Costa Blanca Leader Edition 708

No 708

Monday 19th - Sunday 25th March, 2018

Tel: 637 227 385

Former Irish Taoiseach, Brian Cowan, was the Grand Marshall at this year’s parade in Cabo Roig

C abo R oig’s G reen Power

T

here was a lot of green energy running through the streets of Cabo Roig last weekend. From pints of Guinness to a sparkle and shine Ladies Day, a Salsa extravaganza, fun walks, parades, brunch, a great deal of corn beef and lots of rugby!

The Guinness flowed especially freely at many of the bars on Saturday as thousands packed into the area to celebrate St Patrick's Day. Continued on Page 2

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Monday 19th - Sunday 25th March, 2018

Continued From Page One St Patrick’s Day Celebrations Irish music blared as children of all ages took to the streets to perform traditional dance as the crowd clapped them in time, but not until the major spectacle of the afternoon, the Cabo Roig Parade had taken place.

Former Irish Taoiseach, Brian Cowan, was the Grand Marshall at this year’s parade. He was joined

by Frank Fahy, a past minister in the the Irish Government, Martin Quinn, a former Mayor of Galway City, and Paudge Connolly who represented the Cavan Monaghan constituency in Dail Eireann.

Representing the local municipality of Orihuela were the councillors for Tourism and the Coast, Sofía Álvarez and Luisa Boné respectively along with the President of the Partido Popular Damaso Aparicio.

With the earlier threat of rain replaced by blue skies, and as the dignitaries took their seats along the route, the parade got underway on the dot of 2 o clock. The wheeled brigade was, as usual, made up of a multitude of classic motorcycles and cars followed by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums which led the actual parade, comprising a record number of 27 clubs, associations communities, dance schools and floats, highlighting the many different aspects of Costa Blanca life.

Novelty acts included a variety of stilt walkers and fire eaters as well as a walking garden, comprised of four people dressed in green of course, but wear-

ing environmentally friendly costumes.

There were veterans from the Irish Services, lots of cartoon characters for the kids, brass bands, drummers, inflatables, Chinese fan dancers and Smurfs from the Centro Civico Alomeda del Mar, soldiers from the American Civil War, male, female and youth dance troupes as well as traditional Irish dancers. There were some fabulous costumes and all in all the organisers delivered the spectacular parade that they had promised, culminating with a fireworks display during the early evening.

At the Emerald Isle in La Florida the celebration got underway much earlier in the day with Sunshine FM, Stevie Spit and a multitude of local performers entertaining the large crowd from early afternoon.

They were joined around the pool by charity stalls and booths provided by Help at Home CB, the Royal British Legion and many more, all doing their bit to raise funds for their respective organisations, so it was not only St Patrick that was promoted during the day.

Many of the bars across the reagion were also awash with green and gold providing music on their terraces long into the night, as did Clarke’s Bar in Playa Flamenca where they were also celebrating their 12th anniversary with traditional Irish music and food.

So another successful occasion engineered by the Irish Community, particularly in Cabo Roig, where the organisers, the individuals, the bars, restaurants and many other businesses all worked so hard to make the event another overwhelming success.

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Cruz Roja to open Orihuela Costa office Pilar and Maria both agree that a presence in Orihuela Costa is essential

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ruz Roja Española were at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall on Tuesday to announce the launch of their new office on the Orihuela costa.

Pilar and Maria from the Alicante office were joined by Pedro Domínguez where the trio gave an overview of their main activities.

Pilar explained the purposes of the charity, touching on their work with the disabled, children and youth work, health, the environment, gender violence and emergency aid.

She also spoke of their work with the unemployed, particularly in finding jobs for the long term unemployed and of the initiative designed to help people under 30 without formal qualifications to develop skills to help them find work.

Pilar said that the Orihuela Costa presents a completely new market to Cruz Roja, one that they are keen to enter as soon as a local office

can be established.

The charity’s efforts in Alicante with convicted lawbreakers, and their endeavours along the entire coastline supporting the homeless and refugees was also mentioned, as was the financial support through fundraising and the lifeblood of the charity, the necessity of a constant inflow of volunteer workers.

Just as soon as he or she can be recruited, a local coordinator will be established on the Orihuela Costa who will be based in an office in the Reading Point, Ramon de Campoamor. The coordinator will then set about implementing Cruz Roja procedures in the area, as well as establishing their own network of volunteers.

Maria explained that Cruz Roja is available to everyone, not just those in emergency or conflict zones. “There is so much that we can do to help the local Community. We appreciate that there is already an excellent network of charities established on the Orihuela Costa but with the knowledge that we have gained from the work that we do elsewhere in Spain we feel that we can supplement many of their efforts and plug the gaps where there might be a demand that isn’t currently being filled” she said.

She hoped that the new office would be established in the coming weeks.

With the departure of Pedro Domínguez from Cruz Roja Española at the end of the month the new contact for the Alicante area is now Maria who can be reached by email at: madayro@cruzroja.es

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The forbidden tower of Pilar de la Horadada

You can’t have it both ways Torrevieja Dear Editor, I have just read the article in your 707 edition concerning the above. Before the council start bleating about the population decrease they should examine their methods from past years.

T

he most valued historical heritage maintained by Pilar de la Horadada remains under lock and key where, despite a legal obligation to open to the public on four occasions every month, the owners refuse to open the doors.

The situation is reminiscent of what happened in the Pazo de Meirás de los Franco, General Franco’s Summer Manor hours in Galicia, where the building was eventually opened after many years, despite the opposition of it’s owners.

At the present time the watchtower can only be seen from the outside and very few members of the public have had the privilege of finding out just what is hidden within its walls.

It was built in 1591 as one of Felipe II fortifications of the Kingdom of Valencia for the defence of the inhabitants of what was then Campo de la Horadada against the attacks of the Berber pirates right up until the end of the 19th century when it was sold at public auction to the Count of Roche.

In recent years the tower has been awarded the status of item of cultural interest and as such, in accordance with the Law of Valencian Heritage, it must open to the public at least four times a month. But the family that holds the noble title today has so far refused as a result of which its contents remain a closely guarded secret.

Meanwhile, the authorities grow increasingly concerned at its deterioration, both the internal residence and the tower which have formed an important part of the municipality’s history for many years, and that today represent a hallmark which they are not willing to give up.

The Watch tower and the house extension are located on an imposing estate overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. They even have a private staircase that gives access to the beach.

The tower itself has a ground floor, two further floors and a terrace with a security gate. The overall aspect of this plot is one of absolute decadence although its green wooden windows are rickety and the heraldic shield shows obvious signs of deterioration.

The metal fence that borders the plot it is old and rusty. The wall that holds it, cracked and with many holes. Of the once magnificent gardens only wild stubble remains and a number of neglected palm trees.

despite its status, the tower has been registered in the General Registry of Real Estate of Cultural Interest of the Spanish Historical Heritage since 1995.

We bought a property here in Torrevieja in 2004, we were advised to register on the Padron, which we duly did at the appropriate office in town. We had a certificate to confirm this, and when I purchased a vehicle, we renewed it as requested.

The General Directorate of Culture and Heritage of the Generalitat admits that descendants of the lineage are blocking the access of government surveyors who must urgently assess the state of the tower to determine if it needs strengthening or restoration works that will guarantee its conservation status. However, according to the local administration, the request for access was made four months ago, but the watch tower remains closed.

The watchtower was last inspected by officials in March 2016 but two years have since passed and nobody has been able to gain reentry.

The director of Culture in the municipality, María García, is one of the few people who had the privilege of accessing the property on one occasion, but that was back in 1996 during one of the inspections. Since then she has not returned.

So in the last two years no one knows if any work has been done inside the building. The only thing that the Generalitat is clear about is that since 2016 they have authorized no work to be carried out either in the tower or in the annexed house. "We simply don’t know if any work has been carried out in the last two years, when the last inspection was made," a spokesman of the Generalitat confirmed.

The Municipal Councilor for Culture, Maria Trinidad Escarabajal, says that despite them violating the law that requires entry to the public, the owners still enjoy important tax privileges. They do not pay Real Property Tax (IBI) for the site because it is an Asset of Cultural Interest. In this regard, the councillor says that "they are accepting all the privileges but avoiding their obligations."

Escarabajal explained that on several occasions attempts have been made to negotiate with the owners to bring the plot back to life for public use. She said that the town is even willing to finance the refurbishments that are needed in exchange for access by visitors to the watchtower.

The paint on the walled courtyard is peeling. The access doors are closed, the bell does not work and there is only one suggestion that would make one think that someone lives there: a television aerial.

"The gardens could also be restored with a view toward holding cultural events in them," she adds. This is also supported by local residents who, through a collective, have been collecting signatures for months to gain access to this heritage site under the Valencian legislation.

Local residents say that for most of the year nobody lives in the house and the owners only visit for a few weeks in summer but

But for now, it will remain a forbidden tower, although the end of the story is still to be written.

However a couple years ago I read an article that again recommended that the certificate be updated. I duly presented myself at the new Tourist info Centre, near the Eras de la Sal, but was immediately told that because I wasn’t a Resident, that this was not possible. The lady in the office was very straightforward and clear, and I was definitely not going on the Padron.

Just to confirm, I am not resident in Spain, but I own a property.

If this situation is correct, then it seems perfectly clear to me that, in the height of the property boom, Torrevieja made hay, claiming all sorts of money that they, in fact, should not have been claiming. Now that rules have been tightened, they are now bleating that they are losing residents. This is probably not the case, just that they over stated in the past. You can’t have it both ways!

Regards David Banton

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The Unique experience of Holy Week in Orihuela T

he councillor for Tourism, Sofía Álvarez, has launched a campaign across the Alicante and Murcia regions promoting Holy Week in Orihuela City, a festival that was declared to be of National interest in 2010.

Holy Week in Spain is the annual tribute of the Passion of Jesus Christ celebrated by Catholic religious brotherhoods and fraternities that perform penance processions on the streets of almost every Spanish city and town during the last week of Lent, the week immediately before Easter. Álvarez said that this year she wants "to expand the focus on those municipalities where there is more density of population". As such the campaign will include publicity in metro and train stations in Madrid, Valencia and Alicante, as well as El Altet, Valencia and Murcia airports. Advertisements have also been placed on national radio stations, where the view of the Oriolan Holy Week will be explained, "with the purpose of reaching as many people as possible and attracting them into the municipality."

In addition, there have also been campaigns carried out with English-speaking media in the Alicante and Murcia area. "We want to fill the municipality with those who wish to become involved in one of the major religious spectacles in Spain," the councillor said. "Come and visit our Procession of del Caballero Cubierto, or experience the singers of La Pasión. See our beloved Diablesa, the iconic sculpture ‘Triumph of the Cross over sin and death’ paraded through the streets of Orihuela," she added.

“The publicity posters are based on an image taken by the Orihuela photographer Alberto Aragón in which the tower of Santa Justa can be seen to the rear of la Procesión del Silencio, one of the distinguishing elements of our week of Passion, "said the councillor.

Tourists will be able to enjoy a number of tourist routes, one of them, ‘The Art and Passion route,’ which takes place every day from Holy Tuesday until Maunday Thursday, will be conducted in

English, starting each day at the Tourist Office in Orihuela at 11am. For more information telephone 96 530 46 45.

