The Leader Newspaper Edition 812

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WHY WAS SPAIN SO SLOW TO RESPOND TO CORONAVIRUS? SPAIN is one of the countries that has been hardest hit by the Coronavius pandemic.

The government was slow in responding to the virus, despite the rate at which it

spread during those early stages, especially in care homes and amongst the elderly.

And one of the aspects most to blame, according to experts, was the country’s sociable lifestyle, it’s close family ties and the habits of kissing and hugging, which are an impor-

tant part of the culture here in Spain.

Antoni Trilla, the head of epidemiology at Barcelona's Hospital Clinic, said that before the Government ordered it’s lockdown on 14 March, the virus "circulated under the radar a lot" and it

had been especially helped by the unusually warm weather that we saw across the country, that had brought many millions of people out onto the streets, during February and March.

Continued on Page 2

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Spain’s slow response to virus ADVERTISING SALES

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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.

It’s speed of transmission was also stimulated around the time of 8M, the large gatherings that took place across the country in support of Women’s Rights, during early March, although there are many different opinions, often according to political inclinations.

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closer and they can so easily pass the virus on.

It is also common for several generations to live in the same property in Spain where the average age of a young adult moving out of the home is almost 30 years of age, compared to 18.5 in Sweden and 21.1 in Denmark.

Despite the fact that Spain's public healthcare system From Italy Dr Fabiano di Marco, chief of pulmonolo- is ranked in the top 10 in the world by the World gy at the Bergamo hospital, north east of Milan, Health Organization (WHO), like so many other blames the two Champions League countries across the world it has football matches between Atalanta Antoni Trilla, the Head of suffered deep spending cuts since Epidemiology at Barcelona’s and Valencia, which he claims as the global financial crisis more Hospital Clinic, blames the “the main trigger in the spread of than a decade ago. the coronavirus,” both in the rapid spread of the virus on the The damage was largely done back Lombardy area of Italy and country’s sociable lifestyle, the in 2012 when national health budgamongst the management and play- habits of kissing and hugging! et was cut by 13.65%, making the ing staff of Valencia football club, it one of the lowest in the European Union. In 2013 who became a focal point on their return to Spain. new cuts were implemented in the dependency proFernando Rodriguez, a public health professor at grammes for the country’s elderly as well as the disMadrid's Autonomous University, blamed the spread abled. on the fact that Spain has the most people living in flats of any European Union country.

As a result of the cuts, a growing number of newly "Our cities are built vertically, there is a lot of density and this can also facilitate the transmission of the epidemic. Once the virus began to take hold "in very little time there was community transmission," he said.

Spaniards also have a long average lifespan and the country has a high number of senior citizens who are more vulnerable to the virus. The interaction between seniors and their relatives, especially with younger family members, is also very high. Families are much

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on healthcare systems at Barcelona's Pompeu Fabra University who has worked as an advisor to the WHO said, "When you live day to day, you get the most out of what you have, but you don't have enough muscle to respond to a major stressor like now."

But for the moment, Spain must beat the virus. The country has had two tough months, but as the number of new cases and deaths continue to decline and as the coronavirus outbreak is gradually being brought under control, we can only pray that when the government begins to ease the country’s strict lockdown, the easing will be “slow and gradual, and will avoid a potential second wave of infections that so many people fear.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says that he hopes to ease some restrictions in the second half of May but warns that 'de-escalation will be slow'.

trained doctors and nurses became unemployed and migrated to other countries.

The austerity measures also led to many shortages, specifically a decline in the number of hospital beds and a rise in temporary contracts for doctors and nurses. Many people agree that the 2012 cuts, together with Rajoy’s austerity measures, left the country unprepared for the current crisis.

Guillem Lopez-Casasnovas, an economist and expert

Orihuela Social Services Residents of the Orihuela Municipality who need food help are asked to contact social services on 965 301 404 or 966 748 457 weekdays from 8am to 3pm.

However, at the moment this telephone service is only in Spanish so non Spanish speakers should ask a Spanish speaking friend to make the call.

The social services will call back with an appointment to attend the Civic Center, Alameda Del Mar (behind Rocky’s Pub).

The service operates at the centre 3 days a week where there will be a volunteer who can translate for you.

Let them know you need this service.

At the appointment you must explain your situation and if you qualify you will need to sign a statement and will immediately be given a food voucher.

The centre is in Calle Santa Alodia

Looking forward to seeing you all again once the ‘lockdown’ is lifted.

Keep safe!

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Government controls will result in many pharmacies selling masks at a loss

O

ne more of the Health Ministry’s ‘good intentions’ looks as though it could have scored yet another ‘own goal’ for the Spanish Government with the establishment of price controls for surgical masks and hydro alcoholic gels and solutions so as to avoid speculation.

In response to a demand from the General Council of Pharmaceutical Colleges, the Ministry has established maximum prices to be charged for such items from Friday Surgical masks will have a maximum price of 0.96 euros and hydroalcoholic gels and solutions will cost between 0.015 and 0.21 euros / ml depending on the size of the container, with VAT included in both cases.

The setting of maximum prices by the Ministry of Health is intended to guarantee that everybody will have access to the products used as hygienic measures for the prevention of contagion by COVID-19.

However, according to a spokesman for the textile industry, the low price set for the sale of the masks will prevent many textile companies from manufacturing such products as they say that the low price represents a severe setback for their profit forecasts.

The secretary of the Association of Textile Entrepreneurs of the Valencian Community (ATEVAL), Pepe Serna, says that companies that have already adapted their facilities and that have started production “will no doubt continue, even though these prices will see them barely breaking even. However, those that are still to adapt their production lines are now likely to change their minds as the

feel that they will not be compensated for the necessary investment."

Serna said that five weeks ago “there was no one producing such items and the sector decided to exercise responsibility, modify their production lines in an effort to make up for the existing shortages, and also because the production of sanitary clothing represented an opportunity.”

“However, now we have found that this decision once again penalises small and medium-sized companies for doing the right thing and for coming to the aid of the government, and it favours large multinationals and imports from China.”

Serna says that he is not looking for special treatment for the sector, but rather that the market regulates it’s own prices.

Now, he says, as a result of the price fixing, it could once again lead to a shortage of masks in just a few days.

The pricing was a demand of the General Council of Pharmaceutical Colleges, which says that there must be price regulation because it will curb speculation. However many pharmacies also criticise the regulation saying that it will create "shortages" and that they too will suffer losses.

Much of the stock that pharmacies carry will have been bought before the price controls were introduced and in many cases masks and gels have been purchased at prices above the level set by the government. Pharmacias have already been told that they will not be compensated, so they are obliged to sell them at an infinitely lower price than that at which they were purchased.

The secretary general of the Andalusian Pharmacy Office Confederation of Entrepreneurs (CEOFA), said that his pharmacies are now paying between 75 cents and 1.25 euros and, they warn, everything that involves buying above 76 cents will result in a loss, something that they are not willing to assume.

e look forward to seeing our loyal customers once again just as soon as the government restrictions imposed because of COVID-19 have been removed.

Until then, please keep safe

W

Paul and Dawn

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OUTDOOR exercise from next Saturday

The Prime Minister said that the conditions are presently being formulated and will be issued in the coming days

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King visits the Royal Guard

The Prime Minister has said that he will release conditions for Outdoor Exercise from next Saturday The government says that it will take yet another step toward restoring normality when, from next Saturday, it will once again allow people out on the streets for individual exercise. However, in his statement, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, said that the measure would only be introduced if infections and deaths continue to fall.

King Felipe visited the facilities of the Royal Guard in El Pardo on Friday, where he was welcomed by the head of the Military Squadron of the House of HM the King, and the Colonel in chief of the Royal Guard.

"The Ministry of Health will issue an order in the coming days, if the progress of the epidemic is favourable as it has been up to now," Sánchez said

The king spoke to members of the unit about their involvement in Operation “Balmis,” the Armed Forces efforts against the epidemic of COVID-19.

Whilst no further conditions of the measure are available at this time the Prime Minister said that the conditions are presently being formulated and will be issued in the coming days.

This measure is in addition to the "relief" that Sánchez announced last week that allowed children under the age of 14 to be able to take to the streets from Sunday to walk within a radius of a kilometre of their home.

However even that measure continues to court controversy with many councils interpreting the conditions

differently, particularly with regard to beaches and the use of playgrounds within private urbanisations.

they will remain closed for the foreseeable future, unless they are specifically told to open.

While beaches in some areas such as El Campello and Santa Pola have reopened to children for their walks many others, such as those along the Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja, say that the instructions are unclear and

Similarly some urbanisations are understood to be allowing the children of residents to use their community communal areas while others again blame their continued closure on imprecise instructions.

King Felipe was wearing personal protective equipment as the Royal Guard demonstrated some of the equipment that they have been using to patrol the streets, such as drones.

Military can no longer travel to their family home for weekends or leave Following friction with the Civil Guard, due a number of complaints submitted against military personnel intercepted on their rest days, the Army has said that their soldiers are no longer allowed to travel to the family home when is different from their habitual residence, unless expressly authorised to do so on compassionate grounds.

All military personnel must now remain in the municipality in which they are stationed or, with deployment, a maximum of two hours away, when required.

Due to their high mobility, many have their families in a location

The order was only issued last Friday afternoon causing serious distress to many military families other than where they are normally billeted and travel to visit them on weekends or when they are on leave.

During Easter, there were a large number of complaints against the military who were traveling to their family homes, which led to high-level talks between the Ministry of Defence and the Civil Guard.

The Civil Guard are understood to have agreed to archive the complaints in exchange for the introduction of measures banning their travel, which has now been done.

Many soldiers were preparing to travel home on weekend leave when the order was issued on late Friday afternoon, which has caused serious distress.

A spokesman for the Spanish Army said that the order "follows the strict meaning of the royal decree, and soldiers will now be expected to comply with the same travel restrictions as the general public.

The Spanish Troop and Seafarers Association (ATME) has denounced the move saying that thousands of soldiers will now be separated from their families.

Keep safe and we will see you all again when we have beaten the virus. At the moment we are closed until the end of April

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Conditions for allowing children onto the streets Children may venture out, under supervision, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with bikes and scooters but without access to parks.

