The Leader Newspaper 15 January 2024 – Edition 1006

No 1006 Monday 15th - Sunday 21st January 2024

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Now in our 21st year of keeping people safe and informed - The Costa Blanca’s oldest ‘FREE’ English language newspaper

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he full schedule of events for the Torrevieja Carnival 2024, or Carnaval Torrevieja, to use the correct name, has now been published, and once again the event is set to bring an enormous amount of colour, glamour, music and fun to the streets of the town.

T T O R R E V I E J A C A R N I VA L F U N ‘UNDER THE WINTER SUN’

The Councillor for Festivities, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, announced the programming at a press conference last week, where she presented a schedule that includes many activities, along with lots of music, plenty of colour, and much, much more, all aimed at the local population of course, but this time also hoping to attract far more tourists, as organisers are concentrating the events over weekends, ensuring that more people will be able to visit one of the most exciting festivals in the Community, and beyond.

Advertising investment has been made both on and offline, and also across many different parts of Spain, including Alicante and Valencia, as well as the provinces of Murcia, Albacete and Madrid, all directed toward an audience that is likely to enjoy parties, concerts, festivals, culture, leisure, fun, entertainment and carnivals.

It is hoped that many people will be attracted to the events by the advertising, thereby adding hundreds of thousands of euros to the local economy, as visitors spend their time, and their money in the municipality, supporting the 2024 Torrevieja Carnaval and the towns business community.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 TORREVIEJA CARNAVAL SCHEDULE FRIDAY JANUARY 26 The festivities will get underway on Friday, January 26, at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre, with the opening ceremony hosted by the popular actress and television presenter, Sara Escudero.

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SATURDAY JANUARY 27

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On the following day, Saturday, January 27, again at the Municipal Theatre, and for the first time in the history of the Carnival, there will be a double session, at 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., with the Coronation of the Carnival Queens and Kings.

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SUNDAY JANUARY 28

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On Sunday, January 28, the Carnival moves to La Mata (Plaza Encarnación Puchol) where you can celebrate the II Carnival Paella Competition.

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At 12:00 p.m. the 3rd edition of the Animal Carnival will take place, where animal shelters and associations will have their own stands to promote animal adoption and welfare.

performing shows and dances in various schools in the municipality.

The day will be completed with a giant paella, entertainment for the children, musical performances and a raffle.

That same Thursday, February 8, the traditional Seniors Carnival will be held at the Municipal Leisure Centre (CMO), where elders will display their costumes.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 2

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 (KEY DATE)

The second weekend begins on Friday, February 2, with the celebration of the V Quedada Carnavalera, where the carnival parades will be announced.

On Friday, February 9, the carnival takes to the streets again, this time it will be the children who will fill calle Ramón Gallud. The “Carnival de los Coles” will see the entire school community parading in costumes that they have made themselves.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 3 On Saturday, February 3, the Torrevieja International Auditorium will open its doors to the XV Drag Queen Gala “Ciudad de Torrevieja”, where Drag Queens from all over Spain will compete in front of a ‘sell out’ audience, for the title ‘Drag Queen 2024’.

This year, the gala, one of the most important in Spain, will be hosted by “La Plexy”, a former host of Pride Madrid and will feature several top-level surprise guest artists and a jury made up of some very famous people, we are told.

Also this year, the Torrevieja Carnival Association has increased the prizemoney for the winners.

Tickets can be purchased through the Cultura Torrevieja website (www.culturatorrevieja.com) and at the municipal box office, for just euro10.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4 (KEY DATE) Despite the Drag Queen hangover, the city will put on the costumes and fantasies that they have been working toward with enthusiasm for a year, as they launch themselves to fill the main artery of the town, in a tide of light, colour, rhinestones, feathers, but, above all, lots of rhythm.

It will be on Sunday, February 4, when the thousands of carnival participants will parade in the Torrevieja Grand Carnival Parade Contest.

Starting at 4:00 p.m., from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, the tide that makes up the 30 troupes of the Torrevieja carnival.

A jury made up of 7 members, professionals and lovers of the world of carnival, sewing and makeup, will evaluate and decide the awards.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 8 The following week sees activities on Wednesday and Thursday, with several troupes

This fun parade will begin at 5:00 p.m., from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, culminating in Paseo Vista Alegre, where there will be entertainment, dancing and chocolate to enjoy.

And for the first time, starting at 8:30 p.m., calle Ramón Gallud will then host the 1st Parade Competition of Foreign Troupes who will have their own parade, with their own music as they enjoy the warmth of the Torrevieja public.

