The Leader Newspaper in Spain 5 December 2022, Edition 948

Merry Christmas…..or is it! Bah Humbug is a phrase that might be more in keeping for many, but regardless of your personal feelings, it's almost here. One of the most anticipated months of the year has arrived and, with it, a large dose of Christmas spirit. And it's not just lights and turkey’s that are making their appearance, but gatherings between families and friends are starting to take centre stage.

Until now I haven’t been feeling very much Christmas cheer at all, but with the switch on of the Christmas lights across the region, and as we begin to seek out those Maria Carey, Bing Crosby and Slade cd’s, at least it’s now finally dawning on many that the big day is actually less than 3 weeks away.

Way up north in Valencia, despite the inflated price that we are all now paying for energy, there is little evidence of the city council tightening it’s belt as the city will be laying out very nearly €400,000 to light up the town hall and surrounds over the holiday period.

Thankfully it will be a little cheaper in Torrevieja, but not a lot, where the town burst into light ten days ago, as the Christmas illuminations were switched on in the Plaza de la Constitución. The Ayuntamiento has said they will make savings by switching the lights off at 2am in line with energy-saving regulations, instead of the 6pm-7am schedule of previous years. A trip into Torrevieja is certainly worthwhile. The lights are most impressive, particularly in front of the Inmaculado Concepcion church on Ramon Galud, the location once again, also, of the town’s exceptional belen/crib scene.

Nevertheless, the council is increasingly being criticised for wasting public money, with many citing the concerts held in the town over summer, at a huge cost to the public purse, but without seeing any return.

It’s Christmas

The cost of the Torrevieja lights, with a population of just over 80,000 residents, is 360,969.20 euro, almost 80% more than last year, whereas just up the road in Elche, a city of almost a 1/4 million people, the bill is said to total 163,350 euro.

The eagerly awaited Elche lights went on last Thursday, accompanied by the use of two foam cannons to create a snow effect. Unfortunately, much of the snow fell on top of dozens of umbrellas which were brought into use by spectators because of the heavy rain.

Nevertheless, it was still one of the most anticipated nights of the year and one that filled the children with enthusiasm and joy, and on this occasion, if possible, it will be enjoyed more than ever after leaving behind the restrictions of the pandemic.

The Crevillente lights also went on last Friday, although the town hall has announced that it will make a daily saving of 20 per cents on electricity bills per illumination, by switching off earlier at night. I’m sure the residents of that town will feel much more cheer as a result.

In Orihuela Costa the traditional Christmas lighting took place last Thursday while on Friday, it was the turn of the urban area. The Thursday evening ‘switch on’ was a near wash out with the event moved inside the Orihuela Costa Town Hall with perhaps just 40 or 50 people in attendance. There was a short performance of Christmas songs by the Ginés Pérez de la Parra Voice Choir and a dance show by the Municipal Sports School. Speeches by the councillor for festivities, Antonio Sánchez, and the Deputy mayor Jose Aix were followed by the lighting up ceremony watched by the majority of people from

inside the building.

There was a much grander affair the following evening with the ‘switch on’ in Orihuela City, an occasion that was attended by the mayor, in la calle San Pascual. Once again the Ginés Pérez de la Parra Voice Choir performed a number of songs, on this occasion joined by the Municipal Conservatory band and the Ana Belén Navarro dance school, who performed the adapted Christmas Carol “El Grinch”.

As is traditional in Orihuela, the winning work of the Christmas Story contest "Olivia's Star" was read, by the winner, Doha El khayati Touakih.

But not all municipalities have switched on their lights. San Fulgencio will be doing so on Wednesday evening at 6.30 pm in the town square and at 7.30 pm on Saturday evening

outside the urb town hall in La Marina. But despite the enjoyment that the lights and the municipal crib scenes will bring, there are many who say that with Europe facing its worst energy crisis in decades and the country taking extraordinary steps to secure supplies for the winter, amid fears of fuel shortages and near-record electricity and natural gas prices hitting us all, the celebrations should have been reined in. However it seems that few local politicians are taking any heed.

P O E T R Y C O R N E R

We go to Spain to have fun in the sun. Then, at five o’clock there’s a special delight: We go to the bullring. That looks like fun.

At the sound of a horn and the beat of a drum, el matador struts out in his suit of lights. We go to Spain to have fun in the sun.

— Eh guapo, see off that beast and make him run. Olés applaud the man in the sequined tights. We go to the bullring. Oh, what fun!

But, there’s something not right; too much tension, when the star-spangled man, almost takes flight. We go to Spain to have fun in the sun.

Of course, our tormented toro is slowly worn down, While burro-brains bray at this innocent’s plight. They go to the bullring; more tradition than fun.

Later: in the shade of a day not quite done, A dark, heart-stopped shape stains the sands of the night. We go to Spain to chill out in the sun. We go to the bullring … did I say … to have fun?

FOOTNOTES:

Traditionally, five o’clock is the time when bullfights in Spain start. guapo - handsome, gorgeous, (sometimes used sarcastically).

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“ “La Corrida (The

bullfight)

””

by Peter Craig by Peter Craig

The hugely impressive Belen in Torrevieja

The almost Nightly concerts outside La Inmaculada Concepcion church in Torrevieja

CORVERA/MANCHESTER ROUTE ANNOUNCED

BY EASYJET

By Andrew Atkinson

easyJet are to launch new flights from Manchester Airport to Spain next summer, starting on May 2, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays with tickets scheduled to go on sale from December 7.

The new route is expected to create 40 jobs while the addition of the 186-seat Airbus A320neo will increase the easyJet presence to 21 aircraft based at Corvera. easyJet has been based at Manchester Airport for more than 15 years being its second largest airline.

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: "I am delighted to be announcing our plans for expansion between Manchester and Corvera airport.

"The addition of another aircraft will help us to deliver growth in Manchester and offer customers an even wider range of destinations.

"It will provide our customers in the North West with a direct connection to a region which offers a variety of rich culture and beautiful beaches in abundance, all with low fares and great customer service."

Manchester Airport managing director Chris Woodroofe added: "We are pleased to see easyJet expanding its base here, having significantly increased the number of destinations it flies to from Manchester over the past year.

"It is also exciting to see the introduction of a Murcia service, which I am sure will be hugely popular with passengers this summer."

The news comes amid easyJet insisting that cash-strapped Britons will not ditch their overseas holidays in the face of soaring costs, as it posted sharply narrowed annual losses after a record summer performance.

The group reported underlying pre-tax losses of £178m for the 12 months to September 30 against losses of £1.1bn the previous year.

It said it returned its best earnings for a single quarter over the summer, at £674m on an underlying basis, as the ending of Covid-19 pandemic travel restrictions put overseas holidays back on track.

Chief executive Johan Lundgren said consumers will prioritise holidays as they come under pressure from soaring inflation, adding that bookings for next spring and summer are already looking positive.

But the low-cost carrier cautioned over "market-wide" cost increases and said its first-half fuel expense was set to be more than 50% higher year-on-year due to soaring inflation.

The group’s costs, excluding fuel, increased by 106% over the past year to £4.6bn.

easyJet is hiking ticket prices in response, with prices looking strong for Easter, 2023, though with its budget offering aid as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

Lundgren said: "easyJet does well in tough times. Legacy carriers will struggle in this high-cost environment.

"Consumers will protect their holidays but look for value, and across its primary airport network, easyJet will be the beneficiary as customers vote with their wallets."

The group remained in the red over the past year as it was hit by an extra £78m in disruption and compensation costscaused by the travel chaos over the summer as flights were delayed and cancelled due to staff shortages across its operations and at airports.

This masked a record-breaking final quarter, with its flight programme back to around pre-Covid levels, which helped full-year passenger numbers jump 242% to 69.7 million on the pandemic-hit previous year.

The group said it had already started recruiting for next summer to help avoid the disruption seen in 2022.

The airline has launched a cabin crew recruitment campaign focused on the over-45s to boost its workforce.

Lundgren said it had received a phenomenal response - with applications up 75% on a daily basis: "The group would look to extend the campaign outside the UK," he said.

It is seeing applications outstrip roles advertised, with 19,000 applications for 2,000 cabin crew jobs being offered.

easyJet said it would consider deals to expand, as smaller rivals across Europe fall foul of the cost crunch, saying it will not rule anything out.

"There will be a number of airlines that will struggle and don’t have the resource to go through uncertainty," said Lundgren.

Lack of Volunteers sees Torrevieja North Neighbourhood Watch Disband

Following a presentation, and then an FAQ session with the Healthcare Team from the British Consulate at the monthly meeting of the Torrevieja North Neighbourhood Watch, held last Monday at Oasis San Luis, Doug Allen, the Chairman of the group, stood down.

Doug said that after the challenge of running the group for the past 5 years and the decline in attendance at meetings, there needed to be a different focus and he would like to see others take more interest and involvement in the community.

Doug thanked the meeting for their support but said as there have been no offers from anyone to take on running the group, the Neighbourhood watch group is disbanded.

The meeting thanked the chairman for his hard work and efforts over the past years and asked if he would continue to provide his invaluable support to the community, even in a reduced manner.

No further meetings are planned , though Doug has agreed that there may be ad-hoc meetings for special reasons such as the voting process, visa applications and padron matters.

As there have been a large number of requests to continue to provide information to the community,

a new facebook site has been set up to take over from the Neighbourhood Crime Watch site.

The new Facebook site is Torrevieja North Information Watch and anyone with an interest in Torrevieja can join.

MOBILE ITV TESTS IN SAN MIGUEL

If your vehicle´s ITV is about to expire,and you’re a resident of San Miguel (or the surrounding area), then there´s good news because the town hall has announced that a mobile ITV inspection unit is coming to town.

The service will be available for two days this month,both the 9th and 12th of December,located at the entrance of Estadio Montesico Blanco (Campo de Futbol).

The service will be available from 08:00 until 16:00 and remember,you can renew your ITV up to a month before it is due to expire,and the time is carried over.

Also remember that you are not permitted to drive with an expired ITV

Spain increases security at govt buildings after six letter bombs

detected

Spain has increased security at government buildings and embassies after six letter bombs were discovered over the last seven days.

