The Leader Newspaper Edition 780

No 780 Monday 2nd - Sunday 8th 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

Black week for Spanish Armed Forces It’s been a horrendous week locally for the Spanish Ministry of Defence.

First, on Monday morning, the tragic death of Commander Francisco Marín Núñez, a former member of the Patrulla Aguila, the Eagle Patrol Acrobatic Display team based at the Air Academy in San Javier, as he attempted to pull

out of a loop-the-loop manoeuvre and then, on the following day, the grounding and subsequent holing of the Minesweeper Turia, as it joined in the search effort for the missing plane, the vessel running aground in less than 4 metres of shallow water of the Mediterranean, close to La Manga strip.

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Continued from page one Black week for Armed Forces

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As some witnesses reported a strong smell of fuel, the crew was rapidly evacuated from the minesweeper with the help of the numerous smaller craft that were also involved in the salvage operation for the jet trainer.

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Initial reports that the 40 year old aircraft was obsolete and should have been scrapped were ruled out by the Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, who said that everyone should wait until the end of the investigation to draw conclusions from what had happened. For the time being it simply looked like an accident.

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The pilot’s senior officer, and deputy director of the AGA said “We still don't know if it was a material or human error.”

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Despite problems with both the weather and the grounding of the minesweeper ‘Turia’ over 75% of the aircraft wreckage had been recovered by yesterday, Sunday, including the canopy and much of the fuselage, although the one key element, the pilot’s cockpit, is still to be located.

Meanwhile work continues on the recovery operation of the Turia with the Ministry of Defence enlisting the help of a civilian company that specialises in buoyancy and refloating work.

The arrival of a barge on Friday saw the removal of 30 tons of fuel from the ship. That was completed late on Saturday with the purpose of both avoiding possible leaks and lightening the weight of the ship, to enable its rescue.

With several flooded compartments, as a result of a ten metre gash, caused during the collision with the rocks, the split to the hull is said to have been “increasing” with the passing of the hours. However, following the stabilisation carried out by the Mastelero Maritime Rescue ship, teams of divers and personnel from the Neptune

Commander Marín Navy rescue ship have been placing outer belts that will provide the ship with additional buoyancy.

That exercise is expected to be completed on Monday after which, once the final assessment has been carried out, the hull stabilised and all water pumped out, the ship will be towed to the port of Cartagena for repair.

Meanwhile the Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, will visit the site on Monday.

The deputy director of the AGA has confirmed that Commander Marín was planning his training flights in preparation for the academic year of the AGA, which begins in two weeks’ time.

His body is understood to be in Cartagena where it is still being examined. On its release by the coroner the AGA have said that he will receive a state funeral in the Academy grounds.

The "CASA C-101 aircraft" is the aircraft used by students for their basic training and is also used by the "Eagle Patrol" for their exhibitions.

It is an aircraft that is at the end of its life (2021) after almost 40 Fuel being removed from years of service. the listing minesweeeper However the Ministry of Defence has launched the "Airplane Trainer" Program , with the aim of acquiring 24 new turboprop aircraft that will be part of an Integrated Teaching System (ITS) that also includes simulators.

The first six units were to be ready in March 2020, but have been delayed until the end of the year.

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Alicante expects to lose 30,000 cruise passengers this year

Having announced in April that 50 cruise ships and over 100,000 tourists would visit the city in 2019 the Alicante City council has revised their forecast downward saying now that the number will be reduced to 44.

cruises will now arrive, six less than planned, although a this stage the schedule for December is still not known.

Having closed the first half of the year with an 8.6% decrease in the number of tourists, compared to the same period of 2018, this is further bad news for the port and the tourist sector in the city.

Since 2015 cruise tourism has generated around five million euros a year on the Costa Blanca, which includes the costs for docking and the money spent by tourists in the city of Alicante, an average spend of 50 euros per person, per cruise. The shortfall in ship and passenger numbers will equate to approximately 600,000 euro

After the recent upsurge it would appear that cruise tourism in Europe is now beginning to slow down, due to the oversupply that is being experienced in the sector, with one of the ports to be affected being that of Alicante.

The port has now down rated its passenger forecast. Having hosted 40,500 cruise up to 31 July only another 23,000 cruise passengers will be added to the schedule which will see a further 17 ships arriving in the port between now and November, which will not meet the forecast for this year.

In April the City council said that the port would welcome 50 ships into Alicante, which would bring with them 100,000 passengers, many of them from the MSC shipping company, however, only 44

In 2018, 54 cruise ships and 100,752 cruise ship passengers arrived at the terminal.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring ports of Cartagena and Valencia continue to grow with 97,651 (13%) and 184,453 passengers (16%) more in the first half of the year, according to the State Port statistics.

Unfortunately Alicante is not such an attractive proposition for many cruise companies because of its proximity to Valencia and because of the competitive rates of the neighbouring port of Cartagena, so consolidating Alicante as a base port for cruises that cross the Mediterranean and the long term future that it might have is anybody’s guess.

However the difficulties currently being experienced in a rather massive sector goes someway to explaining the fall of a tourist product that is beginning to cool down in Alicante. And that after the Miami fair this year, following which it was announced that 2020 would be fantastic with 63 cruise ships and 140,000 tourists. We will have to wait. (Photo - Javi R)

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A TIME FOR POSITIVITY It's been a major priority of the new Tourism Department in San Fulgencio to put the municipality back on the map, and the chance to take part in the forthcoming Vega Baja Tourism Fair in Los Montesinos was too good to miss.

The event takes place over three days – 20, 21 and 22 September – and last Thursday saw the Mayor of San Fulgencio, José Sampere Ballester accompanied by Councillor for Tourism, Darren Parmenter, at the official launch event that featured a number of other Mayors, Mayoresses, Councillors and Tourism Technicians from across the Vega Baja.

Darren told 'The Leader': "I'm very proud to be part of this Fair which has been superbly organised by Los

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A UNITED VEGA BAJA: San Fulgencio's Mayor, José Sampere Ballester (third left front row) and Tourism Councillor, Darren Parmenter (far right back row) at the Vega Baja Tourism Fair photocall.

Photo: Ayto de Los Montesinos FB

Montesinos. It's my first opportunity as the Councillor responsible for tourism to promote San Fulgencio in a positive light and to demonstrate to local people of all nationalities that our municipality offers so much."

The IV Feria Comarcal de Turismo de la Vega Baja will give people the chance to sample a number of local delights and Darren hopes many will take the opportunity of discovering some of the hidden gems of the Vega Baja.

"Even though I've lived in the area for 30 years, I'm looking forward to finding out about some of our neighbouring towns and villages that I've never visited before", said Darren.

DIVAS take part in the Hondón de los Frailes Carnival The Hondón de los Frailes Carnival took place on Saturday 24th August as part of the week long Fiesta celebrations. DIVAS (Drama in the Valley Association) again took part in the Carnival parade and this year we had a “Chinese” theme.

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Together with a beautifully decorated float and an amazing dragon, 19 members and friends took part in delightful colourful costumes made by our talented costume maker. The parade wended its way through the narrow streets and we were delighted when the multi-national onlookers showed their appreciation by applauding as we passed by.

The evening was truly memorable - full of lights, music and colourful and inventive costumes including very young local children and a number of associations and groups.

We would like to welcome new members to our group and further information can be obtained by emailing hondondivas@gmail.com

Good news for Corvera as it announces link with Canary Islands Corvera Airport has announced that with effect from 28 October it will operate a twice weekly return flight to the Canary Islands.

The flight will operate on Tuesday and Saturday arriving from Gran Canaria at 12 noon and returning at 12.45 hours.

