EDITION 777 OF THE LEADER NEWSPAPER

No 777

Monday 12th - Sunday 18th August, 2019

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Serving the community, in print and online, for over 15 years - The Costa Blanca’s oldest ‘FREE’ English language newspaper

The councillors watch from under a ‘No Waste’.sign

La Zenia holidaymakers shocked by major sewage spill Things were getting back to normal on Friday morning following the

rupture of a pipe in an Orihuela Costa Wastewater Treatment

Plant (WWTP) that caused a spill of more than 56,000 litres of raw sewage to flood large parts of La Zenia urbanisation and it’s surrounds on Thursday.

The breakage occurred on the ‘boat roundabout’ very close to La Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre, early on Thursday afternoon, causing thousands of litres of sewage to be discharged from the sewage treatment plant situat-

ed close by in Calle Lapislazuli.

As the sewage flowed out of the plant the stench was unbearable as it followed the natural slopes of the road down Avda de Villamartin and across the N332 to the blue flag beaches at Cala Bosque and La Zenia, leaving thousands of holidaymakers, tourists and drivers watching in absolute disbelief.

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FROM PAGE ONE - SEWAGE SPILL

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However the Ayuntamiento was quick to respond with both the Councillors for Infrastructure and for the Coast, Ángel Noguera García and Ramón López Cabrera, on hand and coordinating repair work at a number of different locations.

While engineers worked through the night on the breakage, sand dams were built at both Cala Bosque and La Zenia beaches to contain the sewage, which at the peak was almost 12 inches deep, and prevent it spreading onto the sands.

The councillors explained to The Leader newspaper that the breakage was the responsibility of the WWTP of the Generalitat Valenciana which manages a joint venture of the Depuracion de Aguas del Mediterráneo, SL and SAV, Agricultores de la Vega de Valencia, and that their staff were on hand and dealing with the matter in less than two hours.

However this was not quickly enough to stop over 56,000 litres of sewage spreading across the entire area from a ruptured pipe carrying semi treated water across, from the La Zenia plant to a reservoir in Lomas de Cabo Roig, and then on to San Miguel where it is used by farmers for irrigation.

Councillor López Cabrera said that, while the repair work continued, his priority was to ensure that the spill didn’t get as far as the beaches, which in the middle of August, were packed to absolute capacity, hence the need to build the sand dams at Cala Bosque and La Zenia, which he subsequently hailed as a complete success.

But as the work went on, and as the sewage continued to flow late into the afternoon, many residents living and passing through the area told this newspaper that the spill had left a terrible smell across the whole area, even drivers and the people who were walking down surrounding streets had to cover their nose because they could not breathe, an

experience that I actually endured myself.

Councillor Noguera said that on Friday he would be meeting with those responsible for the management of the treatment plant to “ensure that this doesn’t happen again." He added that his teams of cleaners had been out for much of the night cleaning La Zenia beach and its surrounds to eliminate any trace of sewage, and by early on Friday morning much of the area was back to normal.

However, Hendrick Reynes, Vice President of the urbanisation adjacent to the waste water station, told The Leader that he has been asking for the council to act on the regular problems created by the plant for over 3 years, but to no avail. He said “It is in very bad shape, the smell is unbearable and there are many sewage leaks into C/ Lapsillazzuli.

Perhaps now we might get something done.”

The Orihuela Costa Water Treatment Plant treats an annual flow rate of 18,000 cubic meters per day providing a service to around 90,000 inhabitants.

The management company, that only won the contract to operate to system a few months ago, announced on its website that in the coming months "various projects would be undertaken to improve the facilities, that will increase the level of reliability, energy efficiency and processing of the biological treatment, pumping equipment and the computerisation of the control system, backed by their comprehensive experience in managing facilities with similar characteristics.”

Discussions on Facebook and local WhatsApp groups continued long into Thursday night with posts agreeing that the people of the Orihuela Costa are paying Premier League Taxes while receiving only lower league services. One group said that the spill only reinforces a need for segregation and it is becoming increasingly essential, as the area continues to be blighted by a lack of essential services

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Local doctors attending up to 32 patients per day Health centres in the Alicante province currently bear the greatest care burden in the Community According to the latest report of the Economic and Social Committee of the Valencian Community (CES-CV), based on data provided by the Department of Health, doctors in the Province attend up to 32 patients a day when the average in the Valencian Community is 25 consultations The department of health at Elche-Crevillent is said to be the most saturated. The population, its aging and the tourist character of the areas are some of its conditioning factors.

The report shows that each Primary Care doctor in the autonomous territory receives an average of 25 patients each day, but among some practises located in the province of Alicante, the figure rises to 27 patients. In Elche - Crevillent the average is 31.7 patients per day per doctor, followed by Elda, with 29.2, and then Elche-General Hospital, with 28.96.

In general terms the report says that Primary Care centres in the north of the province are generally under less pressure, with the lowest rates of patients per day seeing their in Dénia and Alcoy given as 22.18 and 23.81, respectively.

Of course, this does not mean that the further south you live the more overloaded the doctors are, as it is not in the more southern towns of Orihuela and Torrevieja where doctors see their most intensive daily workload.

The indexes that reflect the CES-CV's report on the healthcare pressure in Valencia and Castellón health centres are significantly lower than in Alicante. The department with the lowest load, according to the data, is that of Requena, the only one where doctors see less than 20 patients a day. It is, of course, a very sparsely populated territory, one of the main factors that can determine the volume of work in health centres.

The president of the Valencian Society of Family and Community Medicine (SVMFiC), Aurelio Duque, says that "usually in urban areas the average number of patients treated per day is higher" , and can easily be above 40. The figures are also much higher in tourist areas. "There are far more visitors to these areas and, therefore, more patients," he says. Aging, which causes people to go to the doctor more, is another reason.

“Patient overload in some practices can also lead to doctor absences; short term absences are not replaced,” he recalls. He also stresses the need to “properly provide Primary Care” to prevent these patients from going to hospitals or their local Emergency Department and collapsing those services.

Figures released for local municipalities show that Torrevieja services an average of 28,2 appointments per doctor per day and Orihuela 27,89.

At the Vinalopó Salud, however, which manages health care in Elche-Crevillent, they are now trialling virtual patient care through their own portal and app. This tool allows them to establish "a constant communication between doctor and patient, reducing a need to visit the health centre" and resolving issues about treatments or chronic diseases, improving "the effectiveness" of the system in a manner "that is so far proving to be satisfactory for both patients and for medical staff".

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hile Cabo Roig, Torrevieja, La Mata and many other Costa Blanca tourist resorts are struggling to contain the summer influx of ‘looky looky’ men, Madrid advertising director Julián Zuazo has launched an initiative in the Spanish capital in which seven African manteros "all chosen at random", have gone on to create a social and artistic project alongside fashion professionals including the international designer García Madrid.

The program is being led by publicist and creative director Julián Zuazo who explained that he has always had difficulty in finding black models here in Spain as a result of which he has to travel to the USA, New York or Los Angeles, where the costs can often be excessive, and far more than he is willing or able to pay.

“I was simply walking down the Gran Vía in Madrid, it was almost a ‘eureka moment’ as I realised that they were all around me, working as manteros, ‘looky looky men’ selling their wares from the top of blankets along the roadside. I just stopped to look, and then I realised, that they had been there all the time”.

The realisation encouraged Zuazo to develop a website on which he now showcases aspiring black models, connecting them with brands that might want to use their modelling services in their campaigns.

He explained that the website contains a portfolio of each potential model, together with a short biography and a telephone number, so that the brand can deal direct, although his company does provide support and legal advice, which then enables them to enter into meaningful contracts.

All of those selected were picked off the streets at random and given dance, interpretation and catwalk lessons. They each also made a short test film in which they were able to show their acting skills, all while still selling their goods as materos on the streets.

"They have a lot of talent, in just two shots we managed to record sequences that generally require twenty," Zuazo says. "The camera loves them," says the creative director, who, surrounded by a cast of professionals, has now created the not-for-profit Spanish initiative,

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From ‘Top Blanket’ to ‘Top Model’

‘TopmantaTopmodel.org’ web platform.

Spanish fashion labels like García Madrid, Lola Li, The Beest and Mariana Barturen have also supported the program, dressing the men for the first video of the campaign.

“The street vendors had no trouble moving and posing like real models, they were very committed,” he added. “They remembered their past and they couldn’t believe they were now filming a video. They felt important. They don’t want compassion, they just want to be given the opportunity and the hope of a better future.”

Looking ahead, the creative director is very clear: the idea is that the organisation continues to grow and become an alternative for these young people in marginal situations, who have a lot to give and to tell.