Following days of wrangling that involved an embarrassing u-turn from the government, Vice President, Pablo Iglesias, has made announced the conditions under which children under the age of 14 are now able to go out on the streets for up to an hour a day..

In apologising to children for their confinement over recent weeks the Podemos leader said that children can venture out for a walk or to play once Image: www.freepik.com

a day and for one hour in an area that is a maximum of one kilometre from their residence.

children and with other adults".

They must be accompanied at all times by an adult with whom they live. The adult may also be an older brother and the accompaniment of up to three children per adult will be allowed.

Children are allowed to carry out physical exercise: running, jumping etc and they can also take and use toys, such as a ball or a scooter. However, they still cannot use playgrounds to prevent the coronavirus from spreading.

They will be allowed outside between the hours of 9am and 9pm but are encouraged to avoid peak times when there are more people on public roads, in order to avoid possible infections."

"The accompanying adult must be at a distance at which he or she can control the children at all times ," said Iglesias, adding that "it is important to respect social distancing measures with other

Only one trip per day to a maximum of one hour You can walk up to a kilometre from the place of residence The hours allowed will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

An adult may accompany up to three children maximum

Exercise and toys

They can go to a field if the residence is in a rural environment. In addition, children who live in a rural environment will be able to go for a walk in the countryside or in the forest, always respecting social distancing measures.

Any child or adult with a fever or with symptoms compatible with Covid-19 may still not leave the house, however.

The measures were prepared by a technical team made up of representatives of the Ministry of Health and the Vice-Presidency for Social Rights.

In the document, a series of recommendations are made for going outside, such as maintaining basic hygiene standards, including handwashing before and afterwards, taking into account the vulnerable population that may be affected, and ensuring that everyone in the group respects the rules of the outing.

The use of masks is also recommended for both adults and minors. It should be remembered that children up to 12 years of age must use special masks which are divided into three sizes: from 3 to 5 years old, from 6 to 9 years old and from 10 to 12 years old.

Summary of the rules for going out with minors Only allowed for children under 14

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The adult must accompany only the children with whom they live It will be necessary to respect the measures and recommendations of social distancing and hygiene It is allowed to go out with toys such as balls or scooters You can exercise: run, jump etc Access to parks and playgrounds is not allowed In rural areas you can go into forests and fields respecting the rules of social distance “That is why, in Cabinet, we are already looking at appropriate exit strategies to lift the restrictions imposed as soon as possible,” said Iglesias.

Six Hundred Euro Goldfish In Lograno, Northern Spain, one man has tried to get around the country’s strict ‘lockdown’ laws during the state of alarm by "walking" his pet goldfish so that he could get out of the house.

Unfortunately the National Police did not share in his interpretation of the legislation.

The man was stopped last Thursday afternoon with the police sharing a photograph of the incident on their official Twitter account showing them issuing a 600 euro fine.

We look forward to seeing all of our loyal customers again, once the state of alarm and restrictions put in place by the authorities, due to the coronavirus, are lifted.

In the meantime keep safe and healthy..

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To the rescue! How independent dealers are helping Britain’s essential workers Smaller car dealers step up to boost supply for BuyaCar to help NHS staff and other key workers stay mobile during lockdown FORCED BY THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS to close their showrooms, many determined car dealers are still working behind the scenes to keep NHS and other key workers moving.

As most of Britain’s major dealer groups began closing to the public a sudden drop in car availability threatened to cut off supply to critical workers in essential fields, who urgently need to change their car.

they are needed most. This unique trade-to-trade relationship enables them to help customers nationally as well as in their own local area.

One example is the popular Norfolk car supermarket, Stebbings Car Superstore, where Operations Director Richard Brown was determined that closing the showroom door would not mean an entire stock of over 400 cars gathering dust until further notice. So a small skeleton crew behind the scenes has prepared 4 of the cars delivered by BuyaCar to key worker customers in the first two weeks of April.

Now the online car marketplace BuyaCar.co.uk has revealed that more independent dealers are stepping up to keep car supply flowing for those who need them most.

Richard Brown said: “We are talking very small numbers of sales compared with what we’re used to at Stebbings. But it feels good to be able to contribute to the fight against coronavirus and know that some of our cars at least are going to customers in the frontline of essential services.”

BuyaCar.co.uk, which has continued working through the crisis exclusively to deliver essential replacement cars to key workers, has reported a tripling of stock available in the past three weeks as more independent dealers step up to help.

Another 250 cars have been added to the BuyaCar marketplace via long-established independent MJA Car Sales, whose three showrooms in Guildford, Sunbury and Walton are currently closed to the public.

It’s good news for key workers because as well as offering free delivery, contactless handover and a free two-year warranty with any ‘key worker sale’, BuyaCar.co.uk is increasing supply even as social confinement brings the car sales industry to a halt.

MJA Car Sales has already helped a community care worker and a critical care nurse stay mobile, since learning of BuyaCar’s campaign to help key workers. But until the government gives the green light on resuming normal trade owner, Mike Garrett, is declining all sales enquiries except for key workers.

With all showrooms closed, more independent dealers than ever are offering their existing stocks through the BuyaCar.co.uk website, preparing them to retail standard ready for delivery where

He said: “Though we are closed for car sales, after 40 years in business we are a responsible part of

David Muggleton, MJA Car Sales Aftersales Manager, who is carrying out essential maintenance on cars for key workers the wider community and we see our role at the moment as providing a service to help essential workers only. For example, a critical care nurse and a community care worker recently needed urgent maintenance on their cars and our aftersales manager got them both back on the road as quickly as possible.

“While there is no profit in our business during this period we are glad to be able to help those people who are helping everyone else.”

Andy Oldham, Chief Executive of BuyaCar.co.uk, said: “The coronavirus crisis has shone a light on the public spirit of many independent dealers who

are helping key workers in their local communities and enabling us to do the same across the country.

“When major dealers closed, to comply with social confinement measures, it became a real challenge to continue our mission to help key workers in the NHS and other essential services. But, behind the scenes, independent dealers have really stepped up to support us as well as their own local communities.

“We are grateful to them for sharing our determination to do whatever we can to help keep the wheels turning for those essential workers we rely on so much during this crisis.”

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Valencian tourism prepares guidelines to guarantee tourist safety "We need to have tools ready that allow us to react just as soon as we are able to do so.”

Turisme Comunitat Valenciana is finalizing a comprehensive training program that will be taught through the CdT Network on measures and protocols to be applied in the sector in order to deal with COVID-19 and guarantee the security of tourists in the coming months.

Secretary of Tourism, Francesc Colomer, said that "conversations have been held with different business and professional representatives to devise the program including their needs and expectations."

The program will be aimed at all professional groups within the industry (managers, directors, middle managers, floor staff, mainte-

nance, etc.) with the aim of implementing procedures throughout the service. Colomer said that "our objective is to be agile and effective whilst applying the procedures guaranteeing the safety of the Valencian Community as a tourist destination".

The Community Head of Marketing, Javier Solsona said that "we need to have tools ready that allow us to react just as soon as we have indications on how and when we can reactivate the sector, to guarantee that everyone will have access to the necessary training to resume its activity safely. " The CdT Network and Invattur recommend that all those involved in the tourism sector check out their online training plan that offers ideas and analysis on issues such as tourist motivation, restaurant management, technological challenges and tourist intelligence. http://www.turismecv.com/

Los Verdes criticise Torrevieja Council for abandoning people ‘without papers’

Israel Munoz aand Carmen Morate of Los Verdes

Torrevieja City Council is abandoning and ignoring many of its residents who are without papers, leaving them in the most precarious situation.

They say that there is a group of over a hundred impoverished people who are in this position, and the City Council has not provided them with anywhere to sleep under cover, collect food, eat, or even carry out personal hygiene.

Neither have they received any medical attention or checks so that they can avoid possible infections which could become a transmission factor for Covid-19.

Excessive bureaucratic obstacles mean that many of them are still without official and legal papers, making it difficult for them to receive and benefit from the aid and support that has been established by public organisations, the Torrevieja City Council and many NGOs. Los Verdes has asked the city council that these people are not ignored. They have also requested that a monitoring and communication channel be established to allow them to be identified in order to enable them to receive the minimum essential benefits.

“The lack of social sensitivity remains one of the hallmarks of the municipal policy of Mayor Eduardo Dolón and the Popular Party” they said.

“There are no votes or photo opportunities, which does not serve for partisan propaganda that the mayor demands for his political promotion.”

Let no one be excluded from the battle against the coronavirus, even the destitute.

Alicante Gastronómica Solidaria opens second kitchen in Torrevieja Visitors included the mayors of Torrevieja and Orihuela

Alicante Gastronomic Solidarity has launched its second logistics centre in the CdT Torrevieja, facilities that add to those in Alicante where it opened its kitchens just over a week ago and is currently serving in the region of 900 people a day.

Torrevieja facility are the Spanish Red Cross, the organization Alimentos Solidarios and Cáritas San Pedro. In addition, volunteers from Civil Protection and the Orihuela City Council have delivered food to the Casa de la Caridad.

The local chefs Aurora Torres de La Herradura and Moisés Martínez del Buey are running the kitchen in Torrevieja which, already, is providing meals to approximately 300 people a day.

The President of Alicante Gastronómica, Carlos Baño, said that he wanted to highlight the public-private collaboration in this initiative, which is promoted by the Alicante Provincial Council, the Chamber of

The groups that are using the

Commerce, Valencian Community Tourism and IFA. "Our strength comes from being able to use magnificent public facilities, such as the CdT in both Alicante and Torrevieja, and the combined efforts of over a hundred long companies and professionals from the gastronomic sector, who are putting their resources at our disposal”.

He also recognised the collaboration of the Torrevieja City Council through its mayor, Eduardo Dolón, as well as

Terrapilar and Carrefour "who have provided much of the equipment necessary to equip the kitchen."

Baño went on to thank the numerous examples of solidarity that they are receiving from acoss the Vega Baja region. "We have received food from companies such as Pescados Albaladejo, Cárnicas Ríos, Rotary Club and Congelados Córcoles, who have lent us their refrigerated truck."