During Holy Week itself, one of the most overwhelming processions is on Holy Thursday held at 11pm in the evening, ‘la del Santísimo Cristo del Silencio’ in which you will see two long ranks of brothers, dressed in capuchin habits, their heads covered, walking through the streets in absolute silence.

The only lights that illuminate the route are the lanterns that they carry, as the city remains in darkness after the extinguishing of all public lighting in the streets through which the procession runs. This is the Penitential Brotherhood of Silence, which has its origins in 1940, inside one of the three Gothic churches of the city, the Church of Santiago.

One other procession that stands out is that of ‘la del Santo Entierro de Cristo,’ on Holy Saturday. It is probably the most unique procession of Holy Week combining the two features of the Diablesa, one of the most iconic Holy Week sculptures, and the Caballero Cubierto which demonstrates the power of good over evil.

In short, Holy Week of Orihuela, is an absolutely unique experience that must not be missed.

In addition, there will be a series of wind and string concerts in front of Orihuela’s five main monuments, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Monserrate, the Church of Santiago, the Church of Santas Justa and Rufina, the cloister of the Cathedral of El Salvador and the Santo Domingo School, which will be performed by quartets of music teachers from the Pedro Terol Professional Music Conservatory.

Anyone who would like to take part in any of these routes or activities can pick up a brochure in English or obtain further info at the Tourist Office in the Orihuela Costa Town Hall (96 676 00 00 ext 32) or in Orihuela City (96 530 46 45 or 96 530 27 47). Email: residentes@orihuela.es

BUS SERVICE TO ORIHUELA DURING HOLY WEEK If there are a minimum of 20 people, there will be a bus service from Orihuela Costa (5.40 euro) and Entrenaranjos (2.70 euro) on the days and times shown below.

Palm Sunday 25th March: 5:30pm - 00.00h Holy Monday 26th March: 8pm - 00.00h Holy Tuesday 27th March: 8pm - 00.30h Holy Wednesday 28th March: 5pm - 00.30h Holy Thursday 29th March: 8pm - 1am Good Friday 30th March: 4:30pm - 1am Easter Saturday 31st March: 5:30pm - 10pm www.semanasantaorihuela.com/index.php/portfolio/procesiones

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The history of Indian Head Massage A

n ancient art in a modern world. Indian head massage has a long and colourful history. It is based on a traditional system of medicine known as Ayurveda, which has been practised in India for over three thousand years and is becoming increasingly popular in the West.

Massage has always played an important part in Indian family life, praised for its therapeutic benefits and believed to maintain good health and longevity.

The word “Ayurveda” comes from the Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, and means “science of life” or “Knowledge of life”.

Ayurveda is a complete healing system, possibly the oldest in the world, which teaches a truly holistic approach, concentrating on achieving a balance of mind, body and spirit to promote physical, emotional and spiritual health and well-being. The word “massage” derives from the Arabic “mass” meaning to press softly. As an art, massage must be as old as man himself – to rub an injured part is an instinctive reaction to pain.

The importance of massage featured regularly in the earliest Ayurvedic texts, dating back almost 4000 years. Massage has always played an important part in Indian family life, praised for its therapeutic benefits and believed to maintain good health and longevity.

THE VALUE OF MASSAGE Massage has long been an integral part of everyday life in India.

According to Ayurvedic custom, a weekly massage is recommended for men and women to maintain the balance of vital energies and promote soft skin and strong, shiny hair. Before a wedding, the bride and groom are massaged with special oils to promote health, beauty and fertility.

Women are massaged to help them cope with the physical and emotional strain of labour and , for forty days after the birth, new mothers and their babies receive a daily recuperative massage. New born babies receive a daily massage up to the age of three, after which time they are massaged once a week. Medical advice and attention is scarce in India and infant mortality rates are high. Mothers massage their children in the hope that it will improve their general level of health as well as their chances of survival.

For Indian mothers, massage is regarded as an essential skill and an important means of communicating and bonding with their children, helping to create a secure and caring family atmosphere within the home.

From the age of three or four, children receive from their mothers a daily or weekly head massage, given with a selection of pungent oils, in the belief that this will help prevent scalp disorders, make their hair grow strong and also boost brain power. Massage is also a social activity. Indeed, from about six years old, children are taught to share massage with other family members – brothers, sisters, parents and grandparents.

It is a custom that still holds fast, despite the fact that many youngsters, especially boys, rebel against being made to go out and play while they have oil on their heads. Many adults remark that it is only when they grow up and realise the benefits of regular head mas-

sage that they appreciate their mother’s concern.

tive health and well-being.

In the West, we tend to view the scalp as independent from the rest of the body, and treat it in a different way. In India, however, the scalp is regarded as an extension of the body skin and lavished with the same care and attention.

BENEFITS OF INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE

Most Indian woman continue to massage their heads with nourishing oils and are rewarded with the long vibrant glossy hair that is so admired in Indian society. Mothers share suggestions for hair care and beauty routines with their daughters who , in turn, hand them down to their own offspring. Oils were , and still are used for specific beautifying purposes;- sesame oil is said to help prevent the hair from greying and to restore hair to its natural colour- almond oil encourages the hair to shine, whilst coconut oil is used for its wonderful aroma and its moisturising properties.

Head massage has not remained an entirely female practice. Over the years, it has become incorporated into treatments offered to men by barbers and masseurs. It is believed the royalty and other eminent people used to employ personal head masseurs.

An increasing number of people feel disillusioned with the often impersonal approach of conventional medicine. Many of us now yearn for an approach to healthcare which is sensitive and caring and not necessarily based on drugs and technology. Physical contact affects us both psychologically and physiologically and, for these reasons, can work very well in conjunction with orthodox medicine or indeed any other complimentary therapy.

The therapeutic effects of Indian head massage last long after the treatment is over. The short- and long -term benefits are individual, varied and cumulative and include the following: : Relief from pain and stiffness in the muscles of the face, scalp, neck, upper back and shoulders.

Increased mobility of the joints in the neck and shoulder area.

Relief from headaches, eye strain, nasal congestion, jaw-ache and hangovers.

There are even stories the these masseurs sometimes acted as spies who were able to draw out secrets while their clients were in a soporific state that can be induced by massage. Today, head massage is still included in any treatment provided by a barber, even a wet shave, and many men claim that it helps prevent early balding and greying- although this has not yet been scientifically proven

Increased energy levels.

A WESTERN DIMENSION

Deeper, calmer breathing.

The concept of Indian Head Massage as a complimentary therapy was first introduced into the UK by Dr, Narendra Mehta, who arrived from India in the early 1970’s to train as a physiotherapist.

Like many Indian people away from their home country, he began to miss the benefits of a regular head massage and so decided it was time to develop it in the West.

Strengthened immune system.

He returned to India to study different family and regional techniques and extended his particular style of scalp massage to include the neck, shoulders, upper back, upper arms and face. Balancing the flow of the body’s subtle life energy is an important part of Ayurveda and many other Eastern medical philosophies. Dr. Mehta’s form of Indian Head Massage, which he calls “Champissage”, also involves balancing the flow of energy by working on the body’s energy centres- or chakras- a feature often included by trained therapists.

Indian head massage has become so popular that it is now widely taught at colleges in many parts of the world. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and walks of life and practised in a number of different settings, including private homes, natural health centres and hair and beauty salons.

The massage has also been adapted so that it can be performed without oil, therefore clients do not need to disrobe and so the working day is not interrupted for long. As such, is has become firmly established as the ultimate antidote to the demands of modern life and is taken into offices, schools, hospices, and even airports to help reduce tension, ease anxiety, increase clarity of thought and promote posi-

Alleviation of stress, anxiety, lethargy and mild depression, Greater creativity, clarity of thought and concentration.

A sense of tranquillity, calmness and positive well-being.

More restful, refreshing sleep.

Improved skin condition and colour.

Strong, healthy shiny hair.

Increased self-esteem and self-worth.

Greater self-awareness, which often brings the additional benefit of a change to a healthier lifestyle Indian Head Massage is as pleasurable to give as it is to receive..

This ancient art is calming, revitalising, uplifting and incredibly rewarding. Much of the joy lies in it’s simplicity, effectiveness and accessibility- no special equipment is needed and it takes less than half-hour to complete. With a few basic strokes, you can relax and soothe or invigorate and stimulate. It is a wonderful way of pacifying a troubled child to sleep, refresh a jaded computer-user or pampering your loved ones with some tender loving care.

Now you have learnt a little more about Indian Head Massage and would like to add a new skill, then at Body Harmony I regularly run 2-day courses after which you are able to treat people yourself.......or just come along for a lovely treatment to feel de-stressed and relaxed ready to cope with your busy lives.

Please contact Christine Quinlan for any information about Indian Head Massage and any other treatments and courses that Body Harmony currently run on 966 795 103 or email: bodyharmony44@gmail.com

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UK-Spain aviation: LCCs dominate a difficult market

Raining Gold after aircraft cargo door malfunction Rates at 12 noon on Friday 16th March GBP/EUR : 1.133 (slightly higher than last week) GBP/USD : 1.397 (slightly higher) EUR/USD : 1.233 (no change) The aviation market between the UK and Spain is Europe's leading country pair by seat capacity, ahead of Germany-Spain and UK-Germany. UK-Spain has been the fastest-growing of these three leading country pairs over the past five years. However, it is contracting this year, mainly as a result of the demise of Monarch Airlines in Oct-2017.

Russia. Some mainstream news stories can have an impact on the currency markets so you need to be aware of this if you are watching a currency ahead of buying or selling it. Why mention Russia?

Because it could turn into a bigger story than it currently is. Right now (Friday) the West are expelling diplomats and Russia is having a presidential election but if a re-elected and buoyant Putin decides to turn off the gas pipelines then all sorts of chaos could ensue.

Chaos equals currency volatility and volatility can cost you money.

UK. We try and avoid boring statistics in these articles but next week there is a lot of UK financial data to be released. Inflation, unemployment, wages, the Bank of England interest rate decision and retail sales figures. So, there is likely to be some volatility.

Combine this with Trump’s trade tariffs and Russia’s reaction to pressure from the West and it could be fun.

USA. The pound remains strong against the US dollar which remains quite weak at $1.40.

A potential US trade war has worried the Germans who said, “U.S. trade policy is creating a sense of uncertainty”. The Swiss Franc could become a ‘safe-haven currency’ which annoys the Swiss as it

makes their exports uncompetitive.

Gold rain. On a brighter note it was literally raining money this week as gold fell out of the sky. A Russian plane had a cargo door malfunction and 200 gold bars were scattered from the air; most of them have now been accounted for.

The other thing falling like a stone this week is Bitcoin, which went below $8,000 after Google announced a ban on online advertising and promotion of cryptocurrencies. www.thecurrencyexchange.co.uk - the simple way to save money when buying currency.