Prizes will be awarded on Paseo Vista Alegre after the parade along with music and fun.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10 (KEY DATE) On Saturday, February 10, the “Grand Night Parade” will be held starting at 8:00 p.m. along calle Ramón Gallud, leaving from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre. With a more informal, fun and partying atmosphere, these troupes, that did not take part in the contest parade, will add magic to this spectacular.

It will end on the Paseo Vista Alegre stage, where the rhythm of the best local DJs will precede the long-awaited awards ceremony.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 11 The culmination of the festivities will be the “National Competition of Comparsas and Chirigotas” on Sunday, February 11, at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre at 6:00 p.m. That same morning will also see brass bands take to the streets in the town centre.

Finally, the Torrevieja Carnival Association in collaboration with the Municipal School of Photography, and with the support of the “Joaquín Chapaprieta” Municipal Institute of Culture, will produce a carnival magazine with images and photographs that will be displayed, later in the year, in an exhibition.

Photos courtesy of the Torrevieja Carnival Association

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

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CHRISTMAS ISLAND VETERAN RECEIVES NUCLEAR TEST MEDAL Further details by email from Don Cubbon at: Gandia.Treasurer@rbl.community

Dennis served on Christmas Island during the Op Grapple tests “We then felt a horrendous burning sensation throughout our entire body, similar to putting your head in a very hot oven.”

Denis remembers that following the fading of the heat, he and his fellow servicemen were invited to turn around and watch the mushroom cloud form, and the bomb explode.

“Then the blast came,” he explained, “we were told to cover our ears to mitigate the sound. Even so, the explosion rattled our eardrums, some of the lads said they had ringing in their ears.”

He remembers that following the test he went for lunch, took the afternoon off, and went for a swim in the local lagoon, which must have been covered in atomic dust.

“There was no safety precautions and no medical tests carried out on any of the servicemen. We just got on with our duties as though nothing had happened.”

Although Dennis says that his hearing took a big hit, and his daughter, born 10 years later, suffered with a kidney complaint, he came through the experience well, with neither ailment considered a result of the nuclear tests. ennis Padget has been awarded a medal for his military service in the Central Pacific, as part of Britain's nuclear weapons tests in the 1950s.

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Dennis has been awarded the new Nuclear Test Medal for time spent as a young serviceman on Christmas Island, where 3,000 service personnel witnessed the detonation of four nuclear bombs.

Denis, an SAC in the Royal Air force, served on Christmas Island during the Op Grapple tests, Y and Z, which yielded some 3 mega tonnes of TNT. He recalls that the scientists wanted those on the island to be issued with protective clothing, but the Commander at the time declined the offer, suggesting there would be no danger.

“On the day of the tests we only wore our standard shorts, shirts and bush hat,” he said. “Once the test got underway, we sat on the ground with our backs to the drop zone, while Tannoy announcements kept us aware of what was going on.

We were told to cover our eyes with our hands, close our eyes and wait for the bomb to explode.”

With less than 1,500 survivors from those days, Dennis has said that he will now wear the medal in respect to all the servicemen who are no longer with us, and for those who have suffered through ill health in the aftermath of the bomb tests.

Meanwhile Gandia Branch of the Royal British Legion, of which Dennis is a member, is inviting Christmas Island veterans in receipt of the Nuclear Test Medal, to contact the Branch, with a view to organising a reunion.

Further details by email from Don Cubbon at: Gandia.Treasurer@rbl.community

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BIG SCREEN DRAMA IN TORREVIEJA Shooting got underway in the city's municipal swimming pool

Torrevieja is the setting for Marc Romero's new film starring Macarena Gómez. Shooting got underway last Tuesday and continued in the town all week prior to moving on to Martos in Jaén.

The plot of this thriller will focus on Manuela, played by Macarena Gómez, a woman who, after the disappearance of her son in a shopping centre on Christmas Eve, goes in search of him using every means available at her disposal.

Also starring in the film are Roberto Álamo and Emma Suárez. In addition, Boré Buika, Ciro Miró, Alex Sorian Brown and the singer Álex Ubago, also features as he makes the leap to the big screen.

Romero said that he chose Torrevieja as one of the sets for his work due to the spectacular nature of its landscapes, especially the Lagunas de la Mata and Torrevieja natural park. "The Torrevieja Salt Flats and their picturesque views of the enormous mountains of salt surrounded by purple waters are etched in my memory forever," he said.

