Costa Blanca Leader Newspaper Edition 727

No 727

Monday 6th - Sunday 12th August, 2018

Tel: 637 227 385

Million euro investment in Guardamar’s walled city

he walled city and the castle of Guardamar del

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Segura is about to receive the largest economic investment in its history: One million euros that will be used for the research, restoration and improvement of the city walls, deemed to be the most

important historical reference of the municipality, according to the Councillor of Historical Heritage, Pilar Gay. Starting immediately, and with a term of 18 months, the million euros, contributed by the

City council and the funds from the FEDER program, through the Valencia Generalitat, will be used for the protection, conservation and repair of this patrimonial expanse.

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www.theleader.info Continued From Page One Million Euro grant for Guardamar

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The objective is to ensure that the walled city becomes a heritage reference point at the provincial level, further improving the town’s cultural attraction and serving as a focus in attracting more visitors to the municipality who can get to know and experience for themselves the attraction of Guardamar pre 1829 when an earthquake destroyed most of the surrounding area.

"Our aim is to improve the image of the castle, give it life, recover its identity and dignity, that is, recover this landmark site that is today the most visited archaeological location in the municipality, thanks to its accessibility and vista, which also make it in an exceptional viewpoint ", explained Ms Gay. The funding will also provide a service area and a visitors centre that will be equipped with exhibition resources (panels, audiovisual ...) that will be based on the results of archaeological excavations and preserved historical documentation.

The project will ensure urgent repairs of different

existing constructions in the castle, guaranteeing the correct maintenance and stability of the elements that make up this patrimonial asset.

Archaeological excavation work will also be carried in the vicinity, allowing experts a better understanding of the many different stages of development of the hill that today houses the Guardamar fortress. The area affected by the archaeological excavation is estimated at 2,237 square metres.

The different archaeological activities carried out on the hill since 1982 can be dated back to the Phoenician period (middle of the 8th century BC) although it was during the Iberian period (5th to 7th centuries BC) when the original settlement had a greater relevance.

Islamic remains have also been found and a Christian fortification was established in the early medieval period. The hill was inhabited until 1829 when an earthquake seriously affected many of its buildings. This tragic event led the population to abandon the site and build a new villa on the plain, the current urban centre of Guardamar.

The councillor on the castle walls

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New Salt Queen Crowned in Torrevieja The new Queen is 25 year old Cira Gualdo, who has a Master's Degree in Legal and Forensic Psychology.

Cira Gualdo is the new Queen of the Salt. She was elected to serve in Torrevieja for the coming year alongside her handmaidens, Carmen Maciá, her first lady-in-waiting and Alba García, her second maid of honour.

new ladies and the queen who were accompanied onto the stage by the mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón.

The coronation took place last week in the Eras de la Sal in an emotional ceremony attended by the mayor, a number of council officials, friends and relatives of both the incoming and the outgoing Salt Court, as well as representatives of local associations and clubs, in all amounting to some 750 people.

25 year old Cira Gualdo, who has a master's degree in Legal and Forensic Psychology, said that she had always dreamed of being the Salt Queen, “A dream that has been fulfilled today,” while in her traditional farewell speech, the outgoing Queen, Tania Ñíguez, gave an emotional thanks to all the people who have been close to her, supporting her throughout her year of office, to her maids and her family.

Last year’s Salt Court, Tania Ñíguez, María Rozados and Rosi Ros handed over the baton to the

She then handed the sceptre and crown to Cira while the band played the Torrevieja anthem.

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Prosecutors seek jail sentence for former councillor The Ministry of Justice has presented its case to the Public Prosecutor to whom it has requested the opening of an oral trial against former Orihuela Costa Councillor of the Coast, Martina Scheurer, Los Verdes, and Thomas Herteux, Operations Director of the Beach Bar franchisee Chiringuitos del Sol. Although she continues to vehemently deny the accusations Scheurer is accused of displaying favouritism in the award of the chirunguitos tender to a non-Spanish company back in 2014, while Thomas Herteux is accused of fraud and the misuse of privileged information.

According to the Ministry, Scheurer and Herteux are said to have loaded the contract with a list of conditions that were designed to suit Chiringuitos del Sol, the main one being the inclusion of a requirement to hold the “Q quality tourism” accreditation, which, at the time, excluded the other two Spanish applicants from the tender.

Despite the possession of a “Q quality tourism” accreditation being the norm for the award of such contracts throughout Europe, rather bizarrely, the Ministry seems to be ignoring this major factor in reaching its judgement.

Of course there are many municipalities across Spain that require their Beach Bar Management companies to be in possession of the Q

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Carolina Gracia announcing the motion of censure

for Quality Accreditation. Orihuela is no different. The decision to include the condition was taken by a council committee made up of representatives from the coast, with members appointed by contracts and by the legal department.

Scheurer was simply a member. Not one of them was aware of the credentials held by any of the bidding companies. The inclusion of the Q for Quality Accreditation was nothing more than a decision made to ensure the provision of a superior service to Orihuela’s beachgoers.

However the prosecutors are still pursuing the action, asking for three and a half years in jail for the former councillor and her disqualification from holding public office for 10 years. For Herteux they seek one year and nine months in prison for fraud, as well as a further four years for the misuse of privileged information.

In view of the ongoing judicial process, what is especially baffling is the award last weekend of the new four year contract to run the 11 beach bars on the Orihuela Costa to Chiringuitos del Sol, welcomed by a large majority of Orihuela Costa residents, and seemingly a major snub to the local judiciary and its continuing investigation by the Orihuela Council.

For her part, Scheurer believes her conscience to be absolutely clear. “Everything was meticulously checked at the time to ensure compliance. The tender process was painstakingly followed and if the contract was awarded to Chirunguitos del Sol it was only because they were the best company for the job, as has proved to be the case once again.”

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Appeal for residents and visitors to join La Zenia Protest March O

n Friday 10th August yet another major demonstration is scheduled to take place on the Orihuela Costa.

Organised by the Movimiento Ciudadano La Zenia - Asociacion de Vecinos y Comerciantes, and supported by CLARO and many other of the groups and associations that represent the coast, the protest march will start at 6.30 pm in Avda Del Marin front of La Zenia beach and travel up Avenida de la Playa, across the N332 at the La Zenia footbridge and on to the abandoned Emergency Centre in Calle Flores, a distance of approximately one kilometre, where participants will hold a short vigil.

The protest is being held under the maxim “It’s time to stand up for the Orihuela Costa” and in support of a better deal and improved services for coastal residents.

Movimiento Ciudadano La Zenia President, Félix Arenas, said that the residents are increasingly outraged at the lack of basic services afforded by Orihuela to the coast where the budgetary allocation shows a total imbalance with the city.

He said that despite the presence of CLARO, there is no allegiance to any political party by the march organisers or by most of the participants, who will be walking simply because they feel that the coast deserves a much better deal from the municipal authorities.

Organisers are appealing to the many hundreds of their supporters who intent to take part in the march, asking them to bring along rattles, drums, trumpets, horns and anything that will make a loud noise ‘and that will be heard in Orihuela City’.

Arenas added that the demonstration has received permission to march by the Alicante authorities and that all participants should do so peacefully.

They are asking for anyone at all who is interested in the future of the Orihuela Costa to lend their support and join in with the march which they are hoping will put additional pressure on Orihuela’s politicians prior to the 2019 municipal elections.

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CLARO hoping to wake up the coast T

he Orihuela political party CLARO has released two pamphlets recently entitled ‘Your right to vote’ and ‘Financial Autonomy for the Orihuela Costa’. Both can also be found on their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ClaroPolitico) and their website (www.clarogrupo.org) alongside a whole host of other relevant information.

Both pamphlets are currently being extensively distributed by Party activists.

The first pamphlet explains the importance of obtaining an NIE number, how to register on the local Padron, and how also to obtain residency.

It describes the need for everyone who is living in the area to be registered on the Padron, from which the Spanish Office of National Statistics (INE) gathers its annual data. It is also by using this data that National Government is able to make its budgetary allocations to municipal councils, funding from which is used to provide local services.

Needless to say, if your details don’t appear on the Padron your

Town Hall will not receive any financial allocation for your support.

This will affect essential services such as your medical care, refuse collection, schooling, maintenance of roads and so forth, so you owe it to yourself and to your community to ensure that you are properly registered.

The Padron is most often compared to that of the British electoral roll. This is because as once registered, each adult individual is also entitled to the right to vote, most important in view of the upcoming Municipal Elections which will be held throughout Spain next May. The Padrón is simply a local municipal register of residents. It does not mean that once you have registered, you will be subject to fiscal checks or tax inspections. Many ex-pats bypass the issue of registration due to this misconception.

Do be aware, however, that there is now a new system, whereby anyone wishing to apply for, or to renew a Padron, must make a prior appointment with the office through www.orihuela.governalia.es thereby alleviating long queues.

CLARO carry all the relevant information on their Facebook page.

They will also be on hand outside the Playa Flamenca Town Hall, every morning this week, from 8am, where they can help by making your appointment or by explaining the procedure to you.

The third part of the brochure deals with Residencia and the procedure for your application.

The second pamphlet issued this week by CLARO, entitled ‘Financial Autonomy for the Orihuela Costa’, explains the poor financial deal currently being provided to the coast by the Municipal Government in Orihuela whereby, despite contributing 60% of the total budget,

coastal residents receive less than 20% back in services.