All of them left their countries in search of a better future. Many of them risked their lives to be here. But they don’t want to be on the streets working in top manta, they simply don’t have a choice. They are selling from the top of blankets because nobody gives them an opportunity to do anything else. “I hope that might now be about to change.” he says.

HMA Simon Manley bids farewell to UK Nationals in Spain

I

leave my almost six years as HMA to Spain with a wealth of wonderful memories of this fantastic country. I understand why so many UK Nationals choose to live and visit here.

One of the tremendous privileges of this job has been to meet many of you, the British Nationals involved in your communities in so many different ways. Those of you volunteering with organisations like Cruz Roja, Age Concern and so many more; helping fight forest fires in Javea or looking after British cemeteries; those raising funds to help those in need; young people volunteering with organisations like Street Angels in Mallorca, helping to look after British visitors to the island or British councillors serving their local communities.

The footprint of British education relies on UK Nationals living and working here, as teachers and assistants in the many British schools and language academies. UK Nationals are also working in businesses across Spain – from bars and restaurants on the costas to the Big Five accountancy firms.

It has been an honour to represent Queen and country and to serve you, the UK nationals living here. If I have one final message as we leave the EU, it is to make sure you, your friends and family are properly registered as residents. And check on your neighbours – make sure they are registered too.

I wish you all continued health and happiness in your lives here in Spain.

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DOES YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY GUARANTEE YOU A COURTESY CAR AFTER A BUMP? I

f your vehicle is involved in an accident and has to go in for repairs, the last thing you need to worry about is organising alternative transport while your car is off the road.

Fully comprehensive car insurance with Línea Directa guarantees a free courtesy car after an accident, for an unlimited period of time, until your car is back on the road.

To qualify, policyholders need to take out additional Replacement Car Cover and ensure that the vehicle is repaired in one of their approved national network of authorised repairers.

This includes free pick-up and drop-off of the vehicle and they guarantee original manufacturer replacement parts.

Over 900 Audi A1 courtesy cars With a fleet of nearly 1,000 Audi A1 courtesy cars, Línea Directa is already helping to keep its customers on the move.

Following a claim, here is what one customer has said about this new and enhanced service.

UK Car Production falls 20% in first six months as new data reveals £330 Million ‘No Deal’ Mitigation Bill UK car manufacturing falls by a fifth in first half of 2019, with June decline marking 13 consecutive months of negative growth.

Downturns at home and in key global markets see YTD production for the UK and export fall -16.4% and -21.0% respectively, with April’s extraordinary Brexit shut downs adding to losses.

New data reveals £330 million cost of EU departure miti gation measures, underscoring the need for a Brexit deal.

British car manufacturing output fell by more than a fifth in the first half of 2019, with a -15.2% decline in June marking the 13th consecutive month of negative growth, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).1 666,521 cars rolled off production lines in the first six months, a year-on-year loss of 168,052 units due largely to falling demand in key markets, including the UK, exacerbated by factory shutdowns pulled forward in anticipation of the March Brexit deadline.

In June, output for the UK rose by 2,791 units following an anomalous -47.2% decline in the same month last year when preparation for the new WLTP emissions test impacted volumes. The underlying trend, however, remains downward, with year-to-date production for the domestic market down 16.4%.

Meanwhile, the number of cars built for export fell by -19.8% in June and by -21.0% in the first half of the year, with just over half a million units shipped overseas given softening of key overseas markets and global trade tensions. Exports to the sector’s top global markets fell by double digits, with the US down -12.9%, China down -53.1%, Japan -10.5% and Turkey -

“I am very impressed with Linea Directa in this instance. They have since updated their courtesy car, I noticed. The car that was allocated to me was an Audi A1, with Línea Directa livery displayed on the doors.

The car, I think, had done only 350 kms, so was brand new! Thank you and the company for your help and understanding in this matter.” (A. H. 22/06/18 Mijas, Malaga)

BEST PRICE - BETTER COVER. We hope the information provided in this article is of interest.

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93.0%. Demand in the UK’s biggest market, the EU, also fell, by -15.6%. However, the EU still accounts for 57% of all UK car exports – the highest first half dependence since 2016.2 The news comes as new SMMT research, also released today, reveals the substantial cost to industry of ‘no deal’ Brexit preparations. At least £330 million has already been spent by the sector on contingency plans.3 Most major UK manufacturers have tied up working capital stockpiling materials and components, securing warehousing capacity and investing in new logistics solutions, additional insurance and training in new customs procedures. Significantly, many manufacturers have moved annual plant shutdowns from the summer to April, a measure which cannot be repeated for the proposed October departure date.

Meanwhile, latest figures show inward investment into the sector effectively stopped in the first half of the year. In the period January-June, newly pledged investment was down more than 70% to £90 million, contrasting with the average annual investment figure of £2.7 billion over the previous seven years.4 While the welcome announcement by Jaguar Land Rover earlier this month was exceptional good news, this is something of an outlier as the vast majority of manufacturers have suspended plant and product spending in the UK amid ongoing uncertainty.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said “These figures are the result of global instability compounded by ongoing fear of ‘no deal’. This fear is causing investment to stall, as hundreds of millions of pounds are diverted to Brexit cliff-edge mitigation – money that would be better spent tackling technological and environmental challenges.

“The industry’s foundations are fundamentally strong, however, and we’re ready to work with the new government to build on these through the industrial strategy. We need an internationally competitive business environment to encourage more investment, more innovation and more growth. That starts with an ambitious Brexit deal that maintains frictionless trade and we look to the new administration to get a deal done quickly job now worth some £100,900. Automotive remains the UK’s single biggest so manufacturers can get back to the business of building cars exporter of goods, trading with some 160 countries worldwide and accounting for and helping deliver a brighter future for Britain.” more than 14% of total exports.5 Automotive manufacturing is one of the UK’s most important economic assets, delivering an annual £18.6 billion to the economy, supporting local communities and employing 168,000 people in high value jobs, with the average salary some 40% higher than the national average. The sector is also one of the UK’s most productive, with automotive output per

This success is dependent on free and frictionless trade afforded by the EU single market and customs union. A ‘no deal’ Brexit would mean the immediate imposition of tariffs costing some £4.5 billion a year and an end to the seamless movement of goods.6 Any potential disruption at the border would throw Just-in-Time manufacturing into chaos, undermining the sector’s competitiveness and putting profitability and jobs at risk.

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The first hybid waste collection trucks in the region

Giant 'jacuzzi' causes alarm in El Mojón Bathers in El Mojón were alarmed on Sunday morning when the sea water in which they were relaxing began to bubble as if it were a huge 'jacuzzi'.

At first, there was a certain amount of alarm among the holidaymakers, who were concerned by the constant irruption of jets of gas, which arose in the form of bubbles between the rocks, close to the coast and the sand at the edge of the beach.

"There are also accessible bathroom areas, which allow users to make use of these facilities as they enjoy a day at the beach," said the councillor.

He added that “given the large influx of people to the beaches of Orihuela, in the lifeguard posts, there are identification bracelets which parents can give to their children, on which the name and telephone number of the parents can be inserted in order to help if the child becomes lost”.

Celebration of Horadada’s Roman history

When town hall officials were questioned by a swimmer they offered little reassurance!

More than a thousand people attended a celebration of the Roman history of Pilar de la Horadada last Saturday evening when the Department of Culture and the Provincial Council of Alicante, presented an evening of musical theatre with the Gapdamoh dance troupe entitled "Emperor Augustus Laurea Thiar."

The event took place at the foot of the beach of Las Mil Palmeras, a few metres from the remains of Roman quarries, which provided the stone to pave the Roman highway, and comprised of music, dance and special effects, framed by a stage adorned with Ionic columns and an illuminated architrave, a magnificent staging with the sound and aroma of the Mediterranean sea as it’s background.

Some bathers claimed to be able to small noxious gases, claiming that it could be a health risk, although this later turned out to be completely false.

Officers from the town hall were quickly on hand although they were able to offer little reassurance.

However the puzzle was solved in the middle of the morning, when staff from the Mancomunidad de Canales del Taibilla, the desalination plant in San Pedro del Pinatar, clarified that the bubble jets were the result of a process involving the drainage of pipes from the plant, which needs to be undertaken at least twice a year.

Over a thousand spectators enjoyed a lesson in the Roman history showing the municipality of Pilareño, at the time when the emperor Augustus built the Roman road, the Via Augusto, that bears his name and runs through the municipality.

The Department of Culture says that they intend to run this type of event on a regular basis, so that it becomes a musical scenic reference, through which the historical origins of Pilar can become better known, creating an awareness of the town’s heritage.

The Department of Culture say that they intend to run this type of event on a regular basis

As such the residents of Torre Pacheco now have three new hybrid trucks working their streets that will be responsible for collecting their waste.

