The Costa Blanca Leader Newspaper edition 730 by The Leader

No 730 Monday 27th August - Sunday 3rd September, 2018 Tel: 637 227 385

Vandals desecrate British Legion memorials to brave soldiers

Mil

smashed causing several thousands of euros worth of damage.

In La Siesta, just outside the Parish Church, the marble base of the cross standing in the RBL Memorial Garden has been irreparably damaged by someone using a heavy object. It appears to have been dealt several heavy blows with a hammer, as a result of which the rectangular base has been

The vandalism was first noticed by Pastor Keith Brown, the Chaplain of the Royal British Legion in Spain North, who regularly visits the monument to pay his respects. “I was absolutely mortified” he told the Leader, “when I first saw the destruction that the vandals had caused. Although I have

Torrevieja Palmeras.

here was outrage amongst members of the Royal British Legion as a cross to fallen war heroes and an RBL time capsule were found to have been vandalised in recent attacks in both

and

asked around, nobody seems to have any information about the incident so there seems to be little that we can do. I will be speaking to my fellow priests at La Siesta Church, along with the President and Chairman of the Torrevieja RBL branch to see if we can stop it from happening again”. Continued on Page 2

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Continued From Page One RBL monuments vandalised Branch President, Gillian Burden, said that the police had been informed and quotes were now being sought for its repair. ADVERTISING SALES

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Meanwhile, in a second incident in Mil Palmeras, it was the RBL time capsule that was attacked which sits alongside the Remembrance Garden in the forecourt of the Catholic Church Capilla de las Mil Palmeras. The thick glass cover for the plinth, which protects documents, photographs and CD’s, remembering the formation and the early history of the Orihuela and Costa District Branch, was badly damaged. That too seems to have been struck a series of heavy blows with a hammer, although the two incidents are not thought to be related. Committee member Eddie Coleman, who first noticed the smashed capsule, was hard at work repairing the damage on Thursday, removing the glass and covering the plinth with a temporary top until such time as a new cover can be ordered. Mr Coleman also said that when he was carrying out the repair he also found evidence of drug usage by the side of the monument. The thick glass covering the plinth was completely smashed through Remembrance Garden in Mil Palmeras, said he was aware of a large group of youths sitting around the monument earlier in the week and, although he heard glass breaking, the youngsters were running off as he was able to get to his window.

Evidence of drug use was found adjacent the plinth in Mil Palmeras. One localtoresident who’s property overlooks the

The chairman of the Orihuela and Costa Branch said “There is sense of indignation and shame against the vandals who have trampled the memory of the men and women who fought for our freedoms, but we will make good the repairs and we will move on. Local people have been so supportive and respectful to both branches over the years. I am sure they will share in our outrage.”

Rojales stops work on new Municipal sewage plant Rojales council has been forced to stop construction of the new network of sewage plants because they don’t have the full ownership off the land on which the new facility is being sited. The mayor, Antonio Perez, said on Thursday that he is negotiating with the current owners in order to sign an agreement of transfer or purchase which will allow the builders to resume work. “However, that is unlikely to happen before the middle of September, he said” The problem of the land ownership was something brought up by the Rojales Democratic Party (Pader) several months ago and, as they suggested at the time the work has now been brought to a halt. The owners of the land have filed a discretionary appeal to try to stop the execution of the project. They said that, for years, part of the water purifi-

cation system has been on their farm but they have never received a penny in compensation, so they are not willing to bow down to the council demands to hand over the additional land in order that the council can expand the facility in Lo Pepin. Pader argued that "until the availability of the land is confirmed, the project cannot go ahead, because the cost to be met by the City Council for the procurement of the land is unknown. The mayor explained that a new reservoir has also to be built to store untreated water when there is heavy rainfall, as the sewage plant does not have the capacity to hold the necessary volume. "I can not set the date when all this will be resolved, but I am optimistic and I hope that it will be soon," said Antonio Pérez.

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Elche judge revokes suspension of Torrevieja canine beaches

lche courts have dismissed the suspension of the use of canine beaches situated at Punta Margallo and Cala del Mal Paso which was requested by the residents association of Cala del Moro. Deputy mayor Fanny Serrano reported the judicial findings at a press conference on Wednesday morning.

Municipality of Torrevieja, in order "to prevent such a declaration from affecting local residents all through the summer. They stated that they are all the occupants of adjacent properties who only come to the area in the summer season, and they would be deprived of the use of their beach", they also offered a deposit of 1,000 euros as a surety.

and only for this year, and also, because it considers that the irreparable damages alleged by the community association has not been proven in any way.

Serrano explained that on 25 June the mayor, José Manuel Dolón, issued a decree declaring two beaches as canine beaches, Punta Margallo and Cala del Mal Paso, in accordance with the requirements of article 36.3 of the Beach Ordinance. The Decree was published in the BOP on 9 July following which the residents association of Cala del Moro filed a contentious administrative appeal against the order.

However the court gave Torrevieja council five-days to present their arguments and extraordinarily authorised the month of August to hear the appeal. Serrano reported that the City Council presented its evidence on 3 August and they were delighted with the final decision. Cllr Serrano thanked the councillor Victor Ferrández "for his efforts in drafting the legal submission”.

In her appearance before the media, the mayor referred to one of the paragraphs in the court decision - which she considered quite explicatory - regarding what the residents consider to be irreparable damage in stating "the dogs will run free on the roads and could even access the properties of the residents, in addition to which many of the local people have a fear of dogs ", to which the judge responded that" the statement cannot be justified in any way, it seems that they are referring to an area for the recreation of herds of wild animals instead of a Canine Beach which will be regulated by a strict set of regulations".

In their appeal, the residents asked the Court to agree to suspend the use of the canine beach, without hearing the arguments of the

On 7 August, the Court issued an order dismissing the residents appeal "because there is no irreparable harm done to the community, because the canine beach is temporary

The judge added that "there is a general thought that the City Council has issued the decree to satisfy a demand made by a large proportion of the municipal population”.

He also stated that the Decree itself establishes a series of rules to prevent dogs from causing discomfort to other bathers and refers to the Regulation controlling use, safety and the conservation of the Beaches. Finally the judge said that the agreement has been adopted for the general benefit of the municipality and that is of a provisional nature until such time as the final one is established with the maximum participation of the townsfolk of Torrevieja.

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60% of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forest fires have a human cause The Forest Fire Research Operations Group (GOIIF) of the Generalitat has investigated the causes of 69 forest fires in the province of Alicante between January and August of this year. That number increases to 277 if you include the mountains of CastellĂłn, where 63 fires have been investigated, and Valencia, with another 145, the region that has suffered the most outbreaks.

Valenciana, and between 1 and 12 August, another 28 fires. These are the two months of the year that see the greatest number.

After the analysis of the causes by the GOIIF, it has been concluded that 98 fires (35.4%) are due to accidents or negligence, another 68 fires (24.5%) have been intentional and 82 (29.6%) have been due to lightning strikes. The remainder are still under investigation.

The GOIIF was established in 1994 and is composed of 14 environmental agents of the Generalitat who cover the entire territory. Its main mission is to investigate the causes of forest as well as to capture and provide useful information for the proper functioning of the Forest Fire Preventive Vigilance Plan.

In the month of May there was a total of 20 fires in the Comunitat

In case of there being human causes, the reports are always sent to the prosecutor's offices and, in the case of legal proceedings against the possible culprits, referred to the competent court as part of the judicial police function. Since 2012, reports of 1,735 fires have been dealt with using this process.

Many municipalities to the north of Alicante have been affected this year, including La Nucia, Benidorm, Finestrat, Alfas and Polop

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Orihuela Costa man jailed for offences against girls in 1970’s A man has been jailed in the UK for sexual offences against girls in the 1970s.

avid Budd, 72, a British national from the Orihuela Costa, was sentenced to eight years and 10 months’ imprisonment on Thursday at Snaresbrook Crown Court for seven counts of indecent assault and four counts of indecency with a child. He had previously pleaded guilty at the same court on Friday, 13 July. The offences relate to four female victims, all of whom were children when the offences were committed. In July 2017, one of the victims came forward to police and disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted by Budd in Newham when she was around nine years old. Budd was arrested when he returned to UK for Christmas last year

Further inquiries by officers from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command (CASO) identified a further three victims, all of whom were also aged around nine years old when they were sexually assaulted by Budd. In recent years, Budd had been living in Spain. On 21 December 2017, he returned to the UK and was arrested at Southend Airport. He was subsequently charged on Tuesday, 24 April. Detective Constable Colleen Ryan, from CASO, said: “Budd was an ice cream seller in Newham; a position he used to gain access to and groom his victims. “He preyed on young children by using his position as an ice cream seller to groom them. He succeeded in gaining their trust and then subjected them to abuse that no child should ever have to endure. The negative impact this has had on his victims’ adult lives should not be underestimated. I would like to commend them for their bravery in coming forward and finding the courage to speak to police. We never underestimate how difficult this must be. It is very possible there are further victims of Budd out there and I would encourage them to come forward.” “Child abuse will never be tolerated. I hope this conviction sends out a strong message to people that no matter the passage of time that has passed police will conduct a thorough investigation make every effort to bring the perpetrators of these depraved crimes to justice.”

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The 10 hidden secrets you never knew your car had T

simple, well presented video showing a car of interest can help a customer decide whether a trip to their retailer is worth it, or not.

Other much-loved gizmos included SKODA’s integrated umbrella, the Volkswagen Beetle dashboard vase and Vauxhall’s integrated bike rack.