Marketing for the route will begin next Monday with the carrier Binter Canarias SA, a Spanish airline based on the grounds of Gran Canaria Airport in Telde, Gran Canaria and Tenerife North Airport, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain. It is a regional air carrier usually operating inter-island services within the Canary Islands, and other Atlantic islands.

The director of Institutional Relations and Communication of Binter, Noelia Curbelo, emphasises that passengers on the new routee will enjoy the advantages of the product offered by Binter which distinguishes it from other airlines, “such as the comfort of their aircraft, a high quality service, which includes a courtesy menu, and luggage

check-in as well as seat selection included.

The route will fly the Bombardier CRJ 1000 aircraft which only recently joined the Binter fleet in 2017, a highly efficient aircraft, offering both reliability and first class performance, with a The service gets underway capacity for 100 passenat the end of October gers.

Binter are also introducing two further routes. From 27 October the airline will also operate from the Canary Islands to Pamplona on Fridays and Sundays and between Zaragoza and the Canary Islands with regular flights on Mondays and Wednesdays from 28 October.

Tickets can be purchased from next Monday through the company's usual sales channels: www.bintercanarias.com, the Binter app, telephone 902 391 392 and travel agencies.

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Are Your Savings Still In The UK? Many people who have moved to Spain do not want to bring all their savings and investments with them to this country.

Spanish banks do not have a great track record and then there is currency question – Sterling or convert to Euros?

One of the main problems with keeping your money in the UK, is a lack of adviser to keep an eye on your investments and switch funds when the need arises.

Your UK financial adviser should not continue to work on your behalf if you are living as a Spanish tax resident.

As a Spanish tax resident there are a number or products offered by some of the worlds’ largest financial institutions specifically tailored to meet your investment needs. Indeed, one such provider, Prudential International, have a Spanish tax compliant savings bond that outperforms the UK equivalent simply because of the taxation treatment.

The Seagate team has a wealth of experience in providing advice on all aspects of savings and investment options.

For a free no-obligation chat with a UK Qualified adviser, call 965 704 338 or email: Contact@Seagatewealth.es

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In the Plaza de Torre Horadada other dances they demonstrated a number of dances including the mazurca, the Polka dance, which became popular in the ballrooms of Europe in the 19th century, particularly through the notable works of Frédéric Chopin.

They met with the Mayor José María Pérez, on the seafront who welcomed them to Pilar de la Horadada, and thanked them for the initiative which “refreshed the cultural values of our residents and aroused the curiosity of young people so that our traditions are not lost and will continue to be remembered”.

Next summer the group will return to the coast when they will bring with them and demonstrate a bathing machine, in which bathers would change prior to enjoying a dip in the sea during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.

Proposed Memorial for victims of 1938 bombing Torrevieja mayor, Eduardo Dolón (PP) has proposed that on 25 August 2020 an official act of "remembrance" be held in memory of the 19 people who were killed during the Italian bombing of the town in the Spanish Civil War.

Los Montesinos Presentation of school medals and Diplomas

increases enormously during the holiday season.”

He stated that approximately 30% of the total amount of glass waste recycled throughout the year, with the hospitality sector, generating about 52%.

The service will also include the dedication of a commemorative plaque which will be located in the central square Waldo Calero, where “there was the greatest amount of damage during the attack.”

The mayor said that the event will be attended by members of the municipal corporation, local police, civil guard , national police and civil protection, and other local associations.

The mayor's initiative came about following a motion presented by Councillor and socialist spokesman, Andrés Navarro, in which he requested a number of different commemorative activities on the future anniversary of the bombing.

Just last week, along with survivors of the bombing, representatives of the Partido Popular attended the annual memorial for the very first time putting to an end the controversy that they generated during their previous mandate.

According to the data for 2018, the people of Orihuela recycled a total of 2,502,360 kg of glass. This means that each person recycled an average of 32.6 kg.

Modernists attract curiosity in Pilar de la Horadada

LOS Montesinos, Alicante, celebrated the ceremony of awards obtained by participants in the town's summer swimming school.

As a prelude to the modernist exhibition, which will be presented by the Department of Culture in Pilar next summer, 2020, on one of the local beaches, 25 modernists toured the region last Saturday, arousing the curiosity of residents and tourists alike.

Medals and Diplomas were presented by Los Montesinos Mayor Jose Manuel Butron and Sports Councillor Ana Belen to children who attended the three weeks course.

They came from the Cartagena de Levante Modernist Association, travelling along the coastline as they chatted to interested parties, from Las Villas down to the beach at los Jesuitas, allowing onlookers to discover the history and way of life of their ancestors from the period around he year 1860.

Gogarty’s wins recycling award The Councillor for Street Cleaning and Urban Solid Waste, Dámaso Aparicio, visited the coast on Wednesday to present a glass recycling award to Gogarty’s Irish pub in La Zenia.

Almost 150 bars and restaurants on the Orihuela Costa took part in the recycling campaign the “Green Flags Movement”, in which the Department worked with Ecovidrio, the non-profit organisation responsible for the management of the recycling of glass packaging waste in the country.

The councillor said that the purpose of this campaign has been "to encourage and motivate hoteliers to recycle glass containers which

Cabo Roig & Aguamarina seafront clean-up Orihuela’s Councillor for the Environment, Dámaso Aparicio, announced on Saturday that in the first half of September the cleaning of the Cabo Roig and Aguamarina seafront coves will begin in the most inaccessible areas from the sea and along the rocks and embankments.

The objective is to “avoid environmental degradation to the front, improving the appearance and cleanliness in these areas where it is difficult to reach with machines”.

A study has shown that it is these two zones that have accumulated the most solid waste. The company that will carry out these actions is Orthem, and it will do so at a cost of of 2,930 euros plus VAT. It is estimated that the operation will be completed in two and three days.

The works will concentrate on two area, one terrestrial and the other aquatic. In the first, the workmen will remove the plastic and other rubbish from the cliffs. And in the second, with the help of a zodiac dinghy, they will remove rubbish from the coastal aquatic perimeter of the cove.

The exact start date is yet to be determined but it is possible that work could get underway next week, as soon as the sea conditions are suitable, as the boat has to get very close to the rocks.

Those who attended the school were improvers and non-swimmers, whose prowess attained certificates and Diplomas at the Municipal piscina.

"Congratulations to all the children who were awarded medals and Diplomas for their dedication," said Mayor Butron.

"Well done to everyone and we look forward to the swimming school course taking place in 2020," said Ana Belen.

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‘WHAT A COINCIDENCE …’

I met a man recently who said that there are no such things as coincidences. When I asked him to explain, he just fudged it – so I am none the wiser as to his thinking. Statisticians might argue that the law of large numbers make any combination possible, but this theory holds no weight with me.

In my own life I have experienced the most bizarre series of coincidences that have totally baffled me. As far as I am concerned, there is no explanation to satisfy common sense.

I spent a couple of years working in England during the mid-sixties.

(What a time to be there!) I stayed in a private house with four lodgers playing R&B. Some years later I owned a shop and post office in Longwood, County Meath. As postmaster, one of my duties every afternoon was to rubber-stamp each letter dropped in for posting. One day I froze in my tracks: Right there on the oak bench was a letter addressed to a name I never heard of and to the exact address I lived in Birkenhead. What are those odds?

Halloween 1983 and Pamela and I and our two children were enjoying a week’s break in Santa Ponso. We made friends with a family from Offaly during our stay. We exchanged Christmas cards, promised to meet up … but it didn’t happen.

