The Leader Newspaper Edition 782

No 782 Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd 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

Avda de las Adelfas, leading to La Glea beach in Campoamor

My Gota Fria At least 6 dead and 3,500 evacuated as Gota Fria strikes.

The torrential rains that hit the Vega Baja last Thursday have already claimed six lives as

well as resulting in the evacuation of at least 3,500 people.

The Segura River has burst its banks at several points causing catastrophic damage to everything in its path.

More than eighty roads were closed, eleven of them on the main network including the AP7 motorway in Pilar de la Horadada from which four

workmen had to be rescued after being trapped inside the tunnel by rising water.

Rail traffic was also affected along many different sections of the Murcia and the Valencian Community network, and several ports in the region also suffered damage.

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See more images on Page Six Murcia airport was closed all day on Friday causing about a dozen diversions and cancellations.

The State Meteorological Agency said that it had to go back to October 1879, 140 years ago, to find a similar comparison, with a storm that had such a devastating effect on the Vega Baja.

In Orihuela, rainfall exceeded 400 litres per square meter in just 48 hours, but the floods also covered large areas of Murcia, Alicante, Valencia and Almeria, where many rescue missions were conducted by the emergency services.

After the death of a brother and sister on Thursday in Caudete (Albacete) when the vehicle in which they were traveling was overturned and dragged away by the current the body of a man was also found dead, having attempted to drive his car through a flooded tunnel in Almeria.

Late on Friday, the Civil Guard found the body of a 58-year-old man in an area of Orihuela that had been flooded by the overflow of the Segura River. First signs indicated that he had been dragged down a road by the water as he was trying to cross the street, having just parked his car.

The fifth victim was in Redovan, a man having earlier left his home on foot and then on Saturday the body of a 40 year old man from the Oriolana hamlet of La Matanza was recovered by the military.

On Saturday Pedro Sánchez, visited Orihuela and Los Alcázares, two of the areas most affected by the floods.

Having been welcomed by the mayor, he then spent approximately 10 minutes talking to people who had been affected by the flood. As he departed for a briefing in the Operations Centre he told residents “We will be there.”

Following a situation update by the emergency services and a visit to the old bridge located on the Segura River as it passes through the city, the Prime Minister left Orihuela for Los Alcazares where he said that the government "will not spare any kind of material or human resources to respond to the effects of the Gota Fria”, which he described as an "extraordinary meteorological phenomenon".

The mayor of Los Alcázares, Mario Cervera, which suffered a severe flood in December 2016, said that the town "needs a solution" to stop being the "funnel of the Region." "You cannot continue this fear," he said before requesting works to avoid similar situations in the future.

With almost the whole of Los Alcázares under water the flooding is far worse than three years ago. Residents say that they are absolute furious that in the intervening 3 years there has been no significant action taken to prevent a repeat of the damage caused in 2016.

Torre Pacheco was also cut off as almost all of the roads around the town disappeared under floodwater. Fortunately, most of the residents were aware of the danger and remained in their homes.

Many streets in San Javier were also flooded while residents of La Manga Caravanning Park and some parts of Los Nietos and Bella Bahia were evacuated by the emergency services.

In Almoradi the City Council asked the Generalitat for heavy machinery and explosives to shore up breaks in the River Segura that, at one point, was dispersing 50 cubic meters of water per second into the town, while in Daya Vieja, the mayor José Vicente Fernández, said that he got tired of calling 112 and he was dis-

gusted that the town received no help.

The Vega Baja Hospital was also caught up in the floods, with all outpatient activity suspended until Monday. Urgent care was, however, maintained.

As well as extensive flooding in the town centre, the Oriol Occupational Centre was closed in Orihuela, due to flooding, and Civil Protection and the Red Cross had to transfer over 40 people to a provisional shelter located in the Virgen de la Puerta School.

In Guardamar a Tornado-twister hit the town on Thursday, damaging the Municipal sports centre, along with felling trees, traffic signs and severely damaging many rooftops. Winds of 104 km/h (64 mph) were recorded.

Over 220 litres of rain per square metre fell on Torrevieja during the early stages of the storm with the urbanisation la Paraíso and the zones of the Plan Parcial Mediterráneo and Villa Amalia amongst the areas worst affected.

Dozens of cars had to be abandoned on Thursday and Friday as many roads became impassable.

On C/Mar Menor many tower blocks were left without power as the electrical installation caught fire after the flooding. “We have been very afraid, because of the storm and the rains.

The same thing always happens every time it rains heavily. In the end, something very serious will happen unless something is done,” said one resident yesterday.

The president of the Consell, Ximo Puig, promised in a statement that “the Consell and the Government of Spain will jointly promote measures to mitigate the effects of the rainstorm on the infrastructure in the region of the Vega Baja”.

The Minister of Territorial Policy, Arcadi Spain, who also went to Orihuela and spoke with Sánchez, said that “The president has expressed his commitment to participate in the repair of the entire region, both from the point of view of infrastructure well as other types of damage that may have occurred in sanitary facilities or in schools”.

But we have had these verbally-expressed condolences before and whilst the national authorities make plenty of promises at the time they are rarely seen to follow them through.

And neither can the local authorities be excused of blame as they continue to cut back on the clearing of the Segura River as well as many other simple and effective measures.

Perhaps now they will realise that the money must finally be made available for the necessary improvements in drainage, sewage disposal and road maintenance.

It is only by improving and replacing the archaic infrastructure across the whole region that we can have at least a chance of avoiding a repeat of the weekend’s destruction that has had such a devastating effect on such a large swathe of the local area.

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Some of the temporary classrooms

IES Tháder waiting 20 years for improvements T

here is continued frustration at IES Tháder as over 550 student returned to school last week who are still waiting for the Ministry of Education to approve long overdue improvement to their college.

One of the outdoor areas is still occupied by the five prefabricated classrooms and the technology workshop, with staff having now been told that refurbishment work will not start, at least, before the second half of next year.

The Institute Director, Ana Mas de Sanfélix, describes the situation as "unsustainable and desperate" and says that the accommodation "forces our students to receive their education in shameful conditions."

The school was planned to take 12 units and accommodate 360 students but with the implementation of additional requirements the number of classes was increased to 18 units and the prefabricated classrooms were installed. The college now has 19 units and 534 students. We lost the library, the parenting room and the chemistry lab a

long time ago and this year we have also lost the physics laboratory and the economics department”.

The expansion, costing almost 4 million euros, will provide the centre with much more classroom accommodation as well as a Music Department, a Technology Workshop and Technology Department, Gymnasium and sports courts, 6 offices and 2 toilets.

“But the reality is that we have the new facilities now, not 2 years down the road,” said the headmistress, and she has made her feelings known in a strongly worded letter to the mayor, which she also made public last week.

She accuses the mayor of not being committed to the school improvements and of failing to meet his promised made last year to the school board.

Her letter states “Despite repeated requests for meetings, both of the management of the IES Tháder, and of all the directors of the centres with works pending execution, so far you have always failed to respond.”

The headmistress concludes by saying, “We request the immediate tender of the work and the guarantee of truthful and fluid information that allows us to know what to expect and see a way out of the agonising situation that we are going through and that, without action will only get worse.”

To date the mayor has failed to respond!

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Repairing Pascual Flores to cost 90,000 euro The repair of the Pascual Flores schooner, restoring it once again to a sail worthy condition, will cost 900,546 euros, according to a report commissioned by the City Council.

The report, which has cost the council just over 18,000 euros, examines the condition of each part of the replica ship that was originally built on a Torrevejense beach in 1917.

It concludes that the boat, moored in the port of Torrevieja, is in a state of "semi-abandonment" with only minimal maintenance work being carried out on it, tasks such as cleaning and checking waterways, but no painting, equipment startups, waterproofing or bilge. The cost includes putting the ship into a dry shipyard or boathouse, where the hull can also be examined for possible damage.

However, the City Council has agreed that all repairs will be carried out by the La Nao Foundation which has also restored many other historical replicas such as the Nao Victoria, El Galeón and the Nao Santa María.

Although the agreement is yet to be finalised it is understood that the foundation will receive an annual economic amount - not yet determined - for a total of five years, to

enable it to repair the ship and make it navigable once again, based on that budget of just over 900,000 euros.

Any additional funding will be met by the foundation itself in exchange for the use of the schooner for visits and travel around the world.