Two of the letter bombs were targeted at Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Defence Minister Margarita Robles. One of them exploded at the Ukraine embassy in Madrid and ended up injuring one of the security guards.

Spain to see warmer than usual winter, predicts Aemet State Meteorological Agency Aemet has predicted a sharp change in climate for the areas most affected by the drought in some areas of Spain in the next few days.

Temperatures are likely to be above normal for this time of the year. Aemet predicted that "winter will be warmer than normal as a whole".

MYSTERIOUS SONIC BOOM IN CANARY ISLANDS LIKELY CAUSED BY METEORITE

A mysterious sonic boom was heard across Gran Canaria on 30 Nov and an investigation reveals that it may have been caused by a meteorite hitting the sea.

The probe suggests that the meteorite likely flew over the islands and then landed in the sea in the northern side of the archipelago.

No injury or damage to property has been reported.

STOWAWAYS FOUND ON NIGERIAN SHIP RUDDER SEEK ASYLUM

Three stowaways who were found sitting on a Nigerian ship's rudder by Spanish authorities are now seeking asylum in the country.

The men apparently completed the 11day journey from Nigeria to Spain's Canary Islands by sitting on the rudder. They were initially taken to a hospital with symptoms of dehydration and hypothermia.

WHO voices concern about precarious condition of healthcare workers

The World Health Org has pointed out that Spain's health system is problematic and that the issue that needs urgent attention is the planning and management of human resources and there is a need to improve the working conditions of health workers.

WHO has voiced its concern about

the consequences of the precarious working conditions of Spanish professionals.

The final meeting of Torrevieja North NHW

Fear of British Tourism Decline over Winter

Scandinavian market. Iceland has direct flights to Alicante, a total of 59 up to March, with more than 12,000 seats, 3.5% more than last year. There is still some interest from the Brits though, as right now, according to the report, tourists from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Birmingham are still searching for flights from the United Kingdom, although in lower numbers.

PROPERTY

2

SALE

Not only are the number of Brits residing in Spain falling, but there is more bad news this week as tourism numbers are also likely to take a dive. Despite the favourable summer season, particularly tourists from the British market, winter is not looking at all promising, blamed largely on the increase in inflation and the cost of living in the United Kingdom, which is far higher than many other countries.

Looking at the forecasts, the regional tourism department on the Costa Blanca has already identified a drop of 19% in the number of

searched for flights from the UK.

British tourism continues to be key for the province of Alicante, especially during the low season when Imserso and Spanish retirees are not enough to sustain business within the hospitality sector. For this reason, there is concern and uncertainty as experts look ahead to the coming months and especially January and February.

Hotels on the Costa Blanca registered 1.4 million overnight stays in October, of which 900,000 were in Benidorm. Average occupancy was 70% and employment

was close to 10,000 workers.

In terms of hotel prices, the average rate between January and October stood at 83 euro in three-star hotels (12.2% more than in 2021), 103 euro in four-star hotels (7.3 %) and 148 euro in 5-star hotels, 26.5% more than last year.

To try to combat the decline in the British market, the Provincial Tourist Board is turning to other nationalities. This week, representative of the Costa Blanca have been in Reykjavik holding a workshop with agents and specialised press from Iceland, in order to promote the Costa Blanca destination within the

Rows of empty sunbeds in Benidorm

There’s No Time Like the Present

According to the Rolling Stones, time is on my side. With a career spanning six decades, they certainly seem to speak (or sing) from experience. My only quibble with Jagger and Co is that I don't believe time exists. You can't always get what you want, Sir Mick.

The physicist Carlo Rovelli claims that time is an illusion, probably caused by wristwatches. That second insight was mine, incidentally. The universe is on average the same everywhere, and looks the same in every direction, because we live in a continuum, whose elements are not noticeably different from each other, a bit like a pandemic lockdown.

Sundials in ancient Egypt were the first attempt to measure time, but their basic unit of measurement was daylight -- sundials don't function at night, so how would that work if you tried to book a table in a Cairo restaurant for dinner at 9 p.m.?

Einstein proved that everything is relative, so time is irrelevant. Tell that to people waiting in a queue at a bus stop on a rainy day. He wrote that the distinction between past, present and future "is only a stubborn persistent illusion. If a system is unchanging, it is timeless." Like the smile on Madonna Lisa, one might say, although her fixed facial smirk is beginning to look somewhat irked these days, as if she really wants to stick her tongue out at the viewer.

Half of the time, part of the trouble is that we are all slightly mad. We experience time as psychologically real, even though it is not fundamentally real. But we need some such concept to cope with a world of delayed flights, missed appointments, late arrival at work, dentists' waiting

rooms, and postponed operations. If I may say so, your life sounds awful.

Doctor Who -- that multiple personality disordered Time Lord -- believes that time is the fourth dimension. "To know where you are, you have to know what time it is," he announces rather cryptically, causing his arch-enemy Daleks to wish they could scratch their heads. If only it was always that easy after a night on the tiles.

The modern invention of time came about because of our need for some sort of

order in our lives, whereby we could punch the factory time clock and Dolly Parton could sing a song entitled 9 to 5: "What a way to make a living..." Is it possible to stop time, asked one student, sounding as if he had read about Dorian Gray. To which Einstein replied, "Of course it is! All you have to do is travel at the speed of light!"

I don't think I'll be doing that any time soon. Or any time at all. Even if time did exist.

REGISTERING TO VOTE PIOC CLINICS

PIOC are pleased to announce that we are holding "clinics" every single weekday next week (and beyond), to inform local residents about how to register to vote in the municipal elections in 2023.

The venues and times are as follows:

Mon - SPORTS BAR (Playa Flamenca Centre) 2.30pm

Tuesday - EMERALD ISLE (La Florida) 11am

Tuesday - DI STEPHANOS (La Zenia) 2pm

Wednesday - LIME BAR (Los Dolses) 2pm

Thursday - RUMOURS (Citrus Centre) 3pm

Friday - LEESON STREET (Los Dolses) - 11am

You won't have a choice if you don't have a voice! Registering to vote isn't as complicated as you think and we will guide you through the process.

Our aim is simply to help everyone who has the right to vote registers before the deadline which is 15th January 2023 for Non-EU residents and 31st January 2023 for EU residents.

Keep checking our FB page for more information and more schedules in the coming weeks.

Spain proposes Gibraltar as

Brexit

Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, has proposed informed the Campo de Gibraltar that Spain and the European Commission have sent the United Kingdom a proposal to make the area a zone of shared prosperity, a new legal framework that lays the foundations for a stable relationship between Spain and the EU.

The proposal guarantees the freedom of movement of goods between the EU and Gibraltar although this will require Spain, on behalf of the EU, to exercise functions of control and protection of the internal market, as customs controls between Spain and Gibraltar disappear.

Pilar’s La Paloma to be demolished

Last Wednesdays Plenary Council meeting approved the demolition of the building known as ‘La Paloma’, the refurbishment of it’s undergound car park and the construction of a multipurpose building for cultural activities.

However there was some controversy as the PSOE opposition left the chamber prior to the vote stating that they had not received details on the motion in advance thereby allowing it’s discussion.

This bundle of cuteness is Pomelo, who is 7.5 weeks old and is a small crossbreed. Who could resist?

For more info 966 71 0047 / 688792515 info@satanimalrescue.com

a free zone unaffected by

‘Stuff...’

Iown a lot of stuff. Mrs Youcantbeserious owns a lot of stuff. We own a lot of stuff between us. We are talking here about household stuff – or at least stuff contained within the four walls of a house. Most of this stuff isn’t worth an awful lot of money. Our house is full of ‘stuff’.

I have a feeling that I touched on this topic sometime in the past. I never look back on old columns; ‘when it’s gone it’s gone’. Anyway, if I wrote about this conundrum sometime over the past fifteen years, you can take my word for it that the situation has steadily gotten worse – even if the intake of new stuff has slowed to a trickle. We don’t bring home mementos of our foreign trips to hang on the wall anymore. I know we are no different to most other couples when it comes to acquiring stuff.

When you are a young couple you bring home Spanish bulls, Eiffel Towers and Coliseums to remind yourself – and everybody else that you have been there. But it isn’t only relics of foreign trips that fill every empty space on walls, shelves, presses and ‘cubby-holes.’ It’s mostly the stuff that was last year’s ‘thing’ – or more accurately, last decade’s ‘things.’

When a young couple get married or move in together, they acquire the stuff they need around the house. Everything they own has a use and gets used. Then over the years, as stuff becomes redundant or

*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.

GARDEN FELIX

outdated, the old stuff is retired to a top or a bottom shelf, but definitely retained as it ‘might come in useful’ someday’.

We do try to give old stuff away in Casa Comaskey, but by the time we arrive at that decision, the stuff is so antiquated that the next generation just laughs politely and turns their eyes up to heaven.

It’s still too good to dump, not everything is suitable for the charity shop – so what do you do, I ask? The attic – that’s the next move.

There is a large attic in our house and no

Bernie has published four books; ëIf Ever a Man Sufferedí, ëThe Best of Bernieí, ëThe Teamí, and ëJust Between Ourselvesí. Bernieís books are available at half price, on sale from either Spanish Solutions or ëThe Leader.íCall 637 227 385 for info.

Dracaena

tropical evergreen shrub

The Dracaena is a tropical evergreen shrub loved for its spear or grass shaped leaves that extend off one or more thickened, cane-like main stems.

Known mainly as a house plant, it will be happy growing outdoors here in the temperate climate of the Costa Blanca South.

Outdoor Dracaena plants can grow to 20ft or more and produce yellowish white flowers, followed by berries, but grown as a houseplant that's very rare.

Grow in soil that is rich and well draining, Dracaena do best in bright, filtered, or indirect light, although they can stand short periods of direct sunlight.

Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves;too little light can cause the leaves to become very narrow.

Keep the plant consistently moist, by watering weekly during Spring through to Autumn, which is their gro-

matter what stuff gets to the stage that we don’t know what to do with it; ‘put it up in the attic’ is the answer. Talk about kicking the can down the road!