The following September the All-Ireland Hurling Final took place in Thurles. Tickets were as scarce as hen’s teeth. Then I struck oil. A friend of a friend in America provided me with a ticket. (American GAA clubs get an allocation of tickets) There were 64,000 people at the match and who do you think I found myself sitting beside but my Offaly friend that I met in Santa Ponso! He too got his ticket from America. Figure that one out!

Sitting with friends in an Orlando restaurant in 1994, I proceeded to tell a funny story concerning myself and a Cork friend – without mentioning his name. A man spoke up from the next table and these were his words: ‘Excuse me, I don’t wish to butt in, but I could not but help overhearing your conversation. I know who you are talking about’ … and he named my friend. And this man was from

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Waterford.

If you would like to share any of the strange coincidences that have Ten years later Pamela took me on a tour of the States happened to you email: office@theleader.info and we will publish the to celebrate my sixtieth birthday. One of the things we best of them in the coming weeks. did (see … I remember, Darling!) was a river-boat cruise on the Mississippi. We were seated for dinner with couples from four different countries – and we were the only Irish.

The German lady seated next to Pamela spoke excellent English and when discovered we came from Ireland she showed signs of being pleased. The lady proceeded to tell us that she spent time in Ireland as a child. Her father was the gardener at an estate. To prove her point, our new German friend recited the ‘Hail Mary’ in Irish! But that’s not all … Turns out it was a school near us, we knew where her father worked and had heard of him. Finished up both herself and Pamela knew three or four girls who still lived in the area. What about that?

A close friend of mine went on a solo trip to Australia and he sure covered a lot of ground while he was account for. Why not send them into the editor at The Leader? there. Joe is into photography and he likes to keep a photo chronicle of his travels. One day he was at some historical site … that I can’t remember. He placed his camera on some object, set the timer and Don’t Forget got into position for a photo of himself against the monument, or Between Boris and Donald, it’s hard to decide whether to watch the whatever. On his return to Ireland, Joe had all his films developed.

He thought he imagined it when he saw a face he knew walking six o’clock news and not be able to eat, or the nine o’clock news and behind him as his camera snapped. He checked it out to make sure. not be able to sleep.

Yes … it was his cousin and neither of them knew the other was in Australia! How can we account for the astronomical odds in making Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com this happen? *Author, entrepreneur and newspaper columnist, Bernie Last week a very good friend of mine wrote and in the course of his Comaskey, now spends most of his time on a farm in Ireland; but letter he mentioned he was trying to trace the ancestry of an English he retains his strong links with the Costa Blanca. friend, by the name of Downey, whose grandfather came from near Kenmare in Kerry. Beat this one! Pamela’s sister-in-law was home Bernie has published four books; ‘If Ever a Man Suffered’, ‘The from Canada and staying with us. AND HER NAME WAS … Joan Best of Bernie’, ‘The Team’, and ‘Just Between Ourselves’.

Downey from Templenoe, Kenmare!

Bernie’s books are available at half price, on sale from ‘The I bet that you too, dear reader, have some coincidences you can’t Leader.’ Call 637 227 385 for info.

Benidorm hotel food poisoning scams vanish as UK courts get tough D

uring the summer of 2016 the number of fake claims made on hotels and tour operators for food poisoning by British tourists spread like wildfire across Spain. Benidorm was one of the local resorts that was hardest hit with losses to the hotel sector in just two years calculated at over 50 million euros, with the number of claims skyrocketing by as much as 500%.

But in recent weeks, according to reports in the local press, as a result of action taken by the British authorities, which is only now being processed through the judicial system, the false claims seem to be a thing of the past, with not even a single claim presented in Benidorm since the beginning of 2019.

A spokesman for Hosbec, the Association of hoteliers on the Costa Blanca, suggested that it is as a result of the penalties imposed by the British courts, which range from fines of about 800 euros.

Some recent sentences, however, have been far more severe with four members of one Liverpool family sentenced to 3 months in prison for making a false claim against the tour operator Jet2Holidays, with whom they had booked their break in Benidorm during the summer of 2015.

One other judgment handed down was a fine of 15,000 pounds which was imposed on two British tourists who had to pay TUI for faking a food poisoning claim during their stay in Benidorm as they too sought compensation.

In each case the tourists making the false accusations claimed that they had suffered nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea and vomiting for days, and even presented medical reports. But at least one false claimant came unstuck as the police showed photographs that he had posted on a social network, of him and his partner enjoying their holiday with no sign at all of them suffering any illness.

The judge also reproached them for not complaining during their stay, since the claims were only filed in May 2016, approximately eight months after their holiday ended. It was only later, when contacted by a lawyer, that they remembered they had been sick on their holidays in Benidorm.

But not only was it the British courts that ended up unmasking false claimants. The British Government also took action on the matter in light of the false complaints, publishing the maximum amounts that each tourist could claim and promising retribution for those that made them deceivingly.

As a result of their actions British tourists have now stopped filing false allegations of food poisoning.

At the time, British law did not have any control over the amounts that could be claimed, so claimants could petition for exorbitant amounts. In fact, some of the tourists were asking for up to 50,000 euros of compensation after allegedly suffering food poisoning in a Benidorm hotel in a case that was dismissed by the judge. But the tourists were not alone.

At that time, the number of companies and solicitors that specialised in these types of complaints, known as “claim farmers,” were growing uncontrollably, with many even travelling to tourist

destinations where they physically sought out potential clients.

But it now seems that a year after the first convictions, the water is rather calmer and British tourists no longer see the scam as an easy opportunity to recover the money from the cost of their trip. The risks would now appear to be too great. And just as quickly as they first appeared the specialist solicitors have also disappeared back into their cosy offices, no longer willing to risk the wrath of the legal system or the bad press attracted by the scam

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Monday 2nd - Sunday 8th September, 2019 are numerous potholes in the roads. The local park is looking sad and the flooding at the end of our road makes it impossible to pass without wading into water. My friends and neighbours are constantly talking about this.

We cannot register on the padron because we are not residents, and as a result, the very inequitable system of funds being allocated to areas that have the most residents, leaves the Orihuela Costa out in the cold when it comes to allocating funds.

Dear Editor, I've just read your very interesting article in the Leader titled "Growing support for Costa Campoamor".

My husband and I have a house in Cabo Roig. We are not residents, as are so many of our neighbours and friends from other urbanizaciรณns, but we do spend a few months of the year here.our area is now very run down.

The paths along the cabo Roig strip have become dangerous. There

Your article injected me with the hope that some day our taxes will buy us better facilities etc. My question to you is can my husband and I, and the thousands like us, be on the voting register when we are not residents. If not, how do we make our voices heard? If not, I cannot see any change in our circumstance for many many years to come, if ever it comes.

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Response from PIOC (Partido Independencia Orihuela Costa) Dear Noelee, Thank you for your email, requesting if you, your husband and thousands like you can be on the voting register as you are not Residents.

As you rightly ask; If not, how do you make your voices heard?

The answer is sadly NO you cannot register as a Resident and be heard!

So why not join PIOC, they propose to campaign for Independence, whether Financial or total Independence, either way, they will do everything in their power to ensure permanent and part time residents have a say and can, in future, be heard.

How can we become a force to be reckoned with?

Simply search for the Facebook page for more information at: Partido Independencia Orihuela Costa

Sincerely, NC

Peter Houghton (PIOC)

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QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 779 QUICK ACROSS: 1 Sewer; 4 Clamber; 8 Overrun; 9 Strip; 10 Tidy; 11 Appraise; 13 Chef; 14 Scar; 16 Numerous; 17 Thus; 20 House; 21 Disturb; 22 Precede; 23 Ridge.