Once it is navigable the boat is expected to remain in its base port of Torrevieja for 120 days in the year and 180 days in national or foreign ports, and another 60 days at sea.

The La Nao Foundation estimates annual operating costs of 458. 000 euros per annum to which almost 100,000 must also be added for its maintenance. The foundation would be responsible for both under the agreement to be signed with the Torrevieja town hall, as well as for the crew.

Last week the Municipal Institute of Culture Joaquín Chapaprieta authorised the payment for the report on the state of the ship. The councillor for Culture, Antonio Quesada, said that "we are pending a budgetary modification that will go to an extraordinary plenary session or the next ordinary."

The ship has been moored in Torrevieja since 2015 after

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In the last year or so all of the masts have had to be removed because of safety concerns at which time much of the wood was found to be rotten.

being overhauled in the port of Algeciras. Apart from tests in 2008, the journeys to and from Algeciras are the only occasions that it has put to sea in all that time.

In the last year or so all of the masts have had to be removed because of safety concerns at which time much of the wood was found to be rotten Despite the cost of repair the foundation recommends repairing the Pascual Flores for the historical significance it has and for the fact that the cost of its overhaul is significantly less than the cost of its construction, started in 2005 and completed in December 2008, that was in the region of 4.5 million euros.

San Javier football star Marta's grandparents lose everything in storms

By Andrew Atkinson Exclusive SAN Javier born football star Marta Penalver has been left devastated following the Gota Fria that hit Murcia: I am speechless.

"It is so sad - and I feel helpless," Marta exclusively told me from Italy.

"I am speechless," said Spain international and Florentina Serie A Ladies football star Marta.

The storms that devastated regions of Spain, the biggest in over a century, lead to 'close down' of towns and cities throughout Alicante and Murcia.

"Something similar happened three years ago - but this time it has created even more damage," said Marta.

Marta is particularly worried that her grandparents are safe in San Javier: "My grandparents have been hit by the storms once again and have lost everything, but safe," said a tearful Marta.

The Mayor of Los Alcázares, Mario Pérez Cervera, called for assistance in evacuating residents of the Municipality - as the region became one of the worse affected areas in Murcia.

In San Javier, San Pedro; Cartagena and towns in the Campo de Cartagena were closed, due to flooding.

The EMU attended the scene, along with a helicopter and the Army to rescue trapped residents.

"We worked for hours to evacuate, but the municipality was practically flooded,” said Mayor Mario Pérez Cervera.

Dozens of residents were evacuated, as the biggest storm since 1917 continued.

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Fun in the sun with live music and a BBQ Friends and family came together for a BBQ recently cooked by Joey and Jim, Chefs from T.J's restaurant in Benijofar to raise funds for the Huntington´s Disease Association Costa Blanca. After enjoying the delicious food people danced to live music played by Barry Young.

Towards the end of the evening some guests joined in for Karaoke.

Ticket sales and a raffle raised a magnificent 523 Euros.

The next Huntington´s Disease Association event is a hot and cold buffet/dance on 9 November 2019 at the Pines Restaurant in Benijofar. Tickets, in advance, are €20 per person. For info contact: marion.smith@hda.org.es or margaret.tozer@hda.org.es.

San Javier was hit by severe flooding three years ago, and the Mayor added: "The storm is three times worse than the floods of 2016.

"The storm this time has hit all of Los Alcazares."

A Ayunmiento de San Javier spokesperson said: "The people are the key to the recovery of San Javier.

"If you have been lucky enough not to be affected by the floods help your neighbours."

A telephone number for volunteers to help has been set up on: 659 505 639.

"It is an authentic catastrophe - that is repeated. It's incredible," said Marta, speaking about the devastation, ahead of the Serie A 2019-20 season.

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Still using your UK Financial Adviser?

Many people who have retired to Spain and have investments still use their old UK-based financial adviser.

This could be for a variety of reasons, from feeling comfortable with the person they have been dealing with for many years, to not knowing any local Spanish-based financial advisers.

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They almost certainly will not have the in-depth knowledge of the tax-efficient products available to Spanish tax residents.

Apart from the understanding of the Spanish system, having a local adviser means you can pop in to their office for a chat and be kept up to date with all the various changes that take place.

This is especially relevant at the moment with the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

If you are thinking about finding a new Spanish-based financial adviser, then give us a call and see what we can do for you to ensure you live life the way you want.

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

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Civil Protection moving people from the flooded Centro Ocupacional Oriol

Los Nietos

San Fulgencio

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visiting Orihuela The Red Cross helping an elderly resident of Dolores

Campoamor Beach Orihuela bullring

4 workmen had to be rescued from inside the AP7 tunnel at Pilar de la Horadada

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Dead baby found in Alicante dustbin The body of a new-born baby was found by a member of the public in an Alicante refuse container on Monday afternoon in the neighbourhood of Pla. Still with its umbilical cord attached it was found at the bottom of the dustbin under bags of rubbish.

The body was removed and taken to the Department of Forensic Science where an autopsy was carried out. It is understood that the results show that the child was born alive and therefore the authorities have ruled out that he was born dead or was the result of an abortion. The boy's body had air in his lungs, which shows that he was alive when he was born.

euros.

A large number of the offenders are small gardening companies that have dumped their waste next to rubbish containers, having carried out small contracted tasks.

(PP), on Tuesday of "having lied" about the real increase in his salary, which during his last term of office was 56,000 euros per annum.

She says that the mayor promised that, since the salary proposal was made public, he would only increase according to the CPI, which would now put his salary at 58,900 euros gross. However she now accuses him of having lied in the two plenary sessions that were held in July and she says that his present salary has been raised to 61,537 euros.

Sources close to the investigation confirmed that there were no signs of violence so police are now believed to be investigating whether he was still alive when thrown inside the container They are also trying to trace the mother of the baby, so far to no avail, although hospitals and health centres have been contacted requesting information of all recent births particularly any where the mother had suffered any bleeding.

This is not the first time that such events have occurred in Alicante.

In December 2014, the Court sentenced a young woman to twelve years in jail for throwing her baby into a garden after giving birth alone at home. On that occasion Firefighters were able to rescue the baby alive.

In 2017, another 18-year-old girl was sentenced to 15 years in prison for stabbing her baby after giving birth and hiding the pregnancy from her family.

PSOE accuses Bascuñana of further increasing his salary The spokeswoman for the socialist group of the City Council of Orihuela, Carolina Gracia, accused the mayor, Emilio Bascuñana

CINEMA PILAR English Language Cinema in Pilar de la Horadada - Calle Canalejas 4 Thursday 19th Sept at 7pm and Saturday, 21st Sept at 5pm

REPLICAS A scientist is obsessed with bringing back his family members who died in a traffic accident. He tries to break all boundaries to bring his dead family back via cloning after a car accident kills them.

Keanu Reeves, Alice Eve, Thomas Middleditch, John Ortiz, Dur: 1hr 37 min Genre: Sci Fi . Thriller

Since last Easter the fines have multiplied. "We have found five sites in the coastal area, where gardeners and individuals have left their green waste, simply dumping it on the streets," said the councillor for Street Cleaning, Dámaso Aparicio, who appealed to all residents for information of offenders, so they too can be prosecuted and the practise stopped.

Alicante Transfusion Centre appeals for blood Blood donations are planned next week in four municipalities of the Vega Baja this week with the Alicanter transfusion centre saying that it is particularly short of the O +, O-, A- and B- groups.

Not only has Gracia criticised this "deception" with the salary increase of the mayor, but she states that the "other councillors in the government team, the government board and those with exclusive dedications, have each increased their salaries by 1,800 to 2,200 euros.

Donation centres will be open as follows: Orihuela Costa:

The opposition spokeswoman went on to also criticise the approval of the 25 positions for government advisors, which will cost a further 839,200 euros in salaries in addition to the 702,745 euros in salaries for the 14 government councillors.

Daya Nuevo: September 18 in the multipurpose building (5 pm to 8:30 pm).

Orihuela fines triple for illegally dumping green waste The Department of Road Cleaning in Orihuela is currently dealing with 51 prosecutions of individuals who have illegally dumped green waste on public roads, an unfortunately all too common image on the streets of the Orihuela Costa.

