The Leader Newspaper Edition 795

No 795

Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd December, 2019

Tel: 637 227 385

Have a very Merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous and healthy 2021 - See you in the New Year - From all the staff of The Leader Newspaper

RAFA provide fitting memorial to crew of Wellington NA598

he British Defence AttachĂŠ and the Alicante Vice Consul joined members of RAFA, the RBL, Spanish and UK military authorities and the families of the 7 RAF

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personnel who tragically lost their lives on the Montgo Mountain, DĂŠnia in an accident on 5 December 1950.

Shawbury to Gibraltar when they encountered thunderstorms and poor visibility, forcing the aircraft to fly at low altitude and off course.

The crew of Wellington NA598 were flying from RAF

On Thursday the 5th of December, on a day that

dawned bright and clear, a group of about 40 climbed up to the site to witness the unveiling and dedication of a memorial funded and provided

by RAFA Costa Blanca North.

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www.theleader.info Continued from Page One RAFA Montgo dedication

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

Following the dedication and a few words of homily and tribute the party then descended and gathered at the Chapel "Pare Perre" on the Denia side of Montgo, where a congregation of 90 people assembled for a service of remembrance.

reasons for the crash as relations between Spain and UK were somewhat fraught at the time. We do know that the wreckage of the aircraft was later sold for scrap to a Madrid dealer in order to cover the costs of the recovery which amounted to 26,917 pesetas. Newspaper reports state that the sale showed a profit of 6,000 pesetas which was given to charity

At the time the event was The memorial, dedication and The crew encountered national news, with a story service was organised by the published in the newspaper North Costa Blanca branch of thunderstorms and poor ABC. Indeed that story can the RAF Association, who still be found in the newspaafter researching the tragedy, visibility, forcing the air- per archives today. managed to trace the relatives craft to fly at low altitude It did however record the of many of the crew who died and off course. number of fatalities incorrectin the crash and then organly reducing them to four. ised for the memorial to be erected overlooking the crash site.

Testimony of the first person to find the exact location of the remains of the fuselage, beyond A report at the time said; Wellington (Central the Camí Colonia, is recorded in the Municipal Navigation and Control School) on training Archives as Jaume Costa. A team was quickly flight from Shawbury, UK to Khartoum via Gibraltar & Cyprus returning via Malta. Aircraft put together to climb Montgó, to find out if there were survivors and to recover the bodies. flew into Montgo Mountain in a thunderstorm A photograph lists the members as: Juan Reig, and was reported to be off course and flying José Noguera, Juan Roselló and a local priest, below minimum height. Crew of 7 all killed: Father Adrián.

F/Lt Leonard West (Pilot). W.O. (M/Nav.) Peter Pullar DFM. F/Lt Robert James Baker. F/Sgt The mountain is said to always remember its Ernest Hansom. AC1 Neville Jones. AC1 Roy dead and on one of the rocks next to the acciOwen Ouseley. AC1 Peter Field Thorne. dent site is the following verse from Isaiah: “Those who wait on God will renew their forces The bodies of the crew were all recovered and as eagles.” were later buried in the Gibraltar (North Front) Cemetery.

Front page image: Bugler John Connolly, from the Alicante Branch of the RBL. No investigation was ever carried out as to the

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Spaniards choose current affairs over sport Google has produced statistics relating to search trends over the last 12 months and has prepared a list of the ten most searched topics in 2019. Here in Spain the phrase 'general elections' occupies pole position, while in the rest of the world the word ‘cricket’ is firmly lodged at the top of the list.

Of course the country has gone through two General Elections, a Municipal and a European election in the 8 months since April so perhaps there is little surprise that the term is heavily searched.

Orihuela Costa 3 Kings to be held mid-day T he Orihuela Department of Fiestas has scheduled the Orihuela Costa Three Kings parade on 5th January 2020, for 12:00 noon, unlike previous years, when it has traditionally been held during the early evening, while the Orihuela City parade will remain at its usual time of 6.45pm.

The change of time was carried out by Councillor Rocamora who said that she wants attract more people to the event, and thereby increase the number of attendees from previous years.

However the change was seemingly made without any consultation with coastal residents and following details of it’s publication an urgent meeting with the councillor was requested by an unhappy FAOC Board and its satellite neighbourhood associations.

An FAOC spokesperson told the Leader that the success of the Three Kings cavalcade should not be measured by the number of people in atten-

dance, but by the quality of the parade, currently an issue that many residents directly relate to the inadequate budget allocated by the City Council to the coastal parade.

He said that “We believe that the essence of this parade is to foster the illusion of children, so that, as soon as it is over, they can go to their homes to sleep and wait for the gifts, which, it seems to us, would be quite a difficult thing to do with the newly established morning schedule. Indeed during the morning many parents and mothers will be at work, so the attendance will be even less.”

The change in timing was even a surprise to residents of Orihuela City one of who said “I am from downtown Orihuela, and I assure you that a Cavalcade in the morning in the town centre would never even be considered.”

Following conversations between FAOC and the councillor Ms. Rocamora has now said that she will try to rearrange the schedule so that the parade is once again held in the early evening but unfortunately, it might be too late to amend as the change does not depend on her will but on the conditions of a written contract.

So it would seem that this year, Ms. Rocamora, the letters of the parents and of the children of the Orihuela Costa that are addressed to the Magi will only ask for one thing: "That the Kings' parade be celebrated, as in the rest of Spain, on the 5th but in the afternoon"

At number two is ‘Notre Dame’ following the devastating fire that the Parisian cathedral suffered, while 3rd is occupied by the fall of the Berlin Wall on the the 30 years anniversary.

Closing the top 10 is the wedding of Real Madrid footballer Sergio Ramos to Pilar Rubio, that was held in summer.

Sports themes include Rafa Nadal and Wimbledon, the Women's World Cup and the Men's basketball.

Globally, the term with the highest concentration has been cricket, with the matches between India and South Africa (first), Bangladesh against India (fourth), and the ICC Cricket World Cup (tenth).

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Freemasons Christmas shoe box Approximately 250 walkers turned up at Zenia Boulevard on Sunday to support the annual Pink Ladies and Panthers Santa Walk around the Orihuela Costa.

Concert Band, which provided the accompanying music, playing a mixture of carols and Christmas themed tunes as the walkers prepared for their 5km stroll.

The annual event was once again organised in order to raise funds for the AECC in their fight against cancer.

She said that she hoped that the walk would raise well in excess of a thousand euros for the charity which would continue to subsidise the cost of the cancer screening program, mammograms (IMED in Torrevieja) and smear tests for women (AECC clinic in Alicante or IMED in Torrevieja) and prostate examinations for men (IMED in Torrevieja).

Standing alongside long-time supporter Simon Morton, Maria, of the Pink Ladies, took to the stage to thank the walkers, the centre management team, the Local Police, for all their help and support as well as The Royal British Legion

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Policia find gun disguised as pen

By Andrew Atkinson

Torrevieja heaviest rainfall

By Andrew Atkinson Torrevieja suffered their heaviest rainfall in 2019 since 1927, according to data provided by AEMET.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy

A gun - disguised as a PEN - was discovered by the Policia in Valencia after stopping a car in the city. Policia followed the car, after a tip-off that the vehicle was being driven erratically.

After stopping the vehicle the driver was found to be under the influence of drugs.

Following a search by the Policia the driver was found to be carrying a gun - disguised as a pen.

An arrest was made and further Policia investigations are continuing.

Present data of rainfall in Torrevieja for 2019, is the second highest recorded rainfall since data was recorded in 1927.

Torrevieja city rainfall exceeds 600 litres per square metre, with 550 litres per square metre falling in La Mata, officially recorded by AEMET. The September Gota Fria storms flooding in 2019 were the highest on record during the last 150 years.

Mediterranean cetacean migration Mediterranean countries have agreed to the Spanish Government's proposal to incorporate the western Mediterranean cetacean migration corridor in the list of Specially Protected Areas of Importance of the Barcelona Convention.

Following the decision taken in Naples, within COP21, the area that is now protected is a continuous strip of seawater of 46,385 km2 of surface, and 85 km of average width, which runs between the Catalan and Valencian coast, and the Balearic archipelago.

These waters have great ecological value and constitute a corridor of cetacean migration of vital importance for the survival of cetaceans in the Western Mediterranean.

We are La Sal de Torrevieja, a professional dance group formed more than 30 years ago, based in Torrevieja. We have been around the world performing including Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, France, and more as well as regular trips all over Spain.

We regularly help lots of different varieties but this Xmas we want to help the children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The proceeds of this show go to this amazing charity, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare genetic disorder.

The show runs over 2 nights Saturday 28th at 9pm and Sunday 29th at 6pm in the Torrevieja Theatre. The show is similar to those that you would see in places like Benidorm Palace. It’s 10€ per ticket and they can be purchased from the offices of Home España beachside of la Zenia roundabout opposite Deutsche Bank Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm or the cultural centre Torrevieja Mon - Fri 5pm 7pm For more info call 634 024 010

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Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd December, 2019

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I am still only an ‘improver’ .......

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ou would have to conclude that ‘back in the day’ (as a good friend of mine always says) we weren’t all that smart. Based on the evidence, it took us an awful lot longer to learn anything, as against the whizz-kids of today. Back then, an apprentice – any sort of an apprentice, took years of training before becoming a fully-fledged whatever. Some apprenticeships had to be served for as long as seven years – but five was the norm.

My working career was launched as an apprentice barman.

I am told that block layers, plasters, carpenters and bar staff don’t take nearly as long to train these days? Obviously my generation has produced smarter offspring? Or could it be that trainees are not as persecuted anymore?

As for me, having given the matter my upmost consideration since this morning … in all humility, I have to admit that I never progressed past the rank of ‘improver.’

It took your old apprentice a long time before he would be allowed near anything resembling a tool … or God forbid, a Guinness pump!

He or she would commence the apprenticeship on the lowest rung of the ladder as everyone else’s ‘gofor’. (Go for this … go for that) or as we called them in Canada, a ‘jigaboo.’

A hard-working ‘gofor’, who kept their head down and didn’t ‘answer back’, could aspire to moving to the next rung of the ladder after two years. Your ambitious trainee was now an ‘improver’ with all the added status that entailed – and even a small weekly wage!

On my daily walk this morning, with nothing in or on my mind (now … now, lads!) for some reason the word ‘improver’ entered my subconscious. It was like a blast from the past and over the course of the next two miles the realisation came to me that we are all ‘improvers’ for all of our lives. We are constantly learning from others and from our own mistakes. There is something new to be learned every day – something which can improve our lives.

