The Leader Newspaper Edition 755

No 755

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

Tel: 637 227 385

British Ambassador welcomes Spain’s Brexit contingency measures Following the announcement by Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez, and the approval by the Consejo de Ministros, of last week’s Royal Decree, the British Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, said that he welcomed Spain’s Brexit contingency measures for British Expats:

“I am pleased to see that the Spanish Government has today announced a series of detailed Brexit contingency measures, should the UK leave without a deal. The Royal Decree offers important assurances on issues like residency and access to healthcare for the more than 300,000 British nationals who have chosen to make Spain their home,

and for the many millions more British tourists who visit Spain each year. I welcome too the announcement on customs procedures to avoid potential obstacles to the free movement of goods, which will be important to both British and Spanish businesses who trade in or between our two countries. It is also welcome that the Spanish government has

made clear that the measures will apply to Gibraltar, with special consideration for maintaining flows across the border. This will provide some certainty to citizens and businesses in Gibraltar and Spain, and helps to protect the close economic and social relationship between the Campo de Gibraltar and Gibraltar.”

Continued on Page 2

2

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

www.theleader.info CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE Spain’s BREXIT Contingency

ADVERTISING SALES

637 227 385 sales@theleader.info PROPERTY

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

Health Minister Stephen Hammond said: “This is a positive step forward in securing an agreement which will enable British expats to access Spanish healthcare in the same way they do now.

It should also give reassurance to the millions of British tourists who travel to Spain every year using the EHIC scheme for free or reduced medical costs if they need to see a doctor or nurse.”

“Our next priority will be to continue our work with other EU member states, so that healthcare access for all UK and EU nationals are protected in a no deal scenario.”

The British Embassy in Madrid and our network of consulates have held over 100 outreach events all across Spain in the last two years, to explain the implications of Brexit to UK nationals living here and to answer their questions. Through these events and through our digital channels we have underlined the importance of British nationals living in Spain being correctly registered. It has long been the case that that British nationals who live in Spain for more than 3 months of the year, should hold a certificate of registration from Extranjeria. Spain has announced today that, through the Royal Decree, UK nationals living in Spain will maintain their legal residence status after 29 March and that they, and their family members, will have until

31 December 2020 to get a Foreigner’s Identity Card. Further information on the process for obtaining this card will be released in due course.

It is essential that all British nationals living in Spain check their residency status and ensure they are correctly registered. We have further information on our Living in Spain Guide about how to register as a resident, and details of upcoming outreach events. These pages are regularly updated and UK nationals can sign up for email alerts for the Living in Spain guide to ensure they are informed of the very latest information as soon as it becomes available.

On healthcare, the UK has offered to fund healthcare in Spain for UK nationals who would benefit from the S1 / EHIC schemes until 31 December 2020 on a reciprocal basis. The UK is also protecting healthcare for Spanish nationals in the UK. Through the Royal Decree, the Spanish Government has said that it will introduce measures that will protect healthcare for UK nationals in Spain, whether they be resident or visiting, utilising the pre-existing reimbursement mechanisms. Under the reimbursement mechanisms, the UK Government paid Spain £250m last year for the healthcare costs of British nationals in Spain, and the Spanish government paid the £4 million for the healthcare costs of Spanish nationals in the UK. (PHOTO: Valencian President Ximo Puig with the British Ambassador.)

By Paul Mutter

The International Cofradia needs you THE PROCESSIONS IN TORREVIEJA DURING SEMANA SANTA (HOLY WEEK) attract thousands of residents and visitors to the town to witness these spectacular events chronicling the Passion of Christ.

This year, 2019, will be the 14th year that the Paso of Jesus in the Garden of Olives (Cofradia de Nuestro Padre Jesús en la Oración del Huerto de los Olivos) has been taken through the streets of Torrevieja during Semana Santa by the International Cofradia.

The International Cofradia is a group made up mostly but not entirely of British ex pats. This is a fantastic opportunity to participate in one of the most important events in the local Spanish cultural and religious calendar.

Those of us who have taken the paso through the streets of Torrevieja in the processions during Holy Week will testify to the fact that it is a unique experience and one which all of us will remember for the rest of our lives. You do not have to be super fit to take part; most of our members are retired and certainly not in the ‘first flush of youth’.

For many years we carried the paso on our shoulders, a task which needed around 100 costaleros but falling numbers have meant that for the last two years a smaller group has pushed the paso and

we expect to be doing the same this year.

However it is still a fantastic occasion to be part of and each year we welcome new members to take part.

If you are interested in taking part please contact David McLachan on 865 661 937 or Paul Mutter on 671 218 285 who can give you a further details and come along to our first meeting which is detailed below.

The first official meeting of the International Cofradia will be on Thursday, March 14th. This is principally for registration of existing and new members. We will then be meeting on Thursday March 28th, Thursday April 4th and again on April 11th when the paso will be taken down to be parked behind the Inmaculada Church in the centre of Torrevieja ready for the Easter processions during Semana Santa.

The meetings will be held at the Semana Santa Museum on the outskirts of Torrevieja starting at 7:30 pm in the evening. Subscriptions for membership are €30.

If you are an existing member please make sure you come and attend the first meeting or at least please let either David McLachan or Paul Mutter know whether you will be able to participate this year or not.

Why not bring a friend along to become part of this unique group of people. If you are an existing member and are not taking part this year please can you bring your uniform along to the first meeting or contact Paul Mutter on 671 218 285.

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

LEADER

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Burning waste tip in Campoamor – renewed concern

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019 Image of the landfill taken by drone.

CLARO PRESS RELEASE

THE ILLEGAL WASTE TIP IN CAMPOAMOR, which was burning for close to 15 years and was a danger to the health of those living nearby, was sealed in 2016, after a neighbourhood campaign led by CLARO. Thereafter, an action plan was imposed on the owner of the site by the Valencian authorities, which included covering the area of exposed waste with topsoil, planting of vegetation and landscaping the entire surface of the landfill.

The plan was based on a report indicating that the area was of special environmental interest since it is located within the Site of Community Interest (LIC), and the Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) of the Sierra Escalona and the Dehesa de Campoamor .

CLARO made a visit this week to the landfill with presidents and representatives of the nearby affected urbanisations confirming that, although the burning had stopped, the regeneration plan was not being executed.

The second phase of re-vegetation has not been started, and there is also serious neighbourhood concern that the support of the cone of more than 15 metres high was deteriorating due to erosion, rainfall and lack of maintenance, and that the thousands of tons of buried waste of all kinds are beginning to emerge again in many points.

The concern is that toxic pockets of combustion will reappear which would again affect the health of those living in nearby

urbanisations, in particular Las Ramblas, as well as the two golf courses that are about 500 metres away.

In agreement with the presidents and representatives of Las Ramblas and nearby urbanisations, CLARO will inform the relevant Valencian authorities of what is happening and demand that the company which owns the site ensures adequate maintenance and resumption of the plan for the re-vegetation and restoration of the environment of the landfill.

www.theleader.info

3

4

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

www.theleader.info

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

N332 - MAKING YOU VISIBLE Expo Torrevieja returns to International A uditorium This weekend, the much anticipated Expo Torrevieja returns to the fabulous International Auditorium in Torrevieja. Featuring more than sixty exhibitors, dozens of Clubs and Associations and lots of new surprises. this is the Fifth edition of the expo which expects to attract in excess of 8,000 visitors The show’s aim is to offer products and services to help enhance the lifestyle of those living on the Southern Costa Blanca, be they permanent residents, or part time visitors. Thus, the open space design makes for a much more relaxed atmosphere allowing visitors to move around the stands freely.

For those that have not taken the opportunity to visit the International auditorium, it's located beside QuironSalud Hospital, with local buses servicing the area. There's free car parking for more than 500 cars and admission to the show is also absolutely free. Doors are open Saturday and Sunday from 10.00am to 3.00pm and weather permitting, there will be an exclusive Classic Car, motorbike and scooter display on Sunday morning.

Inside, visitors will be treated to a smorgasbord of exhibitors offering a multitude of local services.

ball games, stadium tours, signed football shirts and a couples Spa Day, to name but a few.

Expo Torrevieja also has a special clubs and associations section, featuring a few of the region's most followed associations plus a few surprise packages. Members from the N332 team will be on hand to answer questions about driving in Spain: The Royal British Legion, Help Vega Baja, Samaritans in Spain, Help at Home CB, San Luis/La Siesta Neighbourhood Watch plus many other support groups. Local performance groups will be promoting their shows and you'll be able to find out more about how to become a member of local clubs. There will be demonstrations, weather permitting, of fencing, sword fighting, movie making and large scale helicopters plus a promotion for Cabo Roig's St. Patrick's Day Parade the following weekend.

An award winning, customised motorbike from Ironboyzz will be displayed on the Rock Against Cancer stand. Expo Torrevieja and Energy Spain both sponsor Rock Against Cancer and the upcoming performances of Paul Young and Friends on May 26 and their main two day event in June.

Expo Torrevieja at a glance:

Media partners from The Leader Newspaper, QF Focus, Radio Torrevieja, Radio Nova, Torrevieja.com, SI Magazine, Viking Posten plus a live broadcast from Big FM and More Music Radio will also be on hand.

• Saturday & Sunday, March 9 and 10

EnergySpain.com will present a pre-launch of their new green energy company, and all visitors are invited to bring along an old electric bill and leave their details to discover how much money you can save. You will also have the opportunity to win some great prizes including entry to La Liga foot-

• Sunday morning: Classic Cars and bikes

• Foyer of the International Auditorium • Doors open: 10.00am until 3.00pm • Free parking and admission • Clubs and Associations zone • Special Custom bikes on display • Opportunity for visitors to win prizes • Live Radio Broadcast from BIG FM

Strictly X Factor

The Stagestruck summer show, Strictly X Factor promises to be a fun evening for all the family.

The Bragton Village Hall is in dire need of repair, so the committee decide to hold a talent competition to raise money to fix the hideously noisy plumbing, the dodgy electrics and the leaky roof.

Easier said than done when you have an inebriated celebrity judge, a belly dancing Vicar’s wife and a choir called the Tenor Ladies!

Throw in songs like Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat, and Hot Stuff…well, you get the picture. The show is written and directed

by Suzanne Stokes Performance dates are 16th-18th May at the Teatro Cardenal Belluga, San Fulgencio. Curtain up at 7.30 pm.

Tickets are 10 euros and available at Cards and More, La Marina, The Post Box, Dona Pepa, Quesada, and The Card Place Benimar.

You can also reserve on line to collect and pay at the door stagestruck.show@gmail.com or call 625 883 387

637 227 385

LEADER

weekend, provided thanks to the support of the sponsors of the N332 project.

However, there´s a catch! At 08:00 on both Saturday and Sunday morning we will post a question on the N332.es website, and then you have to visit us at the expo to give us the answer. We will also ask you to have your photograph taken with us, as the campaign is all about being seen.

Once again, members of the N332 team will be on hand to answer your driving law questions at the Expo Torrevieja.

Don´t worry, the questions won´t be too difficult, but you will have to be quick as it is as we only have 50 to give away each day.

The event is taking place on the 9th and 10th of March at the International Auditorium in Torrevieja, bringing together local businesses and associations under one roof.

But, because we hope that nobody will leave empty handed from the expo, we also have the new and exclusive N332 car stickers to give away, so you too can show your support for the project by displaying the sticker on your car, bike, or anywhere you choose.

As well as being on hand to answer your questions, N332 will also be highlighting the need to be seen on the roads, with the campaign, “MAKING YOU VISIBLE”.

Last year, one in five people who lost their lives on the high capacity roads of Spain did so outside their vehicle. In total, some 60 people were killed whilst involved in some kind of emergency which they were dealing with, whether that involved placing warning triangles on the road, or just because they hadn´t been seen.

We have also seen an increase in the number of pedestrians and cyclists involved in serious or fatal incidents, again, some of these road users were not seen in time.

As part of the MAKING YOU VISIBLE campaign, N332, along with mobility scooter specialists, mabeq.com, will be giving away high visibility vests throughout the

Either visit the N332 stand, which has been kindly donated to us by the organisers, or visit the mabeq.com stand and ask about their mobility scooters, and you can go home with one of the high visibility vests, and, thanks to our supporters, together “MAKING YOU VISIBLE”.