Monarch's bankruptcy provided a glimpse into the turmoil beneath the surface glamour lent to the UK-Spain market by its size and growth. This is a market that finds itself far from a state of equilibrium. Demand is heavily skewed by the almost one-way flow of tourism from the UK to Spain, resulting in a highly seasonal, leisure focused market dominated by LCCs. Ryanair and easyJet are the leading airlines by seats on UK-Spain routes, with fast growing Jet2.com in third place. Behind these LCCs in fourth place is the combined capacity of the four airlines of IAG, which include not only the two countries' flag carriers, but also Spain's leading LCC. This summer's capacity reduction is a needed response to unsustainable capacity surplus, but UKSpain is still highly competitive. www. centreforaviation.com

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Just one giant step.....for Campoverde’s Steve and Dave

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teve Howarth and Dave Coupe, two members of the Portobello Walking Football Team based in Campoverde, will be walking the Camino De Santiago De Compostela next month to raise money for their two nominated charities, the A.E.C.C, (Cancer Charity) and The Amigos De San Jose De Orbrero Children’s Orphanage Orihuela).

Despite only recently we handed over 1,000 euros to the two charities, Steve and Dave will now be stepping out on the thousand kilometre pilgrimage starting at San Juan Pied de Port in France to Muxia on the Atlantic coast of Spain.

The pilgrimage will take approximately 35 days, covering approximately 30km per day.

The "first of many steps on this route will be Monday the 9th of April 2018.

There will be a daily "post" on the Portobello Bar Facebook page to keep friends and supporters updated on the progress.

Andante to Perform Premier Work This new classical choir is to perform concerts on April 21st, 8.30pm at Los Montesinos Church and April 22nd, 7.30pm at Benijofar Church. Entrance will be free with bucket collections for their local charities. The programme will include a work specially composed for our choir, “All Nature Has a Feeling” by Eric Wayman, as well as popular choral works by Vivaldi, Faure, John Rutter and Howard Goodall. Vicar of Dibley watchers will certainly recognise the work by Howard Goodall. We are still seeking new members so anyone wishing to join our choir should contact elcvdvecht@gmail.com or Tel: 966 71 6016. Come to our concerts to find out more about us.

Caseworkers needed for The Royal British Legion Community Support The Royal British Legion (TRBL) is looking for new Caseworkers across Spain.

We are looking for new caseworkers in the areas of Javea, Benidorm, Alicante, Torrevieja, Zurgena, and Mojacar.

You don’t have to be a member of TRBL or belong to a branch to apply. Call or email to see if you can help.

We help, support, and signpost anyone who has served or is still serving and their families and dependants.

Anyone is welcome to apply, either ring or email for a chat about what is involved.

There are no formal qualifications required but if you enjoy being with people and want to assist or help sign post our beneficiaries so that the quality of their life is improved, then this could be for you.

There will be a 2-day training event in Alicante on 3-4 April 2018, all accommodation and out of pocket costs will be met.

Please contact Pam on 676 451 780 Monday-Friday 0900-1700 or Email spainnorth.communitysupport@rbl.community Caseworkers get together regularly for updates and seminars

The two intrepid volunteers are hoping to raise as much as they possibly can in funding for the two charities details of which can be found at: www.givey.com/amigodesanjosedeorbrero/ On Thursday 5th of April 2018 from 6pm onwards the pair will be holding Bon Voyage Bash, sending at Portobello's Bar in Campoverde.

The evening will include live music, a sponsored Head Shaving, (both Dave & Steve), and a raffle. There will also be a sealed bid auction for a day out on boat, with Cava, for two persons, and other prizes. Please go along and give your support to this invaluable cause.

They hope to be back in time for their Homecoming Party at the same venue on the 31st of May 2018.

For further information please contact Steve on 966 84 8882 or by email: stevenneilhowarth@hotmail.com

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Torrevieja Royal British Legion

Friday 13th April 2018 is the next meeting of the Royal British Legion, Torrevieja.

Darren Jones is booked to entertain Members after the Meeting which will be held as usual at Casa Ventura, San Luis. Please come along and join with the Members for a good

Association of Retired Police Officers The Association of Retired Police Officers attended the Exhibition of Charities, Clubs and Societies at the Auditorium, Torrevieja, last Sunday.

There was a great atmosphere with all participants thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Thanks to the organisers - a great day well worth a visit.

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Bryn rode 222 winners in an illustrious career

Former Champion Apprentice Bryn Crossley who rode more than 220 winners on the flat in UK, recently died at the age of 59. His wife Patsy had died just 2 years previously. They have left 5 dogs and 2 cats who have been under the care of Hondón Valley Animal Rescue.

have a Charity Shop located in Calle Nuevo, Hondón de las Nieves.

Please come along to Everybodys Dance and Fitness Centre, Urban de Dehesa, Campoamor, opposite main car park at the beach area to support the Fashion Show on Sunday 15th April at 1700 hrs. ea, coffee and soft drinks will be available and there will be a raffle. Entrance is free.

Campoamor Fashion Show in support of former Champion Jockey

Bryn had an illustrious career, he was extremely stylish and very strong in the saddle, he was a Willie Carson type jockey. Crossley rode his final winner on Minatina at Newbury in Oct 1993 and retired with 222 victories to his name and then took up a job riding for the Godolphin. Due to problems in the last few years, Bryn died destitute.

Patsy´s sister Sue Cambridge, who runs Everybodys Dance Fitness

Hair, Beauty and Nails Centre, has offered to host a benefit Fashion Show in memory of Bryn and Patsy giving the opportunity to raise much needed funds for the HOVAR Charity. She has got together some volunteer models who will have hair and make up done by Louis. The dogs and cats have been offered homes in UK but this will be a huge cost to the Charity. Some money was raised at Bryn’s Memorial but more will be required to cover all the costs.

HOVAR have been helping abused and abandoned animals for over 10 years and is a fully legal and registered charity in Spain. They

There will be an opportunity to buy the clothes that are modelled along with an array of other items. For further details on this event contact Sue on 645 535 934.

For information about HOVAR contact 676 558 432

14

Monday 19th - Sunday 25th March, 2018

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QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS QUICK ACROSS: 1 Manufacture; 9 Robbery; 10 Train; 11 Evens; 12 Utilise; 13 Occult; 15 Reveal; 18 Amnesty; 20 Prang; 22 Lasso; 23 Iranian; 24 Table tennis.

DOWN: 2 Amble; 3 Utensil; 4 Asylum; 5 Tutti; 6 Realise; 7 Irrevocable; 8 Intelligent; 14 Canasta; 16 Explain; 17 Typist; 19 Stool; 21 Alibi.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Promptitude; 9 Counter; 10 Khaki; 11 Order; 12 Sunburn; 13 Nobody; 15 Thwart; 18 Austere; 20 Satin; 22 Thing; 23 Growler; 24 Undertaking.

DOWN: 2 Round; 3 Motored; 4 Thrust; 5 Token; 6 Dracula; 7 Accountants; 8 Piano tuners; 14 Bastion; 16 Hassock; 17 Weight; 19 Eagle; 21 Talon.

ACROSS 1.

Impartial (9) 8.

Flee (3) 9.

Derange (5,6) 11. Unscrambler (7) 12. Earlier (5) 13. Buccaneering (6) 15. Nullify (6) 17. Rule (5) 18. Designate (7) 20. Impassive (11) 22. Baton (3) 23. Insipid (9)

DOWN 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

10.

11.

14.

16.

19.

21.

Taboo (3) Dogma (5) Disregard (6) Specimen (7) Fear (11) Experienced (9) Doubt (11) Leaving (9) Satisfied (7) Renowned (6) Cost (5) Donkey (3)

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

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

Solution on Page 19 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

12. George Mallory, who some claim may have

2. Based on total tonnes per year, which three

been the first man to conquer Mt Everest, is

countries produce the most milk?

credited with which famous three word reply?

3. For which two films did David Lean win the

13. Who was the first woman to hit the charts

Oscar for Best Director? One point for each cor-

with the song 'Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me

rect answer.

Down)'?

4. Names the three busiest international air-

14. Which island country is the most westerly

ports in the world. Can you name them?

part of Africa?

5. The first UN peace keeping mission in 1948

15. Which epic movie, based on a real historical

was sent to keep the peace between which two

character, was the only film to have won the

countries?

Oscar for Best Picture without a single female

6. A founding member of The United Nations,

speaking role?

which island country lost its UN membership in

16. The registration plate for which famous

1971?

vehicle reads "SCV 1"?

7. Which North American Indian word for a

17. Nicknamed the "Eighth Wonder of the

string of white beads, starting with the letter 'W',

World", what was the name of the famous room

was used in many a Hollywood western?

or chamber in the Catherine Palace near Saint

8. If you're on a boat called "Maid of the Mist"

Petersburg which mysteriously disappeared

you're looking at which of natural spectacle?

during World War Two?

9. The flags of which three countries consist of

18. What were the names of the Titanic's two

a solid background with a single circle on it?

sister ships which ended with the letters 'ic'?

10. Which two Germans have been voted

19. Liberty 1 was the name of the ill-fated space

Footballer of the year in England?

ship in which popular 1968 science fiction film?

11. What was the most lucrative export, quite lit-

20. Ukrainian Sergey Bubka is best-known for

erally an end product, for many west coast

record setting in which sporting discipline?

Maid of the Mist is a boat tour of Niagara Falls. 9. Bangladesh, Japan and Palau.

10. Bert Trautmann und JĂźrgen Klinsmann, 11. Guano or bird droppings.

(Important in the making of both fertilizer and explosives). 12. "Because it's there." In reply to the question "Why do you want to climb Mount Everest?". 13.

Cher. "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" was her second single written by

DOWN 2. Has destroyed a tree (3) 3. Artist leaving the party gives a reason to sue (5) 4. Stop for a b-breather (6) 5. Awfully pleased to have passed (7) 6. Sure no coins can fool the expert (11) 7. Wine turns up with ease (9) 10. Monarch is an awful person from another time (11) 11. Heavenly tiles Alec makes (9) 14. Two men get extremely touchy with the Queen's family (7) 16. Dreads discovering snakes (6) 19. Scope to changed the thicket (5) 21. Are going back in time (3)

South American countries in the 19th century?

Australia?

1. Bullfrog, 2. USA, India, and China, 3.

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) and Lawrence of Arabia (1962). 4. Hartsfield (Atlanta), Beijing Capital International Airport, Dubai International Airport. 5.

Israel and Palestine. 6. Taiwan (Formosa or Republic of China). 7. Wampum, traditional shell beads of the Eastern Woodlands tribes of the indigenous people of North America. 8. Niagra Falls. The

ACROSS 1. Arm a domineering woman (6-3) 8. Love to go to the museum for eggs (3) 9. Former prime minister had lain next to the room (11) 11 and 18Ac. Author writing about children's cakes (7,7) 12. Took a scarf (5) 13. Henry returns with a mineral from a Pakistan city (6) 15. Broken nose I'd given to the inventor (6) 17. Tale of a holy man or youth leader (5) 18. See 11 Ac. 20. I'm Peter Dell and I'm awfully irritable (3-8) 22. Animal found on a ship (3) 23. Time for a Beatles record (9)

1. What animal did Bart Simpson take to

her then-husband Sonny Bono. 14. Cape Verde. 15. Lawrence of Arabia. 16. The 'Popemobile' or 'Papamobile'. 17. The Amber Room or the Amber Chamber. 18.