“In STV Gestión we continue to focus on respect and care for the environment in our day-to-day lives, and what we have now done is acquire three hybrid trucks that make this company, and Torre Pacheco, a regional pioneer in their use. This is an improvement that the residents of Torre Pacheco will see with far less noise than that produced by traditional refuse trucks, as well as allowing a greater load of waste, with a useful load of about 12,000 kilos ”, explains the STV Management Manager, Juan Alcántara.

In addition, these hybrid trucks have been custom designed in Italy to be as efficient as possible, alternating a diesel engine for travel and a fully electric rear-loading system.

The batteries of the new hybrid trucks are recharged as they drive about their daily work, so it is only necessary to carry out a weekly charge in the STV Gestión depot facilities.

Alongside these trucks, Torre Pacheco is also working with hybrid inspection vans and 100% electric work vehicles, as well as electric blowers, all without fossil fuel consumption.

These trucks will benefit the quality of daily life of the residents of the municipality and will foster a more natural and ecological environment.

Renovation for Costa Playgrounds The Orihuela council has awarded a contract for the renovation of playgrounds and the refurbishment of green areas in Punta Prima, Cabo Roig and La Zenia, for an amount of 121,825.79 euros.

Although the press release doesn’t specify the sites concerned they are thought to be nothing new, but the same playgrounds for which the refurbishment was announced a month ago in calle Mistral de Cabo Roig, the Paseo del Mar en Cala Cerrada, La Zenia and la Avenida del Mar en Punta Prima.

They confirmed that the seawater collection systems of were being cleaned. During the operation, the exit of these gases at several points along the coast becomes a source of bubbles, like a 'jacuzzi'.

They stressed that it is clean air and totally harmless to health, although they did admit that the cleaning should not have been done in the middle of the summer campaign and without having previously warned the bathers of what was going to happen .

The funding is provided by a grant from the Diputación de Alicante.

Orihuela now has four adapted beaches On Monday the Councillor for Beaches, Ramón López, has visited the beaches of Orihuela that have accessible bathing areas for people with reduced mobility. The beaches that have these areas are those of Cala Bosque (La Zenia), Playa de la Glea (Campoamor), Barranco Rubio Beach (Campoamor) and Cala Capitán Beach (Cabo Roig).

Torre Pacheco to have hybrid waste trucks.

López said that "on these four beaches the facilities have been renovated with new pergolas and platforms, which have a lifeguard with training for the attention of people with reduced mobility, as well as the use of amphibious chairs and an adapted foot showers."

The STV Gestión concessionaire company continues its commitment to the environment, adding hybrid waste trucks to their company van fleet and their 100% electric work vehicles and electric blowers, among other machinery that no longer uses fossil fuel consumption.

Torre Pacheco has become the first municipality in the region to have a fleet of hybrid waste collection vehicles.

A grant has also been received from the same source for the improvement of lighting at the municipal football field in La Murada, to increase efficiency and energy savings, amounting to 59,482.27 euros. However both of these grants are overshadowed by that awarded to the Avda Marqués de Lacy (La Murada) and the Reconquista Museum for 463,774.05 euros for the redevelopment and improvement of accessibility.

In the contracting area, the beach cleaning support contract is extended with Actúa, which expires on August 8. This extension will be for one year, until August 8, 2020, for an amount of 315,000 euros.

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Horadada celebrates it’s independence There was plenty to do for the people of Pilar de la Horadada last weekend as the town celebrated the 33rd anniversary of its segregation from Orihuela with an extensive programme of entertainment and worship.

On Saturday evening the main church square hosted the group 'Desflamenkados', while on Sunday there was a coral night with 'The Pilar Choir and the Coral Horadada'.

The church square was again the venue on Monday evening, welcoming thousands of people to the excellent ‘Gisela Symphony Concert’ with Union Musical Horadada.

There was also an anniversary mass in the Parish Church of Our Lady of Pilar on Tuesday which was attended by the mayor and his councillors.

And the activities didn’t only extend to adults as there was also plenty over the entire weekend to

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occupy the children.

In the Rambla, next to the Puente del Beso and CEIP Virgen del Pilar, there was a free Children's Water Park with slides, splash pools and inflatables.

As is traditional, an open day was also held on the '30 de Julio at the 'recreational swimming pools, in calle Vicente Blasco Ibañez, in Pilar de la Horadada and Rio Seco' Tejo in Pinar de Campoverde.

Also on 30 July, the very day on which independence was first granted, when the messenger was received with news of Pilar’s segregation, rockets were fired into the sky as the church bells rang out in celebration There again followed an act commemorating the Segregation of Pilar de la Horadada in the church square, in which tribute was paid to those who were responsible for it’s separation 33 years ago.

This was followed by the final act of the celebration, the performance ‘One Night at the Opera’ with Jesus Hernandez and Amber Kay.

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‘Don’t forget your hurl if you want to go to play’…!

I love this time of year, as we are enthralled and excited by the business end of the GAA championships – especially the hurling. The older I get the more I appreciate everything that our ancient game stands for. Hurling encapsulates all that is best in us as a race of people; the bravery of the warrior, the skill of the artist, the nobility of the cause and the honesty of the combatants.

Was I a hurler myself? Luckily one doesn’t have to be a great singer to know when someone else is singing the song right – and that’s how it was with my hurling. Hurling was all we had back in the day.

It was badly needed escapism for us as kids in the 1950’s and for that alone I owe a lot to the game. In the school playground we were all Christy Rings, Nicky Rackards and Tony Reddins. On Summer Sundays we waited breathlessly by the radio for Micheal O’Hehir’s opening introduction of “Baile oraibh go leir a charde.” My happiest playing memory is of scoring 3-2 in a county under-age final in Mullingar.

Now in the autumn of my life, I have very few regrets. One blemish is that I qualified as a ‘past hurler’ at too young an age. I took a career break from my hurling in order to concentrate on my drinking career. Thank God, that only lasted the same length as the hurling career! The beauty of it all is that we never stop being a fan, spectator, and lover of the game. I am a season ticket holder in Croke Park and attend just about every game. There is no doubt in my mind but that hurling is the greatest game in the world – and I have seen them all.

I told you about my happiest match I played in. Now, in the interest of balance, I had better relate the story of the most nightmarish match I was ever involved in.

Canada celebrated her 100th birthday in 1967 and I was working in a place called Thompson, Manitoba. There were over a hundred young Irish lads there and we did a bit of hurling and football. I had never previously played football, but the big ball helped because we were always short of hurleys.

The Irish Canadian Club decided to stage an exhibition hurling match as part of the ‘Astum Peemo Waka’ (Cree Indian for ‘Come and have fun’) festival. Fifty new hurleys were ordered from Ireland and the teams were picked. I was chosen to play as a forward.

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Ian Comaskey pictured with legendary GAA football managers, Mickey Harte, (L) and John O'Mahony, (R)

I would be marked by a 6ft Kerryman who worked on the meat counter at Safeway and was known to us as ‘John the Butcher.’

Naturally we all knew each other well and the banter leading up to the weekend of the match was intense. I was relieved to know that John had played little hurling, so I made a point of ambling around by his meat counter any chance I got. I reminded him he was lucky he was used to the sight of blood!! John put on his ‘shop face’ and smiled back at me.

Then disaster struck: The hurleys went missing at Winnipeg Airport.

No decisions were made until the day of the match, because the club kept being promised they would be found and delivered on time. It didn’t happen …

An hour to match time and everyone playing the blame game. There were several splits in the camp. Half an hour to go and it looked like we would play a seven-a-side, but those with hurleys didn’t want to give them to anyone else. (“If this hurl is going to be broken today, I’ll break it myself!”) Final decision forced by the clock: We would play football instead! Too late to make team changes or alter selections.

I spent most of the hour on the hard deck. I had thought that ‘John the Butcher’ was called that because he worked in a butchers shop.

Another thing I didn’t know was that he had played senior football back in Kerry. I caught one ball for the duration and fearing the next ‘dunt’, I sought to offload quickly to a teammate. ‘John the Butcher’ nonchalantly intercepted my attempt at a fisted pass and his size

eleven boot deposited the ball in the other half of the field. But do you know what he did in the second before he kicked that ball? He looked at me, put on his ‘shop face’ and smiled!

After school I never won another hurling medal: No All-Star; no featuring on any ‘team of the decade.’ Be that as it may, I believe I should get a mention in the ‘Guinness Book of Records’ … I played a hurling match without a hurl!

Don’t Forget When selling yourself, don’t misrepresent the goods.

Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com *Author, entrepreneur and newspaper columnist, Bernie Comaskey, now spends most of his time on a farm in Ireland; but he retains his strong links with the Costa Blanca.

Bernie has published four books; ‘If Ever a Man Suffered’, ‘The Best of Bernie’, ‘The Team’, and ‘Just Between Ourselves’.

