Costa Blanca Leader Edition 829

D O YOU WANT TO S E LL YOU R P R OP E RTY? NO SALE - NO FE E Tel: +3 4 617 537 8 6 6 No 829

Monday 24th - Sunday 30th August, 2020

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or email: property@spanishrivier ahomes.com

Keeping people safe and informed for over 16 years - The Costa Blanca’s oldest ‘FREE’ English language newspaper

Airlines offer 8,000 flights and 1.4 million seats in El Altet despite restrictions

T

he airlines that operate out of the AlicanteElche airport, since its reopening after the state of alarm, are offering this summer (between July and September) about 8,000 flights

and almost 1.4 million seats, despite the continuous restrictions such as quarantine in many countries for those who travel from Spain. These are figures that show the commitment of these companies to the

Costa Blanca, according to the Alicante Provincial Government.

Leading airlines such as Volotea, Air France, British Airways, Wizz Air, easyJet, Norwegian, Ryanair and KLM

have all opted, this summer, to launch more than a dozen new national and international routes into and out of Alicante-Elche airport.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE Alicante-Elche Airport ADVERTISING SALES

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London Heathrow, Vienna, Exeter, Dusseldorf, Amsterdam, Warsaw and Luxembourg are just some of the new destinations that connect with the province of Alicante through these airlines.

The director of the Costa Blanca Board of Trustees, JosĂŠ Mancebo, has said in a statement these connections "show the potential, attractiveness and tourist strength of our region", adding that "the municipalities and the sector have made a great effort to reinvent themselves, face the future with positivity and adapt their services to the safety and hygiene protocols that COVID-19 now requires.

All this work is beginning to bear fruit through the trust that these partner airlines are placing in us".

Among the main draws is the new British Airways link that, for the first time, connects the province with London’s Heathrow terminal, which has been motivated by the increase in British people who are buying a home on the Costa Blanca, the reintroduction by KLM of the summer route to Amsterdam, with an average of four weekly journeys, 18,406 seats and 106 flights, or the introduction of a flight with the Polish city of Warsaw, operated by the Polish Airline LOT. "Despite the difficult situation we are going

Parish of Heredades *Rojales Musical Union parade the empty streets of Rojales and Almoradi in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary and San Roque The August festivities of the Parish of Heredades should have been celebrated, in

By Andrew Atkinson

through, the Alicante-Elche airport is one of the best positioned airports internationally. Proof of this is the high percentage of scheduled flights that companies are maintaining, between seventy and eighty percent", Mancebo said.

Since the coronavirus crisis began, the Alicante Provincial Council has developed many different initiatives and promotional campaigns aimed at reactivating the flow of visitors, and accelerating the recovery of the sector by publicising the territory as a safe destination, the institution highlights in the statement.

"Among other actions, we have met with companies, groups and associations to establish strategies in order to promote and work on a plan to stop the recession, we have approved an initial aid package amounting to half a million euros, in collaboration with the Generalitat Valenciana, and we have carried out he requirements of the Government of Spain in the line of prolonging the ERTEs due to the force majeure, and also proposing a 'fiscal summer' that reduces the tax pressure in 2020", explained Mancebo.

"Although it is too early to make forecasts, there are signs that the confidence of the airlines at Alicante-Elche airport will continue in the coming months.

But regardless of their current plans, of course, we must be aware that the situation will be conditioned by the evolution of the pandemic," he concluded. honour of Our Lady of the Rosary and San Roque on August 15, with hundreds of people in attendance, cancelled due to the coronavirus situation.

However, masked La Lira de Rojales Musical Union gave a parade through the empty streets of the district of Rojales and Almoradi in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary and San Roque.

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Monday 24th - Sunday 30th August, 2020 If there are changes to the protocol at the meeting the reopening of schools may have to be delayed in order to put them in place

New doubts on school return date Moncloa will hold a conference of regional presidents to address the issue one week before children are due to return to school.

The Government feels that the 2020-2021 school year will not start as planned. The impossibility of guaranteeing all security measures in the midst of a wave of further outbreaks and the lack of consensus between the Autonomous Communities and the Ministry of Health, will make it difficult for children to return to the classroom, almost 6 months after being sent home.

Prime Minister, Pedro Sรกnchez, will hold a conference of regional presidents at the end of the month to exclusively address such educational issues. Sources from Moncloa point out that this meeting could be held on 27 or 28 of this month, with schools scheduled to reopen just a week later. Thus, it will not be possible to put into practice any of the decisions that are agreed at the meeting cannot for at least a further two weeks.

Although the National Ministries decide the rules, it is the Autonomous Communities which are in charge of managing education. They have been working for days on different action plans

although, in some cases, as in Catalonia, the Ministry of Health and teachers complain that they have not been consulted about the protocol.

As such, according to government sources, it is more likely that children will return either the second or third week of September, by which time security measures and distances should be guaranteed.

This will mean the use of other areas, such as the gymnasium or multipurpose rooms as classrooms, as well as the division of lessons by time slots, so that students do not meet during the school day.

The Autonomous Communities and the Ministry of Education, led by the Isabel Celaรก, have been discussing the matter for weeks together with the Ministry of Health, which, since it is a health issue, will have the last word on authorising the return of children to school activities.

Another issue that the Ministry of Education will propose is the hiring of more teachers and educational personnel to cover all the hours that children will be in the schools and colleges.

But the final decision will be with the Autonomous Communities.

Beyond the restrictions that the Ministry of Health may impose, in the fight against the pandemic, the Education departments of the different autonomies will carry out the planning as well as adopting the necessary measures so that the beginning of the academic year is can get underway as soon as possible without incident.

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Torrevieja records 73 PCR positive cases of Covid-19 in the last 14 days The municipality of Torrevieja has reported 73 positive cases of covid19 confirmed through PCR test in the last two weeks, according to official data provided by the Ministry of Health.

The number of total PCR positives has risen to 414 since the pandemic began and the number of deaths remains at 40, the last death being on May 26.

This week a second outbreak was reported in the city with three positive cases of social origin.

Opera season extended by a week The season of Opera that is currently being enjoyed by residents of the Orihuela Costa has been extended by a further week and will now end on 26 August with a performance of Tosca by Giacomo Puccini.

This was the opera that was cancelled during week one of the festival because of high winds.

Screening the best from ‘Teatro Real’ the event will continue this coming Wednesday with Verdi’s Aida. All performances take place on the Flamenca Beach Promenade starting at 8.30pm.

Rojales to invest 1.5m euro in infrastructure

By Andrew Atkinson Rojales City Council has requested within the investment of €1.5million a financing plan in infrastructures of the provincial council.

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Happy Children and Needy Families We recently met a lovely, selfless lady who works tirelessly to help children and families in need. She runs a charity based in Benijofar called Happy Children.

The shop is rammed full with items donated, but at the moment, probably due to this wretched virus, she lacks customers.

The scheduled plan for 2020-2023 proposes the remodelling works of the roof and stalls of the Capitol Theatre, redevelopment of Justo Quesada Avenue, and the remodelling of the changing rooms of the Heredades sports centre.

She actually gives away clothing and other items, such as bedding and kitchenalia to needy families. They simply have to turn up and ask and she gives them a black bin bag to fill with things they need.

A budget of almost 1.5 million euros has been contributed by the provincial and local administrations.

Sunley’s Bar hold a quiz every Wednesday and all the proceeds are donated to charities.

As well as funds raised by selling to the general public, she subsidises the upkeep of the shop from her pension.

The Councillor for Public Works and Services, Jesús Martínez, said that the works will have a direct impact on residents, by improving infrastructure and buildings, related to culture, sports and traffic.

The first action that the local administration intends to carry out is the Capitol Theatre, built in the middle of the last century and which presents notable flaws, related to the passage of time and use of its facilities. The councillor emphasizes that it is about acting in one of the most used socio-cultural properties in the municipality, where annually hundreds of events are watched by thousands of people.

"Our interest is so that this building meets the most appropriate conditions for its use, and indicates the works and services," said Jesus Martinez.

"The action on Avenida Justo Quesada is very necessary, since it is one of the urban areas

most used by road traffic and also by people when practicing some kind of sport," he added.

"Due to the damage to the road we intend to redevelop the area by improving the asphalt and sidewalks, which complements the action already carried out in its route closest to the urban area," said Jesús Martínez.

He referred to the project that affects the district of Heredades consisting of the total renovation of the changing rooms of the sports centre: "The passing of years and the new regulations lead us to invest public funds in this action of use and enjoyment of our fellow citizens of the district," said Jesus Martinez.

We chose Happy Children as our beneficiary this month and we were delighted to hand over 200€ this week which we are sure will be put to good use, but what they also need is people to go and visit and buy some of the lovely stuff in the shop, so please, go and spend a few euros to support this great cause.

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Mobility scooter causes traffic chaos on motorway

New vehicle boost for Orihuela Police The Orihuela local police have now received 5 of the 8 new vehicles they have contracted for the next four years with the balance due delivery in the coming days.

All vehicles, as was the case previously, in addition to police equipment, will carry a defibrillator. The 4 motorcycles are all “BMW GS” model.

In addition there are 4 new motorcycles also to be added to the fleet which will bring the total contractual cost to 578,000 euros.

Mayor Emilio Bascuñana said that "our objective is to continue providing better resources to the Local Police, as we did in the previous legislature, and as we continue to do in this.

The 8 vehicles are all the “Seat Ateca” model, automatic (150 hp) and are fitted with the latest technological equipment, incorporating a dash cam (camera recording towards the front), and a new logo which also incorporates details of the police social networks.

It is essential that our agents can perform their role in the best possible way, especially in the circumstances that we are currently experiencing."