A mine I worked with in Canada was hiring one day. Near the end, this youngish Nova Scotian, with a bit of a swagger sat down in front of the crusty old mine-captain.. This is how the first four lines of the conversation went – and I leave it to yourself to ascertain who

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is who! ‘What do you know – what can you do?’ ‘I know mining, and I can do everything under that head-frame.’

‘Spare me, Son; I have been mining for forty years – and I still don’t know everything.’

‘Same in Nova Scotia … some guys never learn ..!!’ He got the job and a rare smile from the captain!

Like I say, most of us are destined to live our lives as ‘improvers’ and this is the best place to be. My neighbour, Michael O’Leary, Ireland’s greatest businessman, is an ‘improver’. He didn’t start Ryanair. Tony Ryan founded Ryanair and hired O’Leary.

Even after taking the company to previously unimaginable heights (no pun intended) Michael always gave Tony the credit for starting Ryanair and giving him his chance to be an ‘improver.’

I purchased Mullingar Squash Centre in 1989, when it was on a downward curve. Thanks to a team of wonderful staff and various committees, we developed the centre into the best of its kind in the country. But I never forgot that I was not the founder of Mullingar Squash Club. That honour belongs to Michael Fallon, founder of the club and the man who did the heavy lifting so that I could be a good ‘improver.’ I gave Michael’s portrait pride of place on the clubhouse wall.

Pamela and I founded a very successful Irish pub in Spain – but we never claimed to have invented the Irish pub! I just built a simple pub and applied an original name to it. We set about doing the simple things better than anyone else and that is why ‘Paddy’s Point’ took off. I did very little that was original. We picked up tips and ideas in our work and travels around the world; never forgetting that the most important factor was to be nice to people. I was never anything but an ‘improver’ – and happily for ‘Paddy’s Point’ we were

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Most of us are destined to live our lives as ‘improvers’.

followed by ‘improvers’ as well!

So you see, dear readers; like that old mine captain of long ago, most of us have to bow to the fact that we don’t know everything. We have to be satisfied to stumble through life as ‘improvers.’

At least I believe I was a good ‘improver’!

Don’t Forget The strength that comes from confidence can be quickly lost in conceit Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com *Author, entrepreneur and newspaper columnist, Bernie Comaskey, now spends most of his time on a farm in Ireland; but he retains his strong links with the Costa Blanca.

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

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

IF YOU HAVE AN ACCIDENT We hope you never need to complete an accident report form, but should it be required, here are the steps to follow. Try to keep calm, never admit blame and collect as much information as possible.

STEP 1. Using the accident report form, take down the

name, address and mobile phone number of all the drivers involved in the accident along with their car make, model, registration, colour and insurance details.

STEP 2. Request names, addresses and mobile phone numbers of any witnesses to the accident, and add them to the report form.

STEP 3. Collect evidence noting the direction that the cars were travelling, the car’s condition and how many passengers. Write down the sequence of events by sketching out what happened. Take photos and video footage of the scene.

STEP 4. It’s important that all parties involved sign the completed accident report form.

Then contact your insurance provider as soon as possible, even of you don’t plan to make a claim.

If you would like some further advice on this matter, please call our English speaking customer service assistants on 902 325 325.

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Orihuela Costa Road Cleaning Campaign The City Council of Orihuela will carry out in the commercial areas of Orihuela Costa a campaign to monitor and control compliance with the Road Cleaning Ordinance.

Trapped disabled man saved in Denia blaze drama

By Andrew Atkinson *Senegalese born Gorgui saves the life of disabled Alex.

children and their families with the aim of redirecting these young people" adding that "to date we are very happy for the results that we have achieved, resolving many of the cases with which we have worked ”.

Dámaso Aparicio, Councillor for Road Cleaning and Waste Collection, with the assistance of Ramón López, Councillor for Citizen Security, said that their departments are going to launch “a campaign of informative visits to commercial premises on the Orihuela Costa in order to explain the Local Ordinance with regard to waste disposal”, so that traders are aware of them and comply with their provisions.

Ramón López said that he wanted to highlight the degree of involvement of these agents with families and schools in order to avoid truancy and absenteeism taking place. He said that the progress they have made to date has been excellent.

Costas working to save Torrevieja’s Los Locos beach The striking white colour of the newly arrived quarry sand from Murcia has taken over the central stretch of Los Locos beach as earlier in the week the work began to "save" this popular urban beach in Torrevieja from the effects of erosion.

These articles establish that commercial and service premises and other establishments must have a closed space or restricted area with restricted access to house the necessary urban waste containers and that they are used correctly in order to avoid dirt and debris accumulating in the surrounding areas.

A Senegalese man who saved the life of disabled person who was trapped in his house, following a huge blaze, is to be put forward for legal residencia.

The Senegal hero, married with a child, took quick action upon seeing the billowing smoke pouring from the property, by placing wooden stepladders up to the balcony, and entering the engulfed house.

“As a result of meetings held with neighbourhood associations of Orihuela Costa, the council has received numerous complaints about the improper use of these containers, especially cardboard recycling, so we have decided to carry out this informative campaign in collaboration with the councillor of Citizen Security ”, said Aparicio.

The dramatic scenes (pictured) show the rescue taking place, with the hero carrying the victim on his shoulders to safety.

The Bomberos and Policia attended the scene in the aftermath of the inferno, with the casualty being taken to hospital.

A petition to reward the Senegalese, named as Gorgui Lamine Sow, 20, with permanent residence has been lodged by Denia Town Council to the Valencia Regional Government.

Unregistered immigrant Gorgui, reportedly a street hawker, who saved the 39 year old man, named Alex, travels daily to Denia from Gandia, to sell his wares to support his family.

Policia Local put School Absenteeism Unit into operation Orihuela’s Councillor for Public Safety, Ramón López Cabrera, held a press conference in the city town hall where he introduced the three officers that make up the School Absenteeism Unit.

The councillor said that “The establishment of the School Absenteeism Unit was a promise that I made when I first took charge of the Department of Public Safety and Education, putting the unit into action in order to ensure that there are no empty desks in the classrooms due to absenteeism.”

He told the press that during the first one hundred days of it’s operation, a total of 711 actions have been carried out, including foot patrols, surveillance and control of minors, interviews with teachers and parents, compilation of absenteeism records, administrative work, identification, control of entry and exit of schools, etc.

Daniel Méndez, the senior agent of the Unit said that "Being involved in this Unit includes a great deal of social work around

In recent weeks the width of the beach, particularly the central area, has been reduced from over 20 metres to less than two.

The first phase of the project includes the " addition " of 12,000 cubic meters of sand. Although the work is being financed by the State through the General Directorate of the Coast of the Ministry of Ecological Transition, it is the Torrevieja City Council that is responsible for the work.

Ramón López said that his staff will aim to correct inappropriate behaviour that is unhealthy, or which dirties the streets and causes inconvenience to residents and other businesses. He said that initially "it is an informative and non-sanctioning campaign", so that the commercial premises can become knowledgeable about the ordinance, comply with it and become aware of the importance of recycling.

To date Costas has not even issued a press release relating to the project that involves expenditure of 417,000 euros - although the information issued in the plan does not specify whether it is the amount for just the first phase of four months or for the total, which will be completed with the addi9tion of a further 20,000 cubic meters.

The work has been awarded to the Valencian company AZVI - the same company that built the marketplace. The main objective of this particular phase is to widen the central section of this beach by 20 metres.

Councillor Antoni Vidal explained that, although the work was not scheduled to get underway until early next year 2020, "due to the damage caused by the cold drop last September it has been decided bring the project forward.”

CINEMA PILAR English Language Cinema in Pilar de la Horadada - Calle Canalejas 4 Thursday 19th Dec at 7pm Saturday 21st Dec at 5.30pm

THE LION KING After the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery. Remake of Disney's traditionally animated 1994 film of the same name. Produced and directed by Jon Favreau.

Starring: Donald Glover, Beyoncé, Seth Rogen Dur: 1hr 58 min Genre: Animation. Adventure. Drama. Musical | Animals. Africa. 3D. Remake

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Passenger numbers continue to fall at Corvera Airport

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he Murcia International Airport processed 8,000 fewer travellers in November, than San Javier during the same period last year, and a total of 172,656 fewer that the old airport in the period since January, reaching a total since it first opened of 1,054,058 passengers as compared to 1,226,714 at San Javier.

In November the figure dropped from 48,603 to 40,727.

Accumulated aircraft movements in 2019 were 7,623, while in San Javier aircraft took off and landed on 8,767 occasions.

Last month the figure fell from 403 to 375.

However the bad news relating to passenger

figures is countered by the announcement that Corvera airport will have a new connection with Barcelona which it expects to introduce before March 2020, according to the president of the Community, Fernando López Miras.

When asked earlier this week about Corvera airport and the loss of passengers, López Miras confirmed that there is now an agreement to start flights between Murcia and Barcelona with tickets about to go on sale.

The president said that the International Airport "is meeting the objectives that were laid out in the contract and the specifica-

tions agreed with operator AENA". Thus, he added that it has now exceeded one million passengers and the Community is already charging the concessionary fee.

"It is an Airport about which all concessionaires, all airlines and the entire sector tells us that it is an attractive arrangement," emphasising that has been running for less than a year and "has already achieved the goal of more than one million passengers.”

He said that the Airport "is progressing very well and that many new airlines are interested in the Airport, as well as new flights."

Torrevieja and Civil Protection Annual Awards

By Andrew Atkinson The City Council of Torrevieja and Civil Protection have given recognition, following the Gota Fria storms in September, at the Annual Civil Protection Gala Awards.

Proyecto Mastral-El Tiempo en Torrevieja, the Civil Protection, Civil Guard, Local Police, numerous companies and citizens were recognised in the wake of the historic storms.

"We are grateful for the recognition Award received, for the work undertaken during the torrential

rains in September.

"Those hard days, in which our region and city suffered the consequences of historical rains.

"Congratulations to all of those recognised for their work. We are happy to collaborate with all of them, when needed," said a spokesperson from Proyecto Mastral-El Tiempo Torrevieja.

Murcia President, Fernando López Miras, says that the airport is meeting expectations

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QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 794 QUICK ACROSS: 7 Endure; 8 Height; 10 Reclaim; 11 Tango; 12 Note; 13 Giant; 17 Vogue; 18 Brag; 22 Begin; 23 Unkempt; 24 Singer; 25 Closet.

DOWN: 1 Searing; 2 Educate; 3 Break; 4 Destiny; 5 Agony; 6 Strop; 9 Ambiguous; 14 Founder; 15 Promise; 16 Agitate; 19 Abuse; 20 Agent; 21 Skill.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 7 Report; 8 Invest; 10 Sincere; 11 All in; 12 Noel; 13 Edwin; 17 Drone; 18 Dear; 22 Clamp; 23 Salient; 24 Rifles; 25 Samson.