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Children back on the streets It was almost like Christmas morning all over again, as, after more than 40 days of confinement, children have once again been able to take the streets, creasing so much pleasure on faces that was difficult for many to hide.

There were lots of early risers and shortly after nine in the morning they were already outdoors once again, an environment that they have only been able to look at from the balconies for so long.

It didn’t take too long before we saw scooters, bicycles, toy motorcycles ... Fresh air that they had not inhaled for a long time, although yes, there were many adults in masks and in some children as well.

The rules were clear, respect the safety distance and do not play with other children, although these restrictions were not applied everywhere with the Police having to intervene in some areas.

The police patrols are ensuring that the security measures are met, and although not allowed to play in playgrounds, some beaches such in El Campello and Santa Pola are open to walk along.

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Arrested for throwing his pet from a 5th floor balcony

WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER 'How this health and political crisis is managed and resolved will set the precedent for the greatest of the pandemic crises that we still have to deliver to humanity, which is climatic change'.

By Andrew Atkinson The mourning of over 20,000 coronavirus victims in Spain took place on April 19 - as the COVID19 pandemic continues to sweep across the globe.

"In the wake of victims of COVID-19 we are facing a health, political, economic, social and confidence crisis," said Los Montesinos, Alicante, Councillor for sports, equality, tourism, environment, development, employment and economic development Ana BelĂŠn JuĂĄrez Pastor.

Los Montesinos, a small Vega Baja hamlet town has 5,000 inhabitants, that have faced the stark challenge of the coronavirus lockdown - along with the rest of the world.

The Mayor Jose Butron has been personally delivering face masks, some made by volunteers, along with gloves this month on the back of the Ayuntamiento de Los Montesinos spraying disinfection across the town.

"How important it is to provide greater authority to the scientific community - those who best know the strategy to follow in the face of COVID-19," said Ana. "In that the best investment is made in research

and education, the need for a coalition of wills, the absence of global leadership that will lead us to a less democratic world, with more conflicts, more inequalities, more hatred, greater poverty of spirit and economy."

Ana said: "In short, an 'apocalyptic' world.

"How this health and political crisis is managed and resolved will set the precedent for the greatest of the pandemic crises that we still have to deliver to humanity, which is climatic change.

"The scientific community has been warning us for decades - we always think that there are more priorities - we already have the consequences of breaking the balance of nature, Biodiversity."

Ana believes that we are 'all in this together', saying: "I have the hope - and I appeal to all the people to contribute - each one from their position, to solve this crisis with criteria of solidarity and global co-operation."

Romanian arrested for going fishing TORREVIEJA CIVIL GUARD has detained a man of Romanian nationality who had previously been warned by local police on three occasions, for breaking the lockdown to go fishing.

Found on the perimeter of the La Sal dock he was warned on three separate occasions and told to pack up and go home. However, he insisted that he was only fishing so that he could feed his family.

On the fourth occasion, he was eventually arres-

ted for a crime of disobedience, for repeatedly breaking the restrictions of Royal Decree 463/2020, of March 14, on the State of Alarm.

The man was very aggressive and threw various items off his the balcony, including his pet, which died instantly.

National Police officers have arrested a 27-yearold man, of Spanish origin, for the crimes of damage, animal abuse, resistance to arrest and assault. The man threw a number of objects from his 5th floor balcony onto the street below causing damage to two vehicles, in addition to throwing over his pet that died instantly.

The events occurred around 7:30pm on Wednesday when the agents attended his 5th floor apartment in Gandia, where a man had been reported by neighbours for throwing objects into the street below.

Two patrols attended the incident, one of which

remained on the street evaluating the damage and keeping the public away from the falling objects.

The second unit went up to the apartment, where they asked the man, on several occasions, to open the door, which he refused to as he continued to throw objects, including his pet, onto the street.

The agents eventually gained access to the property at which point they were attacked by the man wielding a can of spray paint. They were eventually able to overcome the man and take him into custody who continued to be aggressive during his transfer to the police station and to the doctor who was called to appraise his situation.

He was eventually charged with damage to property, animal abuse, resistance to arrest and assault and has since been detained in custody.

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An accessory after the fact …

So

, (have you noticed how many sentences begin with the word ‘so’ these days?) how yawl doin’?

I’m doing time – even though I am innocent. On the positive side, I am so lucky to be doing my captivity by working on a prison farm. Truth is that I love it here so much that if the gates flew open in the morning, I wouldn’t flee.

Lock-down doesn’t feel like lock-down at all here right now. My cell-mate is a wonderful cook and I cannot fathom how she comes up with such a varied menu every day. I tell you … I’ve had much worse days on the outside.

One thing I miss is that visitors are not allowed here. This is in contrast to a prisoner on death-row in America, who is allowed three visitors per week. But this place more than compensates for lack of human contact. I can spend all day out there under God’s blue sky in the company of the cows and calves. The birds are singing a sweeter tune than ever before, the butter-cups are pure gold and we are surrounded by glorious silence.

We internees are blessed to have modern technology at our finger tips. I get to see and talk to my scattering of grand-children every day. I don’t take them for granted anymore and it’s funny how I hang onto every smile and word long after they’ve gone. My cell-mate was a teacher in another life and she is putting her skills to great use these days. (Ah stop it, lads, I know anything I need to learn.) Mrs Youcantbeserious does an art class for my grandchildren every morning on something

The books are aimed at children between the ages of 4 and 10 and consist of a collection of

637 227 385

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called ‘Zoom.’

There is no restrictions on the number of phone calls I can receive or make here. I find myself chatting with friends I didn’t seem to have time to talk to before the verdict. My cell-mate and I watch more TV together than ever before. This may have something to do with the fact that there is no live sport. Mind you, the signature tune for ‘Coronation Street’ still has the same effect on me as a fire alarm. We watch a movie every night over a glass of wine and a gallon of coffee. (The coffee is my drug of choice.) After my cell-mate beds down I engage myself in a form of self-flagellation by watching Donald Trump until I eventually bed down in a temper.

WhatsApp is both a means of free and easy communication and now, a source of mirth and entertainment. Most of the video clips doing the rounds are hilariously funny. Isn’t it amazing how mankind adapts and takes the most from whatever situation we find ourselves in? ‘Political Correctness’ has gone by the wayside during this captivity, with both male and female inmates from other institutions sharing the most outrageous messages. Everyone knows that we didn’t pen what we are forwarding – so anything goes in that regard. Black humour is to the fore – and strange as it may seem, this has always been the safety valve for people who find themselves in a life and death situation. Some of the most famous one-liners have been ‘gallows humour.’

I have hung our national flag outside the bars of my gate next the road. This is to show solidarity with the nurses, gardai and all front line workers who pass by on their way to keeping my country as safe as possible.

Orihuela Local Police produce two children’s activity books The Orihuela Local Police have produced two children’s activity books, with games and activities to combine learning with fun.

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My cell-mate and I watch more TV together than ever before. This may have something to do with the fact that there is no live sport.

I am very aware of how blessed I am to have my own fields to move in and my cell-mate has done more gardening in the past month than Adam and Eve did in a lifetime. Seriously for a moment: My heart goes out to all of those who are confined in an apartment block. That is a ‘lock-up’, whilst I only have to contend with a ‘lock-down.’

Don’t Forget

Our internment period is as of yet undetermined.

We need to keep the faith and as “all good things must come to an end”, it is just as true to say that “all bad things must come to an end” too. I hope that very soon we shall all receive some sort of ‘temporary release’. The one thing that all of us inmates need to know, is that our key to early freedom will be based on ‘good behaviour’. Please remember that …!

*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.

A Christian should live so that instead of being part of the world’s problems, he will be part of the answer.

Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com

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.

The books are available through the municipal website

educational activities, hobbies and information about COVID19.

"The purpose of these two notebooks, "Congratulations, you are a Mini-Agent" and "Happy Birthday", is intended to make the con-

finement easier for boys and girls, and to allow them to get to know the Orihuela Local Police a little more," said Ramón López, councillor for Citizen Security and Education.

Local Police officer Rubén Selma said that "the books are available through the municipal website so that they can either be downloaded or printed, or they can be read online."

This books can be found at: www.orihuela.es/wp-content/uploads/

2020/04/mini-agente-redes-sociales-1.pdf.

These two activity books are based on an idea from the Santa Pola Local Police which has now also been used by a number of police forces in other locations.

In addition to the two booklets the Orihuela Local Police are also inviting boys and girls to send photos of their work from the books by email to: policialocal@orihuela.es or through the local police social networks.

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Air travel to start with Domestic Flights De-escalation at AlicanteElche airport to start with domestic flights

Ryanair, Iberia and easJet offer flights on their websites from May 15, currently the official date of the end of air restrictions Aena said that it has devised its own plan to open up air traffic in Spain as commercial air restrictions begin to be lifted with the de-escalation divided into three phases.

In the first, domestic flights will be re-introduced, in the second, connections with Europe will be re-established and in the third and final phase, the airport will restore it’s long-haul operations.

There is still no specific date for the Alicante-Elche airport to start it’s recovery operation, but companies are beginning to move and it is curious that in recent days some airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet and Iberia are offering flights on their websites from May 10, the date on which the period of confinement in Spain is due to end.

According to Aena's plans, the first flights to be recovered in Alicante will be the connections with Santiago, Madrid, Bilbao, Seville, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. It will also be interesting to see if the airlines introduce the links with Vigo, A Coruña and Santander that were planned for the summer season.

Six additional regional airports have closed their ‘operate on demand’ facility, that is, they open only when an airline requests them to carry out an operation.

They are Albacete, Badajoz, León, Salamanca, Valladolid and Zaragoza who now join others who closed last week at Almería, Granada and Jaén, A Coruña, Vigo, Asturias, Santander, Pamplona, Jérez, San Sebastián , Logroño, Son Bonet and the Ceuta heliport.

Sources from the airport operator, Aena, say that they have proof of the fact but stress that from the Ministry of Transport, there has been no official communication in this regard.

Currently there are almost twenty airports in Spain that are operational when an airline expressly requests them to carry out a landing or take-off operation from its facilities, a request that must be made at least three hours in advance.

Currently at the airport, Vueling continues to operate with three flights a week to Barcelona as well as cargo, ambulance flights and repatriation flights.

