after a viewer poll forced him to don the shorts.

The pair left the Hatton boxing stable in 2016 after Paul won the Ireland Super Welterweight title.

Parental Double standards Although many parents won’t allow their children to walk to school by themselves until they are over 11 years of age, travel into town unaccompanied until they are in their teens or start dating until they are at least 14 years of age a study has found that when it comes to using the digital world

A tenuous link by Kate Garraway on Good Morning Britain referred to people wearing shorts to work in the sweltering conditions.

She asked the colour that her co presenter should wear giving viewers a choice of standard blue, fancy pink and a pair of golden blockbusters.

It was hardly surprising that viewers chose the latter which saw Shephard interviewing Love Island contestants Charlie, Ellie, Stephanie and Josh whilst wearing their popular choice.

Ben said: ‘This is what you wanted. It’s your fault. I feel like Goldmember.”

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FAOC demand improvements to bus stop furniture F

ollowing a recent survey the Federation of Neighborhood Associations (FAOC) has said that over 80% of bus stops situated on the Orihuela Costa lack the very basic facilities of shelter, seating, information, timetables and signage.

At 40 of the 50 existing bus stops in the area, they say that it is totally unacceptable that passengers are required to wait for the arrival of a bus, unable to sit down or to shelter from the elements, especially in the current extremes of temperature.

They say that the lack of such basic services generates problems among the many older people, especially foreigners that are resident on the coast.

Waiting for the arrival of the bus at most of the stops in Orihuela Costa is an extremely risky practice, with many of them seemingly placed at random along the side of busy roads. Indeed actually finding places where public transport vehicles stop is not easy either, since information signposting is non-existent poles and many road signs are confusing.

As a result the Federation of Associations of Orihuela Costa has prepared a report showing all of the deficiencies detected in the service which it has now handed over to the City Council for their urgent improvements.

Orihuela Costa has two urban bus lines, red and blue, which connect the urbanisations with popular locations such as the health centre, the Town Hall and the shopping and leisure areas.

In total there are about 50 passenger stops, of which only 10 have a shelter and seating where users can wait for the arrival of the bus as well as being protected from the rain and, most importantly, the sun which is particularly fierce at this time of the year.

There are 40 bus stops (80% of the total) that only have an information signpost but many of these are inadequate as they provide very poor information, which makes it especially difficult for visitors to the area who can have very real problems in getting around the area.

Some of the stops don’t even have bus stop road markings, or a bench or a post, examples of which can be found at La Ciñuelica - Calle Escorpiones; La Florida - Calle Piscis, Villamartín-Avenida Las Brisas and Calle Richard Wagner.

The situation requires extraordinary action such as the bus stop on the road to San Miguel de las Salinas, in La Regia, where residents themselves have placed a plastic chair and a sign that says, "please, do not steal the chair which is for the bus”.

The Federation has compiled it’s report with the help of its network of collaborators, as they highlight the fact that more and more complaints are being received, especially in the summer, with users requesting the installation of shelters similar to those that already exist at some of the more popular bus stops.

They have also asked the council, and in particular the Councillor for Transportation, Begoña Cuartero, and the Councillor for the Coast, Luisa Boné, to improve the facilities and the furniture avail-

able at stopping places including current timetables and other information.

They have also asked that stops are installed in those areas where there is not currently none, Punta Prima being just one example.

"We believe that the municipal investment required to ensure this action would be low if one takes into account the income derived from the publicity that the bus stops could carry", a group spokesperson said. Once again, they highlight the fact that the residents of Orihuela Costa "suffer a historical shortfall in services and infrastructure, to which this shortcoming is added, which we believe can and should be corrected as soon as possible."

14

Rockets Golf Society awayday at Lo Romero

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LEADER Cadena Sunrise 10 Pin Bowling League Winners 2017/18

Monday 30th July - Sunday 5th August, 2018

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Title

Name

Remarks

High Game Scratch Ladies High Game Scratch Men High Series Scratch Ladies High Series Scratch Men High Game Handicap Ladies High Game Handicap Men High Series Handicap Ladies High Series Handicap Men Most Improved Lady Most Improved Male League 3rd Place League Runners Up League Champions

Janette Hurst Barry Tolson Lynne Ailsby Gary Walsh Lynne Ailsby Diego Muñoz Sue Allen Diego Muñoz Polly Farrell Terry Gibson Pin Pushers Sol Amigos Gi Gi’s Hookers

234 NA 248 NA 592 633 274 267 652 687 16.57 22.38

League Champions Gi Gi’s Hookers

For our July away day we went into Murcia to the picturesque course called Lo Romero. What a lovely well maintained course which is always a pleasure to play.

The Fairways, Greens and Bunkers were in pristine condition, but the greens were a tad slow with not being able to cut then too low due to the heat and agua.

We all said we would return after some good scores were returned.