DOWN: 1 Present; 2 Spaniel; 3 Brief; 4 Ontario; 5 Cello; 6 Stand; 9 Readiness;

14

Prophet;

15

Reverse; 16 Grating; 19 Score; 20 Waifs; 21 Clear.

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

Spoil (3) Frequently (5) Trader (6) Set free (7) Merge (11) Practice (9) Charm (11) Instil (9) Sure (7) Leap (6) Subject (5) Prosecute (3)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. Which city is the third-most populous municipality in the European Union after Paris and London?

2. The song 'Summer Wine'. What are the three ingredients?

3. What do the following countries have in common: Austria, Laos, Nepal, Uganda, Afghanistan and Serbia?

4. What were the names of the three Walton children with a double or two part first name?

5. The following are the first words to which books? a. When shall we three meet again, In thunder, lightning, or in rain? b. The drought had lasted now for ten million years and the reign of the terrible lizards had long since ended. c. I was born in the Year 1632, in the City of York...d. It was a pleasure to burn.

6. A funky town and the royal blue of the Netherlands.

7. Which two actors have played the role of the scandalous Humbert Humbert?

8. What name is given to the appendage of a cell that looks like a whip?

9. What is the well known Greek word for midget?

10. Who was the English Colonist whose life was saved by the Indian princess Pocahontas?

11. Which three countries have reached the final of the football world cup twice but have yet failed to win the trophy?

12. What is used in each of the following? a.

Fango therapy. b. Thalasso therapy. c. Gelos therapy 13. Which mans family motto is Orbis non sufficit?

14. What are the next letters in the following sequence: KC (1984 - 1985), MG (1985 - 1991), BY (1991 - 1996), VC (1996), BY (1996 - 1999), VP (1999 - 2008) 15. Which encumbrance or UK number one hit single is said to embody the souls of dead mariners?

16. Vladmir Nabokov, Julio Iglesias, Albert Camus, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Pope John Paul II have all saved what?

17. Once upon a time 'Ague' was a word used to describe what?

18. Who directed the 1971 cult film Duell about a malevolent driver behind the wheel of a massive "Flammable" tractor trailor terrorising a tiny Plymouth Valiant?

19. Who are the 'Glimmer Twins'?

20. What was the name of Colonel Paul Tibbets mother, the man who dropped a Little Boy?

Nassau. 7. James Mason and Jeremy Irons. (Humbert Humbert is the main character in Lolita). 8. Flagella. 9.

Nano.

10.

John Smith.

11.

Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Holland. 12. Three answers. a. Mud. b. sea water. c. Laughter. 13. James Bond (The World Is Not Enough). 14.

DM - For Dmitry Medvedev - All are

DOWN 2. Not at home in New South Wales (3) 3. Drunkard reaches the summit with hesitation (5) 4. Wager about sick quarters (6) 5. Rival dead bird (7) 6. Isn’t on a diet at the end of the journey (11) 7. Woodworker has to nag to get in (9) 10. Promotion of publicity on vehicle carrying mortar (11) 11. No quality of the person who can’t keep his mouth shut (9) 14. Took fire as result of poor editing! (7) 16. Gets points in twenties? (6) 19. Do something fishy on the ice? (5) 21. She is seen just before the festival (3)

DOWN 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

10.

11.

14.

16.

19.

21.

1. Madrid. 2. Strawberries, cherries and an angels kiss in spring. 3. They are all landlocked; ie, no coastline. 4.

John Boy, Mary Ellen and Jim Bob. 5.

Four answers. a. Macbeth (William Shakespeare). b. 2001 A Space Odyssey (Arthur C Clarke). c.

Robinson Crusoe (Daniel Defoe). d.

Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury). 6.

ACROSS 1. The nobleman is clever - can be in the reckoning (9) 8. She has some positive value (3) 9. In which gatherings of philatelists are held (5,6) 11. Again poetry may be selected by the driver (7) 12. Not dead - having a beer about four! (5) 13. Take the net back: the sin is returning to the game (6) 15. A number take the worker to be one who pays the rent (6) 17. 100 are inclined to get rid of the dirt (5) 18. Dismiss the person at the till (7) 20. Gave hospitality or treated nine badly (11) 22. Is able to produce a tin (3) 23. Put colour on the walls in ill-humour (9)

ACROSS 1.

Embellish (9) 8.

Poem (3) 9.

Dejected (11) 11. Anger (7) 12. Fragrance (5) 13. Opportunity (6) 15. Lax (6) 17. Afterwards (5) 18. Snare (7) 20. Deceit (11) 22. Cask (3) 23. Overlooked (9)

initials of Presidents/Leaders of Russia/Soviet Union. 15. Albatross 16.They were all goal keepers in football. 17. A recurring fever or chills caused by malaria. 18. Steven Spielberg. 19. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. 20. Enola Gay (The B-29 Super fortress that dropped the atom bomb on Hiroshima)

CHRISTMAS CAROLS IN THE BOULEVARD 6PM ON THURSDAY 19TH DECEMBER W ith The Royal British Legion Concert Band in Spain

1. HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING

4. FELIZ NAVIDAD 5. O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM Feliz Navidad Feliz Navidad Feliz Navidad Prospero año why felicidad Feliz Navidad Feliz Navidad Feliz Navidad Prospero año why felicidad I want to wish you a Merry Christmas I want to wish you a Merry Christmas I want to wish you a Merry Christmas From the bottom of my heart

How still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by Yet in the dark street shineth The everlasting Light The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight O holy Child of Bethlehem Descend to us, we pray Cast out our sin and enter in Be born in us today We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell Oh, come to us, abide with us Our Lord Immanuel!

6. SILENT NIGHT Silent night, holy night!

All is calm, all is bright Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child Holy Infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Noche de paz, noche de amor Todo duerme en derredor Entre sus astros que esparcen su luz Bella anunciando al niñito Jesús Brilla la estrella de paz Brilla la estrella de paz Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht Alles schläft, einsam wacht nur das traute, hochheilige Paar Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th' angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem."

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ, by highest heav'n adored: Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time behold him come, Offspring of the favored one.

Veil'd in flesh, the Godhead see; Hail, th'incarnate Deity: Pleased, as man, with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

2. AWAY IN A MANGER 3. JINGLE BELLS Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

Dashing through the snow On a one horse open sleigh O'er the fields we go, Laughing all the way Bells on bob tail ring, making spirits bright What fun it is to laugh and sing A sleighing song tonight

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.

I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle 'til morning is nigh.

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

A day or two ago, I thought I'd take a ride, And soon Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side; The horse was lean and lank Misfortune seemed his lot We got into a drifted bank, And then we got upsot.

Hail! the heav'n born Prince of peace!

Hail! the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die: Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

7. ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID'S CITY Once in Royal David's city Stood a lowly cattle shed, Where a mother laid her Baby In a manger for His bed: Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little Child.

He came down to earth from heaven, Who is God and Lord of all, And His shelter was a stable, And His cradle was a stall; With the poor, and mean, and lowly, Lived on earth our Savior holy.

And through all His wondrous childhood He would honor and obey, Love and watch the lowly maiden, In whose gentle arms He lay: Christian children all must be Mild, obedient, good as He. For he is our childhood's pattern;1 Day by day, like us He grew; He was little, weak and helpless, Tears and smiles like us He knew; And He feeleth for our sadness, And He shareth in our gladness.

8. WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED While shepherds watched Their flocks by night All seated on the ground The angel of the Lord came down And glory shone around And glory shone around "Fear not," he said, For mighty dread Had seized their troubled minds "Glad tidings of great joy I bring To you and all mankind, To you and all mankind."

"To you in David's Town this day Is born of David's line The Savior who is Christ the Lord And this shall be the sign And this shall be the sign."

Now the ground is white Go it while you're young Take the girls tonight And sing this sleighing song Just get a bob tailed bay two-forty as his speed Hitch him to an open sleigh And crack! you'll take the lead Repeat Chorus

9. GOOD KING WENCESLAS Good King Wenceslas looked out On the feast of Stephen When the snow lay round about Deep and crisp and even Brightly shone the moon that night Though the frost was cruel When a poor man came in sight Gath'ring winter fuel "Hither, page, and stand by me If thou know'st it, telling Yonder peasant, who is he?

Where and what his dwelling?"

"Sire, he lives a good league hence Underneath the mountain Right against the forest fence

By Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me flesh and bring me wine Bring me pine logs hither Thou and I will see him dine When we bear him thither."

Page and monarch forth they went Forth they went together Through the rude wind's wild lament And the bitter weather

FU 10. FUM,

M, FUM

Veinticinco de Diciembre, fum, fum, fum.

Veinticinco de Diciembre, fum, fum, fum.

Un Niñito muy bonito ha nacido en un Portal, con su carita de rosa parece una flor hermosa, fum, fum, fum.

Venid, venid pastorcillos, fum, fum, fum.

Venid, venid pastorcillos, fum, fum, fum.

Venid con la pandereta y castañuelas al Portal, a adorar al Rey del Cielo que ha aparecido en el suelo, fum, fum, fum.

Desde el cielo Estás mirando, fum, fum, fum.

Desde el cielo Estás mirando, fum, fum, fum, A la Tierra rutilante que relumbra con su luz y al amor del firmamento celebrando el nacimiento de Jesús.

13. THE HOLLY AND THE IVY The holly and the ivy, When they are both full grown, Of all the trees that are in the wood, The holly bears the crown.

O the rising of the sun, And the running of the deer, The playing of the merry organ, Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a blossom As white as lily flower; And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ To be our sweet Savior.

The holly bears a berry As red as any blood; Any Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ To do poor sinners good.

The holly bears a prickle As sharp as any thorn; And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ On Christmas day in the morn.

The holly bears a bark As bitter as any gall; And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ For to redeem us all.

The holly and the ivy, When they are both full grown, Of all the trees that are in the wood, The holly bears the crown.

YE ME, ALL 12. O CO

L FAITHFU

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, Come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him, born the King of angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal, Lo, he shuns not the Virgin's womb; Son of the Father, begotten, not created;

13. CAMPANA SOBRE CAMPANA

Refrain Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!

Glory to God, all glory in the highest; Refrain

Campana sobre campana, y sobre campana una, asómate a la ventana, verás el Niño en la cuna.

Belén, campanas de Belén, que los ángeles tocan qué nueva me traéis?

Belén, campanas de Belén, que los ángeles tocan qué nueva me traéis?