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

www.theleader.info

Is Caution Always Wise?

Two out of five people shun investment risk at all costs and are at risk of falling into the trap of 'reckless caution', new research by Aegon reveals.

Most prefer the safety of cash earning them less than 1 per cent, although the return on stock market investments is more than 5 per cent a year over the long term The biggest factor affecting attitudes was concern about making a wrong decision, followed by the need to take risk to get good returns, having to keep

informed about markets, and recent experiences of losing money.

The Aegon study comes at a time of market turmoil which could turn some people off investing, especially as high volatility is expected around the Brexit date in March.

However, investing pundits reckoned the market carnage as politicians remain deadlocked over Brexit makes this a great time to buy UK stocks on the cheap in their forecasts for 2019.

If you are thinking of investing, then give us a call on 965 704 338 or email: Contact@Seagatewealth.es

5

6

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

www.theleader.info

Orihuela Costa Road Safety Park unused for 20 years

The Orihuela Costa has had a road safety park for almost 20 years, although very few know of it’s existence because in all that time it has remained unopened and unused.

The purpose of the park, when originally constructed, was to teach local schoolchildren aspects of road safety and the rules of the road but never in all the time that it has been built has the educational site ever seen any visits from the children it was intended to serve.

Located in Punta Prima, the urbanisation of La Ciñuelica, between single-family houses and low-rise buildings, the road

safety park was built on a green area, between calle Almohabenos and JH Alhamed.

As it continues to remain unfenced it tends to be used mainly by children on their bikes as they ride around the circular tarmac roads over the stop and directional signs painted on the ground, which are still visible despite their abandonment.

However, there are no vertical signs and the asphalting in some sections of the track is very poor. There are no traffic lights, pedestrian crossings or roundabouts so many of the aspects that the children need to know about are missing.

Many parents, however, still take their kids along to the park where they can enjoy a safe environment on which to practise their riding skills, without being subjected to the dangers of the roads, but without any directional signposting to the site it can be difficult to find for first time users.

Weeds and trees are now abundant in the areas between the tarmac roads although, every once in a while, once a year or so, the council do go along and give it a cursory clean.

But now the Federation of Associations of the Coast (FAOC) has requested that the Department of Public Safety refurbish the road safety park and use it for the purpose for which it was originally built.

The letter, detailing all of the park’s deficiencies, was also sent to the councillors for Public Safety and Traffic, Mariola Rocamora, and of services for the Coast, Luisa Boné.

Federation President, Tomás Moreno, demands that the government allocates a budget to undertake the necessary repairs to make the road safety park viable once again. "The investment that was originally made has been squandered once and we are going to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.”

Aparicio to run against Bascuñana for PP candidature The electoral committee of the Orihuela Partido Popular, has nominated it’s President, Dámaso Aparicio, the current councillor for street cleaning and urban waste, as the mayoral candidate for the upcoming Municipal Elections. This is despite national leadership support from Pablo Casado for the current mayor Emilio Bascuñana.

Indeed, on Monday 4 March, the PP number 2, Teo García Egea, will be coming to Orihuela to endorse Bascuñana as the candidate on behalf of the party.

But despite national opposition to the move, Aparicio’s nomination has been unanimously ratified by the entire electoral committee responsible for the Orihuela municipality.

The decision was taken because Bascuñana has not responded to the offer of a pact that was presented a couple of weeks ago during a meeting in Murcia, which included naming Bascuñana and Aparicio Dámaso Aparicio as his number 2.

In a statement from the Electoral Committee their spokesman believe to be the right person for the Popular Party to gain an said “The Local Electoral Committee of the Popular Party has absolute majority in the upcoming municipal elections on May appointed, unanimously, Dámaso Aparicio as their candidate for 26." mayor of Orihuela. The members of the Committee have highThe electoral committee will now put their recommendation to lighted that it has been a very difficult decision in which many the regional leadership which has the powers to ratify their proaspects have been considered, finally choosing the person we posed candidate.

Not only will the decision of the local party incur the wrath of the national executive but it will also further widen the split that has been all too evident in the Orihuela PP Group for over two years, where there are two distinct factions, one led by mayor Bascuñana and the other by Orihuela PP President Aparicio.

Meanwhile on Saturday the PSOE announced it’s list of candidates to fight the municipal elections in May. As expected Carolina Gracia heads the list but current councillors Emilio Zaplana and María García are relegated to numbers 12 and 13 respectively, although this is thought to be at their own requests.

Gracia said that the candidacy presented "is formed by Orioles committed to the city and determined to promote the socialist project."

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

LEADER

Court of Appeal confirms Ramírez's disqualification

The Provincial Court has dismissed the appeal lodged by the former mayor of the PP in San Fulgencio, Carlos Ramírez, against the eight and a half year period of disqualification from public office given to him in November 2017 for a crime of administrative trespass.

It also dismisses the appeal which handed down the same sentence to the former councillor of Sports, Pascual Sempere (PP), and the seven years sentence given to the former president of the Football Club Sporting San Fulgencio, Antonio Irles, who was on the PP list of candidates in 2011.

The Criminal Court No. 1 of Orihuela also denied any costs.

There is no further right of appeal against, so Ramirez, who was expelled from the PP and had to resign as San Fulgencio mayor, will not be able to seek election as a councillor during the period in which he is disqualified.

The events that led Ramírez, Sempere and Irles to the courts took place between 2011 and 2014, and related to irregularities in the awarding of 48 sports contracts totalling almost €200,000 over a number of years, to run the council’s sports schools

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

www.theleader.info

7

8

www.theleader.info

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

LEADER

swipe card equipment, which will allow it’s faithful to make donations without the need to carry physical cash.

In their effort to keep pace with modern technology, electronic card swiping machines have been introduced for members of the congregation contributing to the collection at Mass.

NINE MILLION EUROS FOR HORADADA SEWAGE PLANT The construction of the largest sewage plant in the province is now underway. The installation, financed by the Generalitat, will fulfil a dual function: firstly, to recycle 20,000 tons of sewage from treatment plants across the Vega Baja every year, as well as the 9,000 tons of garden waste, and secondly, to reuse that material in order to produce agricultural fertilizer.

According to the contract specifications, the constructor will have six months to ready the project, of which three have already elapsed, 15 months for the construction and 24 months to fully operate the infrastructure during its warranty period.

will focus on the recovery and restoration of this infrastructure.

The general director of Cultural Assets, Juan Antonio Lorca, and the mayor of San Javier, José Miguel Luengo, made the announcement during a visit to the old mill on Monday.

The refurbishment is intended to recover the original appearance, rebuilding the spire and the blades, and also replace the internal and external cladding, which will ensure the preservation of El Maestre mill, originally built to extract water in the late 19th century in El Alto del Villar for use on the old La Maquina plot of agricultural land.

The terminal has a touch screen where benefactors can select the amount they wish to donate, choosing between two, five, ten or fifteen euros, and then making the payment electronically on their debit or credit card or even via an app on their mobile phone.

Parish priest, Antonio José Abellán, explains that it is not necessary to enter passwords. “Givers simply, select the amount they wish to donate before passing their card or phone app over the electronic device which will then make the deduction.

However those who are not yet accustomed to the use of new technology and who wish to make donations in cash may continue to do so.”

JUDGE CONFIRMS TORREVIEJA CANINE BEACH Elche’s courts have endorsed last summer’s decision of the Torrevieja council to create a dog beach in Cala del Moro-Cala del Mal Paso after the residents and community of owners of Cala del Moro took the council to court.

The Consell, through the Public Waste Sanitation Organisation of the Generalitat (EPSAR), formalized the award of the work at the end of November in favour of a joint venture by Aquambiente (Grupo Suez) and Pavasal . The investment planned exceeds 9 million euros.

They did say, however, that the City Council should have consulted them before making a final decision, especially in view of the local opposition.

CATHOLIC CHURCH INTRODUCES SWIPE CARD MACHINE A pilot scheme within the Diocese of Cartagena has selected the parish church of Nuestra Señora de las Lágrimas in la pedanía de Cabezo de Torres, as the first establishment in which to install

The installation is located within the Los Hortelanos plot, from where the Pilar de la Horadada treatment plant currently operates, and which serves the wastewater treatment for some twenty thousand residents, just a few hundred meters from the large residential tourist areas of Campoamor and Mil Palmeras in Orihuela Costa.

CULTURE TO SPEND 80,000 EUROS RESTORING EL MAESTRE WINDMILL Murcia Region’s Ministry of Culture is to refurbish the windmill El Maestre de San Javier, registered as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC), with an investment of 80,000 euros. The works

CINEMA PILAR English Language Cinema in Pilar de la Horadada - Calle Canalejas 4 Thursday 7th MARCH at 7pm and Saturday, 9th of MARCH at 5pm

A Star is Born Music star Jackson Maine discovers—and falls in love with—struggling artist Ally. She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight.

Cast: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliott, Dur: 2hr 15min Genre: Romance | Music. Alcoholism

The court explained that the municipal resolution is sufficiently substantiated with two reports from the municipal organisations, one made by the Local Police and another signed by the municipal biologist. The latter recommended the area as the most suitable along Torrevieja's coastline. A section of the beach of Punta Margalla promenade was also chosen.

In summing up the judge said "The decision of the City of Torrevieja is perfectly motivated and based on data and technical considerations."

Local residents staged several protests, which in some cases came to verbal confrontations and tension between beach users and residents. They said that they were not consulted by the City Council.

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

www.theleader.info

9

10

www.theleader.info

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

LEADER

Five common situations in Spain that U3A bid farewell can only be resolved retrospectively

to President

SPANISH BUILDING LICENCES are notoriously difficult; painstakingly slow to obtain and you can never be sure if they might be rejected. Here are 5 common situations that can only be resolved using a simple Certificate of Antiquity/Retrospective Licence.

21st February marked the monthly meeting of the Torreviela U3A afternoon tea party which was held at The Orange Tree in Cabo Roig.

1: Planning Laws for detached properties making garages, permanent carports, or any kind of roofed buildings that are violating the minimum required distance to the plot’s boundaries is a reason to decline a license. National planning laws for detached properties require a minimum distance between a window and a neighbour’s boundary of 2 metres.

Regional and local laws may allow between 3 to even 5 metres or more. There are many variables depending on different factors. A Certificate of Antiquity is the only document that can avoid previous works being objected to by the planning department at the Town Hall.

2: Most glass or bricked enclosed terraces and porches are built without a proper licence. Spanish properties traditionally tend to have patios and courtyards, along with semi-opened spaces like porches and partially covered terraces to provide shelter from the sun and maximise on the outdoor lifestyle.

These semi-opened spaces are easily closed-in, but the bureaucracy is not as easy. These works, however small you might consider them, are adding to the registered square metres of the property and often permissions are declined.

A Certificate of Antiquity is the only document that can make these works accepted by the planning department at the Town Hall and can also be used for updating the Title Deeds.

As usual it was well attended and the number of attendees will, hopefully, increase as the weather improves and they are able to extend outside onto the terrace.

The food was, as usual, of a good standard and everyone there appeared to enjoy the chance to have a friendly natter in convivial surroundings.

5: Underbuilds with living accommodation are rarely done with the correct licences and again, these can only be added to the Title Deeds using a Retrospective Licence.

Monday 25th saw about 150 U3A members attend the AGM of the group held, as usual, in the CMO building.

There could well have been more attendees, but thanks to the continued enforced absence of any means of refreshments, people had to contend with bringing their own.

A Certificate of Antiquity/Retrospective Licence is the only document that can prevent prosecution for any interior alterations The incumbent President Rosemary Rickman made her farewell done at the property or alterations that don’t meet the planning speech and was presented with a certificate and flowers as a standards. thank you for her years of service; 3 years as Social Secretary In all those scenarios the document needed is a Certificate of followed by a further 2 years as president.

Antiquity also known as a Retrospective Licence. Once issued, this document acts as licence, protecting the owner against possible sanctions from the Town Hall.