Ollie Parsons, Head of Sales and Client Services UK at CitNOW, said: “The Volkswagen Golf GTI golf ball gear knob was voted as the most iconic hidden feature. It might even be the difference between someone buying the Golf GTI or looking at a rival!

he nation’s favourite hidden car features have been named – with the Volkswagen Golf GTI golf ball gear knob coming out on top.

The iconic dimpled gear shifter tops a poll of 2,000 drivers by CitNOW to find the nation’s most popular secret features some owners didn’t even realise were fitted on their cars.

These memorable features – available on used cars costing less than £10,000 – can often be a surprise when a consumer buys the car on the second-hand market. CitNOW, the video technology pioneer, said a third of drivers would consider buying a car having only seen a video of it sent by a retailer. But hidden surprises aren’t always as pleasant as these Top 10 gadgets, with faulty parts and scratched bodywork sometimes revealed after the car is bought. Research shows 88% of British drivers would ignore an online car advert if it didn’t have images or a video – and 50% of respondents said a video tour is “important” or “essential” when buying a car. And 72% of drivers would consider travelling further to view a used car if they were sent a personalised video first. CitNOW provides a video contact service to retailers, allowing them to bring the showroom experience to a customer’s living room. A

“All these secret or fun features will delight a buyer who’s bought a car before realising they got more than they bargained for. “At CitNOW, we continue to work closely with retailers to provide them with the digital tools they need to enhance the experiences of their customers.”

Skoda Superb Umbrella was 4th on the list polling 10.1% of the votes

THE TOP 10 SECRET FEATURES YOU NEVER KNEW YOUR CAR HAD A survey of 2,000 UK motorists revealed the most popular gadgets: Volkswagen Golf GTI Golf Ball Gear Knob – 19.9% The Golf GTI is one of the most iconic cars ever made and is even more special with a golf ball atop the gear lever. It’s been a feature of the manual gearboxequipped GTI for many years and is a real delight for hot hatch fans. Volkswagen Beetle Vase – 14.6% Dating back more than 50 years, the factory-fitted vase adds a floral touch to the popular Beetle. Owners could pop in their favourite flower – or even a pen for last minute additions to the shopping list. Vauxhall Corsa FlexFix Integrated Bike Rack – 12.4% Bike racks can be expensive not to mention annoying to fit. Vauxhall came up with an innovative solution on the Corsa back in the later 2000s. The FlexFit system appeared behind the rear number plate after you lifted a handle in the boot. You could pull it out, lock it in place, slip on the extra rear lights provided and load up your bikes. SKODA Integrated Umbrella – 10.1% Ever left the house in glorious sunshine only to arrive at your destination in a downpour? Of course you have, it’s Britain. Skoda’s innovative integrated umbrella hides in the door pock-

et out of sight ready to keep you dry if you get caught in the rain. MINI Ambient Lighting – 9.8% If you want to turn your car into a spaceship/nightclub then MINI’s ambient lighting is for you. With lighting strips throughout the cabin it lets you change the colours to create a personal lightshow. The tech even beams a MINI badge onto the floor when you open the door. Honda Magic Seats – 9.7% Honda rolled out its magic seats in the early 2000s and were a highlight of the Jazz before being introduced onto the Civic. The magic behind them is that they allow you to fold up the entire seat to free up floor space for large, bulky items. MINI Convertible Openometer – 9.4% The unpredictable British weather means owning a drop top can be an interesting experience. How much use will you really get out of it? Well MINI decided it’d tell you exactly how much with its “Openometer”. The gauge records the time spent travelling with the roof down. Nissan Curry Hook – 7.5% You’ve been to pick up a takeaway but don’t want to spill your tikka masala over your seats or footwell. Cue the dashboard-mounted Nissan curry hook – first introduced on the Almera in 1996. It lets you tie the bag up for your trip back home, safe from potholes or speedbumps making a mess of your motor. Now found in the boot of modern day models. Renault Modus Boot Chute – 4.1% If someone has parked right up your rear bumper, opening the boot to load your shopping can be a bit of a problem. The boot chute is handy in these tight spots as it allows the lower portion of the tailgate to be tilted down so you can get into the luggage area without lifting the whole lid. DS 3 Integrated Perfume Dispenser – 2.6% Forget a little tree dangling from your rear-view mirror, Citroen offers a built-in air freshener to pump your chosen scent around the DS 3 cabin. A handy little dial on the dashboard lets you control the intensity so you’re not overpowered by fumes. For more information on Web Video and Smart Image visit www.citnow.co.uk/demo.

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Stevie Spit makes new friends at the RBL end of Summer Party S tevie Spit left the stage to a standing ovation on Friday evening as the Costa Blanca’s favourite entertainer brought the curtain down on yet another successful fundraiser, this time in aid of the Orihuela Costa and District Branch of the Royal British Legion.

A solo performance from the maestra herself

Cindy duetting with Stevie Spit

Stevie not only compered the show, he also demonstrated what an all-round entertainer he is as he took the audience on a tour of the musical theatre before slowing the evening down with a selection of popular classics from more recent times. All this was interspersed with a number of one-liners from his amusing comedy routines as he kept the programme moving, despite the disappointment of late withdrawal of Paul Michael from the evening’s lineup. Stevie was joined on stage by the popular Cindy Fitzpatrick and her country covers from many of the genres best, including Dolly Parton, Shania Twain and Tammy Wynette. At the end of her set the pair had the audience on their feet with a rendition of the Neil Diamond and Barbara Streisand standard ‘You don’t bring me flowers’.

Enjoying the music of Cindy Fitzpatrick

But prior to all that, one of the branch’s greatest supporters, Francisca Samper Navarro, opened the evening with members of her Grupo Flamenco “La Amistad” who danced their own blend of flamenco and other musical genres including along to the Gipsy Kings version of ‘My Way’ in Spanish, of course. Held at the magnificent venue of the Olympia Pool and Garden Bar in Mil Palmeras, and organised by the Branch Poppy Appeal Coordinator Eddie Coleman, the evening was yet another wonderful success, raising much needed funds toward the RBL Poppy Appeal here in Spain. The Orihuela Costa Branch meets at 7.00pm on the third Thursday of every month at the Olympia, just off the N332, midway between Cabo Roig and Pilar de la Horadada. All are welcome to attend this very friendly and sociable organisation, whatever nationality and whether or not from a military background. You can find more information at their website: http://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/orihuela-costa

Francisca (centre) with her wonderful troupe

Horadada woman thrown out of municipal pool demands apology 2,000 plastic ashtrays for Orihuela Costa Beaches

Councillor Luisa Boné said that "the ashtrays are conically shaped so that they can easily be stuck into the sand. They are reusable and very useful for collecting cigarette butts and small waste items such as chewing gum and nut shells, so waste that is not readily biodegradable and difficult to remove from the sand can be disposed appropriately." The councillor added that cigarette butts take up to ten years to break down in the sea and even longer if they are left lying in the sand. Due to their small size and light weight, they are very difficult for the cleaning services to remove. This campaign is in addition to the one launched

earlier this summer in Orihuela Costa schools , where books on good beach practices were distributed to teach the children how to behave on the beach. At the beginning of the summer, cartoon stickers with childlike motifs were also affixed to the foot showers on the beaches to teach the children that they should not play with water and should use it sparingly. One beachgoer said that although he was delighted with the council initiative, he thought that in this day and age it is disappointing that they are manufactured out of plastic, a lot of which will undoubtedly end up in the sea.

The councillor for sport in Pilar de la Horadada, Antonio Escudero, has sent a WhatsApp to Gemma Rodríguez, the lady thrown out of the municipal pool last week for wearing swimming suit bottoms that were more akin to men’s shorts. He said that he has told his staff that they must in future allow this type of bikini. Escudero said that she was told that she couldn’t swim in clothing other than bikinis or swimsuits because they recently had "many problems with people trying to bathe in clothes". "When in doubt, we have always left the decision to the staff who decided not to allow her into the water, but from now on this type of swimwear will be able to be used". When expelled from the pool Rodríguez denounced the staff and the incident in a Facebook post in which she pointed out that it was something that had previously "happened to many women in the municipal pool". The complainant said that although the councillor had sent her a WhatsApp message in which he apologised "at no time has an official apology been received from the City Council." "I demand an official apology for me, for my daughter and for all the women that this has happened to, and of course, the dismissal of the lifeguard, who was anything but kind," said the

The costume she was wearing at the time woman. "I was in the pool with my daughter when the lifeguard came and told me to leave. He said that I could not be in the water wearing street pants, he also told me in a very arrogant way," she recalled. She has also filed the complaint with the Civil Guard in San Javier in order to prevent "no woman being treated like that again."

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Age Concern in need of additional volunteers They say giving is better than receiving. By just giving 3 or 4 hours a week of your time volunteering for Age Concern, means many people can receive a little support, friendship and comfort. Most of us are retired and soaking up the good life here in Spain, after working a lifetime, but we hear so often that we miss having something worthwhile to occupy ourselves.

Our charity shop in C/Patricio Zammit in Torrevieja is extremely busy and would welcome volunteers.