It appeals to residents to join with them, and many others, at a peaceful manifestation and short march, being organised next Friday by the Movimiento Ciudadano La Zenia, starting at 6.30 pm at La Zenia Beach. The march is intended to highlight the significant budgetary shortfall in the local area and lack of local services which affects ever single resident and visitor to the Orihuela Costa.

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A bumpy ride on the road to ‘zero’ UK motorists remain cautious – if not stubborn - on making the switch to EV As the UK government unveils its Road to Zero plan to reduce emissions and improve the countries Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure, a new survey from Venson Automotive Solutions reveals that motorists are some way behind in their willingness to adapt.

Only 15% of those surveyed said they will definitely be making the switch to an EV or hybrid vehicle when they next purchase a car or choose an alternative company vehicle, and nearly 50% said they don’t envisage considering it for another 10-15 years, if not longer.

The findings are a blow to the zero emissions vehicle plan.

Just a year ago, 85% of motorists surveyed by Venson said they would seriously consider buying an EV, following news from Total and Shell that they would be installing more charging points. Yet in Venson’s ‘2018 EV Attitudes’ survey only 15% confirmed they actually intend to buy one in the very near future.

Of the 200 people surveyed, 38% said that they will consider an EV within their options when they next purchase a car, and 28% confirmed they have no intention of doing so for the next 10-15 years.

Almost one in five (19%) said they refuse to switch until there is no other option available to them.

Whilst charging and mileage range remain the biggest deterrents for motorists when making a decision about EV, the good news is that one year on, there is less of a concern about these matters. The number of people concerned about limited mileage fell from 61% in 2017 to 45% in 2018. The only EV concern to grow year on year was ‘safety concerns regarding the battery’, but this remains one of the smallest deterrents for would-be owners.

The news from government that it plans to implement, as soon as possible, a requirement for a charge point infrastructure in new dwellings in England will be well received by motorists. 38% of those surveyed said that the practicalities of being able to charge their vehicle at home was an ownership hurdle.

Although overall more people feel they have a better understanding of the EV ownership experience, concerns relating to the cost implications of owning one, including, servicing, repairs and insurance Top deterrents to buying an electric vehicle 2017 % 2018 % Lack of charging points across the UK 69 61 Limited mileage range of EVs 61 45 Cost of charging an EV 42 39 Lack of understanding of the costs and convenience of owning EV 41 36 Servicing and repair costs 31 31 Lack of try before you buy opportunities 24 17 Cost of insurance 19 19 Safety concerns regarding batteries 18 21 Practicalities of being able to charge a car at home 38 Lack of clarity in terms of ownership implications as a company car driver 12 More info at: www.venson.com

remain at the same level as those reported in 2017.

Alison Bell, a Director for Venson Automotive Solutions comments: “The UK government’s plans to increase the number of zero and ultra low emissions vehicles on the roads, along with its pledge to ban the sale of cars and light duty vans with internal combustion engines by 2040, are bold, but must be supported by the industry and the general public equally.

“Clearly more needs to be done to make information relating to the ownership costs of an EV more readily available. This was an overriding conclusion of the survey we conducted last year, so it’s disappointing to learn that it still needs addressing. Fleet managers, car retailers, manufacturers and insurers all have a part to play in achieving this.

Only one in 10 company car drivers said they lacked clarity in terms of EV as a company car option, suggesting that a clear communication strategy in terms of the benefits of an EV for an employee, is making headway in promoting knowledgeable ownership.”

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling was reported as saying*: “The coming decades are going to be transformative for our motor industry, our national infrastructure, and the way we travel.

We expect to see more change in the transport sector over the next 10 years than we have in the previous century.” Change there may be, but will UK motorists be

Electric Vehicle charging points promised for Orihuela Costa

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he Councillor for the Environment, Miguel Ángel Fernández, said last Monday that he now has the agreement to install six changing points in the municipality for electric vehicles.

Four will be installed in Orihuela city on la avenida Doctor García Rogel, Avenida de La Vega y calle del Río, with two being sited on the coast at la calle Fuego de Aguamarina, by the health centre and at la avenida Paseo del Mar, close to La Zenia hotel.

The charging points have been made available through a subsidy provided by IVACE (the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness), aimed at the installation of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, within of the "Energy Savings and Efficiency in Transportation"

Program.

"The total cost of the installation is estimated to be 17,142 euros, 80% of which will be subsidised by IVACE (13,712 euros)," Fernandez said. The City Council will contribute the remaining 20% amounting to 3,430 euros.

As the justification for the grant must be made before 20th December, the installation of the recharging points will begin in the next couple of weeks.

"We continue to take action to improve air quality and to reduce pollution in our municipality," Fernandez added, "while continuing to carry out initiatives to promote the transition to a low carbon economy, within the objectives of the program.

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Mercadona to invest 32 million in San Isidro logistics expansion

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Torrevieja arrest in child porn investigation The National Police has dismantled one of the largest national networks of distribution of child pornography breaking up fourteen WhatsApp groups through which the paedophile topic of extreme brutality was distributed involving children from 0 to 8 years old, with local arrests made in Torrevieja and Valencia.

The operation, led by the National Police, with the collaboration of Interpol and Europol, also involved international connections in America and Europe, but resulted in 19 detainees in Spain alone.

Devices containing more than 16 terabytes of information, holding about 2,400,000 files of child pornography, have been seized, according to a police statement.

The investigations led to the detection of fourteen chat groups, 58 users and huge amounts of shared files and, as well as an extensive operation in Spain, it was found that the instant messaging system extended its networks to 7 other countries across Europe and America.

The Spanish arrests took place simultaneously in Torrevieja, Valencia, Oviedo, Barcelona, Burgos, Cordoba, Granada, Palma de Mallorca, Jaén, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, León, Madrid , Murcia, Santander, Tarragona, Teruel and Valladolid.

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ercadona has begun work on the expansion of its logistics network in San Isidro with the construction of a new 53,000 square metre distribution warehouse. The project will increase the capacity of the current facilities - which presently serves 171 supermarkets in Alicante, Albacete and Murcia, as well as automating the processing of fresh products, according to a press release issued by the company last week.

The new unit will be located between las calles España and Portugal in the Polígono Industrial La Granadina, in front of the current refrigerated warehouse that forms part of the company’s current logistics block.

Mercadona, chaired by Juan Roig, has contracted 17 local companies to carry out the work, that represent "the catalyst in the economic reactivation of the area." The project will involve an investment of 32 million euros.

The construction of the new warehouse will be addressed in two phases. The first is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2019, when the seafood warehouse is planned to be operational, and a second phase which is scheduled for completion and subsequent commissioning in 2021, a warehouse in which perishable and refrigerated products will be located.

Mercadona emphasises that the warehouse will have an automated PPG (Picking Bridge Crane) system, an innovative system for the storage and preparation of meat, fruit and vegetable pallets. The sys-

Police unions denounce a lack of officers The Local Police force in Guardamar is the latest to denounce the local council after they were reduced to just one police patrol of two agents, at a time of the year when the population is multiplied by five.

The unions say that the council is making use of temporary police to carry out citizen security functions, something that contravenes the current legislation, since these agents cannot carry weapons.

In Pilar de la Horadada the situation is little better.

There, the agents are in dispute with the Councillor for Security, Tomás Saura, which has now been extended to the mayor of the town, Ignacio Ramos, after, in the light of their ban on working overtime, he signed a decree last week forcing more than 20 officers to work for 12 continuous hours.

tem removes the need for handling by workers throughout the whole process, from the receipt of goods to the completion of pallets that will be issued to stores. It also guarantees the correct handling of the products, and therefore the quality prior to their distribution.

They involved the intervention of 18 courts that authorised, in a coordinated and simultaneous operation, nineteen home raids in which eleven laptops, twenty three mobile phones, four tablets, eleven external hard drives, seven flash drives and five memory cards were confiscated containing over 2,400,000 multimedia files of child pornography.

"This efficiency in the processes is key to meeting the company's goal of guaranteeing maximum quality and freshness of our products to customers," according to a spokesman from the supermarket chain.

This new warehouse will be a major improvement to the logistics block that has been operating in the industrial park La Granadina in San Isidro since 2002. The logistics unit has a staff of 640 people and currently supplies 171 supermarkets in the provinces of Alicante, Albacete and Murcia, so the improvements will also increase capacity in parallel to the constant growth of the company.

In addition to this logistics depot, Mercadona has 100 supermarkets in the 42 municipalities in the province and provides employment to more than 4,960 workers, according to data issued by the firm.

The chain also adds that it has strengthened its social responsibility in the province over the past year through a number of different initiatives, with more than 11,900 kilos of food donated to the Food Bank Foundation of Alicante.

It has also collaborated in multiple "Operations Kilo" with Red Cross, Cáritas and other charities, and in initiatives such as the Food Bank through its " El Gran Recapte" campaign.

Turtle rescued close to International Marina

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loggerhead turtle was rescued last week about a mile from the mouth of the Torrevieja International Marina.

The turtle was spotted in difficulty by children who were aboard the recreational fishing boat, Martalos. They alerted the Captain, Sergio Navarro, who confirmed that the amniote was floating in the sea and was clearly very weak.

After calling 112 and alerting the marine police authorities a crew member lowered himself into the sea to effect the turtle’s rescue. When they had picked her up they covered her with a wet towel to keep her cool and hydrated.