It is highly recommended to avoid putting off potential buyers due to the existence of illegal extensions in the property. It will also be needed on completion of the sale in order to update the property’s description in Title Deeds & Land Registry.

3: Rarely do we find a swimming pool that has been correctly declared in the property’s Title Deeds or have the correct type of license. Of the small percentage of pools that do have a license, most often they are missing the Certificate by the Architect to sign off on completion.

•In Murcia area, the conditions in order to obtain a Retrospective Licence is that the building work already done is a minimum of 4 years old.

Nowadays a Certificate of Antiquity is the only document that can be used in order to add a pool into the property’s “Escritura” Title Deeds. A Building Licence alone is not sufficient.

•In Alicante area, the building work needs to be over 4 years old, before 20th August 2014.

4: Any shed, exterior built cupboard, semi-opened kitchen and other covered buildings or works such as a carport, must have a proper Major Licence, ‘Licencia Mayor’, if the interior height measures over 1.5 metres. This means the paperwork and legal fees for obtaining a licence can well exceed the cost of actually doing the building work itself. One Certificate of Antiquity/Retrospective Licence is enough to cover all the extensions done, on any scale.

Only building work that hasn’t been fined or objected to can use a Certificate of Antiquity to protect against any future fines.

•In Almeria area, the building work needs to be over 6 years old.

Only properly qualified and registered Spanish Architects are permitted to issue Retrospective Licences, so if your solicitors are studying your case, ask them to contact Martinez de la Casa Architects to provide the Antiquity Certificate and we will make the whole process easier, faster and cheaper with our fixed published prices and guaranteed deadlines.

The cost of an Antiquity Certificate/Retrospective Licence for pools is 190 € +IVA and extensions or complete properties only 270 € +IVA. Discounts are available if you also require an Energy Performance Certificate (121 € IVA Inc.), Habitation Licence (from 118 € IVA Included, Registration Tax not included) or any other of our services, done at the same time.

If you want to have YOUR Retrospective Licence/Antiquity Certificate for your extension or pool now, in accordance with present laws and protect against possible future changes in the laws that may affect you, Martinez de la Casa Architects will arrange an appointment and guarantee the delivery of the Certificate of Antiquity within 10 working days after our survey.

For all enquiries, or to arrange an appointment if you want to have your pool or extension certificate now and protect yourself against future law changes that may affect you, please call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see an impressive list of nearly 200 client's testimonials.

The presentation was made by the incoming President Peter Shaw, who has taken on the mantle whilst retaining his role as Group Coordinator. The meeting went well and the committee, comprised mainly of existing members, was voted back in for another term.

Upcoming social events were also advertised including the Buffet/Dance to be held on 23rd March with music by the fabulous Campoverde Reef Band. Profits will be going to the Orihuela Orphans charity which is the prescribed U3A charity for 2019.

Details of all upcoming events for U3A members can be found on their official website, torriviejau3a.org.

Anyone else interested in attending any of our functions or take part in any other activities need only apply for membership of this highly successful group. Again details can be found on the website.

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

www.theleader.info

11

14

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

www.theleader.info

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

LEADER

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS QUICK ACROSS: 6 Unaided; 7 Brook; 9 Bet; 10 Franchise; 12 Conflicting; 15 Malpractice; 17 Indignant; 19 All; 21 Vaunt; 22 Impious.

DOWN: 1 Under; 2 Lid; 3 Bear; 4 Architect; 5 Consent; 8 Enlist; 11 Compliant; 13 Flaunt; 14 Gainsay; 16 Clout; 18 Name; 20 Bit. CRYPTIC ACROSS: 6 Firemen; 7 Ruler; 9 Car; 10 Multiform; 12 Dissolution; 15 Level-headed; 17 Consumers; 19 Any; 21 Aesop; 22 Aspired.

DOWN: 1 Vicar; 2 Men; 3 Menu; 4 Outfitter; 5 Gear-box; 8 Stella; 11 Diversion;

13

Scheme;

14

Deposed; 16 Angel; 18 Rose; 20 Lit.

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

Wife (5) Unnecessary (8) Robust (6) Legend (4) Figure (7) Promising (10) Subordination (10) Bog (8) Idiotic (7) Strip (6) Divided (5) Unemployed (4)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. What is the difference between an exocannibal and an indocannibal?

2. Kerch, Georgia, Messina and Oresund are all examples of what?

3. What links Che Guevara and Pampas?

4. How many squares on a Rubik's Cubic never alter their position?

5. Where was Queen Elizabeth II when she delivered her first Christmas message?

6. In which famous comic did Dan dare fight the Mekons?

7. Who was assassinated on April 4 1968?

8. Name the four largest sand deserts in the world.

9. Against which country did President James Madison of the USA declare war on, on 18th June 1812?

10. How is Speke airport now known?

11. What did William Herschel discover in 1781?

12. "Rwy'n dy garu di" means "I love you" in which language?

13. Which two countries both have a record 14 neighbouring countries?

14. Why was the song "Six Months In A Leaky Boat" by Split Enz banned by the BBC in 1982?

15. And which song by Elaine Page and Julie Covington was also banned in the same year?

16. Who invented the thermometer in 1593?

17. And what form of transport was invented by Jesse W. Reno in 1897?

18. What is the difference between polygamy and polyandry?

19. Name the top four countries with the most amounts of Buddhists.

20. Who were the following cartoon characters named after: a: Buzz Lightyear b: Nemo from the movie Finding Nemo c: Yogi Bear 21. Americans and Canadians often erroneously call the vegetable species "Ipomoea batatas" - "yams", although they are not yams. What are these vegetables called in Britain? Two words.

22. Which mountains, with 12 Summits, are tucked away in the southeast corner of Northern Ireland?

23. Archaeological evidence shows that human habitation of this area dates back to at least 9000 BC. The flag of this country is GreenWhite-Green, in vertical stripes and it shares borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east amongst others. Name the country.

24. Evidence of the earliest European production of which drink has been uncovered at archaeological sites in Macedonia, dated to 6,500 years ago?

25. Donald Bradman, Garfield Sobers, Jack Hobbs and Shane Warne were voted as four of the five best Cricketers of the Century in 2000 by a 100-member panel of experts. Who is missing from the list?

Arabian Desert, Middle East (1,000,000 sq. miles), Great Victoria Desert, Australia (250,000 sq. miles), Rub'al Khali Desert, Middle East (250,000 sq. miles). 9. Great Britain. 10. Liverpool John Lennon Airport 11.

The planet Uranus. 12. Welsh. 13. China and the Russian Federation. 14. It was said to be too provocative during the times of the Falklands conflict 15. "Don't cry for me Argentina". 16. Galileo Galilei. 17. The 'modern' escalator. 18. Polygamy is one husband,

DOWN 1. Rate when about 100 found a buyer (5) 2. Poorly equipped with only a single runner? (3-5) 3. Can’t the bank cashier keep a secret? (6) 4. A mark of correctness (4) 5. Think - as a mirror does (7) 6. Does he undertake to do ever smaller jobs? (10) 9. In an agitated way through insomnia? (10) 12. Musical entertainment includes musical composition and nothing more (8) 14. Set out rise payable to the remainder (7) 16. Menace from the rat (6) 19. Under new proposals, every gentleman initially to take the washing down (5) 20. 1000 help servant (4)

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

9.

12.

14.

16.

19.

20.

1. An exocannibal eats only enemies. An indocannibal eats only friends. 2. Straits (Oresund is between Sweden and Denmark, Messina is between Italy and Sicily, Georgia is between Vancouver Island and British Columbia and Kerch separates Crimea and Russia). 3. Argentina - Che was born there and Pampas is the name given to the treeless plains. 4. 6. 5. Auckland, New Zealand. 6. The Eagle. 7. Martin Luther King Jr. 8. Sahara Desert, North Africa (3,500,000 sq. miles),

ACROSS 1. It should take little time to tell (5,5) 7. Circle region for gas (5) 8. A match for Satan (7) 10. Croakers in the making (8) 11. In which flowers sleep, no doubt (4) 13. A wrong mark on the other side (6) 15. He lost residence for special group (6) 17. Examination of definite steps (4) 18. Curb rises in careful examinations (5-3) 21. How a tirade will spread? (7) 22. Disgust by backing diseased person (5) 23. Obstinate and tough with chief (10)

ACROSS 1.

Exile (10) 7.

Join (5) 8.

Savage (7) 10. Obviate (8) 11. Fall (4) 13. Rough (6) 15. Morose (6) 17. Leave out (4) 18. Shame (8) 21. Cheat (7) 22. Jacob’s father (5) 23. Soreness (10)

several wives. Polyandry is one wife, several husbands.. 19. China (1,028,820,000), Japan (122,320,554), Vietnam (74,268,750) Thailand (59,687,270). 20. a: Buzz Aldrin, Astronaut, b: Captain Nemo, fictional character in Jules Verne's novels: 20,000 Leagues under the Sea and The Mysterious Island, c: Yogi Berra, baseball player. 21. Sweet potatoes. Yams are from the family Dioscoreaceae, although look similar. 22. Mountains of Mourne. 23. Nigeria.

24. Wine. 25. Viv Richards.

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

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

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

TERMITE TERROR IN TENERIFE First of all, my apologies for the alliteration and the ‘Daily Mail’ style headline; I just couldn’t resist it. Sadly, on this occasion, this is not “fake news”.

These invaders from the USA (Reticulitermes Flavipipes) were first reported in Tenerife in 2010. Commonly described as “an efficient and economic wood destroying insect” in the United States. These pests feed on all kinds of cellulose material, such as the wood used in buildings, paper, books and cotton.

There can be as many as 20,000 to 5 million workers in a colony, with the queen laying 5,000 to 10,000 eggs each day.

Similar to ants and cockroaches, termites are a social species and share many of the tasks that are necessary for community survival.

Their division of work is based on a caste system of workers, soldiers and breeders, which is remarkably efficient.

Structural timbers and floorboards are most at risk from termite damage and termites are considered to be a serious economic pest.

In Tenerife, pest control services were alerted and they successfully eradicated these pests from a residential property, or so it was thought.

15

www.theleader.info

b y Bar rie Mahoney The effects of termites

The problem was once again reported in 2017, but the news was not widely reported, because residents were concerned that it would affect the value of their properties. Controlling and destroying termite colonies is not easy, and is expensive. Popular methods range from chemical treatments, heat, freezing, electrocution and microwave irradiation.

A recent report has since shown that this infestation in Tenerife is a serious one and now covers an area of around 60 kilometres, with suggestions that they could now have spread to anywhere on the island.

In parts of Tenerife, such as La Laguna, there are many buildings of considerable cultural value that are mainly built from timber; there are also plant nurseries in the area. This, together with high temperatures and high levels of humidity, creates ideal conditions for termites to thrive throughout the year.

Tenerife is not the only place to suffer from the termite invasion.

Cities, such as Paris and Florence have been tackling the problem for many years. Other Canary Islands are not immune either, since one of the reasons for the ten-year delay in reopening the lighthouse in the south of Gran Canaria is said to be damage caused by termites.

These pests are a great problem in many countries, since termites can go undetected for a lengthy period of time.

It is not all bad news, since termites are said to play a critical role in the decomposition of organic material on forest floors, for instance, without which forests would be in trouble. Sadly, this will not be of much comfort to communities in Tenerife and other places who are having to deal with the damage.

Their presence in structures can go unnoticed, since the timber will look structurally sound from the outside, but the inside of the structure will have been reduced to something resembling a honeycomb.

Hopefully, local municipalities, as well as the island government, will step in to help eradicate this serious problem and to assist those who have been so badly affected by this hidden invader.

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

16

www.theleader.info

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

Prayer meetings; craft and computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11a.m. Church Bible Study: Thursday 1.30p.m. House groups in Torrevieja, La Siesta – Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. Phone: 966 799 273 / 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. www.icatorrevieja.org

Local Services Section

Car and Vehicle Sales The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2018 Ford KA Petrol which is on Special Offer priced at just 10,500 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.