Delivery of 8 new Seat Ateca cars and 4 BMW motorcycles

Eric Clapton’s Ferrari for sale Eric Clapton’s Ferrari 599 is now for sale on Auto Trader The legendary musician’s Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1 could be yours for £89,900

A man who drove his mobility scooter on a bustling Spanish motorway caused traffic chaos and had to be escorted out of a four-lane tunnel by police.

Dashcam video shared online shows the 88 year old scooter hoon driving in one lane of a bustling motorway inside the Julio Luengo tunnel, in Las Palmas.

The video, shared online by the Gran Canaria Council, shows the man slowly making his way down the left-hand lane of the tunnel as cars carefully pass him.

The man had to be escorted out of the tunnel by police and council services.

Mobility scooters and pedestrians are not allowed in the tunnel, but it’s not clear if the man was charged by police.

Brittany Ferries lays up ships after drop in demand’

IT SEEMS legendary blues guitarist, Eric Clapton has been busy selling off his car collection recently, with not one but two of his cars recently making the rounds on Auto Trader, the UK’s largest digital marketplace for new and used cars.

His Lamborghini Superleggera has already been snapped up for a rumoured £125,000, whilst his Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1 is still up for grabs on the site for £89,900 from car dealer, GVE London.

Since reaching superstardom, Eric Clapton, also known by his stage name ‘Slowhand”, has shown a fixation on supercars, with a particular penchant for Ferraris. It may be ironic that Slowhand loves cars that

The legendary musician’s Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1 could be yours for £89,900 are so fast, but this hasn’t stopped the rocker from amassing a covetable collection.

He’s rumoured to have had more than ten Ferraris over the years, with many of them used as inspiration for his songs, and some even gifted to him by friend and fellow musician, The Beatles’ George Harrison.

The Ferrari 599 F1 is one of Clapton’s most desirable cars (although he has said in the past he prefers the 612 Scaglietti, an opinion many Ferrari enthusiasts would disagree with).

It has a beautiful contrasting Nero Daytona Black exterior on Castoror Light Brown interior with a BOSE HiFi System installed – all the better for rocking out to. The sleek Ferrari also has monolithic 20” allows, the renowned Scuderia Ferrari shields and a 6l V12 engine. It can go 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and has a

top speed of 205mph.

Auto Trader’s YouTube Director, Rory Reid says: “The legend that is Eric Clapton is renowned for his classic car collection – after his music career of course – and it’s well known how much he loves his Ferraris.

He’s even made use of Ferrari’s secretive One-Off Programme in the past for a reported £3million, so you know he’s not messing around!

“This particular Ferrari 599 is stunning and so wellmaintained. The fact it received Eric Clapton’s seal of approval before being sold on makes it that much more special. For a blues lover, who also has the money for it, this is a perfect buy on Auto Trader.”

For other celebrity cars, visit www.autotrader.co.uk/content/collections/celebrity-cars.

Brittany Ferries is laying up ships and reduce services in the wake of new quarantine measures. The crossChannel ferry operator says the first changes will come into force from the end of August.

Anyone returning from France must self-isolate for 14 days. The measures led to a mass exodus from some European ports and airports, as Brits hoped to beat the deadline.

The company carries around 2.6 million customers in a normal year – 85 percent of which are British.

The company has now confirmed that it is changing its schedule and taking three ships out of service.

Around 50,000 passengers with existing books are affected by the changes.

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Castilla-La Mancha to close brothels due to Covid-19 pandemic Castilla-La Mancha, which has the most number of brothels in Spain, will close these venues to curb risk of Covid-19 outbreaks.

This comes after Health Minister Salvador IIla said that brothels pose a risk just as much as discos, bars and other nightlife venues that have been closed across the country. Illa had also urged the regions to shut down brothels to reduce risk of exposure to the virus.

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From Guardiola to King Juan Carlos - Connections of the UAE’s Sheikh Mansour

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Parents and teachers urge Valencia to hire school nurses Parent unions and teachers in Valencia have demanded that a nurse should be appointed in each school in the region when they reopen in September.

Parents, who are unwilling to send their children to school amid the pandemic, have said that a trained nurse who can detect Covid-19 symptoms and help contain the contagion if there's an outbreak at school.

Over the years Pep Guardioli and the Sheikh have become firm friends

Research suggests children are silent spreaders of Covid19 A study by the researchers of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Mass General Hospital for Children (MGHfC) has provided data showing that children play a big role in the community spread of Covid-19 than previously thought.

The researchers said that children are not likely to become seriously ill compared to adults but they can spread infection and bring the virus into their homes.

Govt and social agents to meet on 4 September to negotiate ERTE Govt, employers and unions will meet again on 4 September to discuss a new extension of ERIE. The meeting will take place in Palma de Mallorca.

It will be attended by Minister of Labor, Yolanda Diaz, and Head of Social Security, Jose Luis Escriva, and President of CEOE, Antonio Garamendi, and union representatives. The current ERTE ends, in principle, on 30 September

Russia to test Covid-19 vaccine, on 40,000 people Russia said its Covid-19 vaccine, the first to be registered worldwide, will be tested on 40,000 people from next week.

Scientists and WHO said the vaccine still needs a safety review before being tested on humans.

Russia is expected to start mass vaccination in October and the first foreign deliveries in November or December as it claims over 20 countries have requested to buy the vaccines.

The Manchester City owner is extremely rich, discreet and well connected, representing the new generation of Emirati leaders Young, immensely wealthy, and with an exceptional network of international contacts that ranges from former President Barack Obama to King Emeritus Juan Carlos. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan is one of the men who pulls the strings in international finance.

But far from the ostentation of other tycoons, Sheikh Mansour is discreet, very private and a man of few public words.

One of his most prized possessions is Manchester City, which he bought in 2008 for 150 million pounds. From day one he won the support of City fans.

Noel Gallagher, from the pop band Oasis, welcomed the purchase: “At last our prince has arrived. After 40 years of misery, my lifelong loyalty to this team will finally pay off. " Manchester City has cost him an average of 400 million season on season, and he is determined to build on its success.

He fired the first president of his era, Al Fahim, and took on Pep Guardiola as coach during the 2016-2017 season.

Although the club has just been eliminated from the European Cup by Olympique Lyonnais, it is still a project that he holds close to his heart.

“In Abu Dhabi, heritage and culture are inherent in our values ??and our way of life. I think it is the same that happens in Manchester, “said Sheikh Mansour in one of his few public statements.

The Sheikh also owns other football clubs through his City Football Group, including Melbourne City CF and New York City FC. It has investments in the Yokohama F. Marinos of Japan, the Club Atletico Torque of Uruguay and Girona.

Born in 1970, he is the 11th child of the founder of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed, who had 19 children. His half-brother, Jalifa, is the president of the country, although since 2014, when he suffered a

stroke, he has been kept very much in the background. The de facto ruler is currently Mohamed bin Zayed, the emir of Abu Dhabi, also a brother. He is the most powerful King Juan Carlos has attended man on the a number of Man City matches Arabian Peninsula and has just sponsors races across the world. The opened relations with Israel, in a move Emir of Dubai owns Goldophin, one of that has outraged Iran. the best stables in the world.

Sheikh Mansour is also related to the Emir of Dubai, Mohamed bin Rashid al Maktoum, his father-in-law since 2005.

The marriage strengthened the bond between the two main emirates of the Gulf. He has a son from his first wife and three others from his second, who is an active figure in Emirati society. They are both very fond of art, and great owners of many international paintings.

For Sheikh Mansour it is essential to strengthen this federation. He is one of the few from Abu Dhabi to sport a Dubai-style beard, a sign of his unifying ways..

Sheik Mansour also owns Mudabala, a global investment company that has bought half of Mina de Aguas Teñidas in Huelva. This sovereign fund has 600,000 million to invest in the world.

He is president of the International Petroleum Investment Company fund, which controls one hundred percent of the Spanish oil company Cepsa, with two refineries in Huelva and Algeciras.

He is also chairman of the Ministerial Council for Services, the Emirates Investment Authority and the Emirates Racing Authority.

His company has also invested in Virgin Galactic (280 million dollars in 2009, 32% of the company). It is a company that is part of Richard Branson's Virgin Group, which plans to conduct manned suborbital space flights.

He has a stake in Daimler, and as a great horse lover, a passion he shares with his father-in-law, the Emir of Dubai, he

Madrid will not have all students returning to schools when they reopen Madrid is not going to have all students return to classrooms in September but will instead opt for a "blended mode" to reduce chances of Covid-19 outbreaks.

According to the government of Madrid, the younger students will be going to school to attend classes while the older pupils will combine face-to-face teaching with online classes.

Like many Arab millionaires, he is in love with Spain where he has a 8,300hectare farm in Valencia de las Torres, a town in Badajoz. He bought it for more than 50 million euros from the MoraFigueroa Domecq family.

Masks may be made mandatory among students when schools reopen

The farm, called Quintos de San Martín, was the venue where King Juan Carlos carried out much of his hunting. The sheikh bought the land to create a farm dedicated to the breeding and export of lamb and mutton, slaughtered according to the halal rite, the only method allowed by Islam.

The Health Ministry might make masks compulsory in schools when they reopen in September. As per the protocol proposed by various Spanish regions, masks have not been made mandatory among students yet.

However, the regulation for the same will be determined in a series of meetings that will take place in the upcoming weeks. Masks will be made compulsory if regions unanimously agree.

Together with his brothers, he owns the largest yacht in the world, the Azzam, 180 metres long, which has been seen this summer off the coast of Cadiz. The Azzam has an explosive-proof suite as well as a missile defence system.

Of the Emirati court, Sheik Mansour is the closest to King Juan Carlos, who has been in the Emirates since August 3, now confirmed by the Royal Household.

The King Emeritus has always emphasised the great friendship that united him to the young sheikh.

Sheikh Mansoor is one of the most prominent figures in the new generation of Emirati leaders. He seems like the logical replacement for his brother, the President and Emir of Abu Dhabi, and his father-in-law, the Emir of Dubai. But he is still a relatively young man with a future that still has a long time to go.