This is one of the measures that Aena has taken to readjust the capacity of the airport network following the collapse of their activities.

Aviointeriors SpA is trialling a design which features a middle seat turned backward and which is surrounded by a plastic shield,

Ryanair boss refuses to introduce social distancing on flights One recommendation that is circulating that the moment, and that has gained widespread approval, is leaving the centre seats empty when their airlines resume their operations. Although not clear if the suggestion would work, Ryanair’s chief executive, Michael O’Leary, says that the airline will not start flying again if forced to do so, as it does not fit with Ryanair’s operating model In an interview that he carried out with the Financial Times this week Mr O’Leary explained how Ryanair’s business model requires high loads, and that it would not return to flying if forced to carry fewer passengers.

Several airlines are implementing the idea in some way already (including Delta Air Lines and American Airlines), and many others are looking at it as they make plans to re-start flights.

O’Leary said “We can’t make money on 66 percent load factors. Even if you do that, the middle seat doesn’t deliver correct social distancing, so it’s kind of an idiotic idea that doesn’t achieve anything anyway.”

However quite a number of airlines do

Parking of Motorhomes prohibited in las Calas de Torrevieja

support the idea including rival budget airline easyJet who have already confirmed that it plans to leave all middle seats empty when it returns to flying. CEO Johan Lundgren explained his view to The Guardian.

“Our assumption is that load factors will not be back to normal early on, which means that we will have the opportunity for a middle-seat option, but I’m talking about this as an initial phase and nobody knows for how long that phase will be.”

Ryanair’s thoughts on the matter are quite different with the airline expecting to operate 40% of flights in July (if travel resumes), with loads of 50% to 60%. And by summer 2021, it expects to exceed 2019 traffic levels, with growth including pick up from the other airlines that fail.

Michael O’Leary said that he will only leave the middle seat empty if the Irish government pays for it!

He does suggest other methods, however, such as wearing face masks and taking temperature checks prior to passengers being allowed to board.

But the lockdown hasn't stopped the industry from coming up with solutions that

parking ban in the area of Calas de Torrevieja, between La Higuera cove and Los Locos beach, in an area where dozens of motorhomes regularly take up residence for long periods of the year.

The move has been introduced, not only as a result of constant complaints from residents also to ensure the protection of endangered species of fauna and flora. The council has now erected signing clearly highlighting the new municipal regulations.

The Councillor for the Environment and Beaches, Antonio Vidal, says that the ban has been introduced to stop the permanent parking of motorhomes

Vidal said that after months of meetings and negotiations with the Provincial Coastal Service, and the submission of reports from the Municipal Biologist, Juan Antonio Pujol, the decision has been taken to put an end to the indiscriminate parking of motorhomes, returning the area once again to the peaceful and natural aspect of one of the best known areas of the Torrevieja coast.

The Councillor for Beaches and the Environment, Antonio Vidal, has announced that, in order to resolve a problem of the semi-permanent parking of motorhomes, the Torrevieja City Council has introduced a

From now on the Local Police have instructions to enforce a parking ban for all vehicles, denouncing those violators who do not comply with fines of up to 200 euros.

might help passengers fly again safely.

Aviointeriors SpA has released two designs, the first of which features a middle seat turned backward and surrounded by a plastic shield, which would give all passengers better social distancing and would give middle seat occupants more room. The Italian aircraft seat manufacturer dubbed the seat Janus, after the twofaced Roman god.

Each passenger has its own space isolated from others, even from people who walk through the aisle.

Although Aviointeriors says the Janus seat could use the same cabin footprint as ordinary seats, the forward/aft configuration raises questions as to whether it would increase difficulty of food-service in-flight as well as evacuation in an emergency. But greater row separation could address these questions, and give passengers more legroom.

This is something that airlines might now embrace more readily, since they could still have higher load factors, eliminating just one or two rows to compensate, rather than leaving each middle seat empty.

14

Monday 27th April - Sunday 3rd May, 2020

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 811

ACROSS 7.

Cup (6) 8.

Sheen (6) 10. Issue (7) 11. Ruse (5) 12. Anger (4) 13. Jeer (5) 17. Boast (5) 18. Tale (4) 22. Bisect (5) 23. Rage (7) 24. Hollow (6) 25. Sailor (6) 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.

Solution on Page 23

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

9.

14.

15.

16.

19.

20.

21.

Bemuse (7) Attack (7) Seat (5) Strengthen (7) Bright (5) Strangle (5) Deception (9) Stateliness (7) Knight errant (7) Upbraid (7) Dense (5) Servant (5) Daub (5)

QUICK ACROSS: 1 Cower; 4 Arbiter; 8 Madness; 9 Strip; 10 Apex; 11 Truncate; 13 Clap; 14 Espy; 16 Nauseous; 17 Arms; 20 Hiker; 21 Succumb; 22 Prevent; 23 Dodge.

DOWN: 1 Companionship; 2 Wedge; 3 Reed; 4 Absorb; 5 Business; 6 Throaty; 7 Reprehensible; 12 Carefree; 13 Chuckle; 15 Outset; 18 Round; 19 Acid.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Pinch; 4 Forward; 8 Artisan; 9 Poser; 10 Tide; 11 Republic; 13 Mope; 14 Cede; 16 Moderate; 17 User; 20 Tacit; 21 Carmine; 22 Humerus; 23 Pilot.

DOWN: 1 Practice match; 2 Noted; 3 Host; 4 Fencer; 5 Raptures; 6 Absolve; 7 Direct current; 12 Operator; 13 Modicum; 15 Stocks; 18 Still; 19 Drop.

ACROSS 7. Judge? (6) 8. Tedious use of drill (6) 10. Quarrel because of radioactive contamination (4,3) 11. Give systematic instruction to retinue (5) 12. Golf course singularly provides the connection (4) 13. To do with a fight (5) 17. A number observed about 5 (5) 18 . Check with him when the game's up (4) 22. Refuse debtor nothing on ship (5) 23. Survive because no one uses the exit later (7) 24. An X from one side to the other (6) 25. Movement for first part of play to be staged (6)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1.Who or what would play an Aeolian harp?

2. All of the following countries have two colours in their flag. (Coat of arms excluded) What are the two colours. a: Argentina, b: Monaco, c: Pakistan, d: Bangladesh, e: Georgia, f: Saudi Arabia 3. Which Labour MP served as Leader of the Opposition between September 2010 and May 2015?

4. What is the title of the best selling single ever from a Dutch band?

1970s, and it was a hit single all over the world. Two words, second letter "A", fourth letter "A" 5. What was the name given to French possessions along the Atlantic seaboard in North America in the 17th and 18th centuries?

6. Scandal at Wimbledon, 1905!!! What did the American woman May Sutton do that shocked the patrons and the tennis world?

7. The Dutchman Cornelis Drebbel was the first man to construct which weapon, used successfully in the Thames in 1620?

8. A Greek river meaning "river of woe".

9. Measured in grams, what are the four heaviest organs?

10. What was Canada's biggest export in the 17th century?

DOWN 1. Preliminary to a deal (7) 2. A fault of French leader being sickly (7) 3 . Drug, one not needed for bird (5) 4 . Outline for 100 taking excursion (7) 5. Aid revision in manuscript for gold king? (5) 6. Get an intermediary (5) 9. Wanted, steady lad who can look after horses (6-3) 14. Unruly priests won't go away (7) 15. In fact, a wayward zealot (7) 16. Fate only half guides the very small (7) 19. One who can make the grade (5) 20. Woo in the royal residence (5) 21. Aid to walking may become fixed (5)

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 3 ) 11. A guitar pick used by Kurt Cobain can be found where: a: in the rock and roll hall of fame, b: in Neil Young's curio cabinet. c: on Mars?

12. What is the well known name for the cosmonaut training centre in Russia?

13. The old Romanian word Dracula or Dracul meant dragon or serpent.

What does it mean today?

14. The Ukraine in the 1930s. "Holodomor" is often called the Ukrainian genocide. Millions died. How ?

15. Most of which language was created by a one armed man?

16. Charles Kingsford Smith made the first flight across which body of water in 1928?

17. Pablo Escobar is known for being what?

18. Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book, was born in which country?

19. The US Open golf championship has been contested since what year?

20. Doncaster Sheffield Airport was previously named after which character?

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Horadada issues diplomas for good behaviour

Monday 27th April - Sunday 3rd May, 2020

easyJet has confidence in flight recovery 'There will be demand for holiday passengers.

Lockdowns we have seen in countries mean a lot of people want to have a holiday

The Pilar council is issuing diplomas to children in the municipality for their good behaviour during the period of confinement.

The idea of councillor Susi Sánchez, she explains that "all the boys and girls have behaved very well during these days of confinement, and the City Council wants to show it’s appreciation by presenting them with a diploma as a reward for all their efforts".

However they are relying on the judgement of the parents in awarding the certificates with those parents who feel their child warrants the award of a diploma being required to send the name and age of their children, by email to the City Council. They will then receive the diploma, also by email, in an attached pdf file.

Alternatively they can be download it on the website www.pilardelahoradada.org and printed off at home.

www.theleader.info

By Andrew Atkinson easyJet have expressed confidence it now has finances to survive a nine month grounding of its fleet - after securing additional funding.

"We are now in a position to remain cash positive - even if we are grounded for nine months,” said chief executive Johan Lundgren.

The UK budget airline grounded its entire fleet on March 30, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a trading update on April 16, easyJet has reportedly signed two term loans - totalling approximately £400 million ($492 million), secured against aircraft and maturing in 2022. easyJet are also reportedly in talks for a sale and lease-back of additional aircraft from its fleet, expected to rack up proceeds of between £400550 million.

Along with previously announced funding measures, it takes the airline’s anticipated cash balance to approximately £3.3 billion.

While Lundgren is reported as saying he does not expect the crisis to last that long, easyJet is looking at other sources of funding and assistance, including from governments in all its major markets, saying he is confident of being able to raise more funds - if needed.

Lundgren says once countries lift travel restrictions, the carrier will need two weeks to get the majority of its fleet back up and running.

Lundgren expects domestic travel will start first, then expects to see bilateral arrangements, where countries open up their borders to each other, depending on the public health situation.