Now is your opportunity to make a difference to people not so fortunate to have a huge circle of friends to fill our days. We seek Drivers, preferably with a Spanish driving licence, but not absolutely necessary, to drive one of our two vehicles collecting beneficiaries from their homes and bringing them to our centre in La Siesta for their coffee mornings and then taking them home. Also, to collect donations of small household items destined for distribution to our shops. A very interesting vacancy exists in our lending library at our centre. We need one or two book loving people to act as Librarians managing our library, assisting book borrowers and generally maintaining the book shelves and stock. The library is only open every Tuesday from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Our charity shop in Patricio Zammit Street in Torrevieja is extremely busy every day and would welcome several volunteers to deal with multinational customers. Serving, dealing with displays and stock rotation this role would suit anyone with retail experience and you would work with an extremely friendly team. Shop is open Monday – Friday 10.30am – 1.30pm and you may choose which day suits you best and if you speak a foreign language that would be a distinct advantage, but not absolutely necessary.

Our centre in La Siesta, the hub of Age Concern, offers people a host of activities almost on a daily basis and needs one or two additional volunteers to help mornings from 10.00am – 1.30pm. Everyday is different here as you could be making tea or coffee, welcoming people bringing in donations, helping someone with finding information to their particular query, mixing with regular beneficiaries and joining in with their chat, keep the centre tidy and free from obstacles, assisting with the hiring out of mobility aids and their return and even possibly helping with fundraising events. Always different every day, so you won’t get bored. All positions are open to ladies and gents. To apply, in the first instance telephone 966 786 887 Monday – Friday between 10.00am – 1.30pm to arrange a convenient day and time to pop in and find out how you can help, days, times etc. Your help is invaluable to those not as fortunate as most of us.

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Wall of shame La Regia, one of the oldest urbanisations on the Orihuela Costa, has just denounced Orihuela Council for the fourteenth time, and on each occasion the complaints have been very much the same. Once again they revolve around cleanliness and maintenance; the abandoned sports area about which promise after promise has been made, the broken walls and balustrades, ineffective lighting and of course the collection of waste and street cleaning. There is also a health and safety issue in respect of many of the grievances with accidents just waiting to happen. “Where is the councillor for the coast?” they ask, “ and what is she doing about it all.”

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Monday 27th August - Sunday 3rd September, 2018

Guardamar newlywed stabbed to death by wife Murdered after just two weeks of marriage

osé Luis, a 69-year-old retired truck driver who was born in Santander but who lived in Guardamar del Segura, was stabbed to death on Monday night in Alicante by his wife , a 45year-old wheelchair bound woman that he married on August 4 in Sax, together with her carer, a 58year-old man.

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Street cleaning is the worst ranked service in the city with just 72% of the population dissatisfied.

This was the fourth marriage of the detainee, while, according to sources, the deceased lost his wife several months ago. The assault took place at half past ten on Monday in a car park on Calle Sol Naciente, in the Alicante district of Albufereta. The three had arranged to meet with everything indicating that the couple had planned to kill José Luis. They wore gloves and hats but the attack was seen

A policemen witnessed the murder from a hill overlooking the car park

Alicante is the 2nd dirtiest city in Spain A report issued by the Observatory of Urban Services reveals that 72% of the people in Alicante are dissatisfied with the cleanliness in the city

The victim went to Alicante after being invited to a "romantic dinner" for his wife, but in reality it was an assignation that cost him his life. The pair had been married for just two weeks. The two assailants were caught and detained by a national police officer who was off duty at the time but who witnessed the crime. He alerted his colleagues and after a struggle with one of the aggressors he was joined by a police patrol which was able to make the arrests. Although the detainee was wheeling a wheelchair at the time of the stabbing, she was seen standing during the crime. As such the investigators consider that she does not have a serious disability that prevents her from walking. In fact, a friend of the victim acknowledged on Monday that the deceased told him that the detainee simulated her disability so that she was able to collect compensation for an accident. The victim was assaulted with a screwdriver who was stabbed in his chest and his neck. He lost a great deal of blood so despite the intervention of the officer, nothing could be done to save his life. The crime is now being jointly investigated by agents of the Violent Crime Group of the Judicial Police Brigade and the Scientific Police Brigade. A friend of the victim said that the marriage between the victim and the alleged aggressor was one of convenience, but as José Luis was only in receipt of a very small pension the reason for the attack is unknown.

from the top of a hill overlooking the car park by an agent of the Provincial Scientific Police Brigade who was walking along Avda Villajoyosa. Hearing the screams and seeing the assault he began to run to the scene while reporting the attack to the National Police. The agent shouted at the assailants as he ran toward the incident. Once he got down to the parking lot, he found the two alleged killers assaulting the victim with a screwdriver to his neck and chest. The policeman began a struggle with the man and prevented any further stabbing. On the arrival of agents from the Motorcycle Group of the Provincial Civil Security Brigade the couple were overpowered and subsequently arrested. They were both transferred to the Provincial Police Station. It is thought that the two killers were going to move the body of Jose Luis in the back of their van as the police found the back doors of the vehicle wide open with blankets inside the boot.

The municipal public services in the city of Alicante satisfy only 59% of the residents, 11% more than last year, but still below the Spanish average of 64%. This is reflected in the second Public Services Satisfaction Survey, promoted by the Observatory of Urban Services (OSUR). The study, carried out by 5,137 people, reveals that the services that show greater satisfaction are water and public transport, with increases of 11% and 8% respectively, and both with a 71% rating of of satisfied respondents.

However, street cleaning is the worst ranked service (28% satisfaction and 72% dissatisfaction) with, of the cities analysed, the second worst rated, only behind Jerez de la Frontera with 27% of satisfaction. Alicante residents especially disapprove of the cleaning up of animal droppings (87% dissatisfaction). They also have high rates of discontent for the cleanliness of pavements and streets (75% dissatisfaction) and the frequency with which these tasks are performed (68% dissatisfaction). The results of this second issue of the Barometer are the result of an annual survey that seeks to reflect the opinion of residents about the municipal public services in the 30 most populated cities in the country: Madrid,

Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza, Malaga, Alcalá de Henares, Alicante, Badalona, Bilbao, Cartagena, Cordoba, A Coruña, Elche, Gijón, Granada, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Jerez de la Frontera, Móstoles, Murcia, Oviedo, Palma de Mallorca, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Pamplona, Sabadell, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Terrassa, Valladolid, Vigo and Vitoria. Accounting for all municipal services, Alicante ranks 21st overall. The ranking shows and improvement with water supply and public transport, so that, in the national rating, Alicante has gone from the second to last place in the list, in the year 2017, to 21st this year.

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Orihuela finds 1,200 extra police hours to tackle illegal traders What we now have is a ‘stand off’ between the manteros and the police as they hover around watching each other. As soon at the police move off to deal with another incident the traders are quickly out with their goods.

fter months and months of criticism, constant complaints and protests, the Orihuela government has finally budgeted additional police hours to tackle the illegal trading that takes place every night of the week along the 700 metres of the Aguamarina Promenade in Cabo Roig. Following efforts by the Costa Blanca Leader and the Spanish newspaper, Diario Informacion, alongside the local community Group FAOC, it is understood that the local council has allocated 1,200 additional hours so that the Policia Local can provide one further patrol during the working week and an additional two patrols at weekends. The situation with regard to the illegal traders has been particularly problematic during the summer months, especially since the clampdown in Torrevieja, with upwards of 50 ‘looky looky men’ setting themselves up every night of the week along the Cabo Roig strip. The number increases significantly at weekends when the problem brings with it a significant number who also deal in drugs. The Manteros display their products right in front of the shops, bars and restaurants, along what is the largest commercial area on the Orihuela coast, which has caused additional complaints from the merchants and hospitality associations that are reporting a loss in sales during the summer months of around 20%.

It is also known that when the manteros are approached by the legally operating traders and asked to move off their forecourts they often issue threats and there is evidence of broken windows and other damage taking place as a result. The police reinforcement has already been noticeable during the last few days with a patrol car and a police van placed on the Paseo de Aguamarina every night. The presence of the six additional agents is ensuring that the manteros are no longer able to set up their merchandise on the pavements, which allows a better transit of pedestrians up and down the walkway.

Currently, however, the sellers do not go very far, watching the movements of the police officers who occasionally have to leave the area to deal with other incidents. As might be expected, as soon as they drive off in their police vehicles the ‘looky looky men’ are quickly out with their never ending supply of well-known, but counterfeit brands, of sports shoes, tshirts, polo shirts, handbags, watches and sunglasses. The Federation of Associations of Orihuela Costa (FAOC) has asked that the police confiscate the illegal items, as have the merchants and hoteliers Business Association, OC Avanza and the Cabo Roig Strip Commerce Association, something that the police seem loathe to do!

Moncloa Palace opens its doors to the general public

s from September, visits to Moncloa Palace will no longer be restricted to groups of schoolchildren and university students but will be opened up to all members of the general public. Anyone wishing to see the complex that accomodates the President of the Government of Spain and the rooms where the meetings of the Council of Ministers take place, will be able to do so thanks to the initiative launched under the Open Moncloa Programme. The Moncloa Palace Complex cannot be a site that is sealed off to the general public as this heritage belongs to all Spaniards and, as such, should be open to everyone. This is the philosophy adopted by the new government of Pedro Sánchez and its

response to a wish from the public calling for a more open approach, closer ties with the public and greater transparency. To that end, the Government has launched this new programme that seeks to respond to that public’s open-door demand from their representatives. Open Moncloa will get underway in September with one weekly visit open to the general public. It will consist of a guided tour around the complex and its gardens, including visits to the buildings that house the Council of Ministers and the State Secretariat for Communication where the weekly press briefings are held after the Council of Ministers meetings. Spaces will be limited and prior bookings will be required via an online form that will soon be available on the website at www.lamoncloa.gob.es.