Bernie’s books are available at half price, on sale from ‘The Leader.’ Call 637 227 385 for info.

And this little piggy ran all the way... to the Easy HorseCare Rescue Centre!

Those of you familiar with Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre will know that they not only have rescued equines but they also have a myriad of other rescued animals like pigs.

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This is our miniature pig, Penelope

So here’s the story of the three little pigs.

Well for a long time Isadora or Princess Isadora as she’d prefer to be called, a rather large black pot bellied Vietnamese pig, has lived a life of quiet peacefulness amongst the chickens and peacocks. Of course these avian creatures have adorned Isadora with the respect she deserves.

Spanish Ryanair Pilots threatening Strike Action Ryanair’s UK pilots have said that they will strike on the 22nd to 23rd August and again from the 2nd to the 4th of September while Portugal’s cabin crew union SNVPAC has announced a strike between August 21 and 25, in response to news that the Ryanair base in Faro airport will be closed next year,

Then not so long ago all hell breaks loose – Ruppert arrives! A volunteer came running into the stable yard one morning shouting, “Help, help there’s a pig outside!” Low and behold there’s a huge pink and black pig wanting to come into the yard. On getting this very young swine into a stable surrounded by the other animals it becomes evident that he was not so keen on that. So you would then think naturally that he would probably be happier with his own kind – Isadora.

bellied Vietnamese pig turned up on her own too! But this time there were no previous owners hot on her tail.

Are you kidding? Isadora was having nothing to do with this loud boisterous porcine and actually Ruppert didn’t want anything to do with her either. Turns out he is fascinated by humans.

This miniature pig has been called Penelope. She is a petrified little thing and scared of everything. Guess what? Isadora and Ruppert want nothing to do with her.

This is surprising as the day after his arrival Ruppert’s owner turns up with a rope and a big stick demanding him back. On dragging him off, he tells the Centre that he has a date with the slaughter house, everyone was so distressed that one of their kind volunteers negotiated a price with the owner to literally ‘save his bacon’.

Although this makes life more complicated, Rod and Sue Weeding are catering to the needs of all three pigs. Isadora has her exclusive apartment, Ruppert makes the most of the garden and the house of course and Penelope has a secluded enclosure giving her some peace and quiet, allowing her time to become more confident.

Now living in the lap of luxury with his own private paddling pool, he can really chill out and enjoy all the attention from kind humans and especially the volunteer who bought him and the Co-Founders who frequently have him in their house for a spot of lunch.

Obviously someone has been watching Babe or maybe flicking through the pages of George Orwell’s Animal Farm – the pigs are rising!

And now there is more bad news for the budget airline as the Spanish pilot’s union SEPLA is considering strike action in response to the possible dismissal of 100 pilots.

Finally on a serious note if you would like to support EHCRC in their work to continue helping abused, neglected and abandoned equines then please check their website with all the details of visiting, volunteering, donating financially or donating good quality furniture to their Charity Shops http://easyhorsecare.net/

SEPLA received news from the airline on Wednesday that there would be pilot cutbacks as well as a possible closure of bases at Tenerife South, Las Palmas, and Girona.

But hang on; this is the story of three little pigs! Yep you guessed it shortly after Ruppert’s appearance another piggy arrives! This time a tiny terrified pigmy pot

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Monday 12th - Sunday 18th August, 2019

THE TIME FOR INDEPENDENCE “From Monday the 19th August P.O.C will be a political party fighting for the Independence for the coast” The group will be be known as “Partido Independencia Orihuela Costa, P.I.O.C” The time is approaching for the Coast to break free from Orihuela city and campaign for Independence.

Like all our closest neighbours, they broke free and even dropped the name Orihuela, like Guardamar for example.

Actually Orihuela Costa was given to us by our illustrious Council, so there is no reason why we should be called Orihuela Costa, why not Costa Campoamor for example.

If you check any Title Deeds, nowhere does it say Orihuela Costa.

PRESS RELEASE Secondly, think how much we will better off, not just financially but also we will have more control over what and how much is being built here on the Coast.

A great example is Pilar, look at their roads, proper zebra crossings, nicely painted with warning lights. Clean streets, no rubbish piling

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up by the bins.

As long as we are under the shackles of our illustrious Council and dubious Mayor, we will never progress whilst the bulk of their revenue is generated here on the coast but spent on projects in the city, while the coast gets nothing.

What was once a whisper is now growing into a voice and that is ‘WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH.’ We will not achieve Independence straight away but we can achieve financial control (Ente Local Menor).

This would be our first ambition, then you will see our beloved coast blossom and flourish. Residents will stay longer and longer, by then we should have our own Emergency centre, Cultural centre and the missing footbridges. One by one the roads The road to the High school will be expropriated and then made into a proper road, as will the road leading from Lomas de Cabo Roig to Los Dolses and the other adjacent to the N332 by Lidl and SupaCor Alameda del Mar. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. TOGETHER WE CAN

14

Monday 12th - Sunday 18th August, 2019

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QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 776 QUICK ACROSS:

1 Opportunity; 9

Diabolo; 10 Baron; 11 Set-to; 12 Precise; 13 Notion; 15 Mishap; 18 Eyesore; 20 Kedge; 22 Delve; 23 Orifice; 24 Estate agent.

DOWN: 2 Plait; 3 Oloroso; 4 Troupe; 5 Noble; 6 Tarnish; 7 Odds and ends; 8 Interpreter; 14 Trellis; 16 Inkling; 17 Remote; 19 Opera; 21 Deign.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Summer-house; 9 Incised; 10 Silts; 11 Larva; 12 Nastier; 13 Ordeal; 15 Lichen; 18 Tartare; 20 Salem; 22 Robot; 23 Meddler; 24 Secretaries.

DOWN: 2 Ulcer; 3 Mascara; 4 Riding; 5 Oasis; 6 Selfish; 7 Billposters; 8 Astronomers; 14 Durable; 16 Insider; 17 Pelmet; 19 Astir; 21 Lille.

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

Temperance (8) Diminish (7) Counting device (6) Huge (10) Skirmish (5) Pitcher (4) Absorb (10) Eternal (8) Inscription (7) Manservant (6) Accumulate (5) Roguish (4)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. Where on your body would you find a lunula?

2. The bestselling Stephenie Meyer books, Breaking Dawn, Eclipse & New Moon, among others, are collectively known by what name?

3. How is the Baron of Foy in the county of Herefordshire and Hartlepool in the county of Durham better known?

4. Which film is the highest-ever grossing film in the UK? 5. What name is given to the dress worn by female competitors in highland dancing?

6. In what capacity could 21 names - including Ana, Bill, Claudette - thru to Victor and Wanda - be in the news from June 1 2009?

7. What was unusual about the landslide mayoral victory for Harry Stonebraker in the town on Winfield Missouri on April 9, 2009?

8. How many replies did Sting get to his message in a bottle?

9. In the classic comedy series "The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin", what was Reggie Perrin's middle name?

10. www.hop-skip-jump.com is the web address for which Lake District attraction?

11. What is the main official language of Ethiopia?

12. Which e-tailer made the fortunes of Brent Hoberman and Martha Lane-Fox? 13. What term is given to velocity multiplied by mass?

14. What word did James Joyce's Ulysses contribute to particle physics?

15. What lies above the troposphere and below the ionosphere?

16. What is a yarmulke, or kippah?

17. Which Italian city is served by Galileo Galilei airport?

18. With which Irish retailer is the brand St Bernard most associated?

19. Who replaced Bob Wilson as the face of the BBC's Football Focus in 1994?

20. In which palace were Henry VIII and his daughters Mary & Elizabeth born?

21. Killing me Softly was a career-defining hit for Roberta Flack and much later, The Fugees.

Who was it written about, and what was "his song" for the point.

22. Who is the former West Indian fast bowler who has just been released as the head coach of South Africa Cricket?

tion, but name on the papers and postal voting had taken place too. Won 90% of the vote. 8. Walked out this morning, don't believe what I saw, Hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore, 9.

Iolanthe, 10. The World of Beatrix Potter, 11. Amharic, 12. Lastminute.com, 13.

Momentum, 14. Quark, 15. Stratosphere

DOWN 1. Showed keenness - then differently employed (8) 2. One who goes on the ship as a guest (7) 4. A wild horse on the beach (6) 5. As bribes they remove bitterness (10) 6. The brat playin? the tables (5) 7. Lay in the grass on ground-sheets (4) 10. Guiding maxims, we hear, for headmasters (10) 12. As superficial as beauty, we?re told (4-4) 15. More air required for storage cupboard (7) 16. Solemnly promise to drink a toast (6) 18. European capitalist managed to hold the doctor up (5) 19. Experts in providing fine services (4)

DOWN 1.