“I do think there will be demand for holiday passengers. I think the lockdowns we have seen in countries mean a

Tuning Up for the Health Service Los Montesinos resident Graeme Jolly, whose daughter Rachel is a NHS nurse, and who contracted and recovered from COVID-19, plays the Spanish National

15

easyJet plan to keep the middle seats on aircraft free - to allow passengers to keep their distance.

lot of people want to go out and have a holiday, though it depends on what restrictions are in the countries,” he said.

“There will be a recovery - at some point - in time we will get back to a situation, where the demand will be what it was,” he said. easyJet plan to keep the middle seats on aircraft free - to allow passengers to keep their distance. easyJet disclosed on April 9 that it had deferred the delivery of 24 aircraft that the carrier was originally due to take in 2020-2022. The airline also has an option to defer a further five aircraft, due to be delivered in 2022.

“It adapts to a reduced environment for the coming years, and gives flexibility to pick up demand as we progress through that,” said Lundgren.

For the first half to March 31, easyJet reportedly expects to report a loss before tax of £360-380 million, including £175-185 million from the over-hedging of fuel and foreign exchange.

Stripping out the hedging impact gives an expected reported loss of £185-205 million, an improvement on last year’s first half loss of £275 million. easyJet are scheduled to announce results for the first half of the 201920 fiscal year on June 30.

CHINA In China some capacity has been restored for Mainland flights, although it is likely to remain low for the foreseeable future.

In its monthly update, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) states that the volume of flights may continue to operate at low levels in the future, due to the coronavirus outbreak, which still holds significant risk levels.

Since February, when the COVID-19 outbreak hit China, Chinese carriers have been steadily adding domestic capacity from March into April and May. CAAC spokesperson and director of aviation safety Xiong Jie said the administration will focus, first on establishing pandemic risk prevention, to create a safe operating environment.

For the month of March, airlines in China carried 15.1 million passengers, nearly 72% lower year-on-year.

The administration also provided updates on the gradual restoration of flights into Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak.

When the Wuhan Tianhe International airport re-opened on April 8, 19 Chinese carriers resumed flights to 45 domestic points.

The CAAC noted that as of April 14, more than 40,000 passengers have flown in and out of Wuhan. Nearly 800 in and outbound passenger flights have also been mounted in the period. anthem in recognition of the Health and essential workers during the pandemic, along with performing tunes weekly from his balcony.

EXCLUSIVE interview with Andrew Atkinson only in The Leader coming soon.

16

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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.

The biggest and best for price, choice and quality.

Social and Clubs 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 for info on: 630 28 08 99.

Meetings are currently postponed during the current crisis.

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 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

Monday 27th April - Sunday 3rd May, 2020

s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887.

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

Badminton in Pilar de la Horadada.

Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs.

10-12.30 pm. Call John on 634 658 506 ...currently postponed Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 1700 (5pm) at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanisation, Torrevieja. For more information please contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 966716274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 966 92 1966. ...currently postponed Royal Air Force Association Costa

Blanca Branch. The branch meets at Restaurant El Nacional, Punta Prima, on N332, on the third Tuesday of the month at 2.30 pm. You do not have to be an ex-member of the RAF to join this friendly Association. For further info please contact the Chairman on 634 368 833 or the welfare officer on 615 048 892. www.rafa.org.uk/costa-blanca 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

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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.

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Yucca - A versatile plant for both in and outdoors

YUCCA COME IN MANY FORMS with over 49 different species, originating from North and Central America and the Caribbean.

Spain is a Mecca for Yuccas - including the Spanish Bayonet - spineless Yucca, Adam's needle and thread, Spanish dagger and Our Lords candle, to name but a few.

Yucca have a very special way of pollination - via the Yucca moth which also lays its eggs in the plant.

Yuccas are an ideal addition to a garden or terrace, giving a dramatic architectural effect with bold sword-shaped leaves and panicles of bell-

shaped cream coloured flowers in late summer to autumn, once pollinated Larger Yucca will gradually loose their lower leaves, to expose a trunk.

Requiring full sun and well drained soil, Yucca is ideal to grow on the Costa Blanca.

Most species have thick, waxy skins, to prevent loss of water through evaporation, storing water in thick roots.

Some Yuccas also store water in their thick, fleshy leaves. During a drought Yuccas drop leaves, to prevent loss of water, through transpiration.

Dead leaves of the Yucca will collect against the trunk, which helps protect it from the sun; the channeled leaves will direct dew and any rainfall to their roots.

Yucca plants have a variety of uses, including using the fiberous leaves to make rope and cloth, with roots being used in soaps and shampoos.

GARDEN FELIX Los Montesinos. We look forward to seeing all our loyal customers again, once the imposed movement put in place by the authorities, due to the coronavirus, is lifted. Keep safe. Felix, Garden Felix.

Yucca’s are extremely drought tolerant and store water in their their trunks or bulbous bases

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17

GERMANY getting back to work Recession-hit Germany 'first steps' back-to-work - declaring COVID-19 under control Quote: 'Germany hopes to combine the lifting of restrictions with a more efficient tracing of the spread of Covid-19, by increasing testing and aiming to produce approximately 50 million protective masks'.

By Andrew Atkinson

The Voice UK star Lucy Calcines eyes stardom Quote: 'I love being Cuban and wouldn't change it for the world. I love my culture and my people'.

By Andrew Atkinson EXCLUSIVE The Voice UK semi-finalist Lucy Calcines is eyeing stardom after being under the wing of Will.i.am the Black Eyed Peas American rapper, singer, songwriter and recording artist.

"Being on Team Will is amazing," said Lucy, speaking exclusively to The Leader.

Lucy took time out of her whirlwind schedule in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown, that has seen The Voice UK semi-finals and final temporary postponed.

Lucy, who auditioned in front of Will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones, Olly Murs and Meghan Trainor, said: "I am so happy that I picked Will, because he is such a creative individual.

"Will has helped me with my vision, as an artist, so I'm really grateful for that."

Lucy, 18, raised in the Canary Islands, where her parents reside, said: "They are the biggest influence in my career. They're both musicians - I've grown up watching them.

"Stylistically I would say I am drawn to pop music, so I am very inspired by artistes, such as Ariana Grande, Charlie Puth, or Justin Bieber.

"However, I also find inspiration in Latin music because of my culture - and I look up to artists such as J Balvin or Anitta."

Lucy, who has met celebrities, including Charlie Puth, Little Mix, and Joe Jonas, among others, said: "I would really like to meet some of the artistes I look up - like Ariana Grande or J Balvin."

Lucy, whose parents are from Havana, Cuba, said: "I have been singing since I've been conscious.

"I never really had a different dream. I guess growing up in a musical environment pushed me to pursue a career in the music industry.

"Cuba is a beautiful country - full of culture and music.

"I love being Cuban and I wouldn't change it for the world. I love my culture and my people." *Photograph: courtesy Lucy Calcines. *IN Part 2 of Lucy Calcines exclusive interview she speaks about University Graduation, recording, producing and filming; behind the scenes of The Voice UK - and future ambitions.

Germany took its first steps back to work last week, with shops in many regions opening up for the first time in a month, after politicians declared the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic 'under control.'

Speaking to The Leader, Germany based businesswoman Gabriela, who has regularly visited Los Montesinos, Alicante, said: "I'm very good and I'm happy to get back to work!"

A large number of shops, smaller than 800 square metres re-opened to customers, as a relaxation to strict measures on public life were eased.

Lockdown was introduced in Germany in March - following suit with Spain, Italy and latterly the UK - as COVID-19 swept across the world.

Chancellor Angela Merkel announced the decision to re-open, citing they have been careful to make sure it is no more than a 'cautious' first step.

Initially, certain groups of shops will open their doors, with Germany’s 16 states set to follow suit, lifting restrictions at a safe pace.

In Berlin, re-opening is expected to take longer, due to its dense population.

Merkel, who has been praised for her handling of the crisis, is hoping to kick-start the German economy - officially in recession.

With 139,897 confirmed cases and 4,294 deaths (April 19) Germany is one of the worsthit countries by Covid-19.

The Robert Koch Institute announced that the rate of infection had dropped below one for the first time - leading Health Minister Jens Spahn to declare the virus 'under control'.

Merkel, herself quarantined for two weeks during April, before testing negative for the virus, warned that Germany’s success remains fragile.

“We will not be able to go back to our normal lives - for a long time,” said conservative party colleague Armin Laschet.

Laschet warned some Coronavirus restrictions could last until 2021.

A ban on gatherings of more than two people and a requirement to stand more than 1.5 metres apart from others in public areas, remain

Gabriela was speaking to the Leader from her shop, Gold Veit, in Albstadt-Ebingen in place.

Cultural venues, bars, leisure centres and beauty salons remain closed. Public events, including concerts and football matches have been postponed, until August 31 at present.

Schools will be partially re-opened in the coming weeks, with most states set to welcome back older students from May 4.

Education policy is traditionally decided at state level in Germany, and Bavaria, the region worst hit by the virus so far, will keep its schools closed for an extra week.

On April 29, regional education Ministers are set to announce plans on how social distancing can still be enforced in the classroom.

Germany hopes to combine the lifting of restrictions with a more efficient tracing of the spread of Covid-19, by increasing testing and aiming to produce approximately 50 million protective masks.

Merkel said the German government strongly advises to wearing a mask in public places.

Germany were one of the first nations to react to lockdown, as the coronavirus outbreak spread.

Speaking exclusively to The Leader, Gabriela, proprietor of Gold Veit, in Albstadt-Ebingen, said: "We have had nice weather in Germany and hope you have too, in Spain.

"Hopefully everything will go very well. Please stay safe and healthy."

18

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Would you want to cope with organising a funeral in Spain W

hen a close friend or a family member dies, the last thing you need is the worry of complex regulations and the red-tape of a Spanish funeral. At such a difficult time could you or your family cope with organising a funeral in Spain?

If not you need look no further than PF Samper, a third generation independent family funeral director, based in Pilar de la Horadada.

We know that the death of a loved one is a difficult experience, one that all of us are likely to experience during our lifetime, and when mourning the loss of a friend or a family member, the very last thing you want to think about is the planning of a funeral, a fact that is considerately recognised by Francisca, a long time supporter of The Royal British Legion, who has been helping the expat community from her family run business in Pilar for over 20 years.

