The Leader Newspaper, Edition 779

No 779 Monday 26th August - Sunday 1st September, 2019 Tel: 637 227 385 Serving the community, in print and online, for over 15 years - The Costa Blanca’s oldest ‘FREE’ English language newspaper

What is the cost of a young life?

Virtually every summer there are drownings in private community swim-

ming pools across the province, and only last week, at the Aldeas de

Aguamarina urbanisation in Cabo Roig, 3 year old Avery Greene tragically lost his young life in one such community.

The shameful reality is that, of the 7,000 private swimming pools that are in use in urbanisations across the Alicante region, only 140 employ the services of a lifeguard.

So have we really become such an uncaring society where financial considerations are put above those of a young life?

It is a national outrage that the number of attended pools equates to just one in fifty in this part of Spain, but even there, where such a provision is made, hundreds of holidaymakers largely ignore community rules in respect of opening times, as is evidenced by many of the drownings occuring ‘out of hours’ when the pools are unattended by suitably trained staff.

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WHAT IS THE COST OF A YOUNG LIFE?

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However, unless the situation changes and Community Presidents and their owners start putting the matter of safety before their own financial considerations, the situation will remain exactly as it is!

Although there are no statistics available for the figures quoted, the numbers mentioned are an estimate obtained from the Provincial College of Property Administrators, which adds that the Federación de Salvamento strongly advise that such a lifeguard service is provided even where it is not mandatory.

But, human nature being what it is, administrators, community presidents and owners generally opt for lower costs, even by sacrificing their own security, however, in the case of an accident or a drowning, any saving made would be paltry in comparison to the liability that urbanisations could possibly face.

When there is such an accident, the civil fines range between 300 and 30,000 euros, and much more if it results in a drowning. Regional law obliges the communities of owners to take out insurance ranging between 150,000 euros for a pool with a capacity of up to 25 people and 1.8 million for more than 5,000 people (water parks).

Currently in the province there are about 7,000 urbanisations with swimming pools, most of which are situated in Torrevieja, Santa Pola, Arenales del Sol (Elche), Alicante, Benidorm, Altea and Dénia. Of these, there are only about 140 that have a lifeguard. In Alicante itself, according to municipal sources, there are 766 private community swimming pools, the majority around San Juan, of which just 14 employ the services of a swimming pool attendant.

Most of those with lifeguards are large and were built before 1991, the year in which the law was changed, and which now establishes the need of employing trained rescue personnel for pools of 200 square meters or more.

"Prior to that year all of the pools were situated in urbanisations where there were just seven or eight buildings," explained a spokesman for del Colegio de Administradores de Fincas, “so they were generally quite small.”

The regional legislation on swimming pools is based on the fact that each person occupies two square metres so, on average, it is estimated that there would need to be 100 people before it

became necessary to employ a lifeguard. The Generalitat therefore excludes from the concept of collective use those single-family swimming pools and those in communities with a capacity of less than 100 people. But while this is the case in the Valencian Community, in Madrid any urbanisation with more than 40 people needs a lifeguard.

Every summer the Colegio de Administradores de Fincas sends a circular to all communities that have swimming pools, recommending that they employ a lifeguard as a means of accident prevention. But each urbanisation is allowed to make its own decision, which we all know is largely based by the owners on their own financial considerations and the need to keep community fees as low as possible.

The comunidades de propietarios (communities of owners) also shows contempt for the law by often reducing the perimeter of their pools: if the area of water is 199 m2 they are no longer obliged to hire a lifeguard, and of course the other urbanisations that do hire lifeguards often do so only during the busiest hours, so those before 10am and perhaps the hours after 6pm, when the pools are still very much in use, are largely unmanned by safety personnel.

The Federación Española de Salvamento has always recommended that a lifeguard is engaged during the summer peak season "because a death can be avoided and with it a whole family destroyed," says Jessica Pino, spokesman for the group, who also insists that a child must never be allowed to bathe alone in a pool, and that is the responsibility of the parents to accompany them at all times when they are in such an environment.

She said that Lifeguards are essential to making summertime fun experiences safe and secure.

“When parents are often not around or distracted with their phones, or children are cared for by their aging grandparents, it is all the more important to have professional and attentive lifeguards at all times”.

But the sad reality is that financial considerations will always pay a large part in the decision of any urbanisation to employ a lifeguard, and with salaries costing about 1,300 euros a month for just one guard, in order to provide pool safety from 8am to 8pm every day during the holiday period, it would cost an urbanisation an extra 7,500 euros for the season, and try getting that approved at a community AGM!

FP Photo by Juan Salamanca from Pexels

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Cuevas del Rodeo Inspiration in Residence The Rodeo Caves have accommodation that is carved into the rock for the development of creative projects.

to a month, as they develop their project and t 25 years ago their ideas.

Rojales has one of the most unique attractions in the province. The gallery in the Cuevas del Rodeo is the resource that, through art, looks out over the Vega Baja. Among the fifteen caves that make up this facility of cavities, whitewashed facades and blue doors and gates, the ArtNGround residence stands out above all the rest. The German born sculptor Jennifer-Virginia Rotter is he manager.

It took the couple a year to develop the caves to the standards they thought necessary and now the accommodation has a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, two bedrooms, bathroom and a patio. But of course it is not an ordinary residence and the environment requires the occupants to have a capacity to adapt. "With this experience, the focus of their work often changes, it is a way to focus and be inspired by the project," says Rotter.

In the eighteenth century the first caves were excavated in the mountainous area closest to the urban centre of Rojales with potential dwellers looking for the robustness that houses built from reeds and mud lacked.

Two hundred years later and the properties were being abandoned and it was only 25 years ago that work began once again on refurbishment work within this network of caves.

In 2016, seizing on what she described as ‘a golden opportunity’, Jennifer, along with her partner, opened the caves to artists from the international community. She was joined along the way by colleagues from Ecuador, United States, Japan, Singapore, Finland, Sweden and Denmark.

She invited the artists send in their proposals and, after being studied and accepted, they come, stay and work in the caves from two weeks

“The creative process here completely changes for the visitors in less than a week, while in Madrid it would be at least a month” says Alejandro the tenant who is now in residence. “It helps you to develop a very clear project.”

“My work is about the Levante, its landscapes, its people” he explains, which he does it with oil and very bright colors. It has only been a week and a half since he arrived and he has already a very advanced canvas of 120 x 120 cm and another of 116 x 89 cm. Still ahead he has more than a month and a half to paint the nine works that he aims to complete.

It has not been difficult for Alejandro to adapt to sleep and work in a cave, nor to the environment, which has an artistic presence of great variety, both in the winter with the cave-workshops, and now in the summer with the outdoor concerts and films.

The works of each craftsman in the caves and those outside complement the whole of the residence and turn this steep sloped space into a meeting point for visitors, artists, artisans and craftsmen and women who have arrived in the area looking for inspiration.

More info on the project can be found at: https://artnground.com /art-in-residence/

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The first Wine Harvests in Europe La Mata has started cutting the grapes to be used for winemaking.

While the crop, situated in the Natural Park of the Lagoons of Torrevieja and La Mata, won’t provide large quantities of wine, experts agree that it will provide quality.

Inside the Natural Park, in temperatures of more than 30 degrees, even at eight thirty in the morning, with the ear-splitting noise of the chicharras and a just kilometer from the beach, one of the first harvests in the whole of Europe began last Friday, 16 August.

While the yielding of the grape doesn’t get underway in most of the vineyards in Spain until mid-September, the hot, arid, Mediterranean climate ensures that one of the earliest harvests takes place in the Vega Baja, La Mata area, where the cutting of the vine usually takes place in mid-August One of the main characteristics of these vineyards, its sandy soil, is the one that ensures the La Mata vines are free of phylloxera, which devastated the vineyards across Europe and Spain at the end of the last century. The bug is unable to enter the roots because of the sand which is one further reason why the crop is so good.