Britannic and Olympic. 19. Planet of the Apes. 20. Pole vault. Sergey Bubka represented the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991.

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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.

B

REXIT and the Faint Hearted Expat

Of course, the tabloids never miss an opportunity to try and raise the blood pressure, so it was with some amusement that I read the headline in one tabloid this week that “Brit Expats flock from Spain because of Brexit”. Seriously? I have yet to meet an established expat living in Spain, either in person or online, who is planning to return to the UK simply because of Brexit. However, I do know many who have been widowed, have significant health issues or whose businesses or relationships have collapsed and are reluctantly being forced to return to the UK, but not simply because of Brexit.

Conversely, I know of several Brits who are so upset with Brexit, high cost of living, as well as the appalling weather, that they are ready to move to Spain and other European countries at the earliest opportunity. Let’s have a look at the assertion that Brits are leaving Spain by the plane load and put these headlines into some form of context.

It is true that the fall in the pound against the euro has been substantial and has had a significant impact upon the lifestyle of many British expats who are surviving on a state pension. Compared with the heady days some years ago when one pound could buy somewhere between 1.40 and 1.50 euros, there has been a considerable change in the fortunes of many expats. It was clear to many that the pound was grossly overvalued at that time and would not last. There

is also an assertion that Spain has become “incredibly expensive”.

Again, just have a chat with a newly arrived expat, who will leave you in no doubt as to which is the most expensive country to live in - just start off with heating bills and the price of a decent cup of coffee…

b y Bar rie Mahoney firm if a person is still in the area every two years, or every five years if the person is listed in the Central Registry of Foreigners, which has led to many being removed from the official registers.

This disparity in official numbers might also be explained by the number of foreign residents who live in Spain, but have not applied for residency.

I have yet to meet an established expat living in Spain, either in person or online, who is planning to return to the UK simply because of Brexit.

There is an assertion that the number of expats leaving Spain outnumber those now arriving in the country.

I suggest that this is a highly questionable statistic and should be challenged; as with all statistics, they can be manipulated in any direction to make a good story. My own, admittedly limited contacts with removals companies, lawyers and other professionals, particularly in the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol, tell me that the balance between those expats arriving as well as leaving broadly evens out, and that there is no expat panic. The flood of expats returning to the UK appears to be merely a convenient tabloid illusion.

There is also a huge disparity in official numbers of those living in Spain, and there could be two main factors at play here. There has been a change in municipal enrolment rules with tens of thousands of Brits previously registered, but who have returned to the UK or died, and inconsiderately forgetting to notify the town hall. Town halls benefit from having more residents, which means greater levels of funding and so there was previously no incentive for town halls to encourage people to deregister when they left the country. A change in the law in 2010 has since meant that municipalities must now con-

15

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It is uncertain issues, such as health and social care, that currently concern most British expats living in Spain, despite vague assurances from both Spanish and British Governments that all will be well. Many expats consider it unwise to move from a country where the health service is generally accepted to be under less pressure than the UK’s health service at a time in their lives when they may need it.

There is also the cost of renting or purchasing a home in the UK to consider, with many expats simply no longer having significant financial resources to draw upon. It is also worth remembering that many Brits moved to Spain when they were over 65 at the beginning of 2000. Many are now left widowed, resulting in an increasing desire to return to their families in the UK. Once again, this has very little to do with Brexit. Now, let’s have a look at the next tabloid scare story…

Available in paperback from Amazon, Waterstones and all good bookshops, as well as on Amazon Kindle.

Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney

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New Residents Group formed in Orihuela Costa

A

number of local charities and clubs including HELP at Home CB; HELP Vega Baja, U3A, OC Community Care, The Royal British Legion, Caritas and others, attended a meeting at the Playa Flamenca Town hall on Tuesday where the Councillor for Foreign Residents, Sofia Alvarez, announced the establishment of a new residents group.

Comprising of representatives drawn from many of the nationalities that form the Orihuela Costa, the group will consist of approximately 20 members and will meet in the town hall on the first Thursday of every month.

It is hoped that members of the group will be able to better communicate the requirements and preferences of their individual peoples to the municipal authorities.

The councillor explained that residents have to be involved in local political life, wherever they might live. Their political allegiance and who they vote for is not important but if the Orihuela Costa is to attract the services and the utilities to which its citizens are entitled there must be better representation from those who live permanently in the area.

The Councillor for Foreign Foreign Residents, Sofia Alvarez, Alvarez, hopes that the group group will provide provide better communication with individual nationalities Alvarez said that she was delighted that an additional 1200 people had signed onto the municipal register (padron) in the last few weeks, and that in itself would draw additional funding, but she added that there are still many thousands of people who reside in the area who have yet to register and she would launching further efforts to publicise her efforts in the coming weeks.

She explained that approximately 2,000 people, the current residency of which is unclear, will shortly be receiving letters

from the Town Hall asking that they declare their present situation. These will be distributed and subsequently collected by a private company and will, hopefully, help to further increase the number of residents listed on the municipal register.

She said that she would be delighted to talk to groups, clubs and community organisations where she can explain the importance of residents entering into community life.

She also mentioned the importance of all residents voting in next year’s Municipal

Elections.

With that in mind a further council initiative will see the introduction of quarterly public meetings at the Orihuela Costa Resort where speakers of all political party’s will be invited to introduce their policies and their manifesto’s to residents.

She reiterated that the meetings will be open to all members of the public and to all political parties that wish to take part”

C.L.A.R.O. protest at state of roads in las Valencias, Villamartin

L

ast Wednesday, residents of Calle Mozart in Las Valencias, met to protest at the state of neglect of their streets. Full of potholes deep enough to grow flowers, these roads have been neglected for ever.

They are in such a state that they could damage the suspension of

Election to District Boards in Orihuela Costa Following the mayor’s promise to promote government through Ramon de Campoamor will local democracy and the forma- be the voting station for tion of District Boards the elec- District X tions will be taking place in the coming days.

Candidacy forms are now available for anyone wishing to take part in the elections in either of the two Orihuela Districts, X or X1.

Much of the info is available on the FAOC Facebook page which shows details of the urbanisations and the districts in which they fall as well as the number of representatives that are being sought in each. Alternatively you can also find it at: www.theleader.info Anyone wishing to participate must be registered on the municipal padrón. However you need not be registered on the electoral census of Orihuela. This will allow a good number of expatriates to participate in the voting.

It is understood that candidates may apply for consideration in each of the Districts as a resident, for which there will be 6 elected representatives, 4 representatives of associations that operate, exclusively, in one of the two districts and a further 3 representatives of associations that operate, simultaneously, in both districts, as is the case, for example, of FAOC. But you better get your skates on as the closing date for registration, either through the council electronic office or in person, is Wednesday 21 March.

Once the lists of candidates have been compiled they will be displayed from 22 March - 6 April on the municipal website and in voting centres.

Voting will then take place on 9 April, from 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at: District X: Ramón Campoamor Civic Centre, where there will be 2 voting booths.

District XI: Alameda del Mar Civic Centre, which will have one voting table.

passing cars and are dangerous for pedestrians crossing the street where they live.

When constant, lavish expenditure is taking place in Orihuela, the taxpayers of Orihuela Costa demand to know when the Town Hall will attend to the serious deficiencies only too obvious in Orihuela Costa.

AFA Torrevieja show their appreciation to U3A

CINEMA PILAR English Language Cinema in Pilar de la Horadada Calle Canalejas 4 Thursday, 22nd of March at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 24th of March at 5:00 p.m.

MRS BROWN:

On Thursday 15th March a delegation from the Torrevieja branch of the U3A assembled at the AFA Torrevieja offices, near to the Minigolf park, to meet up with the AFA staff and to present the officers with a cheque for €4000 that the members of the U3A had collected through various fund-raising efforts over the previous 2 years. The AFA had been the nominated charity of the U3A for that period of time. The charity can, and does, change from time to time in order that the U3A can financially assist as many good causes as possible.

In the attached photo we have, from the U3A: Jill Edwards (Secretary), Pat Armitage (Welfare/Asst Treasurer), Rosemary Rickman (President) and Peter Breen (Treasurer). Holding the cheque is Purificacion Garcia and on the far right is Antonia Alenposa, President and Treasurer of the AFA respectively.

The officers were delighted with the amount that had been donated and to show their appreciation of the donation they kindly presented the U3A with a plaque as a memento of their visit and as a 'thank you' for their efforts. After the exchanges had taken place the group were taken on a tour of the facilities to see the excellent work that is carried out by the staff and to see the attendees taking part in various exercises to assist them with their afflictions.

While on an extended stay at Balmoral Castle and still in mourning over the death of her beloved Prince Albert, Queen Victoria meets Mr. Brown, a member of her household staff who thinks the time has come for her to start living a normal life. He soon gains the Queen's favor and friendship and his authority and status in the household are soon on the rise creating concerns among the Queen's many advisers who see their own influence diminishing and the Queen's reputation being tarnished. As a result, they move to ensure Mr. Brown's future influence in the household is kept in check.

Director: John Madden Stars: Judy Dench and Billy Connolly Dur: 1h 43min | Costume Drama

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Car and Vehicle Sales The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2015 Ford CMax Diesel which is on Special Offer priced at just 15,499 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.

Clasicos Legendarios have the following used vehicles for sale: Jaguar XKR V8 2007 Black, with all the extras, 115,000 km for 35,000 euros, Jaguar XJS Convertible V12 1988, 159,000 km 17,950 euros, Lexus SC 430 2003, 165,000 km, 7,995 euros.

Visit our showroom in Redovan on Poligono San Carlos or call 965 030 924 CLK 320 Automatic 218 HP, Year 1998, 156.600km. Sun roof. € 3.950,00 ono. Call Mikel on 607 659 306

Social and Clubs The next monthly meeing of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion will be on 19 April at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras starting at 7.30pm. The Torrevieja Branch will meet at the Casa Ventura in San Luis at 7.30 pm on the 13 April 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.

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you. Our aim is to assist with problem solving for the over 50’s and promote their

well-being. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Residential Home Visiting Team.

You will visit people who live in a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee either in a wheelchair or walking. If you think you can help Age Concern in this respect call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887.

Or you can email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es Torrevieja Retired Activities Club meet on the third Wednesday in the month from 11-1pm at Marina Club Cafeteria, International Marina, Torrevieja.

We have a speaker at our monthly meetings, or quiz, etc. Enjoy an activity once a month such as petanca, mini golf, 10 pin bowling, and on the first Sunday of the month we organise a restaurant lunch. The joining fee is 10euros but you can attend one meeting or lunch before you join.

For info phone Sandy Hollywood, President 698 266 696 or Jill Hayes, membership Secretary 672 983 019.

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.

TORREVIEJA Official Liverpool FC Supporters' Club, Costa Blanca. - Why not join us at Kennedy's Pub, Playa Los

Monday 19th - Sunday 25th March, 2018

Locos, to watch the games? www.lfc-spain.com.