Old computers, radios, Video recorders, heaters, books, suitcases and boxes of everything under the sun. You get the picture? The attic is nearly full ….

I am writing this late at night, in longhand, sitting on a high stool at the island in the kitchen. As my eye focuses on all the stuff I can see by swivelling my stool, I start asking myself what would I really need to take with me if I was moving into an apartment. But all I can see is the stuff I couldn’t leave behind.

There is a plate with an inscription hanging on the wall. I bought that plate on our honeymoon, more than 51 years ago. It came with us every move we made since then and has hung on a fair few walls. The inscription reads; ‘MY HOUSE IS SMALL ? NO MANSION FOR A MILLIONAIRE ? BUT THERE IS ROOM FOR LOVE AND THERE IS ROOM FOR FRIENDS, THAT’S ALL I CARE.

This house may be a bit bigger than the

wing season. Keep the soil drier in their dormant winter period.

Also feed monthly with a water soluble fertiliser during spring and summer.

Pruning is not essential, but cut it back when necessary to control their shape or height, best done during active growing periods of spring and summer.

Propagate Dracaena by rooting stem cuttings, which are best done in Spring when the plant is beginning to actively grow.Even just a bare section of the stem will often produce a new plant.Dracaena contain saponins, that are toxic to cats and dogs.

one with that first wall, but that message still means as much today as it did in 1971. My gaze shifts to the top of the fitted presses. Spread along, just under the ceiling are at least thirty mugs: Mugs we have brought home from places all over the world and each one full of memories.

There is the 1994 World Cup in America, Trips to Cuba, Las Vegas, Nashville, New Orleans and so on.

What can you do with that sort of stuff other than hold onto it? And this is only one room in the house ….

The walls of every room in the house are decorated with family photos covering more than three generations.

What could anyone do with these but pack them in boxes – and then move the boxes from place to place until they finally fall into the hands of somebody who doesn’t care – and they get dumped.

Mrs Youcantbeserious is a collector of ornaments and pieces of art. Just look at the cabinets, shelves and dressing tables in this house.

No, that stuff ain’t going anywhere just yet! My squash trophies had to take a hike to the attic a long time ago

Did I tell you what all the drawers are full of? Holy God, it would take a week to itemise it; and again, we are not talking about monetary value here.

Can we leave the garage and sheds until another time?

All I can say is may the Lord look down upon whoever has to come and clear out this house after our day!

DON’T FORGET

It is what we value, not what we have, that makes us rich.

Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com

Shani’s Magical Christmas

One of the American customs that has invaded the commercial world is Black Friday,a herald to Christmas celebrations...and gifts.

Shani Ormiston has delivered a gift with yet another Christmas themed song, full of light,love and fun.

What brought many of us to Spain was the sun and Shani has used this as a theme in her latest composition with a wonderful videoclip of her and friends celebrating the jolly,holly season on the beach with a Santa as a Centrepiece.

“MAS QUE SUERTE” is the title with a positive attitude that,while the sun shines,all will be well. And though it is written in Spanish it is easy to follow and so far has received a warm welcome.

It follows last year’s suc cessful Christmas song, “Dancing by the Mistletoe” which was nominated as best festive song in this year’s Hollywood Music Awards.

Shani likes to illustrate the words of her songs by pictorial videos and this song follows a typical

Christmas theme of a love waiting for her lover to come to spend the holidays with her.

Some great scenes recorded by Carlos García who likes inserting symbolic items,such as carrots for Rudolph or little Christmas cakes for Santa.

The couple finish the rustic video by dancing under the mistletoe and a sly wink for viewers from Shani as she looks up to the mistletoe, indicating what she has in mind.

Both songs are on social media and videos on YouTube and other platforms as well as Shani’s own page.

If that gives you a tasting of Christmas then another treat from Shani is a newly released Christmas álbum “Shani’s Magical Christmas” with her interpretation of popular Christmas songs plus a few of her own with their own message.

Shani has been referred to by Spanish commenters as “another Mariah Carey”.

This Singer-songwriter has live performances this month with an appearance at the annual English “CAROLS IN THE PLAZA”,now in its twentieth year on 14TH DECEMBER.

On 18TH DECEMBERShani has her own LIVE CONCERTin the central plaza of Torrevieja with THE LIGHTS OF THE NORDIC CHRISTMAS TREEas a backdrop and accompanied by musicians and dancers, and audience participation.

JOSÉ Luis is looking ahead to a future tour across Spain, the UK and Dubai along with starring in Strictly Dance Spain in 2023.

"At the moment we are preparing a show of Tango, fused with Flamenco to tour in Spain, England and Dubai," said Josè.

"It will be a pleasure to be part of the team - and dance with the best in the world," he said.

Josè, who has performed with Torrevieja based Katie Street in Strictly Dance Spain this year, said: "Strictly Dance Spain is going strong throughout the Costa Blanca region.

"We could have a full agenda, 7 days a week, if it wasn’t for the space and floor, that we need to be able to perform.

"It's a shame to see how the best venues call you to ask for an available date - and we have to say 'no' for the reasons mentioned above."

Josè spoke about his profession in the wake of the Covid19 pandemic turmoil that struck the industry after lockdowns and thereafter new regulations now in place.

"In addition to the venues situation, since COVID they have tightened the review of establishments - if they have licenses to perform shows and if everything is sufficiently soundproofed," said José.

Looking ahead Josè said: "My ambition for 2023 is to strengthen ourselves in the team that Strictly Dance Spain was part of, together with Katie.

"To be able to put on better shows at big events with large audiences, and go internationally if necessary and improve every day.

"Also, I never rule out returning to high competition."

Following his success in winning the Magnificent 7 TV series in Spain, Josè has become a public figure.

"It is a pleasure to walk down the street and from the youngest to the oldest, they ask you about your events.

"All Redován was connected to television, when I was competing in the series 'Los 7 Magnificos' (a series similar to Strictly Come Dancing) in 2011. "It was a proud moment to also come out as the winner of the entire series," added José.

Redovan dance star José Luis Ruiz Cases talks to Andrew Atkinson in Part 2 of a Leader exclusive.

Spain, UK and Dubai, next up for JOSÉ,

Four cars burnt out in Pilar de la Horadada

Afire has destroyed four vehicles in the centre of Pilar de la Horadada and damaged eight others. The incident occurred at about 4am on Saturday morning in an open-air car park close to the town hall building, on the corner of Calle Triana and Calle La Isla.

The fire was initially attended by the municipal fire protection service of Civil Protection in Pilar de la Horadada, which has its own equipment and volunteers as well as a 3,000-liter fire engine. They were joined by firefighters

CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT SALT CHURCH

WEDNESDAY 14TH DECEMBER AT 4 P.M.

Enjoy an evening of Carols and Readings this Christmas season.

Mince pies and hot drinks will be served afterwards.

There is no charge for this event.

Calle Daya Nueva 12, Poligono Industrial Levante II, 03187 Los Montesinos, Alicante.

from the Provincial Consortium in Torrevieja, in addition to officers from the local police.

The flames also caused some damage to the rear facade of the town hall building.

The fire alerted local residents who watched as the flames, which rose a couple of meters high, spread to other vehicles next to the houses, amid the noise of the car alarms going off and a number of small explosions.

Visit Salt Lakes on foot or by bicycle

More than 36,000 people have visited the salt lake every year since it first opened to tourist activity in 2018 and now a new initiative could see that number rising even more with the addition of with guided routes on foot or by bicycle.

Torrevieja’s Councillor for Tourism, Rosario Martínez is now promoting the new route which will be opened next Saturday, December 10, (on foot) and on Sunday, December 11, by bicycle, both starting at 9:00 a.m.

is necessary by email to: visitatorrevieja@salins.com or by phone at 966 90 13 50 or 680 55 22 91

The minimum number in a group is 5 people and the route on both foot and bike is suitable for the of all types of public. For the bicycle route you must provide your own bike (helmets are also mandatory) and the minimum age is five years.

start of the Tour de Espana cycling race.

The visit by bicycle lasts approximately one hour and on foot for around an hour and a half. But in both you can enjoy a unique lagoon landscape and the most visible symbols of the historic Torrevejense salt mine exploitation.

The salt hill was formed to start the 2019 Tour de Espana cycling race.

The tour will begin inside the gate of Las Salinas, on Calle Portalicos, where an area has been set up to park bicycles and welcome visitors. Tickets can be collected at the store just inside the gate but a prior reservation

The initiative is open to individuals, companies, school groups, associations or clubs. It is a 3.4 kilometre route, in which you can visit the entire industrial zone, the abandoned "chemical" factories, the famous stacker or "bird", the pink lakes, the setting area for traditional salt craft boats, the mountains of salt or the salt hill that was formed to

These new routes are in addition to the popular salt train that was launched in 2018, after the efforts of the previous government team.

Since then the facilities have been visited by some 150,000 people, including thousands of Torreviejas who, paradoxically, have never had access to the industry that led to the birth of the town.

ACROSS

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD ANSWERS

QUICK

ACROSS: ACROSS: 7 Trophy; 8 Polish; 10 Publish; 11 Trick; 12 Fury; 13 Scoff; 17 Vaunt; 18 Yarn; 22 Halve; 23 Rampage; 24 Cavity; 25 Rating.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Stupefy; 2 Bombard; 3 Chair; 4 Fortify; 5 Vivid; 6 Choke; 9 Chicanery; 14 Majesty; 15 Paladin; 16 Inveigh; 19 Thick; 20 Slave; 21 Smear.

CR CR YPTIC YPTIC

DOWN

ACROSS: 7 Hearer; 8 Boring; 10 Fall out; 11 Train; 12 Link; 13 About; 17 Seven; 18 Mate; 22 Dross; 23 Outlast; 24 Across; 25 Action.

DOWN: 1 Shuffle; 2 Failing; 3 Heron; 4 Contour; 5 Midas; 6 Agent; 9 Stable-boy; 14 Persist; 15 Fanatic; 16 Destiny; 19 Edgar; 20 Court; 21 Stick.