2.

4.

5.

6.

7.

10.

12.

15.

16.

18.

19.

1. Nails - it's the half moon thingy at the bottom ,2. Twilight Series, 3. Business Secretary - Peter Mandelson, 4. Star Wars: The Force Awakens which overtook Skyfall to gross 123 million pounds. 5. Aboyne Dress, 6. Names for 2009 Hurricanes and tropical storms, 7.

He was dead. Died 2 weeks before elec-

ACROSS 1 The Spanish graduate located in the Mediterranean (4) 3. Narrow channels used for sea-trips (8) 8. A sign of sorrow - it?s the rent (4) 9. When meal is cooked, he needs to keep to the right course (8) 11. Being a subscriber in the insurance business? (12) 13. Not going straight to telephone after some hesitation (6) 14. Remove everything from the gear-box! (6) 17. All airmen try to replace the gunner (9-3) 20. Special serviceman gets order and nothing more (8) 21. Long-handled weapon for fish (4) 22. Senior nurse round at home - that?s decidedly inauspicious (8) 23. Pot plant (4)

ACROSS 1.

Team (4) 3.

Palpable (8) 8.

Seethe (4) 9.

Chariot (8) 11. Incontrovertible (12) 13. Essay (6) 14. Scattered (6) 17. Surrender (12) 20. Legible (8) 21. Cab (4) 22. Inn (8) 23. Assassin (4)

linked with the England job 22. Ottis Gibson who has now been Palace, 21. Don McClean - American Pie, Placentia - also called Greenwich Steve Rider - Lineker was later, 20. cap, 17. Pisa, 18. Dunne's Stores, 19. (accept mesosphere), 16. Jewish skull

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ART IS IN MY HEART - I JUST FEEL I HAVE TO DO IT Cuevas del Rodeo de Rojales Exclusive report by Andrew Atkinson ROJALES Cave houses - Cuevas del Rodeo de Rojales - famous artist Carlos Carmona has spent his whole life in art: "It's something I have to do," said Carlos.

"It is something that I have inside me - it's not a choice," Carlos told me, at Rodearte, that celebrated 25 years on August 4.

"My whole life has been in art, many, many years," said Carlos, 62, born in Jerez, Cadiz.

Hundreds of people swarmed to the historic workshop cave houses, overlooking Rojales village, Alicante, listening to the swing sound of music, staged in the Theatre and Rock & Reggae Replaceta, in the Teteria Replaceta, that filled the summer afternoon air.

"As an artist you just get the feeling like 'it's something you have to do'," said Carlos, who staged a month long exhibition in Torrevieja in 2018.

Monday 12th - Sunday 18th August, 2019 Artist Alejandro Carpintero, 38, born in Madrid, told me: "I am spending two months in Rojales painting, mainly portraits."

Alejandro, who lived in London for nine months and also resided in Leeds, staging classes at Rojales during August and September, said: "I feel that a superior force is behind me.

"Art is inside me - I have this force inside me."

Artists including Cuerda, Inma Arroyo, Maria Trapiello, Carmen Sanchez, M. Jesus Trives, Manolo Cano, Santi Hernandez, Manogil, Angiililla, Alvaro and Vero, also showcased their art during the 25th Anniversary of the Artistic Association Artisan Cuevas del Rodeo.

Almoradi, Alicante born Sculptor Alberto Meseguer, who has a workshop in his home town, said: "I attended the School of Art in Murcia and received one of the National Education Rodearte's 25 year celebration

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15

Awards for student Academic achievement.

"This was granted by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, in the form of professional artistic teaching, field of plastic arts and design."

Alberto, who sculptured 'Women Women', a three dimensional image of a female nude, said: "It is composed of fragments of different bodies, that overlap each other.

"I generated this combination in unique ways."

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Monday 12th - Sunday 18th August, 2019

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Car Sales The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2017 Ford CMax Petrol which is on Special Offer priced at just 14,900 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 Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District BRnch meet on the third Tuesday of each month at the Olympia Pool Bar and Restaurant in Mil Palmeras.

Everyone is welcome. Call Jean for info on: 630 28 08 99 Royal British Legion, Torrevieja

Branch - Meet the second Friday of the month at Casa Ventura, San Luis starting at 7.00 p.m.

New members are always welcome. You do not have to be exservices. For more information contact:- gill.burden20@gmail.com RNA - The Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 1700 (5pm) at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanization, Torrevieja. For more information please contact Chairman Paul Edwards on 618 644 934, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 966 71 6274 or Secretary 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

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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 Torrevieja Christian Fellowship (TCF) is no longer at Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas. For the next two months we will be holding our Sunday morning service at 10.30 a.m. in the El Nacional restaurant which is in Punta Prima on the N332.

La Siesta Evangelical Church hold services each Sunday.

Our 11.15am Services are held every 2nd and 4th Sunday in the month

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(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 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; 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

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

Playa los locos. 651 363 396 English blonde (in 30s). Attractive, sexy & fun.

Available Wednesday 12th – Monday 17th June. 603 232 872.

Sexy, elegant Spanish lady. Playa Flamenca. Punta Prima. Private house. Erotic massage. All services. From €40. Call Ana on 657 603 495. Speaks English.

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Dawn's story Dawn, 35, called Samaritans when she was forced to leave her job due to illness.

"I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and had to leave my job very soon after. I was only 32 years old. I was absolutely devastated; without my job, I didn’t feel like I had a purpose.

Trying to cope alone "Six months of unemployment, in addition to the death of my grandmother earlier that year, led me to think I couldn’t go on.

"I’d rarely talk to other people about my problems; I prefer to work things out for myself.

"However, one night at about 4am, everything became too much. I was feeling really depressed. I didn’t want to call anyone that late so I searched for suicide prevention techniques online. I came across Samaritans and wrote down their number. It took me a couple days to build up the courage to call.

Talking was a huge help "I was very nervous when I called and was afraid of being laughed at. However, the Samaritan I spoke to was very kind and within five minutes I felt completely comfortable. He

let me talk and never once tried to tell me what to do.

"Speaking to someone when I was at such a low point was a huge help. He never belittled me, or made me feel cowardly or guilty. It felt very personal, it felt as though somebody was wrapping me up in a great big bear hug and I knew then that everything was going to be OK. Without Samaritans I wouldn't be here today "That night I managed to sleep soundly for the first time in the six months since I’d left my job, which was absolutely amazing.

"I honestly think without Samaritans I would not be here today. Life is so much better now and I recently got married. I’m glad I called, not only for myself, but also for my family."

Should you identify with

Monday 12th - Sunday 18th August, 2019

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.

You can call Samaritans on Freephone 900 525 100 Email us at pat@samaritansinspain.com Or Send a Message to 634 325 906 to organise a WhatsApp call.

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18

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Monday 12th - Sunday 18th August, 2019

Tender for emergency centre to be issued this month

Former mayor Monica Lorente covering the time capsule in September 2010 Councillor Víctor Valverde, the Orihuela Councillor for Emergencies, has said that after years of delay, the tender for the construction of the La Zenia Emergency Centre will finally be issued this month.

He told the press last week “Finally the Generalitat has delegated the Orihuela government the works of execution for the building and now the tender for the works will be published in August.”

Work first got under way nine years ago in September, 2010, when history was made and the future set, with the laying of the foundation stone for the new Emergency Coordination Centre for the Orihuela Costa.

The pomp and ceremony of the day was marked by the burying of a ”time capsule”, containing a copy of the Leader Newspaper local newspapers, a selection of coins, a CD and certificate detailing the project signed by the two main dignitaries of the day, the Mayoress of Orihuela, Monica Lorente, and the Interior Minister of the Valencian Community, Serafín Castellano. Unfortunately, almost ten years later, only a skeletal form of the project exists, a beacon that many people believe of the neglect of the Orihuela Costa.

However, given the tardiness and lack of action by the Consell,

Orihuela has proposed a take-over of its construction, thus alleviating the procedures to meet the deadlines. They intend to amortize the aid of the Productive Investment Support Plan (PIP), which was granted to the city under Zapatero's mandate, and make the Orihuela Costa emergency centre a reality.

The new centre was included in the PIP plan in 2010. The initial budget for the building was more than two million euros and construction began that same year.

But the works were paralysed in 2012, after the construction company declared itself in bankruptcy proceedings, leaving the concrete skeleton in the middle of a plot, adjacent to the N332 in La Zenia.

Since then, the Oriolan government and it’s opposition have relentlessly requested the Consell to resume the works in order to complete the facilities, given that this project was originated, funded and awarded to the city of Orihuela by the Valencian government.

Recently, however, due to the time elapsed since the stoppage of the works it has been necessary to make a series of modifications to adapt the project to current regulations.