Curious about the work of Samaritans in Spain? Interested in becoming a listener? Have a few hours a week to help with the charity shop, fundraising or admin? To find out more, come and join us for refreshments and a chat at our Centre in the Punta Marina Shopping Centre, by the Punta Prima roundabout, on the N332. (Volunteer positions are unpaid but expenses can be claimed). www.samaritansinspain.com Email: janeatsams@outlook.com The Orihuela Costa Drop In Centre is in C/Cipres, Lomas de Cabo Roig, where we can offer you a full range of activities Monday, Wednesday and Thursday including music, language classes, drawing and painting, sewing, general information, bereavement advice and much more.

Further info available at: oc.communitycare@gmail.com

Churches and Services La Siesta Evangelical Church hold services each Sunday and everyone is welcome. Our 11.15am 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 11.15 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 The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) in Torrevieja meet at 10.00 each Sunday in their chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. All Welcome. You can phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 667 533 597..

International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja - Evangelical nondenominational church. All nationalities welcome. Sunday service 11.0 a.m.; Sunday

school; Prayer meetings; craft and computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11.0 a.m.

Church Bible Study: Thursday 1.30 p.m. House groups in Torrevieja, La Siesta – Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. For other church matters: Phone: 966 799 273 / 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. www.icatorrevieja.org

Personal Torrevieja Brazilian mature lady.

The best massage, relax, tantra, anti-stress. I also do body and intimate waxing, manicures, pedicures, and facial cleansing and rejuvenation. Me and my silky hands are the perfect combination. Call Victoria on 687 131 005.

Torrevieja. Shirley - the best massage. Tanned, young Latina beauty! Stunning figure, great breasts. I welcome you alone in my sexy lingerie. By appointment please.655 677 738 Sexy, elegant Spanish lady. Playa Flamenca. Punta Prima. Private house. Erotic massage. All services. From €40. Call Ana on 657 603 495. Speak English.

Male and female Viagra, Cialis, Cialis Kamagra jellies mail order cash on delivery call 604 385 476 viagra4you19@gmail.com

Items For Sale 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 5 euro per entry. Email office@theleader.info

Property for Sale Villamartin, gate enclosed topfloor apartment with lift. Two bedroom, two bathroom, large lounge / dine, kitchen, store room, large sun terrace, communal pool in well-maintained gardens, off-road parking, 800m to nearest bars / restaurant. Fully furnished.

Air-conditioning.

Roof top solarium with stunning views. € 110.000. Tel. 672 921 851 or 604 152 124. (705) Country Finca in Redovan - 2 buildings on a good size plot,

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each with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Plot size 500 sq mtrs.

Excellent decorative order and is sold furnished. Beamed ceilings in lounge. Euro 170,500. Ref: 000076. Tel 617 537 866 San Miguel de Salinas - A really nice first floor 3 bed apartment in a very well looked after community, just a short walk to supermarkets, restaurants, and bars.

Fitted wardrobes in all bedrooms, main bedroom having walk in wardrobe. Euro 79,995 Ref: 000075. Tel 617 537 866 Detached Villa Torremendo - A fantastic 2 bed countryside home on a 5000sqm plot. Constructed from wood and in perfect condition with countryside and lake views. All modern services, connected to electricity, water, mains sewerage. Also a separate selfcontained cabin. Euro 149,995 Ref: 000074. Tel 617 537 866 This three bedroom, two bathroom mid-terrace townhouse is within walking distance of the lively La Fuente Commercial Centre with its fabulous selection of bars and restaurants. It is also close to supermarkets and just a short drive to beautiful, award-winning Blue Flag sandy beaches.

Access to lovely communal gardens and a large communal swimming pool. Euro 79,995 Ref 000057. Tel 617 537 866 Redovan - Surrounded by lemon groves and fields of artichokes and broccoli, this three bed, two bathroom detached villa is situated on a plot of 600m2. It has its own 10m x 5m private swimming pool and a separate garage with access to a rooftop solarium. The property is distributed

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on one level with a tiled patio area leads into the main living and dining areas. Private Pool, Fully Furnished, Stunning views, Private Garden. Euro 210,000 Ref 000058. Tel 617 537 866 Sierra de Orihuela - This fabulous detached property is on a plot of 1.900m2 and has breath-taking views of the Sierra de Orihuela mountain range. The total built area is 135m2 which is distributed across four double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a lounge / dining area, and a modern openplan kitchen. Covered car port, manicured gardens and a private swimming pool. Fully Furnished.

Private Garden. Kennels and a chicken coup. Euro 249,995 Ref 00059. Tel 617 537 866 San Miguel de Salinas - Modern 3 bedroom house in the sought after area of Balcon de la Costa.

South facing and in a quiet area.

The house has been refurbished to a very high standard and ready to move into. Large paved patio with high walls for your privacy, ideal for barbecuing or just relaxing in the sun. Fully Furnished.

Private balconies.

Stunning views. Air-Cond. Euro 79,500 Ref 000060. Tel 617 537 866 San Miguel de Salinas - A nice ground floor apartment in the heart of San Miguel de Salinas. It has 2 good size bedrooms with fitted wardrobes. The 2nd bedroom has an enclosed galeria for extra storage. Good size lounge / diner and open plan kitchen. The family bathroom comes with a 4 piece suite and shower enclosure.

Popular Spanish village. Fully furnished. Communal Pool.

Large Terrace. Euro 52,995 Ref 000061. Tel 617 537 866

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EURONICS THURSDAY DART LEAGUE “THE ELECTRICAL SHOP” - BLUE LAGOON Match Results for 15th March 2018 Ladies Pairs Competition: Winners: Pat Schofield and Wendy Hayward (Junction Jaguars) Runners Up: Lesley Eagles and Simone de Lacy (Junction Jaguars) Semi-finalists: Liz Cowan and Lisa Ivill (Junction Jaguars) Gilly Kirby and Helen Hirst (Porter House Bees) Pati’s bar presented a fine venue for the competition with bright lighting and the use of Porter house’s match board, thanks to Brian Nash.

After a bit of practise, the draw was done which resulted in Pat Poo Schofield and Wendy Woo Hayward (last year’s winners) facing Gilly Kirby and Helen Hirst from the Porter House Bees. Super Poo, although confessing to be nervous, did not show it in her darts scoring 2x 85 and checking out D8 in the first leg.

In Leg two, the Jaguars upped their game a little more, Wendy Scoring 81 and Pat scoring 81, 81, 98 and checking out D4. In the 3rd and final leg (best of 5), Pat hit a ton and checked out on D20 to see them through to what would be an all-Jag final.

The score-line doesn’t do justice to the efforts that Bees Gilly and Helen put in, scoring 75 and 73 respectively and both having shots at a finish.

In Semi-finals No.2 Lesley Eagles and Simone de Lacy were drawn to play against team mates Lisa Ivill and Liz Cowan.

Lucky mascots at the ready (Gerry the Giraffe, a small, spotless jaguar looking thingy and St. Patrick’s day flights for Liz, the battle did commence and a 5 leg battle it was!

By Simone de Lacy

The first leg went to Lesley (86) and Simone (81, D4) with Lisa popping in a 73. Leg two went to Liz (85, 83) and Lisa (D14- first dart) to even things up- Simone and Lesley managing no more than 79 and 85. Lisa and Liz then went on to take the 3rd leg, Liz (71) and Lisa (74, D5).

Elated by her scoring and quick finishes, Lisa went on to strike again (93, 80) but leg 4 went to Lesley (81) and Simone D8. So it was neck and neck into the deciding leg with Lisa still banging away with the scores 71, 71 but finally Simone (73) and Lesley (D4) stole the game.

Into the finals, Simone and Lesley (100, 95, D13) took an early lead despite a 134 and a 71 from Wendy. From then on, with just a bingo dabber for marking the board it was Pat and Wendy’s night. In leg 2 Pat binged a 140 and Wendy went out on T19, D5.

Leg 3 saw some effort from de lacy (74) and Eagles! (80, 85) but Poo (85, 79) and Woo (81, 71, S5-D4) more than had that matched.

As hope faded for the captain (95) and her partner (100), Wendy nailed D2 to take them 3-1 ahead. Both pairs got down to the finish in Leg 5 but Pat sealed the deal with D11 to retain their title.

A big thankyou to all the volunteer chalkers, Terry Kirby, Eddie Hirst, Hilda Wilkinson and especially to her husband Kenny who marked at least 9 of the 13 legs. All done and dusted by 10:45, The jags retired to the terrace for a few well-deserved fags! Thank you to Pati’s bar for hosting the event- how could Pat not win when the bar is named after her?!

Men’s Pairs Competition With at least one if not both players out of the country from 3 of the 4 qualifying pairs, there was no competition to be had so it was decided to postpone

Winners Pat Schofield and Wendy Hayward to a later date when more of the players might be available.

A date has been suggested and we await confirmation of availability.

Unfortunately, there are no free Thursday available between now and presentation night as both the Jackals and Las Rosas (who were available to play) are both still in the Team or Auxiliary KO comps.

Torrevieja Ladies Darts Org El Balcon Chicas Friendly's Chicas Wildcats at Macklins Black Dog Ladies

7-2 2-7 7-2 2-7

Primadonnas Gap Ladies Friendly's Temps Macklins Dolly Mixtures

Wildcats at Macklins Gap Ladies Friendly Chicas Macklins Dolly Mixtures El Balcon Chicas Black Dog Ladies Friendly's Temps Primadonnas

P 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

W 9 8 5 4 4 3 2 1

L 0 1 4 5 5 6 7 8

Pts. 27 25 19 17 17 15 13 11

HOT DARTS: Pamela Taylor 136, Groa Bryndis 133, Angela Mullen 133, Ann Wharton 125+123, Chris Greenwood 125, Elaine Willis 121+104, Caroline Shepherd 121, Sue Cam Bliss Wright 120, Marylyn Jackson 119, Scotch Halliday 116, Sarah Grove 114, Denise Groves 113, Anita Morfee 112, Lorraine Veale 108, Stacey McDermott 107, Jane Barnes 101, Margaret Boden, Brenda Harper, Chris Atherton, Glenis Pritchard, Gail Murray, Sandra Crabbe 100 The Annual Presentation Dinner Our Ladies Presentation Evening will be held on Saturday 26th May at the Quesada Country Club (now called JR’s) and the round up time is 18.30 for 19.00 hours. So please put this date in your Diary.

A.G.M. New procedures are in place for this year’s A.G.M and all Proposals are to be with the Coordinator by the 30th April 2018. These proposals will be issued and discussed at the Captain’s Meeting prior to the A.G.M. The Captains Meeting will be on Tuesday 5th June 2018 at El Balcon in Los Balconies.

Captains should bring with them the names of their players who will actually be attending the A.G.M. so that enough Voting papers, Agenda and Minutes of the Previous A.G.M. can be prepared and provided.

Anyone signifying that they will be attending the A.G.M. must do so, and on the night, provision for one extra person, per team, has been allowed for attendance to the A.G.M. The Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 12th June 2018.

Another good week everyone. Enjoy your darts and have fun.