ACROSS ACROSS

1.Assured of being admitted to the church (9) 8.See 11 Across 9.The sort of hard look that comes from one with spectacles? (6,5) 11 & 8Ac. Trying to get a lot (6,1,3) 12.To behave like a glutton will produce a deep rift (5) 13.Large groups of birds round the top of the dove-cote (6) 15.Says tastes differ (6)

17.Awell-watered spot - because of the broken tiles? (5)

18.It's dreadful being at home in ruined house (7)

20.How certain people are convinced! (11)

22.To give way under pressure is not quite wise (3)

23.Those who express the thoughts of the wheelwrights? (9)

DOWN DOWN

2.One may be seen from the window-ledge (3)

3.Ben is confused by the playwright (5)

4.His map is spoiled by an accident (6)

5.Adose of medicine for a man on the board (7)

6.Unusually bare food allocations will produce mental lapses (11)

7.Turns one's attention to present-day clothing (9)

10.Intimate receipt of information attached to the account (11)

11.Sewer working automatically (9)

14.Circuitous ways of French excursions (7)

16.Got the native quarter destroyed (6)

19.She appears in a sapphire necklace (5)

21.Fish going back for shelter (3)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 23)

1. Plus or minus 200 days, how many days are there in a millennium?

2. Which Broadway musical was based on T.H. White's novel The Once and Future King?

3. The four Germans, Marlene Dietrich, Albert Einstein, Karl Marx and Karlheinz Stockhausen can all be seen in the same place. Where is that?

4. Which European explorer was the first to discover New Zealand on his voyage of 1642?

5. Miss Rottenmeier is a very strict and pedantic housekeeper in which book or films?

6. English chemist John Dalton published the first scientific paper on which common deficiency in 1798? (Clue: Although seen to some as being a disability, it can be highly advantageous to the armed forces at night)

7. Who fell head over heels in love with Anne Darrow?

8. What is a North African Wadi?

9. Which day of the week is named after the Norse god of single combat?

10. Which modern game was inspired by the North American Indian game BAGGATAWAY?

11. Cape Hatteras is located in North Carolina and is America's tallest what?

12. The first double LP was released in 1966 and was titled Freak Out. Name the band. clue, in song, they "were at the best place around"

13. Which famous symbol contains the semaphoric letters N and D?

14. Which giant of a man lends his name to the largest frog

in the world?

15. Burj Khalifa is a supertall skyscraper in Dubai and is the tallest man-made structure ever built. Plus or minus 50 metres (or plus or minus 150 feet), how tall is it?

16. What did 80,000 men cut to build Solomon's Temple?

17. What is inside popcorn that makes it pop?

18. What is David Cornwell's pen name?

19. Versailles palace and St Paul's cathedral in London are both examples of which style of architecture?

20. The first Gold single in the USA was in 1958. The artist was Perry Como. Name the song.

21. Which zone varies from batter to batter in baseball?

22. One liners. We give you one line from a song from the year 1985, you have to tell us the title of the song and the name of the artist that scored a hit with that song in 1985. (In the case of cover versions, who had a hit in 1985). a: There are people dying and it's time to lend a hand to life.

b: So needless to say I'm odds and ends. c: I gotta take a little time, a little time to think things over. d: Boy you've got to prove your love to me. e: Through these fields of destruction, baptisms of fire. f: And the beat's so loud, deep inside, the presure's high, just to stay alive. g: I was dreaming of the past and my heart was beating fast. h: I walk into an empty room And suddenly my heart goes "boom"! i: Come on, I'm talking to you, come on. j: Try and understand it, make a noise and make it clear. k: Yeah I, I got to know your name.

l: And if I only could, I'd make a deal with God. m: You take a piece of me with you. n: So they put a rifle in my hand, sent me off to a foreign land to go and kill the yellow man

ORIHUELA COSTA THANKS IT’S P O P P Y A P P E A L C O L L E C T O R S

Afree meal for 48 members of the Orihuela Costa and District Branch of the RBL as all those involved in the poppy collection, in whatever capacity, be they distributors, collectors or rattlers of tins, even some of Eddies little helpers, all gathered at the Laughing Leprechaun in Cabo Roig on Wednesday afternoon where they each enjoyed a free meal of steak and chips with trimmings, fish and chips with mushy peas, and of course the compulsory half a bottle of wine.

The meal was provided free of charge, largely due to a generous donation from The Leader Newspaper as a reward for their efforts with the poppy appeal in which the branch anticipates yet another bumper year.

And there was a bonus, well two actually. First the presentation to the branch poppy appeal of 220 euros raised at the venue’s musical bingo afternoons during the last few weeks, and second, live music with the Costa’s youngest Boy Band, The Blend, pictured right.

The food was first class, the music was great and, as is always the case, the company was brilliant.

The Church of JESUS CHRISTof Latter-Day Saints in Torrevieja meet at 10.00 each Sunday in their chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. All Welcome. Phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 659 016 733

La Siesta Evangelical Church, Torrevieja, a friendly, English-speaking church. We hold services at 11.15am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month (and the 5th when there is one). For more info see our website at: www. lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org Join us at the SALTCHURCH Sundays at 10.30 am. We are a friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship. Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, PolÌgono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. We look forward to meeting you. www.Saltchurchspain.

Facebook SaltChurchSpain

International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, TorreviejaEvangelical 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 ñ Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. Phone: 966 799 273 / 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. www.icatorrevieja.org

for price, choice and quality.

ENGLISH SPOKEN

Come Join The Band' The Royal British Legion Concert Band Spain is looking for a second violin player of any nationality to join our growing group of musicians. Please contact Graham Robinson at email by phone on 658 663 846 or by email at: robinsongraham256@ googlemail.com

need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Home Visiting Team to visit a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. If you can help call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887. Or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es

The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2021 Ford Puma ST-Line Hybrid which is on Special Offer priced at just 22,500 euro.

Come along to our large showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers.

We can assure you of the biggest and best in the area

The Meetings of the Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch are held at 7 for 7.30 pm on the 3rd Thursday of every month at the Olympia Pool Bar in Mil Palmeras. Join us on 15 December for carols and mince pies. Everyone is welcome incl non members. Call Jean on: 630 28 08 99.

The RBLTorrevieja BranchMeets at the Oasis, formerly the Casa Ventura, San Luis on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6.30 pm for 7pm start. New members are always welcome. You do not have to be ex-services. For info please contact:Torrevieja.secretary@rbl. community

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50ís. We

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 +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Mike Cockman 670 224 822

The RAFACosta Blanca RMG replaces the RAFACosta Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the RAFAand the RMG is via the RAFAwebsite rafa.org.uk. Over 50 - On your own in the Torrevieja area. Check out Phoenix Solos who meet every Monday morning from 11am to 1pm at Reflections Bar/Restaurant, C/Aviles, San Luis Lakeside. Call Lynette on 643 098 173 or see website at; phoenixsolos.wix.com

The Ferry that won the Falklands War

vessel to enter San Carlos Water, soon to become known as ‘Bomb Alley’. The anchorage took place at dead of night in absolute silence. Both anchors were dropped but as they had seized up because of the cold weather, and as the crew and passengers held their collective breath, the anchor chains had to be freed by hitting them with large hammers.

Peter McWatt, who lives in Orihuela Costa, was just 19 years of age when he joined the MV Norland as a second cook, and he loved it. Regular shifts, decent money, holidays, and no pressure. He just did as he was told, and life was all good.

Speaking to The Leader Peter said, “Although my dad was a World War Two veteran, and a hero in my eyes, I chose the easy option, a life at sea but the safe haven of a roll on/roll off North Sea Ferry. There was none of that ducking, diving and shelling for me, just the quiet life on board the Norland, operating between Kingston upon Hull in Yorkshire, and Rotterdam Europoort, Netherlands.”

But in 1982 all that changed, as the vessel was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence to be used as a troopship in the Task Force sent to retake the Falkland Islands from Argentina. “I remember Captain Ellerby getting us all on deck. He told us of the MOD requisition and made it absolutely clear that anyone wishing to leave the ship was quite free to do so. All 70 crew members stood firm. It was one of the proudest moments of my life.”

Once under MOD command the Norland made for Hull and then Portsmouth where it was fitted with two helicopter landing pads. In April 1982 it then took on board very nearly a thousand troops from 2 Para together with their supporting arms, who were scheduled to join 3 Para, the Royal Marines and others, as part of 3 Commando Brigade.

“Leaving Portsmouth bound for the Falklands must have been difficult for the Paras, with hundreds and hundreds of family members and friends on the quayside, not knowing if they would ever see their loved one’s again, as we sailed into the

Solent. We had been in a similar position a few days earlier when we left our home port of Hull. "It was agonising, as all our families came out to see us off," Peter said, “and so, the ship sailed off to war. But the crew’s minds were now on other things as they turned their attention to providing all necessary support for those on board. Down in the galley Peter was busy preparing over 3000 meals a day. “The kitchen operated for 24 hours a day, and we were turning out meals at all times of the day and night.”

The long voyage was rough with plenty of choppy seas, but the Norland was "in her element and as strong as an ox" on the voyage south and, during storm force 10 and 11 gales. Indeed, at times the ship's escorts had to signal for us to slow down.”

Norland disembarked her troops under the cover of darkness and as the following day broke the she found that she was surrounded by other members of the task force. As the sun came up all hell broke loose with onslaught after onslaught. A dozen or more low-flying land-based Argentine jet aircraft made repeated attacks on ships of the British Task Force.

Peter recalls the air-raid sirens and being sent below to his cabin during every attack, the wisdom of which he now questions. “Although at the time I just did as I was told. I didn’t know what was going on, but I could certainly hear the explosions above.”

San Carlos became a key battle ground which lasted from 21 to 25 May 1982 with British Naval losses that included three Royal Navy ships, HMS Ardent, HMS Antelope and HMS Coventry.

The British warships, although themselves suffering most of the attacks, were successful in keeping the strike aircraft away from the landing ships, which were well inside the bay.