14. JOY TO THE WORLD

15. DECK THE HALLS

Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la, la la la, la la la.

Troll the ancient Yuletide carol, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ; while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love, and wonders of His love, and wonders, wonders of His love.

Recogido tu rebaño a dónde vas pastorcillo?

Voy a llevar al portal requesón, manteca y vino.

Refrain Campana sobre campana, y sobre campana dos, asómate a esa ventana, porque ha naciendo Dios.

Refrain Caminando a media noche, Donde caminas pastor le llevo al nino que nace como Dios mi corazon

See the blazing Yule before us, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Strike the harp and join the chorus.

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

While I tell of Yuletide treasure, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Sing we joyous, all together, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

16. WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer.

Refrain We won't go until we get some; We won't go until we get some; We won't go until we get some, so bring some out here.

Refrain We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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CAROLS AT CHRISTMAS Another success for ‘Carols in the Square’ as Orihuela Costa Residents hope to replicate the event in the Boulevard on Thursday

O

n Friday evening hundreds of torrevejenses of different nationalities, but mainly British and Scandinavian, gathered for the seventeenth edition of the Christmas Carols Concert organised by the Department of International Residents.

The concert was held, at the main doors of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and was attended by the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón; the deputy mayor, Rosario Martínez Chazarra; the councillor of International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen as well as a number of other Torrevieja councillors.

The music was provided by the Band of the Royal British Legion Band directed

by David Last and the Youth Band of the Musical Union Torrevejense, directed by Adrián Vallejos, while the choir was formed by more than a hundred coralists of various nationalities.

Throughout the recital, images of Bill Singleton were displayed on a large screen. Bill, who recently passed away, was the initiator of this traditional Christmas celebration.

The Plaza de la Constitución was a hotbed of activity, with the Rotary Club distributing its traditional mulled wine and other foods, for the benefit of

Nueva Fraternidad, while many of the city's Ong’s exhibited products for sale, in order to raise funds.

To add to the festive occasion hundreds of those attending the event were dressed in Santa Claus costumes.

This event has always been very popular and well supported so it comes as no surprise that on Thursday 19 December the residents of the Orihuela Costa will be hoping to achieve similar success as they attempt something similar in Zenia Boulevard.

Once again it will be the Royal British Concert Band that provides the music along with a mix of international musicians and choirs in celebration of Christmas in the Orihuela Costa municipality.

Everyone, of all nationalities, is invited to go along, appropriately dressed, join in and perhaps enjoy snacks and drinks from the outside bars, while you sing along to the wonderful carols.

Take along with you the carol sheets, courtesy of The Leader Newspaper, that are printed on pages 11 and 14, and join in with the carols which get underway at 6pm.

Photos: Keith Nicol and Fernando, Objectivo Torrevieja

16

Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd December, 2019

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Badminton in Pilar de la Horadada.

Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs.

10-12.30 pm. Call John on 634 658 506

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.

Car Sales The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2016 Ford Kuga petrol which is on Special Offer priced at just 16,900 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.

Social and Clubs

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

Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch meet on the third Tuesday of each month at the Olympia Pool Bar and Restaurant in Mil Palmeras.

Everyone is welcome. Call Jean

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,

The biggest and best for price, choice and quality.

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.

Torrevieja Retired Activities Club meet on the third Wednesday in the month from 11-1pm at Marina Club Cafeteria, International Marina, Torrevieja.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

on these Sundays. For info see www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org 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 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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Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd December, 2019

The sorry state of the Orihuela Costa needs more than promises PRESS RELEASE It is not just the current Council but also the previous administrations, their lack of investment here on the coast, and a lack of foresight.

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17

Christmas underway across San Fulgencio

The missing foot bridges, and the council’s useless ultimatums to the Developer.

The incomplete Emergency Centre which has been standing as a concrete shell in La Zenia, an eyesore for over 10 years The CDM Sports centre closed for over 6 months, because of a badly drafted contract, which has to be rewritten.

Where is our Cultural Centre?

Similarly, the CC Ramon de Campoamor building at Lomas de Cabo Roig, closed for the last week, is also a great cause of concern, particularly in view of all the structural problems caused by heavy rainfalls.

Every year it’s the same story here on the coast when it rains. Then come the floods, then the damage, then it’s the repairs.

We may have had different Councils, but the excuses and the lies are still the same. You, me…we own this coast!

Politicians are employees of ours, we pay their wages, so when somebody does not do their job properly, and we let them go, obviously!

The time has come, where Costa Campoamor has to start planning for the future in the same way as our neighbours, Pilar de la Horadada, Guardamar, Bigastro, San Miguel, Los Montesinos etc., and unite as one voice for the Independence of the coast.

We have just over 3 years of planning, to break through the apathy that is here within the coastal community, encourage people to register on the Padron and become Residents and then exercise their right to be on the Voters list, be heard, have their say.

But this time we will be voting for a bigger issue than some other parties manifesto’s and agendas.

Our first step to achieve Independence is by first achieving Financial Autonomy. When we achieve that, it’s just a small step to Independence.

When we achieve Independence, wouldn’t it be fantastic if our first Mayor was not only a resident of Costa Campoamor but also a Woman.

The future of the coast is in our hands, BUT other parties and individuals won’t make it easy for us, they will put obstacles in our way.

Pilar de la Horadada, with only a population 3000 at the time they began their campaign for Independence, were united and never gave up and eventually achieved their goal.

That is our incentive, our goal, to be Independent.

We are developing at a fast rate, in roughly 7 years time we will be twice the size of the city of “Orihuela”.

We can do this together, one step at a time”

All Charged Up

By Andrew Atkinson The electric vehicle charging point located on Avenida de La Marquesa, Los Montesinos, is now operational.

The Valencia government allocated 5,878.40 euros, of the total cost of 8,891.08 euros for the electric vehicles point.

"With the electric recharging point, Los Montesinos continues to focus on sustainability and working to meet our objectives towards 2030," said a spokesperson from the Ayuntamiento.

Financial support in Los Montesinos was part of the Government's electric installation programme of charging infrastructures for electric vehicles during 2019.

Los Alcázares demonstrators close down the AP-7 Residents of Los Alcázares were out in force recently, demonstrating on the AP-7 motorway to demand solutions to the floods that the area is suffering more and more frequently. Protesters closed the highway, by parking a long queue of vehicles at exit 790.

They say that they can no longer accept the lack of action that has done nothing to stop the water that has flooded their homes and businesses in the last two and a half years, resulting in large financial losses as well as damage to their cars and properties and other posessions.

Less than two months ago in Murcia, at the entrance to the headquarters of the two adminis-

trations, the Presidency of the Autonomous Community in San Esteban, and that of the Government Delegation, thousands of people staged a much larger demonstration, but nothing changed.

The municipality has offered no solutions to the problems whatsoever despite the regular protests by residents, so that the second flood in less than three months has filled the town with mud once again.

Disgusted that there have been no attempts or solutions to prevent a new tragedy, the residents decided to carry out another protest that caused even more disruption than the last, so on Friday morning they joined together on the motorway where they stopped their vehicles and closed the road to all traffic.

The demonstration lacked the authorisation of the Government Delegation, although neither the Civil Guard nor the local Police made any attempts to stop the access of residents to the highway.

MANY hundreds of people of all nationalities braved the chilly weekend early evenings to see San Fulgencio switch on its Christmas displays for this year, warmed by a tremendous sense of community spirit...and a drop or two of red wine.

For the first time ever in its history, there was an official ceremony held on the Urbanisation on Saturday which saw the amazing dance troup ‘Security Dance’ light up the evening with spectacular costumes and fire dancing...not forgetting some wonderful drumming to get the feet tapping.

Councillor for Fiestas (URB), Samantha Hull, said: “We wanted to do something very different for this year, and we’ve certainly achieved that. I’m already thinking on how we can go one better for 2020!”

One day later, in San Fulgencio Village, the traditional Belen (Nativity Scene) was unveiled and the results of the remarkable work put in by many people to achieve such a fantastic display were seen.

Both days were attended by the Mayor of San Fulgencio, José Sampere Ballester, accompanied by other members of the corporation, and the respective displays were launched by the Fiesta Queens and Ladies of the municipality.

18

Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd December, 2019

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Emerald Isle bowls Club Titans played at home against San Luis Trekkers and had a good 10-4 aggregate 127-81, winners were J Pooley K Jolliffe A M Robertson 38-6, S Kavanagh D Leeming D Close 30-16, P Heaney M Veale B Kavanagh 16-13, S Johnson C Warner D Gerrard 15-14 Neptunes travelled to Quesada Diamonds and came away with a very good 9-5 aggregate 12095 win winners were E Morris B Doran S Elvin 31-5, C Parsons M Whitelock P Dix 20-13, M Munroe H Rhodes T Roche 19-13, L Freeman B Eldred E Bennett got a 16-16 draw

by Elwyn Morris

Wed brought league leaders Javea Green to the Isle in the Winter league and the home team claimed the spills with a good 7-5 aggregate 9478. L Freeman M Whitelock D Jones M Odell 25-12, J Pooley M Veale P Dix C Lindgren 2614, H Rhodes A M Robertson D Gerrard D Close got a14-14 draw. Berleen game was won by Javea 11-16

Monnrakers played away at Monte Mar Matadors and slipped to a 2-12 aggregate 72-124 defeat, winners were K Holliman G Dyer B Taaffe 20-17

Thurs the rearranged Winter league game at San Luis was played and the outcome was a fantastic away win for the Isle 7-5 aggregate 84-79. P Rhodes A Miles C Smyth J Smyth 22-8, L Freeman M Whitelock D Jones M Odell 15-13, E Morris T Dix G Ponsford B Kavanagh got a 2323 draw. S Bosworth S Kavanagh S Johnson S Elvin won the Berleen game 19-9

Saturns entertained Monte Mar Toreadors at home and they lost 2-12 aggregate 82-97 winners were N Prior J Bright G Smith 25-12

The Emerald Isle send their best wishes for a great Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our bowling Friends.

La Siesta Bowls Club

short notice some of our players were unable to

by “Rookie” “Rookie” Alan Carr

shots, Lost 2-12 (Shots 69-98).

In Division B the Blues visited Vistabella to play the Picadors where they gained a well-earned win. Skip Edwards team secured a point by getting a draw, with four other rinks achieving wins; Pat Malden, Ramsey Sinclair & Brian Fraser (22-15). Ann & Robert Heath with Harold Charleton (20-14). Dawn Taylor, Tricia & Pat Reilly (18-15). Barbara Cooper, Norman Adcroft & George Richardson (15-13). Game ended 113, as we also won the overall shots for two more points (Shots 103-88).