Dipsy, which is the name that she was given by the children who first spotted her, has now been taken to the ARCA at the Oceanographic Department of the Environment, where she is being cared for. She will gradually be nursed back to full health prior to her re-release into the sea.

The rescued turtle was said to be approximately 20 centimetres long and 4 to 5 years of age.

The children who first spotted the turtle

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Free concerts on Orihuela Costa The Councillor of Festivities, Mariola Rocamora announced a program of concerts and children's activities that will take place every Saturday in August on the Orihuela Costa. "It is a broad program for all audiences featuring music, concerts and many other free activities every weekend," she said.

Lsts Saturday the first event was a Children's Party, in the Avenue of the Adelfas (Urbanization of Campoamor), in the car park next to the Marina. Next Saturday, August 11, pianist Toby Jacobs will be the featured performer at 11 pm, also at the Avenida de las Adelfas; but on the grassed area next to the Marina.

The program will continue on Saturday, August 18 with the performance of the Rock Group Kassia who will perform songs from the 80s and 90s. This concert will begin at 11.00 pm on Avenida de la Playa and Paseo del Mar (down by La Zenia beach).

The last concert will be on Saturday, August 25 with an ABBA tribute group that will also get underway at 11 pm on the Playa Flamenca esplanade.

Rocamora said that this will be the first time that the Department of Festivities has promoted musical activities during the summer on the Orihuela Costa, "offering entertainment throughout the month of August and taking advantage of the large number of visitors.

Spanish Rock group Kassia

Orihuela Tourist brochures now available in more languages The Councillor for Tourism, Sofía Álvarez, unveiled the new brochures, last week, published by her Department in several different languages, promoting the seven tourism products that the municipality is able to offer to visitors.

Although many of the brochures are already available in a selection of the popular languages a French translation has now been included on the historical heritage pamphlet adding to the versions already available in Spanish, Valencian, English and German.

Another of the brochures that has been published in a new language, is the tourist guide of Museums and Monuments with a guided route around the Historical and Cultural Heritage of

the municipality, now in English. Álvarez said that all these visits are absolutely free, and can be complemented with the wide range of Theatrical Tours and routes that are organised by the council, more information about which can be found on the website: www.orihuelaturistica.es.

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Costa streets over run by palm trees Palm tree hazard

manoeuvre.

There have been a number of recent reports citing damage to people and property caused by fallen palm trees that have broken under the weight of their fronds or fruit and whilst we all know just how wonderful they are to look at when correctly maintained and pruned many would agree that they actually serve no purpose whatsoever, they provide no shade and they continually drop their seeds onto whatever happens to be sitting underneath.

In Aguamarina there is a fully mature palm tree situated every 3 metres. Calle Agua, for example, is approximately 300 metres long, but it accommodates approximately 100 trees. This provides the street with almost one tree for every 3 metres of its length.

They can also be dangerous, dirty and ugly when left untended or only occasionally maintained and in many areas of the Orihuela Costa this is the situation that large numbers of them are now in.

According to local experts, the recommended spacing interval for this type of tree is between 20 and 30ft. In C/Agua therefore, just one of dozens of similar streets on the Orihuela Costa, there are 50 palm trees too many.

If this were to be replicated across the coast the result would be a surplus of many hundreds of trees.

Only a few short years ago the palms would be tended twice a year. They would be treated, pruned and sprayed as they presided majestically over our streets.

These are all trees that cost many thousands of taxpayers euros to be maintained, much of which could so easily be saved or put to other and better uses.

They looked positively regal as they provided a royal Mediterranean welcome to visitors.

Until recently pruning was carried out twice a year. Now it is rarely more frequently than once, so for rather more than a half of every annum the trees, and the streets and avenues that they line, look truly shambolic, so residents can actually get quite excited when they see the arborist, or ‘tree pruner’, arrive for his annual visit, but unfortunately it is nowhere near often enough.

But now they have been allowed to become overgrown, there are far too many for the local authorities to manage, they are causing damage to our pavements and to our roads and they create a variety of unnecessary hazards, many of which, for an elderly population, can be extremely difficult to

Primera Air announces Captain Morgan’s Bar Charity Day Birmingham cancellations The ECCH were recently invited to the Captain Morgan's Bar 5th Anniversary charity event in Villamartin. This is always a fun event so our volunteers were delighted to go along with our tombola, and as always we were made very welcome by Jane & Billy and staff.

It was a wonderful day with a stream of local entertainers and DJ's giving their time to support local charities.

Pictured are Billy & Jane handing over a donation of 806 euros to ECCH volunteers Dave and Annette

Primera Air, which only launched in the UK this year, is closing down many of its operations from Birmingham to Spain in October.

The Icelandic Airline will no longer fly from Birmingham Airport to Alicante, Tenerife, Las Palma, and Malaga due to capacity reduction. It is also stopping its flights to Palma and Barcelona from September and will also withdraw one route from London Stansted at the end of the year. The airline blames a reduction in capacity.

Primera seems to be suffering one setback after another. After poor sales forced it to drop its route from the Midlands airport to Boston and reduce capacity to New York’s Newark in May the New York route was later cut entirely, along with services from Birmingham and Stansted to Toronto, with the airline blaming a delivery delay from Airbus.

Having embarked on aggressive growth over the last year in an attempt to rival the likes of Wow and Norwegian, both of which offer low-cost long-haul services from Europe to the Americas, many analysts are suggesting that the airline has overcommitted.

A spokesman said that all affected passengers had been informed of the cancellations and that Primera was “committed to minimising any disruption and... deeply sorry for the inconvenience this may cause”.

English. They also gave Annette and Dave lots of gifts that they had collected from customers in the bar.

Jane & Billy have been supporting the children’s home since they took over the bar 5 years ago.

They have held parties for the children and supplied them with lots of lovely Christmas presents during that time.

We would like to thank Jane, Billy and the staff and customers of Capt.

Morgan's Bar for their continued support and generosity.

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GP 90 (Great Pilgrimage) - 8th August 2018 A

decade after the end of WW1, the British Legion (as it was then known) organised for veterans and war widows to visit the battlefields of the Somme and Ypres before marching to the Menin Gate in Ypres on 8th August 1928.

Exactly 90 years later, thousands of Legion representatives will recreate the 1928 Battlefields Pilgrimage and visit the same battlefields and then, on 8th August 2018, parade their branch standard and a wreath along the same route to the Menin Gate for the One Hundred Days ceremony to commemorate the launch of the 100 days offensive which brought about the end of WW1.

Honouring in Remembrance those who never returned home as well as all those who served.

On 8th August this year, many Dignitaries, VIPs and members of the public will gather in Ypres Market Square as spectators. The 1100+ Branch Standard Bearers and Wreath Layers will include two Branches from The Royal British Legion - District North Spain.

They are Hondรณn Valley Branch and Mojรกcar Branch.

We thank them for this participation; they will be representing their Branches and local communities. It will be a proud moment as they will witness and be involved in what will be a truly prestigious, memorable and emotional weekend.

We are aware there will be much tv and press coverage. For a short video, The Greatest Pilgrimage Ever please go to this link: https://youtu.be/-CPrC91ev1w

EVERY ONE REMEMBERED If you would like to remember go to the website: everyoneremembered.org where you will be able to search for the remembrance page of family, friends or anyone else to who you might like to pay tribute or remember.

To find information for a local Branch, please go to our website: www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north.

Community Support advice can be obtained by ringing 676 45 17 80 .

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Santa Pola is no longer a sleepy village

O

nce a quiet sleepy fishing village, now Santa Pola is a bustling small town with a great history. Santa Pola’s first settlers lived in the 3rd millennium BC in the Cave of Spiders of the Carabassi, on a vertical hillside overlooking a gully.

From the 7th century BC the spread of agriculture and the influence of oriental societies, Greek and Phoenician, gave way to the Iberian culture, which left its mark in Santa Pola. In the 4th Century BC a fortified settlement was established, bringing fishermen and traders, marking the start of the village of Santa Pola.

With the arrival of the Romans in the 1st century BC the population rose as it became one of the main seaports known as the Portus Illicitanus. After the fall of the Roman Empire and during the Middle Ages the area known as the Port of Cap de l’Aljub lost its population, mainly due to the pirates that had established themselves on the island off the coast, known today as Tabarca Island.

To protect and defend fishermen and sailors from these pirate attacks the watchtowers and castle fortress was built. The castle was built in 1557 by Italian engineers assigned by the Viceroy of Valencia and Lord of Elche, Bernardino de Cárdenas.

Tabarca Island (which can also be reached from Torrevieja) and that operate from the port hourly during the summer months at a cost of around 10€ return.

The plain Renaissance style military fortress with two bastions and two large fortified towers at the corners houses the Chapel of our Lady of Loreto, an exhibition hall and the Museum of Sea and Salt.

Today the castle centre plays host to a full culture, festive and religious programme.

Santa Pola is still as popular as ever during the summer months when its population literally doubles with tourists, mainly Spanish, dining out in the eateries, enjoying chocolate churros in the squares and plazas and lazing along the miles of beaches, which are a mecca for water and wind sport enthusiasts.

Santa Pola’s port can be traced back to the 4th century BC although then it was on a different spot. It has been witness to important historical events such as expansion during emperor Augustus days, the expulsion f the Moorish population and the visit of the Royal Fleet commanded by King Alfonso XII.

Boasting miles of sandy beaches and being especially popular with kite surfers, due to the excellent wind conditions experienced along this stretch of the Costa Blanca coastline, Santa Pola has so much to offer visitors.