“At PF Samper”, she says, “we aim to provide only the highest level of personal attention as we ease this process for you and your family. We will take expert care and provide due consideration to ensure that your loved one gets an appropriate and caring farewell, whilst making the funeral planning process is as painless as possible”.

“We will arrange a dedicated funeral service that will provide you and your family with full value, without compromise, a service that is designed to show respect, whilst still maintaining the dignity,

the values and traditions so cherished by those who we serve”.

Francisca has been providing a dignified service to the expat community for over 20 years

“We will also ensure that every life tribute is distinctive, personal and affordable, in honouring to the full a life that has been lived”.

In providing a 24 hour service, throughout the entire province of Alicante and North Western Murcia, PF Samper can be providing you with that care and support within an extremely short space of time. Francisca will immediately respond to your call and while you are able to grieve with dignity she will quickly take charge of all the initial arrangements.

“If you have a previously organised funeral plan we will closely liaise with your provider but if you are without such an agreement we will make all the initial arrangements for you, and unlike many similar companies here in Spain we will not demand any payment in advance”.

The deceased will be prepared to lie in repose in our own private chapel, as detailed arrangements, with either you or your family, can then be left to a more appropriate time.

One aspect that Francisca does warn of are the varying conditions applied by different funeral directors and Tanatorias. “Whichever company you use you must always make sure that you are completely satisfied with the costs and the arrangements, and if in any doubt do not sign any papers”.

“T

his is particularly important” she says “when the deceased has passed away in hospital, many of which have their own preferred agents.”

Ultimately, of course, it’s all about trust and peace of mind, something of which you can be assured when dealing with Francisca or her assistant Eric Nicholls.

The company has its own private chapel of rest, mortuary and crematorium in Pilar de la Horadada although the service can be organised by PF Samper at any church that the family wishes across the entire province of Alicante and North Western Murcia.

Ministers, flowers and transport can also be organised by PF Samper who will also take care of all necessary documentation and certificates.

Likewise the arrangements can be made regardless

of faith and they can also be made to suit the time frame of the family concerned, allowing mourners to fly in from abroad if that is what is required.

Whether the service takes place the following day or a week later, unlike many other funeral directors, there is no extra charge.

Following cremation the urn will be delivered when required, and in the proper traditions of a genuinely family run business, details regarding payment can be made at a later date.

Francisca says, “Our job consists of making sure that the families remember the day of the funeral as a very special occasion and that the loved one who has passed away is provided with the esteem and the respect that every person deserves.

Though the life is ended we want to make sure that the memory lingers on”.

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Monday 27th April - Sunday 3rd May, 2020

Five-year-old fan offers pocket money to secure Leeds signing

D

UE TO THE COVID 19 VIRUS currently affecting our world , prompting the government lockdown to May 9th, with a likely extension to follow plus limited freedom of movement thereafter, the committee have determined in the best interests of all, to abandon the 2019 / 2020 season, including the presentation evening.

While most children would spend their savings on a new bike or perhaps computer or play station games 5 year old Leeds United fan Daniel Auton decided that he should be slightly different.

As an ardent supporter (even lifelong) of Leeds Utd there was only one thing that he told his parents he wanted, and that was the signing of on-loan defender Ben White by his club. That, he decided, was how he was going to spend his hard-earned cash.

Ben White, who has played 37 games for Leeds in this campaign, is on a season long loan from Premiership side Brighton, during which time he has become Daniel’s favourite player

The Men’s Merit Award went to Paul Durrant

Concluding this season, congratulations go out to El Capitan, division 1 champions. What a team.

Not forgetting of course division 2 champions C.C.'s Flyers who will cause an upset or two next season in division 1. Better luck next term to runners up Hub Hyenas and Milos Bar. Merit awards, 180's, and Highest Finish were based on league and inter dvision games only. Pat Schofield ( Tipsy Toad Toppers ) narrowly missed out with 7 MOTM awards to Lesley Dolling (Hub Hellraisers) on 8, whilst Charles Pritchett (Hi Life Hi Ho) managed two more, but not enough as Paul Durrant (Hub Hyenas) gained 13. El Capitan dominated the 180 table with 11 maxi's, the ageless John Walker sitting on top of the pile with three.

Another old timer Durrant, topped the Gameshot category on 156, also figuring in fifth on 133, Paul Cripwell was runner up on 153. Team Merit award went to Tipsy Toad Toppers, but only just, earning the accolade by using 6 players virtually all season.

Assuming restrictions lifted, the new season will commence in September, the A.G.M. convened earlier in the month. Dates will be confirmed as soon as possible.

New teams wishing to participate should contact durro2000@aol.com by August 15th for information. All perpetual trophies must be returned to the Euronics showroom as soon as restrictions are lifted. ln the meantime the committee (Paul Durrant, Simone de Lacy, Debbie Wright and Sid Cross ) would like to thank all who participated last term, keep safe and well.

On a sad note, l have to inform all teams of the passing of the popular John Lane. He along with wife Michelle and son Harvey played for many years in the Euronics league, most recently with the Trinity Panthers. A thoroughly decent and likeable chap, he will be sadly missed, our thoughts and prayers go to Michelle and Harvey.

League Awards for 2019/20 Season LEAGUE DIVISION 1 WINNERS

El Capitan

League Division 1 Runners-Up

Hub Hyenas

LEAGUE DIVISION 2 WINNERS

CC’s

League Division 2 Runners-Up

Milo’s

Ladies Merit Award

Lesley Dolling – 8 MOTMs

Ben is also on the radar of Liverpool & Man Utd

so, not being one to let the grass grow, the youngster counted up his pennies and wrote to Brighton chief executive Paul Barber, asking “if at all possible” he would allow Championship leaders Leeds to “please, please, please buy Ben at the end of the season”.

“I have counted all my pennies in my piggy bank and I have

Hub Hellraisers

Paul Durrant – 13 MOTMs Hub Hyenas

Team Merit Award

Tipsy Toad Toppers

Skeleton crew of 6 players every week but finished in 3rd place.

Highest Check-out (156)

Paul Durrant

Hub Hyenas

3 x 180’s

John Walker

El Capitan

2 x 180’s

Edmundus Klimonis

El Capitan

Shane Denness

El Capitan

Nigel Justice

El Capitan

Lee Maiden

Tipsy Toad Toppers

Christian Boorman

Ale House Lads

Phil Husband

Ale House Lads

Aroldas Klimonis

El Capitan

Ginge Lewis

El Capitan

Kieran Fletcher

Hi Life Hi Ho

John Eyre

Hub Hyenas

Lee Walters

Las Rosas Bullies

Las Rosas Bullies

Terry Brindley

Paul Miller

Tipsy Toad Toppers

Graham Solomons

Tipsy Toad Toppers

19

£15.07 if this helps,” he wrote.

Unfortunately though, the response from Barber wasn’t quite what he was hoping for.

“It’s very good of you to offer all of your money to help your club, and you clearly have a very good eye for exceptional young talent - perhaps scouting players could be your future job,” Barber said.

“We have given your kind offer the serious consideration it deserves but I know our head coach, Graham Potter, and our technical director, Dan Ashworth, both consider Ben to be a very important part of our future plans so I’m afraid we are unable to sell Ben to Leeds United at this time.”

There is some hope for Daniel, and all Whites fans, though, as, on hearing of Daniel’s letter, Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani tweeted: “We will top up your offer for Ben and go back to Mr Barber.”

Five Osasuna directors and two players jailed for ‘Match Fixing’ in La Liga

Ángel Luis Vizcay, the day of his farewell to Osasuna The first conviction for sports corruption in Spain, the Osasuna case, was announced on Friday, two months after the end of the trial in the Provincial Court of Navarre.

Men’s Merit Award

180

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The court, found guilty the former Osasuna General manager, Ángel Vizcay, four former directors and two former Real Betis players Antonio Amaya and Xabier Torres, while former Osasuna Foundation director Diego Maquirriain and former Betis player Jordi Figueras have been acquitted.

Osasuna’s former manager Angel Vizcay was given the heaviest prison sentence, sentenced to serve eight years and eight months, for misappropriation of funds, falsification of accounts and sporting corruption.

According to the Court, members of the Osasuna board at the time, bribed two former Betis players (Amaya and Torres) a total of 650,000 euros to fix their the Real Betis victory over Valladolid on matchday 37 of the 2013-14 season and to lose

their final game of the campaign against Osasuna.

The Chief Execturive of La Liga said he was delighted with the court’s findings. “This sentence strengthens La Liga’s fight against corruption and its bid to defend the integrity of football competitions against any attempts of interference be it altering the course of a season or the result of a match,” said a statement from the organisation.

The Osasuna president Luis Sabalza said he too was extremely pleased with the sentence reiterating that his club had denounced the previous administration which led to them being convicted.

Two real estate agents were also convicted for falsifying documents to help Osasuna balance the books for the 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons and were given prison sentences of nine months.

Vizcay and the other jailed Osasuna directors were also ordered to pay back to the club 2,340,000 euros for the misuse of funds during the 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons.

20

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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP fixtures are set to return in June - after COVID19 postponement - pending the government blowing the whistle to return to kick-off.

A provisional date has been pencilled in to commence training on May 16 with June 6 kick-off for fixtures to resume. Plans in place, subject Government approval.

The scheduled dates come amidst a number of Championship clubs in negotiations over wage deferrals, with players and staff, after months of finan-

cial losses.

Some have turned to furlough staff, remaining on the payroll, and paid 80% of their wages, claimed back from the Government.

Preston North End multi-millionaire owner Trevor Hemmings and chairman Peter Ridsdale have been praised by Deepdale boss Alex Neil, after players and staff have been paid during the coronavirus lockdown.

Neil said The Lilywhites are a club on a 'tighter budget', than the majority of Championship club counterparts.

Last week we covered the green its dimensions for the rinks and their boundary markings. Now we must look at how we mark out the playing area, as mentioned, there has to be 2 metres from the “ T” to the ditch.