The events have largely occurred during the summer months, bringing with them hundreds of denuncias from local residents. A total of 35 prosecutions have already been resolved and 16 are ongoing, triple the number of a year ago.

Fines for violating the ordinance range from 701 euros for minor and first time offences, up to 1,500 for repeat offenders, while infractions that are considered to be very serious can attract fines of up to 3,000

September 16 at the Alameda del Mar Civic centre in La Zenia (4.30pm to 8.30pm).

Albatera: September 16 at the health centre. (16.30 to 20.30 hours).

Pilar de la Horadada: September 20 at the leisure centre

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We had our very own Denis the Menace in my family.

No doubt the rest of you don’t have to wander too far back to boast of bishops, patriots, priests and politicians - whereas in my family there is a fractious roadblock at my grand-uncle, one Dinny Comaskey.

Dinny, was such a character that his sayings and exploits are still talked about right to this day. He had the sharpest tongue, the quickest wit and people got great mileage from him … unless of course those at whom his put-down or scam was directed. The fact of the matter is that Dinny was a rogue, ruffian and scoundrel. Unlike all of his siblings, Dinny was a man without any scruples. Not only was he a black sheep, but he blackened black sheep.

Like Thomas Tusser, he believed that ‘a fool and his money are easily parted’, or even more to the point he agreed with W.C Fields, to ‘never give a sucker an even break’. My grand-uncle believed that separating people from their hard-earned money was fair game for him.

He did not burgle, rob or steal: No, Dinny did his sleight of hand subtly and face to face, whilst always wearing a collar and tie and an expensive suit. Money was there to be had by whatever means – except work, of course!

Dinny wasn’t all that young when he married a lady from a highly respectable family. The two Miss Holloways ran a restaurant – or ‘eating house’, as it was known in those days, in the village of Delvin. Dapper Dinny, resplendent in his swallow-tail coat and leather riding boots, rode his horse to town every day for drink. After a few tipples he reached the pinnacle of his good humour and charm.

Next, ‘Uncle Denis’ would enter the restaurant with a flourish not normally associated with a small town restaurant. The sisters were charmed to bits; one was so smitten she became ‘Mrs Denis Comaskey’, and took up residence in Glaxtown – presumably with her share of the restaurant in gold sovereigns or some other negotiable currency.

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After the wedding, Rebecca’s first night back at the ranch had a less than auspicious outcome – and certainly not one that a new bride was entitled to expect.

The welcoming home house party involved the taking of a fair sup of drink.

Dinny liked Miss Holloway – but his first love was drink. As a result, the groom had to ‘lie down’ before all the guests had left. A few of the lads floated him to the room and berthed him on top of the new double bed.

Not wishing to appear too eager, the bride waited until all guests had departed before making her way towards the marital bed - on which her brand new husband was sprawled in a comatose state and still fully clothed. But this turned out to be the least of the new Mrs Comaskey’s worries: There in the bedroom door, All I remember of Dinny is an baring his teeth and snarling at the intruder was old man sitting by the fire Dinny’s protective dog. ‘Captain’ wasn’t in favour of with a glass of Guinness. any hanky-panky, nor allowing any woman to interfere it is’, replied Dinny … ‘but I’m not going to take it’! And neither of with his master. The faithful dog stood guard for the duration by the them got paid! bedroom door. Rebecca sat up all night by the kitchen fire!

I met Dinny once, when as a child I visited his house and all I My father was his only nephew and the only male line carrying on remember is of an old man sitting there drinking a bottle of the name. For years he did loads of farm work for his uncle and Guinness. without ever receiving a rex. ‘Isn’t it for yourself you are doing it, Johnny’, is what he was told at the conclusion of every chore. One God, I’m great to be as good as I am!! day Daddy was ploughing when a Mullingar solicitor drove into the Don’t Forget yard; and it was obvious that the will was about to be ‘freshened up’ again.

Most family trees have a shady branch.

When the legal eagle asked my father to sign as a witness, Daddy knew that his name had dropped off the leader board and there was Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com no more ploughing! Dinny, who had no children of his own, now *Author, entrepreneur and newspaper columnist, Bernie dangled the farm in front of his nieces one by one.

Comaskey, now spends most of his time on a farm in Ireland; but Dinny was under threat to pay some lawful debt on another occasion he retains his strong links with the Costa Blanca. and went to a solicitor to see if there was any way out of paying.

Bernie has published four books; ‘If Ever a Man Suffered’, ‘The ‘My advice to you is to pay this account’, summarised his solicitor.

Best of Bernie’, ‘The Team’, and ‘Just Between Ourselves’.

As his client stood up to leave, the solicitor, knowing the reputation of his client and that his only hope was to get paid now, concluded Bernie’s books are available at half price, on sale from ‘The the meeting with; ‘and my advice is worth ten shillings’. ‘I suppose Leader.’ Call 637 227 385 for info.

Residents set up vigilante patrols Over 200 residents of the urbanisation Ciudad de las Comunicaciones de San Miguel de Salinas on the CV 941 have set up Street patrols which they hope will combat the wave of thefts that inhabitants have been suffering in recent weeks.

They say that they have been abandoned by the local police which rarely patrols the area and who are never seen after dark, as a result of which the urbanisation has suffered almost daily robberies for the last two months.

"We live in a situation of total insecurity," says Edu Da Silva, the resident who has managed to gather about 200 residents together in a WhatsApp group to warn of robberies and organize neighbourhood patrols.

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The warnings were especially successful last week when, on two separate nights, attempted robberies were thwarted.

Unfortunately the assailants escaped on both occasions after being pursued, once by the Guardia Civil and on the second occasion by angry residents.

happy, but at night we feel alone," says Juan Mina Clara, a foreign resident, adding that "I am afraid to go out and leave the house alone, I prefer to stay at home."

Their fears are shared by all the residents of Ciudad de las Comunicaciones and also the nearby urbanizations of Torrestrella and Villas María, where they too have also suffered visits by thieves.

"The Local Police sometimes patrol during the day, and when we see them we are very

The spokeswoman for Ciudadanos in San Miguel, María José Costa, has demanded

that the government “security is one of our main concerns and the council must immediately address the problem of the wave of robberies in the urban area and in local urbanisations». She has requested that the Local Security Board meets and considers the unification of the local patrols in San Miguel and Los Montesinos. "The current workforce has been badly hit by retirement and departures, while the City Council does nothing to cover the losses," she complains.

Day of Coexistence with the Military Organised by the Knights of San Cristóbal, the 28th Day of Coexistence with the Armed Forces was celebrated in La Mata on Saturday.

The event returned to the municipality for the first time in over 3 years, brinPhoto Allen ging with it more than 200 Bowen members of the Civil Guard, National Police, Local Police, Services of the Military Emergency Unit (UME), Air Force and the Spanish Army.

An array of Spanish and Municipal flags flew in la plaza del Embarcadero de la sal under the watchful eyes of the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, and the President of the Royal Order of Knights of San Cristóbal, Antonio Marín.

They were joined by a number of senior military and police commanders, who performed the solemn act of homage to the flag and the fallen. There was also a parachute display from la Escuela Militar de Paracaidismo Méndez Parada, and music from la Unidad de Música de la AGA de San Javier.

At 12 noon, awards were presented to a number of personnel of the State Security Forces (CFSE) and the FAS, as well as to civilian personnel for their loyal service. Tributes were also paid to the former Military musician, Francisco Grau Vegara (a native of Bigastro) and Commander Francisco Marín Núñez, who lost his life only 2 weeks ago in an aircraft accident. Both were appointed Knights of the Order of San Cristóbal. The events concluded with the flying of the Spanish flag at half-mast.

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An 86-year-old man rescued after cliff fall in Punta Prima The Civil Guard has rescued an 86-year-old man who had fallen into the water in a cliff area of ??Punta Prima on the Orihuela Costa. The rescue was carried out one day after relatives first reported his disappearance.

The events began when relatives reported the man’s disappearance at the Pilar de la Horadada Civil Guard Post . Apparently, he had gone out during the afternoon of the previous day to the supermarket, but it had become dark and he had not returned.

According to the Command, the Civil Guard began a search, consist-

Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd September, 2019 ing of a number of patrols close to his home and surroundings.

The next day, around 07:30 hours, members of the Citizen Security Unit (USECIA) of the Torrevieja Company, saw movement in a coastal area while they were making a search along the coastal cliffs of Punta Prima beach. They observed a person whose characteristics matched those of the missing man.