Another popular attraction is the aquarium situated on Francisco Fernanez Ordóñez Square. It has a surface of over 700 meters square with a main hall where nine big aquariums are houses along Another popular attraction is the with an audiovisual aquarium situated on Francisco room.

Fernanez Ordóñez Square.

Other attractions

Since the 19th century several remodelling plans have been carried out to enlarge it. There are a number of daily ferries across to

include the port and marina, the Museum of Sea and Salt, the seafront promenade and the fun fair (Pola Park).

Santa Pola is directly off the N-332 heading north from Torrevieja before Alicante. A choice of two airports with Alicante being just 10 minutes to the north and Murcia 50 minutes south.

Head a little further north into Alicante, and you can visit the Santa Barbara Castle or drive inland towards Elche and you can visit the Rio Safari Elche, a small safari park with an elephant show, parrot show and sea lion show.

CINEMA PILAR English Language Cinema in Pilar de la Horadada Calle Canalejas 4 Thursday, 9th August at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, 11th August at 5:00 p.m.

The Shape of Water An other-worldly fairy tale set against the backdrop of Cold War era America, circa 1963. In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa (Sally Hawkins) and co worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer), discover a secret classified experiment that changes their lives for ever

Stars: Sally Hawkins, Doug Jones, Octavia Spencer Dur: 1h 59 min | Fantasy - Drama - Romance

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QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS QUICK ACROSS:

1 Supernatural; 7

Sides; 8 Bravo; 9 Toe; 10 Dissenter; 11

Inform;

12

Slalom;

15

Heaviness; 17 Oar; 18 Eying; 19 Exile; 21 Run-of-the-mill.

DOWN: 1 Short-sighted; 2 Red; 3 Assess; 4 Umbrellas; 5 Apart; 6 Court martial; 7 Shelf; 10 Derringdo; 13 Loose; 14 Recent; 16 Adieu; 20 Ice. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Little people; 7 Depot; 8 Sever; 9 Don; 10 Death-blow; 11 Spring; 12 Puffin; 15 Addressee; 17 Sap; 18 Calls; 19 Large; 21 Catty remarks.

DOWN: 1 Long-distance; 2 Lop; 3 Potman; 4 Oast house; 5 Level; 6 Growing-pains; 7 Donor; 10 Dinnerset; 13 Feste; 14 Ostler; 16 Delia; 20 Rum.

Button, 19. Messala, 20. Peter Lacrosse, 17. London, 18. Belly

Skiing, 5. Trousers, 6. Vega, 7. Real

14. The Bar, 15. A Priest, 16.

the Shrew, 3. Scaly Winged, 4.

Neptune, 12. Water intake, 13. Polo,

1. The Sycamore, 2. The Taming of

QUIZ ANSWERS

21. What is the main product of the company "Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha"? I can almost guarantee that all of you here now will have at least one of their products on your person.

22. Which game begins when the referee shouts draw?

23. Hydrosis is the medical term for what?

24. Misogamy is a dislike or hatred of what?

25. What car has been voted European car of the Century?

26. In India what is a khidmutgar?

27. Beethoven's sixth symphony is known as what?

28. Which English King had the most legitimate children (18)?

29. The windhover is an alternative name for which bird?

30. Where is the US masters golf tournament always played?

31. Which British city had the first pavements (sidewalks) in 1688?

32. What is considered to be the worlds fastest team game?

33. What song did Marilyn Munroe sing in the film Bus Stop?

34. Which English King was the first to use the Royal We? 35. The locals call it Shqiperia what do we call this country?

teeth, 8. Toilet Rolls, 9. The Bay of

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

1. The false plane tree is better known as what?

2. Baptista is Katherine's father in which Shakespeare play?

3. Lepidoptera (from the Greek) literally means what?

4. In what sport might you see a stem-christie?

5. In 1823 the British army soldiers were first issued with what?

6. What is the brightest star always in the Northern sky?

7. 24% of British men have no real what?

8. What did Joseph Gayetty invent in 1857?

9. The Andaman Islands are in which bay?

10. What colour are lobsters?

11. J G Galle discovered what in 1846?

12. What does a potometer measure?

13. What was Winston Churchill's favourite participation sport?

14. What is the central part of a backgammon board called?

15. English King Henry VIII trained as a what?

16. What sports name translates as Little Game of War? 17. In what city did 8 year old Mozart compose his first symphony?

18. In Yiddish what is your Pupik?

19. Who was Ben Hurs rival in the great chariot race?

20. John McEnroe won Wimbledon doubles with what partner?

Fleming, 21. Zip, 22. Lacrosse, 23.

Solution on Page 23

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

Bengal, 10. Dark Blue/green, and

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

Dejected (8) Twelve (5) Saturated (6) Unapproachable (12) Appendices (7) Pitcher (4) Shining (12) Of abstinence (8) Slaughter (7) Reveal (6) Correct (5) Ban (4)

Sweating, 24. Marriage, 25. Mini, 26.

DOWN 1. Hook to grip quickly (8) 2. A shopping area upset the South American quadruped (5) 4. Mundane description of the groundwork? (6) 5. An outstanding item as far as the gambler is concerned (4,2,6) 6. Marsh bird pecked another one ... (7) 7. ... And one in a bigger nest (4) 8. Expert at fleecing (5-7) 12. Using this, I line up the target, by the sound of it (8) 14. Just the ones to rise after the start of the rebellion (7) 16. Part to stick together (6) 18. Plant is one that needs unusual care all round (5) 19. Presumes to hold an employer back (4)

DOWN 1.

2.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

12.

14.

16.

18.

19.

pink when cooked, 11. The planet

ACROSS 1 & 23Ac. Position that's the standard way of showing respect (4-4) 3. What any type in the press-room must be (8) 9. Hide the real transformation (7) 10. Stick no flap the wrong way round (5) 11. It's used for putting a light jet into action (5-7) 13. Put the accent on emotional pressure (6) 15. Sea air (6) 17. They derive some interest from making advances (5-7) 20. It's used for piercing southern fruit (5) 21. You'll find us in a Chinese pottery - it's diverting (7) 22. Books replacements (8) 23. See 1 Across

ACROSS 1.

Dandy (4) 3.

Guess (8) 9.

Shrivelled (7) 10. Confuse (5) 11. Recovering (12) 13. Withdraw (6) 15. Property (6) 17. Foreboding (12) 20. Avoid (5) 21. Malady (7) 22. Pass (8) 23. Image (4)

the Lionheart, 35. Albania That Old Black Magic, 34. Richard and Cowgate, 32. Ice Hockey, 33.

Georgia. 31. Edinburgh, in High St Edward I, 29. Kestrel, 30. Augusta A Waiter, 27. The Pastoral, 28.

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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.

Bed and Breakfast, but no roof

I

If this isn’t quite up to usual standards, guests can opt to stay in a wooden shack and delivery vans converted into ‘caravanettes’, although these alternatives are more expensive at 90 euros per night, but they do have the added advantage of a roof.

It is probably worth paying extra for protection during a sudden storm or a mosquito attack.

Intending guests might find it useful to know that Ibiza is an all-day party island where quality sound proofing could be quite useful, particularly at night.

With all this holiday travel, and particularly during the peak holiday season, finding sufficient accommodation for all manner of guests with different budgets can be a problem. In the Canary Islands, for instance, it used to be a simple matter of recommending a tried and trusted hotel for visiting friends, yet this is currently becoming more of a problem with most hotels at full capacity for much of the year.

One enterprising businessman in Spain recently bought an old plane from a bankrupt airline with a view to converting it into premium accommodation for tourists. I am often told how comfortable planes are to sleep in during long haul flights, so logic tells me that they could make comfortable night time accommodation on the ground too. This form of holiday accommodation could well appeal to aviation fanatics and those seeking something different.

I was intrigued to hear about one innovative offering from Airbnb on the deliciously unconventional Spanish island of Ibiza. Since accommodation on the island is in short supply, and prices have increased to unrealistic levels, some locals are offering a bunk bed on their balconies for just 50 euros a night. One such ‘hostel’ offers up to nine bunk beds on a small balcony. Guests have use of the

b y Bar rie Mahoney

bathroom and living room, A recently retired McDonnell Douglas MD-11 although understandably, this area converted by KLM into a pop-up apartment is heavily monitored with a security camera.

t is holiday time again, and the ‘big getaway’ is about to begin in most countries. Those of us who live in Spain and the Canary Islands will hardly be surprised to read that Spain and the USA are jointly the second most popular countries for tourists to visit in the world with 75.6 million visitors each. Figures show Spain and the USA just behind France, which had 82.6 million visitors.

Whilst innovative ideas, such as AirbnB have helped to ease the load, this form of accommodation is increasingly being eyed with suspicion, especially by tourism officials who are concerned about wide variations in the quality of such accommodation, as well as tax and local authority officials who are concerned that taxes are not being paid.

15

Personally, once I have arrived at my destination and left the plane, the last thing that I would want to do is to spend my holiday in one; still, it takes all sorts.

This businessman may well be on to something big, since there are a number of converted planes around the world that have been successfully converted into hotels, bars, restaurants, homes and even a McDonalds! There is one plane in Georgia that has been converted into a kindergarten, which will no doubt appeal to aspiring pilots of the younger generation.