Of the almost twenty wine growers that still harvest the grape today, 36 year old Hilarion, explained that La Mata had 200 hectares a few decades ago but now it has been reduced to 40. The vine was previously used for bulk wine but for this winemaker, his produce is now bottled which has allowed it to be revalued.

From this vintage the growers say that they expect to get three types of white wine: one aromatic and dry, another with what is known as a flower veil and a third called brisado wine This whole project is linked to studies carried out by universities and different wineries, where the behavior of the wines is continually investigated. It is part of the protected Alicante certificate of origin.

Its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the salt lakes of La Mata and Torrevieja, and the fact that the vines are planted on sand, hanging in there the strength of the sun and retaining humidity in the base, make these vineyards plantations extraordinary strength.

Undeniably these facts printed on the flavour, bouquet and taste of the wines of La Mata very peculiar characteristics: Mediterranean, salt, fresh touch, light, low acid touch and plain structure.

La Mata wine has been marketed in the United States by local winemaker Rafael Navarro for some years, specifically two varieties costing about $30 U.S. dollars a bottle, one called “La Viña de Simónand the other “El Carro” or "The Chariot". However the wine can also be purchased locally from Snr. Simon’s Bodega, which is located beside the La Mata Town Hall, for just a couple of Euros, but do get your stocks in early as the demand for La Mata wine in the USA is such that all supplies will soon be exhausted.

Not bad going for a fresh, table wine, from the hamlet of La Mata!

Politically Speaking - San Fulgencio Politically speaking, a lot has happened in San Fulgencio recently, Carlos Ramírez (PP), the former mayor was sentenced to 18 months in prison; he was also disqualified from holding public office for 7 years, following which his party was absolutely routed in the Local Elections, losing 5 of its 7 seats and with it control of the Municipality.

The party that won the victory and subsequent government leadership was the PSOE, albeit in coalition with Ciudadanos, with 6 council seats, increasing its share from 2 seats just four years earlier.

Of course those who know the area will appreciate

Samantha and Darren - both councillors say they are are looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead

that, in the Municipality of San Fulgencio, Urbanisation La Marina, enjoys a large expatriate population, so the inclusion of 2 expats in the party list would have gone a very long way to turn the PSOE fortunes around.

Both of the new councillors are fluent Spanish speakers and both have also been involved in local politics and in the local community for very many years. I was delighted to meet up with the pair, Samantha Hull and Darren Parmenter, earlier this week.

Darren, who is now responsible for Tourism, Markets, International Relations and the Press, explained how he has had to hit the ground running. Despite the steep learning curve, he is quickly finding his way around, thoroughly enjoying the experience, and hopefully beginning, at last, to do some good.

As the councillor for Works & Services (URB), Youth, Fiestas (URB), Parks & Gardens (URB) and Social Services (URB), Samantha certainly has her hands full, but while Sam has enjoyed her involvement in organising the recent fiestas she said that the Social Care responsibilities lately assumed have very much opened her eyes, particularly the needs of those many residents who have lost a partner and are now living

alone. She said that it is an area where the circumstances of many need to “be substantially improved.”

But both councillors are looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead and with their imminent move into new office accommodation the proximity they will have to their constituents will be greatly enhanced.

They also said how delighted they are to have the

opportunity to work in the future alongside the Leader Newspaper in which they will regularly feature local news and events from across the municipality.

Sam said “We need to start telling people about activities and events well in advance of their scheduled dates, and the Leader will give us the opportunity to do just that. I look forward to getting it underway.”

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left. What they did not know is that there were more people inside the house but they still managed to escape taking two bags.

Deaths from drowning double in Murcia Community During the period from 1 January to mid-August, there have been 13 deaths in the community that are attributed to drowning, over double the number during the same period last year when there were 6.

Los Montesinos Mayor Jose Manuel Butron helps prepare food at the Traversia Nocturna La Marquesa.

The most recent robbery to date occurred in the early hours of last Saturday, on la calle Madreselva where they climbed into the backyard of a house, forced the kitchen door and stole jewellery, money and a laptop. However they left behind their shoe prints next to the garden wall.

All these problems, coupled with the fact that the population of Los Alcázares increases during summer, provide temptation for delinquents and gangs.

In the country as a whole, deaths from drowning have increased by 20.72%

Wave of robberies hits Los Alcazares The Local Police are saying that they are finding it difficult to cope with the current spate of household robberies that residents are experiencing in the town.

The Region of Murcia is therefore one of the autonomous communities where the increase has been most significant but according to the Royal Federation of Rescue and Rescue (RFSS still well below the number recorded in the Valencian Community, where there have been 37 deaths, 15 more than in the same period as last year.

In the country as a whole, deaths from drowning increased by 20.72% between January 1 and August 15 with 46 more deaths recorded, reaching 268 deaths so far this year.

This means that the data for 2019 is the third worst in the five-year period that these statistics have been maintained, the only records that offer daily data on deaths by drowning from the Royal Spanish Federation of Rescue and Lifeguard.

In 2017 there were 481 deaths, while 2016 ended with 437.

Mayor Jose leads Traversia Nocturna La Marquesa Over 200 people set off from Los Montesinos for the Traversia Nocturna La Marquesa on a balmy August evening.

Mayor Jose Manuel Butron and Sports and Cultural Minister Ana Belen participated in the walk at dusk, along with young and old from the Vega Baja hamlet.

They say that there is a lack of officers, a situation that they have been denouncing for a long time, a lack of human and material and bad management by senior staff.

They also add that they only have half of the number of officers that bordering municipalities such as San Javier.

Thieves, they say, take advantage of the summer holidays to break into empty homes in cities like Murcia, and so far this month, coastal municipalities such as Los Alcázares are also experiencing an increase in break-ins which has residents and holidaymakers on full alert, according to sources close to the case.

It is well known that there are some shifts where there are only two agents on duty, some of which coincide with thousands of people who coming out of nightclubs, both in the municipality and from nearby San Javier. The local police say that they are absolutely over run and they cannot cope without the collaboration of the Guardia Civil.

Two arrests for distributing cocaine in Torrevieja

The first of the recent robberies took place last Sunday at dawn, on la calle Victoria. Neighbours said that they heard noises in the backyard and called the police. They found a forced kitchen window, but there was no trace of the robbers. They also returned to the same property and tried again a few days later.

Civil Guard agents have arrested two people in Torrevieja for an alleged crime against public health. The agents paid a routine administrative inspection as a popular local pub in la avenida de la Purísima where they came across two people who were allegedly trafficking cocaine inside the premises.

There was a further robbery at a ‘lock up’ on la Calle Federico García Lorca where frozen food, spices, soft drinks and beer was taken. The owner was using the garage as a store for his grocery business.

Inside the pub, the inspecting officers found a total of six people.

One of them was sitting at the bar, and in the process of purchasing the drug from a waiter

Upon arrival at La Marquesa, giant telescopes awaited the group of enthusiasts to view the evening galaxies and stars.

A house on calle Manuel Acedo was the next property to be accessed while the owners were on holiday with the thieves taking jewellery and money, the same items that they took from a house on la calle San José, having entered from a ground floor balcony.

"The Traversia Nocturna La Marquesa experience was very well organised. A great walk. Congratulations to the Ayunmiento," said Pepi Macia, who took part.

The police say that the thieves would watch their targeted properties for some time prior to each robbery as was the case in la Calle Condesa, which the robbers broke into almost as soon as the owners

You can REACH FOR THE STARS on September 26th, 27th and 28th September.

Our star spangled ladies are getting ready for their showstopping opening number with a great tap routine, whilst the male dancers have also been given a testing line and jive dance, with all the dancers being backed up by the groupTotally Dance. For the entertainment of everyone, both old and young, there will be songs performed from stars past and present, big production numbers and very funny comedy routines will all be performed by members of the New Cardenal Belluga Theatre Group at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio starting at 7.30pm for three fabulous nights of sheer entertainment, September, 26th, 27th and 28th.