DOWN: 1 Sportsmanship; 2 Wield; 3 Rare; 4 Canopy; 5 Abstract; 6 Barrier; 7 Reprehensible; 12 Retrieve; 13 Commute; 15 Muddle; 18 Hound; 19 Tsar.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Brake; 4 Cobbles; 8 Tollman; 9 Angle; 10 Less; 11 Sentinel; 13 Sack; 14 Pens; 16 Attaches; 17 Uses; 20 Range; 21 Apparel; 22 Decimal; 23 Tapes.

DOWN: 1 Battle-scarred; 2 Atlas; 3 Emma; 4 Censer; 5 Beauties; 6 Legends; 7 Smelling salts; 12 Icecream; 13 Satanic; 15 Detail; 18 Scrap; 19 Spot.

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

5.

6.

9.

12.

14.

16.

19.

20.

Thin soup (5) Pre-meal drink (8) Transfix (6) Abominable snowman (4) Tell (7) Sociable (10) Destruction (10) Fake (8) Restlessness (7) Of teeth (6) Father (5) Espy (4)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. True or false: It is more likely to rain on the weekend than during the week.

2. The word pupil comes from the Latin 'pupillus', meaning a little child/doll. So why do we refer to the pupil in the eye as a pupil?

3. Fantasia, Edinburgh, Newport Beach, Berlin International and Mumbai International are all examples of what?

4. Plus or minus one hundred years, when did the Chinese begin constructing a massive canal system to connect the Yellow and Yangtze rivers?

5. The title of the national anthem of which country literally translates as "Land of Mountains, Land on the River"?

6. In which country can or could you find the following guerrilla movements: a: Red Army Fraction (RAF). b: UCPMB. c: Mau Mau. d: Contras. e: Brigate Rosse. f: Euzkadi Tas Askantasuna.

7. What is the longest tunnel (in use by the public) in the world?

8. What disintegrated on January 28th 1986?

9. What do the following words mean (spell

them or print them out): "un, dau, tri, pedwar, pump, chwech, saith, wyth, naw, deg"?

10. Who made the following famous statements/speeches: a: Vive le Quebec libre b: Time to Break Silence c: The Ballot or the Bullet d: Tear down this wall e: We all breathe the same air f: The only thing we have to fear is fear itself 11. What do the following people have in common: Daryl Hannah, Pamela Anderson, Bryan Adams, Shania Twain, Paul McCartney, Carl Lewis, Heather Mills, Apu in the Simpsons and Anne Hathaway?

12. After converting to Islam in 1955, Michel Demitri Chalhoub is better known as whom?

13. Which famous early Physicist first described the laws of buoyancy?

14. Which pieces were the very first currency of the world, accepted almost everywhere and became the basis of many modern currencies, including the US dollar and the Chinese yuan.

15. In which position and for which country did each of the following football players play: a: Dino Zoff. b: Roger Milla. c: Michael Laudrup. d: Just Fontaine. e: Edgar Davids. f: Vitor Baia.

The Guangzhou Metro Line 3 (67.3 km, 41.8 mi) rapid transit line connecting Panyu Square to Tianhe Coach Terminal. 8. The Challenger space shuttle. 9. The numbers one to ten (inclusive) in Welsh. 10. Six Answers: a: Charles de Gaulle. b: Martin Luther King Jr. c: Malcolm X. d: Ronald Reagan. e: John Fitzgerald Kennedy. f: Franklin Delano Roosevelt. 11. All practice veganism /

DOWN 1. A schedule for the board (5) 2. At which the player does manual work? (8) 3. Trip abroad in the capital of Greece (6) 4. Drug used in protracted operation (4) 5. Figure out again what narrators do (7) 6. They are divided into minute sections (5,5) 9. Interpreting what?s said from the mouth-piece (3-7) 12. Traveller unusually wary about food (8) 14. The first male colonist refusing to yield (7) 16. Picked ones by the church, maybe (6) 19. Seoul damaged by unpleasant parasite (5) 20. Cycle frame equipped with key inside (4)

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

1. True: pollution creates cloud seeds, fine particles around which cloud droplets form, they build up during the week making rain likely after five days. 2. From the tiny reflection you see of yourself you see when you look into someone else's eye. 3.

Film festivals. 4. 607 AD. 5. Austria (Land der Berge, Land am Strome). 6. a: Germany. b: Serbia. c: Kenya. d: Nicaragua. e: Italy. f: Spain (ETA). 7.

ACROSS 1. What soldiers, clerics and company representatives do (4,6) 7. Where you’ll find political correspondents seek to pressurise (5) 8. Representative from the clay-pit (7) 10. Rent once squandered on curtain material (8) 11. This will blow up a room at the spa (4) 13. If care is used, this could provide transport (6) 15. An old light cloak (6) 17. Almost reluctant to do the cleaning (4) 18. Stumbled along, prepared to make a deal (8) 21. They secure an assortment of pastels (7) 22. Debauchee near northern French town (5) 23. Experienced one providing care when Nat suffers horribly (5,5)

ACROSS 1.

Pleasing (10) 7.

Way (5) 8.

Gave out (7) 10. Credulous (8) 11. Damage (4) 13. Stay (6) 15. Request (6) 17. Just (4) 18. Infirm (8) 21. Scrap (7) 22. Excel (5) 23. Compost (10)

vegans (do not use or consume animal products of any kind). 12. Omar Sharif (Omar al-Sharif actually). 13.

Archimedes of Syracuse. 14. Eight - A Spanish silver coin. 15. Five Answers: a: Goalkeeper, Italy. b: Forward.

Cameroon. c: Midfield, Denmark. d: Forward, France. e: Midfield, Netherlands. f: Goalkeeper, Portugal.

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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 (and on the 5th Sunday, if this

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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.

Torrevieja blonde lady, massage, erotica, speaks English 604 382 799

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'MI-STEAK' KO FOR RICKY HATTON!

By Andrew Atkinson FORMER boxing champion Ricky Hatton was KO'd - after being billed £830 for a STEAK while on holiday in Greece.

"In a puddle of f****** tears. That’s what you get for being a fat greedy little s***," Hatton on holiday in Mykonos, Greece, with his girlfriend Charlie, posted on Instagram.

Hatton, hit by the knockout bill after dining at one of Mykonos's extravagant restaurants, was left reeling - when a waiter handed over the voice totalling €1,927 (£1,747).

Hatton, who posted a picture of his expensive bill

on Instagram, dug deep - with a final round that included a near £500 bottle of Champagne - along with £100 for a bottle of Prosecco.

Hatton, 40, was reportedly seen staggering - with a white t-shirt over his head - before stumbling and falling.

Dubbed 'The Hitman' Hatton, the former boxing star reportedly admitted he was in a drunken state when he fell.

The Kobe Ribeye steak cost €920 - £830: "I just ordered it. Didn’t look. Ha ha. The bill came and the fun police just started laughing. Wow," said Hatton.

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RYANAIR cancel flights to and from Spain in September

The airline explained that just 0.7% of the total flights had been cancelled on Sunday and Monday

BY ANDREW ATKINSON After 9 hours of meetings, Ryanair has rejected the mediation proposal of the General Directorate of Labour and the Ryanair Strikes will go ahead. DGT say “We regret that Ryanair, who had requested mediation from the DGT, has not made a single proposal to call off the strikes.”

their planned walkouts, across 13 bases in Spain, with strikes also due to go ahead on September 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29.

However, as we went to press, Ryanair said that the strike scheduled for yesterday and today should not mean the cancellation of more than eight of its more than 950 daily flights to and from Spain, both on Sunday 1 and Monday 2 September, according to the EFE agency. The company said that all passengers on the six flights cancelled on Sunday, September 1 and the eight cancelled on Monday, September 2, had been informed by email and SMS - offering options, to either move their flight free of charge, or be issued a full refund.