In New Zealand, one 1950s Bristol Freighter twin engine aircraft

that was used in the Vietnam War has been converted into a motel, although guests have to pay extra to sleep in the cockpit. Another airplane in the Netherlands has been converted into a romantic getaway with all those holiday essentials, including a spa, jacuzzi, infrared sauna, mini bar and three flat screen televisions. I am curious to know what happens in an infrared sauna…

Personally, I think I will give these alternatives a miss, since I am desperate to stay in one of the new ‘virtual reality’ hotels with accommodation that adjusts to the specific needs of individual guests, such as the prototype recently demonstrated at Madrid’s tourism fair, but that is a story for another time. Finally, if you find yourself sleeping in unusual holiday accommodation, such as a garage, kennel or disused swimming pool, do please let me know.

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

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HELP Vega Baja aims for “green bags”……

F

ollowing new legislation that shops (including charities) must charge customers for plastic bags, HELP Vega Baja thought they would look for an alternative solution. After looking for sponsorship, President Michele Masson met up with the José Miguel Perez from Grupo ASV and discovered that both organisations wanted to do what they could to help the environment. “we are keen to do what we can to not only help keep costs down for the charity but to consider the environment too. When we met with José it was wonderful to hear that he shared the same views and we agreed to work together to produce carrier bags made of paper! Grupo ASV covered the cost of the bags and we were delighted to take delivery of 1,000 bags last week.

As charities have to now charge for plastic bags the situation can be a little crazy. For example, we have heard from other charities that in some cases customers insist on new bags as they have to pay rather than accept used bags that are often

donated tocharities. Sadly this could lead to charities having to purchase plastic bags which obviously negates the whole benefit of the legislation.

The sponsorship and support we received from Grupo ASV has been terrific and the bags are now available in our shop in San Miguel. We still ask that customers bring along their own bags when shopping and any donations for the paper bags will go towards future stocks. The aim of the charity is to go completely “plastic free” for bags and we are working towards this”.

If you would like to find out more about sponsoring HELP Vega Baja with any of their projects (bags, leaflets, posters etc), volunteering or if you have a group and you would like the team to come along to give a talk on the charity, please contact their San Miguel Centre on 966 723 733 or Michele Masson direct on president@helpvegabaja.com or 661 365 606 Help Vega Baja – helping the community when it is needed www.helpvegabaja.com

Important advice from the Neighbourhood Watch If the police, ambulance or fire service is required, dial 112 You can speak in Spanish, English, German or Scandinavian

S

ummer is with us once again and we are already welcoming many visitors to our Communities and Urbanisations.

Please take every opportunity to advise both the Residents and Visitors in your areas, to be aware of the situations below.

Help prevent them from being this summer’s victims.

For the last couple of years’, crime in this area has been very low and probably less than in some visitors´ home countries.

However, not everyone who comes to the area is here for just the sun, sand and sea, or to relax. It should be remembered that this is a tourist area, and in addition to visitors, thieves looking for easy pickings, also come as well, but for very different reasons.

Do not let the criminals have a

happy visit and ruin yours.

At the airport Look after your luggage. Do not leave your handbags or wallets on the trolley and never get into conversations with people you’ve not met before and do not know. If you have hired a car, look out for the

“representative” asking you to leave everything in the car and return to the Desk.

On the way to your destination be aware of being followed. If you are flagged down by anyone in civilian clothes or in an unmarked car, showing you a badge, DO NOT STOP, or PULL OVER. The Police in Spain do not use plain cars, except for the Guardia Civil Trafico, who illuminate a STOP sign in the car and are ALWAYS in their green police Uniform.

At your holiday destination When you relax on the patio or in the pool, always ensure the doors and windows are closed. At night, close shutters on vulnerable windows. Bouble lock your front door and never leave anything on show from outside.

Visiting the beach If you drive to the Beach, do not leave anything on show in the car and never leave keys or papers with your address on. Never take anything to the beach that you will not need and never leave bags etc unattended, whilst you are in the sea. Even if a “friendly” stranger offers to “keep an eye” on them, for you.

Visiting shops and markets Once again, only take with you what you will need. Do not leave things in your car and in shops, beware of distraction thefts – people asking you to reach high shelves, or who create a distraction or commotion by bumping into to you. On leaving, be aware of anyone asking for advice or directions whilst you are loading the car, especially if they are carrying maps or papers.

Visiting restaurants and bars Again, only take with you what you will need, including handbags.

Never disply open wallets, containing money.

Thieves use bars to spot vulnerable people, who they can subsequently attack on their way home.

We hope that everyone enjoys a safe and wonderful holiday in our area and comes back time and again. By following this advice, we hope that your holiday will not be spoilt.

If the police, ambulance or fire service are required, dial 112 You can speak in Spanish, English, German or Scandinavian.

If you use a foreign mobile, your call will be automatically transferred to the relevant control centre.

The Spanish police in this area, are friendly and very efficient.

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The differences between Building Licences in Spain I

n the UK, licences are pretty straightforward and easy, allowing the building of minor extensions or other constructions with a simple and basic process. However, that is not the case in Spain. All building work needs one of the following three types of licences.

Major Building Work Licence Required whenever there is: Extensions either attached or detached, such as garages, work sheds, etc.

Any building work that requires building a roof and is over 1.5mts high.

Pools - Even small or fibreglass ones.

Any structural building work inside or outside the property, such as the erection of new beams, structural repairs, knocking down load-bearing walls.

Any internal change of layouts, such as making rooms, kitchens or toilets bigger or smaller, subdividing rooms etc.

Mayor building work licences always need to be signed off by a qualified architect and the paperwork required is usually vast. The process can be long and complicated. Town Halls take months to issue the licence and

they also require the builder to be qualified and registered.

Licence for any extension or pools are as follows:

Minor Building Work Licences

Alicante: The extension or pool needs to be over four years old, before 20th August of 2014 (minimum 8 years).

Minor building work licences are those needed to do any building work that doesn’t imply structure, doesn’t increase the build size of the property or doesn’t involve a roof, for example, tiling, repairing, cladding, plumbing, electricity etc. They are generally easy and cheap to obtain.

Retrospective Licence/Certificate of Antiquity This is required whenever the property has been extended, altered or had a pool built without obtaining a proper building licence.

By having a Retrospective Licence/Antiquity Certificate, building work already done becomes unobjectionable and vendors use it to avoid putting off potential buyers, due to the existence of undeclared or unlicensed building work.

The Antiquity Certificate is also the document needed at the Notary to update the Title Deeds (Escritura) with any alterations introduced to the property.

The requirements to obtain a Retrospective

Murcia: The extension or pool needs to be over four years old.

Almeria: The extension or pool needs to be over six years old.

Martinez de la Casa Architects is one of the most prominent and respectable architectural practices in the area, and amongst other services they are able to provide all types of Certificates and Licenses.

They are the Number One company in the provision of EPC Certificates (121€ inc IVA) and Number One for Antiquity Certificates (pools 229€ inc IVA, extensions 326€ inc IVA) and Habitation Licences (from 118€ inc IVA, Town Hall tax not included, depending on each municipality).

For all enquiries, or to arrange an appointment, please call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see over 150 testimonials of their services.

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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

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 2007. 115.000KM. LHD. Convertible.

Black/ Magnolia leather. Extras including polybushes, milltek brakes and modified exhaust €27.500 Jaguar XFR. 29.000KM. LHD. White/Black leather. Very desirable car. Like brand new. €37.000 Jaguar XKR 2001. 27.000KM. LHD. British racing green/magnolia leather. Like brand new. €22.950 Jaguar XJS 4.0L 1995. Low KM. LHD. Convertible. €23.995 Jaguar XJS V12 5.3L. 1988.

159.000KM. RHD. Black/Grey leather. Rare collectable car. €17.995 Jaguar S-Type 2.5L V6 230.000KM. RHD. Anthracite (blue-grey). Impeccable condition. €3.000 Triumph TR4. Sold as is. For complete restoration. €7.000Visit our showroom in Redovan on Poligono San Carlos or call 965 030 924

Social and Clubs The next monthly meeting of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion will be on 16th August at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras start-

ing at 7.30pm. All are welcome to join us for an evening of camaraderie and good company.

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.

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).Email: spainsamsrecruits@outlook.com www.samaritansinspain.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 QUESADA LADIES CLUB The Annual General Meeting of the Quesada Ladies Club will be held at the Cooper’s Arms, Dona Pepa, Quesada, on Tuesday 11th September 2018. This is for members only, and they will be admitted at the usual time of 2.30pm.

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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

Property for Sale A selection of just some of the properties currently available with Spanish Riviera Homes. If you would like additional info on any of our properties Email: property@spanishrivierahomes.com or call: +34 617 537 866 Torrevieja First floor apartment, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 300m from the sea, terrace with open view, 50m2 living area. 94.000 euro. Reference: 000828.

Situations Vacant Direct Sales Person - We are looking for an experienced direct sales person for a construction company. Must have own car, be computer literate, have a good knowledge of the Costa Blanca area and be used to dealing with clients in their homes. Good long term prospects for the right applicant. In the first instance, please forward your CV to: offer1096@jobsearchspain.com Electro Mechanic in Redovan. We are looking for a professional electro mechanic with experience of high brand vehicles to join our team. We are a Jaguar, Land Rover, and classic car specialist. We also work with other brands such as Rolls Royce, Bentley, and Aston Martin. The candidate must be comfortable working with such brands. Age is not important. Please send your CV or a cover email to: ffer1095@jobsearchspain.com

Consultants Wanted For our expanding dating agency, we are looking for reliable consultants. Have a look at www.transit50plus.com and if you interested and would like more information about working for us please phone 676 312 080 or 646 538 079

Churches and Services

Personal

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.