On the Instagram accounts of Marc Romero and the film, Hora y Veinte, Time and Twenty, it was possible to find out a little more about the areas of the city where the filming was taking place. On the first day, Tuesday, they worked in the facilities of the city's municipal swimming pool, while on Wednesday, the teams moved to the Salinas de Torrevieja Natural Park.

COSTA RAVINES & GULLIES TO BE CLEARED OF WEEDS

Cala La Mosca Beach Spills Users of Cala La Mosca, next to Cala de las Estacas, in Orihuela Costa, have again criticised the "regrettable state" of the beach, where fluids of an unknown origin can be seen spreading across the sandy area, even when it is not raining.

According to reports, even though the beach cleaning services remove the sand, the fluids constantly reappear, often spreading into the sea. Some residents say that it is wastewater, but with a very strong smell. Many say that the problem has been around since the 2019 DANA burst the pipes. For this reason, they have again asked the local Council to analyse the discharges.

The matter was raised to the councillor Manuel Mestre at a meeting with the Cabo Roig y Lomas Association, which also gave him an urgent plan of requirements in the face of the summer season, highlighting, once again, the abandonment that the coast is suffering due to the lack of services, coupled with the increase in population.

The group was also able to visit Playa Flamenca, where they examined the poor condition of the promenade's railing, which, according to residents, is a hazard that puts the safety of pedestrians at risk.

The Orihuela Council has started a cleaning programme for ravines and gullies across the Orihuela Costa to prevent the occurrence of fires and floods caused by an abundance of weeds that are blocking these landscapes around the coast and that can pose a danger.

The work is being carried out following the receipt of a subsidy of 66,000 euros from Emerge 2023 to carry out such actions that appear in emergency forestry plans or procedures.

The funds have enabled the Council to employ five people, a foreman and four forestry workers for six months full-time, who will carry out the task. They are currently working in the Campoamor pine forest "chopping up and clear the area of fallen pine trees," explained councillor Víctor Valverde. They will remain there for several days until such time as the tasks are concluded.

In visiting the work the councillor was accompanied by the councillor of the Coast, Manuel Mestre, and the Campoamor pedaneo, Raúl Fernández.

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Child Kidnap attempt in Torrevieja both the grandfather and the father of the child.

When asked by the media, the Councilor for Citizen Security, Federico Alarcón, said that the City Council was aware of the case, and that it is "tremendously committed to helping everyone involved." He said, there are so many people from the council and from social services involved, as well as the courts, the Civil Guard and the Finnish consulate, the country from where the alleged kidnapper originates.

The alleged abductor tried to snatch the baby from his pushchair

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woman tried to kidnap a child in the Plaza de la Constitución in Torrevieja, just over two weeks ago on Saturday 30 December. The woman was walking across the plaza when she approached a grandfather who was pushing his grandson in a baby stroller.

The alleged abductor tried unsuccessful-

ly to take the child by force, by snatching the baby from his pushchair. The grandfather ended up struggling with the woman who then tried to take the pram from him while another woman, a witness to the events, stood between them and called the Police.

It is unknown what intentions of the woman were. The facts were reported by

“There are up to four councillors on the case. The mayor himself has asked about the matter and is aware because we want to provide a solution to this person," said Alarcón, a lawyer by profession, who added that he has been in direct contact with the child's family, as well as with the investigating court that is handling the case.

According to the newspaper ‘Informacion,’ in recent weeks, the woman has been seen in the streets shouting and even getting involved in an altercation with pedestrians in the middle of the street. Municipal services suspect that she could be suffering from

some type of mental illness.

The councillor added that, on the same day of the alleged kidnap, this person had a first medical examination, although they failed to diagnose her with anything out of the ordinary.

Municipal services, however, consider a "second assessment" necessary, although she refuses to see any doctor again.

Alarcón also stated that the City Council has contacted the Finnish consulate. He says that they have this woman's documentation and that she has been offered a return to her country of origin, where she could be given the care that they claim she needs.

“It seems that she went to the Alicante airport and, when she was about to take the plane, changed her mind and failed to board. Afterwards she returned to Torrevieja.

TIME RUNNING OUT FOR VOTERS TO REGISTER FOR EUROPEAN ELECTIONS

If you have questions you can contact Gitte by email at: eu@torrevieja.eu Although the vast majority of Brits are no longer eligible to vote in the European Elections, there are a few expats who still retain the right, such as those with Irish passports, or Brits who have become nationals in a European country, such as Spain (Nationality being very different from residency).

local groups in the area to give advice and assistance about the process and ensure that everything is administratively in place for the elections which will take place in June.