The strike action comes in the wake of a dispute, between Ryanair and Unions, over closures of bases in the Canary Islands, as reported by the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader. Ryanair said in a statement that the strikes would not change this.

The airline explained that this low number – just 0.7% of the total flights for the two days – is possible “thanks to the great work of the majority of our Spanish pilots and cabin crew who have already confirmed that they will continue to operate according to their planned timetables, or are offering to work on their days off, with the aim of not altering the travel plans of our customers and their families in September.”

The Union say it would not go ahead with threatened walkouts - if an agreement with Ryanair could still be reached.

The Unions USO and SITCPLA still intend to stage

The airline blamed delays in delivery of Boeing Max aircraft as one of the reasons why the bases made a loss. They announced they are still open to talks with the two Unions - in a bid to avoid further strike action.

Union SEPLA have threatened additional walkouts on September 19, 20, 22, 27 and 29.

At the same time the Irish company urged USO and Sepla unions, cabin crew and pilots, respectfully, to call off the strike.

The dispute, unrelated to that of USO and SITCPLA, is over the potential closures in Tenerife and Girona, which would lead to cutbacks - and potential dismissals of pilots.

Civil War bomb detonated

by Cartagena Navy

By Andrew Atkinson

Specialists Navy officers from Cartagena detonated a Civil War bomb - containing 70 kilos of highly volatile trilite - TNT. The bomb was discovered by an off- duty agent of the Special Group

of Underwater Activities - GEAS - of the Civil Guard, in situ 45 metres deep, in the waters of Sant Sebastià, in Barcelona.

The Cartagena specialist bomb team left their Murcia Navy base and travelled to Barcelona to detonate the bomb, which was submerged 25 metres from shore.

Following the bomb find bathers were evacuated by the authorities and the Civil Guardia attended the scene.

The Cartagena Navy disposal team used balloons to remove the bomb - dropped during the Civil War - with 'lifting balloons' lowered in the sea.

Once the bomb was hoisted out of the sea the Navy experts undertook a controlled explosion in a safe area.

Concerns about the seriousness of the bomb were highlighted, as an explosion in situ, could have damaged the under sea network of pipelines in Barcelona.

First Corporal of the Civil Guard's diving unit, Antonio Pérez Prieto, was in charge of the operation, as the beach remained closed until the removal of the explosive and the detonation of the bomb was made.

The bomb was dropped during the 1936 Civil War. In the aftermath of the Civil War dozens of bombs have been discovered along the coast of Barcelona, namely in the Garraf area, littering the bottom of the sea.

The beach of Sant Sebastià, was immediately closed and the Barcelona Urban Guard extended the perimeter of protection to the esplanade of the Plaza de Mar, following the incident.

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who liked the public," said greatnephew Jim. "In the spring of 1911, Fred was the tallest man in a 'Parade of Giants' as part of the celebrations for the Coronation of King George V," said Jim. Fred's father died, aged 50, on Christmas Day 1897. His mother struggled, and Fred, aged 8, and his brother George, 2, were placed in the care of Barnardo's.

GENTLE Giant sportsman Fred Kempster - who played football, In 1904, aged 15, Fred returned to England, deemed unfit for farm cricket and darts - stood a lofty 8ft 4ins tall - dubbed Britain's tallest work, due to a congenital knee problem, due to his ligaments and man. tibia growth.

Fred, a reserve goalkeeper at Swindon Town, had a great knowledge On his return to Britain, Fred settled in Wiltshire, Swindon, with his of cricket, his most sporting pastime. sister Ruth and brother-in-law Jim Rayner.

Fred's longjohns were found by John A congenital knee condition led to ligament Fred played football, problems, that triggered uncontrolled Jardine, of Hurst Green, Clitheroe, cricket and darts growth, and a rapid increase in Fred's Lancashire, whose uncle Tom Cook befriended him in Blackburn. height. Age 22, Fred was 7ft 4in.

Tom Cook's mum was the Landlady of the Apart from his sports talents, Fred could Nags Head, Blackburn, where Fred went play 16 notes on piano - with one hand! drinking - and played darts.

A Mr A.K. Bathe reported comments, in Born at Bayswater on April 13, 1889, Fred, seeing Fred in Avebury: "The first meeting one of seven children, came from a poor of a man of his stature was frightening, to a child of five. family and after his dad died, his mother Jane put him into care, and he was shipped "But as time went by, and you got used to off to Canada, for a new life in the colonies. him, he was kind and gentle.”

Fred is Jim Kempsters great-uncle. Speaking Ivy Hockey, whose father Henry Lawes ran from Ontario, Canada, Jim said: "My grandThe Red Lion at Avebury, where Fred pa lost almost all contact with - and knowlplayed darts, said: “He used to let me sit on edge - of his family. his knee - and pass a half crown through the ring he wore on his little finger.”

"I have contacted descendants of siblings.

And Fred's role in helping re-connect with *Next week. in Part 2 of sportsman Fred family has been a great gift. It's nice he is Kempster, Andrew Atkinson looks at the remembered."

Gentle Giant's life - including lighting cigars from streetlights; the Circus.

Fred joined Astley and Company's American Germany: WWII; developing pneumonia, Circus at Chigwell in Essex as a professionbeing hospitalised, his passing and burial. al giant in 1911: "Fred was a happy chap

Gentle Giant 8' 4" Fred Kempster

Son Jordi Cruyff kicks off the first game at the new stadium

FC Barcelona open 'Estadi Johan Cruyff' Barcelona opened their new 'Estadi Johan Cruyff' last week, the home of the Barça B and women’s teams, as well as the U19 side when they play in European competitions.

The new facility pays tribute to the ‘father’ of the unique style of play that has characterised Barça throughout the world and was one of the main drivers of the club’s commitment to its own youth football system. With this spirit in mind, the opening ceremony included the stadium’s first match, between the Barça and Ajax youth teams, the two clubs that most defined Cruyff’s career.

The president of FC Barcelona, ??Josep Maria Bartomeu, was accompanied by several representatives from the Barça squad, including coach Ernesto Valverde, Lionel Messi, Gerard Piqué, Sergio Busquets, and Sergi Roberto, as well as the Barça Women player Marta Torrejón, as well as Patrick Kluivert, the director of youth football.

The event was also attended by Johan Cruyff’s family, including his son Jordi Cruyff, and some of the members of the ‘Dream Team’ who played under the Dutchman, when he was the Barca manager.

The opening of the stadium follows on from Monday's unveiling of the statue of Johan Cruyff on the esplanade outside the Camp Nou grandstand which pays permanent tribute to the Barça legend.

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ALFIE’S GOLF SOCIETY Villamartin - Thursday, 29th August 2019

by Wayne Stevenson, Captain 28 members and guests from Alfie's GS travelled the short distance to Villamartin GC for the August meeting of Alfies G.S on what turned out to be a very hot and humid day.

The course was in very good condition and playing long with most of the yellow tee boxes back on the whites.

Our winner of the gold division was Ove Collin with 37 stableford points.

Second place went to Derek Fleet with 35 stableford points.

Our winner of the silver division was Rachel Lee with 42 stableford points Second place went to Sid Bone with 34 stableford points.

Best Guest and ‘The captain’s prize’ went to Simon Harrison with 36 stableford points Nearest the pin on hole 9 – Sponsored by ‘The Street’ went to Jim Dempsey Nearest the pin on hole 17 – sponsored by ‘Ian Ingledew’ went to George Dawidow Nearest the pin in 2 hole 7 – sponsored by ‘The Celtic Drop ‘went to Derek Fleet Nearest the Pin in 3 on hole 11 - sponsored by ’Alfies Bar’ went to George Dawidow The Blind pairs was won by Ian Ingledew and Petina Murray.