Another local derby as the Pioneers (Voyager

The Golds (same Division) were hosted by the league leaders San Miguel Boxers, where both teams were trying very hard hoping to secure as many points as possible, the Boxers dealt a knockout blow to five of our rinks but we managed to remain firmly on our feet to win the remaining rink result 2-12 (Shots 73- 112).

Winning team; Ken Stringfellow. Pat Moore & Sue Jordan (15-12).

from being well behind to win (22-18) and as

In the Enterprise Division the Apollos played there game just down the road at San Luis against the Klingons, one rink won by; Dawn Taylor, Tricia & Pat Reilly (22-19) and a close game on another coming within one shot. Due to

attend so therefore had to forfeit 2 points and 10

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SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB

by Sheila Cammack With the Christmas break ahead of us, this week brings OUR League matches to an end for a few weeks. A chance to re-charge the batteries, and look forward to more hard work for the second half of ther season. In the meantime a HAPPY CHRISTMAS & a HEALTHY NEW YEAR to all our members and bowling friends.

South Alicante League, Monday 9th December, SL Klingons home v La Siesta Apollos, a great result (although LS were unable to field a full team); points 12-2, 98 shots-69. Winners: Bill Webb, Drew Russell, Peter McEneany 15-14, Margaret Morrison, Keith Phillips, Neil Morrison 18-14, Kevin McKenna, June & Keith Jones 19-7, Ann Holland, Ray Clarke, Ian Kenyon 17-12. SL Trekkers, away v Emerald Isle Titans, some really close fought games but unfortunately just 4 points-10, 81 shots-127.

Winners: Ros Holmes, Jo & Julian Pering 18-14, Joe Kocsis, Ralph Jones, Lyndon Johnson 17-14.

a comfortable victory winning 12-2 (Shots 116-

SL Galaxies, away v La Siesta Pioneers a tough match; 81 shots-116, 2points-12. Winners: Steve Harfield, Allan Lever, Terry Baylis 18-13.

81). Rink winners; Bill Jordan, Alan Carr & Ros

Next matches: Mon 13th JANUARY 2020.

Division) hosted San Luis Galaxies and achieved

Stockell (27-12). Sheila Millward, Irene & Dave Laverick (16-10). Jo Elkin, Tony Campbell &

WINTER LEAGUE Wednesday 11th December,

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a good win away v Vistabella, 9 points-3, 97 shots- 67. Winners: Jan Pocock, Keith Phillips, Sabrina & Russell Marks 18-15, Drew Russell, June Jones, Peter McEneany, Keith Jones 13-13, Ann Holland, Bill Webb, Pam Lockett, Scott Malden 25-10, Kath Reid, Ray Pollock, Neil Morrison, Ian Kenyon 28-11.

Thursday 12th, rearranged match from 18th December, home v Emerald Isle. As expected it was a close fought match, with results changing up & down in the last few ends; shots 79-84, 5 points-7. Winners: Ray Clarke, Irene Mangan, Jo & Jules Pering 17-12, Drew Russell, June Jones, Peter McEneany, Keith Jones 18-12, Jan Pocock, Keith Phillips, Sabrina & Russell Marks 23-23.

At last we had a Berleen match but unfortunately Emerald Isle had the stronger team.

Next match: Wednesday 8th JANUARY. Southern League next matches: Friday 17th JANUARY. We are a competitive but friendly club; you're welcome to join in "Vic's hamper" 10:00/10:30 on Saturday mornings (check chalkboard outside the office & the calendar).

For more information & calendar, see SLBC website at: www.sanluisbowls.byethost7.com We welcome new & experienced bowlers; come along & see us, or for more information contact June Jones, Club Captain: 691 903 773.

Alan Mawer (18-12). Ken Stringfellow, Pat Moore & Sue Jordan (20-11) and Gary Randell, Noel Morrisroe & Jim Eastwood who battled

Greenlands Bowls Club

By Dave Webb

they were last to finish, attracted an audible

In their final match of the year, The Maples

audience from supporters of both sides.

were away to San Miguel Beagles, final score -

In the Winter League La Siesta had an away game at La Marina which ended as a draw, due

shots for, 87, against, 107. Points for - 6 against 8. Best winning rink were Lynn Morris, Derek

to technical problems a full match report will not

Toozer, skip Roy Cordell. 21 shots to 10.

be available until next weeks issue when a full

The Sycamores were at home to La Marina

report will be submitted.

Pathfinders. Final score - Shots for, 131, against,

Interested in joining this friendly club, contact

91. Points for - 12, against - 2. Best winning

Jim or Lyn on 690 190 523 or pop in and talk to

rink were - Brian Tomlin, Jim Wilcock, skip

the President (George) or Club Captain (Sue).

Barry Collins, 25 shots to 10.

La Marina Bowls Club by Barry Latham

El Rancho Bowls Club

Start of this is not so good. Both Pathfinders and Explorers lost 12 – 2. In the Discovery Div away against Greenlands Sycamores we lost by 40 shots. Our only winning rink was our President Dave Taylor skipping Martin Butler and Paul Tregoing to a 27 – 5 victory. Unfortunately the rest were nowhere near.

In our last league games of the year The Pintos played at home to San Miguel Dalmations, with a rather brisk wind, which as always at El Rancho caused some consternation. But we had a lot of fun and had a rather successful match taking 5 rinks with a close losing rink. We look forward now to our Christmas break having enjoyed a good opening half to the season, in good spirits and having had a lot of fun. Ann C Taylor, Denise Morgan and Bob Morgan 33-10. Judy Foley, Liam Foley and Jim Gracie 274. Lesley Day, Bob Day and Henry Ryder 24-14. Barbara Jones, Malc Sykes and Bob Taylor 13-17. Irene Thomson, John Richards and Eddie Thomson 23-8. Geoff Jones, Sarah Taylor and Jim Taylor 18-10.

The Explorers were at home to Quesada Pearls who won by 49 shots. One winning rink again and they just won by one shot 16 – 15. So well done to Cliff Rawlinson, Barbara Forshaw and Hilary Cronk.

In the Winter League we didn´t win but the other hand we didn’t lose. We played La Siesta at home and won on three rinks but they got the overall by just two shots. Don Fowkes, Garth Slater, Jean Fowkes and Kathy Manning won 22 – 14. John Rae, Dave Taylor, Mike Smith and Mo Taylor won 19 – 12. Mike Stone, Wendy Latham, Barbara Forshaw and Maureen Kidd sneaked a one shot win 16 – 15.

Don´t forget the green will be closing after the Saturday Fun Morning and won´t reopen until next year about 6th January also don´t forget you can go to other greens to practice. Ring them first, don´t just go.

Starting January Sante is offering paella Saturday Lunchtimes for 3.50 euros for Bowlers and Visitors.

Last report for this year so I wish all our Club and the Rest of the Bowls Fraternity a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2020.

In the afternoon the Raiders played at Greenlands against the Beech and put in a good effort and gaining a good away result of 2 rinks. It has been good to see our newer bowlers brought on by the more experienced and particularly that they are enjoying their bowls. Helen Hayward, Paul Durham and Ron Greenstreet 15-10. Gary Dunstone, Gill Bartlett and Rob Clark 7-26. Ria Rukker, Tony Abbott and Peter Baldwin 14-21. Brian Gilham, Shirley Edwards and Dave Haynes 11-25. Dolly Ford, Ann Abbott and Marion Haynes 17-12. David Baker, Debbie Ham and Steve Ziepe 9-32. For further membership information contact Sheila Cox at micksheilacox@gmail.com

The Beech were at home to El Rancho Raiders.

Final score - Shots for, 126, against, 73. Points for, 10, against, 4.

Best winning rink were - Bob Haynes, Vic Young, skip John Skipper. 26 shots to 7.

In the Winter League we were away to Bonalba, final score. - shots for 82, against 80. Points for, 10 against 2.

Best winning rink - Brian Tomlin, Sally Cordell, Roger Farrington, Mel Brown, 21 shots to 16.

For all inquiries please contact the Club Secretary Chris Dewar on mob 698 418 987 or visit our website -- greenlands-

San Miguel Bowls Club

- Barry Jones

On Monday San Miguel Beagles were home to Greenland Maples winning 8 - 6 (107 shots to 87), best winning triple were Noel Davis, Helen Johnson & Fred Willshire 27 - 7.

San Miguel Dalmations were away to El Rancho Pintos losing 2 12 (63 shots to 138) the winning triple were Stan North, Bill Knight & Gerald Shatwell 17 - 13.

San Miguel Alsations were home to Vistabella Albatrosses losing 4 - 10 (91 shots to 106), the winning triple were Alan Booth, Brian Allen & Lynn Greenland 16 - 15.

On Wednesday San Miguel were home to BBC winning 9 - 3 (84 shots to 74), on the winning rink were James Cutting, Bob Graham, Gail Willshire & Fred Willshire 22 - 9.

In the Berleen Trophy tony Sansom, Linda Plaisted, Val Hignett and Lee Sinclair suffered their first defeat of the season losing 16 17.

A reminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays 1:30 for 2:00 - €5 for an afternoon’s bowling with shoes and woods available to borrow. Due to the popularity of the Wasps, first time bowlers are asked to attend an initial coaching session on Tuesday afternoons, starting at 1:45.

For further information on San Miguel Bowls Club please contact the President Stuart Hemmings on 965 720 461, or the Secretary

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Country Bowls Club with Dennis Wade On Monday Vista Bella Eagles arrived to play against Country Bowls Flamingos on a beautiful bright day. The bowling was exceptional with the Flamingos winning on 5 rinks and drawing 1.

Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd December, 2019

Scores 13 – 1.132 – 77. Well done the Flamingos what a fantastic way to end the years bowling.

Country Bowls would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.For more information please visit www.countrybowlsmurcia.com

SMGS at La Finca.

December 11th, 2019 42 members and 6 guests made their way to La Finca for the 2nd round of the Bogey’s Shield, so named after long time President Phil Birtwistle’s son’s restaurant in Villamartin.

A medal format once saw relatively low turnouts for this competition, played over 5 rounds throughout the season, but the influx of new members over recent months seems to have increased participation. Given that 48 players is the maximum the society usually allows for on golf days, the desire is clearly there.

Starting on the 10th, something of an unknown for some and an immediate put-off for many, and with tee times brought forward, a number of players had no or little time to practice before starting out.

This proved especially influential in regard to discovering late the slickness of the greens, much faster than anything the society has played on recently.

This factor, as well as the mid-round strengthening of the wind, probably had most to do with the poor scoring generally achieved. Only Brian Mulligan played to his handicap. With the day’s results Theo Boelhouwer goes top of the Bogey’s leaderboard, with Tony Smale second and Norman Cahill third.