Yes a “T” is our marker if you look at the diagram the toe of the first example ( left hand side) the “T” is centred and faces down the rink made with an indelible ink or paint marker, as with all the other markings, in such away as not to obstruct or affect the bowls in any way. Note: these are the only markings needed.

On all the rinks I have come across this is the one most used, apart from grass greens which usually have some piece of suitable material set in, such, that it does not obstruct the run of the bowl. Rules do cover this, on observation at La Manga, this is the only marking on the rink, centring and positioning of the jack (we will come to this next week) is done by sight alignment using the centre pegs and the use of a 2 metre yardstick.

For the purposes of this take we will concentrate on synthetic surfaces which are the majority. We mentioned last week, markers on the sides of the green, the first one lines up with the “T”s at 2 metres. Rule 49.13 states that: The : centre line of each rink can be marked along the surface of the green starting 2 metres from each end ditch and finishing at any point up to, but not less than 25 metres from the opposite end ditch.

This is where, on the green sides, the second marker is positioned and both markers are basically sight lines. . Confusing ! Do not worry it will come clear why when we get to explain the playing of jack.

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We look forward to seeing all our loyal customers again, once the imposed restrictions put in place by the authorities, due to the coronavirus, are lifted. Keep safe.

Vivienne Shepherd Quesada Fitness Gym.

Sports Editor Andrew Atkinson with PNE manager Alex Neil

In at the ‘Deep End’ but not at Deepdale!

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Football League Founder Member canny Preston - do not spend money (on players) 'willy-nilly' and, in my opinion, have always been a selling club.

Former Norwich City boss Neil says Hemmings doesn't 'fling money at it' and the club invest and grow, with a mixture of young and experienced players: “Done in a manner, which is as cost effective as possible," said Neil.

Neil revealed he had been in contact with players personally during football's postponement, spending hours daily on telephone conversations.

Preston's squad have had the rule run over them by Deepdale fitness staff, with online training, via video link.

Preston have nine games to complete the 2019-20 season, having played 37 fixtures prior to the Covid-19 lockdown.

Away from Deepdale, Ghana international Andre Ayew, 30, was reported to be earning a eye-watering £180,000 a week in a move to Swansea.

Former Marseille striker Ayew, on the books of Turkish side Fernbache, returned to the Swans, where he played in the 2015-16 campaign, relegated from the Premier League last season, in a £20m switch from West Ham. Ayew's brother Ibrahim plays for Gibraltar.

The Championship has seen vast amounts of money entering the league underscored by teams dropping out of the Premier League.

Once relegated many clubs continue to push boundaries, in the quest to return to the top flight.

Former European champions Nottingham Forest splashed out, spending approximately £28 million on players in 2018, paying £13 million for Joao Carvalho.

A further £12 million was spent on signing Lewis Grabban, El Arbi, Hillel Soudani and Tobias Figueiredo.

It was reported Stoke City players have earned in the region of £50,000 a week.

Benik Abofe, formerly of AFC Bournemouth, joined Stoke in a touted £13.5 million move.

Patrick Bamford and Barry Douglas joined Leeds United in the 2018-19 campaign. Bamford moved to Elland Road in a £7 million switch, touted as earning wages of £40,000 a week.

Championship clubs are desperate to gain promotion to the top flight, promotion alone worth a whopping £100m.

In the latest television deal Sky Sports and BT Sport were reportedly paying a combined £5 billion to broadcast Premier League football.

Parachute payments have offered a safety net to Premier League clubs, relegated to the Championship, receiving payments totalling around £65 million.

Swansea City, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion are amongst clubs who have benefited, after relegation to the Championship.

Montestan’s take ON BOWLS. Rink markings, the mat and jack Right ! back to the “T”. So that the latter means there can be a “T” 25 metres from the ditch or 23 metres from the 2 metre “T”. When the new carpet was put down at Vistabella the markings were strictly overseen by the Head Umpire and were the full ones as a laid out by the rules marked with broken lines ,but as before mentioned, with some

greens only the “T”s are marked and centring is done by sight.

The importance of the 23 metre marker will be seen when we go into the playing of the jack. At Vistabella there is another “T” positioned 4 metres from the 2 metre “T” on the centre line which is

B2.2 Marking 2 metres from each front ditch on the centre line of the rink Piece of suitable material Cross bar of a ‘T’

2 metres

2 metres

FRONT DITCH

2 metres

Trevor Hemmings: Not flinging money at signing players.

Back at Deepdale, where I reported for the national press for many seasons, a ceiling of £10,000 a week is touted as being in place. The average player pay, per annum in the Sky Bet Championship, is £325,000.

Prior to the coronavirus lockdown Leeds and West Brom were topping the table, with Fulham, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Preston in play off places.

Stoke and Huddersfield, both recent relegated clubs, find themselves three points off relegation into League One, with a plethora of former Premier League clubs hovering above and below.

purely arbitery and I will explain its function when we come to positioning of the jack next week.

The mat: the mat has its own rules though just for size 600 m.m. long and 360 m.m. wide. Usually made of a rubber/plastic material, the colour yellow or white as a base. And normally they match the colour of the jack.

The Jack: the rules state the jack must be a solid sphere (ball shaped) and either yellow or white and for outdoor synthetic or indoor greens must be between 63 and 67 m.m. in diameter and weigh from 382 to 453 grams. For outdoor non synthetic greens the weight and size are different.

Right ! Next week, now we have got all kit and markings covered, we will go into mat position and the delivery and positioning of the jack. Make sure you have a couple of beers to hand and let the cat out.

Vistabella Bowls Club is sponsored by: Venture Fleet Services, TV Choice, Oneway Services, Serenity Insurance, Carpet Heaven. The Winter league is sponsored by Laguna Tavern Entre Naranjos How about coming and have a go at bowling we would be pleased to see you. We can arrange a free session and lesson . You could get hooked it’s a fabulous game and a very sociable one you’ll meet lots of new friends.

Also bowlers are most welcome, we have a brand new green and are looking for new members.

Please contact: Club Captain - David Jenkins pacadasu@yahoo.com or Charlie Watkins charlieatpathways@yahoo.co.uk.

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'I think it would be very interesting to see in the future when all the science is done, to find out what relationship there is between the viruses that have circulated in Liverpool and the viruses that have circulated in Spain'.

By Andrew Atkinson THE DEBATE as to whether the Cheltenham Festival and the Champions League tie between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid should have gone ahead in March continues.

Monday 27th April - Sunday 3rd May, 2020

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Debates continue over Cheltenham Festival and Liverpool-Atletico Madrid Champions league tie amid COVID-19 pandemic

Public health experts are calling for an investigation - into whether the decision to allow racing at the Cheltenham Festival has lead to a rise in coronavirus cases, locally.

Gloucestershire hospitals NHS trust, covering Cheltenham, has recorded 125 deaths, according to figures compiled by the Health Service Journal.

Liverpool v Atletico Madrid.

A daily coronavirus press conference is taking place, and along with the Cheltenham Festival, the Champions League fixture between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid at Anfield in March has been flagged up.

Angela McLean, the government’s deputy chief scientific adviser, said there should be an investigation into the epidemiological consequences of the Liverpool and Atlético Madrid tie.

"I think it would be very interesting to see in the future when all the science is done, what relationship there is between the viruses that have circulated in Liverpool and the viruses that have circulated in Spain,” she said.

The Cheltenham Festival was staged during March 10-13, and attended by approximately 250,000 people over the four day meeting.

The coronavirus lockdown began on March 23.

Since, questions have been raised as to whether the UK should have acted sooner.

Cheltenham Festival organisers acted in liaison with Government advice - and were given the green light to go ahead.

Culture secretary, Oliver Dowden said: “The risk at mass gatherings was no greater or less, than it

Public Health experts call for investigation would have been in pubs or restaurants.

"The advice - at that point - was that we did not need to ban mass gatherings."

Councillors in Gloucestershire County Council are to ask public health officials further questions.

Paul Hodgkinson, the council’s Lib Dem group leader, said: “I think it is concerning. Gloucester and Cheltenham has been described as a hotspot in the south-west.

deaths is connected to the festival. We know anecdotally that some people who attended became ill.”

Sarah Scott, Gloucestershire’s director of public health, said there are many factors that could influence the number of cases in an area, including population density, age and health profile and the position of an area on the pandemic curve.

“I’ve asked the question why. I don’t think there is a definitive answer. There perhaps never can be.

"It is also not possible to make comparisons between hospital trusts across the region - as they all serve populations of differing size and characteristics,” said Scott.

"People are asking out loud whether the number of

People attending the Cheltenham Festival have

aired coronavirus symptoms - including Andrew Parker Bowles, former husband of the Duchess of Cornwall; comedian Lee Mack and footballer Charlie Austin.

David Hodgkiss, 71, Lancashire County Cricket Club chairman, died of COVID-19 in April.

There is no firm evidence to suggest David Hodgkiss, or any of the others caught coronavirus at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival.

Lack of community testing and tracing underlines, whether Cheltenham Festival taking place, contributed to the spread of coronavirus Covid-19, or not.

Galway summer festival cancelled due to coronavirus It may still prove possible to run the Galway Races behind closed doors MICHAEL MOLONEY, MOLONEY, General manager of Galway races has released a statement on behalf of Galway Race Committee, in relation to the Galway races 2020 summer Festival that has been cancelled, scheduled for July 27August 2.

"In the light of the evolving situation regarding Covid-19, for public health and safety reasons Galway Race Committee has reached the difficult but unavoidable decision that the 2020 Galway Races Summer Festival will not be able to take place as an event

open to the general public this year.

"We know this will be a huge disappointment for all our racegoers that attend year on year.

"It may prove possible to run the Galway Races behind closed doors, dependent on Government policy and the approval of Horse Racing Ireland and Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board.

"This would be for the benefit of the racing industry, our valued partners and our television audiences at home and

internationally.

"We are currently planning for this scenario and we will update you on progress as and when we can.

"For Customers who have already paid for admission tickets and corporate hospitality, Galway Race Committee would like to reassure all of our customers that we will be operating a full refund policy.

"While the teams at Galway Racecourse and Lydon House Catering will commence this process immediately please bear with us as our teams are operating remotely due to the current Government restrictions in place. We appreciate your patience while this is being carried out.