The mid-way staging post was the Ascension Islands, where the Norland was replenished, taking on board additional weapons and equipment. It was also joined by additional military and the crew was given another chance to leave the ship, but again no-one took up the offer.

It then sailed on to the Falklands, a journey of a further 10 or so days while, the military continued to practise and hone their skills.

Arriving at East Falkland the ship crept under cover of darkness close to its destination, where the Norland was the first

With the British troops on Falklands soil, a land campaign followed until Argentine General Mario Menéndez surrendered to British Major General Jeremy Moore on 15 June in Stanley. But it was another year before the MV Norland was able to return to it’s day, job prior to which it was used to repatriate Argentine prisoners of war to Montevideo and Argentina. It then served as resupply ship ferrying equipment, goods and personnel between the Ascension Islands and Port Stanley. For it’s service the Norland received the battle honour "Falkland Islands 1982," which for many years was displayed in one of the passenger lounges, with a painting of the ship in San Carlos Water. The ship was broken up in India in the summer of 2010. Meanwhile, on the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War, all members of the Norland crew received a maroon beret, as they were made honorary members of 2 Para.

Peter recalls, “We were the first in and the last out and although it was more than a little scary I would do it all again at the drop of a hat. The experience was life changing and I made so many lifelong friends. I’m delighted that we are still able to get together on a regular basis and I would not change the experience for the world.”

ABOVE: HMSAntelope breaking in two, with the Norland in the foreground.

BELOW: The MVNorland being shelled in ‘Bomb Alley’.

Peter with wife Chris at a 2 Para reunion.

Peter was just 19 years of age when the North Sea Ferry, MVNorland, was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence.

ìOn being asked to volunteer, all 70 crew members stood firm. It was one of the proudest moments of my life,î Peter told The Leader

RESULTS FOR 1 DECEMBER WEEK 9

Mind The Gap12-0Hub Hellraisers Hub Hyenas8-4CC’s Flyers

Fallen Angels1-11Tipsy Toad Toppers

Ck1 Lads4-8El Capitan

Pint Depot Queens3-9Domino´s Desp

CC’s Bees11-1Angel´s Delights

Tipsy Toad Tiaras1-11Ck1 Ladybirds

Danny´S Bar7-5Milo´s Freakie Taverners6-6 Leeson St. Trotters

League Table P Pts Legs

Mind The Gap918100 Hub Hyenas91891 El Capitan91684

Tipsy Toad Toppers91684 CC's Flyers91476

CC´S Bees91466

Ck1 Lads91062 Fallen Angels9953

Danny's Bar9847

Freakie Taverners9844 Milo´s9751

Leeson Street Trotters9749

Ck1 Ladybirds9638

Domino's Desperados9539

Hub Hellraisers9320

Angel Delights9219

Tipsy Toad Tiaras9125

Pint Depot Queens9022

At the halfway stage of the first half season

180's: Lee Maiden Tipsy Toad Toppers, Peter Spence Hub Hyenas, Andy Gildea Tipsy Toad Toppers

Highest Check-Outs: Dave Rowlinson CC’s Bees 91, 17-T14-D16

CHRISTMAS MIXED PAIRS

Players diaries, December 22nd, the New Tavern, San Miguel, for the leagues annual Yuletide Mixed bash. Entries now open for this popular fun competition.

Prizes for highest finish, 180's, top 4 pairs, not forgetting best fancy dress, won last year by Amanda Skinner.

Entries allowed from different teams, team captains have entry forms, to be forwarded to Simone de Lacy.

Mind the Gap v Hub Hellraisers

Just one three figure score from the Raisers and 17 from Gap tells the story in this one. Sue Spiers 111 and high scores from the Carols, Peace and Rowland were efforts of note from the visitors. Gap added a further twenty 80+ scores in this demolition.

Best of the bunch in this encounter wasn't the usual James or Carlos, Che or Gordon, but Bliss who did everything Wright gaining 3 winning doubles plus 2x100,140 and a couple of 80+'s for POTM. Spiers, Raisers POTM.

Hub Hyenas v CC Flyers

Matt Smith 81,81, opened the match with D16, Hub man Jay Wilkinson 91,140. Mark Ellis 140, D4, levelling despite a Suso Madrid 139. Smith found D20 for 1-2, Andre Wing D20 making it 22.

Pete Spence 2x100, left partner Wing to out on D20, Dario Sierra D16 giving Hub a 4-2 lead, Smith's 97,140 insufficient.

Dylan Fitzsimmons busted 123 in the 1st singles, but still found D6, opponent Chelsea Campbell 140 breathing down his neck. S. Madrid 100,140, 68 out had a real winning belter with Ellis 121,98,95, prior to Wilkinson 48 out and Spence 180, D2, taking the Hub to 7 legs and both points.

Smith D20 overcome a lively Alan Havelock in the 11th, Wing finding D10 in the 12th. POTMEllis - Smith.

Despos, Graham Eagles bagging two. Things improved after the break, Lorraine Cox 100, D6 and Andrea Devaney D2 gaining 2 of the 6 singles. Wins for Eagles D5, Angela Chick, 85,115,D13, Paul Chick D15,and Steve Harding concluded the match. POTM - Cox - A.Chick.

Fallen Angels v Tipsy Toad Toppers

By Paul Durrant

The latter and Les Adams pulled 2 back for the hosts, McSweeney 95, D10 increasing Caps advantage at half time.

Steve M. Dalton fired in a D8, for 3-4, Caps McSweeney reversing the trend with D20 and a whacking 162 set up shot.

Adams nailed D20 to keep Lads in the match, unfortunately Caps moved up a gear, Ben Kernahan 100,140,D2, Chris Logan 134,D12 and Bobinas, 140,120,D7, for POTM closed the last 3. Lads POTM - David.

Pint Depot Queens v Dominos Desperados

Marie Cummins was the only Queen to find a double in the 1st half, the remainder going to

Angel's Graham White 100,140,81,80 and Billy Dolling 100,121,135,85 were the hosts only players finding any form, White gaining D20, Dolling deserving Angels POTM. Their opponents on the other hand were all finding T20, the best of which from Graham Solomans 2x100,127,140 and 2 outs, Andy Gildea,100,180, 3x80+ and 2 outs, finally Lee Maiden 2 doubles, 100,180,3x80+ for POTM. a fine performance and a warning to next weeks visitors to the Toad, Hyenas.

CC Bees v Angels Delights Bees made it 7 wins on the trot with 19 tons and 14 80+'s, pretty impressive stuff. Delight's sole victory came via Cathy Burgoyne earning her the POTM, their highest score from Steph Knowles. Otherwise it was all Bees, Dave Rowlinson yet again finding the T20 with ease, 3x100,2x140,98 and 3 outs.

Reg Christopher 100,2x125, 3x80+ got himself POTM despite losing his singles to Burgoyne. Both Bees Liams hit a bagful of tons between them, they are definitely a handful.

Danny's Bar v Milos Milos were quick off the mark, taking the first 2 via Angel Gallardo D8 and Cain Garcia 100,D16. Fabian's 135 in the 3rd insufficient as Karen Collins outed on 56. Raul Rocomora 100 and Alex D10, restored Milos advantage. The next 2 however went Danny's way Jean Randall D16 and Steve Collins D16 making it 3 apiece, Bob Smith contributing a 125. The Lumbs, Lesley D15 and Steve a 46 out, got Dannys to 5-3, before Fabian reduced the hosts

advantage to 1. Smith 85,100,100,D10, gained his side at least a draw, Rob Norbury D2 sealing the match. Cain 2x100,85, D16 made it 7-5 earning POTM as did Smith.

Freakie Taverners v Leeson St Trotters

Both teams move above Milos after this point sharing nail biter. Trotters banged in 8x ton plus scores and 10x 80+ in the 1st half, the score however still 3-3.

Sharon Frain a 71 out, Noel Kenny, D10 and who else but Bryan Livsey 100, 79 out for Freakies, Kain Hickman a 56 out, Barry Shingler 100, D4 and Ron Chadwick 121, D4, contributing to the draw. Trotter, Mark Farmer helping out with 3 x 140, 121,100, but only on the winning side once.

Farmer, 100,100, D1, Shingler,95,95, 63 out and Chadwick D10, got the visitors to 3-6, only for Annnette Dobson, Livsey and Frain to all find the outer ring for shared spoils. POTM - FrainMike Fellows.

Tiaras v Ladybirds

The Tiaras show that they can find the trebles OK, clocking up 3 ton plus and 12 x 80 plus scores to the Ladybirds 2 and 5 respectively. The flaw in their game, to a lady, has been in the finishing.

All 12 legs got down to a shoot-out for the point but the Ladybirds showed excellent form, checking out quickly to take all but one leg.

A post-game team talk identified a couple of areas where the girls from El Galan can improve their performance and moral. POTM for the Ladybirds was Donna Ralph, throwing consistently and finishing a 3/4 of her games (97, 95: D6, 19-10-D16, D5). Credit too to Angie Mullen (138, D1) and Vice Captain Sharon O´Rourke (118, D17, D3).

The sole leg for Tiaras was from POTM Elizabeth Cowan (140, 98, 92, D1), Lisa Ivill (115) and Sharon Crane (104) being the other two to get a 3-figure sum.

CK 1 Lads v El Capitan

Visiting Caps, opened strongly winning all 3 triples via Ed Klimonis, D16, Richie McSweeney and Vycka Bobinas D4 and 2x100. Lads Terry David, Steve Mullen and Darren Hurcombe finding plenty of T20's but no doubles.

POTM - Mark &Matt

180’s Andy &Lee

POTM - Mike &Sharon

SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB

On Saturday 26th November we played our next round of the PREMIER 20 KNOCKOUT COMPETITION, home and away v San Miguel. As with the previous round it was hard fought by both teams at both venues and shots were oh SO close, with just 1 shot in it!

Home: San Luis 4pts – 4, 55 shots – 87.

Away: San Luis 6pts – 2, 85 shots – 52.

Total: San Luis 10 pts, 140 shots. San Miguel 6 pts, 139 shots.