Social and Clubs The next monthly meeting of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion will be on 21 MARCH at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras starting at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

RNA - The Royal Naval Assn meet at El Paraiso Restaurant behind Carrefour in Torrevieja at 3pm on the first Weds of every month.

Contact Margaret Forshaw, on 966 92 1996 Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50’s. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Residential Home Visiting Team. to visit people in a Residential Home, and take them out for a

coffee. If you think you can help 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 Almoradi Meal Club. If do you fancy a meal out and meeting new friends, come and join our English speaking club. We have twice monthly meals at various restaurants in and around Almoradi. For info go to FaceBook or contact me at davedanie@gmail.com.

Badminton in Pilar de la Horadada.

Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs.

10-12.30 pm. Call John on 634 658 506 Torrevieja Retired Activities Club meet on the third Wednesday in the month from 11-1pm at Marina Club Cafeteria, International Marina, Torrevieja.

The joining fee is 10euros but you can attend one meeting or lunch before you join. For info phone Sandy Hollywood, President 698 266 696 or Jill Hayes, membership Secretary 672 983 019.

HAH CB need you to help us help those in need in their own homes,

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? Have a few hours a week to help with the charity shop, fundraising or admin? Come and join us for a chat at our Centre in the Punta Marina Shopping Centre.

Volunteers are unpaid but expenses are met. Email: spainsamsrecruits@outlook.com The Orihuela Costa Drop In Centre is in C/Cipres, Lomas de Cabo Roig, where we can offer you a full range of activities Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Info available at: oc.communitycare@gmail.com

Churches and Services La Siesta Evangelical Church hold services each Sunday.

Our 11.15am Services are held every 2nd and 4th Sunday in the month (and on the 5th Sunday, if this applies.) On the 1st and 3rd Sunday’s our Services are at 9.30 am. Our choir sings at our 11.15 am Services and there is also a Sunday School, Stepping Stones, on these Sundays. For info see 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. Sunday service 11a.m.; Sunday school;

TRANSLATOR. SPANISH with University Degree in English.

Medical visits, NIE, Spanish taxes,etc. Also Spanish Classes, individual or groups, from Alicante to San Pedro del Pinatar. 696 693 696 AWNINGS, VERTICAL-VENETIAN Blinds. Roll-up insect screens. Quality, economic prices. From Alicante to San Pedro del Pinatar & surrounding areas. BLUE SEA SERVICES. 619 704 398 NEW AND REPLACEMENT Windows and Doors, Conservatories. Quality and economic prices. From Alicante to San Pedro del Pinatar and surrounding areas. BLUE SEA SERVICES. 619 704 398

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Blue Hill. Luxury detached villa.

2 bed, 2 bath. Kitchen, Lounge, Diner, Utility room. Private pool and jacuzzi. Solarium with panoramic views. walking distamce to restaurants and bars. €185.000 604 152 124 or 672 921 851 The following is a small selection of the properties available with Spanish Riviera Homes. For additional info on any of them call +34 617 537 866 or Email: property@spanishrivierahomes.com

LEADER

3 bed quad house in sought after Pinada golf, close to Villamartin Plaza and Golf Course. Ref: 000996 Price: € 119950. Call +34 617 537 866

Los Altos townhouse. 2 bed, 1.5 bath. Not overlooked. Parking space. Communal swimming pool. Close to bars, shops. Sold furnished. More photos on www.idealista.com. Ref.: 83666784. Call Colin on +44 772 693 7419 to view.

2 bed 2 bath Newly Built Ground Floor Apartment, in the luxurious Oasis Urbanisation in La Florida, Orihuela Costa.

Ref: 000995 €140,000

Affordable three bedroom detached villa for sale in San Miguel de Salinas Ref: 000028 Price: € 119950 Call +34 617 537 866

3 bed, 2 bath semi detached duplex, 2 terraces in Blue Lagoon, secure urbanisation with communal pool. Ref: 000997 Price: € 118000 Call +34 617 537 866

Two bedroom ground floor apartment in prestigious Panorama Park community in Punta Prima. Ref: 000979 €159,950

Two bedroom, two bathroom semi-new townhouse for sale in Villamartin. Ref: 000959 Price: € 174950. Call +34 617 537 866

Personal

New on the Orihuela Costa

Camaron

Sexy figured French beauty. Very discreet and private. All Services.

For appointment please call:

603 143 881

Transvestite Diana, blonde, new to Torrevieja. Great figure big breasts. Active and passive.well endowed. By appointment.

Playa los locos. 651 363 396 Sexy, elegant Spanish lady. Playa Flamenca. Punta Prima. Private house. Erotic massage. All services. From €40. Call Ana on 657 603 495. Speak English.

Torrevieja. Shirley. 34 years.

Tanned beauty. Great figure, big breasts. Sweet face. Discretion.

Appointment only. Tel. 655 677 738

Property for Sale Spacious townhouse on La Marina Urb. 3 double bedrooms, 3 Baths, fully-equipped kitchen, lounge and dining room. Terrace, balcony and solarium with superb views. Full a/c. Quiet location.

104/175 m2. 140,000 Euro.

Email daviddixon4@sky.com for photos. (2/5) Villamartin Pau8 Penthouse Apartment, gated community, 2 bed, 2 bath, lounge / diner, kitchen, air-comditionimg, Sthfacing balcony. Communal pool, and solarium. Off-road parking. €115.000. Tel: 604 152 124 or 672 921 851

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Samaritans in Spain

Another true story "People say, “You only live once, so make the most of it.” Well, I’m proof that you can get a second chance says Kevin – and I owe it to Samaritans.

"Looking back, things had been building up for a long time.

Redundancy, relationship breakdowns… it was just one thing after another.

"And though I had two lovely sons and some great mates, I didn’t want them to know how low I’d become.

GOODBYE LETTERS "Then, one evening, I found myself writing goodbye let-

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

www.theleader.info

17

ters to my friends and family – I really believed they would be better off without me.

"The next day I had breakfast with my son and watched as he left the house for work. As far as I was concerned, this would be the last time I would see him.

"I left the house, thinking that I would never return.

"I found myself looking through the contacts on my mobile, wondering if anyone would miss me. That’s when I came across Samaritans’ number from a time when I’d called before but hung up, unable to talk.

"To this day I don’t know what made me call again, but I’m so glad I did.

MAKING THE CALL "The volunteer who answered was amazing. I was in a terrible state, but she was calm, understanding and, most importantly, seemed to genuinely care.

"I poured my heart out to her and she gently suggested that I walk to the Samaritans Drop In Centre, where I would be safe and there’d be someone to talk to.

"She stayed on the line while I did this and, at the Centre, the tears really began to flow. She listened to what I had to say, and talking to her helped me work out what I could do.

MOVING ON "Over the next few months, I slowly but surely began to put my life back together. Now, nearly three years on, I’ve got a whole new life.

Should you identify with any of these issues and want to talk to someone in complete confidence then why not give us a call.

We are SAMARITANS IN SPAIN – You Talk We Listen. Phone 900 525 100 Email: pat@samaritansinspain.com Or Send a Message to 634 325 906 to organise a WhatsApp call.

18

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

www.theleader.info

Greenlands Bowls Club San Miguel Bowls Club with Dave Webb In the Discovery Division, The Oaks were away to El Rancho Pintos. They are second, behind us in the league table so we needed a good result, all rinks were holding their own right to the finish so it was a tight last game to determine who had the shots. A very pleasant game was had by all and the final score was shots 89 - 95. Points 6 - 6. Best winning rink was S Cordell, R Cordell, skip D Webb. 27 - 12.

Meanwhile at home the Sycamores were playing Quesada Rubies, final scores on the doors were, shots 94 - 71. Points - 12 - 0. Best winning rink was Z Wilcock, R Stansfield, skip T Hill. 23 - 11.

In the Winter League, we were away to Monte Mar. A very pleasant sunny day and good company made it a very enjoyable game, Final score shots - 72 - 79.

Points 5 - 7. Best winning rink was M Stephens, J Webb, A Eagle, skip D Webb. 18 - 13.

In Div C Southern league, The Cedars were at home to La Siesta Silvers. Final score, Shots 128 - 56. Points, 10 - 2. Best winning rink. C Eagle, T Hodges, skip M Brown. 30 - 8.

Also in Div C. the Elms were away to Country Bowls.

Final score shots 91 - 87. Points 8 - 4. Best winning rink, S Sellwood, B Farrington, skip D Thompson. 28 - 10.

In the A division the Oaks were at home to San Luis Tigers, final score - shots 97 - 78. Pts - 12 - 0. Best winning rink was M Stephens, M Dewar, skip M Kelly. 21 - 14.

For all inquiries please telephone Chris Dewar on 698 418 987 or visit our website www.greenlands-bowls.wixsite.com/greenlandsbowlsclub

San Miguel Alsatians were away to Monte Mar Matadors, sharing the points 6 - 6, (85 shots to 80). The best winning triple were Ian Hope, Gerald Shatwell and Ron Nairey 25 - 13.

San Miguel Beagles were home to La Marina Explorers also sharing the points 6 - 6, (69 shots to 66), the best winning triple were Noel Davis, Gail Willshire and Fred Willshire 18 - 9.

San Miguel Dalmations were away to Monte Mar Torreadors, winning 10 2 (103 shots to 85). The best winning triple were Meg Brownlee, Mike Bayfield and Bill Brownlee 30 - 12.

San Miguel Pointers were home to Country Bowls Flamingos taking all 12 points (116 shots to 67) The best winning triple were James Cutting, Brian Allen and Lynn Greenland 32 9.

In the Winter League San Miguel were away to Java where they had “a bad day at the office” losing 11 -1 (101 shots to 56), the best rink were Noel Davis, Sue Milner, Gail Willshire and Fred Willshire sharing the pts 14 - 14 In the Fed 4’s San Miguel Mohawks were away to Quesada Panthers where

Vistabella Bowls Club SAL ENTERPRISE League. The Albatrosses entertained La Siesta Apollo’s this week, although there was some close games the Albatrosses only won on two rinks but they shared the points for the long game. Shots, VB 85(5) - 81(6) LS. The Drivers were away to the Emerald Isle Titans. Looking at the results I can see this was a very tight game, only one win on the day but great effort! Shots, 64(2) - 84(10)EI. DISCOVERY League. The Eagles playing the Emerald Isle Neptune’s and lost on all rinks, a disappointing result for the team but I’m sure everyone had a lovely afternoon bowling in this superb weather. Shots, VB 59(0) - 113(12) EI. VOYAGER League Buggies were at La Siesta playing the Sputniks, once they got to grips with this tricky green they went on to have a convincing win on all rinks bar one. Shots, 120(10) - 60(2) LS. WINTER League. A very early start for the long trek to Benitachell

by Barry Jones

they shared the points 4 -4 (41 shots to 45), the winning rink were Alan & Sheila Booth and Jan & Derek Farmer 18 - 11. San Miguel Cherokees were home to San Luis Conders winning 6 2 (58 shots to 46), the best winning rink were Brian Miller, Allan Patterson, Chris Collier and Steve Cantley 20 - 9.

San Miguel Apaches were also at home and had a great win, taking all the points 8 - 0 (60 shots to 46) on the best winning rink were Anita Brown, Reg Cooper, Ron Nairey and Alan Campbell 19 - 13.

On Friday San Miguel Boxers were home to El Rancho Broncos winning 10 - 2 (134 shots to 57), the best winning triple were Jack Jackson, Jim Jarvie and Brian Errington 36 - 6. San Miguel Bulldogs were away to El Rancho Mustangs losing 10 - 2 (96 shots to 78) the winning triple were Jan Farmer, Cliff Plaisted and Lynn Greenland 30 - 7.

For further information on San Miguel Bowls Club please contact the President Stuart Hemmings on 965 72 0461, or the Secretary Gail Willshire on 965 02 0492.

With Lynne Bishop

(BBC) but it was all well worth it as the team had a great win, four winning rinks and a good shot difference. VB 100(10) - 76(2) BBC. BERLEEN League also won their game 17-12.. They are doing well!