It seems that he was half submerged in water and trapped between rocks. Apparently, he had fallen from a height of about five meters and, due to the difficulty of the ground, he could not lift himself up to stand, so he had been waiting to be rescued.

When the Civil Guard managed to get him out of the rocks, the man had obvious symptoms of hypothermia, having been wet for many hours.

Subsequently, an ambulance transferred him to the University Hospital of Torrevieja where he was treated and later discharged.

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QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 781 QUICK ACROSS: 1 Ditch; 4 Swamped; 8 Stadium; 9 Pious; 10 Oven; 11 Doctrine; 13 Prod; 14 Stay; 16 Reticent; 17 Talc; 20 Irate; 21 Reproof; 22 Gallery; 23 Dwell.

DOWN: 1 Disconcerting; 2 Trade; 3 Hail; 4 Summon; 5 Appetite; 6 Prodigy; 7 Disrespectful; 12 Concrete; 13 Pitfall; 15 Energy; 18 Alone; 19 Sped.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Zones; 4 Godsend; 8 Babylon; 9 Dross; 10 Amen; 11 Ulterior; 13 Suez; 14 Mean; 16 Stricken; 17 Omen; 20 Ideal; 21 Rooster; 22 Genesis; 23 Grebe.

DOWN: 1 Zebra crossing; 2 Noble; 3 Salt; 4 Gentle; 5 Doddered; 6 Erosion; 7 District nurse; 12 Hercules; 13 Surgeon; 15 Debris; 18 Mitre; 19 Gong.

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

Delicate (7) Pleasant (7) Vault (5) Bewilder (7) Demonstration (5) Prepared (5) Method (9) Elfin (7) Dominate (7) Distended (7) Teem (5) Answer (5) Criminal (5)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. The unit used to measure the strength of a magnetic field is named after which famous scientist? a. Tesla b. Newton c. Curie d.

Rontgen 2. The flu strain H1N1 is better known - or feared - by what name?

3. Zac Ephron co-starred in the movie "17 Again". With which Friends star?

4. Who created and voices the characters Peter, Brian & Stew in Family Guy? 5. What was unusual about the twins that Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick had in 2009?

6. DJ Jeremy Healy married which actress in early 2009 - her fourth musician-related husband?

7. Name the only female competitor at the 1976 Summer Olympic Games in Montreal who didn't have to undergo a sex test?

8. Prince Philip has taken the title of longest serving British Royal consort. But who had that title before him?

9. Which singer's children are called Ruby and Dexter Henson?

10. What is the name of Jamie & Jules Oliver's third daughter, a sister to Poppy Honey and

Daisy Boo? 11. The record producers Dangermouse and hip-hop singer Cee-Lo Green are collectively known by what name?

12. Where in the UK would you land at St Angelo airport?

13. He died in 2008, aged 95. He was very famously linked with events 35 years previously. By what nickname was Mark Felt better known?

14. Which plant, considered to be a vegetable in Europe and a fruit in North America, stems from the Greek meaning 'plant of the foreigners along the Volga river'?

15. In the 2009 remake of Reggie Perrin, Reggie walked past which company on his way to his job in Groomtech?

16. In which country is the headquarters of OPEC? 17. What was legalised in Ireland in 1997?

18. Science - what name is given to a distance of 3.26 light years?

19. In which Northern English town do Wallace and Gromit live?

20. The Island of Borneo belongs to what three countries?

Barkley (Brian Burton and Thomas Callaway respectively), 12.

Enniskillen, 13. Deep Throat, 14.

Rhubarb. From the Greek 'Rha' (old name for Volga river) and 'Barbara' (barbarian or foreigner). 15. Sunshine Desserts - the company RP worked

DOWN 1. Thugs making a wild chase round Pennsylvania (7) 2. He doesn’t believe I fled in disguise (7) 3. State of a hatchet that’s turned up in back-street (5) 4. Filling up the cracks at the top of the room, we hear (7) 5. Joey’s resting-place (5) 6. Pete’s very much inclined to get upset (5) 9. To pulverise in this way is disgusting (9) 14. Greenstone (7) 15. To phase out a place of refreshment (3-4) 16. One who puts clothes on a sideboard (7) 19. See 18 Across.

20. Some of the supplies to restock the shop (5) 21 and 12Ac. Describing bright pupils (5-4)

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

9.

14.

15.

16.

19.

20.

21.

1. a. Tesla ('teslas'). 2. Swine Flu, 3.

Matthew Perry, 4. Seth McFarlane, 5.

The twins were carried by a surrogate, 6. Patsy Kensit, 7. Princess Anne, 8. Queen Charlotte (wife of George III), 9. Charlotte Church's, 10.

Petal Blossom Rainbow, 11. Gnarls

ACROSS 7. He puts money on a footballer (6) 8. Start to arrange for show (3,3) 10. It’s minted by the company in time ... (7) 11. ... and it could be ruined by cruel mix-up (5) 12. See 21 Down.

13. Spoils the remains of ancient buildings (5) 17. Be quiet about mother’s bankruptcy (5) 18 and 19Dn. They don’t provide illumination in the van! (4-5) 22. Giving chase at a later date (5) 23. The luggage is found in the lowlands (7) 24. Not entirely left in a political group (6) 25. Plenty with a different role after the end of casting (6)

ACROSS 7.

Comment (6) 8.

Direction (6) 10. Wrestle (7) 11. Inundate (5) 12. Soothe (4) 13. Stage (5) 17. Transparent (5) 18. Concoction (4) 22. Destroy (5) 23. Disentangle (7) 24. Enjoy (6) 25. Reason (6)

Indonesia and Malaysia in The Wrong Trousers, 20. Brunei, seen when Gromit picks up the post 17. Divorce, 18. Parsec, 19. Wigan for in the original series, 16. Austria,

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Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd September, 2019

Keep an eye on your overhead bags as aircraft robberies increase

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15

10,000 students without a teacher at start of school year

By Andrew Anderson

About 10,000 students from the province of Alicante started the school year last Monday without a teacher in the classroom.

According to figures produced by the CC OO union, the first day of the academic year resulted in the absence of 500 teachers.

AN INCREASE in robberies have taken place during flights to Spain - with bags in overhead lockers being looted - and jewellery, money, cameras and documents amongst the items stolen.

The Department of Education has still not dealt with the replacement of teachers who are on leave, who have retired, said to be a much higher number than in previous years.

Thieves work in teams during flights, by pretending to get something from their luggage, only to rifle through other passengers' bags.

Incidents have occurred, unknown to passengers, who have had to place their luggage away from their seats. Thieves keep note of passengers, who have to place baggage - away from their overhead lockers' seating areas - due to being full, then strike.

It is only upon arrival to destinations, when retrieving personal baggage, that passengers find they have been robbed.

One passenger on a flight to Malaga raised the alarm to Stewards following their baggage going missing - that lead to security being called. Other passengers then discovered, upon checking their baggage, that they too had also been robbed.

Upon landing, Security and the Policia boarded the plane, and a thief was apprehended.

It is understood that robberies from luggage are on the increase, with the criminal activity reported as reaching 'epidemic proportions'.

A tactic that thieves use is by boarding the plane first, and sit at the back, to observe where bags are placed. Whether baggage is placed above, behind or away from the passengers. Thieves then carry out robberies from the overhead lockers, while passengers are sleeping.

Luggage is removed, taken to the thieves' seats, where they steal valuable contents.

Thieves have also targeted luggage - under seats - with a passenger reporting a purse had been stolen. The theft had been undertaken by the person sitting next to them, while sleeping.

Thieves prey on foreign budget airlines - where hand luggage is freely accessible. A deterrent is that baggage should be securely locked at all times.

Gangs of organised criminals have been arrested in Spain, including at Alicante-Elche El Altet airport, where they prey on vulnerable people, upon arrival.

Robberies - and burglaries - have been rife, following visitors arriving at the now commercially closed San Javier, Murcia airport, and at Alicante-Elche El Altet airport. Burglaries have taken place in the Costa areas in Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, San Miguel de Salinas, and Algorfa, as reported by the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader. Arrests were made by the Policia in Guardamar and in Formentera del Segura.

Earlier this year criminal arrests were made, following luggage and bags from tourists being stolen, after Policia were drafted in at Alicante-Elche airport.