In December 2017, the City Council presented a new project for this construction of the emergency centre, but the remodelling of the

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project caused a shortfall in the allocated budget.

The initial plan was that the building would have three floors, although that has now been reduced to two. The third floor would be pending future expansion, which would be borne by the municipal budget should it becomes necessary in the future.

There have been many reasons for the delays that have occurred, time and time again: the bankruptcy of the winning bidder, the necessary modifications to the project, changes in new Contract Law, the processing of the new budget and all of the procedures necessary when dealing with paralysed works and these would seem to be the reasons why the Consell has once again decided to put back the completion date for the works to December 2020, the seventh occasion that the construction deadline has been extended.

With this new deadline, and with the new project accepted, Valverde, confirmed the Orihuela government can now get on with the work.

“This is excellent news for Orihuela, which now has 16 months to complete the project,” he said.

“The location of the facilities is ideal to serve the entire coast because it is located in the centre of the south coast, next to the N332 and AP7 motorway. The building will have excellent access to meet any emergency and will be built by the end of next year."

“For the time being we are going to locate the municipal services in the building such as the Local Police, Samur, Civil Protection, Civil Guard and the Immigration Office. We also want to establish a base there during the summer for the Forest Guard, Beach Lifeguard, etc.

They will all have their own space in the building. Right now the Local Police has 60 square metres, whereas in the new building they will have 400 square metres” said the councillor.

The emergency centre will have a helipad, a vehicle garage and a green area. The building will have three floors, one of them unused, built around a central courtyard in order to obtain optimum light and natural ventilation.

The basement will comprise 1,900 square metres, in which there will be parking for 50 cars and 15 motorcycles. There will also be cells for the detainees, a gym and other recreational areas for the security forces and the other staff that are located in the building The ground floor will have 1,500 square metres which will have offices for each of the bodies as well as an armoury and changing rooms. Finally, the first floor will have a capacity of 1,200 square metres, but will only be used for future expansion of the facilities.

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Monday 12th - Sunday 18th August, 2019

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Collective action to contest loss of voting rights On behalf of 15 Orihuela Costa residents, Helene Akerman, President of C.L.A.R.O., presented formal letters of complaint addressed to the Electoral Registration office (Censo Electoral) and the Orihuela Town Hall requesting explanations as to why they were not able to vote in the Orihuela municipal elections on 26 May. This is potentially a serious matter involving the denial of a basic, legal, democratic right. Thanks to the persons concerned who contacted C.L.A.R.O. representatives at three different polling stations in Orihuela Costa on 26 May, we have been able to coordinate this collective action. However, the extent of the problem will not be known until the authorities have investigated and replied to the formal complaints now registered.

It is very probable that this is just the tip of the iceberg and many others experienced the same problem on voting day but did not raise the alarm. The outcome of the election may even have been affected.

C.L.A.R.O., as a political party which contested the election, has also demanded explanations.

On the day of the election, the complainants, all non-Spanish EU citizens, British and Irish nationals, approached C.L.A.R.O. party representatives on duty at the three different polling stations to say that

C.L.A.R.O. promised to take action on their behalf. It has taken time to engage a competent lawyer, prepare formal complaints and to re-contact the persons concerned and have them sign the letters of complaint.

Since we believe that this may only be the tip of the iceberg, we appeal to any Orihuela Costa or Entre Naranjo residents who were denied their right to vote in the Orihuela municipal elections on 26 May, despite being registered to vote, having voted in previous local elections and who have not formally withdrawn this right to contact us either by e-mail on Claropolitico@gmail.com or telephone

In the Alicante Province alone there are said to be around 10,000 such electric scooters using the roads every single day but it has taken the death of Berta before the authorities deemed it necessary to issue any form of guidelines.

W

Alicante’s Local Police is now stopping the scooters, particularly in central areas, to inform the riders about their obligation to travel at a maximum speed of 5 kilometres per hour, and exclusively on pavements, that is, at pedestrian speed, although there is currently no ordinance and the information is purely issued as a guideline. They are prohibited from travelling on the road. However they do say that this may vary when the City Council finally approves the pending ordinance

In some municipalities they are allowed the freedom of the highway whereas in others their presence on roads and pavements is strictly controlled.

These guidelines are aimed at electric scooters and other vehicles with reduced mobility up to 250 watts of power but which could reach a speed of 20 kilometres per hour, and which are the majority of those circulating in the province.

The matter was brought to a head last week following the public outrage after the death of a 90 year old woman, who was hit from behind by two people who were traveling on the same scooter.

This is an information campaign that will attempt to regulate the vehicles for the time being, until such time as the City Council finalises the municipal ordinance.

The lady, named Betra, was out for a late evening stroll in her home town of Esplugues de Llobregat in Catalonia when she was suddenly hit from behind by 19 year old Alexi who was said to be travelling at less than 10 kilometres per hour.

The Local Police have said that they are now issuing fines to scooters on the pavements which they consider to be driving at dangerous pedestrian speeds. They also say that those who travel on the cyclocalles are also exposed to denunciation, that is, the lanes of the roads that are shared by cars and bicycles.

Berta fell and hit her head against the pavement.

She suffered internal bleeding and died later in the local Hospital.

A judge has now ruled that the young man responsible for her death, thought to be the first fatality involving an electric scooter in Spain will face a fine at the most. He will be prosecuted for recklessness, a minor offense that means he will avoid prison if found guilty.

Helene Akerman presenting formal complaints against loss of voting rights

they had been denied the right to vote in the municipal elections, despite having voting cards, having voted previously in municipal elections and being able to vote in the European Parliament elections held the same day. As EU citizens, once the wish to participate in local or European Parliament elections has been registered, this right can only be revoked by a formal declaration. No such declarations have been made.

SPAIN SCRAMBLES TO REGULATE ELECTRIC SCOOTERS

hile there are an estimated 100,000 personal mobility devices in use here in Spain, many of them the fairly recent mania of electric scooters, there are no national rules yet on where and how they can be used, adding to the chaos on many city roads.

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This is an issue that has been in legal limbo for years, with rules that are particularly confusing because, on the one hand, the current regulations prohibit scooters on pavements and roadways in the absence of municipal regulations while article 121 of the Traffic Regulation states that skates, skateboards and similar devices cannot be used on the road.

A policeman stopping a scooter rider in Alicante

I m a g e F a c e b o o k

0044(0) 771 902 8057 or 0034 669 350 491. No costs are involved in joining this action. The greater the number of those affected who formally complain, the more seriously the authorities will take this apparent violation of a legal, fundamental right.

If it results from an administrative error or, more seriously, a manipulation of the vote, we demand to know and we will seek responsibilities.

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Vistabella Bowls Club Some of our members getting stuck in preparing for the new carpet.

What’s happening on our club scene this long hot summer of 2019, well a very important change is happening this week at Vistabella...we are having a brand new carpet laid and we are all getting excited about it, it might take a bit of breaking in but we are all looking forward to the challenge when the new season begins in the Autumn.

Before that we have the SABA finals and Valencian competitions in Sept of which we are highly honoured to be staging the opening ceremony. We look forward to welcoming all the contestants in these forthcoming events and wish them good luck.

The new carpet should change people’s opinions of bowling at Vistabella saying its a difficult green, we want you to come and enjoy bowling

with Lynne Bishop

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Quesada was the overall winner in the series

here once more.

Vistabella Club is one of the top clubs on the circuit, one that is be reckoned with, this year alone we are Winter league, the Berleen league and Southern League Champions.

We would love to have some new members join us on our new carpet...experienced or beginners, we are located at Vistabella Golf Club, Entre Naranjas. Membership is 370€ for a couple for 12 months from 1st Sept, there is also a single membership and a special price for 7 months from Oct. For more details please call into the golf office or call our Captain Dave Jenkins on 664572280. email pacadasu@yahoo.com Editor: My thanks to Lynne who has been providing VB Club reports to the Leader since 2007. I wish you a Very Happy Retirement.

Quesada Bowls Club

We may have had scorching temperatures but that didn’t stop the bowlers putting every effort into the Quesada-Greenlands Friendly Competition over the past 4 weeks!

It proved to be a very successful and enjoyable series of matches against our near neighbours, Greenlands. After the 4 evening matches Quesada was the overall winner with a cumulative shots difference of +64.

There was a good turnout at the post match meal held at The Club, which was a nice way to round off the matches.

For the record, Quesada have now won these friendlies for the last 6 years. This year we almost doubled our previous cumulative figure and out of

with Dee Stephenson

all the games played over the last 4 weeks, Quesada won 14, drew 2 and lost 7.

Considering the extreme temperatures we all had to endure, it just goes to show what the body can endure when we put our mind to it (or is the phrase 'mad dogs and Englishmen' more appropriate.