SOUTHERN League Lanzadores away to Quesada Swallows came away with a draw, three wins to the Lanzadores, two to the home team plus the shots.VB 76(6) - 83(6) Q. Picadors were at home to Emerald Isle Claymores, they won on two rinks, lost on three. VB 76(4) - 84(8) EI. The Swingers at home to La Marina Merlins had four excellent wins and a drawn game, a very good and needed result to retain their excellent position in the league. VB 114(11) - 62(1) LM. The Conquistadores did very well playing the Pumas at San Luis, they won on two rinks with enough shots to win the long game, well done! VB 88(6) - 83(6) SL. Sponsored by TV Choice & Venture Fleet.

La Marina BowlsBetterClub

by Chris Bould result this time, points for 4 and against 8. Shots were 79 for

Monday 25- 02-19. The Explorers we’re away to San Miguel Beagles. The spoils were all equal, 6 points each, the shots were 66 to 69. Best winning rink, Maureen Kidd, Phil Pape and Don Fowkes 17 - 5.

No report from Pathfinders.

and 90 against. Best winning rink was Janet Parsons, Jean and Don Fowkes.

No report from Merlin’s.

Wednesday 27-02-19. Winter leaguers we’re away to San Luis. They had a bad day at the green, losing 0 - 12. Shots were 51 - 128. Better luck next week.

The weekend of March 9th is the finals of our inter club competitions. Please come along and add your support to the competitors.

Check out the noticeboards for schedules.

Friday 01- 03 - 19. The Ospreys we’re away to San Luis Lions.

That’s all folks.

El Rancho Bowls Club Monday morning found the Raiders at San Luis playing the Vulcans and found the Vulcans to be a little stronger on the day, with a mat that benefits local knowledge. The Raiders were a trip short and took one of the other four rinks and I am sure will have benefited from the experience. Meanwhile the Pintos entertained a strong Maples from Greenlands and came away with a drawn match, taking 2 rinks and the shots with another hard fought rink losing by just two shots. As we know, whether you win or lose is as much down to the rink draw and how your opponents play, as it is how well you play.

In the afternoon the Palominos were also at San Luis, though in a less problematic wind than in the morning, playing the Romulans.

They played really well and mastered the mat to take four rinks and the overall shots. A very good result away from home.

On friday morning the Rangers were at Emerald Isle playing the

Roundheads and although coming away without a point, two of the rinks were close run.

The Broncos playing the Boxers at San Miguel and struggled to master the mat, whilst the Boxers took full advantage of the home mat. The Boxers took 4 of the rinks and the overall shots.

Meanwhile the Mustangs were at home playing another San Miguel team, the Bulldogs with El Rancho taking full advantage of the home mat, in taking 4 rinks and the overall shots, a good result.

Judy Foley, Henry Ryder and Bob Morgan 7-30. Ann Taylor, Jim Taylor and David Whitworth 28-13. Irene Thomson, Paul Durham and Eddie Thomson 23-10. June Whitworth, Malc Sykes and John Skipper 18-12. Ron Greenstreet, Diane Yates and Jim Gracie 20-13.

For further membership information contact Sheila Cox at micksheilacox@gmail.com or Brian Taylor on 965 07 7093 or at: elranchobowlsclub@gmail.com

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

LEADER

637 227 385

SOUTH ALICANTE WINTER TRIPLES League Tables Week 18 - 25th February ENTERPRISE DIVISION Vistabella Albatrosses 81(5 ) Emerald Isle Titans 84 (10 ) Quesada Pearls 93 (6 ) Quesada Diamonds 85 (5 ) San Miguel Beagles 69 (6 ) Monte Mar Matadors 80 (6 )

La Siesta Apollos 81 (7) Vistabella Drivers 64 (2 ) San Luis Klingons 90 (6 ) San Luis Trekkers 90 (7 ) La Marina Explorers 66 (6 ) San Miguel Alsations 85 (6 )

P W D L San Luis Klingons 18 59 2 29 Emerald Isle Titans 18 57 2 31 San Miguel Beagles 18 51 4 35 Quesada Pearls * 18 50 4 36 Vistabella Albatrosses * 18 49 3 38 La Siesta Apollos 18 43 3 44 La Marina Explorers 18 42 3 45 San Luis Trekkers 18 40 3 47 San Miguel Alsations * 18 37 2 51 Vistabella Drivers ** 18 33 2 55 Quesada Diamonds 18 33 5 52 Monte Mar Matadors 18 28 3 59 *2 ) deducted for failing to field a full side **5) deducted for failing to field a full side

O/W 15 13 12 13 10.5 8.5 9 9 8 7 3 0

Diff 434 306 222 285 41 -44 28 -105 -83 -236 -293 -555

Pts 150 142 130 128 120 106 105 101 90 77 77 59

DISCOVERY DIVISION Vistabella Eagles 59 (0) Emerald Isle Moonrakers 96 (8) El Rancho Pintos 95 (6) Greenlands Sycamores 94 (12) La Marina Pathfinders 101 (12) Monte Mar Torreadors 85 (2)

Emerald Isle Neptunes 113 (12 ) Mazarron Mariners 72 (4) Greenlands Maples 89 (6) Quesada Rubies 71 (0) Horadada Falcons 41 (0) San Miguel Dalmations 103 (10)

P W D L Greenlands Maples 18 63 0 27 Emerald Isle Neptunes 18 51 3 36 El Rancho Pintos 18 51 4 35 La Marina Pathfinders 18 49 5 36 San Miguel Dalmations ** 18 52 2 36 Greenlands Sycamores * 18 49 3 38 Emerald Isle Moonrakers 18 48 5 37 Monte Mar Torreadors 18 39 5 46 Mazarron Mariners 18 38 2 50 Quesada Rubies 18 32 6 52 Horadada Falcons ** 18 30 5 55 Vistabella Eagles * 18 17 2 71 *2 )deducted for failing to field a full side **5 )deducted for failing to field a full side

O/W 12 13 11 12 11 11.5 10.5 7 9 3 6 2

Diff 423 190 322 61 177 131 65 -86 -94 -349 -238 -602

Pts 150 131 128 127 123 122 122 97 96 76 72 38

VOYAGER DIVISION Greenlands Chestnuts 80 (8 ) La Siesta Sputniks 60 (2 ) San Luis Vulcans 91 (10 ) San Luis Romulans 76 (2 ) San Miguel Pointers 116 (12 ) Emerald Isle Saturns Bye

La Siesta Pioneers 78 (4 ) Vistabella Buggies 120 (10 ) El Rancho Raiders 58 (2 ) El Rancho Palaminos 80 (10 ) Country Bowls Flamingos 67 (0 )

P W D L O/W Vistabella Buggies 17 65 3 17 17 San Miguel Pointers 16 57 2 21 13 Country Bowls Flamingos 16 46 2 32 12 La Siesta Pioneers 17 42 1 42 9 El Rancho Raiders*** 16 42 3 35 8 La Siesta Sputniks 17 37 4 44 8 San Luis Vulcans 16 36 2 42 6 Greenlands Chestnuts 17 34 6 45 5 Emerald Isle Saturns * 16 35 4 41 6 El Rancho Palaminos * 16 21 3 56 4 San Luis Romulans ** 16 19 2 59 2 * 2 ) deducted for failing to field a full side ** 5 ) deducted for failing to field a full side *** 9 ) deducted for failing to field a full side

Diff 842 466 297 49 90 -215 -74 -157 -160 -504 -634

Pts 167 142 118 103 94 94 86 84 84 51 39

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB All our teams are working hard to claim more points but sometimes things don't always work out.

SA League Monday 25th Klingons away v Q Pearls, close result; 6pts-6, 90shots-93. Winners: William Holtham, Sabrina & Russell Marks 2315, Kath Reid, Colin Jackson, Ian Kenyon 19-14, Bob White, Ann Holland, Ray Pollock 26-12.

Trekkers away v Q Diamonds, another close result 7pts-5, shots 90-85. Winners: Pat & Graham Bird, Peter Fuller 17-17. Ros Holmes, Marina Beardsall, Brian Pocock 18-15, Allen Bowen, Jan Pocock, Suzi Cooper 26-16.

Vulcans home v ER Raiders, good result shots 91-58, 10pts- 2. Winners: Audrey Ford, Ian Ross, Brenda Brown 20-16, Derek Barker, Dave Tilley Sue Ross 23-11, Ray Watmough, Steve Rossiter, Bob Bromley 29-14, Pat Tilley, Chris Jackson, Phil Hasler 10-0 (no opposing team) Romulans home v ER Palaminos, 2pts-10, 76shots-80. Pauline Johnson, Allan Lever, Ralph Jones 23-14.

Wednesday 27th Winter League: after a slow start, a clean sweep home v La Marina. 12pts-0, 128shots-51. Pam Lockett, June Jones, Peter McEneany, Keith Jones 15-13, Kath Reid, Giuseppe Galelli, Neil Morrison, Ian Kenyon 3010, Jan Pocock, Drew Russell, Sabrina & Russ Marks 32-9, Shirley Verity, Ray Pollock, Jo & Jules Pering 26-8, Ray Clarke, Keith Phillips, Bill

by SHEILA CAMMACK

Webb, Scott Malden 25-11.

FED 4’s League: Thursday 28th Condors away v SM Cherokees 2pts-6, 46shots-58. Winners: Ros Holmes, Graham Bird, Peter Fuller, Neil Morrison 22-21. Ospreys: BYE Southern League: Friday 1st Lions home v LM Ospreys, a good result, shots 90-79, 8pts-4.

Winners: Bob White, Ann Holland, Ray Pollock 20-15, Colin Jackson, June Jones, Keith Jones 13-10, Margaret Morrison, Keith Phillips, Neil Morrison 25-13.

Tigers, shock result away v GL Oaks, 78-97, 0-12.

Leopards away v Q Swans, a good result: 8pts-4, 94shots-70. Winners: Ray Watmough, Dave Tilley, Drew Russell 24-4, Dennis Jackson, Steve Rossiter, Bob Bromley 27-11, Chris Jackson, Ian Ross, Brenda Brown 18-14.

Pumas, home v VB Conquistadors, had a close game: 6-6, 83shots-88. Winners: Pauline Johnson, Allan Lever, Ralph Jones 19-17, Chris Phillips, Robert Hicks, Lyndon Johnson 24-17, Pat Barnes, Roger Inwards, Tom Fromson 14-13.

We are a competitive but friendly club; you're welcome to join in "Vic's hamper" on Saturday & some Tuesday mornings. For info & calendar, check: www.sanluisbowls.byethost7.com.

We welcome new & experienced bowlers, come along & see us, or for more help contact June Jones, Club Captain: 691 903 773.

LA SIESTA BOWLS CLUB In the Enterprise Division The Apollos awy at Vistabella Albatrosses had a close encounter with the overall shots being shared 81 apiece winning on 3 rinks and taking the points 7-5.winning rinks for the Apollos were Ramsey Sinclair,Brian Harman and Harold Charleton 18-9, Ann and Robert Heath with John Ball 18-15 and Dave Davies with Mike and Florence Edwards 17-12 In the Voyager Division theSputniks entertained league leaders Vistabella Buggies and found the going tough winning on the rink of Dot Kocsis, Ann Edgerton and Ken Stringfellow by 21-17 picking up 2 points in a loss by 1209 shots to 60.

The Pioneers visited Greenlands Chestnuts losing by a narrow 80 shots to 78 picking up 4 points.

Winners for the Pioneers were Irene Laverick with Tony and Val Dalton 16-12 and Barbara Cooper, Alan Mawer and Dave Laverick winning 17-16.

In the Winter League for La Siesta played Quesada and won on 2 rinks picking up 4 points losing the overall shots by 89-79.Winners for La Siesta were Barbara Cooper, Val Dalton with Mike and Florence Edwards 22-9 and Rab Logan, Jim

by ROD EDGERTON

Eastwood, Jim Hudson and Alan Mawer 1812dwards winning 20-14.

In the Fed 4’s the Parakeets travelled to Emerald Isle Leprechauns and lost by 69 shots to 38 losing by 8 points to nil.