But time is running out for those who need to make their initial right-to-vote registration, which should be done by the end of this month.

If you have any questions or doubts about the process, or your eligibility, Gitte and her team are on hand in the municipal offices, and are able to answer you in a multitude of languages, so all you have to do is contact the office, the easiest way of doing this being by email to: eu@torrevieja.eu, but you can also telephone 600 341 431.

Torrevieja’s Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has donned the hat of another department she runs, that of European Relations, and has been touring

Remember though, if you are one of the many UK citizens who have retained your nationality and passport post Brexit, you are not eligible to vote.

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CAMPOVERDE RESIDENTS TOLD TO WITHDRAW LOCAL PATROLS Residents were once again asked to withdraw any local patrols

Campoverde residents met with the mayor of Pilar de la Horadada, José María Pérez, on Wednesday along with the councillor for Security, Maria del Mar Sáez, and commanders of the Local Police and the Civil Guard, to discuss the increase in local robberies in the village, a situation that has led to the launch of neighbourhood street patrols, so as to deter attempted assaults.

The meeting, which lasted for about two hours, was attended by 30 people. The Civil Guard and Local Police reminded participants on the importance of the thefts being formally

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normal circumstances, 3 patrols are on duty to cover the 78 square kilometres of the municipal area, from a total 52 agents.

of Civil Guard officers in Torre de la Horadada, which also manages the security of Orihuela Costa, and for the Local Police.

A spokesman for the residents pointed out that, based on the municipal population census, there should be five police officers permanently based in the urbanisation that has thousands of homes and 5,000 permanent residents, of many different nationalities.

Residents were once again asked to withdraw local patrols in which members of the public have taken to the streets with bats and golf clubs. It was stressed that "any conflict would be likely to put them in danger."

A council spokesperson pointed out that they ask for authority from the Government Subdelegation for extra police reinforcements every year, and that the question will be put once again to the next local safety board meeting, both for an increase on the number

reported because the volume of complaints allows requests for reinforcements to be processed.

They also said that images of the stolen objects would be useful, and could help with their recovery, as well as enabling police to return the items to their owners.

It was explained that since the robberies began, the patrols have been increased by the Local Police and the Civil Guard, which has reduced the frequency of robberies.

The mayor spoke of police resources that are available in Pilar de la Horadada City. Under

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The Council announced that it is now launching a campaign providing advice to residents about home burglaries. In addition, more security cameras will be installed throughout the municipality, two of them in Pinar de Campoverde, and each year they will be increased.

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‘YOU CAN TAKE MY

WORD FOR IT.....’ eads up, dear readers.

This week I have two new words for you. If either of them are not new to you it is because I spend a lot of time playing catch-up; but anyway, my limited vocabulary has been expanded over the holiday season.

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My two new words were spawned in America … where else, I hear you holler.

I like playing with words, both in conversation and in my writings. In doing this column, I never use a word that I am not comfortable using in my day to day conversations.

It would be easy for me to harvest a few lexicologisty gems in the mistaken belief it might impress you, or prompt a raise from my editor; but naw, the odd bit of approval from the Lads is all I crave!

Before proceeding to the two words in question, it is only right and proper to post a warning.

Something like what you might see on your TV screen before a programme containing explicit violence … or the other thing! Our second word deals with ‘the other thing.’

The warning goes something like this: ‘The contents of this column may not be suitable for readers who suffer from ‘deeply offended’ syndrome, or for those born with a sensitive nature.’

Those hardy masochists who are still with us, please continue to hold the line, as we gently ease you into our main story.

First of all, words are constantly changing over time. Some new words (like these two) evolve, whilst others totally disappear from our language. ‘Semantic change’ they call it.

Words can change their meaning over time. The word ‘gay’ meant something else when I was gay in my youthful happy state. The definition and meaning of words change and there are no set rules or guidelines – just the whim of society.

The words ‘nice’ and ‘bully’ once meant the total opposite to what they are today. Sometimes a word like ‘Gubu’, can be cleverly invented as was this one … by Conor Cruise-O’Brien, I think. Other times a new word happens by accident, or taken from a misplaced word of a famous person.

It’s coming …its coming! The first new word I came across is a ‘Karen’. Now, Karen is a lovely name for a girl and I know a few lovely Karens in Ireland. But this is all about an American ‘Karen’. A ‘Karen’ is the name applied to those ‘entitled’ ladies who believe that the rules of society don’t apply to them.