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ust an hour’s drive south from Torrevieja, away from the highrise buildings and tailbacks and from the summer’s traffic, the true splendours of the area are seen in the form of vast open countryside. Farmers attending to their crops and herds of cattle being rounded up after a day of grazing.

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The Tomas Maestre Marina is one of the biggest in Spain

It is worth a trip to La Manga if not just for the drive, and the N-332 goes through the picturesque villages of San Pedro del Pinatar and San Javier, both worthy of a closer look. The resort of La Manga, located on the Costa Calida coastline of Murcia, is actually a narrow strip of land some 28 kilometres in length, having an average width of just 300 metres. It belongs to the municipalities of Cartagena in its southern part and San Javier in its northern part, which have constituted a consortium to administer the area. The isthmus north of the Estacio canal is a protected area called Salinas y Arenales of San Pedro del Pinatar that gives continuity to the coastline and forms part of the municipality of San Pedro del Pinatar . On reaching La Manga itself the area take you back to the joys of beach-life. La Manga’s strip is home to thousands of apartments and restaurants and enjoys some spectacular long stretches of golden coastline and yet it is surprisingly very quiet out of the main summer season, perfect for those now desperately awaiting the end of August and the return of the tourists back home, whether it be Madrid or Manchester! La Manga (which means “The Sleeve”) forms the inland sea known as the Mar Menor (“Lesser sea”), which is peppered with some of the finest seaside resorts in the region. The Tomas Maestre Marina is one of the biggest in Spain, providing berths for around 2000 leisure boats of all shapes and sizes, making it an ideal playground for the rich and famous. Probably best known for its La Manga Club sports and leisure resort, it was an unspoilt stretch of coastline until discovered by the tourism industry during the 1960’s. La Manga is now lined with hundreds of high-rise apartment blocks and hotels and attracts many thousands of visitors, especially during the summer months (June to September). Winters in La Manga are generally much quieter. Lapped by water on both sides, the Mar Menor on one side and the

Mediterranean Sea on the other, La Manga was formed during the Tertiary Period, some 10 million years ago, when folds of rock made the large basin now known as the Mar Menor. Maps of 1482 and 1562 showed the Mar Menor as an open bay on the Mediterranean, a subsequent process of sand accumulation during the ensuing centuries completed the current form of the isthmus. A burial site at the southern entrance to La Manga (La Amoladeras) gives evidence of early inhabitants in prehistory, possibly fishing communities. Later the Phoenicians were known to have settled along this coast, establishing trading posts on their Mediterranean shipping route. As the Carthaginians and then the Romans took control of the region, La Manga became part of what was then called Hispania, an area stretching right up the east coast to the Pyrenees. The Romans were followed by the Visigoths and then the Moors, and it was the Moors who introduced their unique fishing techniques to the Mar Menor (some of which are still implemented today), and also agricultural methods from the deserts of North Africa, enabling surrounding districts to be cultivated. The Moors were finally driven out of the region in the 13th century, but those who replaced them lived in constant fear of reprisals from Berber pirates, and from the 13th to 15th centuries, the area became almost totally de-populated. Watchtowers were built along the coast to warn of impending attacks (the remains of many still exist) and communities were built close to these towers to enjoy their protection During these times the area was visited only occasionally by fishermen, hunting their prey along the coast, the area was mostly a refuge for various sea creatures and wildlife, in particular sea turtles, who laid their eggs in the golden sand.

The Puente del Estacio bascule bridge

Formerly owned by the state, La Manga went on sale by public auction in 1863, to raise money for a bankrupt government, and it was purchased by a group of developers. Very little change was made to La Manga until the 1960’s, when descendants of the original purchasers decided to develop the strip of land on a model of the Costa del Sol in Andalucia. Permission was given by the town councils

Simply relax as you overlook one of La Manga’s world class golf courses

with little consideration for environmental protection or aesthetics, and much consideration for financial gain, uncontrolled development subsequently blighting what could have been a much more attractive resort. Thus La Manga began to grow, with early low-rise constructions being overshadowed by high-rise apartment blocks and hotels as foundations were sunk ever deeper into the subsurface rock. La Manga’s tourist boom began and has continued to the present day. Despite all this La Manga is a popular and well-loved resort with many kilometres of wonderful sandy beaches, some fantastic amenities, superb bars and restaurants and terrific sports and water sports facilities. But of course no trip to La Manga would be complete without a trip to the infamous Hyatt Regency. The star-studded La Manga Club is a 1400 acre sporting paradise that has been visited by sporting stars of today and tomorrow. There are miles of stunning trails to walk or ride and it is easy to get lost in the grounds passing by three of the finest golf courses in Europe, spa centre, tennis courts, casino and restaurants and bars. It may be just a few miles away from the humble Spanish villages that are scattered along the N-332 but it seems like a world away. La Manga airport driving distances: Murcia (San Javier) airport to La Manga is a driving distance of 40 kilometres (25 miles), Alicante airport to La Manga is a driving distance of 129 kilometres (80 miles).

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000913:

000909:

NEW INSTRUCTION

Monday 27th August - Sunday 3rd September, 2018

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QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS QUICK ACROSS: 7 Obese; 8 Thirsty; 9 Vitriol; 10 Dirge; 12 Changeable; 15 Antagonise; 18 Tiara; 19 Gallant; 21 Netball; 22 River. DOWN: 1 Conversant; 2 Heats; 3 Semi; 4 Stolen; 5 Kindness; 6 Ascribe;

Elementary;

Hogmanay; 14 Straits; 16 Niggle; 17 Waive; 20 Lord. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 7 Rolls; 8 Ebbtide; 9 Stuarts; 10 Optic; 12 Stonemason; 15 Tolerantly; 18 Santa; 19 Tillers; 21 Console; 22 Satin. DOWN: 1 Prospectus; 2 Claus; 3 Tsar; 4 Lessen; 5 Abnormal; 6 Fittest; 11 Conversant; 13 Tarragon; 14 Planing; 16 Netted; 17 Lento; 20 Last.

Undeterred by P.E. diets, perhaps? (7)

A first-class landlord? (7,6)

Guillotine a barber? (7)

Just arid areas? (7)

A model employer? (6)

13. Given protection, being cautious (7) 14. Rum's not used to make patent medicine (7) 15. Put in charge again? (6) 16. Watch the old boy put the ball in play (7) 17. Flexible material, though not the laciest! (7)

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

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

QUIZ ANSWERS

Swagger (7)

Irksome (7)

Show unity (5,8)

Docile (7)

Diverge (7)

Negligent (6)

13.

Mime (7)

14.

Apprehensive (7)

15.

Frank (6)

16.

Kernel (7)

17.

Nestle (7)

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

DOWN 2. Its meals are late! (7) 3.

DOWN

1. What is the world's third largest island? 2. Corporals Henshaw and Barbella report to which sergeant? 3. What are or were The Adena, Cayuga, Haida and Nootka? 4. Traditional wedding anniversaries what's given on the twelfth? 5. What are Grenadier, Idared and Ellison's Orange types of? 6. Who fought at the battles of Bastia, Calvi and Toulon? 7. A numismatist collects coins and what else? 8. Where could you spend a Kyat? 9. In what series of stories did Inspector Lestrade appear? 10. Name the home city of the US football team nicknamed Falcons? 11. Hymen in Greek, Genius in Roman, Gods of what? 12. A philomath has a love of what? 13. What trade did Bonito, Calico Jack, and Dick Hatteraick follow? 14. "Wings of Desire", a foreign film remade as what (with Nicolas Cage)? 15. Which book of The Bible is also a title of a Bob Marley album? 16. The Romans called it Eboracum name this English city? 17. In England what can be private, public or approved?

18. In what traditional entertainment does the dog Toby appear? 19. Thanatos in Greek, Mors in Roman, Gods of what? 20. Robin, Rugby and Simple appear in which Shakespeare play? 21. Sam Weller was whose servant in a Dickens book? 22. Dandy Dinmont, Bedlington, Sealyham are what types of dog? 23. What is extracted from the ore caserite? 24. John Palmer is buried in York under what better known name? 25. In what country would you be rich in Leu? 26. What fruit can be Red, Black or White? 27. Churchill, Iroquois, Owen and Smiths are all what? 28. A company called Symbol owns the patent to what common item? 29. What famous landmark can you find on Mount Cook? 30. Every twelve seconds in the USA someone does what in a Holiday Inn?

Steals a towel

Merry Wives of Windsor, 21. Samuel

Sherlock Holmes, 10. Atlanta, 11.

Bar Code, 29. Hollywood sign, 30.

Punch and Judy, 19. Death, 20. The

Nelson, 7. Medals, 8. Burma, 9.

cy, 26. Currants, 27. Waterfalls, 28.

Exodus, 16. York, 17. Schools, 18.

tribes, 4. Silk, 5. Apples, 6. Horatio

Dick Turpin, 25. Rumanian curren-

13. Pirates, 14. City of Angels, 15.

Indian

North

Pickwick, 22. Terriers, 23. Tin, 24.