"We would like to sincerely thank you for your support and understanding during this

unpreceded time. Our thoughts are with all those affected as a result of Covid19. We offer our deepest gratitude to staff at the HSE, front line workers and members of our community nationwide

for their dedication and perseverance.

"We look forward to being able to welcome you all back to Ballybrit when it is safe to do so. For now, please look after yourselves and stay safe.”

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PREFERENTE STAR IN PREMIER LEAGUE RELEGATION BATTLE Unless you are a Watford fan you are unlikely to have heard of 29 year old Kiko Femenía, a product of the Hercules (Alicante) Preferente side who’s journey, via Barcelona, Real Madrid, Alcorcón and Alavés, saw him move to the Hornets on a free transfer in July 2017.

Signing for Palace in 2017

goal, so we have nine finals left to play for our fans,” he says.

He changed the formation, played Doucouré in a more advanced role and established Will Hughes as the base of the midfield, but Femenía believes the way the Head Coach has put smiles on faces and restored confidence has been the key.

After two seasons of regular first team football the full back was unfortunate to fall out of favour with manager, and fellow countryman, Javi Gracia, but following the Spaniard’s sacking and the arrival of Nigel Pearson, he has now seen a revival in his fortunes, re-establishing himself on the right side of the Watford defence.

The Alicante born player says he feels thoroughly at home in London, along with his wife and their 18 month old daughter, and now, with the arrival just prior to the travel ban of his mother, he is happy to be surrounded by a large family unit even though he spends a large part of his day at home.

“The news that we hear from Spain is that people are having a very bad time. Luckily, my whole family is fine and that is the most important thing," remarks the man from Alicante, before stressing the importance of following the recommendations of the authorities. “If we listen to what they say, this nightmare will end sooner."

"We all are safe at home, but here we can go for a walk and do a little sport. I know that in Spain everyone is in lockdown and you can’t do such things, so we are a little better off here in London," says Femenía, who is eagerly awaiting the day that he can get back into training and play games with his team Watford.

"We stopped training almost a month ago and although we had planned to return to work on 15 April, we now know that the break will continue until the middle of May."

FORMER PREFERENTE PLAYER KIKO FEMENÍA BACK IN PREMIER LEAGUE FAVOUR AT PALACE

“I think the biggest change is the belief we have in ourselves,” said the full-back, credited as being the 9th fastest player in the Premier League “I

think we had lost that a bit.”

“But now we need to win to escape relegation.

It’s not about looking at others and seeing whether they lost, won or drew – we need to be stronger and focus on ourselves and look to the game ahead as a chance to get three points.”

“As I said before, every game is a final and if we are to retain our position in the Premier League we have to treat every one of the remaining nine fixtures as such.”

The exherculano spends a large part of his day training at home. He has weights, an exercise bike and a multi gym, so he works hard on his fitness every day.

Femenía in Premier League action with Liverpool full back Andy Robertson

"The idea is to play again before the summer and be able to finish the Premier League competition. But right now everyone's health is the priority. I am not in favour of playing behind closed doors because the magic of football is to play with spectators, with your fans and as we are in a relegation dogfight with the likes of West Ham, Bournemouth and Villa those fans, particularly at home, make all the difference to us.”

Images Crystal Palace FC

Kiko Femenía credits Nigel Pearson with the turnaround that has seen the team lift itself out of the relegation zone, albeit by that single goal.

When the boss came to watch the home game with Crystal Palace we were nine points off safety going into the home game with Manchester United just before Christmas, but when he took over he gave us back our confidence and we took four wins and two draws in his first six games, moving us up the table to 17th.

“But the margin between ourselves and Bournemouth, the team below, is just a single

Mo Farah’s mentor, British athletics coach and Performance Director Neil Black dies, aged 60

Mo Farah's and mentor, Neil Black Image courtesy of:

By Andrew Atkinson Mo Farah's mentor, British athletics coach and Performance Director Neil Black, has died of natural causes aged 60, at his home, near Loughborough, Leicestershire.

“So many people have been in touch, it is clear to us how loved Neil was and this is bringing us some comfort at this time,” said Neil Black’s family in a statement.

A UK Athletics statement said: "We are shocked and saddened at the loss of our friend and former colleague Neil Black who passed away suddenly.

“Neil loved the sport of athletics and dedicated his life to supporting athletes as a world-class physiotherapist, as

head of sport science, and then in recent years as performance director for British Athletics.

"Neil will be hugely missed by those that knew and worked with him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Black faced criticism for supporting controversial US coach Alberto Salazar - banned for four years for doping offences in October.

He was also ridiculed for Britain’s five medals at the World Championships in Doha - their worst result since 2005.

Since leaving UKA, Black had been continuing to support a number of athletes and coaches as an advisor.

Sir Mo Farrah Twitter

him since I was 14 years old... Neil supported me all the way in my career since I was kid..!! My heart is broken..

I wouldn't be where I am today without Neil Black.. no one knew me like he did..!! We lost a great manBroken heart” Hannah England, world 1500m silver medallist was another athlete to pay tribute: "In 2012 I became an Olympian, a monumental moment and part of my life. “This was genuinely only possible because of the dedication from my physio at the time, Neil Black.

Mo Farah wrote on Twitter

"Neil put so much time in athletics and athletes and it’s heartbreaking to know he won’t be doing this again,”

“I have lost a good friend...! Known

Dina Asher-Smith, world 200m cham-

pion, said: “I really can’t believe it. He was a genuinely lovely, caring and kind-hearted man whose sense of

humour and positivity would light up a room. Rest in peace Neil, you’ll be dearly missed by all.”

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TORREVIEJA CF ARE APPEALING FOR CLUB MEMORABILIA

Torrevieja CF holding Major Exhibition to celebrate ‘Golden Anniversary’ in 2021

Although football has been played in the City for more than a hundred years, and at the beginning of the 20th century there are photographs showing evidence of the existence of Torrevieja CF, it was only in 1971 when the torrevejenses fans of football were unified by the same club logo, the same club name and the same home venue, at the Municipal Soccer stadium "Vicente García".

As such, next year, TORREVIEJA CF, will celebrate fifty years of uninterrupted history (1971-2021).

The new club first played in the 1971/72 season in the Second Regional Murciana Group 2.

Subsequent seasons saw it promoted to First Regional and Preferente Regional Murciana, until in 1978 it was finally elevated to the national category when promoted to Tercera, the Third Division. After ten years in the league, the club was promoted to Second Division B, where it played five consecutive seasons, leaving such good footballing memories among hundreds of local fans.

Also for fifteen seasons, the team played on several occasions in the Copa del Rey. It was also during that period when ‘The Torry Army’ came onto the scene. This was the International Supporters Club of CD Torrevieja which quickly gained recognition throughout Europe.

From its inception it just grew and grew, in line with the influx of expats to the Torrevieja area and although it has since diminished in numbers as the movement of ex-pats has reversed, during the glory days of the early millennium, the membership counted many thousands of supporters.

In the 2002–03 season, Restituto Marroquí (Tuto) was elected as club

Taken on 26 June 2005 the photo shows players Jules, Luisma and Jairo celebrating promotion to Tercera (Third Division) with members of the Torry Army following their 4-2 win over Saguntina. A crowd of over 5,000 supporters flocked through the turnstiles on that day. president by the local council. The manager was Croatian Vlado Macan, who took his squad of young, local players, to a mid-table finish.

In January 2003, at a meeting in the “Total Football Bar” owned by founder member Rob Palmer in the Urbanización San Luis, a group of mainly British fans met and established a supporters club. This group had been following the team all season (both home and away matches), and had helped to increase crowds at the ground from 100 or so to almost 5,000. The name chosen was “The Torry Army”, and the first president was Eduardo "Eddie" Cagigao.

While the Torry Army went from strength to strength the fortunes of

the club fared rather less well although it comfortably retained it’s Tercera status until it was eventually relegate to Preferente at the end of the 2016/17 campaign.

Playing performances were good, bad and indifferent, but what was always dominant in the club’s concerns was it’s financial situation which was never really adequate, particularly as support from the Torry Army diminished and the council subsidy reduced year on year, and it was largely it’s financial situation, together with poor management at board level, that led to it’s subsequent demise.

But there is still a great deal to celebrate and commemorate during that period and on the eve of the club’s 50th anniversary there are plans to

TRIVEA QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 14: 1. An aeolian harp (or æolian harp or wind harp) is a musical instrument that is "played" by the wind. It is driven by an aeroelastic effect. 2. a: blue and white, b: red and white, c: green and white, d. green and orange(red), e: red and white, f: green and white. 3.

Ed Miliband. 4. "Radar Love" from Golden Earring. 5.

Acadia (in the French language l'Acadie) was the name given to a colonial territory in northeastern

hold a “Commemorative Exhibition” in 2021.

At the moment the details are still to be agreed but the Club’s Social Department, which already has more than five hundred historical references, from photographs donated by fans, commemorative objects and newspaper articles from its newspaper archive, is adamant that it will go ahead.

As such it is appealing for new items of whatever nature, images, creations and memories, which it can add to the forthcoming “Commemorative Exhibition” in the future.

Fans who are interested in participating or contributing can do so by contacting mobile 670 335 199 or by email: tpfutbol1@gmail.com

North America that included parts of eastern Quebec, the Maritime provinces, and modern-day New England, stretching as far south as Philadelphia. 6. a: She rolled up her sleeves as she went on the win the Ladies Singles, beating Briton Dorothea Lambert Chambers in the final. 7. Cornelius Jacobszoon Drebbel (Alkmaar, Holland, 1572 - London, November 7, 1633) was the Dutch inventor of the first navigable submarine in 1620. 8. Acheron. The

SUDUKO SOLUTION Fr om page 14

Acheron is a river located in the Epirus region of northwest Greece. 9. Skin, liver, brain and lungs. 10.

Beaver (fur). 11. a: on Mars. 2. Star City is a highly restricted military facility northeast of Moscow. 13.

Devil. 14. Starvation. The Ukrainian famine (19321933), 6. American Sign Language (ASL). 16. The Pacific. 17. A drug lord. 18. India. 19. 1895, 20. Robin Hood (Robin Hood Airport Doncaster)

24

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