Families warn that their children will not go to school in Sept Thousands of families in Spain are refusing to send their children back to classrooms when schools reopen in September.

Even as communities propose protocols for schools and students, parent unions are staging protests and rebelling against the Education Ministry's recommendation to get children back to school. According to most parents, sending their kids to school could expose them to Covid-19.

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Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day in Alicante Alicante Royal British Legion commemorate the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day and Armed Forces Day

O

n a lovely Summers day with temperatures hitting 32o Branch Members and guests gathered at The International Club in El Campello for the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day and a belated AFD Celebrations.

During the poem Flanders Fields four Poppy Wreathes were laid, the District North Spain Chairman Mr Don Cubbon laid a Poppy Wreath on behalf of all Branches, in District North, which was followed by Mr Ian Price, the ViceChairman of Alicante Branch followed by Mrs Lyn Cubbon on behalf of Gandia Branch followed by Mrs Gillian Hovell the President of The International Club.

The Parade of Standards proceeded, with the Branch Chairman Mr Jack Kemp carrying the Union Flag, his wife Mary Lou carrying the Spanish National Flag, the Branch Secretary Mr John Pratt carrying the Branch Standard.

The Act of Homage Dip for the Last Post, 2 Minutes Silence and Reveille which was followed by the UK and Spanish National Anthems.

After the Parade of Standards Jack and Mary Lou were presented with a fabulous Poppy Print given by one of the families that Jack and Mary supported as BCS Members during the Covid 19 Pandemic, I would like to say thank you very

much to Jill, Tony and Margaret.

After the ceremonial side of the event the Branch Members and guests enjoyed a BBQ and themed music provided by one of our Members Mr Terry Sandford.

I would just like to thank those involved in making the day so special and the Members and guests for attending and making it an enjoyable day.

Meanwhile, in UK, the Royal British Legion held a commemoration at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day. The commemoration was centred around the Act of Remembrance.

It was broadcast on BBC TV and included veteran testimonies and music from military musicians as well as wreath-laying activities at several of the relevant memorials and artefacts linked to the World War Two campaign in the FarEast.

The royal family led the UK's commemorations with Prince Charles leading a two-minute silence at The prime minister also spoke at the event.

Later, in a TV address, Prince William urged the public "to learn the lessons of the past".

And a message from the Queen thanked those "who fought so valiantly".

She said: "Those of us who remember the conclusion of the Far East campaign, whether on active service overseas, or waiting for news at home, will never forget the jubilant scenes and overwhelming sense of relief."

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Saving up to die.…

“As long as I have enough money to bury me, I don’t care”, is a sentiment often expressed by old people in this country.

I used think that this fear of not leaving enough for the funeral was a peculiarly Irish thing – perhaps dating back to the stigma of being buried in a pauper’s grave.

Even from my youngest day I could never understand this anxiety – to me it does not matter.

Whilst it is my wish and stated intention to be buried among my own people, if a fortune-teller told me that after my death there would not be enough money to bury me, I could live with that.

You see, I know someone would bury me for nothing - eventually.

Even though this will come as a shock to my adoring fans, after a few days dead there would be a ‘whiff’ off me, another couple of days and there would be a ‘pong’: We will leave it at that, but I guarantee you that after another day or so someone would bury me for nothing.

Like I said, I thought that worrying about the cost of one’s own funeral was only in Ireland, but I have observed that this is far from being the case.

Paying for your own funeral in advance is becoming more common in the UK. Sometimes the person pays a lump sum, but more often they pay instalments or some type of funeral insurance policy.

The wording of advertisements for these policies strikes me as being the saddest aspect. They talk of keeping up with inflation between now and your death.

Some include cremation fees, plot and church service; others don’t. The wordings on some such advertisements which I’ve come across in Spain are hilarious as well as sad and we will come back

to those in a moment.

Perhaps the reasons that more people are organising their own funeral is because the family unit has become so fragmented and more people are reaching retirement age in a state of debt – four times more than a decade ago. I like to think that this situation is not as bad in Ireland.

A study by “Help the Aged” and Barclay’s Bank in England found that a quarter of people approaching retirement age have ‘outstanding consumer credit commitments’ – a nice way for saying they owe money.

It is mostly this unfortunate group which is targeted by funeral planners. Again, I say ‘forget it’ – don’t worry about death; only the living need money, so spend the few bob on yourself now!

I have come across some not-well-off elderly expats living in Spain. They came to Spain when the cost of living there was really cheap.

Now, their fixed pension does not stretch as far as it used to and this has spawned dozens of funeral plan advertisements appearing in the local newspapers.

The banner heading of many of these ads are pathetic as well as funny; “SORT OUT THE COST OF YOUR FUNERAL AND YOU NEED NEVER WORRY AGAIN”.

“WE ONLY USE FUNERAL DIRECTORS WHO ARE FLUENT IN ENGLISH.” Ah now, isn’t that reassuring? If someone makes a mistake and you’re not really dead, the undertaker

Tropical water lilies favourite

favourite flowers of Spanish gardeners, be it in

flowers of Spanish gardeners

hotels or gardens, a water feature or pond is

Surprisingly, tropical water lilies are one of the

likely to have some kind of water lily feature.

I can picture the scene; the Spaniard comes in again the next morning and addresses the English corpse on the marble slab: (In Spanish, of course, – which he wouldn’t understand if he was alive) “Senor; because you had no money to bury yourself yesterday, it will now cost you another hundred Euro!” I say to Mathew on the marble; hang tight Mate, a week on that slab in the heat of Spain and it won’t cost you a red cent!

It is the last question which gave me immeasurable hope for my options when my time comes. I like it!!

Think about it and no, I did not make it up; these are taken from real advertisements.

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Another ‘Funeral Planner’ uses scare mongering to encourage you to bank on a Brit to bury you.

This is his sales pitch: “Spanish funeral directors can hold onto the body and charge you for every day the funeral is delayed.”

All the questions relate as to why this plan is the best deal for any man faced with the prospect of going down.

“WHEN YOU REACH OLD AGE YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO LOOK FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE TO THE FUTURE.”

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will understand you if you ask to get out of the coffin!

But there is one such advertisement which caught my eye and caused a second glance. It is formulated in a series of questions set to reassure the prospective corpse.

Can you beat that...? In one stroke of a pen you sign away all worry for the rest of your life!

Garden Felix - Tropical Water Lilies

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If I am to hire a funeral director in Spain I shall definitely go with this outfit, because their last question simply asked; “WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND?”..........!!

The water lily brings a real glamorous vibe to any habitat and can do wonders for ecology of an area, the white, pink, yellow, purple, blue, and red flowers providing shade.

Many water lilies in Spain only grow in a pink variety, with the large flowers growing up to 13 inches across, fragrant and borne on stems rising above the water.

The flowers stay open later in the day, than the hardy water lilies, and also bloom later into the season. Tropical lilies can easily be distinguished from hardy water lilies, in that the leaves are serrated or jagged.

Tropical lilies come in day blooming and night blooming varieties; day blooming varieties open several hours after sunrise and stay open until several hours before sunset; night blooming varieties will open an hour or two before sunset and remain open, as late as noon on a cloudy day.

For best performance, plant tropical water lilies in at least a two gallon or larger plant container, with a generous amount of heavy garden soil, and maintain the water temperature at approximately 60 degrees.

Fertilise monthly, to reach maximum blooming potential.

Don’t Forget.

Don’t die until you are dead.

Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com *Author, entrepreneur and newspaper columnist, Bernie Comaskey, now spends most of his time on a farm in Ireland; but he retains his strong links with the Costa Blanca.

Bernie has published four books; ‘If Ever a Man Suffered’, ‘The Best of Bernie’, ‘The Team’, and ‘Just Between Ourselves’. Bernie’s books are available at half price, on sale from ‘The Leader.’ Call 637 227 385 for info.

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40% of new viruscases in Torrevieja imported

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Monday 24th - Sunday 30th August, 2020

This is as a result of the influx of tourists, coinciding with the summer season, where thousands of residents who have their home on the coast, in Torrevieja, Guardamar, Pilar de la Horadada and Orihuela Costa, are spending the summer months in these towns.

The Torrevieja Health Department provides health care to some 180,000 inhabitants in the municipalities of San Fulgencio, Rojales, Formentera del Segura, BenijĂłfar, Rojales, Guardamar del Segura, Los Montesinos, San Miguel de Salinas, Pilar de la Horadada, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, the Oriolana district of Torremendo and the macro-urbanization of Entrenaranjos, also in Orihuela. Although the foreign resident population is much

11

Torrevieja lagoon affected in Gota Fria recovering to it’s natural pink colour

Most case come from Madrid, the Basque Country, Murcia and Castilla-La Mancha

Torrevieja’s International singing star Shani Ormiston dipping her toes in the lagoon Image Twitter

Torrevieja University Hospital serves 11 municipalities in the Vega Baja. One out of every four PCR tests is carried out on people from outside the Valencian Community.

40% of all positive cases of coronavirus detected in recent weeks in the Torrevieja Health Authority are of people from outside the Valencian Community while 25% of the tests to detect coronavirus are also being carried out on patients from other autonomous communities.

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smaller this summer in the Vega Baja, due to the pandemic and the restrictions of several countries, national tourism is just as busy as ever, tripling the population on the coast.

It is among this group of national residents that a large number of positive cases have been detected through PCR tests, in the most case from Madrid, the Basque Country, Murcia and Castilla-La Mancha, the autonomous communities from which the largest number of national residential tourism comes.

In the last 14 days, with figures confirmed yesterday by the Ministry of Health, there are a total of 52 positive cases for coronavirus in the Torrevieja Health Department, which has registered a total of 59 deaths since the pandemic began.