Fertility and Marriage, 12. Learning,

1. Borneo, 2. Sergeant Bilko, 3.

American

native

ACROSS 1. Testimony of the French in show (8) 5. A police department that's sour (4) 9. Woeful cry from a girl, say (4) 10. False encouragement before credit notes (8) 11. Dog that is famous in science (5) 12. Accident-prone excursionist (7) 13. Do they also cater for private customers? (7,6) 18. Acquitted the seaman having found the right answer (8) 19. He won't go out with his workmates (4) 20. Stepped back around a person sleeping (7) 21. Box to trace out (5) 22. Title of pantomime? (4) 23. Bearing gifts, say? (8)

ACROSS 1. Obscure (8) 5. Rushed (4) 9. Hairless (4) 10. Hesitant (8) 11. Principal (5) 12. Trickle (7) 13. Awareness (13) 18. Ordered (8) 19. Cudgel (4) 20. Annul (7) 21. Shelf (5) 22. Otherwise (4) 23. Exchange (8)

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‘ Tw i t t e rs f ro m t h e A t l a n t i c ’ 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.

UK Pensions were kept deliberately low in order to encourage people to make their own provision for old age. In order to be eligible, the applicant had to be of “good character”, earn less than 31 pounds ten shillings a year and have been a UK resident for at least 20 years. There were other conditions too, such as not being convicted of drunkenness, not held in prison or a ‘lunatic asylum’ or habitually out of work; they were harsh times.

recently came across many pensioners protesting in the capital city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This protest was just one taking place in a hundred Spanish cities to raise the plight of pensioners in society.

As a result, many Spanish pensioners are responsible for supporting their families, as many of whom continue to live with their parents during troubled financial times. It is within this context that Spanish pensions are seen as necessary to support the wider family and not just a single person or a couple. Incidents such as this often trigger memories from my childhood, and this encounter was no exception. My memory went back to returning home from primary school one day, and complaining bitterly to my mother about my pocket money. When compared to the

by Barrie Mahoney The first non-contributory British pension began in January 1909. The weekly pension was five shillings each week (25 pence) paid to all people over the age of 70, and 7 shillings and sixpence paid to married couples. Five shillings (25p) is about £20 in today's value, but measured by the increase in average earnings it is more like £112, which is less than the current basic state pension of around £130.00 weekly.

The Great Spain Pension Robbery

Most Spanish pensioners complain that their pensions do not give them enough to live on. Average pensions in Spain are around 1100 euros each month, with the general pension at around 950 euros, which seems generous when compared to UK pensions. Crude comparisons between the two countries are unreliable, since the level of unemployment in Spain continues to be very high, whereas it is very low in the UK.

“Don’t tell your mother”.

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.

In the Canary Islands, hundreds of people took to the streets in La Laguna in Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to ask for support in their ongoing struggle to preserve the public pension system. Pensioners are protesting against the actions of the previous government, and complaining that it had raided the country’s pension funds in order to bail out the Spanish banks during the financial crisis.

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A man collecting his first pension in 1909. amount that my friends told me they received, the amount I was given was miserly and I made my feelings very clear. Overhearing the fuss that was going on, my elderly grandfather, who was staying with us at the time, quietly took me to one side and asked why I thought I deserved any pocket money at all. I remember giving him a list of reasons, which he carefully listened to, before telling me that he never received any pocket money. His father had died when he was very young and my grandfather had to work from a very young age in order to keep the family together. He remembered the sheer joy and appreciation when he received his very first “Old Age Pension”, as it was called at that time. The pension was five shillings each week, which for many pensioners meant the difference between basic survival or being forced to live in the workhouse. Lecture over, my grandfather patted me on the head, put his hand in his pocket and handed me some coins with his usual comment of

Back to the protests in Spain, which were intended to remind everyone that the pensioners’ demands are everyone’s business. These protestors are highlighting the problems faced by pensioners in Spain, such as loss of purchasing power that leaves them feeling helpless. They were also asking for the repeal of reforms in the labour market, which they claim has led to unstable employment opportunities for young people. Government proposals to promote private pension funds are described as privatisation of the public pension system ‘by the back door’. Looking after the well-being of older people is one of the elements that constitutes a civilised society. Although these issues are within different cultural contexts, the struggles by pensioners in both Spain and the UK have a similar resonance, which is fairness and a desire to be heard. 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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Earth continues to move but the Alicante Municipalities do not There are still no earthquake plans in place within the Alicante Province

he earth continues to move, but the municipalities do not. The province of Alicante, one of the areas in the country with the greatest seismic risk, recently suffered the largest earthquake in the last 58 years, with the epicenter between Crevillente and Albatera reaching a magnitude on the Richter scale of 4.3. Although the earthquake did not cause structural damage or injuries, it did create a surge of anxiety and even fear amongst a large part of the population. And neither has it been the only scare in the region of Alicante so far this year: between July 26 and August 2 there were six minor tremors in the Marina Alta, which, reminded everyone living in the area of the risks that they face on a daily basis. Despite this situation, the dangers are being ignored by the local authorities: not a single municipality in the province has emergency plans to deal with earthquakes, despite them being required by law. Nor has any comparable plan been prepared in any town or village in the Province of Valencia, according to the Emergency and Security Agency of the Generalitat. The Leader Newspaper has already reported on the shortcomings of the Emergency Plans in this regard back in 2016. Specific plans are mandatory in all 327 municipal districts of the Valencian Community, of which 136 belong to the province of Alicante and 191 to Valencia. In all of them, earthquakes of intensity

equal to, or greater than, grade VII (EMS) are said to be possible. Grade VII on the European macro seismic scale is considered "likely to cause damage". When such quakes occur "most people get scared and rush outside, the furniture moves and objects can fall off surfaces. In addition, "many ordinary buildings suffer moderate damage such as small cracks in the walls, or partial collapse. Experts say that the five regions with the greatest risk of seismic hazard (up to 9.5 degrees on the Richter scale) in the Province are located in the Vega Baja: Torrevieja, Rojales, Los Montesinos, Benijófar and Formentera del Segura. Then, to an intensity of 9 degrees, in addition to the city of Orihuela, there is Elche and Crevillente. As for the rest of the Province, Alcoy, Alicante and Villena face a risk of 8 degrees and Benidorm, Dénia and Elda, of 7.5. Although the experts say that earthquakes, such as the one that occurred in Albatera, are not a sign of an impending catastrophe, the Generalitat's plan does consider that "the seismic danger is maximum in the province of Alicante” while in Valencia there is a “medium danger” and in Castellón the index is of "little relevance". The Generalitat says that all municipalities need to be involved and

that earthquake plans are important because every single municipality can be directly affected at any time or, if not, they could be required to supply the material and human resources that are needed to respond to an emergency situation in a neighbouring town. The municipal plans should serve to organise security bodies and social agencies when an earthquake occurs, delimit the most affected areas, locate and mobilise the resources necessary to face the emergency situation and inform the local population. In November Torrevieja will host a simulation of an earthquake emergency in which local services will be involved, including the Security Agency of the Generalitat, the Military Emergency Unit, Fire Department and the Government Sub-delegation. It is hoped that such plans will never be put into action in a ‘live situation’ but as long as the possibility exists, the plans need to be in place, as well as being regularly rehearsed and practised.

Is Life A Pain? Want some relief? Get your body into harmony with Body Harmony and notice the difference Why not consider becoming a Reiki Practitioner and share your gift with others or you may like to learn Indian Head Massage which is as rewarding to give as to receive. Consider learning to be a Reflexology Practioner to help balance the whole body, or even learn to give Hopi Ear Candling treatments. Are you someone who would like to connect to Archangel Michael and be able to pass His energy to others or even attend my Angel workshops that will connect you to our angels and use their wonderful energy.

hristine Quinlan is an experienced and certified practitioner and also and Reiki Master/Teacher so at Body Harmony you are able to choose treatments from Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Reiki and Angelic Reiki, Bowen Technique and Hopi Ear Candling.

Also offered are angel workshops on a regular basis and from October, there will be monthly workshops when you will be able to connect with and work with ALL angels

As well the choices of treatments, holistic courses are available in Reflexology, Reiki, Indian Head Massage and Hopi Ear Candling…so if you want to learn a new skill or offer a new therapy to your existing clients, then Body Harmony is here for you .

Body Harmony is based in La Marina so if you would like any information about treatments or courses, please contact Christine Quinlan on 966 795 103 or check out my website – www.bodyharmonytherapies.co.uk and email to bodyharmony44@gmail.com

My approach is Holistic so just imagine for a few moments of the effect that a Reflexology treatment will give that will revitalise the circulation, remove mental stress and leave you relaxed but alert, drained of tension and better able to cope with the day. So enjoy a skilful pressure massage to the reflex zones of the feet to relax and invigorate the physiology of the body with a Reflexology treatment. You may even need an ideal stress busting treatment for all those aching shoulders, tight necks, tension headaches, eye strain and lack of concentration with an Indian Head Massage. Reiki is a hands-on healing technique that involves channelling the flow of Life Force energy through the body to encourage healing, detoxification and rebalancing and bring you back to the here and now. As it works on all levels of our being, Reiki provides a powerful tool to growth and personal transformation. Everyone can learn Reiki.

All that is needed is a willingness to connect to this form of Life Force energy. Do you have a back problem, a shoulder problem, maybe sciatica or just some niggles here and there? Then the Bowen Technique may be right for you. This is a very straightforward, no-nonsense remedial therapy that is non-invasive, very gentle and very effective and works on the energy channels, and is very effective. Hopi Ear Candling is an ancient, mild and natural therapy that helps with Ear wax build-up, Sinusitis, Tinnitus, Rhinitis, Snoring, Migraines and Headaches, pressure problems from flying and many more.

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FAOC incorporates Punta Prima and La Florida A

t a meeting in the Lomas de Cabo Roig Drop in Centre on Saturday afternoon the Federation of Associations of the Orihuela Costa (FAOC) has welcomed two more neighborhood associations into its ever increasing fold, residents and owners of the Punta Prima and La Florida Neighbourhood Associations, increasing the number of residents groups now represented by FAOC to nine.