Criminals detained for questioning were later arrested - with stolen items and thousands of euros recovered.

The biggest problem has affected Secondary, Vocational Training and conservatories, where the ratio of teachers to pupils is greater. It is estimated that at this educational level there were about 300 teachers missing. The remainder, about 200, correspond to Infant and Primary Education.

The absence of teachers is greater in the province of Alicante than anywhere else in the Valencian Community.

According to Alfonso Terol, Secretary of Education of CC OO in l´Alacantí, there are two reasons. "On the one hand, the number of administrative staff in the Alicante Directorate is much smaller than in Valencia, although the number of teachers is similar."

These workers are responsible for carrying out all administrative procedures that affect teachers, from the payment of salaries to vacancy coverage. The second reason is a lack of coordination between provinces.

The Department has said that it will try to fill the vacancies of teaching staff with appointments planned during the week. The Ministry of Education has since published figures saying that 80% will be filled in the coming days.

16

Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd September, 2019

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Los Montesinos Ayto warns of large fines for fly tipping

By Andrew Atkinson LOS Montesinos Mayor Jose Manuel Butron has spoken about the situation in the town - including the urbanisation of La Herrada - regarding discharge of material by companies (fly tipping).

"The non compliance is subject to sanctions of between 2001,000 euros," said a spokesperson from the Town Hall.

Mayor Butron met Ditte Kasmi-Kramers from La Herrada, who said she had an 'extensive' conversation about concerns in the area.

"The containers, waste bags, cardboard and the discharge of material by companies, was spoken about," Ditte told me.

"Regarding the cardboard, you often see whole boxes in a container (rubbish bin).

"The Mayor would greatly appreciate it, if someone saw a company unloading in a container to take a photo.

"Or write down the license plate.

Then pass this on to the police.

There are high fines for this offence," said Ditte.

"The Mayor, this year alone, has employed twice the number of people to clean up all the junk.

"So, let's all make sure that La Herrada stays clean and tidy -

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Social and Clubs Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District BRnch meet on the third Tuesday of each

the police and the municipality will do the rest," said Ditte.

The Ayunmiento de Los Montesinos spokesperson said: "Remember the goods must be taken to the containers ONLY on Monday nights, for removal on Tuesday morning.

"If you see someone deposit goods on the public road - outside the schedule - collaborate, by contacting the police."

In addition to the waste disposal problems, despite dogs signs in situ, some owners allow dogs to do their business, then not clean up.

"I spoke to the Mayor about the contamination from dogs on the sidewalks. A matter that applies to the person who does not remove it.

"The message is to take a photo - and pass this on to the police. The municipality needs help from the inhabitants of La Herrada - without this they cannot do anything," said Ditte.

Garden cuttings, including palm trees and conifers, are also often placed into rubbish bins, despite notices prohibiting it, leaving no room for household waste. *THE COURTYARD Restaurant San Lucas, 6 (just off the Square) 03187 Los Montesinos. Tel: +44 7595 763461.

Thursdays: 4 Tapas, including a small beer or wine, 5.95 euros.

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

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ROCKING ON IN BLACKPOOL ROCK ON! - Madrid born musician Esteban Fernandez and his Manchester born wife, singer/dancer Norma, returned to Spain this month, after a summer vacation in England.

rock!," said Norma, who joined the circus aged 15, as an aerial ballet star, became a dancer in Italy and Turkey, and also lived in Casablanca, Morocco, during a star studded career.

Guitarist Esteban, who played with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis jnr and Ike and Tina Turner, and Norma, paid a visit to Blackpool's famous Golden Mile.

Formby's 'With My Little Stick of Blackpool Rock' includes the lines: "With my little stick of Blackpool Rock, along the promenade I stroll.

As a surprise present to George Formby author, Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader journalist Andrew Atkinson, Esteban and Norma returned to Spain with pieces of Blackpool rock!

"In the ballroom I went dancing each night. No wonder every girl that danced with me, stuck to me tight".

Ukulele legend Formby's hit 'With My Little Stick of Blackpool Rock' was censored by the BBC in 1946, due to innuendos.

"It was the best present we could have bought Andrew - sticks of Blackpool

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

Badminton in Pilar de la Horadada.

Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs.

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

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

HAH CB need you to help us help those in need in their own homes, short or long term medical conditions of all ages and nationalities.

Contact our head office on 965 328 794 or email: charitycentre helpathomecb@gmail.com.

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

A memo from the BBC, dated 1946, said: "George Formby knew that certain lines in the lyric must not be broadcast."

Upon receiving the sticks of Blackpool rock, quoting a famous phrase of Formby, who died in 1961, Andrew said: "It's turned out nice again!".

Esteban and Norma with writer Andrew Atkinson

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 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

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Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd September, 2019

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17

Reactivation of San Miguel Gypsum Mine Residents say they will take to the streets again

B

oth the San Miguel municipality and the San Miguel Arcángel Neighborhood Association say that they are very angry that the Mining Division of the Ministry of Industry, Sustainable Economy, Commerce and Labour has reactivated the Gypsum open mine project on the outskirts of the town despite the expiration of the government’s deadline six months ago following negative reports from the Department of Environment.

Manuel Gomez, the Association President said that he has been advised of a modification to the proposed site which removes much of the Protected Landscape of the Sierra Escalona from the project, a large area of Community Importance, designated as a Special Protection Area for birds.

He said that the Ministry has taken steps to reopen the project despite the fact that the company scheduled to carry out the mining had shown no interest and by doing so they are breaking their own laws.

Gomez also said that despite the modification, the project would still seriously damage the environ-

ment, particularly the Sierra de Escalona and Dehesa de Campoamor, two protected areas which are part of the Natura 2000 Network.

It would also have a negative effect on the local economy, on tourism and on farming, stretching as it does from the area behind Ciudad de las Comunicaciones, along the CV95 to La Pedrera reservoir where it could seriously affect the Tajo Segura Water Transfer system.

Last October almost 1000 people marched through the town in protest at the plan to demand that the Valencian Generalitat turn down the request to grant research permits to the company on the Sierra de Escalona and Dehesa de Campoamor.

The protest was joined by all of the municipal councillors with the unusual sight of delegates from the PP, PSOE, IU and UPyD walking along hand in hand.

Mayor Juan de Dios Fresneda said that the Ayuntamiento will pass a joint motion rejecting the Project at it’s next full council meeting in which he will insist, once again, that the Ministry throws out the reactivation of the mine.

He added that he intends to arrange a meeting with the Ministry authorities to find out just why the project is on the table once again after everyone was told that it had been shelved.

And the municipality is still just as united in its objections to the reactivation of the mine as it previously was with local meetings scheduled for Monday 16 September in Arcángel Neighborhood Association offices at 10.30 in English and at 7.30 pm in Spanish.

Northern perimeter of the proposed site

18

Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd September, 2019

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OPEN DAY IN PLAYA FLAMENCA FREE LEGAL & FISCAL ADVICE Promotional open event Have you recently purchased a holiday home or reside full time in the Costa Blanca area of southeastern Spain?

Perhaps you require conveyancing fulfilment, want to organise your tax payments, or simply need insurance protection for your property and family.

Well, with PSI Consultants legal & fiscal expertise, we are delighted to help anyone seeking hassle-free professional services while providing you with peace of mind in Spain.

Why not come to our exclusive free open event on Saturday 21st September between 10am until 1:30pm, where you can have a free tea or coffee while talking with our experienced consultants in regards to any issues or concerns that you may have.

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What have you got to lose?

Take advantage of our free open event on Saturday 21st September from 10am to 1.30pm to the management and transmission of property ownership in our department dedicated to conveyancing, donations & inheritances.

Also in our legal department we manage the obtaining of NIEs, Residences, Wills, private contracts, representation and personalized legal consultation on all related matters.

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Feel free to visit our website at www.psiconsultants.es for further information about our services, the open event and our contact details.

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Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd September, 2019

Telfy Wine experience

A

fantastic visit to the historical Francisco Gomez winery, the successor of the 18th century La Serrata Winery, in the Alicante province will take place in October.

With over 3,500 hectares, 250 of vineyards and 350 of olive groves tourists will be guided around the ancient setting.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Chapel, Plaza de la Bodega, Vineyards, Winemaking Room, Cava de Barricas, Bottling Room, Bottle Rack, Ermita del Fondillon, Sociedad de Nichos and Oil Museum.