Although the cases increased at the beginning of the summer, the situation now is

currently more normal. The current infection rate is lower than it was two weeks ago. Most of the cases detected are mild or asymptomatic, in fact there is only one person currently admitted in the Torrevieja Hospital.

In the case of the Torrevieja Health Department, where there is a large elderly resident population, both local and foreign, the average age of infection is higher than the national average. Currently the average age in Spain of people infected by Covid19 has dropped to 39 years, but in the 11 municipalities of the Torrevieja health department it is 61 years.

The Torrevieja Health Department now holds fortnightly meetings with the mayors and councillors of Health of the towns it serves, where it provides detailed information on the incidence of the coronavirus in the area.

By Andrew Atkinson The Torrevieja lagoon that was affected from the Gota Fria rains last year is making an ongoing recovery back to the natural pink colour.

Concerns arose following the heavy rainfall in September 2019 and in January, that caused an evident change in colour, as a result of the contribution of fresh water and the proliferation of algae.

With the hot temperatures during July and August it has seen an increase in salinity of the lagoon, with algae reducing and microorganisms that favour the characteristic pink colour, returning.

Angel Ardao Herrera from Guardamar said: "As of September onwards we already know at least I am sure that it will be like last year, in terms of damages. I am very afraid that it will be even worse, because the sea temperature is higher than the past, therefore we should prepare for something similar."

14

Monday 24th - Sunday 30th August, 2020

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 828

ACROSS 6.

Direct (7)

7.

Cherub (5)

9.

Ovum (3)

10.

Perfect (9)

12.

Exorbitant (11)

15.

Meat-eating (11)

17.

Give in (9)

19.

Intelligence (3)

21.

Togetherness (5)

22.

Criminal (7)

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 20

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

8.

11.

13.

14.

16.

18.

20.

Branch (5) Pig-pen (3) Settee (4) Similar (9) Rustic (7) Splinter (6) Clear (9) Gorge (6) Slander (7) Sprite (5) Wicked (4) Cunning (3)

QUICK ACROSS: Across: 7 Imperceptible; 8 Bewilder; 9 Keep; 10 Gifted; 12 Detail; 14 Series; 16 Climax; 18 Waif; 20 Rapacity; 22 Corroboration.

DOWN: 1 Imbecile; 2 Depict; 3 Acid; 4 Sporadic; 5 Ticket; 6 Clue; 11 Describe; 13 Inaction; 15 Infirm; 17 Incite; 19 Agog; 21 Pore.

C RY P T I C A c r o s s : 7 Smack one's lips; 8 Ill-treat; 9 Itch; 10 Divers; 12 Wagers; 14 Answer; 16 Dynamo; 18 Mars; 20 Numerous; 22 Sit on the fence.

DOWN: 1 Emulsion; 2 Scathe; 3 Sore; 4 Bestowed; 5 Flying; 6 Epic; 11 Serenity; 13 Rum punch; 15 Wisdom; 17 Nursed; 19 Amid; 21 Meek.

ACROSS 6. Observes the wrong section (7) 7.

Kind of key army officer (5)

9 and 19Ac. Route for those who take flight (6) 10. Torn material given some value (9) 12. Go quickly to get insured, as hunted ones do (3,3,5) 15. So party line is amended by an individual character (11) 17. Sluggish game that eventually produces an explosive conclusion (4-5) 19. See 9 Across.

21. Fuels are if uncontrolled (5) 22. Charges a levy, we hear (7)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. Who is the most searched for person on Google so far in 2020?

2. A 'blessing' is the collective noun given to which fabled creature?

3. What is the defining characteristic of someone who suffers from Hypertrichosis?

4. Which enchanting role have both Edmund Gwenn and Richard Attenborough played in film?

5. For those of you with a sweet tooth, what are the two typical ingredients in 'Ganache'?

6. The following line is from which film? "Charging a man with murder in this place was like handing out speeding tickets at the Indy 500" 7. Which male tennis player reached the finals of every US Open between 1982 and 1989?

8. What is a 'dendroglyph'?

9. James Bond's mother Monique Delacroix was born in which country? a. Switzerland, b. Canada, c. France 10. The following words are from which Christmas songs? a. Here we are as in olden days; happy golden days of yore. b. Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow will find it hard to sleep tonight. c. The mood is right, the spirit's up. d. With a note saying 'I love you' I meant it. e. But instead it just kept raining, a veil of tears for the virgin's birth 11. The Pacific Islands are usually divided into three enthnogeographic groupings. Can you name them?

12. Name the artist who painted each of the following works of art. a.

DOWN 1. Drenches the timber in the ship (5) 2 and 20Dn. Game requiring a light touch with a whip (3-3) 3. Guided by a consort of Zeus (4) 4. More than one idler has a bet when a boxing-match is seen inside ... (9) 5. ... but we still keep flapping around! (7) 8 and 16Dn. Gas containers (6,5) 11. The sort of toil a man does in his estimation? (5-4) 13. One is found in last piece of decoration on the gable (6) 14. Rich water supply not working (4-3) 16. See 8 Down 18. To adduce as proof in one sense, by the sound of it (4) 20. See 2 Down.

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 0 ) The Starry Night (1889), b. Primavera (1477-78), c. Garden of Delights (1505-1510), d. Snow Storm-Steam Boat off a Harbour's Mouth (1842) 13. The first found remains of an Australopithecus afarensis are better known as what?

14. David Helfgott is the central character in which critically acclaimed film?

15. What do each of the following acronyms stand for? a. Scuba, b.

JPEG, c. POTUS, d. Taser 16. Starkey, Ed Teynte, Bill Jukes, Cecco, Noodler and William Slank all lend which man a hand?

17. Of the chemical elements of the Periodic Chart, what is the minimum number of symbols it takes to correctly spell the Capital of Iran?

18. Which so called profession made Matthew Hopkins (ca. 1620-1647) famous and infamous in 17th century England?

19. With the aid of the following lyrics, name the girl in each song. a.

Jubilation, she loves me again. b. She's got it, yeah baby she's got it. c. She's just a girl who claims I am the one. d. She just can't be chained to a life where nothings gained. e. She is like a cat in the dark and then she is the darkness 20. In which language do each of the following mean 'Thank you'? a.

Dank je. b. Komapsumnida (Ko map sum nee da). c. Gratiam habeo. d.

Efcharisto

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15

reserved the same space dates and time. Which would mean we are now overbooked and the need to cancel the reservation we had made with the other enquirer.

They also set up a points system so clients would fill in a form after their break and mark a score out of 10 for different facilities.

Holiday Villas

‘Four in a Bed’ and similar programmes are all teaching visitors to look for problems

Holiday Villas are a great way to enjoy a holiday away from the crowds with your own space, selfcatering, eating when you wish and what you wish.

However, we must have been good at it as we enjoyed exceptionally high marks on Booking.com’s table.

The industry has evolved in the last twenty years, when we first started letting, to find guests was by word of mouth by family and friends, or an advert in the classified columns of newspapers.

Originally it was very friendly and we were happy to be the Host to our visitors in a sociable but professional way. Living next door to our holiday home we were able to entertain guests with a glass or two in the evening.

We would also be invited to join them at dinner, especially when it was their last evening and as a way of saying ‘goodbye.’ They would say “Thank you, for allowing us to use your lovely home,” often with some small present, a bunch of flowers, maybe a vase or a funny sign to hang on the wall.

To this day such items are littered around the property.

Also, likewise if we had a special occasion to celebrate, we would invite them along.

‘Holiday Lettings’ was the first agent we agreed for them to sell the delights of our holiday home, for a percentage fee. (They are now part of TripAdvisor). It certainly removed the problem of looking for clients, because that is what they had

With maybe as little as a few hours to a changeover of clients, to clean and bring up to standard 250 square metres of house and a further 100 square meters of gardens and pool area is no mean task, and little things could and would get missed which would mean a down grade on the form.

Whilst most clients are lovely people Just recently, clients must have thought it funny to burn a hole in a flexible pipe with the loss of gallons of water.

On another occasion, as the visitors left, the toilet cistern was made lose so it flooded the floor. become – clients/visitors not guests!

I think there are a number of reasons which changed the attitude of people visiting. There was now the requirement of the agent selling the service to ensure everything in the property (our holiday home) was up to standard and asking the people visiting if it was.

If you ask people to look for faults, they will find something no matter how small.

Another reason the television series ‘Four in a Bed’ and similar programmes , all teaching visitors to look for problems like ‘has the top of the tall cupboard been dusted.’

The difference, instead of a friendly family home people were borrowing, they now looked on it as

if it was a hotel conglomerate with masses of back up facilities and no personality.

Then came along ‘Booking.com.’ Sleek and computer controlled. They are very effective at selling space. We became very busy through their efforts but there was a downside.

Booking.com on receiving a booking confirm to the client it is booked before we have been advised of it. The agreement with them is once they have accepted it, we cannot change what they have agreed, without a harsh penalty.

What could happen and did on a number of occasions. We would receive an enquiry from another source and accept the booking, only to find on checking our emails later that Booking.com had

Water is always a problem and expensive, we have known children to sit under a running outside tap despite signs saying water is in short supply.

Then there are the parents who allow their young children to draw with coloured crayon over the while living room wall, on another occasion it was nail varnish.

Enough is enough we need to get back to the time when we could be friends with our guests. We are ending our relationship with agents and a return to normality where we can choose who rents our holiday home.

Percy Chattey, www.percychatteybooks.com www.fuentelargo.com

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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 The 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. Next meeting will be held on Tuesday 15th September.