In the Order of Merit Norman Cahill leads the way.

La Finca winning results, by category and in reverse order, were the following: Bronze Category: 5th Mike Kaylor (82), 4th Tommy

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Mike Probert talks Golf (Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Svcs).

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.

Waste Areas on the Golf Course Many of our readers will by now have seen or read about the so called cheating issue involving USA Professional golfer Patrick Reed and the claim that he improved his lie in a waste area and although he received a 2 shot penalty may observers were not impressed by his explanation about what actually took place thereby fuelling a cheating debate.

Boyle (80 on CB), 3rd Mike Jordan (80 on CB), 2nd Norman Padmore (78) and 1st Alan Hill (76).

Silver Category: 5th Scotty Philips (81), 4th Ian Merga (79 on CB), 3rd Dennis Freeman (79 on CB), 2nd Kyrre Skarsmoen (77) and 1st, with the day’s best score, Brian Mulligan with a nett 72.

Gold Category: 5th Jim Imrie (79 on CB), 4th Colin Smith (79 on CB), 3rd John Osborne (78), 2nd Gordon Miekle (76) and 1st in-form President Tony Smale (73).

NTP (spons by Mick Roscoe’s The Property Shop): Hole 3 Andy MacDonald, Hole 6 Scotty Philips, Hole 13 Brian Mulligan, Hole 16 Norman Cahill. Abacus: Roger Brierley. Best Guest Winner and Runner-up: Robert Gillies (82) and Neil Redpath (83) respectively.

Our thanks go to all La Finca staff for their contribution to an enjoyable day. Next week we will be at Villamartin. Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to www.smgs.org or simply give Captain Phil de Lacy a call on 652 553 362.

19

doubt ask your playing partners for guidance or agreement on what you think constitutes a waste area on the course and rather than cause a delay on the course, raise the issue with the society organiser after you leave the course and before you hand your score card in.

This will avoid any misinterpretation of your actions by any fellow society member watching the events unfold.

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:

Most courses here in Spain have numerous waste areas as part of their design and these are different to bunkers in that you can ground your club and remove any loose impediments near you ball, without improving your lie and the problem on some local courses is determining what is a bunker and what is a waste area.

Golf Course Price Comments Alenda €134 Two & Buggy Alicante €84 Two & Buggy Altorreal €120 Two & Buggy Bonalba €116 Two & Buggy Don Cayo (Altea) €114 Two & Buggy El Plantio €84 Two &Buggy Font Del Llop €92 Single & Buggy GNK Golf Courses €146 Two & Buggy (El Valle,Riquelme & La Torre) La Finca €128 Two & Buggy La Manga West €75 Single Green Fee La Marquesa €36 Single Green Fee La Serena €40 Single Green Fee Las Colinas €164 Two & Buggy Las Ramblas €104 Two & Buggy Lo Romero €144 Two & Buggy New Sierra Golf €82 Two & and Buggy Roda €130 Two & Buggy UGolf Courses €146 Two & Buggy (Saurines & Hac. Del Alamo) Villamartin €110 Two & Buggy Villaitana Poniente €57 Single & Buggy Vistabella €92 Two & Buggy

As a rough guide waste areas are darker in colour than bunkers and the sand is ‘grittier’ with larger grains and waste areas are not provided with rakes, unlike bunkers and my advise to all golfers is if in

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

There has also been on facebook clips of Gary Player playing a left handed shot with his putter against the clubhouse at Lytham in 1974 on his way to winning the British Open where he is seen to move sand with his putter in a practice swing in a similar fashion to Patrick Reed but received no penalty.

Now in both instances there is probably no intent at improving the lie but with TV camera’s at every event it is clear the golfers need to be careful that any of their actions can’t be misinterpreted by the watching public and media to avoid the good name of golfing being dragged through the mud.

So how does this apply to you playing your amateur society golf here on the Costa Blanca?

El Plantio2 Golf A Christmas exodus back to the U.K. left only seven members competing in El Plantio 2's Tuesday members day - so no team games were possible.

The chosen game was an individual joker and the family O'Brien were the winners of the competition, with Janice carrying on recent excellent form by pipping husband Paddy by one point.

Nearest the pins – Hole 4, Mike Davies, Hole 9, David Swann.

Second place, Handicap 11, Paddy O'Brien – 38 points.

First place, Handicap 13, Janice O'Brien – 39 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.

Photograph from L to R. David Swann, Paddy O'Brien, Janice O'Brien, Mike Davies.

20

Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd December, 2019

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MATCH RESULTS FOR WEEK 11 - 12 DECEMBER Division 1 Tipsy Toad Toppers Trinity Pirates Hi Life Legends El Capitan Division 2 Hub Hellraisers Chemies Chicks Ale House Chicks Pint Depot Queens Inter-Division Match Las Rosas Bullies

5-7 P-P 8-4 9-3

Hub Hyenas Chemies Loungers Tipsy Toad Tiaras Ale House Lads

4-8 P-P 1-11 7-5

Pint Depot Jesters Trinity Panthers Hi Life Hi Ho Milos Bar

6-6

CC's Flyers

Solomons gained a third for the hosts on 72 ( S12, S20, D20 ) opponent Gareth Bevan managing a 140. Hyena McGauley also recorded a 140 in the next against a lively Lee Maiden, 100, 125, 140, D8 and D10 to level the score at four apiece. Gildea didn't quite find the form his capable of in the ninth, but a D14 levelled the match against Durrant 3x100, who found an important D4 for the win and a slender overall lead.

Nikolov made it six for the visitors one away from outright victory.

Schofield 121, D16 and D20 gave the Toppers a chance of shared points, defeating an in form Eyre. De Lacy acquitted himself pretty well with 2x100, opponent Miller in no mood to take prisoners. Two straight tons, a 140, 3x80+ scores got him over the line for a narrow last leg win. Schofield and Miller were MOTM.

Trinity Pirates P-P Chemies Loungers (TBA) Chemies Chicks P-P Trinity Panthers (17/12/2019) Keiran Fletcher, Hi Life Hi Ho Division 1 El Capitan Hub Hyenas Las Rosas Bullies Tipsy Toad Toppers Ale House Lads Hi Life Legends Trinity Pirates Chemies Loungers Tipsy Toad Tiaras Division 2 CC's Flyers Hi Life Hi Ho Milo's Bar Pint Depot Jesters Trinity Panthers Chemies Chicks Hub Hellraisers Ale House Chicks Pint Depot Queens

D16 making it 0-3. Solomons made it 1-3 on D4, Andy Gildea nailing D10 against some prolific scoring from Eyre and Durrant.

The third pair featured Phil de Lacy and Baz Schofield attempting to level by half time. The latter recorded a 122 which didn't prove enough as Miller reeled off 3x100 , Alex Nikolov scoring the remaining 40 points in two for 2-4.

180

P 10 10 9 10 10 9 9 9 10

F 93 75 62 62 58 51 49 40 26

A 27 45 46 58 62 57 59 68 94

Pts 19 16 13 9 8 7 7 6 1

9 10 10 10 9 9 9 10 10

84 80 74 66 55 44 39 31 37

24 40 45 54 53 59 69 83 83

18 15 13 12 10 7 4 4 3

El Capitan continue their league dominance, after a comfortable victory over the capable but unpredictable Ale House Lads. The league leaders only blip this term, a draw against second place and closest rivals Hub Hyenas. Enjoying a superior leg difference, it will necessitate 2 defeats to prevent a successive championship for the " Caps”.

Toppers entertained the Hub this week and it looked like a long night was on the cards after only the first triple. A lone ton from Graham Solomons was the only three figure score in the opening game. The real problem was finishing the leg. Both sides had innumerable opportunities to close the 701, which eventually occurred around twenty five minutes after the start via Del McGauley on D2.

Things did improve however, but only for the visitors, no tons for the hosts in the second, but a 125 from Joe Miller and a 100 from Paul Durrant set up John Eyre to complete the 701 on T19, S20, D10. The same three contested the third, Solomons 100, 85 the onlyToppers score of note. Miller 100, Durrant 100, Eyre 140 and

lnteresting inter division match this week featuring Las Rosas entertaining division two leaders ,the high flying C.C.'s from La Zenia.

The " Flyers " look good for the championship and will hold their own should they compete in division one next term. Time will tell.

Rosas must have wondered what hit them after going down 1-5 at half time.

The Bullies speciality , stew and dumplings, must have invigorated the hosts, the Flyers the opposite as the scoreline reversed itself to end six all, honours shared. Top scores for the visitors came from John McKay 2x100, Dougie Adkins 132 and Richard Pattison 133, with Antonio Garcia 2x100, Terry Brindley135 and Adrian Buitekaht 100 starring for the Bullies. MOTM were Gacia and Adkins.

A rare victory similar to once a year anniversaries etc came the way of the Pint Depot Queens in their demolition of Milos. lt was only going one way after the royals experienced a first, by winning all three triples, courtesy of Lorraine Cox, Marie Cummins and Vi Tiurner.

Dennis Byrne retrieved one back for Milos on D15, only for Cox to regain the three leg advantage. Debbie Wright made it five for the Depot, before a sudden surge of four victories for Milos. Wright found D16 to earn our Euronics royalty their first victory this term, elevating them to within one point of the Ale House Chicks, but still unfortunately ninth.

Milo himself and Wright were deservedly awarded MOTM. The ceremony was delayed a little after a drug test on Queen Wright proved positive. Substances detected however were proved only medicinal and definitely not performance enhancing.

The league has a good entry for this weeks P.L.L. ( locksmiths ) supported Christmas mixed pairs at the New Tavern, San Miguel.

Several male players will be present, unfortunately without playing partners, therefore an opportunity for late female entries. A minimum of 100 euro is on offer to the winners , with cash prizes to the semi finalists.

An outstanding raffle is on offer, courtesy of all league bars, plus prizes for the highest checkout, 180 and zaniest outfit. Last years champions from the Tipsy Toad, Simone de Lacy and Graham Solomons will be defending their title, but l hear Nigel Justice has resorted to some arm twisting and persuaded other half Lesley to pair up. Expect a great night, registration by 7-45 for an 8-00 start.

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The Tiaras love playing at the Hi Life bar and recognised all faces that were there to greet them, which meant that their new, fab signings probably weren't showing.

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Play got underway before 8:30 and low and behold, the Tiaras showed good, steady form and helped themselves to the first point with a ton from 'Princess' Elizabeth Cowan and a 3-dart check-out from Captain 'Windy' de Lacy.