Tickets, costing just 8€, are now available from the following outlets – The Agency, La Marina;

The local police say that they cannot cope without the assistance of the Guardia Civil.

Tourist & Council Offices, Urb. Marina; Cards & More and The Post in Benijofar; Redz in Quesada. For more information contact – Sue 966 713822 or Pam 966 796828. Make sure you get your tickets soon in order not to miss out on this fabulously entertaining evening.

Proceeds from the shows will be donated to various local charities.

The agents found cocaine in the bar, as well as 2,800 euros which was supposedly derived from sales made earlier in the day.

The agents arrested two men, aged 64 and 47, for an alleged crime against public health. The detainees have already been brought to justice and have been provisionally released with charges, pending trial. The Judicial Authority will also have to decide on the request of the officers who want to see the premises closed for a period of five years.

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Torrevieja Uni Hospital increases Dialysis support The dialysis service of the University Hospital of Torrevieja has increased its treatment coverage to meet the demand of visitors who are holidaying in the area during the summer months.

The additional support allows patients from other communities and countries who are on a dialysis program to spend their holiday in the area whilst still being able to receive treatment.

Patients who are receiving their dialysis treatment spend four hours a day for two or three days a week.

During the summer months, the department's population requiring care multiplies, so from Monday to Saturday, the service has now increased from its usual two dialysis shifts a day to three.

Patients require dialysis when the kidneys are no longer able to remove waste and excess fluid from the blood in sufficient quantities to keep the patient healthy.

Generally, this occurs when you develop end stage kidney failure - usually by the time you lose about 85 to 90 percent of your kidney function at which stage the kidneys are working at

between 5 and 15% of their normal rate.

In the haemodialysis process, the patient's blood is taken from the body into a machine commonly known as an "artificial kidney" in which it passes through a cleaning filter (dialyzer), in which the exchange between the fluid occurs from the dialyzer and the blood, collecting toxic substances from the blood and providing other beneficial ones, after which it is returned back to the body.

The Dialysis Unit of the Torrevieja Hospital has the most advanced technology and equipment designed to meet the needs of its patients. It has high permeability dialyzers and the very latest generation monitors, enabling it to provide the very latest in advanced dialysis techniques.

The hospital currently has 29 units equipped and able to offer the latest technology in dialysis, as well as state-of-the-art dialysis monitors. In addition, there is a water plant with double osmosis to perform conventional dialysis with ultrapure water and online hemodiafiltration, as well as isolation rooms in which care is performed with independent monitors.

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‘The good life…’

Last week I read a story about a 77 years old lady living up in County Fermanagh. Margaret Gallagher lives alone in her 200 year old stone cottage. She was photographed standing outside her front (and only) door to a background of flowers you wouldn’t see the likes of at the Chelsea Flower Show. The caption should have read, ‘happiness is’, because if ever a picture depicted happiness, contentment and serenity this was it.

What will surprise you here is that Ms Gallagher’s house is not equipped with electricity, running water – and therefore of course no TV, computer, electrical tools or labour saving devices. Margaret’s only modern convenience is a basic mobile phone – which she charges from her car. She has loads of friends and doesn’t feel the need to ‘move’ with the times. You could say that her very existence centres around the big turf fire on the open hearth. Food is cooked over the open fire; water is heated for washing clothes and gives warm water for her bath.

This woman looks twenty years younger than she should and when her face exudes the utter joy of living – should not some of the rest of us be having a look at ourselves in the mirror?

Once upon a time I might have dismissed somebody like Margaret Gallagher as being ‘a bit touched.’ But who is the more ‘touched’; the man who is running around in circles to stand still or the serene lady pruning her flowers at the cottage door?

night Archie and I were having a drink or two … or nineteen or twenty to tell you the truth! In the course of conversation, drink and my ignorance, I proceeded to highlight all the civilisation and many advantages that the white man had brought to his race of people.

Archie did not get angry, but through the smoke and the haze I could still see the hurt in his eyes. My friend then proceeded to give me a history lesson on how his tribe was ravaged and their idyllic life robbed.

His ancestors lived a simple fulfilled life. They had an abundance of food, lived as one with nature and engaged in a daily pursuit of pleasure. ‘And you are now telling me, Bernie, how much better off I am, two-thousand feet down there in a black hole, drilling rock just to feed my family?’ How many of you think that Archie was right in what he said?

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Ms Gallagher’svery existence centres around the big turf fire on the open hearth

At this stage of my life, the most thing that I am is a farmer. (Now … now, Lads!) It is a wonderful life, done in a small way and without pressure. I am not a fan of ‘factory farming’ – where birds or animals never see the light of day. ‘Zero grazing’, where the grass is cut and brought in to the cattle in a shed, should never be the way we farm in Ireland.

birds which makes up the choir, or ‘dawn chorus’ which wakes me up every morning.

I know I am not depending on my farm enterprise; but I have found that farming does not have to be intensive to show a profit – and if there is a slight difference, the quality of life more than compensates: Ask Margaret Gallagher…!

My late uncle lived a similar lifestyle to Margaret – and he could afford to live any way he wanted to. ‘Eccentric’ and ‘odd’ were two of the kinder words the younger generation called him from time to time. Paddy was ultra-intelligent, an avid reader and unstoppable talker – one of the most contented and philosophical people I have ever known. So again, which of us is doing it the right way?

A man cut silage for me a couple of months back. His tractor cost more than what it cost to build my house back in the day. Up there in his cab, which resembled a shuttle space rocket panel, my friend is totally removed from nature. My farm equipment consists of an old Zetor tractor, a transport-box, trailer and buck-rake and all my cows have names. The fox, rabbit, pheasant and swan pay more heed to each other than they do to me. I see and hear everything going on around me and I am grateful for this privileged existence … just like Margaret Gallagher (Though I do need my Sky Sports inside the house!)

*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.

I had a shift-boss in Canada a long time ago, by the name of Archie Nabbess. Archie and I were friends. I knew other members of his family and they were all good people. The Nabbess family were Cree Indians – or ‘First Nation’ as they would be known now. One

I have even become more tolerant of so-called weeds. Whilst I won’t allow dockens or thistles to grow on grassland, I have stopped mercilessly spraying along the headlands. I learned that one nettle can support a hundred different species of caterpillar. These feed the

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.

Don’t Forget Years wrinkle the skin, but lack of enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.

Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com

GROWING SUPPORT FOR COSTA CAMPOAMOR Since we announced our intention to work for the independence there has been growing support for Costa Campoamor from Orihuela itself. This is due to the perception among the largely foreign population of Costa Campoamor that they are being unfairly treated by the local government.

Cactus - Cardón - derived from Spanish cardo 'thistle'

For example, the Orihuela Costa's share in the 2010-2014 municipal budget was 6 x less than that for the city itself, or 4,2% of the €295 million budget, even though the Costa creates around 49% municipal tax income.

The municipality had a total population of 92,000 inhabitants at the beginning of 2013, of which the city of Orihuela only accounted for 33,943 of them. Another major locality within the municipality is the Tourist Centre of Dehesa de Campoamor, known as Orihuela Costa, located on the coast, 35 kms from Orihuela inland.

It had 33,277 inhabitants at the beginning of 2013.

Only 59.6% of the local population are Spanish; the British account for almost 20%, followed by the Irish. Then other nationalities.

the coastal areas, more northern EU nationals arriving with families who need more services and infrastructure. They too want Independence for the coast, not be ruled by a Government 34 kms away.

101 living in Orihuela Costa, including 1 Mongolian and 3 Eskimos.

Sunday 28th May 2023 is a date to keep in your diary that is when the next possible municipal elections are held, so we have 4 years to make sure that any resident who wants to contribute to the future of the coast by exercising their right to be on the voting register.