Pam Horton, 96 571 0066, Email: Dartess501@gmail.com

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Carp R Us The club moved its scheduled match at Pedrera to the Eden Stretch for round four of the Spring series due to the current poor conditions at Pedrera. Weights are never usually high on this stretch, but it does give everyone a chance to catch using a variety of methods as todays match proved. First was Steve Fell with 5.96 kg of crucian carp, mullet, carp, bleak and goldfish (a mixed bag to say the least) caught on pole and maggot. Second was Tom Marshall with 5.84 kg caught using feeder and corn. Third was Dave Sutton (4.64 kg) using feeder with corn tipped with worm and a creditable fourth, on her birthday, was Sue Boorman with 4.06 kg.

The club is always keen to get new members.

If you are interested contact the secretary, Steve Fell, on 634379081.

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

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Monday 19th - Sunday 25th March, 2018

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SOUTH ALICANTE WINTER TRIPLES Final League Tables Results/tables Week 18 - 5th March ENTERPRISE DIVISION Vistabella Drivers 65 (6) Emerald Isle Titans 73 (8) Vistab Albatrosses 126 (11) Monte Mar Matadors 85 (3) Quesada Pearls 135 (12) San Miguel Pulsars 65 (2) La Marina Explorers 82 (5) San Miguel Meteors 108 (9) La Siesta Apollos 81 (4) San Luis Klingons 111 (10) P W D L Vistabella Albatrosses 18 67 5 36 San Luis Klingons 18 67 3 38 Quesada Pearls 18 63 4 41 San Miguel Meteors # 18 56 5 47 Emerald Isle Titans 18 56 5 47 Vistabella Drivers * 18 53 7 48 La Marina Explorers 18 44 4 60 La Siesta Apollos 18 40 2 66 Monte Mar Matadors * 18 38 3 67 San Miguel Pulsars 18 35 4 69 # 1 Point deducted for reporting infringement * 2) deducted for failing to field a full Side

O/W 14 13 11.5 14 9.5 8 7 5 3.5 4.5

Diff 445 238 340 173 76 48 -157 -381 -416 -366

Pts 167 163 153 144 136 127 106 92 84 83

DISCOVERY DIVISION Emerald Isle Neptunes 125 (10) Greenlands Maples 185 (14) San Miguel Comets 116 (8) Quesada Diamonds 125 (14) San Luis Trekkers

La Marina Pathfinders 92 (4) Emerald Isle Moonrakers 57 (0) Greenlands Sycamores 84 (6) El Rancho Pintos 77 (0) Bye

P San Luis Trekkers 16 Quesada Diamonds 16 Greenlands Maples 16 San Miguel Comets 16 Emerald Isle Neptunes * 16 La Marina Pathfinders 16 El Rancho Pintos 16 Greenlands Sycamores ** 16 Emerald Isle Moonrakers * # 16

W 61 61 54 53 49 48 45 29 24

D 4 2 1 1 0 2 2 2 2

L 31 33 41 42 47 46 49 65 70

O/W 14 11 9 9 10 7 7 3 2

Diff 440 281 234 268 146 87 33 -657 -832

Pts 154 146 127 125 116 112 106 62 51

* 2) deducted for failing to field a full side ** 4) deducted for failing to field a full side # 1 point deducted for reporting infringement

VOYAGER DIVISION La Siesta Pioneers 92 (6) San Luis Romulans 104 (5) Mazarron Mariners 154 (10) El Rancho Raiders 103 (10) Country Bowls Flamingos

Mazarron Mariners Quesada Rubies Vistabella Eagles * Horadada Falcons San Luis Vulcans ## La Siesta Pioneers El Rancho Raiders Country Bowls Flamingos # * San Luis Romulans *

P 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16

Vistabella Eagles 105 (8) Horadada Falcons 122 (9) Quesada Rubies 77 (4) San Luis Vulcans 80 (4) Bye W 55 55 55 51 48 47 36 36 29

D 7 2 5 5 5 4 3 3 6

L O/W 34 11 39 10 36 9 40 9 43 10 45 9 57 6 57 5 61 3

* 2) deducted for failing to field a full Side # 1 point deducted for reporting infringement ## 3) deducted for reporting infringement

Diff 327 208 149 129 42 55 -335 -77 -498

Pts 139 132 131 125 118 116 87 82 68

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Vistabella Bowls Club By Lynne Bishop Congratulations to our 2018 club champions, the finals were played in somewhat windy conditions last weekend which weren’t for the faint hearted but our champs didn’t let it faze them...here’s who did what:Men’s Singles Eric Bishop - finalist Del Gunning.

Ladies Singles Lin Watkins - finalist Geraldine Fisher.

Men’s Pairs Charlie Watkins & Gary Thorpe - finalist Del Gunning & Barry Norris.

Ladies Pairs Lynne Bishop & Maggie Furness - finalists Sue Kemp & Geraldine Fisher.

Mixed Pairs Mo & Martin Foulcer - finalists Lin Watkins & Peter Whitehall.

Mixed Triples Sharron Kirk, Brian Pointon & Pat Rafferty - finalists Tony French, Gary Thorpe & Carol Thorpe.

Mixed Rinks Sue Kemp, Geraldine Fisher, Brian Zelin & Gordon Fisher - finalists Lynne Bishop, Kevin Hardy, Les Barber & Eric Bishop.

Thank you to the competition secretary, umpires, markers & spectators.

Good luck to our champs in the Champion of Champion competition

next month.

At our AGM we thanked our outgoing committee and welcomed in our new officers, they are as follows :President Joaquin Rocomora. Club Captain-David Jenkins. ViceCaptain-Stuart Allman. Secretary-CarolThorpe. Finance SecretaryBarry Norris. Match Secretary-Arthur Brown. Competition Secretary-Eric Bishop. Membership Secretary-Post Vacant. Social Secretary-Nigel H Williams. Committee member 1 Maggie Furness, Committee member 2 Gary Thorpe.

We wish them a successful term in office.

WINTER LEAGUE. A very bad day for the team, playing away at the Emerald Isle they came away with nil pois! Three teams looked good but fell at the last hurdle...maybe everyone needs a break and a lay down to recharge their batteries!

The Berleen also lost. Shots V.B 69 (0) - 100(12) E.l. Well done to the Emerald Isle, two more matches to play and as we’re not going to win the league let’s just enjoy...but get a decent result!

For the FED 4’s home match v the Emerald Isle it was the Isle that went away with their tails between their legs, well done to the Vikings a good win to end the league. Shots VB 62(8) - 37(0) EI.

Emerald Isle Bowls Club By Elwyn Morris On Sunday the Isle had a visiting team from Polton Scotland playing 4 rinks and in a very good game the visitors won all 4 rinks hopefully they will return next year The Emerald Isle hosted a home game on Wed against Vistabella in the winter league and they had a great 12-0 aggregate 100-69, winning rinks were P Coffey J Westall S Westall M Odell 24-10, D Jones M Whitelock J Mulloy J Rimmer 22-13, R White A Brown A M Stevenson D Gerrard 23-18, D Rhodes M Riley M Veale M

Stacey 14-12, P Heaney S Johnson D Birkett I Brewster 17-16x3, The Berleen game was won by Emerald Isle 20-11, the rink was C Thomas B Doran M Thomas S Watson The Leprechauns completed the season with an away game at Vistabella where the home took all 3 rinks and the aggregate was 6237. Well done the Leprechauns for sticking at in a tough league

Horadada Bowls Club By Barry Evans The last of this years Federated 4’s match was played away at La Siesta. Not a happy result as we went down by 35 shots to 71 and gained no points. However it has been quite a successful competition where we finished 2nd in the league.

We have now completed most of our Club competitions and congratulations must go to all finalists, especially the winners who will go on and represent the Club at the Champions of Champions competition in April. The results were, Ladies singles Winner Margaret Odell, Runner-up Carol Linehan Mens singles Winner John Jukes, Runner-up Barry Evans Ladies pairs Winners Linda Hier and Carol Linehan

Runners-up Judith Simpson and Irene Graham Mens pairs Winners John Jukes and Wayne Osguthorpe Runners-up Jeff Hier and Barry Evans Mixed pairs Winners Margaret Odel and Ron Odell Runners-up Irene Graham and Peter Davis Triples Winners Irene Graham, Alan Miller and Fred Trigwell Runners-up Linda Hier, Jeff Hier and Barry Evans The only competition left to play to qualify for the C of C is the Rinks which will be played on Wednesday along-side our internal Non-winners final.

San Miguel Bowls Club with Pat McEwan SSan Miguel Bowls Club held their finals for the Club Championships last week, the winners were as follows: Ladies Singles, Mary Dyer beat Gail Willshire: Mens Singles, Frank Scotthern beat Mike Douglas: Ladies Pairs, Carol Rudge and Mary Dyer beat Jan Allen and Brenda Rees; Mens Pairs, Brian Miller and Steve Cantley beat Dave Champion and Bob Nesbitt; Mixed Pairs, Pat McEwan and Steve Cantley beat Brian and Lin Miller; Mixed Triples, Val & Chris Collier and Stuart Denholm beat Noel Davis, Derek Farmer, Gail Willshire; Mixed Rinks, Brian Miller, Val & Chris Collier, Lin Miller beat Carol Rudge, Dave Johnson, Steve Cantley, Stuart Denholm.

The WINTER LEAGUE had their best result of the season winning 12 nil at home to Greenlands. Brian Miller, Dave Johnson, Mary Dyer, Steve Cantley 35-9; Carol Rudge, Brian Allen, Stuart

San

Hemmings, Stuart Denholm 18-13; Noel Davis, Linda & Cliff Plaisted. Gary Raby 28-9; Alan Patterson, Lee Sinclair, Gail & Fred Willshire 21-7; Margaret Patterson, Val & Chris Collier, Lin Miller 26-11. Shots 128 to 49. Well played.

In the Fed Fours, the APACHES were away against Quesada Leopards, with both teams needing the points to avoid being relegated. The APACHES needed to win one game, and Quesada needed to win all 3 games. The APACHES avoided going down by winning the one game needed. Well done to Jan Allen, Ken Hope, Allan Patterson, Alan Campbell, Well done.

WASPS still on Wednesdays, but please note change of time as from 4th April when it will move to 1pm for 1.30 start.

For further details on San Miguel Bowls Club, please contact the President, Rosamond Stockwell , telephone 965 32 9778

Luis Bowls Club By Sheila Cammack

Not the best of weeks unfortunately for some results, or weather (with sudden gusts of wind on Sunday, during the club semi-finals, blowing bowls, chairs, debris & mud around). The Federation 4’s leagues have now been completed and just 2 more Winter League matches to come, with a very close finish in prospect.

Wednesday 14th Winter League away v Javea Green, a long journey, a hard battle and not the result we had hoped for; 2-10, close shots 78-86. Winners: Shirley Verity, Ray Clarke, Roy Cordell, Russell Marks 24-7. Javea are currently league leaders; with San Luis just 1 point behind.

FED 4’s: Condors Tuesday 13th away v Monte Mar Lords, a good result; 6-2 shots 52-48. Winners: Sally Cordell, Mags Haines, Les Bedford, Mike Regan 20-11, Jan Pocock, Bill Webb, Barry Edwards, Brian Pocock 18-15. Congratulations to SAN LUIS CONDORS DIV

B WINNERS! Thursday 15th March, Ospreys had a very close match away at San Miguel; 2-6, shots 47-52. Winners on the last end with a perfect draw shot, Margaret Morrison, Pam Lockett, Roy Cordell, Keith Jones 15-14.