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

Ref: 000828 Torrevieja, Fifth floor apartment, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 70m2 living area with 40m2 terrace, communal swimming pool, communal solarium, lift. 109.950 euro.

Reference 000881 Orihuela-Costa, Luxury SouthWest facing apartment, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 85m2 luxury apartment, sea views, 2 terraces (18m2 and 38m2), communal swimming pool, communal gardens. 320.000 euro, Reference: 000880 Rojales, Detached villa, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 98m2 living area, 225m2 plot, communal swimming pool. 184.950 euro.

Reference: 000879 Ref: 000879

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Orihuela-Costa, South-facing apartment, 2 bedrooms, communal swimming pool, communal gardens, beachside N332, high quality finishings. 74.950 euro.

Reference: 000877 Torrevieja, Ground floor apartment, 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom, close to beach, shops, bars, restaurants, bus station. 64.950 euro. Reference: 000876 Torrevieja, Ground floor bungalow, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, dining room, American kitchen, conservatory, fully furnished with air-conditioning, off-road parking, communal swimming pool. € 94.950. Reference: 000912 Orihuela-Costa Ground floor bungalow, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, South-facing, large living room with chimney, American kitchen, furnished, communal swimming pool € 144.950. Reference: 000916 Orihuela-Costa, Ground floor bungalow, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large corner garden, spacious living area, American kitchen, furnished, communal swimming pool. € 134.950. Reference: 000814 Top-floor bungalow, San Pedro del Pinatar. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, independent kitchen, terrace and solarium with stunning views, South-facing, furnished, communal swimming pool, communal parking. € 84.950. Reference: 000878 Orihuela-Costa, Quad, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, private garden / offroad parking, spacious living / dining area, American kitchen, balconies and solarium, communal swimming pool, communal gardens, close to beaches, shops, and restaurants. € 124.950.

Reference: 000890 Orihuela-Costa, Duplex, 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, dining / living area, conservatory, communal swimming pool, € 114.950.

Reference: 000898.

If you would like additional info on any of our properties Email: property@spanishrivierahomes.com or call: +34 617 537 866

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Monday 6th - Sunday 12th August, 2018

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Spain travel to Cardiff for 10 Nation Test Match Graham Cathcart, the manager of the squad, was invited to join the tournament at late notice, to replace another Nation who had pulled out of the tournament.

Despite the lack of time to properly prepare for the event, the squad readily accepted the invite as it was felt it would be good preparation for the Atlantic Championships in May 2019, which is also being held in Cardiff. It also gave the opportunity of getting players a little more experience of playing against such high level opponents, some of which they will also face in 2019.

The event took the form of test match conditions….. team of 5 ladies and 5 gents, who played in round robins of Singles, Pairs, Triples and Rinks – The singles and rinks being played at same time and the pairs and triples played at the same time.

The team representing Spain were Gents - Terry Morgan (Singles and Triples), Derek Eldon (Triples and Rinks), Julian Pering (Triples and Rinks), Tom Rogers (Pairs and Rinks) and Graham Cathcart (Pairs and Rinks). Substitute – John Pooley.

Ladies - Maggie Holmes (Singles and Pairs), Lynne Eldon (Triples and Rinks), Jo Pering (Triples and Rinks), Debbie Colquhoun (Pairs and Rinks) and Jenny Thompson (Triples and Rinks). Substitute – Gillian Atkinson.

The Gents Triples played really well in their group stage and managed to qualify for the quarter finals where they beat a very good Wales team 19 – 9. Next up they met the Ireland triples team. Unfortunately, it was a bridge too far, on what was a tricky rink.

However it was a brilliant achievement. So, congratulations, Terry, Derek and Julian on EARNING your bronze medals.

The gents pairs were left gutted in their league.

Having finished joined 2nd, on points with Wales and Namibia, in the quarter final qualification place, the calculators were quickly brought out….. but Spain went out on LOWEST shots AGAINST. Graham and Tom were understandably gutted, especially given the fact that they beat the two top teams in their group. But that is the way the cookie crumbles sometimes.

In the ladies Singles, Maggie Holmes, playing in her first ever single tournament at this level, found herself in a very strong group, including the Malaysian player who went on to win the tournament. Maggie equipped

herself well and fought hard, never giving up. The experience she took away from the experience was phenomenal.

The Ladies rinks played well together. They lost narrowly against Ireland, in a game which they could have won and put them into the quarter finals.

In the Gents Singles, Terry Morgan, was finding the same problem as Maggie against some very strong opponents, more acquainted in playing singles at International level. That said, Terry fought well and will no doubt have learned an awful lot for the experience.

In the Ladies Pairs, it was a case of what could have easily have been. Debbie and Maggie, played very well against very strong pairs’ teams in their section.

They beat Ireland and lost out, twice, by a single shots to Malaysia (went on to win silver, getting beat by one shot to the winners Australia) and Canada, games which, with a little bit of lady luck they could have won. If they had one either they would have qualified for the quarter finals.

The Ladies Triples also found it very hard going in their league against very strong teams, and again struggled to get into “their rhythm” on the “foreign” grass surface. That said, they again learned an awful lot and fought hard. Gillian Atkinson also got, bloodied, on the last game, in which she played well.

Graham, the manager of Spain said about the tournament……

“Overall, I am so very proud of the squad. Yes, we could have, on paper, results wise, done a little better in some disciplines, however, we were playing on a surface that is, on the whole alien to us, (with speeds varying between 8 seconds to 17 seconds) playing against some of the biggest countries in the world, with some of the best players in the world, many of whom were here for a week or two before the tournament started.”

“So all in all, the squad have a lot to be proud of.

Each of the guys tried their very best to contend with in an alien environment. The effort shown by the players, their attitude, their comradery, their team ethic was brilliant. It is, and has been, with one or two exceptions, our strength since I was lucky enough to take over the management of the Spanish Squad. This baptism of fire will serve us well in that competition moving ahead.”

Quesada Bowls Club Report This weeks Friendship Cup competition was played at Quesada in the same good natured and fun atmosphere as the previous matches. An evening match, it was still very hot and humid but Quesada won 4-2 rinks and 132 -78 points. This extends Quesada’s lead after 3 matches to 73 points. As it’s so hot at the moment the final match next week will be played in the evening.

Thank you to the reserves Sandra Heath and Peter Morgan and to Graham Phillips who stepped in to play in one of the teams. Thanks also to the members who turned up to support.

In the South Alicante knockout competition Terry Morgan is through to the men’s singles semifinals and Carol Broomfield is through to the Ladies singles semi-finals. Good luck to both players.

by Dee Stephenson

Just a reminder that, open to visitors, our popular Saturday morning Chicken Drive is continuing during the summer months. Anyone interested in taking part, please report to The Club, Quesada at 9.45am for a 10am start. Bowls and shoes are available free of charge if required.

After many years of service as Membership secretary Joe Riley is retiring from the role. Huge thanks to Joe for doing such a wonderful job for Quesada Bowls Club and the members. More time to enjoy your bowls we hope.

Meantime, for more information about our club, please contact our club secretary Deidre Leeming at Deidre.leeming@gmail.com New bowlers are welcome and introductory coaching is available.

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

Debbie and Maggie, played very well beating Ireland in the process

Congratulations, Terry, Derek and Julian on EARNING your bronze medals.

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Monday 6th - Sunday 12th August, 2018

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3 and 2, at Hillside Golf Club, Southport. An impressive accomplishment for the 20 yr. old German, who nearly died in 2013 when she was hit while out jogging by a 45 mph drunken driver who left her in a coma with multiple injuries. Her family were told there was no hope.

But Leonie Harm survived, and after lengthy rehabilitation resumed her golf, eventually earning a scholarship at Houston University. This year she won the German International Amateur and rose to 33rd in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. She now qualifies for the Women’s Open at Royal Lytham. It takes a lot to knock out a golfer.

WINNERS OF THE OPEN now receive a replica Claret Jug while the original resides at St. Andrews. Tom Watson, however, was given the original Claret Jug in error after his 1982 Open victory, and compounded the mistake by accidentally knocking it off a table at his home while practising his swing, causing a major dent in it.

LOFOTEN, NORWAY. Situated inside the Arctic Circle there is a ”Cool golf links with the hottest light show on earth.” Summer visitors come to stay in lodges and play 24 hr. golf in an utterly spectacular setting on the Norwegian Sea, and from August to October they get the Northern Lights thrown in.

GOLFERS WHO COMPETE in the Longest Day challenge (four rounds in 24 hours) should tip their caps to H. Lumsden, of the Royal Aberdeen

Golf Club, who set a formidable record for the most golf played in 24 hours on a light summer night in 1910. Starting at 2.20. a.m. he proceeded to play 12 rounds of golf, or 216 holes, a distance of around 40 miles, averaging 82.5 shots per round, and finishing at 9.00 p.m. I wonder if his wife greeted him with ”And what time do you call this, H. Lumsden?”