FAOC now represent 80% of the residents who live on the Oriolan coast

With the addition of the two new alliances FAOC now represent 80% of the residents who live on the Oriolan coast, which continues to be largely ignored by the municipal government. The two new groups will join those of Villamartín, Playa de la Glea, Cabo Roig and Lomas de Cabo Roig, Las Filipinas, Dehesa de Campoamor, Altos del Pinar and Calas de Campoamor. The meeting dealt with issues related to the shortcomings denounced by the residents of Orihuela Costa, especially in terms of cleaning and collection of garden waste and rubbish, as well as poor security, with just a single patrol of the Local Police in summer for the entire coast, completion of La Zenia Emergency Centre, and the lack of road

signs across the region. FAOC spokesman, Tomás Moreno, said that “the participation at the meeting of residents of so many urbanisations is able to provided us with a panoramic view of what is happening across the whole of the Orihuela Costa, and with the increase of the number of associations from 7 to 9 we now represent 80% of the population of the area”. With its representativeness, the Federation

of Associations now has even more strength in order to put pressure on the Orihuela City Council to solve the numerous deficiencies that they continually denounce. "We are sure that adding to the strength of all those who want to join with us will make that easier to achieve," said Moreno, who appealed all residents of Orihuela Costa "to become part of their neighbourhood association in order to process their complaints".

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Car and Vehicle Sales The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2015 Ford CMax Diesel which is on Special Offer priced at just 15,499 euro. Come along to our showroom in Elche and see our vast range of used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. The biggest and best for price, choice and quality. Clasicos Legendarios have the following used vehicles for sale: Jaguar XKR 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 20th September 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. RNA - With effect from 5th September 2018 the Royal Naval Association will meet at El Paraiso Restaurant behind Carrefour in Torrevieja at the new time of 3pm on the first Wednesday of every month. For more info please contact the secretary, Margaret Forshaw, on 966 92 1996 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.

Monday 27th August - Sunday 3rd September, 2018

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 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 2.30pm.

4th Sunday in the month (and on the 5th Sunday, if this applies.) On the 1st and 3rd Sunday’s our Services are at 9.30 am. Our choir sings at our 11.15 am Services and there is also a Sunday School, Stepping Stones, on these Sundays. We welcome residents, visitors and children. For information see our website www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org or phone Pastor Keith on 666 180 108 The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) in Torrevieja meet at 10.00 each Sunday in their chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. All Welcome. You can phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 667 533 597.. International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja - Evangelical nondenominational church. All nationalities welcome. Sunday service 11.0 a.m.; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11.0 a.m. Church Bible Study: Thursday 1.30 p.m. House groups in Torrevieja, La Siesta – Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. For other church matters: Phone: 966 799 273 / 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. www.icatorrevieja.org

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

Torrevieja Brazilian mature lady. The best massage, relax, tantra, anti-stress. I also do body and intimate waxing, manicures,

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pedicures, and facial cleansing and rejuvenation. Me and my silky hands are the perfect combination. Call Victoria on 687 131 005. Torrevieja. Shirley - the best massage. Tanned, young Latina beauty! Stunning figure, great breasts. I welcome you alone in my sexy lingerie. By appointment please.655 677 738 Sexy, elegant Spanish lady. Playa Flamenca. Punta Prima. Private house. Erotic massage. All services. From €40. Call Ana on 657 603 495. Speak English. Male and female Viagra, Cialis, Cialis Kamagra jellies mail order cash on delivery call 604 385 476 viagra4you19@gmail.com

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

Ref: 000828 Torrevieja First floor apartment, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 300m from the sea, terrace with open view, 50m2 living area. 94.000 euro. Reference: 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.

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Reference: 000879 Ref: 000879

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

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Monday 27th August - Sunday 3rd September, 2018

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Van Gogh Alive - The Experience in Alicante

he exhibition “Van Gogh Alive – The Experience” will take place in Alicante from 13 September to 16 December 2018.

Whilst on tour this has been the most visited multimedia and multisensory exhibition in the world and it can now be enjoyed in Alicante. Created by the Australian company "Grande Exhibitions", the experience combines 3,000 images in movement, light and music in a unique and unforgettable approach to the the work and personality of the great genius of painting. After its Spanish premiere in Seville, the Lonja del Pescado de Alicante is the second stop on the Spanish tour of 'Van Gogh Alive - The Experience', organized by Nomad Art, which so far has visited more than 80 cities around the world attracting more than five million people through its doors.. To ensure an enjoyable visit for all people, access to the exhibition is organised in one-hour slots.

When buying tickets, you must select the day and time that you want to visit the exhibition. In times of high public attendance (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) queues can produce an estimated waiting time of 35-45 minutes. The exhibition is suitable for all audiences, adults and children alike, who will wander through the galleries, exploring hidden corners, observing works of art and discovering unique perspectives. You are sure to find the experience a great deal of fun, educational and full of charm. Visits on weekdays will enjoy a discount on the price. There will also be discounted prices for children, students, people with disabilities, people over 65 and the unemployed. There are also special offers for families and groups. Sala de Exposiciones de la Lonja del Pescado, Alicante, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 10pm, Sunday 10am to 7pm. Monday closed. Tickets: www.vangogh.es

“The Experience” has visited more than 80 cities and attracted over 5 million people

Original Calendar Girl Tricia Stewart, is visiting the area next month

Meet the Calendar Girl

ACTS are thrilled to announce that Tricia Stewart, the original Calendar Girl ‘Chris’, is flying to Spain to promote our production of Calendar Girls being staged on October 18th – 20th at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio.

She will be attending two functions in her honour, where she will entertain us with her account of the ‘the real calendar girls’ and their lives since the famous calendar was released and became a worldwide phenomenon. If you would like to attend either event and meet Tricia, the full details are: Saturday 8th September. Lunch at Portobello Kitchen, Villamartin - 2pm start. €20 per person to include a 3 course lunch-

eon and the first drink. Entrance will be by ticket only. Contact Alison Clough by email: alisonc2345@gmail.com Thursday, 13th September.

Gala Dinner at Restaurante La Cosecha, Benijofar - 7:30pm start. €25 per person, including a 3 course dinner with 1/2 bottle of wine, small beer or soft drink. Entrance will be by ticket only. Contact Sue Stabler by email: johnandsuestabler@hotmail.com Collection of ticket monies, issue of ticket and menu choices will be arranged by the organiser of each. Don’t miss out on these unique events.

RBL Members from Hondon Valley recreate historic pilgrimage of 1928 M

ore than 2,200 standard bearers and wreath layers paid tribute to the fallen

Members of the Hondón Valley Branch of The Royal British Legion joined thousands of Armed Forces veterans and supporters from across the UK and worldwide in a pilgrimage of remembrance to some of WW1’s most poignant sites. A spectacular two-mile march through Ypres to the Commonwealth War Grave Commission’s Menin Gate Memorial, led by 1,100 Standard Bearers, was the culmination of the three day event which saw the 2,200 participants visit the WW1 trenches, battlefields and cemeteries of France and Belgium. Mr Roger Kingham and Mr Neil Pavitt attended the Great Pilgrimage 90 as representatives of Hondón Valley Branch, as a Standard Bearer and wreath layer respectively. Mr Neil Pavitt, Parade Marshal District North Spain, a member of the Hondón Valley Branch said “Being part of such an historic event and representing my Branch in com-

memorating those that lost their lives in the First World War, was an honour and something I will never forget.”

Mass Standards at the Menin Gate

Roger Kingham with the Hondon Valley Standard

The Branch Chairman, Ian McNeil said “The Branch members are extremely proud that Neil and Roger represented the Hondon Valley Branch in this event, recreating the Great Pilgrimage of 1928 and were also able to visit various cemeteries, museums and trenches.” Bob Gamble, The Royal British Legion’s Head of Commemorative Events, said: “GP90, was the Legion’s biggest membership event in modern history and is a suitable tribute from the members of The Royal British Legion in honour of the First World War generation, echoing the way the British Legion community commemorated the 10th anniversary of the conflict in 1928.” For more info: www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/hondonvalley or email the secretary on: hondonvalley.secretary@rbl.community.

The wreath laying ceremony

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Torrevieja bathers want more lifeguard hours The lifeguard service on Torrevieja beaches starts at eleven in the morning and ends at seven in the evening. This will continue until the end of September. However, for many users the schedule is insufficient. Much of the coastline is full of sunbathers far earlier than eleven o'clock and remains so until almost sunset, currently 8.45 in the evening. But where we Brits have become used to sunbeds by the pool which are covered with a towel, here on the Costa Blanca, from very early in the morning, the beach seafront is often monopolised by rows of vacant umbrellas, so much so that the Torrevieja council is now issuing fines. With such offences now included in the municipal ordinances, council officials are usually out very early in the morning and removing vacant umbrellas and chairs. Where they are able to identify the owner they are also issuing fines. A council spokesman said that this situation is particularly prevalent on Playa del Cura and Los Locos beaches.