In Division A the Blues at Vistabella Picadors lost the match by 99 shots to 76 picking up 4 points from wins by Dave Davies, Brian Gardiner and Irene Mangan 29-17 and by Dawn and John Taylor with Jean Cooper 16-14.

In Division B the Golds at Horadada Royals had a difficult day picking up just 1 point from a 17-17 draw on the rink of Derek Smith, Norman Adcroft and Alan Mawer. The overall shots went to the Royals by 91 shots to 68.

In Division C the Silvers travelled to the league leaders Greenland Cedars and despite the team trying its hardest lost the overall match by 128 shots to 56. Well done on the rink of Wendy Ralph, Sheila Millward and Jim Eastwood beating their opposition by 23 shots to 15 picking up 2 p;oints for the Silvers.

Emerald Isle Bowls Club Monday brought Vistabella Drivers to the Isle and the home team won 10-2 aggregate 84-64, winners were: D Jones R White I Brewster 24-12, J Pooley M Veale M Odell 16-11, M Riley C Smyth J Smyth 16-12, S Johnson D Leeming P Coffey 14-10 Neptunes travelled to Vistabella Eagles and had a great 12-0 aggregate win: R Adams B Doran M Stacey 26-10, C Ayling B Eldred J Mullarkey 2510, ,M Whitelock C Parsons A Malcolm 28-14 E Morris L Vincent H Rhodes 18-11, A Brown S Watson P Heaney 16-14 Moonrakers were at home against Mazzaron Mariners and won 8-4, aggregate of 96-72, winners were: L Harris P Willicott R Clive 22-9, L Burns B Smith A Fay 21-11, V Cameron T Dix G Ponsford 26-16 Emerald Isle were away at Bonalba in the Winter League and they had a great 10-2 aggregate 89-70 win, winners were: S Kavanagh T Dix P Dix B Kavanagh 27-12, R Clive S Watson H Rhodes P Coffey 23-8, D Jones S Johnson M Breen I Brewster 16-9, P Rhodes C Smyth M Odell C

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

with Elwyn Morris

Lindgren 16-15 Berleen narrowly lost 16-15 Leprechauns played at home against La Siesta Parakeets and had a good 8-0 aggregate 69-38 in the Fed4s winners were: R Adams H Rhodes P Willicott R Clive 24-8, V Cameron J Gregory S Watson A Malcolm 26-15, S Kavanagh M Willicott G Ponsford B Kavanagh 19-15 Cavaliers played at La Siesta Blues and won 8-4 aggregate 99-76, B Taylor C Smyth J Smyth 21-9, P Rhodes M Veale I Brewster 25-10, M Riley D Leeming M Odell 22-12 Claymores won at Vistabella Picadores 8-4 aggregate of 84-76, Winners were: E Morris J Westall P Heaney 24-7, C Ayling B Eldred J Mullarkey 2215, D Horne L Vincent D Donovan 17-13 Rounheads played against El Rancho Rangers and they got a great 12-0 aggregate 124-50 win, winners were: A Miles M Munro B Donohoe 33-5, R Fooks J Gregory J Mulloy 28-7, F Thomas T Roche T Upham 27-8,, M Brookes E Brookes G Smith 19-6, J Horne R Andrews E Shepperd 17-14

www.theleader.info

Quesada Bowls Club

by Dee Stephenson What a difference a week can make! Our bowlers were on better form this week with some good wins despite some very competitive matches.

In the South Alicante Winter League, Quesada Pearls held off San Luis Klingons for a 6-6 draw narrowly winning the shots 93-90.

This performance means the Pearls have maintained 4th place in the league.

Meanwhile the Diamonds put up a great fight in a very close match against San Luis Trekkers. Some of the rinks won or lost by only 2 or 3 points for a final result of Trekkers 7 points, Diamonds 5 points and the shots were 90-85 to the Trekkers.

Unfortunately the Rubies had a bad day against Greenlands Sycamore who won the match 12-0 and 94-71 shots.

Results in the Southern League this week included a reversal of fortunes for Quesada Swallows against San Luis Leopards and they lost their match 8-4 points and 94-70 shots in favour of the Leopards.

And a reversal of fortunes for the Swifts as well but in the Swifts favour! They were hosted by Montemar Toreadors and in a game of two halves

HORADADA BOWLS CLUB By Irene Graham On Monday in the Discovery Division, the league we want to avoid relegation was not a good result for the Falcons. We were playing away to La Marina Pathfinders and the result was a disaster.

Enough said. The final score was 41 shots for Horadada to 101 against giving us once again zero points to 12 against. We have four matches left to play this season, three are at home so come on Falcons we have to win our home games. We know we can do it, we have the players.

On Friday the Royals were at home to La Siesta Gold and when we played them away we lost 8 points to 4, but at home we more than made up for that away loss. Before the start of the match our club captain Jack Linehan gave us a severe talking to, stating that we have to win our remaining home matches to stay up. Everybody must have quaked in their shoes because we had a fabulous match with an even more fabulous result. The Royals also need to win their home matches as they started the season well but have slowly been dropping down the table. Friday’s result just proves what

Country Bowls

by Jo Richardson

The Flamingos travelled to San Miguel to face the Pointers on Monday, fielding an A division team in all but name, the Flamingos were put firmly in their place, losing on all rinks.

Better luck next time and well done to the Pointers.

On Friday morning Country Bowls faced off at home against Greenland’s Elms in their second encounter this year. The Cubs were determined to hold on to their 5th place in the league.

A fantastic mornings bowling with a 4 shot difference at the end, however, the Elms took 3 rinks to the Cubs 2. Overall score 8 – 4 to Greenland’s Elms.

Winning rinks were; Chris Stevens, Dot Davies and Peter Robins, Sandra McIlroy, Dave Smith and Lynne Bryce. Well done to Greenland’s.

In the afternoon the Matadors from Monte Mar were next to visit Country Bowls.

The Matadors came looking for revenge after a narrow defeat when they played the Geckos on their home green earlier in the season.

However, the Geckos have been getting stronger

19

initially in favour of the Toreadors, Swifts proved their tenacity and staying power coming back in the second half of the match to win it 12-0 points and 88-81 shots.

In the Winter league, Quesada played away at La Siesta and enjoyed an 8-4 win with the shots 8979, thus maintaining their 4th place in the league.

Meantime, in the Federated 4’s, Quesada Panthers hosted San Miguel Mohawks and in a hard fought match, with several rinks decided on the last one or two ends, managed a draw, 4 points each.

A good result for the Panthers and with only 2 games remaining, they’ve moved into 4th place in the league and will be working hard to maintain this - although the Mohawks and Condors are still hot on their heels.

Just a reminder that we welcome both new and experienced bowlers. We’re a friendly club with a mixture of competition, league and casual players.

In addition to league matches and Club competitions we have our popular Saturday morning chicken drive which is open to visitors, and we have free coaching for new members. So come along and see what we have to offer! Contact our membership secretary Angie Goddard newleaf2014@hotmail.co.uk Horadada can do. Why can’t we do it more often, especially at home? Very well played to all our team members. This was the lift that we all needed. We won on 4 rinks and drew on 1. Our winning teams were:John Goddard, Mick Kirby and Bryan Eatough 17 – 9, Carol Linehan, Wayne Jackson and Sheila Westwood 16 -15, Irene Gaham, Alan Miller and Terry Hucknall 22 – 12 Ken Barber, Mark Jukes and Roy Thomson 19 -15.

Our draw team was: Jenny Davis, John Bailey and Fred Trigwell 17 -17.

The final result was 91 shots for to 68 against giving us a much needed 11 points to 1 against.

With reference to the Monday Falcons and the Friday Royals, we have three home matches left to play for the Falcons and two for the Royals. You cannot get a better advantage than that to finish the season so let’s go for it Team Horadada.

Keep ‘em bowls a rollin’ Guys.

Horadada offers a warm welcome to new or experienced bowlers, and provides the necessary equipment. Our roll-up days for this friendly club are Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings. Please contact Fred Trigwell on 659 139 129 for more information. by the week and attacked the Matadors like a herd of champion bulls!!

No matter how much the Matadors swirled their capes and bowled their bowls, the charging Geckos ground them down.

The attack was relentless and only one of the Matadors rinks struggled over the line, victors by just one shot.

Against a strong team of Matadors that started the game three places above the Geckos in the league, the Geckos proved just how strong they have become by marching out victorious by 10 points to 2 and a shot difference of 103 – 69.

Winning rinks; Sylvia Rennie, Jean Turner & Jim Rennie . 22 – 18, John Jukes, Graham Richardson & Wayne Osguthorpe. 30 – 13 Gordon Dixon, Pat Emmett & Ray Emmett. 15 – 13 Carole Donnellan, Les Turner & Dennis Birkett.

20 – 18 Pat Patton, Derek Jiggins & Brian Patton fought ferociously and lost by only one shot after a terrific close game. Well done Geckos.

For more information on Country Bowls please visit the website www.countrybowlsmurcia.com , email grahamandjo7@gmail.com or telephone 635 086 742/966 19 1552

20

www.theleader.info

Mike ProBert talks golf Golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike on the Costa Blanca 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 discounted golf prices to all of our readers.

SMART GOLF This article is not about your golfing attire and wearing cashmere sweaters and fancy trousers but we are talking here about how to think your way around the golf course using simple common sense.

Too easy?

I make no apologies for this because failing to take a common sense approach to golf can have a worse impact than a faulty swing technique.

Here are just a few ways in which you can improve this part of your mental approach: Play the first tee shot in your head When you are driving (carefully) to the course or before you leave the practise area, visualise and play the first tee shot in your mind over and over again because when your face this shot for real you will feel more confident and should see better results.

Stick to your game plan Before you commence play you should have a plan or strategy for each hole and stick to it irrespective of how you are playing, your score, how the opposition are playing or the state of the match.

Do not turn one bad shot into two (or more) Golf is a game or mistakes, you will make them, accept them and do not try miracle shots to recover the situation, accept your punishment and get on with the game.

Putting a good score together When you find yourself in a position where you have a good score going do not get too defensive, trust your swing and stay aggressive.

Use your shots The handicapping system gives you shots because you need them so use them to the best of your ability and do not waste them by attacking pins tight to bunkers or hitting woods out of the rough to low index holes.

Play the percentages Do not attempt shots with a high risk of failure, simply get the ball back into play as safely as possible and get the best score that you can on the hole and get on with the rest of the game.

Eliminate your disaster shots Golf is not about how good your best shots are BUT is about how bad your bad shots are and so identify what these shots are and take lessons to eliminate them.

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

(in assN with Costa Blanca Green Fee s vcs)

You see it really is a simple and easy as that!We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.

The deals shown in the table are some of the best currently available to you.

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

Price €146 €154 €120 €130 €114 €112 €134 €176 €47 €52 €99 €124 €168 €82 €150 €142 €66 €122

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 from12pm.

Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Sgle Green Fee from 2pm Single Green Fee Single Green Fee Two Players and Buggy Two and Buggy (B4 10 or after 12) Two Green Fees and Buggy Two Players and Buggy 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

Mick Roscoe goes to the top of the Eclectic leaderboard, beating Bob Eyland on countback, with both having a combined score of 46 points after 2 rounds. Five players are hot on their heels with 45 points. The next round will be played towards the end of April.

The day’s winning results, by category and in reverse order, were the following: Bronze Category: 5th Chris Hamblett (37), 4th Norman Padmore (38 on CB), 3rd Bob Eyland (38 on CB), 2nd Mick Roscoe (38 on CB) and 1st, with the day’s best score of 42 points, Roger Brierley.

Silver Category: 5th Pete Cunniff (33 on CB), 4th Adrian Roberts

LEADER

Gold Division Winner – Nick Lee

There were originally 24 members from Alfie’s GS due to play at Vistabella, but due to illness and injury’s we had a few late cancellations. The course was in excellent condition, we also found the staff very understanding and helpful with our updated order of play and buggy allocation, so thank you all at Vistabella. With some of the tee boxes moved forward and perfect golfing weather, this was always going to be an enjoyable high scoring day of golf.

Our winner of the day in the gold division was Nick Lee with a great score of 42 stableford points.

Second place went to Ian Connell with a score of 36 points.