Our super winners at home: Singles Kath Reid 21-19, Pairs John Dowell, Scott Malden 16-15. The winners away: Singles Bill Webb 21-15, Pairs June & Keith Jones 26-8, Triples Giuseppe Galelli, Pat Reilly, Ian Kenyon 23- 12.

During the rest of the week the weather has gradually changed from cool nights to windy days and now cool, windy & wet days!

South Alicante League, Enterprise Div. (A) - Monday 28th November; Klingons were away at Country Bowls against a strong Flamingos team. Unfortunately there was also a very strong wind blowing across the green, which caused quite a few problems for many of us.

Well done to the teams that negotiated the green more successfully: Brenda Brown, Neil Morrison, Scott Malden 21-17, Kath Reid, June Jones, Ian Kenyon 16-16. Thanks to team members who stepped in at short notice when some of our players had to drop out due to illness.

Voyager Div. (C) - Trekkers had a really great result, home v Vistabella Eagles winning 10 points-2, 119 shots -61. Well done to: Tricia Reilly, Derrick Cooper, Pat Reilly 31-8, Chris Phillips, Dee Hoey, Keith Phillips 20-14, Dave Notely, Bill Webb, Dave Webb 19-8, Janet Webb, Ralph Jones, Bob Bromley 35-10.

Southern League (Div A) Lions on Friday 2nd December, should have played at San Miguel v Apaches but due to the on & off heavy rain, the match was cancelled, Southern League (Div C) Tigers: had an extremely fortunate BYE. If you’re interested in finding out more about San Luis BC or bowling in general, come along to Oasis SL, talk to members; we’re a friendly bunch! watch on Monday or Friday match days, or take part in the chicken drive on Saturdays (now changed for winter to 10:00/10:30) or contact Club Captain June Jones for more information: keithjones81@hotmail.com

SHEILA CAMMACK

EL RANCHO BOWLS CLUB

On Monday the Pintos entertained Greenlands Chestnuts in very difficult wind conditions, I personally found that I obviously hadn’t bought enough lottery tickets. Though I was in good company.

A strong wind will normally negate the home advantage. The Chestnuts took the rinks by 4 to 1 and the overall shots by a comfortable margin.

Wednesday found our winter league team playing host to Montemar, playing well to take the rinks by 2 to 1 and the overall shots. Frances Johnston, Ron Greenstreet, Rob Clark and Keith Longshaw 26-10. Sheila Cox, Pam Harris, Brian Harris and Mike Cox 27-12. Bill Johnston, Judy Foley, Diane Yates and Henry Ryder 10-15.

On Friday afternoon the Mustangs were at Villabella playing the Picadors and by the best of luck the rain held off and the mat bowled well.

We had a splendid afternoon’s bowls and enjoyed the match, taking two rinks, a decent away result. Debbie Ham, Judy Foley and Adrian Ham 12-19. Barbara Jones, David Baker and Geoff Jones 11-26. Peter Blackburn, Malc Sykes and Diane Yates 25-8. Sheila Cox, Brian Harris and Mike Cox 8-34. Bill Johnston, Pam Harris and Henry Ryder 21-12.

Bowlers of all levels are welcome at El Rancho, for further membership information contact Sheila Cox at micksheilacox@gmail.com.

QUESADA BOWLS With

Steve Hibberd

The last of Swans rearranged matches was played last Sunday, over at La Siesta against Blues. Courtesy of these 3 winning rinks, those majestic white creatures glided to an 8-4 scoreline - C Bowles, D Gould, P Farrell 17-16. S Hibberd, A Linley, B Armstrong 21-15. H Olsen, P Bottle, T Voisey 31-2.

Then on Monday, it was back to South Alicante league affairs as normal. Pearls won their away match against La Marina 84, when these 3 rinks secured the points - G Phillips, M France, Jason P 32-4. G Carnell, V Campbell, F Roberts 28-8. B Trinder, P Bevan, M Ward 35-12.

Rubies had a morning home match, in which they beat Greenlands Beach by an impressive 10 points to 2. Here's the winning sets of trips - L Armstrong, D Riley, B Armstrong 1910. C Bowles, D Gould, A Reid 29-8. J Moss, T Lale, P Bradbury 26-12. T Brinton, F Houbrecht, J Brinton 22-17.

Country Bowls

Peter Dix - 2nd December 2022

As we move into December with the first half of the season nearly complete and the Christmas break looming, we look to consolidate out positions in the LLB Leagues.

On Monday the Flamingos entertained San Luis Kingdoms looking to improve our League position and the players didn’t disappoint with an emphatic result winning the game 9 points to 3 with only one rink losing by a small margin and one drawing. Winning rinks were Jayne Storey, Derek Lewis, Kevin Storey 16 to 15, Brenda Jiggins, Derek Jiggins, Graham Richardson 23 to 14, Clive Hoyal, Trish Dix, Peter Dix 35 to 5.

The Seahawks travelled up the hill to Vistabella to play the Drivers, never an easy place to go and it proved to be hard going but came away with 4 points was not a bad result. Winning rinks were Wendy Splevings, Alison Robson, Ray Robson 23 to 11 and Val Lever, Dave Belton, Allan Lever 20 to 13.

In the Southern League on Friday the Geckos and the Panthers were hoping to continue their good form and stay in touch at the top of the relevant leagues but the bad weather caused the cancellation of both games.

New members and guests are always made welcome at the only club in Murcia region competing in the Lavante Lawn Bowls Leagues, why not come along to one of our roll up mornings on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday at 10 am.

Following Rubies, Diamonds took the stage for their afternoon fixture against Orcas, when they mirrored the morning's scoreline. Well done - K Gordon, D Collings, T Voisey 23-7. P Bottle, A Linley, K Lowry 18-12. C Skinner, P Farrell, G Skinner 15-12. A Bowen, B Elliott, S Cooper 15-14. What is it about Friday's? For the 3rd consecutive Friday, the heavens opened up, putting paid to Swifts trip to Emerald Isles. But, Swallows home match against La Marina Sharks did go ahead, with the hosts coming out on top 8-4. Muy bien - B Trinder, C & K Lowry 20-14. G Phillips, P Bevan, C Brazier 14-12. T Morgan, C Dye, Jason P 31-6.

Swans also played their match at La Marina, where they drew with Seagulls 6-6. Although only these 2 rinks won, overall shots difference was never in doubt - A Bowen, B Elliott, S Cooper 22-17. S Hibberd, A Linley, B Armstrong 28-7.

LA SIESTA BOWLS (Members run Club)

With Alan Carr

DIVISION (B)

Away to Emerald Isle for the Blues playing the Claymores, winning on rink by; Jim Jarvie, Martin Harley & Karen Kirk (23-12) and just missing out on another. Result 2-10 (Shots 7293).

Also, a rearranged game on Sunday for the blues who welcomed Quesada Swans, which saw one rink go very close and two rinks gaining wins with the end result being 4-8 (Shots 72-98). Rink winners; Jim Jarvie, Martin Harley & Karen Kirk (18-13). Mike Inns, Wendy & Alan Ralph (21-16). DIVISION (C) The Silvers played host to Montemar Matadors which saw some very close games resulting in both teams winning two rinks with a draw by Tom Heaselwood, Jean & Dave Giddings (12-12), the winners were; Pat Malden, Sue & Brian Elkington (15-11). Leslie & Wayne Howlett, with David Whitworth (1615). Result 5-7 (Shots 70-74).

ENTERPRISEThe Apollos travelled to San Miguel to play the Dolphins, most rinks were well beaten with a bit in hand but on this very windy day, one rink was won by; Tony & Val Dalton with Mike Inns (21-11) final result 2-10 (Shots 65-91).

DISCOVERYAt home the Pioneers

SAN MIGUEL BOWLS CLUB by Mary Whitelock

Monday 28th November the Dolphins were at home to La Siesta Apollos where they won 10-2, shots were 91 to the Dolphins and 65 to La Siesta. Highest winning trip was Jan Farmer, Gail Willshire and Dave Champion.

The Orcas played away at Quesada where they lost 2-10, 68 shots to 82 with the only winning trip of Stan North, David Homer and Steven Parr winning 23-11.

San Miguel Stingrays played a home game against La Siesta Sputniks where they lost 4-8 with the shots being 70-90. Highest winning trip was Adam Ingram, Gunnie Sigurdar and Alan Harris.

Friday 25th November saw the Apaches away to Greenlands Cedars where they won 8-4, 91 shots to 88. Highest winning trip was Allan Patterson, Steve Parr and Gail Willshire who won 26-10.

The Navajos away to La Marina Seagulls where they lost 7-5. 79-95. The highest winning trip was Meg Brownlee, Jack Jackson and Eddie Cowan

The Comanches at home to Greenlands Elms where they had

entertained Emerald Isle Neptuneís which resulted with good wins on three rinks by; Pauline Johnson, Derick Barker & Neil Cox (25-10). Jo Elkin, Stan Dibble & Alan Mawer (2114). Ann & Robert Heath with Brian Fraser (18-15). The game ended with a draw as the visitors picked up the overall (Shots 84-98).

VOYAGERThe Sputniks afternoon game playing the Sting Rays at San Miguel, which saw three of our rinks win and just losing out on another rink in the last end.

The winning teams were; Tom Heaselwood, Jean & Dave Giddings (25-10). Leslie & Wayne Howlett with David Whitworth (18-9). Jim Gwynn, Maggie & Steve Gray (20-15). We also picked up a further 2 points for the (Shots 90-70) end result 8-4.

Interested in joining La Siesta members run bowls club, there is always something going on with events being arranged by the social secretary to suit all members.

George¥s Chicken and Egg, every Wednesday 1.30 for 2pm, with Mike & Grahams roll up every Saturday 0930 for 0950 am.

Just pop in or call the President George 865 772 498 or the Captain Wendy 633 068 399 who will be pleased to give you any further information you may require.

a great result winning 9-3. The highest winning trip was Matta Jonsdottir, Gestur Saemundson and Lynn Greenland who won 24-6. They won shots 94-62.

There are no results for Friday 2nd December as both the Apaches and Navajos games were rained off and the Comanches had a bye.