A very diverse population, where integration of everyone who chose their dream home to live in Orihuela Costa is slowly becoming a reality, especially as the building boom has returned to

Now we have 4 years of planning, organising events to get our message across and slowly erase the apathy that is here on the coast, what can you do to help, simple speak to your friends, neigh-

In total there are people from 106 different nationalities currently living in Orihuela.

bours in the bars, restaurants, hair dressers etc. and communities, now we are not English, Spanish, Belgium etc., we are all one community and that’s Costa Campoamor, councils, political parties even individuals will try to split us by trying to confuse us by disinformation, but that is desperation talking because they will slowly see their hold on the coast being eroded and the thought of losing 49% of their income.

It’s estimated that within 7 to 8 years, Costa Campoamor by the way means "Fields of Love," will be twice the size of Orihuela city so all that possible revenue will eventually stay here, it will be our children and grandchildren who will then be able to see the results of what we started."

SPAIN is renowned for its plethora of cactus varieties - including the Pachycereus Pringlet - that can grow up to 21 feet.

Known as Cardón, a name derived from the Spanish word Cardo, meaning "thistle."

Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader newspaper reporter Andrew Atkinson snapped a photo of a decade old cactus (pictured) about to bloom - with it's huge trio of bulbous flower heads striking in August.

Large stands of these magnificent cactus still exist many have been destroyed - as land is cleared.

The fruit of many cactus were an important food diet in decades past, the flesh of the cactus containing alkaloids.

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The hash - Fardos - drugs find is the latest discovery, with drug runners disposing of packages at sea, to be collected, once swept ashore.

The Guardia Civil have been ensued in chases at sea with drugs runners, that often throw packages into the water.

Police are continuing to make enquiries as to whether the drugs finds are connected.

Drugs washed up on San Juan Alicante beach after storms

By Andrew Atkinson Storms that swept across the Costas on Wednesday lead to 37 kilos of hash drugs being swept ashore at San Juan, Alicante beach.

The huge 30 packages of hash discovery was found during the daily morning routine beach-cleaning operation, undertaken by a tractor driver.

Following the drugs find the Policia were called and officers gathered in the haul.

The 10 hours severe storms that hit the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida areas began on Tuesday night, and continued until early Wednesday afternoon.

The sea swell brought the hash packaging of drugs ashore on to the beach of San Juan and Muchavista.

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National Police officers, along with agents, arrived at the scene and hauled the drugs away from the shore. The drugs were taken to a Police station.

A drugs' bales find was discovered in Denia this month - at San Antonio - after a fisherman saw packages in the water.

14

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Monday 26th August - Sunday 1st September, 2019

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QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 778 QUICK ACROSS: 3 Skinflint; 8 Cope; 9 Mercurial; 10 Uneven; 11 Greed; 14 Erect; 15 Rear; 16 Years; 18 Chat; 20 Press; 21 Loose; 24 Glance; 25 Continual; 26 Fund; 27 Degrading.

DOWN: 1 Acquiesce; 2 Ephemeral; 4 Keen; 5 Nicer; 6 Larder; 7 Near; 9 Meaty; 11 Grace; 12 Demeanour; 13 Crescendo; 17 Spill; 19 Totter; 22 Synod; 23 Love; 24 Gain.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 3 Orchestra; 8 Fine; 9 Astronaut; 10 Ermine; 11 Bells; 14 Miser; 15 Earn; 16 Yacht; 18 Tots; 20 Wrath; 21 Yemen; 24 Minion; 25 Christian; 26 June; 27 Appliance.

DOWN: 1 Aftermath; 2 Animosity; 4 Ruse; 5 Horde; 6 Single; 7 Rout; 9 Angry; 11 Bacon; 12 Sagacious; 13 Enchanted; 17 Twain; 19 Serial; 22 Extra; 23 Shop; 24 Marc.

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

Fair play (13) Control (5) Uncommon (4) Awning (6) Summary (8) Obstacle (7) Blameworthy (13) Recover (8) Travel (7) Mess (6) Harry (5) Russian ruler (4)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. In which sport might you have a hog, kiggle kaggle and pot-lid?

2. Which famous London Road and Underground station has six consecutive consonants in it's name?

3. What did Eric Morley found in 1951?

4. How many individual horse bets make up a Yankee?

5. In August 1942, where in France did allied forces mount a daring raid on Hitler's Fortress Europe?

6. What was unusual about the George Cross awarded on 16th April 1942?

7. Mao used what to clean his teeth ?

8. Catgut is made from the intestine of which animal?

9. Which is the only Football Club to have appeared in the final of both the English and Scottish FA Cups?

10. How many dots are there on a pair of dice?

11. What nationality is Erno Rubik, inventor of the Rubik's Cube?

12. In which seaside resort did Billy Butlin open his first holiday camp?

13. Where does Yogi Bear live?

14. Which sign of the zodiac is between Scorpio and Capricorn?

15. What is the largest county in the Republic of Ireland?

16. In which US state were the Mormon's founded?

17. What was the title of The Beatles' second film?

18. What is the third book in the Old Testament?

19. Where is the annual British Showjumping Derby held?

20. In Greek Mythology, who was rejected by Narcissus and pined away - leaving only her voice?

21. The following are all examples of what: The Dogs, Flag, Control, Smersh, Zep, Gag and The Owsla 22. From 1982-1996, who was the only woman tennis player to win Wimbledon other than Martina Navratilova and Steffi Graf?

23. Which illustrious ship, named after a Roman province, held the Blue Riband from 1907 till 1929?

24. Put the following wars or conflicts in order of estimated casualties, starting with the highest number: a: Vietnam War (1959 - 1975), b: Qing dynasty conquest of the Ming Dynasty (1616 - 1662), c: Russian Civil War (1917 1921), d: World War I (1914 - 1918).

25. According to BBC Radio 2, which pallid hit single from the year 1967 has been the most played song in public places in the last 75 years?

20. Echo, 21. All fictional secret police organisations (Dogs from Animal farm; FLAG from, Knight Rider; CONTROL from Get Smart; SMERSH from James Bond; ZEP from Tin Tin; GAG from Star Wars and The Owsla from Watership Down). 22. Conchita Martinez (in 1994). 23. Mauretania. 24.

Correct order: BDCA: b: Qing

DOWN 1. Carrying the marks of having been engaged! (6-7) 2. Titan who shouldered a heavenly burden (5) 3. She makes a come-back in ‘Gotterdammerung’ (4) 4. Broken screen could be used in church (6) 5. Dandy has obligations to pretty girls (8) 6. Supporters about to complete what popular heroes may become (7) 7. The revive malodorous old mariners (8,5) 12. Sounds as though I bawl for frozen food (3-5) 13. Diabolical cast in a mess (7) 15. A particular military body (6) 18. Fight for what’s been rejected (5) 19 & 10 Ac. Detect a smaller number completely untainted (8)

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

12.

13.

15.

18.

19.

1. Curling. 2. Knightsbridge. 3. Miss World Competition. 4. Eleven. 5.

Dieppe. 6. It was awarded to the island of Malta. 7. Green Tea. 8.

Sheep. 9. Queens Park. 10. 42. 11.

Hungarian.

12.

Skegness.

13.

Jellystone National Park.

14.

Sagittarius. 15. Cork. 16. New York.

17. Help! 18. Leviticus. 19. Hickstead.

ACROSS 1. A wagonette to slow down (5) 4. Roughly patches flat-bottomed boats (7) 8. One who exacts a charge for being a bell-ringer? (7) 9. Corner an early invader (5) 10. See 19 Dn. 11. Guard lets nine loose (8) 13. Bag for loot (4) 14. Enclosures for river birds (4) 16. Establishes a link with members of the embassy (8) 17. Customs embodied in various establishments (4) 20. Stove where the firing takes place (5) 21. Clothes appear to change by the end of April (7) 22. There’s some point to this system, it could be claimed (7) 23. They are used for recording bands (5)

ACROSS 1.