The winner of the silver division was Rachel Lee with a score of 40 stableford points. 2nd place went to Wayne Stevenson with 34 pts.

Nearest the pin on the 7th – Sponsored by ‘The Street Restaurant’ went to Harry Conrad, on the 15th – sponsored by ‘The Celtic Drop‘ went to Ian Ingledew, in 2 shots on the 12th - sponsored by ’Alfie’s Bar’ went to Harry Conrad.

The Blind pairs were won by Jamie Stevenson and Ove Collin.

A prize donated by Gary Armstrong for the longest walk went to Magnus Fridgeirson Many thanks to our sponsors, Mike Probert (Costa Blanca Green Fee), also a big thank you to Cat and Liz at Alfie’s Bar for their continued support throughout the year and post-match food. And finally thanks to all the members and guests for supporting Alfie’s Golf Society. Our next outing is Alhama Signature on the 28th March 2019 so get your names down early. By Wayne Stevenson

Las Ramblas Golf Society OK! As this week’s ‘senior moment’ award goes to me let’s get it out of the way at the outset.

The 2nd round of this season’s Eclectic competition took place at Vistabella, with 40 members and four guests taking part. A shotgun start meant an early rise for all and plenty of work prior to teeing off for the organising committee members.

Gerald Turner took the much sought after Abacus prize, receiving a voucher for a free golf lesson from course professional Adrian Rudge for his efforts. Tony Smale (39) and Phil de Lacy (37) took the Gold and Silver category prizes respectively, with them winning having absolutely nothing to do with their filling the current Captain and Vice-Captain roles.

637 227 385

ALFIES @ Vistabella

Pay full attention Each shot needs and deserves your full attention so do not play any shot unless you are ready to play the shot properly.

Commit to the shot Select the club that you feel is correct to play the shot, have no doubts about your selection, be positive and swing with confident controlled aggression.

Take the positives from your round No matter how badly you have played or scored on the day focus on something positive rather than negative from the round and take these with you to the next game as well as trying to work on the weaker parts of your game.

SAN MIGUEL GOLF SOCIETY Fine weather and a course in good condition, with pretty slick greens, led to some excellent scoring, not overly affected by some tough pin positions. Roger Brierley (24 handicap) managed the day’s best round, putting together 42 points, closely followed by guest Graham Jordan who, playing off of 7 and never having previously visited the course, returned 41 points.

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

(33 on CB), 3rd Paddy Diskin (34 on CB), 2nd Kyrre Skarsmoen (34 on CB) and 1st Phil de Lacy with 37 points.

Gold Category: 5th Norman Cahill (36 on CB), 4th Barry Lane (36 on CB), 3rd Graeme Forbes (36 on CB), 2nd Mark Preston (37) and 1st Tony Smale with 39 points.

Nearest the pins (sponsored by MoneyCorp): Hole 2 Norman Padmore, Hole 7 Phil de Lacy, Hole 11 Barry Roehrig, Hole 15 John Trehy. Abacus (sponsored by Vistabella golf professional Adrian Rudge): Gerald Turner Best Guests: Graham Jordan (41) beating Paul Dulson (31) in to 2nd place.

Our thanks go to all Vistabella staff for their contribution to an enjoyable day. Next week we will be at La Torre, and on following weeks at El Plantio and Alenda. Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org or simply give Captain Tony Smale a call on 628 227 687.

Whilst enjoying a beer on the terrace after Monday’s round it was pointed out that the two young guys at an adjoining table were both golf professionals and that one of them was JoseMaria’s son! (Olazabel, I Pat Cassidy immediately thought).

Armed with camera, notebook (and one eye on the Costa Blanca Press Awards) I sat down with them for a chat. It turns out that Dutchman, Jim De Hey and Alfonso are both based at Las Ramblas.

I went on to tell Alfonso how much I admired his father’s career and also that my wife was currently drawing him together with Seve. A look of bewilderment came over his face but he gave me his email address anyway to send him a copy when it was finished. After studying the address it became apparent that his father is actually Jose-Maria Bueudia, our resident professional at Ramblas!

Back to business. Monday’s format was the good old 1-2-3 Waltzer.

Taking the limelight, with an impressive 90 points, (the record is 98) were Olga Douglas, Peter Wickham, Mike Mahony and the fictional Albert. Highlights included Peter getting a 4 for 5 points on the 4th, Mike 4 for 4 on the 16th and Olga 4 for 4 on the last. Pat Cassidy took first place in Wednesday’s stableford with 39 points. In second spot, with 36, was Mike Chapman. Welcome back Mike. Nora Betts took bronze, on countback from Liz Robertson, with 35 points.

Por ultimo, Friday’s ‘counter game’ saw our winners equal the record (set in 2017) score of 106 points. The team consisted of Geoff Biggerstaff, Ron Percival, Peter Radcliffe and Andy McDonald.

Pues, hasta la semana que viene, Peter Reffell

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

www.theleader.info

21

El Plantio2 Golf The Monthly Medal competition on the 26th February was played in ideal conditions, after the obligatory delay due to frost on the course.

However the 12 competitors failed to match the conditions with second and third places failing to record less than 60 points, which is usually a score which finishes among the also rans.

Nearest the pins: Hole 5 – David Swann, Hole 9 – Alistair Douglas Third place – Handicap 9.6, Mike Davies – 61.4 points.

Second place – Handicap 9.3, Ray Housley – 60.7 points First place – Handicap 6.7, Alistair Douglas – 56.3 points..

If anyone would like to join our Society, we play at El Plantio Golf Club every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. We use both courses - the Par 3 nine hole course and the main 18 hole course, so we cater for all abilities. The membership rates are very competitive, so call for more details. Anyone who wishes to play in the Society as a guest or join as a new member, contact Ian Henderson on 966 716 616 or 636 116 230.

Picture from L to R: Ray Housley, Alistair Douglas, Mike Davies.

David Swann

Torregolf donation to ECCH

By Andrew Atkinson Elche children's care home have benefited to the tune of 1,280 euros thanks to the generosity of Torregolf.

"It was a delight to present a cheque to Annette English, the President of Elche Children's Care Home Charity and Director Andres Hernandez of Baix Vinalopo (ECCH)," said Torregolf spokesperson David Winder.

Glitz ‘n’ glamour unbridled at Cheltenham Highflier O'Leary, The Queen, 'Fergie', Liz Hurley and Rolling Stones Ronnie Wood add rock 'n roll to Cheltenham THE Cheltenham Festival 2019 during March 12-15 is set to feature the top National Hunt horses - along with a plethora of celebrities famous names who own and breed racehorses, including The Queen.

Sir Alex Ferguson, former Manchester United manager who used to own a share in Rock of Gibraltar, who ran in the colours of the Red Devils, will be in attendance at Cheltenham, being part-owner of Clan Des Obeaux, a leading candidate in the Gold Cup. Morning tv celebrity Jeremy Kyle is one of the backers behind eight year old Glen Rocco.

Liz Hurley's involvement in racehorse ownership was being part of the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing group.

One of the horses Hurley part-owned, Albany Stakes-winner Memory, reportedly ended up being sold to Queen Elizabeth II for £500,000 in 2011.

The Queen has reportedly earned over £7m in winnings from her stake in racehorses, having inherited horses when her father King George VI died in 1952.

The Monarch also owns those raised at the Royal Stud in Sandringham.

The Queen is a patron of the Jockey Club, the organisation that owns the Cheltenham Festival.

Former Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester United and England footballer Michael Owen has taken out a trainers licence since hanging up his boots.

Owen's Brown Panther was the first horse from his Manor House stables to secure a Group I victory, winning the Irish St. Leger in 2014.

Owen's ex-England and United teammate Wayne Rooney part-owned Yourartisonfire, Pippy, Tomway and Switcharooney.

And racing has some rock and roll in the Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, who runs a breeding farm Sandymount House in Ireland, where he has bred several winners at The Curragh.

Former Countdown host Carol Vorderman and ex-Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond have recently become part-owners of Subway Surf.

Ineos Team UK prepares for America's Cup at Pinatar Arena

Thirty-five members of sailing’s elite arrived at Pinatar Arena last week as the Ineos Team UK, led by former four time Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie, to continue its preparation for the 2021 America’s Cup in New Zealand.

The Ineos Team UK chose Pinatar Arena because of the relationship of member, and double Olympic medalist Xabi Fernández, with Cartagena sailor Diego Fructuoso and the general director of Pinatar Arena, Fran de Paula, ahead of other options

in Miami and Dubai.

The team was welcomed to the region by Murcia’s Minister for Development Patricio Valverde, Mayoress Visitacion Martinez and Mariano Galera, the president of the Club Nautico de Lo Pagan.

Andrew Atkinson interviewing Sir Alex Ferguson at Haydock Park Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary, 57, who is sponsoring The Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham festival, was the winning owner of Road To Respect at Cheltenham in 2017.

O'Leary, reportedly worth $1.3billion, has the Gigginstown Horse Stud, county Westmeath, Ireland, and has a plethora of horses with trainer Gordon Elliott.

"He's a genius a what he does," said O'Leary, who won the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in 2006 with War of Attrition, and Don Cossack in 2016.

O'Leary also has two Aintree Grand National winners under his belt in Rule The World (2016) and Tiger Roll (2018). *Eyebrows have been raised with Gold Cup entry Presenting Percy, attempting to become only the second horse after Easter Hero - 90 years ago - to land the Gold Cup without having run over fences in the same season.

Jockey Davy Russell said: "I'm happy and I'll be going into the race like he's had ten runs.

"He'll be fit and I'll ride him the way I usually do. If he's good enough, he's good enough, and if he's not, he's not."

Gold Cup betting: Presenting Percy 7-2; Clan Des Obeaux 9-2; 2018 Gold Cup winner Native River, 6-1.

22

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

www.theleader.info

EURONICS THURSDAY DART LEAGUE

By Tracey

“THE ELECTRICAL SHOP” - BLUE LAGOON

Betteridge

Thursday 28th February - 2nd Division 1 Hub Hyenas 7-5 Junction Jackals 7-5 Las Rosas Bullies 4-8 The Ale House 10-2 Division 2 Chemies Loungers 11-1 Trinity Rioja Panthers 4-8 Peta’s Bar 10-2 Pint Depot Jesters 4-8

Division 1 The Ale House Trinity Rioja Pirates Hub Hyenas Junction Jackals El Capitan Fire Station BW Las Rosas Bullies Junction Jaguars Division 2 Chemies Loungers Peta’s Bar Angels Arrows Chemies Chicks Trinity Rioja Panthers Pint Depot Jesters Pint Depot Queens Hub Hellraisers

Half Results Week 1

Hub Hellraisers Chemies Chick Pint Depot Queens Angels Arrows

W

D

L

F

A

+/- Pts

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1

10 8 7 7 5 5 4 2

2 4 5 5 7 7 8 10

8 4 2 2 -2 -2 -4 -8

2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1

11 10 8 8 4 4 2 1

1 2 4 4 8 8 10 11

10 8 4 4 -4 -4 -8 -10

2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0

Trinity Rioja Panthers v Chemies Chicks Very good match, lots of laughter and banter. Good result for Chemies Chicks after their loss to us in the Semi Finals.

MOTM: Angela (Trinity Rioja Panthers), Sue (Chemies Chicks) Peta’s Bar v Pint Depot Queens The first Treble went to Peta’s Bar, despite Vi’s (121) it was no match against Charles (81, 100) and Tracey’s 100 finish (T18, 10, D18), the shock on Tracey’s face said it all, and the crowd went wild! The second and third treble also went to Peta’s Bar with some great scores, Sonya (80), Paul (100, D1), Viv (106), Charles (85) and Michael (D4).

Torrevieja Darts Ladies Organisation Pairs Competition Results: All eight teams were represented with a total of 24 pairs entering.

The Gap ladies turned out on mass with 11 ladies, hoping to improve their odds on making it through the competition. It was a ‘Red Sea’ during the pre-comp practice as the ladies arrived early and tested their arrows.