UNFORTUNATELY, not even winning the Open entitles you to a refund from EasyJet. While Francesco Molinari was smartening himself up for the Champions dinner, his name was being called on the tannoy at Edinburgh airport; before the Championship he had booked himself a return flight to Italy, and he was supposed to be on the 9 p.m. flight. For some reason it had slipped his mind. However, his $1.89 million winnings should compensate him, and if he decides to risk Ryanair the Claret Jug can go in his hand luggage F.O.C.

LEONIE HARM WON the Ladies' British Amateur title, defeating American Stephanie Lau,

TIGER WOODS’ $26 million yacht Privacy sleeps 12, has a crew of nine, an inflatable decompres-

The turnout was great despite the very warm temperature as we had 23 members and 9 guests who are always welcome to play golf with us. It turned out to be a family affair as the prizes were won by father and son parings Steve and Alan McAuliffe and Brothers Ian and Alan Connell.

This is the second outing in a row that Ian has won our gold competition and we will have to take a look at the president’s current handicap. The course tee to green was good but some of the greens were a bit patchy, but all players enjoyed the day. The presentation was held back at Alfies’s bar where a buffet was enjoyed by all the players provided by Rose and Jim at Alfies Bar. Our winner of the day in the silver division was Alan Connell with a great score of 39 stableford points Second place went to Jim Dempsey with a score of 32 stableford points. Again this is the second time Jim has come second in the silver division must be all that Guinness he is drinking.

The Winner of the gold division was Ian Connell our society president with a fantastic score of 37 stableford points.

Second place went to Steve Bicks with 35 points and is one of the societies valued sponsors.

Due to our high number of guests playing we had 2 prizes for our valued guest players kindly donated by our Captain Ian Ingledew. The winner of the Best Guest went to Martin Armstrong with 37 stableford points and second place was

PETE COWAN: “If you assume the top tour players are unimaginably happy and content, I assure you it’s not the case. A good many of them aren't.

They are healthy, rich and living the dream, but something - the perfectionist tendency, perhaps leads to them not being happy people. I see it on a daily basis: money isn’t everything.” A $26 million yacht can really cheer you up though.

IAN POULTER is not one of golf’s miserable millionaires. He loves the fleet of 14 Ferraris in his Florida stable (there were 15 but he sold one to Rory McIlroy for £225,000) and says not winning a major hasn’t cost him a wink of sleep. “If it happens it happens” he says happily, “I’m having a fabulous life, and I can always be a second hand car salesman when I retire.” That’s the spirit!

TAYLOR MADE’s advertising just gets sillier: “Our ALL-BLACK P790 irons create a look and feel that inspires an aggressive mindset, enabling bolder players to confidently attack the course.”

So if your opponent has a set of these aggressive irons watch out, if he doesn’t win he may clobber you with them!

Until next time: Happy Golfing.

Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. 638 859 475.

Glyn Halton with a score of 34 stableford points.

Nearest the pin on the 7th– Sponsored by ‘The Street Restaurant’ went to Alan Connell

The Med Bar Golf Society, El Raso Hacienda Riquelme

Nearest the pin on the 13th– sponsored by ‘The Auld Dubliner‘ went to Steve McAuliffe

Down the motor way to Hacienda Riquelme golf course on an overcast morning, here`s thinking what a lovely day for golf if it stays like this. No chance, soon the sun was breaking through and the heat hit us. The course was in a lovely condition with the greens true to form. The scoring on the day was excellent with the top 5 players scoring 36 points each. Results for the day:

Nearest the pin in 2 shots on the 15th - sponsored by ’The Celtic Drop’ went to Alan McAuliffe Nearest the pin in 3 shots on the 18th – sponsored by ‘Alfies Bar’ went to Steve Bicks The Blind pairs was won by Tom Hestead and Brian Young After the prize giving we held an auction to raise money for our nominated charity this year which is Prostate Cancer UK. An auction item kindly donated by Gary Winner Gold Division – Armstrong and Romero Golf Club which was a tee time Ian Connell- President Alfies G.S. for 2 players including a buggy and I am delighted to say it fetched more than its face value of 120 Euros. Our Captain Ian Ingledew was very happy and thanked the auction winners Tony Hall & Alan Connell for their kind donation to the cause.

Many thanks to our sponsors, our committee for their hard work in the background, and to Mike Probert from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services for arranging our day.

Gold division winner: Bill Martin 36 points on countback, Gold division runner up: Andy Trefry Silver division winner: Martin Morgan, Silver division runner up: Tony Alcock Nearest the pins: Roger Clarke, Buck Taylor, Bill Martin & Eric Owens Nearest the pin in 2 on par 4: Bill Martin, Nearest pin in 3 on par 5: Andy Trefry 2`s club : Buck Taylor Football card winners: Andy Trefry, John Goulder & Linda Muttock

To Rose and Jim and staff at Alfies Bar for their continued support throughout the year.

Thanks to Steve and his staff at the Med Bar and Bistro, Jan & Buck for the buffet provided, our next outing is at La Finca 14/8/18

Big Thank you to Sandie Hall for organising the charity raffle and prizes.

And finally thanks to all the members and guests for supporting Alfies Golf Society. Our next outing is Las Colinas on July 26th 2018, and we be playing for The Geoff Thompson Trophy, so get your names down early as this is always a popular venue.

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sion chamber (a what?) gym and theatre. It was docked close to Shinnecock Hills during the U.S. Open. “Staying on the ‘dinghy’ means you avoid the traffic,” Woods explained. “You might get a fender bender and maybe miss your tee time.”

And of course, you never know when you might need decompressing.

Alfie’s Golf Society at Roda - 26 July 32 members and guests from Alfie's GS travelled to Roda GC for the Geoff Thomson Trophy on 26th July. Geoff was a former member of Alfies GS and went to Australia and left his clubs behind and we decided to sell them and the proceeds went to pay for one of our trophies which we play every year for.

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Winner Silver Division – Alan Connell

Anyone wishing to join our society is welcome. Contact: medbargolf2016@gmail.com or pop into the bar where all details can be left.

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Las Ramblas Golf Society Results for w/c 30.7.18 - By Peter Reffell We began the week with a 2 ball better ball. With a very commendable 47 points (but only winning on countback) were Mike Mahoney and Andy McDonald.

Some very good scores today with the course being in superb condition despite the hot weather. Well done to Victor and his team!

Wednesday’s Stableford competition saw a three way tie at the top. On countback, with 39 points, Bryan (Slasher) Neal took the honours and will no doubt be performing some self harming! (He’s the handicap secretary).

Second place went to myself and in third spot was Brian Staines. In fourth, with a score of 37 points, was Ken Robertson.

There were three 2’s today, one of which went to our Norwegian guest Rune Andresen. Well done Rune and we look forward to seeing you again.

Onto Friday’s ‘Counter Game’. This time around we knew how many scores were to count before the hole was played.

With 97 points very fittingly John (fine by me) Conway was part of the winning team alongside Ken and Liz Robertson and the fictional Albert. With a lump in the throat and a tear in the eye we said ‘adios’ to John who is moving back to the UK next week. It’s been reported that the deposit on the new house has been paid for from his ‘2’s winnings! Come back and see us over the winter months John (when Durham will be under 3 foot of snow). Buena suerte amigo!

Finally, in the words of Henry Youngman, ‘While playing golf today, I hit two good balls. I stepped on a rake’.

Pues, hasta la semana que viene

La Marina Golf Society Summer Cup -Round 3 Our return to El Plantio for the 3rd round of five to compete for the summer cup occurred on a sweltering day which affected the scoring, except for a few hardy souls who seem to thrive in extreme conditions.

Winner of the Gold Group with 38 points, and winner of his knockout match and the 2's pot was John Brastock.

Winner of the Silver Group was the ever-improving Frank Cullen with 39 points Nearest the pins went to Alan (not me again) Craig, Barry Thorogood, Roy Welleans and Vic Smith.

The 4th round of the Summer Cup will take place at Font del Llop on august 16th, first tee 0930 at a cost of 40 euros.

The list is on the board or contact Alan on a100ac@yahoo.co.uk.

Many thanks to Helena for feeding the players with a great spread.

Monday 6th - Sunday 12th August, 2018

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

JUST FOR LAUGHS

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(in assN with Costa Blanca Green Fee s vcs) being fatally injured.

Hang on said the father; we do not have a swimming pool…..

Is that telephone number 966 866 904???

Do not wait for the bar at the end of the round to have fun and tell jokes, it is allowed on the course you know and the mental uplift and feel good factor that you gain will only improve your game and if it does not, boy will you have had fun.

When asked about football being like life or death, Bill Shankly stated “no it is much more important than that”.

I have got news for you; if you think that way about golf then you should pack up now and take up some other sport.

Yes it is important that you enjoy the game and that you are competitive and play to you best ability, but not at all costs.

Jack Nicklaus is without doubt the most successful golfer in history and will remain so until someone surpasses his feats in the record books.

He became the best by practising harder than his opponents, preparing better than them and having confidence in his ability in pressure situations.

However he had a strict set of life values and an order of priorities in his life, namely: a. Family b. Golf c. Business If he can maintain these values and still be so successful than perhaps we can all learn something from this.

Trust me, nothing is that important so lighten up a little.

For example: Did you hear about the golfer who arrived at the course to discover that he had forgotten his golf shoes and he rang back home and his daughter answered the phone?

When asked where her mother was she replied upstairs in bed with uncle Alf. But we don’t have an uncle Alf he replied.

He then asked his daughter to go upstairs and tell her mother that father’s car had just pulled onto the drive and to tell him the reaction.