Drain (5) 4.

Scramble (7) 8.

Swarm (7) 9.

Divest (5) 10. Neat (4) 11. Assess (8) 13. Cook (4) 14. Blemish (4) 16. Many (8) 17. So (4) 20. Dwelling (5) 21. Interrupt (7) 22. Go before (7) 23. Crest (5)

dynasty conquest of the Ming Dynasty - (at least 25,000,000). d: World War I - (between 15,000,000 and 20,000,000). c: Russian Civil War (between 6,000,000 and 9,000,000). a: Vietnam War - (between 3,000,000 and 5,000,000). 25. Procol Harum's "A Whiter Shade Of Pale".

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15

children, son Gary, who lives in the UK, and daughter Susan, who resides in Spain.

"All the family are great people. And I speak to members every day, on the telephone."

WHEN AGED 90, Torrevieja resident Len Oliver dressed as 'Mrs Brown' to mark his milestone birthday.

"I have lived in Spain for 30 years. I miss my family in the UK - but many, many members visit me in Spain," said Len.

Characterful Len has retained his fun-loving sense of humour, and remains the 'Joker' in the pack.

Rochdale, Greater Manchester born World War II veteran and former RAF mechanic Len Oliver has entered the path towards his 100th birthday.

Members of Len's family live in Westhoughton, nr Bolton, and Len said: "I have 21 grandchildren - and great-grandchildren.

"MARCH TENTH" Biography

"I remain a loyal member of the RAF Association Costa Blanca Charity, that supports the RAF family," said Len. Great-great-grandfather Len, in his 92nd year, who resides in Torrevieja, is having his biography 'March Tenth' published by Los Montesinos, Alicante, author Andrew Atkinson.

"March tenth is my wedding day, the date I married Kathleen, who died in 2015," said Len. "We were married for 64 years, - Kathleen was 'some wife'," said Len. The couple have two

"There's been members of the family in Spain during the summer visiting Torrevieja - and there's more on the way!".

Len, who married Kathleen at St Luke's Church, Deeplish, Rochdale, was a salesman, who became involved in Amateur Dramatics, and was also a Sunday School teacher.

"During World War II, I was based in Liverpool, and returned to Rochdale after the war ended.

"I then joined up to serve in the RAF - as a mechanic - but I hadn't even passed my driving test!," recalled Len. Len, who also ran a Groceries shop in Rochdale town centre, in Yorkshire Street, said: "Life in Spain has been good.

"I retired to Spain because of the sun. I have great-greatgrandchildren, 6 year-old twins.

Author Andrew Atkinson with 91 year old Len Oliver.

"On my 90th birthday party, celebrated with family and friends, I dressed up as 'Mrs Brown', the female character Agnes Brown, played by Brendan O'Carroll in the TV series!," chuckled Len.

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Monday 26th August - Sunday 1st September, 2019

well, no matter what materials you use. Exploring art is about the enjoyment. Painting is done for the love of it - or to sell," said Iain.

Iain moved into art after a spinal injury ended his swimming career, in the wake of the 2000 Olympic Games in Australia, where he was set to represent GB. IAIN Alexander portraits, including that of boxing "I fell out of love what art stood for, to be honest," stars Anthony Joshua, Mike Tyson, Conor said Iain, who lived in Dubai for six years.

McGregor and late, legendary Muhammad Ali, "While in Dubai I worked for Royalty - and that don the walls of his mother, Vivienne Shepherd's kick-started me back into art at that time," said business, Quesada Fitness Gym, in Quesada, Iain, whose clients include commissions from Alicante, Spain.

Royalty, sports stars and celebrities.

"When you market your work, do it right. If the "I believe in myself," said Iain, 39, who is staging quality of the work is good enough, then you an exhibition in Los Angeles in 2019. shouldn't struggle in selling," said Iain.

"As long as the prices are right - £1,000-£1,200 Iain, who resides in Jersey, also has portraits of if you are too cheap people see it Bowie and The Beatles showas a lack of quality," said Iain, cased in Quesada. who specialises in aluminium Quesada Fitness Gym owner and glass, using diamond and gold Vivienne said: "Art made the dust, and epoxy resin. gym - with the displays on the "£10,000 - and above - is seen walls." by a buyer as an investment," Iain added: "I am very fortunate said Iain, who sold a portrait of to be in art - it's inspirational.

David Bowie at auction for Muhammad Ali. My vision was to create somePortrait by Iain £30,000, with the money going thing of a 'culture club' around Alexander. to Charity.

ALTR ego@altregoart "There is art out there that does the gym."

Self belief' - award winning artist Iain Alexander

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

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Excavations at Guardamar Castle discover the original 13th century wall The works have exposed the tower of the old Renaissance church and the entrance to the city The City Council has renewed its agreement to extend the excavation works, specifically the restoration of the western wall.

The Councillor for Historical Heritage, Pilar Gay, says that archaeological works carried out in recent months have found the remains of the wall dating from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, which is still in an excellent state.

She said that the archaeologists have found the location of the medieval Christian wall measuring 2.30 meters wide and 1.5 meters high, of which there has previously been very little data.

They have also discovered the lower part of the bell tower of the old Renaissance church and what was the entrance to the walled city where they have found remnants of Roman, Iberian, Phoenician, Greek, Islamic and Bajomedieval pottery.

"These are very important discoveries that have revealed unknown remains or of which there was little data that once again highlights the importance of this commune throughout history."

The head of the archaeological museum, Francisco Javier Parres, explained that these discoveries con-

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 Torrevieja Christian Fellowship (TCF) is no longer at Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas. For the

firm that the hill of the castle was a strategic defensive location far back in ancient times until it was completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1829, that is, from the seventh and eighth centuries BC until the nineteenth century AD. These research and restoration works aim to recover the area making it accessible to the public while, at the same time, safeguarding the conservation of the archaeological remains which plot the medieval history and the human occupation of the castle since the Phoenician era The work, that began in May has a budget of one million euros contributed by the City Council and funds from the ERDF program through the Generalitat Valenciana. They are expected to end in October, at which time the fortified enclosure may be visited again.

It will have a service area and an interpretation centre that will be designed to include the results of the archaeological excavations and the preserved historical documentation.

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 (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.

ADVERTISING HOTLINE 637 227 385 LEADER He added that “We New British are approaching an important milestone Ambassador as the UK prepares to leave the Hugh Elliott European Union on arrives in Spain 31 October”. His

Hugh Elliott, a member of the UK’s Diplomatic Service since 1989, succeeds Simon Manley as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Spain and non-resident Ambassador to Andorra.

The Ambassador takes up this new role having previously been Director of Communications in the Department for Exiting the European Union.

On his arrival, Hugh Elliott said: “With a wealth of cultural, commercial, and people-to-people links, the relationship between the UK and Spain is like no other, and I am proud and honoured to represent my Queen and country here in Spain.”

For the Ambassador, this strong connection with Spain has been an important part of his life for decades. “I met my wife Toñi while working as an English teacher at the University of Salamanca, Spain was my first diplomatic posting in the nineties and my two children were born in Madrid. I can understand why so many UK nationals have chosen to make Spain their home,” he said.

Monday 26th August - Sunday 1st September, 2019

message was one of reassurance to UK nationals currently living in Spain that “We’ve given EU citizens living in the Hugh Elliott succeeds UK the legal cerSimon Manley as Her tainty of their right Majesty’s Ambassador to live and remain in to Spain the United Kingdom.

And I’m very pleased that the Spanish Government has put in place, through the Royal Decree, the same guarantees for British citizens in Spain.”

Mr Elliott acknowledged that people have questions and concerns, and undertook that he and his team would be working hard to answer them. He also urged people to sign up to the Living in Guide (gov.uk/living-in-spain) where they will find the latest, accurate information on Brexit.

Two key actions that UK nationals should do now is to ensure that they are correctly registered as a resident and registered for healthcare as a resident.