Gold Category: 1st with 38 Points D Downey, 2nd with 34 Points A Williams 3rd with 33 Points R Chambers Silver Category: 1ST with 36 points G Wild 2nd with 28 points Paul Mutter 3rd with 25 points K Hopkins

Nearest The Pins: Hole 5 S Swift, Hole 7 P Daggatt, Hole 12 A Williams, Hole 15 A Stenning Longest Drive D Baxter, Best Guest D Baxter 31 Pts After the game we returned to our base The St James’s Gate pub for the presentation of prizes and a lovely meal thanks to Hughie and Laura, superbly cooked by the lovely kitchen staff. A big vote of thanks was applauded by all concerned.

Next game is at Vistabella on Tuesday 14th August First tee 08.15am. Be at the course by 07.45 please.

If anyone would like to join our most friendly Society or just play a game whilst on vacation give Rocket Ron a ring or email me at sanmigron@gmail.com.

Runners Up - Sol Amigos

San Miguel Bowls Club by Gail Willshire I need to start this report with some sad news. Ray Parker, a long standing member of San Miguel Bowls Club, passed away on 17th July after a long battle with ill health. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

The Australian Pairs competition which ran on Saturday evenings came to an end on 14th July. The two winning teams were Sue Milner & Ian Hope and Cliff Plaisted & Paul Cutting. It is really good to see two of the newer bowlers in the club doing so well. Thanks to Ken Hope for running this competition and to everyone who took part. Also, a big thank you goes to Kameeleon for supplying winners prizes.

Finally this week the club said goodbye to Janet and Paul Thomas who are returning to the UK. They have both been involved with the club for a good number of years and we all wish them well for their new beginning back in Blighty.

The Wasps sessions will start again on Wednesday 5th September 1:30 for 2:00 - €5 for an afternoon’s bowling with shoes and woods available to borrow. Anyone interested in taking up bowls is welcome and will receive some initial coaching. If you are new to bowls just make yourself known Ken Hope or another club member.

For further information on San Miguel Bowls Club please contact the President Stuart Hemmings on 965720461, or the Secretary Gail Willshire on 965 02 0492.

The two winning teams were Sue Milner & Ian Hope and Cliff Plaisted & Paul Cutting

Quesada Bowls Club by Dee Stephenson No league bowls this week but Quesada travelled to Greenlands on Thursday morning for the 2nd of four matches in the Friendship Cup. Following Greenlands success last week it was Quesada’s turn this week. In the scorching heat of the morning Quesada won 4-2 rinks and 116-90 shots. This means that Quesada are now 19 shots ahead after 2 matches.

Just a reminder that, open to visitors, our popular Saturday morning Chicken Drive is continuing during the summer months. Anyone

interested in taking part, please report to The Club, Quesada at 9.45am for a 10am start. Bowls and shoes are available free of charge if required.

For more information about our club, please contact our membership secretary Joe Riley on 96 572 5787 or email joedriley@gmail.com.

New bowlers are welcome and introductory coaching is available.

Quesada Bowls Club is sponsored by Spanish Life Properties https://spanishlifepropertiessl.com/

San Luis Bowls Club by Sheila Cammack South Alicante Summer Knockout Competition: Semi Finals & Finals to be played at San Luis BC from 8th-10th September We are pleased that several of our members have battled through the rounds and now reached the semi-finals. Well done and good luck in Men's Singles: Ian Kenyon, Ladies Pairs: Jan Pocock & Suzi Cooper, Mixed Pairs: Kath Reid & Ian Kenyon, Mixed Triples: Steve Simmons, Kath Reid, Ian Kenyon.

Keith's Thursday evening Aussie Pairs: "Kangaroo League" is creating some interesting matches. Current positions after (July 19th) 8 games: 1st Wombat (capt. Ian K) 10 pts + 30 shots, 2nd Kowari (capt. Roy C) 10 pts + 21 shots, 3rd Platypus (capt. Keith J) 10 pts + 10 shots, 4th Kangaroo (capt. Scott M) 10 pts + 4 shots, 5th Possum (capt. Sab M) 10 pts+ 1 shots, 6th Wallaroo (capt. Russ M) 9 pts + 7 shots, 7th Wallaby (capt. Brian P) 6 pts -4 shots, 8th Koala (capt.

Neil M) 6 pts -6 shots, 9th Bandicoot (capt. Vic S ) 6 pts -31 shots, 10th Cuscus (capt. June J) 3 pts -28 shots. There is just 1 match left in this league and the positions are changing weekly so eyes down for a very close finish!

Suzi organised last Saturday's floodlight match away at La Marina and although San Luis didn't win, the participants enjoyed it enough that another friendly has been organised for Friday 24th August.

"Vic's hamper" which is open to anyone, will continue to run just on Saturday mornings through to September.

NEW MEMBERS: After a successful 2017/18 season, san luis bc is looking to enter 4 teams again in both monday & friday leagues for the 2018/19 winter season. We are always looking for new members especially those who are newer to bowls and who want to try to start playing, or progress, in the leagues. Ideally anyone who wishes to join san luis should give their notice of intent by the end of july as at the beginning of august we will be forming our squads and any late joiners will play where needed.

For results & league information, checkout the club website: www.sanluisbowls.byethost7.com For more information about San Luis BC or to talk about possibly joining, contact June Jones, Club Captain: 691 903 773.