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 please contact:gill.burden20@gmail.com QUESADA LADIES CLUB The Annual General Meeting of the Quesada Ladies Club will be held at the Cooper’s Arms, Dona Pepa, Quesada,

Monday 24th - Sunday 30th August, 2020

on Tuesday 15th September 2020. This is for members only, and they will be admitted at the usual time of 2.30pm. This will take place only if the Covid19 allows us to. Keep watching our Facebook page for more information, Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50’s. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Residential Home Visiting Team. to visit people in a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. If you think you can help call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887. Or you can email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es Almoradi Meal Club. If do you fancy a meal out and meeting new friends, come and join our English speaking club.

We have twice monthly

meals at various restaurants in and around Almoradi. For info go to FaceBook or email: 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 966 71 6274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 966 92 1966.

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 welfare 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

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965 328 794 or email: charitycentrehelpathomecb @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 at: oc.communitycare @gmail.com

CHURCHES AND SERVICES La Siesta Evangelical Church hold services each Sunday.

Our 11.15am Services are held every 2nd and 4th Sunday in the month (and on the 5th Sunday, if this applies.) On the 1st and 3rd Sunday’s our Services are at 9.30 am. Our choir sings at our 11.15 am Services and there is also a Sunday School, Stepping Stones, on these Sundays. For info see www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) in Torrevieja meet at 10.00 each Sunday in their chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. All Welcome. You can phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 667 533 597..

International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano

Health station erected in Cala Bosque to fight against skin cancer Health Stations are to be installed at all La Costa beaches

A new health station has been erected at the entrance to Cala Bosque, in Orihuela Costa.

It has a sun traffic light that measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, a defibrillator, a shaded or nursing rest area, an emergency button connected directly to 112 emergency services, a charging area for battery-powered wheelchairs and for smartphones, an antibacterial soap dispenser and a disinfectant mat.

It is the first such station to be installed on the Costa Blanca, and just the tenth in the whole of Spain, and will add further quality and safety for beach users.

In addition, it has a digital, inter-

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active and informative touch screen with an integrated camera that tells you what your skin phototype is. It also has a further screen where users will be able to explore the history, tourism and culture available on the beaches and in the districts and the historic centre of Orihuela, together with preventive messages from the Spanish Association against Cancer, as well as information on prevention.

This initiative, developed by the Hi Services company, is in collaboration with the Spanish Association Against Cancer. It is hope to introduce similar health stations on all beaches in the Orihuela Costa.

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Arregui, 23, Torrevieja Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday service 11a.m.; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11a.m.

Church Bible Study: Thursday 1.30p.m. House groups in Torrevieja, La Siesta – Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. Phone: 966 799 273 / 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. www.icatorrevieja.org

PERSONAL Sexy, elegant, mature, pretty, and naughty lady will visit you at home or in a hotel.

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Email me at the address: dialadatemate@yahoo.com Transvestite Diana, blonde, new to Torrevieja. Great figure big breasts. Active and passive.well endowed. By appointment.

Playa los locos. 651 363 396 Sexy, elegant Spanish lady.

Playa Flamenca. Punta Prima. Private house. Erotic massage. All services. From €40. Call Ana on 657 603 495. Speaks English.

Blonde, mature, 56, Torrevieja.

Attractive. Erotic massage.

Call 634 300 074 Torrevieja blonde lady, 59 years, gives erotic massage, happy ending, speaks English, 604 382 799 Torrevieja, Valentini, Brazilian lady, 35. Erotic massage with complete satisfaction. Good time guaranteed. 688 340 708

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Wear sunglasses UV rays can damage our vision as well as our skin. Prolonged UV exposure has been linked to cataracts, macular degeneration, and even some types of eye cancer. Sunglasses are not just fashion accessories – It’s particularly important that you wear a good pair that offer high levels of UV protection.

Sunglasses don’t need to be expensive but they should always conform to agreed safety standards. Look out for a CE (European Community Standard), BSEN1836 (British Standard) or UV400 markings and aim for a pair that offer 80 percent light reduction.

Apply SPF

17

Earache and gastrointestinal problems, cause the most frequent holiday illnesses

Expert tips to look after y our e yes in the heat DURING the peak of the summer it is important we take steps to look after our eyes when out in the sun as well as our skin. To help families keep their eye health in check during August, here are some top tips from Specsavers Ópticas.

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T

he most frequent illnesses for which patients attend hospital A&E during the holidays are usually ear infections and gastrointestinal problems, according to Dr. Juan Costell, head of the emergency service at the Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital.

When we’re out in the sun we’ll often apply sun cream to parts of our bodies which are exposed, however we may often forget our eyelids. The skin on our eyelids is extremely thin and can burn very easily – especially if you doze off while sunbathing. Make sure you use a cream which is suitable for the delicate and sensitive area and take care when applying so as not to get any lotion in your eye.

Know how to deal with irritants in the eye If you do get sun cream or a foreign body in the eye, such as a grain of sand, it is important you know what to do so as not to cause any damage.

As with any chemicals, if you get lotion in your eye you need to irrigate and flush your eye out with water. Tilt your head to the side so the water runs across your eye to your ear as you don’t want anything to potentially transfer into your other eye.

With a foreign object in the eye, although it is extremely uncomfortable it is important to remain

calm as the more you blink, the more damage you could be causing. Try to flush it out, and if need be use your eyelashes to lift the eyelid off the surface of your eye while you do so. See your optician who can swab to remove the foreign body and, depending on the type of injury, use drops or ointment to help prevent infection. Lubrication of the eye with a gel or ointment can help with comfort during recovery and may be recommended for up to three months to prevent a recurrence of the scratch.

Never wear contacts in water Do not wear your contact lenses while swimming as there is a risk of serious infection if you wear them in a pool or the sea. It's important to always wash your hands with non-cosmetic soap before handling contact lenses, never to use tap water to rinse them, and never to put contact lenses in your mouth.

Microorganisms can also live in distilled water, risking infection or sight damage. Prescription swimming goggles are a good alternative.

For more information or to request an appointment at your local store, visit www.specsavers.es

He said that the most common problem is earache, usually caused by bathing, immersion in swimming pools or in the sea. This type of ear infection, often caused by humidity, allows germs that are in the ear canal to penetrate, causing the infection.

Dr Costell added that "it can be extremely painful and, if the disease progresses, pus and narrowing of the ear canal occur together with a temporary hearing loss since the inflammation does not allow in the air".

He recommended that, after three or four days treatment with antibiotics, the patient should visit the ENT doctor since this pathology can cause subsequent problems and should be controlled.

With regard to Gastrointestinal problems, Dr. Costell said that, although the demand for care is less than with otitis, the severity may require the patient's admission. “Acute gastroenteritis is usually accompanied by vomiting, increased number of stools, diarrhoea, high fever and oral intolerance. Most of these problems in summer are caused by food poisoning, the main danger being severe dehydration, especially in children and the elderly".

He said that hand hygiene is essential before preparing and consuming food, preferably,

freshly prepared or refrigerated food.

Although these pathologies are present throughout the year, "it is in summer and during holidays when they manifest themselves more frequently".

Dr Costell recommends drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding the hours of greatest sun exposure, using lots of sunscreen, maintaining a balanced diet, washing your hands frequently, and if traveling, don't forget your medication and health reports if needed.

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Monday 24th - Sunday 30th August, 2020

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LOCAL

NEWSBITES

Helicopters douse fire at a San Javier farm alongside AP-7 Firefighters from the Murcia Region Fire Extinction and Rescue Consortium (CEIS) and three helicopters are working on extinguishing a fire that has broken out in storage buildings containing farm material, several vehicles and an adjacent house, located on a farm in the area of La Grajuela (San Javier).

8 firefighters and 4 fire trucks were initially deployed to the site, as well as a helicopter from the General Directorate of Citizen Security and Emergencies (DGSCE) based in Ancantarilla.

They were boosted by 6 additional firefighters and 2 extinguishing vehicles, together with two further helicopters. The fire was brought under control at around 4:00 p.m.

Beach life in Torrevieja for Flamingo!

A flamingo that was born in Torrevieja this year - one of 600 young - has been seen walking along the beach!

Chick flamingos that were born this spring in the lagoon of Torrevieja have also been seen in the road nearby Los Montesinos nearby the natural park.

Flamingos bred for the first time this year, producing hundreds of Flaminglets in the La Mata and Torrevieja lagoons nature park.

The breeding season has been aided by the reduction of salt, due to the mass of rainfall, which has given the flamingos increased food intake.

Teenager seriously injured on Benidorm Cable Ski An experienced Cable Skier was seriously injured while practicing Cable Ski in Benidorm - after colliding with one of the masts.

The Benidorm Lifeguard Service rescue boat attended the scene and administered oxygen.

He was immobilised and a collar and a vacuum mattress fitted. The 112 services and Lifeguard Service Vessel, along with Emergency Technicians, transferred to the youth, where the SAMU was awaiting.

The Alpha 9 helicopter was also active and landed at the Benidorm Fire Station.

The teenager was transferred by SAMU ambulance to the General Hospital of Alicante.

Ongoing enquiries are being made as to how the accident occurred.

An ATM cash machine stolen in Los Montesinos.

The incident occurred in the early hours of August 19 on the La Herrada urbanisation which is on the outskirts of the Vega Baja town.

A spokesperson from the CC Monte La Herrada bar said: "The ATM was stolen this morning at around 1.30am-2am. If anyone saw anything let us know in the bar. Thanks guys."

It is not known how much money was stolen during the raid. The local Policia are aware of the incident and enquiries are ongoing.

The Guardia Civil made arrests this month during 'Operation Confina' following robberies within the Vega Baja regions and Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa and La Mata that included a search in Los Montesinos, equipment used in burglaries and robberies was discovered.

The gang were using industrial estates within Alicante as storage for professional equipment to carry out raids, including that of safe robberies.

Almoradi Civil Guard return lost children to family in El Saladar

By Andrew Atkinson The Civil Guard of AlmoradĂ­ have returned two lost children to their family in El Saladar after being seen by the police alongside the CV-912, twixt between Almoradi and Rafal.