Woman injured following 3 metre fall in Torrevieja cove A 53-year-old woman from Madrid was injured on Saturday morning when she fell into a rocky area in the Torre de la Higuera de Torrevieja. The victim suffered leg injuries that required the attention of the rescue services as she was unable to leave the area because she was immobilised. They add that beaches cannot be reserved in this way and neither are the beach cleaning services able to carry out their task because of the placement of the umbrellas, sunbeds and chairs. However both tourists and residents are asking why such procedures cant be carried out by lifeguards. The money saved in paying additional hours for council officials would be better used employing the socorristas who would serve the additional purpose of assessing the state of the sea, raising the appropriate flags and supervising anyone who is taking an early dip. Already this summer there have been two deaths by drowning prior to 11 am The councillor of beaches, Javier Manzanares (PSOE), said that he too would like to see additional hours for the lifeguards but that any extension of the schedule would have a significant impact on the annual cost of the contract, something that would be difficult to fund at this present time. He added that neighboring municipalities have a similar schedule that guarantees the best assistance in the event of any emergency during the peak hours of the day, when more people are enjoying themselves on the beaches.

The victim tried to climb down to the sea but she slipped and fell onto the rocks from a height of about 3 metres causing an injury to her left knee as well as bruises to the shoulder and other parts of the body.

The woman remained conscious but immobile until the arrival of the rescue and emergency teams. She was attended by firefighters from Torrevieja fire station, beach lifeguards, Local Police and the Civil Guard. There was also a SAMU ambulance on standby, into which she was moved following her rescue. Her injuries were said not to be serious she was moved the Torrevieja Hospital, where she is said to be stable.

MABS gaining strength in Torrevieja ‘’We wish we had known about your earlier’’ this comment seems to occur most frequently in our conversations with the families that have been introduced to MABS when someone is suffering from Cancer. We are throughout the Costa Blanca but the Torrevieja branch is growing and gaining from strength to strength. MABS originated as a Breast cancer support group but has grown into an organisation that deals with all forms of cancer, and can offer guidance and assistance to the patient and their families. In addition to translation services and treatment transport MABS have a range of equipment available to make life easier, such as specialist beds, lifting hoists, commodes and mobility aids. Most important is that each patient is treated with dignity and concern and individually counselled to ascertain their special needs. The earlier that the patient and MABS are in contact the more beneficial that contact can be. In Calle Santander, Torrevieja, (near the Parque de Naciones) MABS are expanding their shop to make available a better range of nearly new and second hand clothes and a dedicated furniture showroom where an ever changing supply of tables, chairs, beds and wardrobes can be discovered. The shop is open from 10am till 2pm each weekday and free parking nearby is available; our assistants will help you chose from the wide selection available. In fact, why not spare a few hours and join us as one of our assistants and meet lots of new people. Call 602 648 486 In addition to the shop funds for the MABS Foundation are raised through donations and special events such as those in August at Amigos Bar in Los Dolses ( 951.88 Euros) and Jillys Bar in Algorfa (800 euros). We can help you organise a special event for the benefit of MABS with your organisation, call 626 460 465 to discuss.

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Las Ramblas Golf Society By Peter Reffell Our week started with a two ball better ball competition. Some great scores but taking top slot with 46 points was Rachael Leckey and Nigel Price. It was quite noticeable that Rachael ‘came in’ on 13 of the 18 holes! I would imagine her shoulders were aching afterwards! Wednesday’s stableford had a ‘twist in the tail’ this week as each player had to select just five clubs and a putter with which to complete their round. At this point modesty should prevail (but it’s not going to as I’m unlikely to ever repeat it!) I won with 45 points beating the previous record for this competition by four shots! Clearly playing with half a bag of clubs suits my game.

Monday 27th August - Sunday 3rd September, 2018

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San Miguel Golf Society at Lo Romero Getting up at 6am to play a round of golf is a sign of commitment or desperation to escape one’s partner for most of the day. The 8.30 shotgun start at Lo Romero began in glorious sunshine and a strong, swirling breeze. Those starting on picturesque hole 18, its green completely surrounded by water, were aided by a tailwind that should have resulted in them attacking the most difficult hole on the course. Sadly, cowardice trumped courage in most cases.

The results, by category and in reverse order, were the following: Bronze Category: 4th Chris Hamblett (33), 3rd Willie Fenn (34), 2nd Brian Butler (34 on CB) and 1st Kyree Skarsmoen (36) Silver Category: 4th Paddy Diskin (35), 3rd Gerald Bannon (35 on CB), 2nd Brian Mulligan (36), and 1st Hugh Reilly (39) Gold Category: 4th John Humphreys (34), 3rd John Osborne (35), 2nd Theo Boelhouwer (38), and 1st Tony Smale (42)

As always, Lo Romero was in excellent overall condition bar the odd woolly green; little wonder the course is one of the most popular on the society’s circuit.

Nearest the pins on the par 3’s went to Gerald Harwood, Phil de Lacey and Paul Griffin, the winners handed prizes by the sponsor, Mick Roscoe, of The Property Shop.

It’s a shortish course with only one of the par 5’s needing three big blows. However, water hazards and a generous sprinkling of greenside bunkers can make high scoring difficult. Fortunately, many tees were in forward positions thereby reducing the need to use long irons to reach the putting surface.

Best guest prize went to Richard Lewis.

Scoring was generally on the low side with only three players breaking par, captain Tony Smale’s tremendous 42 points being the pick of the bunch.

Our thanks to the staff at Lo Romero for their contribution to the day.

After winning in similar style last week with 41 points, members are hoping that successive swingeing cuts of his handicap will bring him down to size.

Bob Eyland won this week’s Abacus prize, a bespoke bottle of wine sponsored by Gordon Wilson. In the lone match play game, Barry Roehrig lost out to Brian Mulligan 2 and 1.

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 628 227 687 to find out more about the society and its weekly golf get-togethers. Next week we will be at Las Colinas. Mike, Alan and Paul getting up to no good!

However, given the impending decimation of my handicap, this might be my last appearance for a while as a winner so I’m allowed to enjoy it! Making up the numbers, lol, were Olga Douglas with 36, Lindsay Forbes and Tom Hardie both on 35 and Bryan Neal with 34. Congratulations to the five players getting a 2 this week (you know who you are). Friday saw us playing the dreaded ‘yellow peril’. Commiserations should go out to Pete Dunn at this point. His new glasses arrived from Vision Express yesterday but unfortunately for him he must have got someone else’s prescription! Never mind Pete I’m sure you’ll be back. Our winners, with a great score of 160 points, were Alan Douglas, Rod Doel, Curtis Collins and the ‘Slimmer’s World’ pin up boy, yet again, Bryan Neal. Oh, by the way I have been cut three shots! Finally in the words of Jack Nicklaus, ‘golf is the only sport where, if you win 20% of the time, you’re the best.’ Pues, hasta la semana que viene

GREENLANDS BOWLS CLUB Greenlands bowls club has vacancies for members. If you are looking to play in the Winter Leagues, (Winter league, SABA and Southern) then consider joining this friendly club with arguably the best carpet on the Costa. We have new owners who are completely refurbishing the whole complex, including the reopening of the popular Greenlands restaurant. On the bowls front we are looking to consolidate our squads so why not give Chris (Secretary) a ring on 698 418 987 for details, and hear about our exciting new plans.

Carp R Us Carp-R-Us made the long, but usually worthwhile, trip to Beniarres for the penultimate round of the August series. Although sport was fairly slow during the first half of the match the weights were very good with Terry Screen running out winner with 18.42kg caught on pole and paste. Second was Steve Collins with 11.20kg caught using pole and corn, third was Roy Buttress with 8.62kg using feeder and corn just pipping Tom Marshall who had 8.40kg on float fished corn.

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Monday 27th August - Sunday 3rd September, 2018

e Golf National, also known as the Albatros course, some 20 miles S.W. of Paris, features dramatic elevations and unique hazards. Almost in front of the clubhouse is the amphitheatre that contains the 15th, 16th and 471 yd. par 4 18th greens, and the grandstands with a capacity of up to 80.000. When Golfalot.com founder Martin Hopley played L’Albatros he reported: “If you don’t hit the fairways then you’ll have a very long day. The first two holes can really derail your round before it gets started.” If not, 80,000 fans screaming in your ear would probably do it. However many spectators there are, the French won’t be much in evidence, according to pro golfer Michael Lorenzo-Vera, who says of his countrymen: “There won’t be many French people at the Ryder cup. Honestly, nobody in France is aware of the Ryder Cup, only golfers. Golf is a very private thing for people in France, there are just private courses for rich families and spoiled kids, that’s it.” They’re just miffed they didn’t invent the game first. The French Open was a great chance for the visiting team to take a peek at the Albatros course. Naturally it’s easier for Europeans to arrange their schedules for a Ryder Cup warm-up but the fact that Americanbased players like Jon Rahm and Ian Poulter have also done so speaks volumes. Justin Thomas played in the French Open, but his probable teammates stayed at home and put their feet up. Both teams will have three days’ practice in Ryder Cup week but It will still be a rush for the Americans to familiarise themselves with the course. Complacency means that the favourites will perhaps be a little more vulnerable than they could have been. With luck! One golfer who does not nurse fond memories of The Albatros Course is Jon Rahm. In the French Open the Spaniard was scuppered by a triple-bogey 7 on the 433 yd. par-4 12th. Badly disturbed by a clicking camera on his backswing as he teed off, his ball bounded for the rough on the right of the fairway. Rahm hacked and slashed his way through the fescue, only managing to reach the green with a fourth gouge. To say he was unhappy at this unfortunate turn of events would be something of an understatement. Always a flamboyant character, Arnold Palmer was one of the first to fly himself from tournament to tournament in his Learjet. He set a record for the fastest trip around the world, he and his co-pilots taking just over 57 hours to complete the journey. When Ben Hogan, who disliked Arnie anyway, was captain of the American Ryder Cup team in 1967 Palmer did aerobatics over the tournament site while Hogan was practising, which is said to have annoyed Hogan so much he left Arnie on the bench the next day. (The USA won anyway, by 23 1/2 to 8 1/2., still a record.) Rory McIlroy is missing the first event of the PGA Tour's FedExCup play-off series, the Northern Trust in New Jersey. He told reporters: “I need to assess where I'm at, and I think the best thing for me to do right now is take a couple of days off, do some practise and reflect on what I need to do going forward.” What Rory needs to do is stop practising, stop reflecting, keep playing and win something. Before the

El Plantio2 Golf Society Four teams comprising of four members in each team comprised the starters for El Plantio 2's 9-hole Yellow Ball Competition. As only four teams played, only two were in with a chance of winning the prizes. The unfortunate two teams were the ones who did not return the Yellow Balls intact incurred a penalty of five points for every Yellow Ball lost Nearest the pins – Hole 4, John Wilby, Hole 8, Lawrence Wanty.