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18

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The top 5 challenging facts about Building Licenses in Spain Spanish building licences are quite famously difficult and tortuous to obtain and in most cases a bit of a nightmare. Here are 5 common tricky situations that can only be solved using a Retrospective Licence.

1- Garages or building work carried out attached to the boundaries (even permanent carports etc) cannot obtain a licence (generally speaking). The minimum distance from an open window to the neighbour's boundary is 2 metres in Spain. Generally detached villas in Alicante area must stay away from the boundary by a minimum 3 metres, although this may vary and can even be much more.

2- Glazed in terraces or closed in porches are built without a proper licence in 95% of cases. Spanish properties traditionally tend

in 95% of cases glazed in terraces or closed in porches are built without a proper licence with which we can help

Monday 26th August - Sunday 1st September, 2019 to have many open (patios) or semi-open spaces (porches) to create breezes or shaded areas. These semi-open spaces are very frequently closed in by using glazing or brick work. The Spanish laws regard these enclosures as extensions of the built floor area of the property and therefore they are subject to a 'Major Licence' for their construction. Licences to close these spaces in are generally not issued.

3- Most pools are not declared in the title deeds. Many of them don't have a licence either. The small percentage that have a licence generally don't have the architect’s certificate signing off the building of the pool. If your are selling your property you can use a Certificate of Antiquity or Retrospective Licence for pools, to give peace of mind to the purchasers and also use it to upgrade the title deeds to include the pool at the time of selling.

4- Any exterior cupboard, semi open kitchen or other covered building work must have a proper 'Major Licence' when it has an interior height over 1,50 metres.

5- Under-builds with living accommodation are nearly never made with licences and like the previous examples can be added to the title deeds using a Retrospective Licence.

In all these scenarios the document needed is a Certificate of Antiquity, also known as a Retrospective Licence, to guard against possible sanctions and it is highly recommended to avoid putting off potential buyers due to the existence of illegal extensions in or on 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.

The only condition in order to obtain a Retrospective Licence is that the building work done is 4 years old, before the 20th August of 2014.

If you are purchasing a property in this area remember to always give your solicitor an exact description of the property highlighting the building works above and ask them to guarantee what you are buying is exactly what is registered at the land registry.

Only proper Spanish architects are competent 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.

Cost of a Certificate of Antiquity / Retrospective Licence for pools is 190€ +IVA and extensions or complete properties 270€ +IVA.

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Discounts available for existing Martinez de la Casa clients or if you require your Energy Performance Certificate (121€ IVA Inc) or Habitation Licence (from 118€ Registration tax not included), done at the same time.

Martinez de la Casa Architects can guarantee all services within stated deadlines and a fixed price. With over 5,000 clients in South East Spain, we are considered one of the most prominent and respectable architecture practices, providing all types of certificates and licences, amongst other services.

For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment please call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see an impressive list of over 150 client's testimonials.

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Celebrating 30 years at La Marina Bowls Club

Here in Spain, October sees the start of the Bowls Season that carries on through to April.

In October, however, here at La Marina Bowls Club, we will be celebrating our 30th anniversary.

The Green is set in a modern sports complex comprising of a Bowls Green, Swimming Pool with Bar, Adventure Golf and Trampolines, now run by Santi, and a first class restaurant with regular entertainment, managed by Paolo and Elena Del Rosso.

The complex was purchased by Pietro Scannalitao in 1988, soon after the first villas were sold on the Urbansation with the bowling club green laid and playable by September 1988. The club was formally registered with the authorities and the club was formed in 1989 making this our 30th year, it has been a major success in the area ever since.

THE POOL & BAR Now taken over and run by Santino.

During the summer the pool is a hive of activity and the evening pool parties are the place to be.

On Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, there is free entry from 19.00 until after midnight.

Over the years our members have represented Spain in international tournaments all over the world, in South Africa, Cyprus, Hong Kong, England, Scotland, Portugal, Jersey, Kula Lampa, Zimbabwe and New Zealand.

La Marina and San Miguel Bowls Clubs opened at about the same time but over the intervening years, in the Southern Alicante Region, they have been followed by clubs at San Luis, La Siesta, Greenlands, Quesada, Emerald Isle, Vistabella, El Rancho, Horadada, Country Bowls, La Manga, Mazarron and Monte Mar, making for a very competitive area. North Alicante has it's own clubs, against who we occasionally play.

During these 30 years the green has had 3 carpets (we don't play on grass) and a 4th one has now been ordered for July 2020.

Winters here are ideal for bowls and of course it is a perfect sport for both men and women as size and weight plays no advantage to either sex.

Next month, in September, we would like to welcome all comers to the club, where on Sunday Mornings you will be very welcome to ‘have a go’.

You may just like it and find out that you are never too young (old) to enjoy a game of bowls.

For more information please contact club captain, Dave Hadaway by phone: 865756144 or email at: hadaway.shirley@googlemail.com

General snacks are available all day and night, but Friday is B.B.Q and Saturday is Paella.

There is also our mini golf and trampolines which are available to all our clients

during opening hours.

The winter is rather more sedate and this is also when the Bowls Club activities become the main focus, but the bar is open 10.00 – 18.00 Monday – Saturday all winter long.

RESTAURANT Not only an excellent restaurant but an entertainment centre with live music and dancing through the summer nights.

Meals and Snacks are also available at this time, (Bacon Baguettes are to die for).

There is also a very active community centre for local clubs including Golf, Ladies Circle, Line Dancing, Keep Fit, Zumba, & Petanca etc. The venue is also available for Private Hire.

The Mini golf and trampolines are also aways open. Tel: 966 797 792

Open 6 days a week 10 until late, but Wednesdays is a day of rest. Tel: 966 796 389

Follow us on Facebook – Sport Complex pool.

Follow us on Facebook – La Marina Sport complex

20

Monday 26th August - Sunday 1st September, 2019

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WORLD CUP WINNER TODO'S LENNY THE 'SPECIAL ONE'?

“The mindset of Todo Deportivo players will be 100% come September,” said Todo's 'Special One'

LaMangaTorre CC

Pinatar 7 wkt win against LaManga Torre CC

By Andrew Atkinson LaMangaTorre CC padded up to bat against Pinatar X1 in their return double-header T20 fixture - in a bid to avenge a previous heavy defeat.

LaMangaTorre CC's poor batting form continued, a wicket falling in the third over, having chalked up nine runs, a ball hitting T. Knowles on both pads, only to ricochet off his bat, slowly bouncing to stumps, dislodging one of the bails - out for five runs.

G.Neve's big shot to mid-off was caught. R. Maini, in at four, lasted three overs, out, after a shot was top edged, caught and bowled. 22/4 (8 overs).

C. Hunt, in at five, out, caught. P. Harvey, in at six, was also caught out, knocking 10 runs.

Kieran Wood, in at seven; R. Rumi, in at eight, saw his duck come quacking on his second ball, following a cut shot with little power, landing nicely to point. Score: 36/7 (11 overs).

Wood's wicket fell, clean bowled by P. Hennesey.

H. James, in at 10; Connor Wood struggled to find his feet against the spinner of Pinatar, half-hearting a shot, to mid-wicket.

A. Court also saw the Ducks fly-in, a straight ball going through the bat - clean bowled. Score: 51 (all out).

C. Hunt and H. James opened the bowling for LaMangaTorre CC, Hunt bowling the first over for 15 runs.

James claimed the wicket of S. Simkins (lbw). T. Vine (ct by T. Rumi) and Bunty (ct by Rumi) falling in four overs. Pinatar wrapped up a seven wickets win. H.James 3/22 (4 overs).

BY ANDREW ATKINSON TODO Deportivo Valencia 2nd Regional new coach Gerard 'Lenny' Lenehan believes he faces his biggest task to date one that perhaps only Jose Mourinho could mend.

"Jose Mourinho is probably the only manager that could do something in turning round the fortunes of Todo Deportivo", Lenny told me.