A reminder that the WASPS sessions take place on a Wednesday 1.30 for 2pm – 5 euros for an afternoons bowling with shoes and bowls available to borrow.

Due to the popularity of the Wasps, first time bowlers are asked to attend an initial coaching session on a Tuesday afternoon starting at 1.45pm by appointment ONLY. To book please call Dave or Lynn Greenland on 667 207 508.

Due to the Christmas and New Year break Coaching will not be available until Tuesday 17th 2023 January and WASPS not until 18th January 2023,

We welcome all bowlers who would like to join San Miguel Bowls Club as we are a unique club only paying owner fees and a club fee. NO LEAGUE RINK FEES.

For further information please contact secretary Barry Jones on 602 504 905 or president Alan Campbell on 606 676 118

Greenlands

BC By Chris Dewar

Hard week this week, First up The Maples came up against a strong Vistabella side and we were missing players due to holidays, however after a hard fought game we went down 5 - 7 and 72 to 90 so well done everyone a great effort by all. Highest winning rink was, D.Toozer, K Hardy and Jeff Hier.

Next up the Chestnuts who visited El Rancho on a very breezy morning and managed a fantastic 10 2, and 106 - 66 victory what a great result under those conditions well done everyone. Highest winning rink, M.Hanratty, T.Hucknall and G. Shoots.

Last but not least The Beech went to Quesada and faced a very strong Rubies side going down 2-10 and 65 - 110, our winning rink was J.Rosati, S.Horton and S.Penfold. A bad day at the office but afterwards they joined up for a Fish and Chip dinner which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Great sporting touch.

Wednesday saw GREENLANDS Gladiators entertaining Vistabella in the Winter League with a weekend side due to holidays and in a very hard fought close game Vistabella won 58 – 52, 2 points to 6. Greenlands winning rink was S.Bosworth, J.Taylor,D.Toozer and P.Bonsor.

Due to the weather all Friday games were postponed.

If you enjoy a mix of competitive and fun bowling in a friendly environment at a wonderful venue, if you want to share in and contribute to our continued success, why not give one of us a call?

Also coaching available either groups or individual, by fully qualified coaches. Equipment available. Pete Bonsor (Captain) 711 02 08 46, John Rosati (Secretary) 688 70 93 62

Also we have Joes roll up every Saturday morning 9.30 for 10.00, entry fee 1 euro FANTASTIC PRIZES ( honest)., non members are welcome and pay a green fee 0f 6 euros. This is a great social event each week, food and drink available after. Just turn up before 9.45.

There is also an adventure golf course available for the Husband or wife and children whilst the partners are playing bowls just book at the bar.

LA MARINA BOWLS Dave Hadaway

Friday 25th and the Sharks were away to Vistabella Lanzadores and came away with only 2 points, but they were a good 2 points with Anne Stone, Jim Reeves and Peter Parsons winning 29-14 – the shot difference being 73-87.

In the morning the Seagulls were at home to San Miguel's Navajos, in what was a very exciting game –the results were lost 16-17, and 15-17, won 21-12 and 21-14 and drew 19-19. Which left us winning the shots 95-79 giving us a win of 7points to 5, but just 6 shots away from a maximum 12 (every shot counts). Monday 28th and the Explorers had a bye. The Pathfinders were at home to Quesada Pearls. Were we secured 4 valuable points. I say valuable because after last year's successful campaign and we got promoted to the top division we are currently the strongest team in the league, supporting everyone from the bottom.

The game itself was bizarre we won 2 trips well 2619 and 19-15 and lost 3 heavy 12-35, 8-28, & 4-32 giving a shot difference of 69-129.

The Explorers however are a comfortable 4th in their league and only 7 points behind the leaders.

Friday 2nd December turned out be a cold,damp day, what us Brits would describe as a autumnal day and our Seagulls played at home and the Sharks travelled to Quesada, to play their Swallows, where we came away with 4 points, with our thanks to Steve Douglas, Steve Syddall, & Alex Whyte 24-11, and Anne Stone, Jim Reeves and Peter Parsons 18-16, leaving a total shot difference of 74-92.

The Seagulls welcomed Quesada Swans where we came away with 6 points each, out winning trips were very tight winning 18-17, 18-16, & 18-16 leaving us a shot deficit of 78-99.

VISTABELLA BC

By Brian Zelin

Monday 28th November, Vistabella Albatrosses Division A, were Away to Greenlands Maples, Winning on 2 Rinks and Drawing on 1 Rink Plus the Shots, Mo Foulcer, Martin Foulcer, Eric Bishop 2311, Olwyn Ratcliffe, Stuart Allman, Brian Dunn 22-7, Geraldine Fisher, Arthur Brown, Gordon Fisher 17-17, Shots 90-72. Points 75.

Vistabella Drivers Division B, were at Home to Country Bowls Seahawks, Winning on 3 Rinks plus the Shots, Hillary James, Sue Wilson, Derek Stevenson 28-14, Frank Barclay, Barry Tarling, Derek Howe 24-9, Alan Whitley, Steve Baxter, Alice Howe 24-5, Shots 100-71. Points 8-4.

Vistabella Eagles Division C, were Away to San Luis Trekkers, Winning on just 1 Rink, Julia Clarke, John Ridley, Paul Durham

Emerald Isle BC

Neptunes started the week at La Siesta Pioneers and drew 6-6 with an aggregate of 98 -84, J Fenty B Fenty P Willicott 38-6 M Riley R Pollock R White 21-14 Moonrakers were at home to Monte Mar Matadors and they slipped to a 5-7 Aggregate of 73-85, D Clark A Gower T Roche 20-12, V Cameron E Sheppard T

21-14, Shots 61-119. Points 2-10.

Wednesday 30th November Vistabella in the Winter League were Away to Greenlands Gladiators, Winning on 2 Rinks plus the Shots, Freddie Willey, Alice Howe, Carol Thorpe, Gary Thorpe 1914, Steve Baxter, Derek Howe, Richard Lee, Maggie Furness 2422, Shots 58-52. Points 6-2.

Friday 2nd December Vistabella Conquistadors Division C, were Away to La Siesta Silvers, Winning on 2 Rinks, Maureen Slater, Roy Widgery, Sheila Westwood 16-15, Julia Clark, Geoff Wetton, Paul Durham 23-17, Shots 77-102. Points 4-8.

Vistabella Picadors Division B, Were at Home to El Rancho Mustangs, Winning on 3 Rinks Plus the Shots, Frank Barclay, Barry Tarling, Derek Howe 34-8, Steve Wilson, Jim Jepson, Steve Baxter 19-12, Hillary James, Tony French, Alan Bannister 26-11, Shots 9977. Points 8-4.

Upham 18-13 M Nash J Forrest M Pearer 15-15

Wed brought Antrim Bowls club to the Isle on a mini visit. The Isle came out on top P Coffey N Prior P Willicott 26-10,M Oakley S Elvin T Roche 16-13, J Forrest A Forrest J Pooley drew 15 -15, followed by a few beers

The RAIN in SPAIN was the winner on

Friday no games being played by ISLE teams

Remember on Saturdays in the afternoon you can come to the ISLE and have 2 hours of great fun and possibly learn to bowl. We have our SAPS on, you can loan shoes and bowls, and be coached if needed, all for 5 EUROS, with a bar open as well

ELWYN MORRIS

(GG)

Ann Wharton

Willis (GG)

(WA) 116, Sue Wade (FT) 116, Regina Woods (LB) 116, Lisa Alsop (PD) 115, 103, Joyce Wilkinson (PD) 115, Sharon Frain (PD) 114, Bev Howard (FT) 114, Tracey Simpson (TT) 114, Lisa Ivill (TT) 112, Jane Kelly (GG) 104, Elizabeth Cowan (TT) 100, Debbie de Grys (PD) 100

Agreat result for Primadonnas who hosted Ck1 Ladybirds this week and achieved a 12-all draw. The ¥Birds¥ were missing captain Sandra Crabbe and Sue Cam this week but likewise the ¥Donnas¥¥ were short of Mitch Halliday, making for an interesting and close match.

Over in Los Balcones, the Whacky Allsorts put up a good fight against the mighty Gap Girlz who were also missing two of their top

both succumbed in their singles ñ a very rare event. Even so, the league toppers put out a good all-round performance keeping them ahead of the field again at week 2. Tipsy Tigers enjoyed a close game against the Friendly Temps with the match contended on the very last dart to make it a 12 ñ 10 win for the Temps instead of an 11-all draw.

performers, Bliss Wright and Yvonne Rouffignac. This may have unsettled Amanda Skinner and Chelsea Campbell who

Ladybird Angie Mullen was this week’s top scorer with 174

Via Park III´s CK1 Ladybirds - Kirsty Green, Donna Ralph, Regina Woods, Angie Mullen, Sue Christie and Sandra O´Rourke

Primadonnas – Debbie de Grys, Sharon Frain, Diane Dane, Joyce Wilkinson, Lisa Alsop, Sheelah Cooper and Groa Bryndis

Mike Probert talks Golf

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

The Return of Low Season Prices

As you will have seen from recent article’s we can’t please all

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 prices currently available to you:

CoursePriceComments

AlendaÄ134Two Green Fees & Buggy

AlicanteÄ84Two Green Fees & Buggy

Altaoana VillageÄ100Two Green Fees & Buggy

AltorrealÄ120Two Green Fees & Buggy

BonalbaÄ118Two Green Fees & Buggy

CampoamorÄ150Two Green Fees & Buggy

of the people all of the time BUT I do have some good news for anyone wishing to play golf on the Costa Blanca in December 2022.

If you have lived in Spain for any length of time and had the dubious honour of reading my weekly articles you will be aware that our Spanish hosts operate a seasonal pricing strategy with prices changing with the seasons and fortunately for those living or visiting here in December this is now the time when golf prices are at their lowest.

With Christmas on the horizon maybe this is a good time for you to buy the loved one in your life a round of golf as a Christmas present or just get them from under your feet for a few hours over the Christmas period.