Karen stands out in a crowd because she is so demanding of staff and authorities and the most

likely person who ‘needs to see the manager.’ Rules don’t apply to Karen!

Do we have such Karens in Ireland?

Maybe, but it is not just a female thing, so let’s call him ‘Stanley.’

Stanley will always be promoting himself for preferential treatment and has a good strong neck. Take a long queue going into a concert: the bould Stanley will walk along the line until he spots a familiar face; ideally, another Stanley.

Some ‘hail fellow well met’ and soon Stanley is in without having to queue like an ordinary man. A funeral in the cathedral and a long line of sympathisers stretching out the back door.

Stanley will nip in, sneak his way up the other side of the pews, sit on a seat for a few minutes, before entering the line near the front.

Stanley ‘knows somebody’ everywhere whom he can rely on to cut out the boring bits of ordinary folk and cutting straight to the chase.

Stanley is the only guy in the pub who can click his fingers at the barman and make it work.

And so we come to our second new word. This one is guaranteed to jolt you out of your slumbering glance through YCBS. It is a fascinating word … a nice clean, sanitised word in a department where such words have been in scarce supply for hundreds of years.

I know you will all be dropping this word here and there from now on.

It perfectly describes a certain act taking place between two consenting adults – neither of whom should be ‘consenting’ by rights!

The Gorls in the office call it ‘having an affair’, the Goys refer to it as ‘playing away’ or ‘horizontal jogging’, and the Lads call it ‘shagging the neighbour’s wife’. Again, you may need to write this one down.

The Americans are now labelling all

Graffiti attack on PSOE offices in Orihuela rihuela PSOE has denounced

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the appearance of graffiti on the door of its office in the

city. Its general secretary and spokesperson, Carolina Gracia, feels that "it is too much of a coincidence that one day the party publicly denounced a councillor from the far-right Vox party for not processing the subsidy for the Miguel Hernández Foundation, and on the very next day the Party Offices were attacked with graffiti."

She added, "Today it is our turn to say

loud and clear to the perpetrators that they are not going to intimidate us.

Nor will we stop denouncing each and every one of the inefficiencies that our city is experiencing since the extreme right began to manage an area as important as Culture in the Government.”

The last attack on a PSOE office in the province was in the municipality of Monforte del Cid, which was also covered with graffiti after rejecting the amnesty for pro-independence

PSOE OFFICES: Daubed with graffiti

politicians.

The PSPV, at the provincial level, has denounced what they describe as "this new attack by intolerant people who simply want to sow hatred."

such activities as ‘REPARTNERING!’ There is nothing further we can add to that, so I’ll say no more: In the immortal words of the late, great Bill O’Herlihy; “We’ll leave it there so!”

DON’T FORGET Genuine humour is always kindly and gracious. It points out the weakness of humanity, but shows no contempt and leaves no sting.

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Rojales Council caught up in copyright row.

The Rojales Council has agreed to pay almost 94,000 euros to the General Society of Authors and Publishers (SGAE) for the copyright of the music used in various council events over the last seven years.

The council has managed to reach an agreement with the SGAE so that it ends the lawsuit and thus any trial involving the local executive. The agreement was ratified in an extraordinary plenary session.

Now, the City Council has agreed to pay 93,924.21 euros in copyright for the use of

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music in events between 2014 and 2021.

The SGAE filed a lawsuit in which it claimed payment of 106,973.53 euros, plus the costs of the judicial process, for the activities during those years.

Normally, city councils, in the tender for the management of the events they organise, would include a section stating that the copyright for the music or images used is the responsibility of the successful bidder. In this way, such lawsuits are avoided as such matters are always carefully monitored by the SGAE. The Treasury councillor, Fernando Suria, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, adding that the SGAE tends to win such trials where local Administrations are ordered to pay not only the debt, but also the interest, as well as the legal costs of the trial. "Therefore, we are aware that this is a good agreement," he said.

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Former Bigastro Mayor gets 11 years for fraud The former mayor of Bigastro, socialist José Joaquín Moya, has this week seen his prison sentence increased to 11 years with 3 fraud convictions proven against him.

Initially, he was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for misappropriating 312,000 euros from the Council and then on Thursday, he reached an agreement with the Prosecutor's Office in which he accepted a further two years and three months in prison, to which must be added a third sentence of another 4 and a half years in prison for similar crimes.