Many thanks to our sponsors, our committee for their hard work in the background, to Cat and Liz

Our next meeting of the year is Captains day at Hacienda Riquelme on Thursday, 26th September.

LaManga Torre CC batting falls apart against Alfaz

R. Rumi at point.

LaMangaTorre CC faced Alfas 1st team in a League fixture - on the back of two T20 defeats against Pinatar - at La Manga Golf Resort.

Alfas, league favourites, were put into bat first, with LaMangaTorre CC getting a breakthrough in the first over.

H. James maintained good form with the ball clean bowling W. Ashraf. T. Rumi kept runs tight and set James up nicely, to claim his second wicket.

O. Jarvis claimed a wicket off his first ball; K. Perman playing a defensive shot into the hands of P. Harvey at short cover. (35/3:11 overs).

Jarvis struck when clean bowling P. Pennick.

(40/4:13 overs). The twentieth over saw C. Rumi take A. Brown's wicket (20) playing a cut shot to

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DEBRA RAFFLE OFF SIGNED SHIRTS On Friday 6 September at The Bridge Bar the DEBRA, Butterfly Skin Children, raffle will be drawn at 19.00, just before the monthly Alicante International Business Club Meeting.

You can get tickets from the following places, or just drop a minimum of 1€ donation to this worthy charity.

Zoco Market from my stand The Bridge Bar in Rojales Monte Bar La Herrada The Post Room in Benijofar The Inn Place in Formentera del Segura Both DEBRA shops, Dona Pepa and La Marina.

The choices of signed memorabilia are as follows, and the number of shirts that will be raffled off all depends on the amount of raffle tickets sold or money raised.

England 7’s international signed shirt Scotland 7’s international signed shirt Wales 7’s international signed shirt Cornish pirates signed shirt Doncaster Knights signed shirt

London Irish signed shirt Wigan Warriors signed ball donated by Phil Stott Leicester Tigers signed shirt Fulham FC signed shirt Huddersfield Town FC signed shirt Come along and buy at least just one ticket at the above venues, less than a cup of coffee or see me at the Zoco Market at the far end of aisle 4 to get them.

Winner – Rachel Lee with 42 points at Alfies Bar for the after-match buffet and refreshments, and to Mike Probert from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services for arranging our day.

By Andrew Atkinson

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D. Walker, in at seven, assisted A. Wajid, taking Alfas past the 100 mark. LaMangaTorre CC struck - A. Wajid out - falling three short of 50, with C. Rumi clean bowling him. 121/6:30 overs.

T. Rumi bowled two of his overs for six runs an over taking the wicket of D. Walker for a wellearned 22. C. Rumi, at mid-off, made a long dive to take a catch. 134/7.

O. Jarvis claimed the wickets of B. Ali and B. Marriner, both bowled. J. Ahmed knocked valuable boundaries.

T. Rumi bowled the final over, which proved costly, Ahmed pushing eight runs. C. Wood threw to T. Rumi at the non-strikers end, dislodging the bails.

174 all out.

Alfas put valuable runs on the board with A. Brown, D. Walker 22, J. Ahmed 36*. And A. Wajid 47.

LaMangaTorre CC's O. Jarvis returned figures of 4/40. H. James 2/13. C. Rumi 2/30. C. Wood 29 off 8 overs. T. Rumi 1/36.

In the second innings Alfas saw K. Perman come into the attack. C. Rumi top edged into the air, that lead to keeper I. Byrne taking his second catch.

Skipper K. Wood in at eight needing 131 runs to win from 25 overs. Wood's poor form continued, when J. Ahmed bowled at middle and leg, caught on his pad, onto the stumps. 99/7.

C. Wood knocked 19, in a 60 run partnership. O. Jarvis closed in on his first 50 for the club smashing the ball high. 125/9.

T. Rumi and H. James in, saw Rumi cash in on a boundary, with a flick off the pads. James getting a thin edge to I. Byrne. All out:129.

"After a brilliant start with the ball and fielding, once again the batting fell apart," rued LaMangaTorre CC's Kieran Wood.

Alfas 1st 18 points. LaMangaTorre CC 7 points.

Todo’s TEN Nationalities

BY ANDREW ATKINSON Exclusive Todo's TEN nationalities Morocco, Norway, Senegal, Algeria, Russia, Bulgaria, Spain, England, Ireland & Scotland!

LOS Montesinos, Alicante based football club Todo Deportivo have put the Vega Baja town on the international world stage - with TEN different nationalities set to represent the team this season!

"Players from Morocco, Norway, Senegal, Algeria, Russia, Bulgaria, Spain, England, Ireland and Scotland have signed for Todo," Valencia 2nd Regional new coach Gerard 'Lenny' Lenehan told me.

Irish football star Aussie Rules World Cup winner Lenny, joins Todo, a club run on a tight shoestring budget.

"Sponsors are much needed - to bolster the club's small purse. Our aim is to build up a core Supporters' Club base - with the attraction of free entry to watch the games," said Lenny.

Todo play their fixtures at Los Montesinos Municipal stadium, that is in the town, with facilities including free car parking, new stand, and a new astro turf pitch, ahead of the new season that kicks off in September.

"We want to create 'Team Todo' - that includes everyone - from the President, management, coaches, players and supporters," said Lenny.

"A family club. With adults and children welcome," said Lenny, who has attained his UEFA 'B' coaching badge in Spain - a necessary coach-

Todo Deportivo train Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9 -10.30 pm, at Los Montesinos Municipal stadium. ing qualification - that came into place in Spain this year.

Lenny, who also has 'D' & 'C' coaching licences, said: "Along with assistant coach Keith Nichol, we face a big challenge - but one we are up for.

"The mindset of everyone will be 100% focussed on what lies ahead. Players here have the right attitude and character.

"A mixture of experience and youth is in place, both on and off the field."

Lenny, 35, said: "I got the opportunity to coach Todo Deportivo and had a list of players that would come to play here.

"There is little money in the pot at present to pay anyone to be part of the club, and no expenses.

"The ideal situation is players don't have to dip into their pockets. There lies an opportunity for a sponsor or sponsors to come on board."

Todo will kit out in a white strip, with a blue collar, at home fixtures. With an all green kit, for away games: "Team Todo is all about being 'together' - as one - in our quest to take the club forward," said Lenny.

"I suppose the toughest game of the 2019-20 season will be against CD Montesinos. A game we are all looking forward to," said Lenny.

Todo Deportivo train Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9-10.30 pm, at Los Montesinos Municipal stadium.

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THERE ARE ONE OR TWO risks associated with playing at Greg Norman’s El Camaleón Golf Course at the Mayakoba Resort, Mexico. Like the chameleon from which it takes it’s name, the 7,024 yd. course is ever-changing. Designed to enhance the area’s unique natural features, it has three distinct eco systems, Mangrove forest, Caribbean beach and Mayan jungle (don’t look for your ball.) The bunker on the 7th leads into a subterranean cavern from which golfballs (and possibly players) never return!

Golfers can step out of their rooms and into a boat, which will ferry them directly across the lagoons The Cave bunker at Mayakoba Resort.

Monday 2nd - Sunday 8th September, 2019

to the clubhouse or the first tee (don’t fall overboard, there are alligators.) I’ll stick to La Serena.