Bazas BYE. The new summer leagues start in two weeks time: VCL Friday 30th March to 27th June, and South Alicante triples league 9th April to 2nd July.

Club championships are nearing completion; Finals Sunday 18th a.m./ Monday 19th a.m./ Tuesday 20th a.m. Hopefully results and photos next week.

Information: www.sanluisbowls.byethost7.com or contact June Jones, Captain: 691 903 773.

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Greenlands Bowls Club

By Dave Webb In the winter League we were away to San Miguel. Final score was - total shots for - 49. Against - 128. Points for - 0. against 12. We achieved the same result in our Fed Four Match at home to Country Bowls, so final scores were - total shots for - 37. against - 54. Points for - 0. against - 8 For all enquiries please telephone Haley on 966 84 4399 or visit our website

Las Ramblas Social Club Golf

By Mike Mahony Monday we played a 2 Ball Better Ball H & L and the winners with a score of 44 pts were John Drakesmith and Peter Reffell. 2nd Terry Field and Geoff Biggerstaff 42 pts.

Wednesday was the 3rd round of the Medal Comp. Results: 1st Terry Cullen 68 , 2nd Ann Marie Weisheit 71, 3rd Bryan Neal 72 , 4th on a count back, Geoff Biggerstaff 72 , 5th Lindsay Forbes 74 6th on a count back Nora Betts74.

2¨s Club John Collins, John Drakesmith and Terry Cullen.

Friday we played the Dusty Bin and the winning team with a score of 87 were Brian Staines, John Collins, Annmarie Weisheit and Nigel Pearce.

Eurogolf Greensome

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Monday 19th - Sunday 25th March, 2018

Mike ProBert talks golf Here on the Costa’s golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident 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.

Golf Course Review – El Valle The El Valle Golf Resort is located in a natural park area situated near to the Sierra Carrascoy Mountains and to many the resort is considered to be the ‘jewel in the crown’ for the GNK Group.

To find this wonderful course from the North take the A7 motorway in the direction of Murcia then take the A30 junction in the direction of Cartagena as far as the exit for the C-3319 Murcia-San Javier highway and after approx 10km you will see signs for the El Valle Resort.

From the South take the AP7 motorway in the direction of Alicante but take the exit (782) for the C-3319 signposted Murcia/Balsicas and after approx 10km you will see signs for the El Valle Resort to your right and simply follow the directions to the main entrance.

The clubhouse is excellent with a large restaurant with terrace overlooking the course and good changing and shower rooms and a well appointed pro-shop There is a large practice area with small chipping green and putting green located near the first tee.

Without doubt El Valle is one of my favourite courses in Murcia and although set in a ‘desert’ setting with numerous rocks and caves all around Jack Nicklaus has incorporated features from many courses that he played during his illustrious career with raised undulating greens with run off areas reminiscent of those seen at Augusta and many US Open venues and in Scotland.

The greens are some of the fastest greens that I have putted on in Spain, with a superb surface and this reminded me of my ‘youth’ playing the superb Beau Desert Golf Club in the Midlands which has been the venue for British Open qualifying for more than 20 years. El Valle is a golf course that is not a test of ‘big hitting’ consisting of 18 holes with a par of 71 of 5,634 metres (6,197 yards) from the yellow tees.

Rather than rely upon length this course focuses attention on the players ‘imagination’ and shot making skills and with a strong emphasis upon good course management with the actual landing areas on the greens, being relatively small due to the run off areas on the edges of the greens.

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21

(in assN with Costa Blanca Green Fee svcs) 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.

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 €120 €138 €120 €120 €110 €112 €134 €160 €45 €41 €99 €116 €156 €90 €110 €136 €48 €106

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 (after 12pm) Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Single Green Fee Single Green Fee (after 2pm) Single Green Fee Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Green Fees and Buggy Two Players and Buggy (from 2pm) Two Players and Buggy Single Green Fee and Buggy Two Players and Buggy

Deal of the week: Deal of the week: Vistabella €200 for 4 players and 2 buggies.

For Bookings and info Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting the reference LEADER or on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 Quotation of the Week 1N73LL1G3NC3 - 15 7H3 - 4B1L17Y - 70 4D4P7 70 - CH4NG3 - 573PH3N H4WK1NG

El Plantio Golf Society Texas Scramble

One of El Plantio 2's favourite games is a Texas Scramble team game.

On the 13th March, 15 members and one guest formed an ideal number On Thursday 15th March of 4 teams of four. The winning team scored four birdies and thirteen Eurogolf played a Greendomes pars with their only blemish being a bogie on the very last hole to win which is a format involving pairs by nearly 3 points. playing alternate shots. On paper Nearest the Pins, Hole 2, John Burke and Hole 5, Alan Janes. 2nd, there were some good pairings Lawrence Wanty, Brian Coupe, Gary Needham, John O'Brien - H/cap including the overall winners Pete Cleaver and Jean Goodwin 3.6 - 48.4pts. 1st, Alan Janes, Brian Edwards, Henry Mellor, Mike Davies, H/cap 4.36 - 45.64 points. with 43 points follwed by Alan If anyone would like to join our Society, we play at El Plantio Golf Venables and John Vaygelt 41 points 3rd Bert Lawson and Pam Club every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. We use both courses - the Par 3 Welsh 40 points. NTP's 5th Mal nine hole course and the main 18 hole course, so we cater for all abiliFoskett 11th Morag Turrner 12th ties. The membership rates are very competitive, so call for more in 2 Ken Enever/Tommy details.

Cotgrove 15th Steve Sayers 17th Anyone who wishes to play in the Society as a guest or join as a new Eamonn Divine Football draw member, contact Ian Henderson on 966 716 616 or 636 116 230.

Morag Turner Keith Wright Photograph, L to R. Alan Janes, Lawrence Wanty, Mike Davies Gary Caryn Van de Krujis Linda Needham, Brian Edwards, John O'Brien, Henry Mellor, Brian Coupe.

Lynch and Norman Woods.

TUESDAY TOFFS On Tuesday 13th March Toffs played their usual stableford and the results were Overall winners A strong wind, rain and a plummeting temto Barry Thorogood with 29points.

1st Norman Wood 41 2nd Bruce perature was the order of the day when we Nearest the pins to Vic Smith, Bill Stobo, Gordon 40 3rd John Barrclough met to play our annual captain versus viceAlan Craig and Mark Leigh.

38 c/b 4th David Gregson 38 Cat captains' match.

The two's pot went unclaimed ,although John 1 1st Bill Martin 37 2nd Pete The trophy had previously always been won Milton had a 2 but had not contributed to the Cleaver 36 Cat 2 1st Bob by the captain's team although captain pot , and to complete his day he fell in a lake Shorley 38 2nd Collin Willis 37 Elspeth was in a pessimistic mood before Ca 3 1st Eamonn Divine 37 2nd whilst retrieving his ball and was wet through proceedings began.

Colin Hobden 35 NTP's 5th up to his neck.

However, her fears proved groundless as her David Gregson 11th Bertie Our next meeting is for the committee trophy team swept the board with a total of 345 staLawson 12th in 2 Pete Cleaver at Font del Llop on March 29th, 10.00 start at bleford points to the vice-captain's total of 15h Brian Wilson 17h David a cost of 50 euros. Contact Alan Craig on 634 286.she humbly accepted the trophy and Gregson Best front 9 Tommy 347 788 or put your name on the sheet at the thanked her team for their contributions, but Cotgrove 22 Best back 9 Arty sports complex. stopped short of buying a round.

Crammon 20 Football draw Diane Bailey Franco Gentili Sue Probably due to the weather, overall scoring Our next social event is a quiz night on April Pegg Martin Welsh and David 3rd at the sports complex. Contact Iain Lyell was low and the silver award went to John Valentine Thompson with 33points and the gold award on 966 39 3203 or iain.lyall54@gmail.com

La Marina GS @ Alicante Golf

Med Bar GS, El Raso at Font de Llop On a lovely day we set off from el raso to font de llop to play and a new format for this year of team game, yellow ball and best three scores from each group to count for total score. It took a bit of explaining how to mark the cards, but we got there in the end. Some groups managing to keep the yellow ball for the full 18 holes!

As usual the course was in good condition and the expected wind stayed away Results for this outing: points Winning team of Peter List, John Goulder, Jeff Ellis and Buck Taylor with 148 points

Runners up with 121 points were Eric Owens, Dave Freeman, Phil Harris and John Evans Nearest the pins on par 3`s were Andy Trefry, Buck Taylor, Dave Freeman x2 and Peter List Football card winners: Alex Bolton and Alan Gifford Thanks to Steve and his staff at the med bar and bistro, our next outing is at hacienda rilquelme on 27/3/18 Anyone wishing to join our society is welcome and we can either be contacted by e-mail at: medbargolf2016@gmail.com or pop into the bar where all details can be left and we will get in touch with you

22

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Mare Nostrum Handball come out on top in promotion clash at Vila-real

Monday 19th - Sunday 25th March, 2018

It's not a course we play on a regular basis but it is a popular one with most of the members. Not being regular visitors, the last 15 mins of the hour's drive never fail to bring a touch of mystery and excitement to some poor, lost soul whose satnav, to coin a phrase, mightn't be quite up to par!

With just the one late arrival, we were soon at our full complement of 5 guests and 31 members doing battle in the Stableford competition round this Seve Ballesteros course tidily consisting of 6 par 3's, 6 par 4's and 6 par 5's. Two knock-out matchplay games were also taking place, one singles and one doubles.

In the gold division Ivan Hanak carded his best round for some time coming in with a magnificent 42 points pushing John Osborne with 39 points into second place.....a couple of members actually reported that they'd seen Ivan smiling after his round, though it's probably “fake news!”

The “battle of the Birtwistles” took place in the bronze category with Phil once again showing his chivalrous nature with a 3 putt here & there which JUST let Marg pip him by FIVE points......that story could be wearing a bit thin! ..very well done, dear!!

Rockets Golf Society @ St James Gate

Three medals for the Jennifer Colino Rhythmic Gymnastics Club

Gymnasts from the Jennifer Colino Club in Torrevieja, Tatiana Shevchyk, Alina Standret, Leanne Kohlstedt and Aniya Tuganbekova, have all qualified for the National (age group) Championship to be held in Guadalajara in April.

Qualification was achieved thanks to the great result obtained on Saturday in the Base Autonomic Championship held in Almussafes.

Tatyana Shevchyk, was proclaimed AUTONOMIC CHAMPION in the cadet category after a great rope exercise.

In the children's category, the two gymnasts, Alina Standret and Leanne Kohlstedt, achieved a magnificent double for the Club after both performed a perfect ball exercise Alina Standret, got the GOLD and therefore, became the AUTONOMIC CHAMPION while Leanne Kohlstedt picked up SILVER and the AUTONOMOUS SUBCAMPEONATO. Aniya Tuganbekova, delighted the public with her brilliant performance getting fourth position in the category alevín with the hoop exercise, just one tenth of a point off the bronze medal position.