The four ‘Ribena Berry’ Friendly Chicas pairs supplied a colourful contrast, and although somewhat perplexed at times by the draw and order of play, gave jolly good account of themselves and together with the Friendly Temps, supplied the four sumptuous hampers for the raffle.

The darling Dolly Mixtures and the host team Primadonnas registered 3 pairs apiece and were instrumental in helping to prepare the venue and provide insight into how the competition should be run!

El Balcon put in two pairs who were sequentially knocked out by

637 227 385

El Capitan won the first half of the league before it was split The first Double went pretty much Peta’s Bar way for Sonya and Paul (81, 100, D10), but Queens Lynn (81) and Vi (81, D18) fought back to take their first point of their evening. Peta’s Bar Jane (83) and Charles (83, 77, D1) took the third double from Queens Alison and Marie (74,93, 72).

After our interval for Sausages and Sandwiches, Peta’s Bar were refuelled and took the first two singles, Queens Alison (119) against Peta’s Michael (73, D1) and Queens Marie (79, 76) against Peta’s Jim (98, 98, D12).

Third single was Peta’s Viv against Queens Vi (74, D8) who was on form and took the second point of the evening for Pint Depot Queens. The remaining three singles went to Peta’s Bar with some high scores from both sides, Sonya (83, X16) against Queen Lorraine (84), Paul (100, 81, 81, 99, D16) against Queen Cheryl and lastly Charles (125, 81, 100, 78, D16) against Queen Lynn (83).

All in all, a great night was had at Peta’s Bar, lots of laughs, mainly at the due to Pint Depot Queens Marie who was on top form and entertained us all.

Thanks for a memorable evening ladies!

MOTM: Charles (Peta’s Bar), Marie (Pint Depot Queens)

LEADER

Cadena Sunrise Bowling 27 February - Week 22 999's S***T Happens Pin Pushers Strike Force Alley Cats Sol Amigos

El Capitan Fire Station Black Watch Trinity Rioja Pirates Junction Jaguars

P

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

6 8 2 0 2 6

-

2 0 6 8 6 2

Sunrise Colegias Alley Gators Pin Pals The Bandits Spare Bears The Spares

Top Performers Ladies High Game High Game Hcap High Series High Series Hcap

Lynn Elford Lynn Elford Lynne Ailsby Lynn Elford

204 254 523 630

Men High Game High Game Hcap High Series High Series Hcap

Perry Bellamy Perry Bellamy Gary Walsh Graham Dunnett

214 263 538 627

Team Strike Force S***T Happens Alley Cats Sol Amigos Spare Bears Sunrise Colegias Pin Pushers Alley Gators Pin Pals The Spares 999's The Bandits

P W 66 52 66 50 66 49 66 47 66 45 66 44 66 44 66 43 66 40 66 39 66 37 66 35

D 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 0

L 35 38 39 41 43 44 44 44 47 47 50 53

Tot 36149 36780 35951 36438 36261 36165 35858 35548 35736 35469 35601 35203

Ave Pts 547 105 557 100 544 98 552 94 549 90 547 88 543 88 538 87 541 81 537 80 539 75 533 70

Congratulations to Paul Durrant (Hub Hyenas) and Barry Shingler (Fire Station Black Watch), on both hitting 180.

L to R Elly Kearns, Bliss Wright, Lesley Eagles and Pat Schofield.

Gap pair Simone and Tracey and the mighty Black Dog Ladies, who had the winning duo last year, sent forth one pair this year but alas could not bring back the cup for the 2nd year running.

A big thanks to our host venue The New Tavern for the table buffets, to Sheelah Cooper and Sharon Frain for organising the tables and providing the additional equipment.

Thanks too to all the volunteer chalkers- it’s always the same ones who volunteer to keep the competition running on time and the usual ones that disappear into the ether when it’s their turn. Pam, Kim and Simone will be meeting to discuss future competitions and events this season and welcome suggestions via, the captains, as to how we can further streamline things.

Quarter Finalists: Gail Murray/ Cynthia Jevons (Gap Ladies) Simone de Lacy/ Tracey Simpson (Gap Ladies) Sue Cam/ Sandra Crabbe (Friendly Chicas) Ann Wharton/Stacey McDermott (Friendly Temps) Semi Finalists: Ann McGivern/ June Hawkins (Friendly Chicas) Elizabeth Cowan/ Sheerin Seedat (Gap ladies/Dolly Mixtures) Runners Up: Bliss Wright/ Elly Kearns (Gap Ladies) Winners: Pat Schofield/ Lesley Eagles (Gap Ladies)

LEADER

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

www.theleader.info

Humilation for Torry as leaders notch seven wages bill come from? All these are questions that remain to be answered!

CD Torrevieja ...................0 CF Intercity ......................7 There has been much publicity given to Torry’s off field events over recent weeks, most of it fairly negative, but at last there seems to be a glimmer of hope for a brighter and more secure future. It lies in the hands of a ´group´ who are supposedly trying to form a new management committee for this famous old club.

It has been revealed that all of the old committee/directors have resigned (except Graham Knight!), but as the official club website has never shown any names we are none the wiser as to who they were!

A debt of over 60,000 euros has been attributed to the club, and mystery surrounds where the 4,000 euro donation from Torry Army has gone. It has been intimated that a number of players from higher leagues are to be brought into the club, but unless they are opting to play for nothing, where will the money for their substantial

CD Murada retain top spot

By Andrew Atkinson CD Murada went back to the top of the Valencia 1st Regional Group 8 following a 2-0 away win at Callosa Deportivo B on Saturday.

AC Torrellano gained a 4-2 victory at home against Betis Florida to go into second place, with Racing San Miguel dropping to third spot after losing 1-0 at Monovar CD. Once runaway leaders San Miguel have suffered a blip in form since the turn of the new year, having been odds on favourite to win the title.

CD Murada lead the table with 51 points with AC Torrellano on 49 points, ahead of San Miguel (49 points) on goal difference.

Atletico Catral moved into mid table with an emphatic 8-0 away win at rock bottom club Monforte CF. CD Altet beat CF Rafal 1-0 to continue with their much improved form in the second half of the season, having been bottom, to go 13th in the table.

A minutes silence before the game against CD Montesinos and Hondon Nieves was held on Sunday following the passing of Montesinos supporter Chris Jenkins, who died on February 25.

On the playing side, joint managers Kiko Lopez and Paco Guillen must be wondering just what they have taken on, having only recently returned for a second stint at the club, following their earlier resignations, and when you consider that Torry have not won since early December (over at rock bottom Villena), what the pair didn’t want just yet was a game against the runaway league leaders.

And on Sunday evening, by half time, and trailing by 0-3, we could all see exactly why Torry were rooted at the opposite end of the table to their visitors. The team was much the same as had turned out in recent weeks so any talk of an influx of new, more experienced players, had seemingly yet to materialise. Apart from a short period of optimism during the early stages Intercity had dominated in all areas of the park, with the home side camped in their own half for long periods of the game.

A bright start had earlier seen Alex and Thales both go close, but as the visitors ground their way into the game their superiority soon began to show with Hucha and Luis Garcia creating numerous opportunities from the back.

Indeed Hucha was the provider of the first goal midway through the half when he headed down for Israel to run

on and steer the ball past Christo to open the scoring.

Chances then came in abundance with Hucho, Israel and Luis Garcia all going close for Intercity and as the game progressed, and the Torry youngsters tired, Alexis was under no pressure on 40 minutes as he controlled a ball on his chest from a Juanlu cross, to double the visitors tally.

At the other end a genuine appeal was waved away by the referee as Brazilian Thales was bundled over in the Alicante area but as so often happens, the break saw Hucha then take the ball upfield where a theatrical dive saw the referee point to the spot, despite being 40 yards behind play. Hucha dusted

himself off and calmly slotted in the visitors 3rd just prior to the teams trooping off the half time break.

If the first half saw Torry caught in a storm the second period saw them completely enveloped in a hurricane as the visitors added a further four goals to their tally as Rafa, Hucha with 2 more and an own goal from Tomi inflicted Torrevieja’s worst home defeat in recent years.

Quite where they go from here no-one knows but with rumours suggesting takeovers, new players and amalgamations there is still a lot more to be written about this club before we have the final solution. Next week, Aspe, we are told a Saturday kick off.

23

CD Montesinos mourn loss of loyal fan CHRIS JENKINS

By Andrew Atkinson CD Montesinos are mourning the passing of one of their staunch and loyal supporters Chris Jenkins who died on February 25.

Welshman Chris, who resided at La Herrada, Los Montesinos, Alicante, who passed away after a recent illness, was a regular attendee at Valencia league club CD Montesinos for over a decade.

CD Montesinos supporters club President Eddie Cagagio said: "Chris was a lovely man. Always had a smile and a nice word to say.

"He was a staunch supporter and could be found behind the goal at all Monte's home games."

Eddie added on behalf of the 'Full Monte' supporters club: "Chris will be fondly missed by us, his friends. Our condolences go to his family at this sad time."

Derek Brearley, a personal close friend of Chris, who attended matches with him, both home and away, said: "Chris was a quiet man - but was always around if help was needed.

"Chris was a Monte supporter and a member of 'The 4 Amigos' who sponsored CD Montesinos futbal team over the years. He will be sadly missed. R.I.P."

Kieran Wood (right) and his brother Connor at the Spanish cricket Academy.

Spanish Academy prodigy 'Woody' proud to be captain Andrew Atkinson will exclusively bring to the wicket each week player profiles on LaMangaTorre CC. In the first of our series he speaks to captain Kieran Wood.

Name: Kieran Wood Nickname: Woody Role: Keeper/Batsman I started playing cricket in 2010 at San Fulgencio before the club grew and became Torrevieja C.C. My journey started as 12th man for the first two seasons, before my bowling skills developed and I made my way into the bowling attack on a regular basis.

In the 2014 season my ambition was to improve on my batting side of the game, and some good batting performances saw me jump up the batting order.

In 2015 I decided to take the gloves and stand behind the stumps, a year in which we won the league title.

In 2017 I was named captain of the team - and I am proud to have remained as captain to this day.

During the nine years of playing cricket I have made appearances in Spanish U19 Academies and U21 Spanish select teams.

25,935-1 'Magnificent 7' accumulator lead by 25-1 winner First Drift!

The Leader racing tips returned a remarkable 'Magnificent 7' 25,935-1 accumulator following successful selections on Saturday - lead by 25-1 winner First Drift at Newbury.

King's Advice (11-8), Fanaar (10-11), Laughing Luis (101), Swiss Pride (7-4), Fly Rory Fly (3-1) and Don't Do It (6-4) completed the rout.

With the Cheltenham festival looming upon us March (12-15) The Leader runs the rule over top trainer Paul Nicholls stable stars Clan Des Obeaux and Frodon.

Clan Des Obeaux, one of the favourites for the Gold Cup, has been in tip top form this season, winning the King George and the Betfair Denman Chase.

"Clan Des Obeaux looks great. He’s a progressive type and won the King George, absolutely murdering Terrefort," said Nicholls.

"Clan Des Obeaux has done all the talking in his last two runs and we’re very excited about running him in the Gold Cup," said Nicholls.

Nicholls, whose star Frodon is entered in both the Gold Cup and Ryanair, said: "We've keep him fresh and well for Cheltenham.

"There’s been a lot of debate as to what he’ll run in, either the Ryanair or Gold Cup. I’ll make a plan and decide on which race he’s got the best chance in," said Nicholls.

"We’ll leave it late until making the decision. I wouldn’t

Gloucestershire based trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies

run him in the Gold Cup for the sake of it if we thought we could win the Ryanair," said Nicholls.

Presenting Percy, trained by Willie Mullins, favourite for the Gold Cup, despite not having a competitive run, schooled at Galway on Saturday and reports are that it went well.

A record number of 825 Irish-trained entries have been declared to run at the SUDUKO SOLUTION Cheltenham Festival.

English trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies said: "It’s good competition, good for the sport, good for everybody."

Penhill, trained by Willie Mullins, will miss the Stayers race, with Paisley Park tightened to 2-1 favourite.

24

ADVERTISING HOTLINE

637 227 385

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th March, 2019

See our article on page 17

www.theleader.info

LEADER