RYDER CUP STARS from both sides of the Atlantic can tee up and snarl at each other in the BMW PGA Championship to be held 19th-22nd September on Wentworth’s West Course. Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood will be joined by Patrick Reed, Billy Horschel and Tony Finau, who are fully paid up members of the European Tour and will be making their debut in the 4th event of the 2019 Rolex Series Race to Dubai. A host of celebrities will join them for

www.theleader.info the Pro Am on Wednesday.

Shane Lowry is the current leader of the Race.

Francesco Molinari is this

year’s defending champion.

In 2000 Colin Montgomerie became the first player to win three years in a row. They were probably the only times Colin didn’t complain about the marshalls, the weather or the course.

CATRIONA MATTHEW will be hoping her European Womens team will trounce the USA in the 16th Solheim Cup on the Centenary Course at Gleneagles from 13th-15th September. The USA have won 10 of the previous 15 Solheim Cups, and are probably going to win this time as well.

AT THE ROYAL LIVERPOOL Golf Club, Hoylake, Merseyside from 7th-9th September.

Captain Craig Watson will be hoping his amateur team can lift the Walker Cup, reversing the 2017 result when the USA won by 19 points to 7. The USA has won 36 out of 47 Walker Cups and are favourites to win again.

Never say die. Remember the England cricket team!

ON “PHIRESIDE WITH PHIL,” Mickelson’s weekly social media golfing chat, Padraig Harrington recounted the time at the Singapore Open when he lost what he thought was a simple loser-buys-dinner wager to the five-time major champ. Padraig ended up paying for a five-figure meal – plus drinks - for Phil and his friends “and even some random kid who was celebrating his

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18th birthday.”

JUSTIN THOMAS WON the 2019 USA PGA Championship with a final round 68, 25 under par.

92% of players finished under par at 7,504 yd.

Medinah. Interviewed afterwards Adam Scott commented: “We need smarter courses, not longer. Adding length to courses isn’t working, they haven’t figured out yet that ‘long’ means nothing to us. They can’t build them long enough.

The driver is the most forgiving club in the bag now, It doesn’t matter what course it is, if you give us soft greens, soft fairways and no wind, we’re going to tear it apart.” It’s not quite the game Old Tom Morris would recognize now.

THE 2019 BRITISH Open Speedgolf Championships took place again last month on the Longcross Course at Foxhills, Surrey. Players competing individually were set off at 6 minute intervals with the customary running start and finish, to complete 18 holes with the lowest score.

Winner was Jamie Reid from New Zealand who shot 81 in a blistering 40 minutes and 57 seconds.

I’d like to see him do it out here in August.

PATRICK REED has been given the nickname “Captain America” by fans. They must be kidding. If Thor suddenly appeared on the course, what would Reed the Avenger do? Put his finger to his lips and say “Shhhh?”

WELL DONE RORY for winning the Tour Championship and Fedex Cup. Unfortunately, they pay the prize money out in instalments, he was hoping to pay off his mortgage.

Until next time: Happy Golfing.

Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. 638 859 475.

Ruby’s Golf Society After the heavy rain earlier in the week it made our trip to Altorreal a bit fresher, in fact it was great weather for golfing. The course was in good condition although a little wet in places but that was to be expected, the day was set for a great outing but the scoring was a little disappointing.

The results were as follows, nearest the pin on the par three's was Jim McCarthy, Nigel Wright and Michelle Evans, nearest the pin in 2 was Jim McCarthy and despite not getting a nearest the pin Mark Foden managed to win the two's pot. Best front nine Barry Taylor and best back was Bill Peters.

Silver division winner was Theresa Wright and

LY N O R FO S CE A PL

gold and overall winner was Steve Marsh.

Back at O'Briens where we did the presentation the football card was won by Barry Hopkinson.

Our next Trophy game is at Alenda and is fully booked but if anyone would like to play with us please email rubysgolf@yahoo.co.uk

MS A E 2T

G N I IN A M RE

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SMGS @ Vistabella One of the more unusual things about golf on the Costa Blanca is that we can find ourselves at the end of August playing in 30 degree temperatures on winter greens.

We all understand and accept that hollow tining and sanding is essential to the well-being of the course but it doesn’t make putting on Muppet pelts any easier.

That was certainly the case this week at Vistabella, which had also been hit by biblical rains in the days preceding our visit. Full credit to the course for adjusting the green fees to compensate, though. No wonder it’s one of our favourite venues throughout the year.

Despite putting being a case of ‘hop, skip and a thump’, the scores suggest that most players got to grips with the difficult conditions. Best guest of the four who joined us was Steve Ashurst who returned a creditable 31 points on the day.

With 28 members taking the field there were the normal 3 divisions again this week. In Bronze, Ken Flaherty was edged into third place with 33 points on countback by John Trehy. Roger Brierly showed them all a muddy pair of heels with 37 points. Nice one, Roger.

Silver division is where the knife fighters seem to reside these days. Chris Wren made his fifth consecutive podium appearance finishing in third place with 32 points, followed

by Norman ‘Snuffles’ Cahill with 34 points.

Our very own Bryson de Chambeau, Brian Mulligan, secured first place with another 37 points haul.

Monday 2nd - Sunday 8th September, 2019 Scoring in Gold division was a level above as befits the shiny handicaps up in those lofty portals. Danny Toft finished third with a super 36 points off … not a lot, really. Theo Boelhuwer used his handicap to good effect to take second on countback but best score of the day went to Tony Smale with a magnificent 43 points. Seems the investment in his new Fisher Price driver paid off in spades.

Nearest the pin honours went to Tony Smale, Brian Mulligan and - nice to see for a change - sponsor Mick Roscoe of the Property Shop.

Seems only right that Mick should benefit from his generosity from time to time.

Red McAuliffe was voted man most in need of a stiff drink after totting up his score and duly took home the Abacus winner’s bottle of red kindly sponsored by Mike of Mike’s IPTV. Cheers!

In other news, sailor home from the seas, Phil de Lacy beat Hugh Reilly 6 & 3 to take top spot in the Division Two match-play league, setting up a match with Division One winner, Robin Eastman, to decide this year’s matchplay champion.

Another season-long event was concluded today with Kyrre Skarsmoen winning the Eclectic competition contested at Vistabella since the start of the year. Congratulations, Kyrre … not many players can afford to miss the final round and still take home the cup.

Our match next week is at La Finca followed by a return to the wetlands at La Serena.

There are still places available and bookings should be made via the website. For new fixtures October onwards:- The new system makes admin much easier for our Administrator, so please make full use of the facilities it offers. To find out more about the Society and our upcoming events, visit our website www.smgs.org or give our Captain, Tony Smale, a call on 639 129 223.

Silver - Norman, Chris again & Brian (Lost yer razor?)

Marabu Golf Society at El Plantio In association with Costa Blanca Green Fee Service For this month’s meeting a group of 32 players visited the established course at El Plantio taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

After the game we returned to Broadway Uptown Quesada, which is located at Pueblo Brava, Quesada for a welcome meal prepared by the bar and the prize presentation and we give our thanks for their continued support.

The weather was beautiful and the course in superb condition despite the recent heavy rain.

Our next fixture is the interim game at New Sierra Golf on 12th September 2019 followed by the society day at Altorreal on 26th September 2019.

Today’s event was the annual Captains vs Vice-Captain challenge match which was won by the Captains team 5-4.

Nearest the Pins – Probert, Dexter (2) and Dixon Football Card – Gerry Graves

Report by Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or see us at our web-site at www.costa-blanca-greenfees.com.

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Mike Probert Talks Golf (In assn with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) What is in a name?

Last weeks golf article on the distances that average players hit the golf ball was well received by our readers but one regular reader took exception to some of the wording used in the article.