There will also be a guided tasting of 4 wines and 2 oils to savour, accompanied by a tasting of aged Iberian ham, at the farm.

Afterwards a visit to the Castle of Illena, a spectacular fortress built by the Almohad Empire at the end of the 12th century as a refuge for the Muslim population of Villena will be adventured.

During the centuries, the castle witnessed several wars, including the Germanias, Succession and Independence.

The huge artillery impacts from these battles, and the graffiti made by prisoners at the tower, still remain.

In the 15th century, the castle was ruled by the powerful Pacheco family, Marqueses de Villena, who added two new floors to the tower and built the second wall.

In 1476, the Catholic Kings snatched the castle from the Pacheco family after a harsh siege. Many projectiles from that time still remain at the courtyard.

Also enjoy the gastronomy of the authentic cuisine of the area at the Restaurant La Teja Azul of Villena -whose dishes are elaborated with typical fresh products, to get the best flavours.

The Telfy Wine experience departs Saturday, October 5, at 8.15am-8.30am from CIUDAD QUESADA. Calle La CoruĂąa 22 (next to Mercadona).

Telfy Telecom S.L. Internet Service Provider. Registered Telfy customer price: 50 euros. Unregistered: 65 euros.

Telfy Wine Experience! Details about the trip: https://www.telfy.com/en/wine-experience/

By Andrew Atkinson

The historical Francisco Gomez winery

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19

20

Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd September, 2019

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Gustavo in Italy after CD Murada fall out

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Gustavo in Italy

By Andrew Atkinson Exclusive GUSTAVO Giodarni has left newly promoted Valenicia 2a Jordana Preferente Group IV club CD Murada - without kicking a ball - after a fall out.

"I had some troubles with the coach and directors at CD Murada - and left," midfielder Gustavo exclusively told me, speaking from Italy.

Ex-FC Pinatar player Gustavo arrived at CD Murada in the summer with high hopes.

Gustavo has a wealth of experience in a career that includes Guarany de Garibaldi, 2000-2012, the former club of Brazil national squad coach Tite and Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Gustavo played at Mid-Isle Mariners in Canada, during 2013 and 2019 and Parkland College (EUA) Champaign, Illinois, during 2015-2016.

"After departing CD Murada I returned to Italy, which is my country in Europe," said former FC Pinatar Tercera Division and CD Algar Tercera Division player Gustavo.

"I will be playing for a club in Italy during the 2019-20 season, at the same level as I was hoping

to play at CD Murada," said Gustavo, whose family live in Brazil.

Revised Playing format for coming season

CD Murada made history in gaining promotion to the Preferente in the 2018-19 season, from the Valencia 1st Regional in May.

The main changes culminating from the league’s AGM at "The Trinity" (Rioja Centre) were a rearrangement of playing format, plus a revised committee.

CD Murada's opening two fixtures of the 2019-20 campaign were against CD Benidorm and Callosa Deportivo CF. Among new signings are Álex Belén, formerly at CD Almoradí, who has experience in the Preferente, having been at Benferri CF, Callosa Deportiva and FB Redován.

Colombian midfielder José Torres; and strikers Juanico, from 1st Regional Murcian Archena, along with Argentinian born frontman Lares, also joined the club in the summer.

Paul Durrant (Chairman) and Simone de Lacy (Secretary) were voted in unanimously, assisted by league sponsor Debbie Wright (Euronics) Treasurer and Sid Cross (Officer).

Playing format was revised to best of 3 singles/pairs, the opening triples remaining at one leg apiece, for Division 1, with Division 2, 1 leg throughout. Three additional teams C.C.'s (La Zenia), Milo's (Cabo Roig) and Ale House (V. Martin) adding a second side, give the league 18 teams split into 2 divisions of 9.

A Christmas mixed pairs is retained for December 19th, with some super prizes available. Ladies, Men’s, singles and pairs will be contested after the league programme has concluded, the K.O. Cup commencing midway. This terms fixture list proved a troublesome task by virtue of 7 venues having 2 teams, many but not all split over divs 1 and 2.

Cigars helped keep Piggott at the top

By Andrew Atkinson THE next time you sit down to dine, stop and think about the 'starvation' that jockeys put themselves through, to make a weight.

Piggott - cigars helped keep him at the top of racing.

Lester Piggot, 83, arguably the greatest Flat jockey ever, survived on a daily diet of sipping a drink and a puff on a cigar - during his illustrious career in the saddle.

Teenage jockey Rossa Ryan, 19, revealed this month that he survived on a boiled EGG, leading up to a race at Ascot.

Ryan rode Apparate to victory, having 'dined' on a boiled egg, to weigh 8st 8lb, achieved with drinking water, jogging, baths, saunas, coffee - and a boiled egg!

Eating disorders in horseracing was flagged up by former champion NH jump jockey Richard Dunwoody.

Dunwoody, on record as saying he 'starved' himself to become a jockey, was three times champion jockey, and suffered anorexia, aged 16.

Former Flat champion jockey, American, Steve Cauthen -revealed he suffered from bulimia.

Claims that illnesses - including anorexia and bulimia

- are amongst professional Flat and Jump jockeys.

Taking of laxatives and diuretics were banned in 1998 by the Jockey Club, horse racing's Governing body.

The Jockey Club, monitor, and address a situation, if they feel jockeys are finding it difficult to reach certain weights; and also run seminar awareness campaigns.

The Jockeys Association are aware of problems associated with a jockey's weight, reportedly saying it had been with us 'since horse racing was invented'.

Retired former champion NH jockey Sir A.P. McCoy, revealed he too survived on a cup of tea and a bar of chocolate a day - during his racing career.

It's something that Piggott, who won his first Flat jockey title in 1960, knew about - surviving on a daily diet of a drink - and a cigar!

The task was ultimately accomplished, however, several teams on occasions will have to accommodate consecutive games at home or away. There will be a bye each week throughout in each division, whereby a friendly match has been devised to enable a continuous uninterrupted fixture programme.

The season commences September 26th, supported by both Euronics and P.L.L. Autolocksmiths, continuing their invaluable sponsorship. Dartboards, fixture lists and relevant information will be delivered forthwith.

A check will also be conducted to ensure all venues comply with accepted throw dimensions/ distances. For those few which may need a reminder, Height to board centre is 5ft 8 in, throw from board face to rear of toe line (oche) 7ft 9 1/4 in.

Metric equivalent, 1.72m and 2.37m respectively.

Look out for regular “specials" from sponsors Euronics (all your electrical requirements) and P.L.L. (for any auto locking problems).

Last reminder for advertising details for each venue, these should now be forwarded directly to Kevin at the LEADER newspaper.

Debbie’s Deal NEVIR 43 NVR-9000-434K2S-SM SMART TV = 299 €

Brittania A & B Champions of Torrevieja summer Pool leagues

By Andrew Atkinson BRITTANIA A have been crowned as the champions of the Torrevieja summer Pool league division one.

In a leagues' double celebration Brittania B - level on points with The Courtyard B team - going into the final game of the season, clinched the division two title, with a 7-2 win.

Brittania A topped the division one table ahead of Fire Station B/W, with Casa Ventura third.

Brittania B topped the division two table, ahead of The Courtyard B, with Mi Sol in third place.

The Winter Pool league will commence in October

and Torrevieja Pool League spokesperson Alan Boswell said: "We are starting to take teams for the Winter league.

"The Winter pool league fixtures will get underway in October. Interested parties in joining can contact me on 602606303."

Los Montesinos based The Courtyard are looking for players to play in the Winter pool league, and interested parties can call into the venue and get details from proprietor Sam. Torrevieja Summer Pool League division one and division two final tables.

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LLB South Alicante Summer Knockout tests new Vistabella carpet

By Arthur Brown The Semi-Finals and Finals of the 2019 South Alicante Summer Knockout were held from the 6th to 8th September at Vistabella Bowls Club.

Everyone was eager to see how the new carpet at Vistabella would perform and the general opinion was quicker than the old one and in the main a positive improvement. Friday morning saw the SemiFinals of the Ladies Pairs and the Mixed Pairs.