An eleven-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy were approached by the police who asked about their welfare and if they needed assistance.

The crying children, reportedly of Arabic origin, spoke to the officers, but language communications were limited, and vehicles were stopped travelling on the CV912 road, in an attempt to find someone of Arabic language.

A driver acted as an interpreter and explained that the minors were lost, while playing in a park, nearby the

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home of relatives.

The youngsters were unaware of their whereabouts and also that of their relatives house, in the area where they were on vacation.

The Civil Guard patrolled areas in a bid to find the house in El Saladar, and came across relatives looking for the missing children, who returned sound and safe after their experience.

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Las Ramblas Golf Society By Peter Reffell Results for w/c 17.8.20 Monday’s team game was the ever popular 1-2-3 Waltzer and I’m pleased to report that on one of those rare occasions I was actually in the winning team! Alongside Petina Murray, Terry Field and Reg Akehurst we danced our way to 91 points to take the ‘Glitter Ball’.

It was serious business on Wednesday when we competed for one of our ‘Major’ trophies, in this case ‘The Caja Murcia’.

Caja Murcia was a very prominent local bank who kindly sponsored us back in the early 2000’s.

The crash of 2008 resulted in their marketing budget taking a big hit and they finally amalgamated with Bankia in 2018. Played as an individual Stableford it was Ken

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Monday 24th - Sunday 30th August, 2020

Robertson lifting the silverware this year with an excellent 38 points. No less than four players recorded a score of 37 points!

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19

Mick Easterby is one of racing's most beloved characters

After a lot of head scratching and countbacks it was Petina who took 2nd spot followed by Olga Douglas, Lindsay Forbes and John Dobson. Nearest the pins went to Nigel Price, Ron Luffman and Joyce McClusky (who also managed a booby prize for the worst score on the front nine holes). Credit where it’s due though she did score 24 points on the back 9!

‘Change Partners’ was the order of the day on Friday. In 1st place with 88 points were Mark Western, Dave Pulling, Marleen Billen and Pete Dunn. Behind them, with 84, were Ken & Liz Robertson, John Dobson and Nigel Price. A classic line from today was provided by Mike Mahony who stated that, ‘After six holes I’ve lost as many golf balls as I have scored points’!

Pues hasta la semana que viene

Veteran Mick, 89, Looking for a chef Quote: 'Training 'osses is me morning job. In an afternoon it's time to relax. One way I unwind is to work on the farm.

Y'see I'm a farmer at heart, I have always been. I've lived on farms for all me 89 years - I don't know any other way'.

By Andrew Atkinson Veteran racehorse trainer Mick Easterby, 89, is searching for a chef to cook at his stables based at New House Farm, Sherrif Hutton, Yorkshire.

"I'm looking for a cook once a week - and also for a special occasion," said Easterby.

"I do most of my own cooking - but it would be nice for someone to come and cook me a meal once a week," said farmer Easterby, who trained classic winner Mrs McArdy in the 1,000 Guineas in 1977.

"If you'd like the job and we can sort something, I'll throw in a few racing related extras too - I've plenty of tales to tell," added Easterby, with over half of a century of the turf.

Kirkwall born chef Geoff McLaren, who lives in Kirkbymoorside, said: "Mick, I live up road from you and I can cook homemade stew and dumplings, liver sausages, mash, sea food, from fresh lobster crab and prawns.

"I am cheffing at moment - but do cook for elderly, near where I live. I could cook for you too."

One of racing's most beloved characters Easterby said: "Training 'osses is me morning job. In an afternoon it's time to relax. One way I unwind is to work on the farm.

"Y'see I'm a farmer at heart, and I have always been. I've lived on farms for all me 89 years - I don't know any other way."

To cook for one of racing's oldest trainers email: enquiries@mickeasterby.co.uk

FURNITURE STORAGE BOXES Personal items available in Torrevieja.

Telephone: 602 491 299 or email Jim Green at: jgreen2612@icloud.com

JAMES GREEN ANTIQUES 78 Calle Ramon Gallud, Torrevieja.

20

Monday 24th - Sunday 30th August, 2020

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Quesada Bowls Club by Suzie Cooper

Last years Silver winners Phil, Ken and Andie

Bowling at Quesada is happening with all mats, jacks & pushers being sanitised before & after play for everyones security. Every rink being played on has a bottle of sanitiser on the end of the rink so everyone can feel safe.

The Saturday morning drive is a regular for some members whilst on a Wednesday evening we have the Come & Go league. We also have Tuesday morning bubbly bowl. All are open to non Quesada members but we do have a maximum 30 restriction for all bowling.

Saturday & Tuesday is 9.30 for 10am while Wednesday is 5.30 for 6.

Halfway through the Come & Go and we have 3 bowlers who have already posted 4 wins. Kim Bowles, Hazel Frost & Ken Gordon.

With 6 more games to play & only each players top 5 results counting there is still time to join in and post your 5 wins. After that it will come down to shot difference to decide the Winner.

SMGS at Font de Llop August 19th, 2020 Perhaps August is not the best time to visit an inland course, especially one located in a valley, but 33 players made the trip to Font de Llop. Due to the impressive reforms taking place to the club house, there were some horrified faces when it was realised that coffee was not available. Nor a bacon sandwich, nor beer, nor anywhere to

SUDUKO SOLUTION From From page 14

actually sit. However, the quality of what is to be provided will more than compensate during future visits. The Society’s Secretary was given a Director’s tour of the remodelling and was impressed by what is being installed. Let’s hope the optimism of investing at this time proves well founded.

The course was in superb condition save for one or two tee boxes. The greens were by far the best we have played on for several weeks, and remained as unreadable as ever.

The heat took its toll on several players and contributed to some poor scoring and, unfortunately, an abandonment. The gusting breeze that got up from around 13.00 did not do much to cool people down, but enough to make uphill holes, of which three include playing over water, even more difficult.

For the first time for a few

weeks the numbers playing allowed 3 Spanish Insurance sponsored divisions to be played for, with 3 prizes in each.

A suitable watering hole, the famed Garage near Catral, was chosen as the venue for their handing out. Dave Bishop, a frequent winner when playing society days, recorded the day’s best score with 37 points, the only person to beat their handicap.

And the idiom ‘horse’s for courses’ again proved appropriate, with Dave Rowe, Norman McBride and Kyrre Skarsmoen adding to their prize winning of February, the date we last visited FdL.

Kyrre Skarsmoen with 35 points.

Gold Category: 3rd David Rowe (34), 2nd Darren Strugnell (35 on CB) and 1st, with the same score, Chris Wren.

Nearest the pins (sponsored by Property Shop): Hole 3 John Osborne, Hole 8 Kyrre Skarsmoen, Hole 12 Norman Padmore, Hole 16 Norman McBride, Hole 17 John Hartley

Quesada is a competitive, friendly club and we welcome new members. If you are new to bowling or you are an experienced bowler, if you would like more information please contact Captain Steve Hibberd on 96 599 3297/656 579 423 or Secretary Terry Morgan on 659 889 878.

Roll up to La Marina with your fees

Abacus: Whilst two people scored less, John Rose was the person able to be present to collect the quality wine on offer.

Best Guest Winner: 1st John Hartley (33)

Bronze Category: 3rd Norman McBride (28), 2nd Roger Brierly (31) and 1st, by a very significant margin and the day’s best score, Dave Bishop with 37 points.

Our thanks go to all Font de Llop staff for their contribution to the day. Next week we will be at Vistabella. Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org or simply give Captain Phil de Lacy a call on 711032859.

Silver Category: 3rd Adrian Roberts (32 on CB), 2nd Roddy Duncan (32 on CB) and 1st

No photos this year. Last years Silver winners Phil, Ken and Andie are shown above.

The day’s results were the following:

We are pleased to have been able to enter 3 teams in both the Monday & Friday leagues for the Winter Season. We are also operating a rotation system so this will give players plenty of opportunity to play on a regular basis.

It's that time of year again, when Michael, and Margaret are making themselves available Tuesdays & Thursday mornings to collect your fees.

It is a great opportunity to pay up and catch up, and you really should as there are some important notices posted on the boards.

The picture shows Margaret and Alex being presented with flowers and brandy from our president and captain for all the hard work and hours they have put in to facilitate our new green and surrounds especially in this current heat.

Every time I have been down the club the pair of them have been very busy doing something or other on the green and my recommendation to the members is if you catch them at the bar, perhaps thank them personally in the appropriate way.

The green has now been inspected and passed fit for competitive bowling.

Dave Hadaway

Monte Mar Bowls & Social Club Sponsored by The Pub, Avalon, Skipper, Gran Alacant Insurances, Rogers, La Piazza, Dialprix and The Belfry.

FRIDAY LEAGUE Due to popular demand the Friday night Fish and Chip league has started again.

The competition will run over seven weeks and twenty three members are taking part.

The Oasis Bar, La Herrada, Los Montesinos Close to Dial Prix Supermarket TRIVEA QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 14: 1. Taylor Swift, 2. Unicorn, 3. (lots of) Hair, everywhere, 4. Kris Kringle in 'Miracle on 34th Street'. 5. Chocolate and cream. 6.

Apocalypse Now. 7. Ivan Lendl. 8. An engraving in a tree trunk. 9. a. Switzerland. 10. a. Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas. b.

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire). c.

Wonderful Christmas Time. d. Last Christmas. e. I believe in Father Christmas. 11. Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia. 12. a.

Van Gogh. b. Sandro Botticelli. c. Hieronymus Bosch. d. JMW Turner. 13. Lucy. 14. Shine. 15. a. self contained underwater

breathing apparatus. b. joint photographic experts group. c. president of the United States. d. Thomas A. Swift's electric rifle. 16.