After a short period of time the tearful girl reported that upon hearing the news the mother jumped out of bed but in her rush fell down the stairs and was fatally injured.

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

Golf Course

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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

€114 €102 €90 €88 €88 €86 €88 €128 €28 €36 €144 €104 €96 €80 €86 €110 €47 €86

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

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

And uncle Alf, asked the father?

She replied that upon hearing the news that he ran through the bedroom balcony door and fell into the empty swimming pool below, also

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK “The best way to play golf is the easiest way” - Harry Vardon

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Monday 6th - Sunday 12th August, 2018

San Miguel Golf Society at La Finca First game of the hottest month and pretty much the same group of players who sweated their way around last week turned up again for more mobile sauna therapy. Seriously, why do we do it?

ter struck and submit a stableford score card instead. Call it Bogeyford and think of it like dropping out of the European Cup into the Europa League. Or in some cases, the Scottish second division.

For a few it was because they were in with a shout of winning the Bogey’s competition, La Finca being the final and deciding round of this year’s event.

Unsurprisingly, the results provided a clear indication as to which players rode in buggies and those who foot-slogged their way around in the 34 degree heat. By about the 12th hole, the only birdies the latter were concerned about were vultures and buzzards. “Hotter ‘n a snake’s butt in a wagon rut” sprang to mind.

To keep the others motivated, all players were given the option to complete a medal round if they wished or to scratch out when disas-

The Celts club de golf The Celts club de golf celebrated our July open last Sunday in our home course La Serena. The golf course again was presented to the very highest standard and again we must thank Wayne and his team for their efforts. A note from Wayne can please avoid driving the buggies up to the greens, remain outside the roped off areas. It protects the tee boxes and the area around our greens.

To the staff in the pro-shop thank you, John, Karolina and Paul for preparing the cards and generating the results. Our competition committee are doing sterling work thank you Camillus and Philip.

Today they were assisted by our returning bionic captain Terry who had his hip replaced only last month. A note from the competitions regarding slow play. How is it possible to lose three holes on the group in front of you? This delay also delays those who are waiting to generate results and this in turn delays the presentation of prizes.

We would like to thank all those who were present to collect their prizes. Can I remind prize winners that we hold our monthly presentation of all prizes for the previous month at each of the Open Days, if you are not able to attend can you appoint a member to collect your prize on your behalf.

The monthly prizes presented were as follows;

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A few of the pale riders turned in some very tidy scores - see below to find out who is due a hefty handicap revision this week - and the rest survived to do it all again next time around at Roda. We hope that course is in as good condition as La Finca, especially the greens which here showed no sign of the pitchmark acne we’ve endured recently elsewhere in the region.

Well done, La Finca - care to share how you do it? Marshals handing out pitch mark tools or simply dragging the idle off the course at gunpoint?

Lastly, special thanks to Robby, Katie and Claudia who welcomed us to ‘La Cascada’ bar in the commercial centre at La Finca for our presentation. It was our first time there but unlikely to be our last.

The food they laid on was first rate, their drinks prices very reasonable and the air conditioned interior a cool haven for the warm and weary. We’ll see you next time we’re out that way - two big thumbs up to you all!

The day’s results, by category, in reverse order, were the following: Silver Category: 3rd Ken Flaherty (33), Norman McBride (37), Mick Roscoe (40) Gold Category: 3rd Tony Smale (35), Graham Temple (37), 1st Steve Higgins (39) Nearest the pins went to Tony Smale, Graham Temple, Ken Flaherty and Norman McBride.

Best guests 1st Bob McEvoy, 2nd Simon Willis. Thanks to all our guests for their support on the day.

Ken (I Never win nuttin) Flaherty won the Bogeys with a net total of 218.

John Trehy won this week’s Abacus prize for the lowest number of points.

Our thanks to the staff at La Finca for their contribution to the day.

Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org or simply give Tony Smale a call on 628227687. The next three games will be at Roda, Vistabella and Lo Romero.

El Plantio2 Golf Society 14 members and 1 guest assembled at El Plantio 9 hole golf course for the monthly medal competition on the 31st July to find the greens in a less than ideal condition, having been shaved and left without grass in some places.

Still, it was the same for everyone.

Category golf competitions, 1. Cat. I. 1st Colin Soones 41. 2nd Becky McGeehan 38. 3rd Pauvla Serakova 38. Cat II. 1st Ole Rong 42. 2nd Steven Hopkins 38. 3rd Kenny McGeehan 38. Medal. Cat I. Pauvla Serakova 72 74. Cat II Alisdair McLean 68. Cat III. Brian Humphreyson 72. Down to the results of the day. NTP’s Denis McCormack, Bob Smith, Logan Nayager, Becky McGeehan, John Doyle O’Brien and Camillus Fitzpatrick. Cat III. 1st Kevin McBride 36. 2nd Sally Hopkins 35. 3rd Roy Sutherland 34. Cat II. 1st Peter Dunne 39. 2nd Logan Nayager 37. 3rd William Thomson 34. Cat I. John Doyle O’Brien 39. 2nd John Aitchison 39. 3rd Edward Wall 38.

Best gross went to Becky McGeehan with 36. 2nd overall David Stockton 41.

The overall winner with the fantastic result of 43 points playing of 5 handicap Robert Smith. Our next Open day is again on a Sunday the 12th of August, can you get your names down as soon as possible?

We have a waiting list in operation at the moment for membership at La Serena, however membership of The Celts is always available.

If you would like information on joining our club or entering a team in any of the federation events why not send an e-mail to johnobrienalicante@gmail.com or call 615 466 398.

Making a long awaited return to form was vice-Captain Mike Davies, who carried off the coveted trophy.

Nearest the pins – Hole 6, Ian Henderson – Hole 8, John O´Brien.

Third Place, Alistair Douglas, H/Cap 8.8 – 57.2 shots. Second Place, Barry Walthall H/Cap 17.6 – 54.4 Shots. First Place, Mike Davies, H/Cap 9.9 – 53.1 shots.

If anyone would like to join our Society, we play at El Plantio Golf Club every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. We use both courses - the Par 3 nine hole course and the main 18 hole course, so we cater for all abilities.

The membership rates are very competitive, so call for more details.

Anyone who wishes to play in the Society as a guest or join as a new member, contact Ian Henderson on 966 716 616 or 636 116 230 The photograph above, L to R, Ian Henderson, Alistair Douglas, Mike Davies, Barry Walthall, John O´Brien

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Monday 6th - Sunday 12th August, 2018

Torry friendlies now in full swing

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La Finca Golf Society - 4 August Mondays roll up stableford of the yellow blocks was won by Eric (4 for 3) Owens with 39 points and a cut.

Nearest the pins were Eric Owens (3) and Alex Duchart (13) On Wednesday we played a stableford competition, results was as follows; 4th, Jerry Coneybear (36), 3rd, Ole Dibbern (36), 2nd, Brian Bevan (37) and 1st, Eric Owens (39).

Nearest the pins were Jerry Coneybear (6) & (16).

Another very hot day on Saturday at La Finca where we played a Medal round of the Yellow Blocks with the course in very good condition despite the heat.

Great round from “The Bear "with a round of 72.

4th, Shaun Locke (74), 3rd, Brian Collins (72), 2nd, Barry Roehrig (71) and 1st, Jerry Coneybear with a great round nett 67.

Nearest the pins were Barry Roehrig (3), Ole Dibbern (6) Brian Collins (13) and, Eric Owens (16).

There were two 2,s today, Jerry on the 13th and Eric on the 16th, unfortunately for them hole 3 was pulled out of the bag so the pot rolls over into its third week.

Best dressed golfer for the second week in a row was Will Hammond.

Back to The Corner Flag Bar afterwards for food and presentation thanks to Steve and his staff.

La Finca Golf Society meets every Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays at La Finca with first tee time around 09-00 am. Saturday is main competition day with various competitions which are Spanish Federated, to be eligible to play you need a handicap of 16 or less.

If you are interested or require more information give Barry a ring on 666 694 467 or 966 73 1033.

SUDUKO SOLUTION

By Steve Hibberd

Next up were Crevillente v Churra, who drew 1-1.

At Montesico Blanco Stadium, San Miguel, last Wednesday, Torry took part in a tri team tournament.

Making up the numbers were Churra and Crevillente, from Murcian and Valencian groups of 3rd div respectively. Each team were required to play just one session of 45 minutes against one opponent, followed by the same period against the other later on. First up was Torry v Churra. Riquelme scored from a long range effort on 14 mins, then on the stroke of full time, Chema headed home, giving Churra a 2-0 victory.

The final match between Torry and Crevillente ended goal less, meaning Churra won the tournament. Torry created more chances against Crevillente, but it was left to keeper Jesus Duenas to pull off a wonder save on 35 minutes, thus denying Jose Sanchez and also keeping a clean sheet himself.

Torry line up against Churra.

On Wednesday 8 August, ko 7pm, Torry host Murcian 3rd div side Deportivo Yeclano, in their first home pre season friendly at Nelson Mandela Stadium.

Juampe, Lewis, Jesus Sanchez, Akapo, Guido, Cabillo, Felipe, Nana, Revi, Rulo, Manez.

Torry line up versus Crevillente.

Juampe (Jesus Duenas), Fanara, Jesus Sanchez, Jorge, Guido (Juan), Cabillo, Felipe, Nana (Jon), Revi, Omar, Manez (Benteke).

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