Thanks to all of the players from both teams for making it such an enjoyable event.

Don’t forget we still have our popular Saturday morning chicken drive running throughout the summer. It’s 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: newleaf2014@hotmail.co.uk

Monte Mar Bowls & Social Club

Members getting stuck in preparing for the new carpet

SUNSET LEAGUE

Preston Guild Hall, ex-bowls Championship venue in financial difficulty

By Andrew Atkinson PRESTON Guild Hall, that staged the World Indoor Bowls Championship, beginning in the eighties, has run into financial difficulties, in the wake of Preston Council off-loading the costly venue - for a paltry £1.

Entrepreneur John Rigby, who bought the legendary Guild Hall, under the John Rigby Guild Group Ltd., was put into administration in June 2019.

World Bowls Championship tournaments were formerly staged at the Lancashire venue, at the 2,000 seater arena.

Along with bowls, the Guild Hall staged the Coral UK Snooker Championship for two decades, graced by legends, including Alex Higgins, Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, and Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Bowls' famous names, including David Bryant, Willie Wood, Ian Schuback, David Gourlay, Hugh Duff and Kelvin Kirkkow, played at the Guild Hall.

During the World Indoor Championships at Preston Guild Hall in 1992 the world’s top players inaugurated the World Bowls Players Association.

Founder members included David Bryant, Tony Allcock, Peter Bellis, Ian Schuback, Richard Corsie, Rob Parrella, John Price, Willie Wood and Andy Thomson.

The WPBA was later known as the Professional

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The venue helped to establish indoor bowls

The Bowls Club recently completed an eight week Sunset League which was held on Friday evenings. Play was from 5.30pm until 7.30pm and then we all adjourned to the square opposite the club for a few drinks and eats. The league was based on an individual's performance over the eight weeks and the league winner was Phil Goble.

Well done Phil.

Phil Goble, Sunset league winner

GRAN ALACANT MIXED RINKS

Bowls Association (PBA). In 1997 the PBA’s proposals for opening up the Professional Sport and it’s ideas for development were accepted by the sport’s governing bodies, with the World Bowls Tour formed.

Preston Guild Hall was the venue for the first WBT International Open tournament, being the first ever PBA Qualifier.

The Professional Bowls Association, together with it’s partner the World Indoor Bowls Council, developed the game, thereafter.

Preston Council sold the Guild Hall after losses of £1m per annum were recorded.

Boxing was another sport to grace the venue, with sell out crowds swarming to Preston.

The 1989 Embassy World Indoor Bowls Championship was held at Preston Guild Hall, switching from Alexandra Palace.

Richard Corsie won the 1989 Singles title, beating Willie Wood.

David Bryant and Tony Allcock won their third Pairs World title in 1989.

In 1996 David Gourlay beat Hugh Duff in the Singles final, with Ian Schuback and Kelvin Kirkkow winning the Pairs' final.

After years of World Championship Bowls success, the Guild Hall has fallen from grace, into the doldrums.

The Gran Alacant Mixed Rinks event takes place between Saturday 14th until Monday 16th September. There will be ninety six bowlers involved and spectators are welcome too. On the first day the club will have a cake stall where home made cakes and pastries will be for sale. The second day is where we will have a bowls-wear provider so that both new and regular bowlers can update their bowls clothing and equipment. Come along, have a coffee and cake on the Saturday,

visit the Bowls Stall on the Sunday and watch some good bowling on all three days!!!

For further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website www.montemarbowls.com or email us at info@montemarbowls.com. We are also on Facebook Sponsored by The Pub, Bowling Abroad, Avalon, Lounge D, Rogers, La Piazza and The Belfry.

Glorious Claire is best dressed at Goodwood

Claire Thompson (4th from right) WHO'S That Lady! Silverstones Bar & Bistro, Algorfa, Glorious Goodwood 'Best Dressed Lady' competition attracted a line-up of beautiful ladies - with winner Claire Thompson chosen by Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader reporter Andrew Atkinson.

"It is great to be chosen as the winner of the Best Dressed Lady competition - I'm delighted," said Claire.

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Ana Belen targets Andorra return IN Part 2 of an Exclusive interview Ana Belen Juarez Pastor talks about returning to Andorra and her summer vacation from Los Montesinos Ayuntamiento.

"IN the medium term I want to return to Andorra next year, to overcome myself, in which of the races, I do not know.

"We will have to wait a little, before deciding. But I confess that I dream of one day performing the EUPHORY 233 km 20,000m D +, which is done in pairs and is navigation," said Ana Belen.

Ana Belen, who finished fifth in her race category in the 2019 Andorra Ultra Trail, said: "Now it's time to rest, and to savour fifth place of my CELESTRAIL Category 83 km 5,000 m D +, Andorra Ultra Trail.

"The race took me 19h 51 minutes to finish - so you can get an idea of the hardness of Andorra - of 429 participants, of which only 242 finished."

During her summer holidays from her duties in the Los Montesinos Ayunmiento in August, Ana Belen said: "My vacations revolve around sports events or a trip to the mountains.

"I go to the mountains, to do more demanding high-altitude training, because in this area the closest areas I have to train are the Sierra de Orihuela

and the lagoon of La Mata.

"This is not enough - if you intend to run in the Pyrenees or the Alps."

Ana Belen added: "I confess it is very complicated to combine my job responsibilities with this sport, that requires many hours of training, not to reach marks, but to complete the test with a guarantee. "I am lucky that my partner also practices this sport, and is a very important support.

"Practically all the free time I have we spend together - in the mountains."

Sports Councillor of Los Montesinos, one of a plethora of important posts Ana Belen holds, said: "I consider myself an amateur athlete.

"An athlete who decided to join the mountain races, to get to know places and landscapes, that otherwise are almost impossible to enjoy and live."

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Monday 12th - Sunday 18th August, 2019

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Mike Probert Talks Golf (In assn with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) MEN BEHAVING BADLY The world of a tournament golf professional is paved with riches for the very best and highly frustrating for thousands of highly talented golfers who are just not good enough to feed from the top table.

For those that are highly successful big houses, private jets and a pot full of money await as a result of not only their undoubted talent but lucrative sponsorship deals.

To many amateur golfers they are in fact the face of golf because they are on the TV heading golf tournaments, wearing sponsored clothes, carrying sponsored bags and clubs and they are the role models for many young children looking at playing the sport and with lofty visions of themselves being successful rich golf tournament professionals. What a pity that some of these well known tournament professionals are currently ‘men behaving badly’ Earlier this year Matt Kucher took the services of a local caddy who helped him to win the tournament and $1.4m in the process and handed the caddy $5k instead of the usual 10% cut or in this case €140k and only after a public outcry via social media did he finally pay the caddy $50k Matt Wallace is a young English professional who has taken the US PGA tour by storm in 2019 with numerous high finishes in both regular tour and majors and is one to watch for the future but again has been recorded on video berating his caddy and talking to him like a piece of dirt.

Most surprising of all is Sergio Garcia the darling of European Ryder Cup crowds this year who has a string of offenses including damaging greens on numerous occasions on the regular tour and throwing his driver at his caddy and gouging a hole in a tee after a poor tee shot BOTH of the latter incidents at the British Open watched by millions of adoring golfing fans.

These players need to urgently look at themselves and their behaviour because whether they like it or not they are not just out there earning a living but are also role models for hundreds of thousands of avid golf fanatics including impressionable young children.

Making these players pay a fine is not enough because they are meggar rich but perhaps it has come the time to apply a ban which will impact on their earnings and image for sponsors.

Las Ramblas Golf Society - 5 August

However I would like to think that this should be corrected from within themselves as surely they and their families and advisers know this is inappropriate behaviour.

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 until 31/08/19: Course Alenda Alicante Altorreal Bonalba Don Cayo (Altea) El Plantio Font Del Llop GNK Courses

Price €116 €110 €120 €116 €88 €80 €92 €125

La Finca La Manga

€128 €120

La Marquesa La Serena Las Colinas Las Ramblas Lo Romero New Sierra Golf Roda UGolf Courses

€36 €40 €164 €104 €104 €68 €110 €86

Villamartin €110 Villaitana Poniente €57 Vistabella €92

Comments Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy (El Valle, Riquelme & La Torre) Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy (All courses from 1.06pm) Sgle Green Fee Single Green Fee Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two and Buggy Two Green Fees and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy (Saurines & Hac. Del Alamo) Two Players and Buggy Sgle 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 Mike Chapman was 1st with 42 pts

Following on from last week, another fine performance from Mick Brentnall saw him in the winning team in Monday’s 6x6x6. Together with the fictional Albert, Dave Pulling and myself, a score of 84 points was enough to take the glory (well about 7 euros each!)