Shocked into action, Legendary Barry Shingler's D1 and Steve Monk-Daltons, 121 and D16 took the next two triples. Gino Rouzee (140) D8 and Sandra Crabbe sent the Legends 3 ahead in the first of the pairs but the Tiaras nabbed the others, with Lesley Eagles and de Lacy (121) D6 getting the 2nd and Lisa and Pat Schofield (D7) the 3rd and equalizer at the half way stage.

Tipsy Lisa Ivill put up a helluva fight against Rouzee in a 'Clash of the Landlords' scoring a nifty 118 and contesting a shoot-out for the finish, but it was Gino that cut the mustard (and the cheese and ham toasties) with 20-D1 and 20-D20 for the point. Our Princess Elizabeth also very nearly got us an equalizer, outscoring Tezza David but eventually succumbing to his two check-outs at the bottom of the board.

Patty Poo (100, D17, D8) gave us a glimmer in the 3rd singles, narrowly beating the 1-r'd Sandra and de Lacy looked to be odds on for bringing it to 5-5 against 2-r'd Sarndra but both struggled for yonks on the finishes for some reason and Mrs David finally nailed them.

The Legends banked the last two singles despite a plucky performance from Denise Green against John Crabee, who side-stepped her for97, 100 and D20 and D13 and our last hope, Eagles (112) who took 1 leg on D6 but succumbed to captain Roger Phipp's relentless pounding of the treble 19's gaining him MOTM. A great night that could have gone either way.

Player Spotlight SIMON WILLIAMS Who doesn't know Simon Williams, the likeable fitness fanatic, who runs the successful Villa Martin sports bar “The Hub". Not only is he a member of every local gym, but regularly keeps goal on his Sunday morning gathering of soccer veterans.

Despite some difficulties with English, Simon is fluent in his adopted country’s language, practicing his skills at the Spanish eatery, El Gallego, in Pilar.

Originally from the Manchester suburb of Eccles, he honed his publican skills in Swindon before arriving on these shores twelve years ago, running the Hub for the past eight with business partner Cam McHardy.

Often seen at Manchester United European away exploits, the expat lists Zulu as his favourite film and of course Match of the Day is a must accompanied by chicken wings and any form of alcohol.

The forty three year old has been married to Leanne for seven years, daughter Layla, six, completing the family. His current ambition is to play for both Hub teams on a regular basis, most unlikely as there are no signs of improvement since his introduction to the game twenty five years ago.

His mentor and favourite dart player is Joe Miller, both can be seen glued to the 12 sports tv screens at the Hub every weekend.

Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd December, 2019 ADVERTISING HOTLINE 637 227 385 LEADER Ozone Bowling Tuesday Trios Ozone Bowling Wednesday Trios

10/12/2019 Week 14 of 33 Pts Splash 86 Bad Boys 80 Team Finland 78 S***T Happens 70 Med Bistro & Bar 68 Los Diablos 56 Los Bandidos 54 Bt Habitus 54 999´S 54 Mixers Sunset Beach 52 Las Guapas 20

Men

Women

Games Pins Scr Pins HC 31 23087 25781 29 23050 25393 29 22845 25452 26 19882 24721 26 21545 24912 20 19297 24370 19 20344 24499 21 19057 24091 21 18672 23865 21 20982 25014 9 17346 23388

Scratch Game Scratch Series Handicap Game Handicap Series

636 1770 692 1938

Scratch Game Scratch Series Handicap Game Handicap Series Scratch Game Scratch Series Handicap Game Handicap Series

223 Bermu Bermudez 627 Bermu Bermudez 245 Bermu Bermudez 693 Bermu Bermudez 191 Sue Walsh 530 Lesley Day 232 Sue Walsh 645 Sue Walsh

11/12/2019 Week 13 of 33 S***T Happens Strike Force Los Diablos Sol Amigos The Spares S.A.S. Alley Gators 999´S Oily Balls Pin Pushers Spare Bears The Bandits

Splash Splash Splash Splash

Carp-R-Us Fishing Carp-R-Us moved to the Eden stretch of the Rio Segura for Round Three of their Winter Series. It wasn’t that long ago that this stretch was producing decent weights but today was a real struggle for most anglers.

It’s very pleasant to report that the match was won by Ann Fowles who showed the men how to do it with 3.22kg from peg 6. Second was Dave Sutton with 1.80kg (peg 10), third Jackie Breslin with 1.16kg (peg 1) and fourth Roy Dainty

Men

Women

Pts 82 72 63 57 56 52 50 48 42 42 38 22

Games Pins Scr Pins HC 29 19488 20910 27 17045 20267 23.5 17608 20425 21.5 18624 20307 23 16053 19842 19 15934 19951 18 17009 20276 18 14796 19836 15 17067 19977 17 15147 19701 15 16426 19780 8 14479 19234

Scratch Game Scratch Series Handicap Game Handicap Series

524 1526 603 1691

S***T Happens S***T Happens Pin Pushers Pin Pushers

Scratch Game Scratch Series Handicap Game Handicap Series Scratch Game Scratch Series Handicap Game Handicap Series

204 568 211 579 188 511 225 583

Gazza Walsh Gazza Walsh Emilio Vanoostveld Adie Coates Sue Kenyon Sue Walsh Sue Kenyon Sue Walsh

with 1.10kg (peg 11).

21

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Torrevieja Ladies Darts Org Tuesday 10 December - Week 14 FOUNDERS SHIELD FORMAT

Black Dog Ladies Wildcats at Macklin’s Friendly Chicas Primadonnas

7 - 15 11 - 8 11 - 12 13 - 10

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

Gap Ladies Racing Toast Macklin’s Dolly Mixtures Friendly Temps P 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Pairs 62 56 53 45 43 50 45 33

Sgls 120 102 99 105 101 75 75 81

Pts 182 158 152 150 144 125 120 114

Highest Checkouts: Kath Morgan 102, Pam Horton 98, Denise Groves 96, Least Darts: Beaty Powell 17, 180’s Gail Murray, 171’s Eileen Rood x2.

Bull Finish: Chris Greenwood Congratulations to the Gap Ladies, winners of the Founders Format Shield 2019/20

The club fishes matches on a variety of venues in the Costa Blanca and Murcia regions and also organises the occasional social event. Anglers of all abilities are welcome.

Hot Darts: Gail Murray 140, Sue Bradley 138, Ann Bartlett 133, Groa Bryndis 132, Sue Wade 130, Lorraine Thomson 123, Pat Schofield 121, Pat Woods 120, Shirley Stephenson 117, Simone de Lacy 117, Pat Schofield 115, Janet Boyd 112, Sue Wade 111, Lisa Alsop 110, Kath Morgan 107, Ann McGivern 106, Lin Cousins 103, Ann Wharton 101, Pat Woods 101, Claire Greenwood 100 x 2

Further information about the club can be found on its website www.carp-r-us.weebly.com or on our Facebook page Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blanca.

Don’t forget your Christmas outfits for next week’s Blind Triples Memorial Competition!

The new membership year begins on 1st January. Anyone interested in joining the club should contact Steve Fell

Las Salinas Petanca Charity Mixed Triples This pre-Christmas Charity league triple was held at the Civic Centre in Playa Bravo the home of Los Bandidos and the Falcons Petanca clubs.

The Charity being supported was REACH OUT who help so many needy families in the Torrevieja area. The Sponsor was CLINICA DENTAL ALEMANA in Calle Ramon Gallud.

Back to the Petanca, 22 teams were competing and play got underway at 10 am. All teams play 4 games and we had some really close games.

Maybe the Sun shining helped some of the trios and come to the final games we had a winner with the English team of Carol and Dennis Williams and Graham Todd from Las Filipinas Hawks with 4 wins and plus 25, they Won the Gold Medals and wine. Runners Up from the host team Los Bandidos, with 4 wins and plus 19, were Linda Haymes, Philippe Delaye, and Steve Leitch, they took Silver and wine.

Third place was from Franco Belgas with 3 wins and plus 23.

Michelle Santiago Alain Voland, and Serge Verkest settling for Bronze medals and wine.

In 4th place were Laurie Ditchburn Brian Ridgeley and Mike Bartlett from Los Altos, just missing out on the medals but had the wine.

Rojales were in 5th place with Norma and Stuart Parkway and Rolf Lonnqvist comping well and receiving the wine. Rojales also took 6th place with Phyllis Seddon Colin Jefferson and Laila Lonnqvist enjoying the day and the wine.

Well done to everyone for a good days play the Sun was welcomed. A big thank you to the organizers Linda Haymes they had everything well arranged, not forgetting Carolyn Brinsmead who had a big part with the Raffle and helping out.

The total raised for Reach Out was 270 euro, very welcome with Christmas fast approaching.

We are about to say a sad farewell to Carolyn Brinsmead a founder of this league back in 2009, she has been the league recorder and ran the Website, now she is returning to the UK we wish her well and will be welcomed back if missing the Sun and many friends.

Bon Voyage

22

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Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd December, 2019

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From The Dugout – An exclusive mid-season round up with CD Montesinos' manager Jésus Santander Martinez.

By TheFullMonte sports correspondent Steve Robinson.

Myself and “Full Monte” President, Eddie Cagigao (The Costa’s very own Saints and Greavsie) met recently with Sr Santander to get his views on his first half-season with the club.

We kicked off by asking him what had pleased him most about the teams performances so far this season. “I am most pleased with the camaraderie in the squad as a whole, they work and train well together. Also they have developed a winning mentality, which is important if we are not playing to our strengths all the time”. He added, “the pre-season was a difficult test for us, we were playing teams of a higher ability and so it was important that we work hard and for each other to overcome the challenges of these games”.

Monte group of supporters, he said he definitely was We then pointed out that our largely British peña prefer and added “the support we receive especially away from their football to be played with “passion” and a more home is incredible and something that is perhaps not “physical” approach, did he appreciate this? He said he expected at this level of football” he added “The players did, but added “it is important to control this physicality and coaches fully appreciate this commitment and it and ensure that it is with done with skill as well as pashelps to motivate them to perform better”. So, the mession”. “A physical game, as played by some of our sage is clear, keep supporting and following the team, it opponents this season, is not a substitute for hard work really does make a difference. and maintaining concentration”. He acknowledged that in some recent games the team has started slowly and Finally, our excellent talk heading for a close, we asked without him being too critical, he puts this down to over Sr Santander what his thoughts were on promotion and, confidence rather than anything else. He agreed that it should this happen, what changes/improvements did he was important to give your opponents think the squad would need to succeed respect regardless of their league posi- You can always email us at at a higher level? tion. thefullmonte2011@hotmail.com Being a typical football manager, he He also reinforced his preference for a Also, check-out CD Montesinos told us firstly that he takes nothing for standard 4-4-2 formation, although tacgranted (not least his own confirmation tics and player availability sometimes on Facebook and JJ’s Predictor in the role of manager) and that, along League. means this is not always possible. with the players, he takes each game as it comes. A cliché perhaps, but a sign There will be some comings and goings that this is a manager who, whilst having a clear and around the squad over the next few weeks, with some obvious passion for the game and his team, has his feet players completing work commitments and returning firmly planted on the ground. and as well as some leaving the club for pastures new.