In the Ladies Pairs there were comfortable wins for Vistabella’s Lin Watkins and Sandra Burrows over Margaret Riley and Chris Parsons of Emerald Isle and for Emerald Isle’s other couple Peta Rhodes and Caroline Smyth over Ros Stockell and Fay Beattie of La Siesta. In the Mixed Pairs San Luis Ros Holmes and Bill Webb were too strong for Greenlands Brian Tomlin and Ann Eagle.

The other Semi was much closer. Vistabella’s Mo and Martin Foulcer took an early lead over San Luis Kath Reid and Ian Kenyon only for Kath and Ian to peg them back and to take the game on the last end with a 2 which gave them an 18-17 victory. In the afternoon we had the Semi’s of the Mixed Trips and the Men’s Singles.

Emerald Isle had two teams in the Mixed Trips category who were playing each other Peta Rhodes Caroline Smyth and Brian Kavanagh were up against Ann Marie Robertson, Drew Gerrard and Colin Lindgren and proved to be the stronger of the two with an 18-13 victory.

The other Semi was a different story Ros Holmes, Bill Webb and Neil Morrison of San Luis took on Sheila Errington, Bob Graham and Brian Errington of San Miguel, after 17 ends they were tied on 20 all only for Ros and co. to take the game with a 1 on the last end.

In the Men’s Singles San Miguels Cliff Plaisted proved just too strong for Greenlands Jeff Hier while Martin Foulcer and Ian Kenyon renewed the battle they had in the mornings Mixed Pairs game, once again it was a tight battle with Ian leading 15-13 after 18 ends but once again Ian then edged further ahead to win 21-14.

The Semi-Finals were completed on Saturday morning with the

Men’s Pairs and Ladies Singles. In the Men’s Pairs Vistabella’s Del Gunning and Martin Foulcer had a comfortable win over Phil Lockley and Dave Webb of Greenlands, while in the other Semi, Emerald Isle’s Drew Gerrard and Colin Lindgren took on El Rancho’s Bob Day and John Richards, this was a very close run thing and stood at 13 all after 15 ends But Drew and Colin finally took it at 17-13.

In the Ladies Singles unfortunately Maggie Furness of Vistabella was unwell and had to concede the game to Greenlands Jane Hamill but the other Semi was a close game, San Miguel’s Anita Brown took an early lead over Peta Rhodes now playing in her third discipline, Anita led 20-10 after 19 ends but Peta slowly closed the gap to 20-17 after 23 ends only to drop the final 1 on the next end.

The first final was held on Saturday afternoon this was the Mixed Trips and once again was a close affair right up to the 13th end which saw Peta Rhodes, Caroline Smyth and Brian Kavanagh, leading Ros Holmes, Bill Webb and Neil Morrison by 11-10 a 4 on the next end to Peta and co. was crucial and they finally ran out 18-11 winners.

The three Pairs finals started Sunday morning, in the Mixed Pairs the all San Luis final saw Kath Reid and Ian Kenyon control the game against Ros Holmes and Bill Webb for a 23-15 victory.

The Ladies Pairs looked as though it was going to be an easy victory for Peta Rhodes and Caroline Smyth who led 14-4 after 10 ends only for Lin Watkins and Sandra Burrows to narrow the gap to 13-15 after 15 ends but Peta and Caroline sealed it on the last three ends with an 18-14 final score.

In the Men’s Pairs Drew Gerard and Colin Lindgren were always in control over Del Gunning and Martin Foulcer and despite dropping 6 shots on the last two ends won 21-15.

The Singles finals completed the day with Anita Brown taking the Ladies title over Jane Hamill with a 21-12 victory and Ian Kenyon defeating Cliff Plaisted in another close game, Ian led 19-18 after 23 ends and took the title with a 2 on the 24th end.

Thanks go to our Umpires Charlie Watkins, Arthur Brown and Barry Norris, our markers David Jennings and Neil and Sandra Burrows, Our

Ian Kenyon and Anita Brown Controller Barbara Brown. Vistabella Bowls Club for the use of their facilities but most of all to our Sponsors deVere Spain who have now sponsored this event for the last four years.

Peta Rhodes, Caroline Smyth and Brian Kavanagh

Kath Reid and Ian Kenyon

Peta Rhodes, and Caroline Smyth

22

Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd September, 2019

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Mike Probert Talks Golf

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Rubys Golf Society at Alenda

(In assn with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) Here on the Costa’s golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.

What is the future for Tournament Professional Golf?

Just what does the future hold for professional tournament because many former greats of the game such as Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tony Jacklin have recently had their say on the subject.

I am sure you will all have your opinions but for sure some distance control needs to be applied to ball travel distance for tournament professionals because most courses are now pitch and putt to them turning events into boring putting competitions.

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.

According to the likes of Gary Player the way forward isn’t to lengthen the courses or trick them up with wicked rough and pin positions BUT the answer is to take 50 to 60 yards off the distance the ball travels (for tour professional) so they have to try and play 5 irons from the rough rather than wedges.

Course Price Comments Alenda €158 2 Players & Buggy Alicante €145 2 Players & Buggy Altorreal €120 2 Players & Buggy Bonalba €116 2 Players & Buggy Don Cayo (Altea) €136 2 Players & Buggy El Plantio €112 2 Players & Buggy (12pm) Font Del Llop €136 2 Players & Buggy GNK Courses €146 2 Players & Buggy (El Valle, Riquelme & La Torre) La Finca €176 2 Players & Buggy La Manga West €75 Single Green Fee La Marquesa €48 Sgle Green Fee La Serena €47 Sgle Green Fee Las Colinas €164 2 Players & Buggy Las Ramblas €124 2 Players & Buggy Lo Romero €144 2 Players & Buggy New Sierra Golf €82 2 Players &Buggy Roda €130 2 Players & Buggy UGolf Courses €146 2 Players & Buggy (Saurines & Hac. Del Alamo) Villamartin €142 2 Players & Buggy Villaitana Poniente €66 Sgle Green Fee & Buggy Vistabella €116 2 Players & Buggy

Interestingly enough he thinks that amateurs should still benefit from technology and anchoring of putters against the body because it is totally different game that they are playing.

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

Money is now the prime mover and we now see that the golf season finishes in August with the Fedex finals where the winner pockets $15m for winning one event and interestingly enough Jack Nicklaus only earned $5m in his entire career and the next season starts again in September.

All the majors are now done and dusted by July and if one player hits a hot streak at the right time could collect a couple of majors before the summer has really started.

By far the biggest argument is in respect of technology because all players now hit the ball more than 300 yards and some of the players such as Koepka and McIlroy carry the ball that far through the air making course of almost any length a drive and a wedge taking in most cases the rough out of play.

Success for San Luis in SABA KO Emerald Isle Bowls Club Mixed Triples finalists: Ros Holmes, Bill Webb, Neil Morrison.

After winning through the earlier rounds of this competition, our San Luis players came together at Vistabella for the semi-finals on Friday 6th September. Playing in 4 semis, they achieved 4 WINS. Mixed Triples: Ros Holmes, Bill Webb, Neil Morrison.

Mixed Pairs: Ros Holmes & Bill Webb + Kath Reid & Ian Kenyon.

Men’s Singles: Ian Kenyon.

The final of the mixed TRIPS was played on Saturday7th, afternoon. Ros, Bill and Neil put up a strong fight but eventually were defeated by the Emerald Isle team of Peta Rhodes, Caroline Smyth & Brian Kavanagh.

On Sunday morning the final of the mixed PAIRS was an all San Luis affair with Ros & Bill playing against Kath & Ian. This was never going to be an easy match!

There was some excellent play as they all negotiated some challenging lines but it was Kath &

The summer break is now coming to a close and the SABA finals have been taking place The Emerald Isle had a successful conclusion to the event with the club winning 3 of the 6 finals Caroline Smyth, Peta Rhodes and Brian Kavanagh took Mixed Trips Ian who won through to take the trophy.