In the sweltering heat Wednesday’s Stableford was a ‘Joker’ which meant that on two predetermined holes the scores were doubled. After a brief spell away Mike Chapman came back to annoy us and took 1st place with 42 points. In second spot was Nigel Price with 40, just edging out Richard Connock on countback. It was a rollover week for the ‘2’s and for the second week on the trot Joyce McClusky missed out as she doesn’t enter this little side competition. Those that did enjoy the spoils were Graham Murray and Mike Chapman.

The temperature had notched up a couple more degrees as we concluded the week with a high/low 2 ball better ball. Taking top slot, with an outstanding score of 46 points, were Richard Connock and Mike Mahony. In second place and

Carp R Us The second round of the Carp-R-Us August miniseries was fished at Bigastro and for all concerned was a disappointing affair again, not only for the poor fishing but for the numbers of dead fish that were floating down the river. During the whole match we had to witness the bodies of carp, barbel and eels float past, very sad to see. Presumably somewhere upstream some contaminant had entered the river and was killing the fish. This almost certainly had affected the water in the

just 2 points behind them, were Graham Murray and me again!

Thanks this week go to Reg Akehurst for his thoughts on ‘How to properly line up your 4th putt.’

Another very enjoyable week with the course being in a fantastic condition at the moment.

Welcome to some new members who I’m sure you’ll be reading about soon!

Pues, hasta la semana que viene Peter Reffell stretch fished, and it is to be hoped that it recovers quickly. First was Dave Sutton with 1.40kg on feeder and pellet and second was Steve Fell with 0.70kg caught on feeder and maggot, but this was all secondary to the devastating loss of life we witnessed. The CHS has been informed Further information about the club can be found on its website http://www.carp-r-us.weebly.com or on our Facebook page Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blanca. Anyone wishing to join the club should contact Steve Fell either through the website or on 634 379 081.

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El Plantio Joker A definite lull in El Plantio 2's season due to illness, defection to the U.K for the dubious summer and temporary absence, left five members to compete in a Joker Competition. As different people won the four prizes available, it was left for the unfortunate fifth to take the photograph and a fine job he made of it.

Nearest the pins – Hole 1, Ray Housley and Hole 6, Alistair Douglas.

Second place, Handicap 15, Barry Walthall – 37 points.

First place, Handicap 8, Henry Mellor – 38 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, 9 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 David Swann on 865 779 983 or 648 476 752.

Picture below from L to R: Alistair Douglas, Henry Mellor, Barry Walthall, Ray Housley.

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Goals galore as Thader get into friendly mode Thader embarked on their 3rd pre season friendly late last Friday evening, hoping to find a winning combination, as the new signings continued to gel.

A change of opposition saw Racing Murcia take the place of tercera div side Alcoyano, who had double booked the fixture!

Racing qualified for the Murcia preferente division play offs for the last 2 seasons, so it was a fair bet that they would be no push overs. Although only a friendly, the ref was in no mood to show leniency, booking a Thader defender (the first of many) after only 10 mins. From the resulting 25 yard free kick, Thaders keeper could only watch as the ball curled around the wall, squeezing just inside his near post.

Parity looked to have been restored on 20 mins, but a dubious offside flag ruled out what seemed a legitimate goal. Back came the visitors, a long range shot skimmed the post, before a Thader defender headed off the line.

But on 33 mins, Racing's pressure paid off.

Slack defending from a corner, allowed the visitors to shoot home goal no 2. From the very next attack, Thader missed a sitter, then just before half time, the visitors blasted a penalty well wide of the post. It took Racing only 5 mins into the 2nd half to make it 0-3. A deep cross from the left resulted in a simple tap in at the far post, but once again, questions must be asked regarding the marking (or lack of it). Morica scored a well worked goal on 55 mins, as Thader reduced the deficit. On the hour mark Racing hit the post when through on goal, then 10 mins later, a delightful dipping shot from the edge of the box, made it a 1-4 scoreline for the visitors Racing.

Only 22 hours later, Thader visited regional 1st division side

SUDUKO SOLUTION

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Elche players snapped up by Blues and Forest

San Fulgencio. Goals from Jose Manuel, Rafa, Lloyd and Jaime, gave the men from Rojales a deserved 4-1 victory. Despite the extreme temperatures (it's still red hot at 6.30 pm in mid August here on the Costa!), it was a very solid and intense match.

Benijofar is the venue for Thaders next friendly match. Make a note of Thurs 15 Aug, ko 7.30, which is a change of date from that previously advised.

Pep Clotet’s Birmingham City Alvaro have dipped back into Gimenez a market that their manager knows well to bring in Alvaro Gimenez from La Liga2 side UD Almeria.

Gimenez, a 29-yearold centre-forward, joins from Almeria just one season after landing there from fellow La Liga2 side Alcorcón on a free transfer.

Last season the Elcheborn striker hit 19 goals in 39 appearances for Almeria – a goal every 175 minutes of time on the pitch.

Meanwhile Nottingham Forest have signed the Spanish defender Chema for an undisclosed fee.

The centre back moves to The City Ground from La Liga side Levante, signing a two-year contract.

Chema, whose full name is Jose Manuel Rodriguez Benito, started his career at Elche before going on to feature for Atletico Madrid.

The 27-year-old made 21 La Liga appearances last season and now joins Sabri Lamouchi’s side.

Sp San Fulgencio win chase for Dani O'Rourke

Maid In India undergoes eye scrape

By Andrew Atkinson Exclusive ERIC Alston trained five year old Maid In India has undergone an eye scrape, and the Edges Farm Stables veteran says he's hopeful of getting the mare back in training soon.

"Maid In India has been in hospital and undergone a scraped eyes procedure," said Longton, Preston, Lancashire, based Alston.

Maid In India won the Betway Achilles Stakes at Haydock Park in June, after a break of 210 days, at 9-1, selected by fromthehorsesmouth.tips.

Maid In India, who had some implants inserted into her eyes, prior to running at Haydock Park, that stopped working and her eyes blew up.

Maid In India, who won three times during the 2018 Flat season, produced a career best display on her seasonal re-appearance, over the 5 furlongs Haydock Park Listed race.

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By Andrew Atkinson EXCLUSIVE CF Sporting de Sanful Gencio (San Fulgencio) have won the race to sign talented Dani O'Rourke - in the wake of him deeming as being 'snubbed' by former club CD Montesinos.

Ridden by Tom Eaves, Maid In India lead from stalls-to-winning post at Haydock Park, having been backed from 20-1 odds, 24 hours before the race, winning by a length and three quarters.

"Maid In India is a good filly, and the ground at Haydock helped her, in winning first time out every year," said Alston, who trained top class sprinter Reverence, a Group 1 double winner in 2006, with victories in the the Nunthorpe at York, and Haydock Park's Sprint Cup. Alston, a former teenage jockey, featured in the fromthehorsesmouth.tips hit a rich vein of form, with four winners, three consecutive, during July and August.

Fox Hill (11/4) won at Redcar on July 31, Jabbarockie (10/11) won at Musselburgh on August 2, along with Boudica Bay (5-2) at the Scottish track, the latter winning at 2/1 at Musselburgh on July 23.

Sprint Power (14-1) was successful for Alston selected by fromthehorsesmouth.tips when winning at Haydock Park on July 20.

Maid In India missed Royal Ascot this year, and Alston said: "We have no plans currently as to where she will race next." *The Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader and fromthehorsesmouth.tips No.1 for racing, with news, interviews and tips.

"I am excited to be joining CF Sporting San Fulgencio - the beginning of a new challenge - at a club who put a lot of trust in me," Dani told me, after signing for the Valencia 1st Regional club.

CD Montesinos were relegated to the Valencia 2nd Regional Group 8 last season, and Dani said: "I wish them luck this season.

"To my friends that play at the club. I will not be there, on the training field, or playing in the same league."

Dani, who departed Sporting Saladar at the end of last season, was being chased by NINE teams ahead of the 2019-20 season, that kicks off in September.

"I started pre-season on August 5. I hope to help a lot of the players at the club," said Dani.

As exclusively reported in the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader in July, Dani revealed CD Montesinos did not want him anymore, feeling 'snubbed'.

Dani, who left CD Montesinos three years ago in a move to Almoradi, said: "Above all I chose CF Sporting San Fulgencio to enjoy my time with this great group of people.

Dani with his CF San Fulgencio club shirt.

"People that form a great team - something that was crucial in signing for them."

CF Sporting San Fulgencio manager Fernando said: "It wasn't easy to sign Dani O'Rourke, who opted for our club, to be part of this family, and to enjoy playing football with us.

"Dani is a player who can occupy several positions in the field, but his specialty is to be close to the area, with a great scoring record.

"Dani has effort, commitment and perseverance, of which all of this and the sum of the teammates, we hope to enjoy his games - and goals - this season."

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