One or two absentees are also expecting to return from He told us “I think there is not a lot that would need to injury shortly as well. change with this squad except perhaps two or three more quality players, what we would need is, the comSr Santander said he would ideally like to add possibly mitment to train harder and more frequently in order to two more players to the squad, another forward (and he achieve our full potential. This is the important part, if openly admitted that he would dearly like fan favourite we are to progress. If we can all commit to this, we Carlos Lorente to come back into the fold sooner rather could be challenging the top of the table”. than later, if you're reading this Carlos? he said “with Gonzalo and Carlos up front and the wide players we So, in summary, we thanked Sr Santander for giving us have, we would score a lot more goals, a LOT more!”) his valuable time, after his long work day, to talk to us. and possibly another wide midfielder to bolster the He finished by telling us “I would personally like to ranks. genuinely thank all of our supporters as well as the club committee for their dedication and support.”

We'll obviously await news of his efforts in this with great interest. Over the long four week “fiesta” break, Sr My impressions, having spoken to him for the first Santander will continue to work the squad hard, up to time? He is a man who is very passionate about the three times a week, to ensure fitness levels are maingame and has a very fixed way of how he wants it to be tained ready for the final half of this, hopefully, promoplayed, as he stated in his inaugural comments upon tion winning season. joining the club, he likes his football to be quick, inventive and on the ground, with passing and moving speediWe then asked him if he and the players were aware of ly being used to overcome opponents. the support given to the team on match days by the Full He clearly prizes hard work, commitment and application above all other traits, from his players.

I think I speak for a lot, if not all of our Full Monte supporters, when I say we have enjoyed watching his team so far this season and we look forward, hopefully to getting the rewards that we all believe that we should get.

AJ’s Critics Silenced AJ: Regained the WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight titles.

Anthony Joshua's unanimous world heavyweight boxing win against Andy Ruiz jnr in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, has been praised by Paul Butlin - who fought AJ in only his second pro fight in 2013.

"I can't believe how many people are slagging Joshua off," Paul told me.

AJ's defeat against Ruiz jnr in June lead to him losing his WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight titles, after being stopped inside round seven at New York's Madison Square Garden.

"Why get into a row with someone who stopped you in the last fight?," said Paul.

AJ regained the heavyweight division - putting his career back on track - outboxing Ruiz jnr in the rematch, with a unanimous decision on December 7.

"Joshua boxed superbly with the jab - up on his toes - all the way through the fight," said Paul.

"I wanted to put on a great master class and show that the sweet science of this sport is about hitting - and not getting hit," said Joshua.

"It was his night - I have no excuses.

Anthony Joshua did a hell of a job," said Ruiz jnr.

AJ faced criticism from some quarters in victory, but Paul, son of Barry and Elaine Butlin who live in Los Montesinos, said: "Joshua has not got a bad chin.

"It’s the fact he’s fighting the best in the world, who can all bang. If you commit to every punch - you will get caught."

All three judges in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, registrred scores of 118-110, 118-10 and 119-109.

On AJ's critiques, Paul said: "If you don’t understand - stick to football or darts - you smokers."

Las Ramblas Golf Society

count on each hole). With a winning score of 112 points it was the usual suspects John Drakesmith, Heinz Lei, Mike Chapman and Dave Pulling (him again) who took 1st place.

By Peter Reffell Following the AGM we welcome to our new committee members Olga and Alan Douglas. However, Geoff Biggerstaff, together Dean Tracey took Friday’s 2 Ball Better Ball with a whopping 45 points!

Geoff was one of our founding members some 22 years ago and is ‘hanging up’ his clubs at the end of this year.

We wish him well in his ‘retirement’.

With a score of 82 points, it was Olga Douglas, Dave Pulling, Ron Phipps and Nora Betts who triumphed in Monday’s 6x6x6.

Wednesday’s ‘Joker Stableford’ was a close call with the top 4 all scoring 36 points! Lindsay Forbes was declared the winner followed

by Annemarie Weisheit, Ron Phipps and Richard Connock.

Friday saw us competing in a ‘Bowmaker’ (which is the best 3 scores out of 4 to

This week’s quote belongs to Peter Dobereiner who commented, ‘Half of golf is fun; the other half is putting.’

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Spirited Thader performance justifies narrow win CD Thader................1 UD Ilicitana CF......... 0

sight of a return from injury for Borja and Rafa Gomez, both of whom were named as substitutes.

Even before a ball had been kicked, referee Ruiz evicted yours truly from behind the technical area, to a spot just behind the yellow safety barriers.

Following a scrappy opening 10 mins, Cabrera seized upon a loose ball, before blasting a beauty from the edge of the box.

Celebrations followed, as the ball struck the inside of the post then crossed the line, giving the bearded midfielder his opening goal of the season. Now only 80 mins remained, before proper celebrations could be held!

I

f last weeks mauling at Torrellano typified Thader's weaknesses, yesterdays narrow victory over Ilicitana highlighted their strengths.

Led by captain Lloyd, the men from Rojales rolled up their sleeves, then hung on for the 3 points their endeavours so richly deserved.

Seven of the 10 bookings dished out by referee Ruiz were given to Thader, who adopted a no prisoners taken approach, in a match they could ill afford to lose. Although they are now just outside the relegation zone, more of the same must be on display for the majority of the 2nd half of the season.

There was a recall for keeper Sergio Galvez, who was preferred to his namesake Sergio Ruiz. Dani sat out the first of his 4 match ban, given for last weeks sending off, but there was the welcome

Unfortunately, a 2nd Thader goal was not given, for ref Ruiz spotted an infringement in the build up. Midway through the half, Calderon's diving header required an equally impressive diving save

by Adrian, as the game developed into an end to end roller coaster.

Adrian, he shot tamely straight at the visiting keeper. With time running out, Thader sub Cris combined well with Chamit, only for him to shoot well wide. Deep into stoppage time, Ilicitana sub Mori sent his free kick a fag paper's width over the bar, signalling wild celebrations amongst Thader players and fans alike.

Back came the men from Elche, Paco slamming a cross from the left against the far post on 78 mins.

Sub Chamit should have put the game to bed on 83 mins, but when faced with a 1 on 1 with

Next weekend, Thader have an away preferente league match against Benferri. For details of this match, it is advisable to visit CD Thader 19/20 facebook page.

the resultant corner, the ball finished up in the net.

Less than 3 mins later, Antonio hammered a free kick against Sergio's crossbar, before bouncing to safety - a wake up call indeed. On 15 mins, Jorge's goal bound header was superbly tipped aside by Sergio for a corner.

A sigh of relief could be heard from Thader's nervous fans, when Ilicitana's Javi headed wide of an open goal on 27 mins. Another let off occurred on 40 mins, this time courtesy of a linesmans offside signal, sufficient to rule out a headed goal by the visitors centre back Ramon.

Ilicitana started off the 2nd half on the offensive, and should have drawn level almost immediately.

Javi found himself in a good position to head past Sergio, but thankfully it lacked direction and the danger passed.

Straight up the other end, Calderon forced keeper Adrian to push his shot against the post, then from

SUDUKO SOLUTION

Spain Under 19 Squad bring year to a close at Pinatar Arena The Spanish Under-19 team are training at Pinatar Arena from Monday to Wednesday under the watchful eye of former Atlético Madrid defender, Santi Denia and his coaching staff, bringing 2019 to a close with the facility having hosted more than 160 different football clubs and National Squads in its Centre.

Pinatar Arena will close its 7th year once again exceeding all previous totals, having achieved 167 concentrations and 233 matches that have been organised in the Football Training Centre this year, a facility that continues to be a worldwide reference point in the sector.

As well as Premier League Newcastle Utd there have been visits from a number of UK clubs including Nottingham Forest, St Mirren, Northampton Town, Coventry City, and Bournemouth.

National squads from all four home nations, both men and women, have also trained at the centre with many of them scheduled to return when the New Year gets under way on 2 January 2021

When it ‘Snowed Goals’ at Christmas

By Tony Matthews On Boxing Day 1963, 66 goals were scored in ten First Division matches, an all-time record in terms of goals per game.

Manchester United were thrashed 6-1 by Burnley at Turf Moor; Fulham walloped Ipswich 10-1 at Craven Cottage; Blackpool defeated Chelsea 5-1 at Bloomfield Road; Liverpool demolished Stoke 6-1 at Anfield and West Ham were clattered 8-2 at Upton Park by Blackburn.

Elsewhere, Leicester beat Everton 2-0 at Filbert Street and Sheffield Wednesday eased past Bolton 3-0 at Hillsborough, while there were two excit-

ing 3-3 draws involving Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United at Bramall Lane and Wolves and Aston Villa at Molineux while WBA and Tottenham shared eight goals (4-4) at The Hawthorns. Arsenal’s game at Birmingham was postponed

Blackburn 1 West Ham 3; Bolton 3 Sheffield Wednesday 0; Chelsea 1 Blackpool 0; Everton 0 Leicester 3; Ipswich 4 Fulham 2; Manchester United 5 Burnley 1; Sheffield United 1 Nottingham Forest 2 and Spurs 0 WBA 2. The Stoke-Liverpool was called off.

Three players scored 4 goals for their respective clubs – Burnley’s Andy Lochhead, Roger Hunt of Liverpool and Fulham star Graham Leggatt.

What will happen over the festive period this year? We wait with baited breath, but surely there can’t be another goal-glut, or can there?

Even in the Second Division, Manchester City went goal crazy, smashing Scunthorpe 8-1 at Maine Road.

The scheduled Premiership fixtures for 26/27/28 December are:

Amazingly, several clubs gained sweet revenge just 48 hours later when the Boxing Day fixtures were reversed.

Andy Lochhead still works for Burnley on matchdays

The ten games played on 28 December ended Aston Villa 2 Wolves 2; Birmingham 1 Arsenal 4;

Aston Villa-Norwich, Bournemouth-Arsenal, Chelsea-Southampton, Crystal Palace-West Ham, Everton-Burnley, Leicester-Liverpool, Manchester United-Newcastle, Sheffield UnitedWatford, Spurs-Brighton and Wolves-Manchester City.

24

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