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Torry friendlies and league fixture dates released

By Steve Hibberd

T

orry got their pre-season friendly campaign underway last Saturday evening, when they travelled to Camillo Cano stadium to face hosts La Nucia. The 3rd div side opened the scoring on 39 mins through Enrique, then Luka added a brace on 73 and 76 mins to give La Nucia a 3-0 lead.

Although Torry substitute Eneko did pull a goal back on 81 mins, the 3-1 scoreline was not a fair reflection of chances created, in a match which manager Manu Sanchez must be pleased at the endeavour shown by his new look team. As per normal, the 2nd half team hardly resembled that of the 1st half, and Torry fans will struggle to recognize many faces from last season.

Inside Estadio El Barxell, Torry have possibly their last friendly, this time against hosts Petrelense.

Then the serious stuff starts. The Preferente div group 4 starts its campaign on 2 September, when Torry host newly promoted Horadada. A week later on 9 September (or sometime that weekend), they visit Villajoyosa.

Other dates of note are a visit to Almoradi on 23 December, before breaking for Xmas and New Year, until the return fixture at Horadada on 13 January. They wind up the season with a home fixture against near neighbours Almoradi on 19 May, by which time they will have hopefully qualified for the play offs - wouldn´t that be nice?

On Wednesday 1 Aug, ko 1900 hrs, Montesico Blanco stadium, San Miguel, hosts a triangular tournament between Torry, Churra and Crevillente (both 3rd div), when each team will play 2 x 45 mins against the other teams.

Yeclano are the opposition for Torry´s first home match at Nelson Mandela stadium. Make a note in your diaries for Wednesday 8 Aug, ko 1900 hrs, when all of the new signings made by Manu Sanchez should be on display.

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Carp-R-Us. The Carp-R-Us Summer Cup was fished at the El Bosquet complex using pegs 2-16. Neil McBirney ran out winner with 17.72kg from peg 15 caught on pole and maggot.

Steve Owen was second with 15.30kg (peg 13) caught on feeder and maggot, third was Ian Brown, making his debut on a club match, with 14.42kg from peg 6 on pole and pellet and fourth was Dave Sutton (Peg 10) with 13.22kg on feeder and maggot.

It’s interesting to see that three of the top four weights were caught using maggot even in the hot weather.

Further information about the club can be found on its website www.carp-r-us.weebly.comor on our Facebook page Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blanca.

XXI San Juan Beach Rugby 7’s The beach rugby season is with us again and on 4 August in San Juan is their annual beach rugby 7’s tournament with teams from all over the area playing, men’s and women’s teams.

These include the local teams from Alicante and also premiership teams like La Vila.

This is their 21st year of holding the tournament there by the Mediterranean Restaurant on San Juan beach.

So for a full day of rugby fun and lying on the beach watching rugby come down on 4 August.

Looking forward to seeing plenty of people down there and for more information contact Garry on 692 767 242 or for more information about rugby in the area come down to Zoco Market and have a chat on the rugby stand there.

Next up at Nelson Mandela, is a visit from UCAM Murcia ´B´ on Sunday 19 Aug, ko also 1900 hrs.

Finally, although there may be more published later, Petrel is the venue on Tuesday 21 August.

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

What is the maximum number of golf clubs allowed in a golf bag?

Anyone who playes golf knows that you are allowed to carry a maximum of 14 golf clubs in your golf bag but the question is how many do you really need to carry?

We all get fooled by the club manufactures to buy the driver that adds 15-20 yards or the lob wedge that has extra spin or the putter that just can't miss and as a result all end up with a full bag with the alloted 14 clubs.

Even in professional golf there can be some anomaly's and for example Bryson De Chambeau who may play in this years Ryder Cup for the USA has all his iron clubs the same length.

In my youth I played golf with a retired gentleman called Stuart Jennings and he played with irons 2,4,6,8 and 10 on Saturday and with irons 3,5,7 and 9 on Sunday.

A few weeks ago our Spanglish Golf Society played a 4 club and putter competition and after the initial complaints would you believe that most players scored more stableford points than normal.

Torry warming up prior to their game at La Nucia on Saturday

(in assN with Costa Blanca Green Fee s vcs) We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us. The deals shown in the table are some of the best currently available to you from 1 June.

Golf Course Alenda Alicante Altorreal Bonalba Don Cayo (Altea) El Plantio Font Del Llop La Finca La Marquesa La Serena Las Colinas Las Ramblas Lo Romero New Sierra Golf Roda Villamartin Villaitana Poniente Vistabella

Price €114 €102 €90 €88 €88 €86 €88 €128 €39 €36 €144 €104 €96 €80 €86 €110 €47 €86

Comments Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Single Green Fee Single Green Fee (after 2pm) Two Green Fees and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Green Fees and Buggy Two Players and Buggy (from 1pm) Two Players and Buggy Single Green Fee and Buggy Two Players and Buggy

This was becaue they had to think about and visualise different types of shot therefore playing with more feel and being less automated and robotic in their club selection.

For Bookings and info Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting the reference LEADER or on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931

Why don't you give it a try and leave a few clubs out of the bag for your next game?

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK “The hardest club to use is the one between the ears” - Jack Nicklaus

15

SUDUKO SOLUTION

16

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