The next goal of the club will be to achieve success in the 1st Phase of the Iberdrola league to be held in the city of Guadalajara next week.

637 227 385

LEADER

San Miguel Golf Society @ Alicante Golf

Torrevieja’s handball team paid a successful visit to the Centro de Tecnificación de Vila-Real at the weekend coming away with a hard earned victory that keeps them within touching distance of promotion to the Division of Honor B. The win, the Saltmen’s second in recent weeks against promotion chasing rivals, was achieved on the back of a solid defensive display led by some great work from Salva García in the goal.

The final result of 27-20, together with the other results played out on the day, reduces the gap at the top of the table to just three points with seven games of the season still remaining.

This coming weekend will see Torrevieja visit the Cecilio Gallego, Handbol Sant Joan, who currently sit in eighth place.

Mare Nostrum lineup: Asier (p), Javi Sánchez (1), Antonio Hódar (2), Álvaro Mallols (1), Aarón (1), Chema (4), Francisco Gili (2) – siete inicial. También jugaron: Salva García (p), Carlos Cabrera (4), Marco (3), Álex, Iván (4), Jorge Carmona (4), Luis y Alberto Rodríguez (1).

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Back to Vistabella for our March Home Game with a good turnout of players and good scoring. Weather getting back to what we are accustomed to. Course in good condition but very dry which gives the players an extra 30 or 40 yards extra run Our next game is at Altorreal on the 27th March with a tee off time 10.00am, so please be there at 09.15am Results: Gold Cat 1ST M Hithersay 36pts 2nd R Smith 30 pts 3rd P Wilkinson 29 pts. Silver Cat 1ST K Hopkins 41pts 2nd R Nicholson 35pts 3rd G Knight 34 pts Nearest The Pins: Hole 2 P Mutter, Hole 7 R Smith, Hole 15 Ken Hopkins Longest Drive Rob Smith, Best Guest Noel Dempsey We had a vote of thanks for Super Famous landlady Laura who served lovely Sausage and Mash, which was cooked by Super Chef Kevin and supplied by the St James’s Gate. Thanks from all members Anyone who would like to join our friendly Society or just want a game on holiday give Rocket Ron a ring on 678 849 142 or email sanmigron@gmail.com or see Kevin behind the bar.

In the prizes were – 6 NTP's: Ivan Hanak, Aidan Roberts, Brian Mulligan, Tony Smale, Robin Eastman & Norman Padmore.

Best guest: Eamonn McDermott (32) Runner-up guest: Paul Trigg (30).

Bronze division: 4th Norman McBride (34 c/b). 3rd Mick Roscoe (34 c/b). 2nd Phil Birtwistle (36). 1st Marg Birtwistle (41).

Silver division: 4th Brian Mulligan (30). 3rd Phil de Lacy (32 c/b). 2nd Theo Boelhouwer (32 c/b). 1st Will Fenn (33).

Gold division: 4th Mick Leonard (30), 3rd Robin Eastman (32) 2nd John Osborne (39). 1st Ivan Hanak (42).

Matchplay results – Robin Eastman bt Ken Flaherty 4+3 and Theo Boelhouwer & Tony Smale bt Steve Higgins & Kyree Skarsmoen 3+2.

Our thanks go to the team at Alicante Golf whose efforts ensured a good day was enjoyed by all.

The last 2 Wednesday meetings in March are at Vistabella and Roda, for more details go to www.smgs.org or give Captain Tony a buzz on 628 227 687.

St Patrick’s Day at Paddy’s Point Our venue this year for the St Patrick’s Day Trophy was Mar Menor and 39 players braved the very blustery and quite chilly conditions.

The testing wind meant no 2’s so the pot will be rolled over to Captain’s Day. Apart from a broken down buggy and a flat tyre the day went quite smoothly.

Thanks again to all at Paddy’s Point for another excellent meal which was greatly appreciated by us all . Next month is the big one - Captain’s Day - at El Valle on 11th April.

NTP Hole 2 Kevin Fitzpatrick, Hole 8 Myra Coull, Hole 14 Tony Stafford, Hole 17 Shaun P Murphy. LONGEST DRIVE Kevin Hall.

BEST GUEST Kevin Griffin 32pts c/b. 3rd place John Aird 37pts, 2nd Terry Fitzgerald 38pts, Winner Sean McCarthy 38pts c/b.

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Honour s ev en in Ne wcastle United fr iendl y

Cadena Sunrise Bowling - Week 20 The Phantoms Gi Gi's Hookers The Bandits Strike Force Pin Pushers Pin Pals Top Performers Hi/Game Hi/Game+H/Cap Hi/Series Hi/Series+H/Cap

Jonjo Shelvey goes close with an early header Newcastle Utd 1-1 Antwerp Despite playing 3 periods of 45 minutes Newcastle Utd and Belgian First Division side Antwerp could manage just a goal apiece in their friendly fixture played in front of 2,500 spectators at Pinatar Arena on Sunday afternoon.

As the Magpies looked to retain their sharpness during their 3 week Premier League break Matt Ritchie opened the scoring for Newcastle just prior to the end of the opening period.

Both sides had earlier opportunities through Lejeune and Ritchie but neither could find the target with their headers.

Jonjo Shelvey saw his effort go wide before Joselu went close as he directed Massadio Haidara’s cross just over the bar Alexander Corryn pulled Antwerp level in the final third of the game beating goalkeeper Nathan Harker, who was making

his first team debut, and with an opportunity to win it with just 7 minutes of the game remaining Dwight Gayle saw his spot-kick palmed away by the impressive Kevin Debaty Rafa Benitez's Newcastle now turn their attentions to the Premier League clash with Huddersfield Town in a fortnight’s time.

Newcastle: Martin Dúbravka (Nathan Harker 90); Javier Manquillo (DeAndre Yedlin 90), Chancel Mbemba (Jamaal Lascelles 46), Florian Lejeune (Ciaran Clark 46), Massadio Haïdara (Paul Dummett 90); Matt Ritchie (Kenedy 90), Jonjo Shelvey (Isaac Hayden 46), Mikel Merino (Mohamed Diamé 90), Jacob Murphy (Victor Fernández 90); Christian Atsu (Ayoze Pérez 90), Joselu (Dwight Gayle 90). Coach: Rafa Benítez.

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1 Gi Gi's Hookers 2 Pin Pushers 3 Sol Amigos 4 Strike Force 5 Pin Pals 6 S***T Happens 7 Sunrise Colegas 8 999s 9 Alley Gators 10 Alley Cats 11 The Bandits 12 The Phantoms

0 8 4 6 6 2

-

8 0 4 2 2 6

999s Sol Amigos Alley Gators Sunrise Colegas Alley Cats S***T Happens

Ladies Eunice Letts 186 Sue Allen 186 Eunice Letts 210 Lynne Ailsby 520 Eunice Letts 571 P 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60

W 51 51 50 48 45 44 41 40 38 35 35 0

D 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

L 28 28 30 31 35 36 39 40 41 45 45 80

Gents Terry Capon 216 Tim Holt 234 Terry Capon 569 Tim Holt 605

Tot 41854 40966 41664 41844 41374 42209 41964 40421 41175 41008 40820 31230

Gms 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60

Av 697 682 694 697 689 703 699 673 686 683 680 520

Hi-G 822 831 829 824 846 851 785 778 790 778 827 550

Hi-S 2359 2234 2319 2269 2337 2418 2259 2142 2173 2178 2245 1590

Pts 103 103 100 97 90 88 82 80 77 70 70 0

The Easter Egg Shoot, Sponsored By Gary The Painter, Will Continue Next Week, 21st March, With The Draw For The Easter Eggs Taking Place Immediately After Bowling. Good Luck To All.

Eurobowling Torrevieja’s Men win the Kings Cup T

orrevieja’s international bowling club EBT has just added to its already impressive list of trophies another one of the highest national level: The King’s Cup. This tournament, bowled Saturday and Sunday in Paterna, Valencia between the top ten tenpin bowling clubs of the Spanish Bowling Federation, consisted of two events: two doubles from each club competing on Saturday and the entire team of four players bowling on Sunday. Both EBT doubles Lorenzo Quereda / Kjell Monsen and Alejandro Arjonilla / Ferico Tatil - were superb on the first day, grabbing first and second position, respectively. In the team-of-four event they couldn’t find their sharpest game, but the advantage in points carried over from Day 1 finally earned them the trophy by a 19-point difference over Celta de Vigo:

King’s Cup 2018 Final Standings: 1. Eurobowling Torrevieja 2. Celta Vigo 3. Boliches Madrid 4. Levante Valencia 5. Bolotomizados Valencia 6. Capital Madrid 7. Halcones Valencia 8. Galaxy Madrid 9. CBC Barcelona 10. Split 3/10 Madrid

Celta’s Francisco Rodríguez topped the individual table with an average of 229.10, followed by two EBT bowlers, Ferico Tatil (221.20) and Kjell Monsen (219.60). Also bowling for EBT were Lorenzo Quereda (202.00) and Alejandro Arjonilla (192.10). Guillermo

Cheeky lob from Manu Saez not enough to save Monte The game was arranged to give both teams a game due to all games this weekend being cancelled. The match was played in a good natured manner, with no bad tackles, no anger, and with a referee who allowed the advantage rule, rather than keep blowing his whistle, therefore keeping the game flowing.

In the first half, both sides showed a lot of skill, and the ball was being sent equally from one end to the other. Monte's George was effective in sending long balls from defence to the frontline, resulting in Monte having several shots at goal, from Pastor, Luis, and Fran, with the support of Maccan. Pastor held onto the ball too long and was subsequently robbed of the ball.

Fran dribbled his way through the Benijófar defence to be denied by the

goal keeper.

But it was Benijófar who struck first with a superb through ball from their midfield to their forward who sneaked his way through 3 Monte defenders, to give goal keeper Aitor no chance.

But minutes later, the ball was sent over to Monte's right wing to Manu Saez who saw that the Benijófar goal keeper was off his line, so with a cheeky lob from the wing he scored a fabulous goal over the goal keeper's head.

A few minutes later Manu tried exactly the same shot, but this time the Benijófar goal keeper was ready for it and saved the goal. George headed the ball from a corner kick, just over the bar.

The second half was a completely different game, with both sides looking a

little lethargic. Monte tried to keep the ball moving with several passing moves, but mostly lost the ball when not looking where the ball was going, or robbed by an attacking player.

Benijófar relied on the long ball to send their forwards through the Monte defence, so it was inevitable when Benijófar scored when a player picked up the ball with no Monte defenders anywhere near him.

Several times, Monte failed to see their left wing totally on his own, but consistently sending the ball into midfield where the ball was eventually taken from them. Both goal keepers pulled off some good saves throughout the game.

The result was a fair result, but showed that Monte were lacking skills and commitment, especially against a side in a lower division.

Points Doubles 190 71 116 56 57 93 58 57 14 18

Points Team-4 100 200 140 180 160 92 76 60 84 68

Total Points 290 271 256 236 217 185 134 117 98 86

CD Montesinos 1 Benijófar 2 Photo David Winder

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