Captain Hook. Pirates in Peter Pan. 17. Four (Te-Tellurium, HHydrogen, Ra-Radium, N-Nitrogen). 18. Witch Hunter. He gave himself the unofficial title 'Witch Finder General'. 19. a. Cecilia (Simon and Garfunkel), b. Venus (Shocking Blue), c. Billie Jean (Michael Jackson), d. Ruby Tuesday (Rolling Stones), e. Rhiannon (Fleetwood Mac). 20. a. Dutch, b. Korean, c. Latin, d. Greek

Thank you Diane and John for organising the competition.

WEDNESDAY 29th July Lynne Armitage and Howie Williams walked to Santa Pola and back raising over 300 euros for the club. It took them two hours thirty seven minuets to walk there and back and 18,500 steps, there did have refreshments before returning. Well done to both of you and thanks to everyone who sponsored them.

For Further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website or email us at info@montemarbowls.com.

We are also on face book. Sheila Roberts

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Sapphire Golf Society In association with Sapphire Properties and Costa Blanca Green Fee Services at La Marquesa on 19th August 2020.

For this month’s meeting the Sapphire Golf Society and a group of 27 players visited the established course at La Marquesa taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

The course was in generally good condition but surprisingly wet in places as the sprinklers worked overtime in the intense heat and most of our members found the course difficult to play and score.

Monday 24th - Sunday 30th August, 2020

Jim Donnally – 28 pts

Football Card – Mike Dann, Jacks Prize – Gerry Graves Best Guest – Jim Bryce – 33 points After the game we returned to the Edina’s Bar and Grill bar, which is located at Dona Pepa, Quesada for a welcome snack prepared by the bar and the prize presentation and we give our thanks for their support and that of our sponsor Sapphire Properties.

Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters to be played without spectators

Peter Adams, the European Tour’s Championship Director for the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters said: “We look forward to returning to Real Club Valderrama once again in September, but it is important that we adhere to the appropriate guidelines and continue to minimise risk within the tournament bubble at each of our events.

• The event will be played September 3-6 In line with the European Tour’s comprehensive Health Strategy and following discussions with local and national authorities, it has been confirmed that no spectators will be permitted at the 2020 Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters.

“That means that we will not be able to welcome fans onsite at the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters this year. We appreciate the support of everyone who has expressed an interest in attending this year and will be in contact directly with those who have already purchased tickets.

The European Tour returned to action in July with two dual-ranking events in Austria, followed by a new six-week ‘UK Swing’, and all events since the re-start of the 2020 Race to Dubai have been played behind closed doors.

All tournaments in the reshaped 2020 season will be governed by the Tour’s comprehensive Health Strategy, which has been developed by Chief Medical Officer Dr Andrew Murray in consultation with health care specialists Cignpost and advisors in many of the 30 countries in which the European Tour plays.

As part of a strategy to play events in regional clusters where possible, the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters forms an ‘Iberian Swing’ with the Portugal Masters on September 10-13 and Open de Portugal at Royal Óbidos on September 17-20.

They will also be underpinned by the European Tour’s new ‘Golf for Good’ initiative which aims to support communities where the European Tour plays, reward true heroes, such as frontline workers, and promote the many health benefits that golf offers.

Fans who have purchased tickets for the event will be contacted directly with info aboutrefunds

There were no Two’s recorded, so 26€ will be carried onto the next game, which will be (hopefully) Roda on the 8th of September.

Our next fixture is the interim day at La Finca on 3rd September 2020 followed by the society day at Vistabella on 16th September 2020.

Silver Division: 1st – Rudy Wattley – 32 pts, 2nd –

The Overall Winner, Barney McCaffrey

BY STEVE HIGGINS

McCafferty's GS at La Manga Covid is certainly taking its toll on the golf and the numbers we are able to put out recently for only 13 of us were booked in to play la Manga and, due to Tom (Moose) Burke getting lost, only 12 ended up playing!

The course itself was in good condition but was let down by the greens for they weren’t the best we have seen at La Manga. However, they are due to be hollow-tined very soon and as such, courses don’t tend to bother bout cutting and rolling in the week or so leading up to the Hollow-tining.

Back at the pub, we had a shock with the results and then another shock when we had to leave for the Spanish had decided that Covid will only hit those that drink in pubs which have no kitchen.

You can’t make this crap up, can you?

Anyway, Barney did his usual and sold a full card and, the jammy sod only had the bloody cheek to choose the correct dart players name and win the 20€!

We had 4 par 4 NTP’s and one NTP in3 on the

GOLF COURSES AND COVID - 19 Here on the Costa’s golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf comps

Beware – The thieves are back!!!

Most local golf courses re-opened for post covid-19 golf in the 11th We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us: The deals shown in the table are some of the best POST COVID19 PRICES currently available to you: Course

Price

Comments

Alenda Altorreal Bonalba Campoamor

€98 €100 €100 €125

Two Green Fees & buggy Two Green Fees & buggy Two Green Fees & buggy Two Green Fees & buggy

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Par 5 18th. Only 3 NTP’s on the Par 3’s were taken and a sleeve of Srixon’s went to Brian Kiernan, Mick Phelan and Barney McAffrey.

The NTP in 3 went to Steve Higgins who just pipped long hitter Daz Hancock whose SECOND shot hit the greenside bunker, pin high and clipped his 3rd shot to some 4-5 feet.

Bronze Division: 1st- Jim Speakman – 24 pts, 2nd – Andy Howard - 23 pts

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

Gold Division: 1st - Don Bishop – 33 pts, 2nd – Mike Probert – 32 pts

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May 2020 but it didn’t take long for the long looked forward to event to be spoiled by a group of thieves that hit courses all along the Costa Blanca until they were caught in Alicante.

It now looks like the idea to target golf course has circulated among the bad guy’s and recent reports would indicate that all golfers need to be careful with their valuables as players were targeted last week at La Marquesa with money, credit cards and jewellery being stolen from golf bags on buggies while on the course.

Onto the main prizes and in the Silver division only 3 scores were recorded, mainly due to two cards not being handed in and Gabi, therefore, was the Close But No Cigar ‘winner’ in Silver with 24 points Brian Kiernan kept up his reasonable form and, once again, stepped up to the podium to claim the Runners-Up prize with 29 points. Just one point ahead of him was, once again, the Captain, Ernie Wilson with 30 points.

In the Gold Division, the scores were better and the CBNC ‘award’ went to (I am really smiling as I type this), went to JJ McGettigan with 31 points. The Runner-up in Gold was 6 handicapper Daz Hancock with 32 points and the clear winner in Gold was Steve Higgins with 37 points.

37 points would, normally, be enough to win at La Manga, however, an absolutely outstanding 41 points from Barney took the Overall winners purse. His 41 points also saw his handicap come down from 13 to 11!

Two people were in contention for the Happy Golfer and it was the happy Gabi that stepped up to accept the bottle of wine from the Captain.

Future competitions: These are hanging in the air right now. We have already cancelled the next two weeks at Vistabella and Altorreal due to lack of numbers. This is, naturally, due to holidays being cancelled, silly quarantine rules in the UK and Ireland when arriving back from Spain and, in a small way, the incessant heat.

The next competition is at Roda on the 8th of September and we do appear to be ‘getting back to normal’ in the bookings. On the 15th we are off to La Finca and unless you emailed to say you were playing, your name has been removed.

If you are playing, please do check that your name is down.

Mike Probert talks Golf In assn with Costa Blanca Green Fee Svcs

green and the thieves were waiting in bushes nearby before conducting their theft while the players were putting out on the green.

We all know that these are difficult times with many people struggling financially driving them to desperate measures but these are not random crimes they are well planned and organised and usually conducted by gangs of criminals.

On this occasion the theft took place on the concealed 11th hole where golfers have to park the buggy some 40 metres from the

So the message is simple, trust nobody and take care with your valuables while on the course and stay vigilant at all times while still enjoying your golf.

Don Cayo (Altea) El Plantio El Valle Font Del Llop Hacienda Del Alamo Hacienda Riquelme La Galiana La Manga N & S La Marquesa La Sella La Serena La Torre

Las Colinas €44 GrFee (1-2pm sgle buggy €25) Las Pinaillas €40 Green Fee (incl single buggy) Lorca €75 Two Green Fees and buggy Lo Romero €136 Two Green Fees and buggy Mar Menor €35 Green Fee (single buggy €15) New Sierra Golf €68 Two Green Fees & buggy Puig Campana €98 Two Green Fees & buggy Roda €120 Two Green Fees & buggy Saurines €35 Green Fee (single buggy €15) Villamartin €136 Two Green Fees & buggy Vistabella €84 Two Green Fees and buggy from 1pm For Bookings and info Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting reference LEADER or on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931

€45 €80 €59 €90 €35 €118 €53 €75 €107 €50 €96 €118

Green Fee + sgl buggy/elec trolley Two Green Fees and buggy Sgl Green Fee Two Green Fees and buggy Green Fee (single buggy €15) Two Green Fees and buggy Sgl Green Fee Green Fee (single buggy €27) Two Green Fees & buggy Sgl Green Fee Two Green Fees & buggy Two Green Fees and buggy

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Monday 24th - Sunday 30th August, 2020

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Alex Higgins wanted my 100 year-old cue Jonathan Nelson, Alex Higgins and Drew Niblock with referee Billy Taggart at The Triangle Club, Larne, in the eighties.

Photo: Drew Niblock.

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Froome and Thomas dropped by Team Ineos Team Ineos have announced their Tour de France team, with both Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas surprisingly dropped from the final eight-rider line-up.

Froome was instead named as team leader for the Vuelta a España, and Thomas will target the Giro d'Italia and take on the opportunity to double up his Tour de France win with another Grand Tour title, with the aim of being the first Welshman to win it.

On cue: Larne born Drew Niblock with Andrew Atkinson. Photo: Helen Atkinson.