Don Cayo (Altea)Ä100Two Green Fees & Buggy

El PlantioÄ84Two Green Fees & Buggy (1pm)

El ValleÄ60Single Green Fee

Font Del LlopÄ110Two Green Fees & Buggy

Hacienda D AlamoÄ47Single Green Fee

La FincaÄ124Two Green Fees & Buggy (1pm)

La MarquesaÄ52Single Green Fee

La SerenaÄ1102 Green Fees & Buggy (from 1.08pm)

La TorreÄ60Single Green Fee

Las ColinasÄ85Single Green Fee (from 3pm)

Las RamblasÄ972 Green Fees & Buggy (from 1.00pm)

LorcaÄ78Two Green Fees & Buggy

Lo RomeroÄ55Single Green Fee

Either way take advantage of these prices while they are here because the prices will increase again as from the 1st January 2023 and the next high season period from the 1st March 2023 will soon be with us.

We have been actively promoting golf in the Murcia Region since June 2022 and will continue to offer a 5% discount from the price list shown in the table below for any golf course located in the Murcia region until the 31st December 2022.

So go on fill your boots while you can.

#VisitMurcia#CostaCalida#RegiondeMurcia#CostaCalidaMak esYouHappy#ITREM#CostaCálida#RegióndeMurcia#TurismoRM

Mar MenorÄ50Course Closed until further notice

New Sierra GolfÄ82Two Green Fees & Buggy

Puig CampanaÄ98Two Green Fees & Buggy

RodaÄ1202 Green Fees & Buggy (after 1.06pm)

SaurinesÄ47Single Green Fee

Villaitana LevanteÄ80Single Green Fee

Villaitana PonienteÄ58Single Green Fee & Buggy

VillamartinÄ1152 Green Fees & Buggy (From 1pm)

VistabellaÄ1122 Green Fees & Buggy (after 2.00pm)

DEAL OF THE WEEK: Lorca ñ 2 players and buggy Ä78

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

Eurogolf Presentation to Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal

On Thursday 10th November,in glorious sunshine,the Eurogolf Society at La Marquesa in Rojales held their annual Poppy Day team event.

As ever,the aim of the day was to enjoy a game of golf in the company of friends and to raise funds for the Royal British Legion,who do so much to support our service men and women.

The winners' spoils went to the team of Tim Lyne,Colin Jackson,Jack Simpson and Russ Todd and a fantastic e665 was

raised.

The photograph shows Eurogolf Vice Captain Steve Darlington (Major ret.) presenting the giant cheque last week to Eddie Coleman,Poppy Appeal Organiser for the RBL's Orihuela Costa and District branch,with Treasurer David Horne and Social Secretary Debbie Weedon doing the heavy lifting.

If you want to know more about the Eurogolf Society at La Marquesa visit their website at My-eurogolf.eu.

La Manga Winter Cricket coaching

By Andrew Atkinson

KSB Cricket coaching has got underway at La Manga where up and coming players will be put through their paces this winter.

"KSB Cricket coaching help players become the best versions of themselves on and off the pitch," said a spokesperson.

KSB Cricket Coaching was founded in 2017 lead by Karanjit Bansal who works alongside a passionate and experienced team of coaches. "We pride ourselves on delivering high quality cricket coaching, offering 1-2-1s, group sessions, specialist sessions and masterclasses all year round.

"We also offer schools and university coaching sessions," they added.

Players were at the top academy set up in La Manga, Murcia, during November: "It was a great welcome for our U15s for their first session back of the Winter Programme. "Lots of hard work put in through drills. Attitude was top class throughout. A real positive environment where players helped each other, which is something great to see," said a spokesperson.

*Royal Challengers Belfast CC from Northern Ireland have registered their pre-season tour at La Manga in February 2023.

Carp R Us Angling Club

The second round of the Carp-R-Us Winter Series was fished at the newly cleared stretch of the Segura upstream of the CV91 (Eden 3).

Members of the club have spent several session clearing paths to the river and there are about 12 pegs on the stretch.

On what was officially the first day of winter in Spain, a cold front was crossing the area and rain was expected, but fortunately didn¥t arrive.

Although the river looked in good condition, a hard days fishing was expected.

In the end, although all but one of the nine anglers present caught, but too often it was only one or two small fish.

First again was Willy Moons with 4.62kg caught on his usual feeder tactics.

Second was Roy Dainty who used pole with mainly maggots for 3.76kg.

Just behind was Jeremy Fardoe with 3.54kg caught float fishing bread. Fourth was Paul Burton with 0.78kg.

Further information about the club can be found at website www.carp-r-us.weebly.com or on the Facebook page

Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blanca.

SUPER SUB CALDERON SINKS REDOVAN

Redovan CF .........1 CD Thader ...........2

Never has the proverbial ‘waiting ages for a London bus,then 2 come along’,been so applicable to the current CD Thader team.

Following last weeks victory over Benferri,Raul Mora's men only went and did it again (first 3 points on the road since late September), this time it was against fierce local rivals Redovan.

Manager Raul Mora made 4 changes for this eagerly awaited match.Out went Lloyd,Guido, Pedro Juan & Berni,to be replaced by Fran,Juan,Rulo & Quino in the starting line-up.

As often happens in the Preferente league,both teams took some time to settle in,and it wasn't until Rulo had his 16th min shot turned away for a corner,that either keeper had been tested.

From the resultant corner,Juan headed fractionally wide of the far post.

In the build-up,Quino appeared to have taken a blow to the face,but due to the ref's reluctance to take action,both Mora and his assistant picked up their customary booking for dissent.

Quino quickly following in the black book,in a half which was very patchy,primarily because of the ref's refusal to let the game flow.Redovan picked up their first booking on 40 mins,then with time creeping into stoppage time, Thader won 2 corners in quick succession.

The second of these found Fran totally unmarked,allowing him all the time in the world to strike a beauty just inside the far post.

From the next attack,Quino should have doubled his side's advantage, but with just the keeper to beat,he was forced wide and the advantage was lost.

In an action packed last 2 mins of the half,first Chema pulled off a wonder save to deny the hosts equalising,then when they did get the ball in the net,a raised flag for offside came to Thader's rescue.

If we thought the first half finished in traumatic fashion,the new half was equally as manic.Another booking (which would later prove costly) for Redovan,was quickly followed by Pascual producing a teasing header,which slammed against the base of the post,before rebounding to safety.

Dani Lucas became the next Thader player to pick up a yellow card,before all hell let loose.

Having already been booked,

CF Popular Orihuela hit six in a 6-1 victory against CF Atletico San Fulgencio to top the table on 26 points.

CD Horadada Thair A took a point in a 1-1 home draw against visitors CF United Elche A in a bottom half of the table battle.

Monte promotion bid suffers as Pinoso replace them at the top

Pinoso CF A defeated CD Montesinos 2-0 in the Valencia 1st Regional Group 8 on Saturday, with both goals scored by Jefferson. Pinoso's victory saw them go top of the table on 27 points, ahead of CF Sporting de San Fulgencio, with S

C Torrevieja slipping down to third on 25 points ahead of Sunday's fixtures.

However, a win at home to Cox on Sunday will see Torry jump above them into top spot.

CF Rafal and Alguena CF shared the points in a four goals 2-2 draw.

In the 2nd Regional Group 16 fifth placed CF Sporting Albatera hit four goals in a 4-0 away win at Sporting Costablanca Torrevieja CF B.

*A full results round-up will appear online at www.theleader.info.

Redovan's sub observed that Chema was way off his goal line,before confidently lobbing the ball into an unguarded goal.

But it was a visiting sub who was responsible for the last and decisive goal.Fellow sub-Lloyd,fed young striker Calderon,who ran at the defence with supreme confidence.

Although his shot on goal was parried back into his path,he made no mistake in stroking home the rebound.

An ugly off the ball stamp on a grounded Rosquin, should have resulted in a second sending off for the hosts,but a bottle job by the assistant ref,resulted in only a caution.

Ruben shot tamely on goal when Berni in space would have been a better option,before,in the dying minutes,Calderon had a glorious opportunity to double his goal tally,but alas he failed to get his angles right.

This victory lifts Thader up to 9th place on 19 points,with almost half the season having been played.Next Sunday at 11.30 am,back at Moi Gomez stadium,Rojales (providing there isn't an almighty downpour the day before),Thader will host 5th place Eldense,in a game which promises to be entertaining to say the least.

QUIZ FROM PAGE 14:

1. 365,242.199 days - roughly speaking it's 365,250 days = (365 x 1000) + 1000/4, since a leap year occurs every four years but years divisible by 100 are not leap years. 2. Camelot. 3. On the cover of the Beatles Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album. 4. Abel Tasman. 5. Heidi (Heidi's Years of Wandering and Learning). 6. Colour blindness - colour blind individuals are better at penetrating camouflages. 7. King Kong. 8. Dried out river bed. 9. Tuesday (the Norse god Tyr). 10. Lacrosse. 11. Lighthouse. 12. Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. In the song Smoke on the water "Frank Zappa and the mothers were at the best place around" 13. The 1960s peace symbol.

N for Nuclear and D for disarmament. 14. Goliath. 15. 828-metre-tall (2,717 ft),16. The cedars of Lebanon. 17. Water. 18. John le Carre. 19. Baroque. 20. Catch a falling star. 21. The Strike zone. 22. Answers: a: USA for Africa - We are the world. b: A-Ha - Take on me. c: Foreigner - I want to know what love is. d: Madonna - Into the groove. e: Dire Straits - Brothers in arms. f: Glen Frey - The heat is on. g: John Lennon - Jealous Guy. h: Eurythmics - There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart). i: Tears for FearsShout. j: John Farnham - You're The Voice. k: Dead or Alive - You Spin Me Round (Like A Record). l: Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill. m: Paul Young - Everytime You Go Away. n: Bruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A.

O SOLUTION O SOLUTION

SUDUK SUDUK

Pinoso replaced Monty at the top of the table

Sedas’off the ball altercation with Dani,resulted in the Redovan defender making the walk of shame. Parity was restored midway through the half,when a glorious long-range assist,found Angel.

Thader will be looking for their 3rd succesive win next Sunday