In the wording I had referred to the ‘BRITISH OPEN’ and the reader stated that I had devalued the event by not referring to it as ‘THE OPEN’ and that golf was becoming too AMERCANISED in the media in general.

This in itself is an interesting debate but where do you stand on this subject, are you a traditionalist who refers to the event as the ‘BRITISH OPEN’ or a golfing patriot who prefers to use the term the ‘OPEN’ to make it stand head and shoulders above the three other majors played in the USA? Interestingly enough media giants such as the Independent, the Guardian, Wikipedia and the Encyclopedia Britannica refer to the event as the ‘BRITISH OPEN’.

Whatever name you use this is still the only golfing event that has me glued to the sofa for 4 days while ‘er in doors’ loses the will to live.

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

Price

Comments

Alenda €116 2 Players & Buggy Alicante €110 2 Players & Buggy Altorreal €120 2 Players & Buggy Bonalba €116 2 Players & Buggy Don Cayo (Altea) €88 2 Players & Buggy El Plantio €112 2 Players & Buggy (12pm) Font Del Llop €92 2 Players & Buggy GNK Courses €125 2 Players & Buggy (El Valle, Riquelme & La Torre) La Finca €128 2 Players & Buggy La Manga €120 2 Players & Buggy (All courses from 1.06pm) La Marquesa €52 Sgle Green Fee La Serena €47 Sgle Green Fee Las Colinas €164 2 Players & Buggy Las Ramblas €104 2 Players & Buggy Lo Romero €144 2 Players & Buggy New Sierra Golf €82 2 Players &Buggy Roda €130 2 Players & Buggy UGolf Courses €86 2 Players & Buggy (Saurines & Hac. Del Alamo) Villamartin €110 2 Players & Buggy Villaitana Poniente €66 Sgle Green Fee & Buggy Vistabella €116 2 Players & Buggy For Bookings and info Mike at info@costa-blancagreenfees.com quoting the reference LEADER or on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931

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RAFA wonder strike seals victory for CD Thader once again he missed the target.

CD Uni of Alicante ..........0

This hard fought victory was well deserved, as Thader battled for every ball, took their chances , and in Jorge have unearthed a gem of a player.

Thader CD ...................2 Last season, Thader and Alicante Uni finished in 7th and 8th positions respectively, so last Saturday's encounter inside the University campus was always going to be close. After a thorough set of pre season friendlies, Thader were more than ready for this opening match in the Preferente division, having made no less than 14 new signing in the summer.

A 5.30 ko on the last day of August, when temperatures hovered around low to mid 30s, were sensibly dealt with by a drinks break in both halves of the match.

New manager Jon Ortega has a tall order in replacing the highly respected and successful Rico, but he has worked hard by recruiting a mixed blend of youth and experience, required to meet the demands of the standard required.

Calderon looked to have opened the scoring after only 7 mins, but his great strike from the edge of the box was ruled offside. It took a superb save by debutante Thader keeper Sergio to prevent the hosts opening the scoring 8 mins later, his outstretched legs deflecting a shot from Malquez around the post.

Fast forward to the last kick of the half for the next note worthy incident, a 20 yard effort by Rafa Gomez which fractionally missed the target. So, a half which yielded no goals, no bookings and no excitement, came to an end.

At half time I wondered how I could pad out my

report, then realised that hosts Alicante Uni tangerine and white kit, combined with Thaders blue and white, mirrored the match being played in UK between Blackpool and my beloved Pompey.

It took only 3 mins, before Thader took a 2nd half lead. Alicante Uni keeper Nacho did well to parry a dangerous free kick, but could not prevent another debutante, Jorge, stroking the ball home from the rebound.

Lloyd went close to extending the lead on 56 mins, his effort fractionally too high, before Jorge executed a goal line clearance up the other end.

Local lad Rafa produced his moment of magic just after the hour mark. From fully 25 yards, he curled the ball around the wall into the top right hand corner.

If this had been on MOTD, it would without doubt have been a candidate for goal of the month.

Almost immediately, Iborra shot over, then midway through the half, Rafa Gomez would have made it 3-0, had his goal bound shot not been cleared off the line. Through on goal, captain Lloyd looked certain to score, but his wayward effort looked more suited to one wearing black and white stripes, than that of the mighty Thader! Late on, Iborra should have narrowed the deficit, but

Although subdued early on, giant ref Beneite (he's got to be 7 foot tall!) chose to book Lloyd, Rafa Gomez, Fran and Mora, plus 2 opponents, in the 2nd period.

On Sunday 8 September, ko 1130, Thader play their first home league match of the season, when relegated Rayo Ibense are the visitors.

CARP-R-US. The fifth and final round of the Carp-R-Us August mini-series was fished on the Eden stretch of the Segura.

It was hoped that the recent rains would have freshened up the water and improved the fishing, but this wasn’t the case with only two anglers catching fish.

Ten Sovereigns and Advertise head £300K G1 32Red Sprint Cup at Haydock

G1 Commonwealth Cup winner Advertise, trained by Martyn Meade, finished behind Ten Sovereigns, but has since won the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, France, in August.

TEN Sovereigns and Advertise head £300,000 G1 32Red Sprint Cup at Haydock Park on September 7. Ten Sovereigns, trained by Aiden O'Brien, was back to his best form with a fine display in the G1 Darley July Cup at Newmarket.

Forever In Dreams was successful over the 6 furlongs Listed EBF British Stallion Studs Cecil Frail Stakes at Haydock Park in May.

SUDUKO SOLUTION

Included in entries are Forever In Dreams, trained by Aidan Fogarty, who finished second to Advertise in the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

Roy Dainty finished first with 3.00kg and Steve a Collins second with 0.50kg. This means that the series was won by Richard Crawshaw, congratulations to him for winning what was, fishingwise, a very hard series.

Alistair’s hole in One at El Plantio

"Forever In Dreams is in good nick - the plan now is to go for the Sprint Cup," said County Tipperary trainer Fogarty.

"It's a pleasure to have her in the yard," said Fogarty.

"Six furlongs is her trip and is suited by some cut in the ground, having won on fast ground - some juice will help her," said Fogarty.

"She showed earlier in the season that Haydock suits her well and we are looking forward to heading back there," said Fogarty.

Khaadem, trained by Charlie Hills, boasts an official rating of 116, after his decisive handicap victory in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood.

G1 Commonwealth Cup third Hello Youmzain, is one of three entries by trainer Kevin Ryan.

Newmarket trainer James Fanshawe is hoping a return to Haydock Park can spark a revival from 2018 winner The Tin Man, who finished second in 2016, and third in 2017.

"The Tin Man is in good form and the Sprint Cup is the target.

"He has a fine record in the Sprint Cup - having won it - and placed twice. We would be delighted if Tin Man could run well again in the Sprint Cup," said Fanshawe.

Entries also include Brando, trained by Kevin Ryan, runner up in 2018. G1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes second Dream Of Dreams, trained

by Sir Michael Stoute, and Mabs Cross, trained by Michael Dods, successful in the G1 Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp in 2018.

Still the lack of numbers plague El Plantio 2's season with only 5 members competing for the Monthly Medal.

The competition commenced with Alistair Douglas achieving a Hole in One on the first hole which was, coincidentally, a choice for nearest the pin.

After his superb start his round continued to prosper and he returned a very competitive score. However, he was upstaged by Janice O'Brien, with a superb round of golf.

Nearest the pins – Hole 1, Alistair Douglas and Hole 8, Ray Housley.

Second place, Handicap 7.1, Alistair Douglas – 50.9 shots.

First place, Handicap 15.2 , Janice O,Brien – 49.8 shots.

Picture from L to R: Alistair Douglas, Janice O'Brien, Ray Housley.

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.

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