Mourinho, 56, arguably the 'special one', has chalked-up winning 25 major honours during his managerial career that began at Benfica, taking in clubs including Porto, Chelsea (twice), Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United, the latter where he was given the boot in 2018.

Jose's, self-appointed 'Special One' label arose during a press conference at Chelsea in 2004: "Please don't call me arrogant.

"I'm a European champion - and I think I'm a special one," Mourinho addressed the Media.

Ambitious Lenny spoke about the hopes of Los Montesinos

based Todo Deportivo - one of the biggest challenges the Australian and Irish football star (Aussie Rules) faces.

"We are here for the love of the game," said Dublin born Lenny, 35, who now lives in Torrevieja.

Lenny, who is assisted by local journalist Keith Nicol at Todo, has gained experience from around the world, having played semi-professionally in Australia.

Irish warrior, Lenny, former Denmark team Odense head coach, was selected for Ireland in the World Championships in Australia, and has a World Cup winner's medal, after defeating Papau New Guinea in front of 100,000 spectators.

To be in charge of Todo is a world away from Lenny's heady days in international sport: "The expectation down the years at Todo Deportivo has been zero.

"But hopefully we can do something about it, in an attempt to turn the club's fortunes round,"

Something fishy going on Wahoo nets win!

WAHOO landed the races at Redcar in August with seafood businessman co-owner Andy Turton celebrating with a fish pie supper!

"Wahoo has been lightly raced and we'd been waiting for some give in the ground, having stepped up from six furlongs to seven," said Andy, owner of Ocean Star Seafoods.

"We celebrated Wahoo's success with fish pie king prawns - and scallops," quipped Andy.

Owner Andy Turton (pictured) gives trainer Michael Dods a celebratory kiss, following Wahoo netting the race.

Wahoo is a fish found in tropical and sub-tropical seas, whose common Spanish name is Peto (wahoo).

Wahoos have a long pointed beak-like snout and strongly compressed triangular finely serrated sharp teeth.

The International Game Fish Association world

said Lenny.

"Todo Deportivo will hopefully be the surprise package in the Valencia 2nd Regional," said Lenny, who arrives in Los Montesinos, Alicante, having also lived in Chile, Boston and China.

Lenny, having been involved in the inauguration of Australian football, said: "We have signed NINE players - with many different nationalities - at Todo and there are still more to follow.”

"It's a massive challenge we face. But we are 'one'. There's no big stars here at Todo - just one big family."

Whether Todo Deportivo have a 'special one' in Lenny Lenehan only time will tell. The big kick off for the 2019-20 season is in September, with the season ending in May 2020.

"The mindset of Todo Deportivo players will be 100% come September," said Todo's 'Special One', Lenny Lenehan, “which

A celebratory kiss from the owner

record is 83.5kg.

Wahoos are one of the fastest fish in the ocean accelerating to speeds of 100 km per hour - feeding on tuna, flying fish, dorados, jacks, herrings, pilchards, scads, lanternfish and squid; and preyed upon by sharks.

Wahoo, ridden by Paul Mulrennan, was waiting for the perfect going: "Wahoo hadn't run much due to the ground - rain came just in time,” said Dods.

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Leaky paddling pool spoils opening stage of La Vuelta 19 D

espite a leaking paddling pool, 500 metres from the course, being blamed for the spectacular crash of two teams during the 13.4-kilometre course around Torrevieja, the 74th edition of the race got off to a spectacular start as Columbia’s Miguel Angel Lopez became the first rider to claim the leader's red jersey at La Vuelta 19 after his Astana Pro Team dominated the opening team time trial in Torrevieja on Saturday evening.

The Kazakhstan team covered the 13.4km course in 14’51” clocking an average of 54,141 km / hour to overhaul Deceuninck - Quick Step by 2” and Team Sunweb by 5”.

Even as the time trial got underway in the early THe Astana Pro Team dominated the opening team time trial on Saturday evening.

evening the temperatures were peaking at 30 degrees but despite the heat many could have been excused for thinking that they were at the North Pole with the backdrop of the large white mountains of salt that provided the setting for the start of the Tour. The "snowy" landscape was only broken by the colours of the jerseys of the 22 teams that provided a regular shuttle from the top of the salty mountain.

Of the 176 riders participating in La Vuelta 19 from the spectacular Salinas de Torrevieja Dimension Data were the first to start, just before 7pm. They set the first time of 15’25” and held the lead for about ten minutes, until it was bettered by CCC Team which clocked 15’06”.

Tejay Van Garderen’s EF Education First were the first to break the 15 minute barrier with a time of 14’58”. Team Sunweb then rode even better: 14’56”, enough for them to finish on the podium, but not to fend off Astana (14’51”).

Miguel Angel Lopez led the Kazakh team through the line to claim the first red jersey as Deceuninck - Quick Step finished 2” behind them.

Pre race favourites Jumbo-Visma were aiming for glory but their time trial was quickly hampered by mechanical problems for their American rider Sepp Kuss inside the first kilometre. The Dutch squad was trailing by 7” at the intermediate point but they missed a bend in the second part of the trial and both Primoz Roglic and Steven Kruijswijk crashed into the side of the road. They got back to Tony Martin, George Bennett and Robert Gesink, the only riders who didn’t crash, but they had lost 40” at the line.

UAE Team Emirates also saw their riders slam into the road during their timed rides losing both time and skin in the first stage of the three-week race.

Sports directors Addy Engels described the incident as "far from ideal" and that tour organisers said a paddling pool accident was to blame.

The tour organisers went to the house where the water came from, 500 metres from the route, on a steep incline that sloped straight onto the course.

The Astana Pro Team has already won La Vuelta on three occasion, with Alexandre Vinokourov (2006), Alberto Contador (2008) and Fabio Aru (2015).

In 2019, Miguel Angel Lopez is a strong favourite to join this list with the support of a very strong and experienced team. The eight riders have taken part in La Vuelta on 32 occasions. Only Movistar have more (36).

Speaking after his win he told journalists “I’m very happy because we’ve done things well. It’s been thanks to the whole team, to everyone’s effort, that we took this victory. We didn’t make a choice (as to who would cross the line first). It just seemed to happen. I was 2nd behind Gorka (Izagirre) when we entered the last curve and he let me pass so I would ride the last 150 metres.

We’re very happy and we’re going to enjoy every moment La Vuelta 19 gives us. We’ve worked well in the past years and the time has come (to enjoy). We have the red jersey and we’ll go with thanks because I have a great team to support me.”

Other than the spill by Pre race favourites JumboVisma there was one incident that showed the human side of the race support when an Euskadi Murias team car, unable to negotiate a bend, crashed into a building at high speed prior to the stage. Fortunately race stewards were quickly on hand to help the occupants of the car to safety with onlookers saying that no one was injured.

The American team EF Education First had two stage wins in last years race Images courtesy of LaVuelta.es

22

Monday 26th August - Sunday 1st September, 2019

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Mike Probert Talks Golf (In assn with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) How Far do AVERAGE golfers hit the Golf Ball?

In the recent British Open at Portrush we saw the like of Brooks Koepka driving the green on a hole 425 yards long and we regularly see tour professionals hit the ball in excess of 320 yards.

In a recent golf article in the Golf Monthly and based on statistics issued by the R&A and USGA it is considered my many that a GOOD DRIVE for an amateur male player is 280-300 yards BUT the reality is that the average is only 215 yards.

I hear many amateur golfers complaining about the distance they hit the ball or how much distance they have lost but perhaps the following statistics will put it all into respective: Handicap 5 and below average 240 yards

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Handicaps 6-12 average 220 yards Handicaps 13-20 average 204 yards Handicaps 21 and above average 187 yards The above statistics are based on 87% of shots being played with a driver Interestingly this average is up 15 yards since the year 2000 BUT 2 yards down on 2005 so the impact of using the large 460cc driver is questionable.