Quote: 'I bought the cue from George McGregor. I told him I'd marry his daughter if he sold it me - I still haven't met his daughter yet!'.

FORMER Larne deputy Mayor and Councillor Drew Niblock, who plans to retire at La Finca, looks back on his sporting life - playing snooker with Alex Higgins - and representing Northern Ireland at pool.

"I started playing snooker with Eddie Swafield who was a friend of Alex Higgins at the time, and Andy Sharp, one of the best amateur players who turned professional," said Larne born Drew Niblock, who started out playing on the green baize as a teenager, aged 17.

"I played snooker on the amateur circuit and was manager of The Triangle Club in Larne, in the late eighties," said Drew, 55.

"We brought 'Higgy' down for a challenge match and he beat me on the pink," recalled Drew, speaking in Los Montesinos, Alicante.

"Alex Higgins also played Jonathan Nelson and George McGregor," said Drew.

Twice world snooker champion Belfast legend Higgins died on July 24, 2010, aged 61: "Myself and Alex were mutual friends. Higgy always wanted to try everyone's cue.

"I have a Burroughes and Watts cue, which is between 80 and 100 years old - which Higgy used and wanted to buy it.

"I told him it wasn't for sale - money can't buy it and it remains the same today," said Drew.

"I bought the cue when practising with George McGregor - after years of asking him for it.

"I told him that I would marry his daughter if he sold it to me - all these years on I still haven't met his daughter yet!," laughed Drew.

Players who were a big influence on Drew in the early years included Higgins, Tony Drago and Jimmy White.

"Tony Drago was a natural talent - and loved partying. Who doesn't?," said Drew.

"I practised with Tony Drago in Wales during a tournament there. Jimmy White and Higgy were also influential in the early days of my career," said Drew.

Recalling time with Higgy, Drew reminisced: "We went to a club in West Belfast and Alex was playing Joe Swail - I think Alex won - at a time when Joe was an amateur.

"After the game Alex stayed at the Europa Hotel that night - and he asked me to run out and get him a pizza - despite being in one of the top hotels," smiled Drew.

"Over the course of the last 30 to 40 years snooker has lost its main interest from the people - who have turned to pool.

"The Northern Ireland pool team is very strong, that includes players from Larne, including Jonathan Nelson, a top class player and one who would hold his own against anyone," said Drew.

Drew, who has represented Northern Ireland at pool, said: "During the last seven years I turned to politics and being the deputy Mayor of Larne took up a lot of my time.

"I was working in the Power generation industry for 20 years, up until 2014, when I left to go into business in the aircraft industry and travelled the world repairing aircraft.

"Now I am back in the Energy waste industry in Northern Ireland, with Bouygues, which started-up in Belfast, working in the energy waste sector.

"It's the first of its kind in Northern Ireland of producing energy from waste. A very environmentally friendly to produce electricity and very little landfill, something that is being addressed.

"Landfill costs in Northern Ireland is £120 a ton the saving is now taken off the ratepayers bills."

Drew said: "I was working in Mexico when I got a call to join the team and I decided to accept the offer, as it was the right time to go back home."

On the future, Drew, who won the 2017 Q-Club Larne B3 pool tournament, said: "I have bought a property in La Finca, Alicante, on the Costa Blanca south and plan to retire in the near future." *If I knew you Were Comin' I'd 'ave baked a Cake - The Alex Higgins story (£10) order at copy email: lancashiremedia@gmail.com

Valencian Players prominent in National squads

By Andrew Atkinson Chief sports editor The Spanish national coaches Luis Enrique Martínez and Luis de la Fuente have announced the senior and u21 squad for their respective teams - with seven players from the Valencian Community.

Ferran Torres (Manchester City) makes his international debut in the senior team, accompanied by Pau Torres (Villarreal CF) and José Luis Gayà (Valencia CF).

Spain will face Germany and Ukraine in UEFA Nations League matches. The Valencian player Rodrigo Moreno has also been called up.

In the U21 team, De la Fuente has called up four players from the Valencian Community, in addition to Murcian Gonzalo Villar.

Goalkeepers Josep Martínez (RB Leipzig),

Torres of Man City

a youth squad for UD Alzira, and Iñaki Peña (FC Barcelona), prodigy at Alicante CF and Villarreal CF are called up.

Elche CF player from Elche Óscar Gil has been called up for the first time to the U21 team.

The Valencian list of players is completed

by Hugo Guillamón (Valencia CF), who also makes his debut call-up with the Spanish Under-21 team, after passing through all the lower categories.

Spain U21 will face North Macedonia in a qualifying match for the Eurocup of the category.

Team Ineos will be known as the Ineos Grenadiers for the Tour de France and have a new-look kit design to promote the new 4x4 SUV vehicle recently launched by Ineos Automotive.

Kane in quarantine after trip to Caribbean England captain Harry Kane should be available for the Nations League games next month despite being in quarantine following a trip to the Bahamas.

Tottenham striker Kane, 27, was on holiday in the Caribbean when the island was added to the UK quarantine list on 7 August.

He is now in self-isolation for 14 days after returning home.

Williams F1 team sold to US Finance Company Formula 1 team Williams have been bought

by US-based investment firm Dorilton Capital.

Williams, who were put up for sale in May, will still race under the same name and remain at their English base.

"This is the end of an era for Williams as a family-owned team, but we know it is in good hands," deputy team principal Claire Williams said.

"It ensures the team's survival but importantly provides a path to success."

Wiegman to replace Neville as England Women’s new coach Incoming England Women’s team boss Sarina Wiegman "is a proven winner" and "one of the top managers in the world", says former Lionesses striker Kelly Smith.

Wiegman will succeed Phil Neville as England's head coach in September 2021.

The 50-year-old has signed a four-year deal and will take charge after the postponed Tokyo Olympics next summer.

"It's her and [former USA head coach] Jill Ellis who are probably up there competing to be the number one," Smith told BBC Sport.

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CD Murada retain Alfonso Carrion Navarro - 'The Canon'

By Andrew Atkinson New goalie Ignacio Sáez Espinosa switches to CD Murada from CD Eldense *Murada born Víctor García Cascales returns home

Monday 24th - Sunday 30th August, 2020

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23

Monte lay foundations for future Quote: 'Ten players in the squad are either born in Los Montesinos or played youth football here, which is very important' Jesus Santander CD Montesinos Valencia 1st Regional Group 8 manager Jesus Santander has a squad of 22 players for the 2020-21 season scheduled to kick-off in October - with ten members from Los Montesinos or having played for the youth team.

"We have kept most of the squad, adding a few new players, making it a far more competitive squad than last season," said Santander.

"The club President Alfredo Macia has once again been fantastic. I have kept both my assistants in Nacho and Juan Carlos, goalkeeping coach, adding fitness coach Jaume, something I wanted last season but financially unable to afford," said Santander.

CD Montesinos we are true to our word having paid all the players their bonuses from last season.

"At other clubs, that is not and has not been the same, and the players, who obviously have friends at other clubs, soon realised this”.

Monte returned to the Valencia 1st Regional Group 8, following relegation two seasons ago, and Santander said: "We want to win every match - we would love another promotion but we are realists - a small town, a small club and very little money.

"We want to do this properly this time and lay the foundations for the future. We will have half of this year's squad, who are either born in Los Montesinos or played all their

youth football here.

"This to us is very important, as it is for the town. The objective for this season is to stay in the group comfortably. Once achieved, we can then look at other options."

Speaking to The Full Monte supporters club President Eddie Cagigao, Santander said: "The Full Monte have been amazing. I was told when I arrived last season we had a good supporters club and I was amazed at their level of support.

"Home or away The Full Monte are always there, always encouraging and always faithful. They have been an integral part in our success during the 2019-20 season. I know they will again play their part in the new season”.

“Once the Valencia FA confirmed the season was due to start on October 17-18, I planned for pre-season to start on September 1, training three evenings a week, leading up to the season kick-off, with six friendly matches," said Santander.

Monte were declared champions in the coronavirus affected 2019-20 season and Santander said: "We had a fantastic season, and it is always difficult to keep your better players.

Alfonso Carrion can play in any attacking position CD Murada have retained the services of Alfonso Carrion Navarro 'The Canon' - for the 2020-21 season in the Valencia Regional football league - one of three new signings.

"Alfonso is still an important player, who can play in any attacking position and is much loved by his teammates," said a spokesperson from the club.

CD Murada have also signed a new 'keeper in the Muradeña goal in Ignacio Sáez Espinosa from CD Eldense.

And Murada born Víctor García Cascales has signed for his hometown club: "Victor is here having decided to return to his hometown team - a decision that makes us very happy.

"Other sides, from higher divisions, are always trying to convince them to leave.

However, 99.9% of the players confirmed they were staying.

"That demonstrates they are happy here, and are also level-headed enough to know that at

Photo: Juan Servy Juarez

Racing San Miguel renew contract of Daniel Quesada Wilson

"He comes to add goals, a player overflowing talent and innate ability," said a club spokesperson.

By Andrew Atkinson Valencia 1st Regional Group 8 football club Racing San Miguel have renewed the contract of popular player Daniel Quesada Wilson - dubbed by some as the best player the club has ever had on their books.

"Daniel is another of the greatest who has passed through the club.

We are pleased to announce the celebration of another year here," said a spokesperson from RSM.

The Oasis Bar, La Herrada, Los Montesinos

"Thanks for all these years of dedication and running like nobody

else. Greetings and a hug from your club, who are very grateful for having you in the past campaigns - and much more for being able to count on you for the next ones," said the spokesperson.

Teammate Gabri Ruiz Vicente said: "Daniel is the best player who has ever passed through here".

Racing San Miguel supporter Luismi Serano Ruiz told The Leader: "I think Daniel is the best player the club has been fortunate to have worn the jersey - from the first day the club was created he was there, for whatever it took. Congratulations friend."

24

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