Caroline and Peta won Following shortly on Sunday afternoon, Ian played the final of the Men’s SINGLES against the Ladies Pairs Cliff Plaisted from San Miguel. Considering the Drew Gerrard and Colin Lindgren took the Mens heat and the fact that Ian had already played a pairs full match it was a super display of draw bowlPeta had a great game ing. in Ladies singles semiJust when one looked to have drawn a winning final but just lost out. shot, the other drew even closer where, to the Well done to all spectators, there didn’t appear to be enough Our weekly SAPS on space for another bowl. Ian pulled ahead but Saturday is still going then Cliff fought back and was edging closer. strong great value 5 However Ian kept his nerve and found the last Euros for 2 hours with two shots he needed to finish the match and take bowls and shoes supthe title: Men’s Singles Champion 2019. plied and coaching if needed, plus we are It was a great weekend of bowling, congratulahappy to have new tions to all our competitors whether finalists or members join the club winners a great result as individuals and San for the upcoming season Luis members. WELL DONE THE BLUES!!

ELWYN MORRIS

By Sheila Cammack

The course at Alenda is always in good condition and this particular Friday was no exception, 28 players turned up for this months trophy game and the course and weather brought out the best in them as there was many scores over 30 points.

The results were as follows, nearest the pins on the par 3's were Bob McDermont, Roger Van Herck, Jim McCarthy and Captain George Marshall Deane. Nearest the pin in two was David Wright. Best front nine was Greg Skaife (20), and best back was Bob McDermont (17) Gold division winner was Alex Bolton (35) and the Silver and overall winner with 36 was Mark Evans, Best guest was Joeri.

Back at O'Briens where we carried out the presentation and prize giving the football card winners were Tim Goldsmith and Keith Evans.

Our fixtures for the next few weeks are fully booked but if you wish to join us please email us at rubysgolf@yahoo.co.uk

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Ex-Scotland boss Craig Brown CBE sends Congrats to Leader Chief Sports Editor FORMER Scotland international manager Craig Brown CBE has congratulated Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader Chief Sports Editor Andrew Atkinson, following the announcement of the leading sports writer's appointment.

"Congratulations go out to Andrew, in becoming the new Chief Sports Editor of the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader," said Craig.

Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd September, 2019

Craig, 79, Scotland national manager during 1993-2001, currently a non-executive director at Scottish Premier League club Aberdeen, said: "I have known and befriended Andrew since 2002.

"The Chief Sports Editor appointment recognition within the sporting world is well deserved."

Craig, who is the the longest serving Scotland manager, qualifying for the UEFA Euro 1996 and 1998 FIFA World Cup, and was awarded the CBE in 1999 for services to football, said: "I wish Andrew all the very best for the future."

El Plantio2 Golf Society

23

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Torrevieja Darts Ladies Org Founders Shield Format - Week 1 Results Macklin’s Dolly Mixtures Friendly's Temps Racing Toast Chicas Black Dog Ladies

13 - 8 15 - 6 11 - 12 15 - 10

Wildcats at Macklin’s Friendly’s Chicas Gap Ladies Primadonnas

LEAGUE TABLE Black Dog Ladies Friendly's Temps Macklin’s Dolly Mixtures Gap Ladies Racing Toast Primadonnas Wildcats at Macklin’s Friendly’s Chicas

P 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Prs 5 5 4 4 5 3 2 2

Sgle 10 10 9 8 6 7 6 4

Pts 15 15 13 12 11 10 8 6

Hot Darts: Bliss Wright 140, Michelle Halliday 133, Michelle Halliday 130, Sue Bradley126, Gail Murray 120, Lorraine McGrath 119, Ellen Attwood 116, Lin Cousins 111, Janet Boyd110, Ann Wharton 108, Linda Curdy 108, Jenny Benfield 107, Marylyn Jackson 103, Chris Greenwood 103 Hot 100’s: Bliss Wright 2 x 100, Janet Boyd, Lesley Eagles, Claire Greenwood, Angela Mullen, Mo Skelton, Ann Wharton 100

Benign conditions that make Spain such a lovely place to live in away from the hot periods of July and August greeted the 8 members making up 4 pairs in El Plantio 2´s Texas Scramble.

A fine start to the season some convincing wins for the Friendly Temps and the Black Dog ladies and a very close match between The Racing Chicas (Formerly El Balcon Chicas) and their old adversaries, the Gap Ladies, who managed to steal the win on the final leg of the singles at 1am!

However, a breeze sprang up on the last nine holes to make thingsa little spicy. Judging by the final scores with just 2.5 shots separating first and fourth positions, handicapping was spot on.

Indeed first and second position was decided by a mere 0.3 hcap pts.

Nearest the pins – Hole 4 Graham Blakeway, Hole 8, Ray Housley.

Second place, Handicap 6.9, David Swann, Paddy O'Brien – 48.1 pts First place, Handicap 7.2 , Ray Housley, Mike Davies – 47.8 points.

If anyone would like to join our Society, we play at El Plantio Golf Club every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. We use both courses - the Par 3 9 hole course and the main 18 hole course, so we cater for all abilities.

The membership rates are very competitive, so call for more details.

Anyone who wishes to play in the Society as a guest or join as a new member, contact David Swann on 865 779 983 or 648 476 752.

THE REAL DEAL

Pat on the back for saving Barca A century ago this month Patrick O'Connell was playing for Manchester United. 16 years later he lead Real Betis to the Liga title - and went down in history as the saviour of Barcelona.

TURN the clock back 100 years and Patrick O'Connell was wearing the captain's armband at Manchester United.

SUDUKO SOLUTION

Jennifer Colino's Rhythmic Gymnastics Club was in Verbania (Italy) last week where 17 of the girls trained with their Italian counterparts before competing in the 2nd Tournament International Verónica Argento - Copa Altair.

As well as a plethora of silver and bronze medals Diana Temerbulatova, Miley Martínez, Katya Pankratova, Alina Standret, Lucia Garcia, Manuela Sánchez, Letizía Martí and Alisa Zatsepilina all stood out by winning the gold medal in their corresponding categories.

It was to be 16 years on from playing at United that Irishman O'Connell lead Real Betis to their only La Liga title.

O'Connell's achievement at Real Betis is something that was officially recognised in 2017, marked with a sculptor in honour of him at the Estadio Benito Villamartin. Members of the Patrick O'Connell Memorial Fund commissioned the bronze bust, presented to Real Betis.

O'Connell was also manager of Racing Santander (twice), Real Oviedo, FC Barcelona, and Sevilla, during 1922-49.

Real Betis's musuem showcases the only La Liga trophy won by the club in 1935, during O'Connell's reign.

O'Connell's career began at Belfast Celtic, and he went on to become the first Irishman to captain Manchester United.

O'Connell also captained Ireland in the British Home Championship victory of 1913-14, at Windsor Park, Belfast.

Following Dublin born O'Connell moving to Spain, he later took charge at FC Barcelona.

While at Barca he took the team on a tour of Mexico, Cuba and New York - during the Spanish Civil War - to raise money that ensured the club's survival.

O'Connell was given the title of honorary consul in 1937 by the last Republican Government of Spain.

O'Connell left Spain and moved to London - where he died destitute - in 1959, after being unsuccessful in finding employment.

The Cup won by Patrick O'Connell as manager proudly sits in the reception area at Real Betis.

A Blue plaque of O'Connell is also erected in West Belfast in his memory after football stars including Roy Keane, Patrick Kluivert and Franz Beckenbauer, helped raise funds.

Born in 1887, O'Connell was transferred to Sheffield Wednesday

The Chicas are now playing from the Racing Toast, a new bar to the league and a great darts venue.

Following on from the success of last year’s Poppy Day Darts Tournament, we are pleased to announce that we will be running it again this year at the same venue, on Saturday 9th November.

Please look out for the adverts in The Leader for more information and details of entry. Let’s hope it’s another great success and likewise for the 2019-20 darts season for the Torrevieja Darts Ladies Organisation. Keeeeep Darting!

from Belfast Celtic, and joined Hull City.

O'Connell was buried in an unmarked grave for an astonishing 57 years before the Patrick O'Connell Memorial Fund was founded.

Patrick O'Connell lived at 63 Albert Street in the lower Falls area of Belfast, when he played at Belfast Celtic FC. Patrick's first son, Patrick junior, was born in the house, and Patrick was holidaying in Belfast, O’Connell’s first club when he received a was Belfast Celtic FC. Telegram from FC Barcelona, detailing the Spanish Civil War had broken out.

2019 is the 82nd anniversary of FC Barcelona's tour of the Americas, led by Patrick O'Connell, which saved the club from financial ruin.

An exhibition documenting the life of O'Connell, credited in saving FC Barcelona, took place in Belfast in 2017.

24

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