For our lady golfers the average drive is 148 yards or 196 yards for 5 handicap and below.

So in the cold light of day based on the facts you may just be a better golfer than you think you are or not getting as old and weak as you think!

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.

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Villamartin €110 Villaitana Poniente €57 Vistabella €92

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

Wednesday’s winner was Graham Murray with 38 pts

Results w/c 19.8.19 With strict adherence to our rules regarding scorecards and weather conditions, Bryan Neal found himself disqualified not just once but twice this week!

Having seemingly won Monday’s ‘2 ball Texas Scramble’ alongside Reg Akehurst with a net score of 66.25, it was later discovered that they hadn’t dated their card or entered the name of the game!

This resulted in Geoff Biggerstaff and Terry Field being elevated into 1st place with a net 67.

This was despite Geoff taking a tumble on the 8th tee and causing himself some small injuries. I thought it was a little unkind when one of his playing group remarked, ‘Where are we going to get a crane this time on a Monday morning to pick him up?’

With just 12 players braving the weather, things then went from bad to worse for our ‘Commander in Chief’ in Wednesday’s ‘5 clubs and a putter’ Stableford. His three playing partners decided enough was enough with the heavy rain (at times) and retired early thus leaving Bryan with no-one to mark his card, which consequently led to his second disqualification of the week.

Sounds harsh but I’m sure Bryan would agree ‘rules are rules.’ Wednesday’s winner was Graham Murray with 38 points. He was followed home by Mike Chapman with 34 and a very surprised Richard Connock took 3rd, with 32.

There were no ‘2’s today so a ‘Rollover’ for next week! With it being just 5 clubs and a putter Mike

Mahony was sweating somewhat as he normally loses at least 2 clubs out on the course!

Beating the runners up by just one point and with a total of 87 our winners of Friday’s ‘Change Partners’ were Alan Douglas, Graham Murray, Jamie Conway and the fictional Albert. Myself, Rachel and Nick Lee together with Reg Akehurst were unfortunately the ‘bridesmaids’ today.

On our ninth hole Allen McClusky says to caddy, ‘ Oooh nooo! I’m going to drown myself in the lake.’ Caddy replies, ‘Think you can keep your head down that long sir?’

Pues hasta la semana que viene Peter Reffell

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Braddick &Ross scramble to Montgo win Today 23rd August Montgo Golf Society played a 2 person Texas Scramble, this was sponsored by The Society.

First place went to George Braddick & John Ross who scored 42 points, second place went to Richard Delaney & Geoff Willcock who scored 40 points.

There were 2 nearest the pins won on the 3rd by George Braddick and the 16th won by Tom Atkinson Next week Oliva Nova are carrying out course maintenance so we have a fun game scheduled, this will be a Team Accumulator and all players will go off the Blue Tees. The Society will also be sponsoring this event.

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Friendlies complete; Now it’s the real thing for Thader

Andrew Atkinson has been appointed as the Chief Sports Editor of the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader newspaper.

Andrew, 62, has been reporting for the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader – The Costa Blanca’s oldest Independent newspaper, now in its 16th year - for over a decade.

Andrew has worked for major British national newspapers, including the News Of The World, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, Daily Express, Daily Star, The Sun, Mail On Sunday, Daily Record, Sunday Mail and Belfast Telegraph, amongst a plethora of titles.

Last Tuesday evening, they made a short trip up the AP7 to 1st regional div side Catral, for their last away warm up match. A late goal by Juan secured Thader a hard earned 1-0 victory, against a side who should do well in their league.

Born in Preston, Lancashire, author/journalist Andrew, who resides in Los Montesinos, Alicante, said: "It is an honour to represent the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader newspaper as Chief Sports editor."

Then on Saturday, Moi Gomez stadium played host to another 1st regional team, San Miguel. Once again entry was free to all. This was the 4th home friendly that fans were able to enjoy good football, whilst sampling food and drink from the club bar, at very little cost.

Nino almost doubled his tally on 20 mins, carving out a good opening, before shooting agonizingly wide. Shortly afterwards it was 20, a deep cross found Jorge whose close range header gave the keeper no chance. Lloyd missed a great chance to increase his teams lead, before the visitors were only denied by the brilliance of Thader's keeper on 2 occasions.

Back came Thader, Dani wasting a good chance by blasting over, then Lloyds audacious 35 yard effort just missed an open goal, as the keeper was stranded in no mans land.

I lost count of the number of bookings both sides were awarded throughout the match. What is it with Spanish referees, who fail to understand that unless a player makes a reckless challenge likely to cause injury, then why flash cards willy nilly in a friendly!

23

New Sports Editor for The Leader

Thader Rojales have had a successful work out in the form of 8 preseason friendlies, keeping them in good stead for the start of Preferente division next weekend. Their first league match of the season is at Uni of Alicante next Saturday 31 August, ko 5.30 pm.

It had a frantic opening, with both sides coming close in the first 15 minutes. The deadlock was broken on 17 mins, courtesy of substitute Nino, who with only his 2nd touch received the ball on the edge of the opponents box, before rifling a shot just inside the far post.

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Kevin Reardon, proprietor and editor of the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader, said: "Being able to recruit a journalist with the pedigree of Andrew is a great coup for the Leader Newspaper.”

The 2nd period was a half of few chances, niggly challenges, and the introduction of many substitutes (thader actually used 3 keepers, none of whom were injured). One noteworthy moment involved Thader full back Vicente, whose superb individual effort was well saved.

With San Miguel tiring, Rafa Gomez had a goal bound shot cleared off the line, then Lloyd shooting just over with only the keeper to beat. With 5 mins of normal time remaining, a pass from Nino set up Dani to score goal no 3. A Rafa Gomez assist was squandered by Lloyd (it just wasn't his night!), before proceedings were brought to a close.

All in all, a 3-0 victory was probably a fair reflection of the evenings play, setting up Thader nicely for their opening day fixture at Alicante University.

From Rochdale - to Euro Super Cup winner - without kicking a ball!

LONERGAN, released

by Rochdale, an unlikely UEFA Super Cup winner

“He could have gone anywhere but chose the Leader because of the depth of the sports content which he has followed for many years.

I’m sure that he will bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to the team and we are all delighted to have him on board.”

Andrew has worked for a number of major British national newspapers

Spanish Under 15 team trains at Pinatar Arena The Spain U15 team will be at Pinatar Arena once again from Monday August 26 to 29 at the San Pedro del Pinatar Soccer Centre.

The 22 man squad, coached by former Athletic Bilbao midfielder, Julen Guerrero, is made up entirely of new players, seven of which are from Real Madrid with only two from Barcelona.

In true 'Roy of The Rovers' style goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan found himself unexpectedly included in Liverpool's UEFA Super Cup tie against Chelsea in Istanbul this month - after playing at Rochdale last season!

Guerrero, who played his entire career for the same club, also made 41 appearances for Spain, scoring 13 goals.

"I got a call from Liverpool and had no hesitation in signing a one year contract," said Lonergan, who collected a European winner's

The Under 15 squad was last at the Arena in January when it won a four team tournament involving Holland, Ireland and Hungary.

SUDUKO SOLUTION

medal - as an unused substitute.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp moved for Lonergan as cover for Alisson Becker, following a sustained calf injury in the Premier League win against Norwich City, in the first game of the 2019-20 season.

“Unfortunately Alisson sustained an injury at Norwich,” said Lonergan.

Veteran stopper Lonergan, 35, (pictured) who began his career at home City club Preston North End, had been training with the Liverpool squad in pre-season, after being released by League One club Rochdale.

Lonergan, on loan at Rochdale from Middlesbrough, who played 232 games for Preston, making his debut aged 16, has also played at Bolton, Fulham and Wolves.

"I'm focused on my time at Liverpool this season," said Lonergan,

Guerrero, made 41 appearances for Spain, scoring 13 goals

24

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