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28th September would be good. Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez won his second Senior Major Championship, beating tournament favourite Bernhard Langer by a stroke at St Andrews. Leading on the final day, Jimenez shot a three under par round of 69, paring the final three holes for victory. Definitely worth a large cigar! Some Bob Hope Classics: “It’s fun playing with Dean Martin at Riviera. When he wins anything, we always tell him.” “I don’t know how you’d describe my swing, to some it looks like a polo player without a horse.” “Billy Graham always wins, but then look at the help he’s got.” Until next time, Happy Golfing. Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. 638 859 475.

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. CONFIDENT SWING Now you have paid a fistful of dollars (Euro’s) for golf lessons, bought all the latest books and DVD’s and even reduced yourself to reading articles like this…...so why would you not have a confident swing?

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 reason is almost certainly that you are taking the wrong strategy onto the golf course. You must remember at all times that you must only ever attempt golf shots that you KNOW you are capable of achieving not the shot that you THINK you are capable of playing. In the USA mind coach Bob Rotella calls this a ‘conservative strategy’ to give you a ‘cocky’ swing. Just how does this work in reality? Well because you are playing a shot that you know that you can play you perform the shot in a more positive and aggressive manner with a high degree of TRUST in yourself and the result of the shot. So what is the alternative? The opposite approach is the bold strategy and a tentative swing, which would have you attempting shots, which you can’t hit. The outcome? This leads to tentative swings, full of doubt and tentative swings lead to bad shots and a bad execution of bold shots results in high scores, frustration and finally lack of confidence in your swing.

The photograph L to R, John Wilby,Ian Henderson, David Swann, Alan Janes, Lawrence Wanty, Ray Housley, Bryan Watson, Rod Loveday, John Burke.

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However many spectators there are AT Le Golf National, the French won’t be much in evidence

Second Place, John Burke, Bryan Watson, Rod Loveday, Ian Henderson – 159 points. First Place, Alan Janes, Lyn Young, Ray Housley, David Swann – 162 points.

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

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The circle is now almost complete because you will then feel the need to return to your golf coach for further lessons because your swing feels so bad. Now there are plenty of golf coaches out there who will continue to take your money in exchange for the same regurgitated instructions but why

(in assN with Costa Blanca Green Fee s vcs) put yourself through this when you already have the answer within yourself. We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us. The deals shown in the table are some of the best currently available to you from 1 June. Golf Course Alenda Alicante Altorreal Bonalba Don Cayo (Altea) El Plantio Font Del Llop La Finca La Marquesa La Serena Las Colinas Las Ramblas Lo Romero New Sierra Golf Roda Villamartin Villaitana Poniente Vistabella

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

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

For Bookings and info Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting the reference LEADER or on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 Hollow Tining Watch Font Del Llop – 26/08/18, Roda and Bonalba – 27/08/18, Las Ramblas and La Manga South – 28/08/18

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Torry friendlies conclude - Now for the real thing I

t was late July when Torry embarked on their first pre season friendly, but now all eyes are firmly on the start of the new Preferente league season. For on Sunday 2 September (ko 7pm), Torry welcome newly promoted Horadada to Nelson Mandela Stadium. Having already played 7 friendlies, a mixture of higher and lower opposition, they are well prepared for what promises to be a successful league season. They had intended to fit in 8 matches, but unfortunately last Saturday, the opposition cried off only a few hours before kick off. Evidently, Idella CF (a club formed from the ashes of Elda, who went bust through financial irregularities) could not field a side, which is a poor excuse at such a late stage. Hopefully most fans were notified of the cancellation, but those who did turn up were treated to Torry´s squad training. Friendly number 6 involved a home match against Murcian 3rd div side UCAM ´B´ (Catholic university of Murcia). Although there was plenty of actions for the fans to enjoy, ref Lopez Larrosa took centre stage by booking 5 Torry and 2 visiting players. Being an ex referee in English senior leagues, I find it amazing that local Spanish refs fail to understand that friendly means exactly that, whereas by using more common sense, cards could be implemented more sparingly. They are book happy enough in league matches, but we live in hope that next season will be different. In a match that Torry dominated, the visitors best chance arrived on 32 mins, a shot by Camacho which was well saved by Juampe.

Torry fought back well, and on 42 mins, a centre by Fran found Manez, but his effort was blocked on the line. On the hour mark, Bruno played the ball through to Revi, but alas his shot was off target. Torry´s endeavour was rewarded on 72 mins, when a free kick by Cabillo was headed on by Rodri for Akapo to score from close range. The game finished 1-0, fully deserved for a hard working Torry outfit. A trip to Santa Barbara Stadium in Petrel proved to be the venue for Torry´s last run out. This was hosts Petrelense first pre season friendly, and it showed. Relegated from Preferente div last season, they held Torry 0-0 at half time, but then the floodgates opened. Torry captain Jorge made it 1-0 on 59 mins, then 6 mins later, an assist by Manez was finished off in style by Revi to make it 2-0. On 67 mins Omar scored from close range (strange but true!), before Revi notched up a brace 13 mins later to make it 4-0. Torry sub Ulises scored on 90 mins, then in stoppage time, the hosts grabbed a consolation goal. So although a rampant Torry took a while to get going, this 5-1 victory is an encouraging sign that goals can be forthcoming.

Versus UCAM Murcia. Credit CD Torrevieja

Fresh from this victory, the Torry team were in evidence at the offical launch of the new kit, and promotion of season tickets. Held at the clubs HQ in the town centre, the event was attended by the Queen of Salt, local PP councillors and of course Torry Army members. Unfortunately, none of the ruling local government officers bothered turning up, or even replying to the invitation.

Plaza GS back at Villamartin

Quesada Bowls Club

with Dee Stephenson

Quesada welcomed a Ladies touring team from Loanheads Miners Welfare in Scotland. Although Quesada won on all 4 rinks, the Scottish ladies gave a good account of themselves. Following the match, everyone went for a carvery in the Club, and were entertained by Ricky Patton. The Scottish ladies also participated in the Saturday chicken run with Quesada players where one of the Loanhead ladies was the joint winner. Here is a photo of the Scottish ladies tea highest winning rink with the lady on the far right (Chrissie), an amazing 88 years “young”.

The Plaza Golf Society returned to our spiritual home Villamartin Golf Club. Spiritual being an apt word as we also said goodbye to a very close friend to many of us. Bruce Webster sadly lost his long and painful battle with cancer. RIP old friend we miss you already. On to more cheery news! There has been some discussion about the name of our famous society with a number of people suggesting we rename it “the vertically challenged society” due to our large number of erm smaller members…. We have decided to stick to the original. Thanks. We had 50 players today with some really good scores, some average and then there was Janice Holtham with her measly 15pts, strangely she did not make it back to The Ale House to pick up her wine so ‘Fat Cat McAllen’ has added this to his extensive collection. NTPS again sponsored by The Ale House and were won by Kev ‘9 Fingers’ Bird x2, Keith Crowley, Mark Parry and Kev Adamson. The ‘former radio 1 DJ’ Gary Davies was the best guest

with 37 pts off his 6 hcap, the interestingly named Bob McKeegan Brown! was 2nd with 35 pts and young Toby Davies 3rd with 33 pts. Debbie Rose was once again the best Lady and the 2’s pot of €100 was shared by 9 Fingers himself, Keith Crowley and the vertically challenged pairing Mark Parry and smiling Neil O’Cheeseman. So into the main events.. Gary Gates came 3rd in Silver with 32 pts, Barry “the mouth” Mitchell was second with 35 pts and Neil O’Cheeseman fell on one with 38 pts! There was a now familiar name once again appearing in the Gold division ‘Dodgy’ Declan Crowley came 3rd on countback with 39pts off his 9 hcap, Andy “pass me the fake tan “ Shaw was 2nd, and the overall winner was the affable ‘oirishman’ Graham McClarke with 41 wonderful points off his 4 hcap! There’s gonna be some serious snipping of handicaps going on today! Next week we are at La Finca which is now sold out. Please book all your future games online at www.theplazagolfsociety.com

Quesada will next host a touring team from the Royal British Legion and also shortly begin a series of friendly matches against El Rancho Bowling Club. 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. Meantime, for more information about our club, please contact our club secretary Deidre Leeming at Deidre.leeming@gmail.com or 966 719 439 New bowlers are welcome and introductory coaching is available. This week, Quesada Bowls Club would like to thank another of our sponsors, IBEX insurance http://www.ibexinsure.com/

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