The three sentences relate to the receipt,

by Moya, of 598,000 euros from a construction company. A good part of the money, 449,000 euro, was paid to him in cash,

José Joaquín Moya, the former mayor of Bigastro

monies that should have been credited to the council, with the rest paid to him through promissory notes.

The council secretary Antonio Saseta was also sentenced to 2 years in prison and five years of disqualification for his involvement.

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Tony Mayes Rant The power of the press he power of the press has been visible for all to see over the biggest legal scandal that has ever been seen in the UK – the treatment by the Post Office over almost 3,000 of its sub-postmaster and mistress staff. Finally the prime minster has last week pledged in Parliament a speedy resolution to the crisis, promising a new law will be introduced so people wrongly convicted in the scandal are "swiftly exonerated and compensated" – but this has come years too late. The promise is 600,000 pounds plus in compensation.

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So little had been done to help those wrongly accused staff over many years – that is until ITV screened a drama/documentary showing what senior staff at the Post Office, the legal profession and a computer company did in covering up defects in a newly installed computer system, called Horizon.

Within hours of the screening Pandora’s Box opened and hey presto, officialdom finally woke up and realised that much more needed to be done to put right the massive injustice to those wrongly accused, wrongly prosecuted and wrongly ordered to pay massive sums which the Post Office claimed was stolen, and which, in fact, wasn’t.

pounds of public money.

My greatest contempt goes to the woman who headed the Post Office at the time, Paula Vennells. She must have known that something was wrong with the new Horizon system, but did nothing. If she didn’t know she was failing in the job, if she did and did nothing and headed the organisation, allowing the persecution of hundreds of post office staff, she should be condemned. I believe that she was doing everything in her power to “protect the good name of the Post office” How often have we heard this – from police, hospitals, schools, etc. etc.

The Tories should be given a severe kicking for recently appointing her as the CEO of an NHS Trust after leaving the Post Office in their policy of creeping privatisation of the NHS. What’s even worse is that at the time she was a church minister, no doubt preaching from the pulpit about Bible teachings about honesty and integrity. Hypocricy or what?

It beggars belief that while all this injustice was going, on the Tories gave her an OBE for services to the Post Office would you believe!! Yes, she made a profit while she was there, but then Tories are only interested in money, aren’t they? Finally, long, long, overdue she surrendered her OBE last week.

So, what should happen now? * Firstly all political parties in the Commons should asap act as one to unanimously vote to repeal all criminal convictions and declare all post office staff innocent and then to award compensation commensurate with the suffering they have endured – and most importantly, paid within weeks, not months or years. * Secondly action should be taken to end any corporation able to bring its own prosecution. It’s wrong that the Post Office could itself prosecute sub-post office staff without reference to an independent body.

But what was the worst, in my opinion, was wretched senior staff and lawyers pretended, when a sub-postmaster was identified as having a cash shortfall by Horizon, that he or she was the only one having such difficulty and the computer system was OK.

“My greatest contempt goes to the woman who headed the Post Office at the time, Paula Vennells.

And then, to top it all, it appears that senior Post Office staff were paid bonuses if they secured a successful prosecution. The scandal has gone from bad to worse with every drop of additional news.

* The police should vigorously investigate any criminal responsibility resting of the shoulders of senior post office staff, their legal advisers and any others involved in the scandal, plus investigate any cover up by Horizon. Wrongdoers should suffer the same punishments as handed out to their victims.

Not only were blatant lies being told because staff knew way back that there were many scores of inaccuracies cropping up in post offices around the country, but the lie was compounded by a cover-up over the fact that staff in the computer company could get into the system and alter figures showing in the accounts, even when Post Office staff were working behind their counters. It was denied until a whistle-blower revealed what all were denying.

The Tory government should hang its head in shame that it did not act far sooner to get this appalling injustice rectified. They did nothing while post office staff were dragged through the courts, jailed for theft, ordered to pay massive sums in fines and costs or ordered to pay back small fortunes which pushed them into bankruptcy.

Some had mental breakdowns, some committed suicide, some have died waiting for justice to be done. It’s wrecked marriages, forced people out of their homes and the majority thinking there was nothing that could be done because they were up against the might of the government, big business, top lawyers and courts which believed the State rather than an individual.

Sad they were up against a Tory government which puts the interests of big business, the interests of the super rich first and gives little regard to those on lower rungs. How crass is it that they watched as the Post Office itself carried out prosecutions and gained convictions and did absolutely nothing.

I just cannot imagine what it must have been like for these people who, one day were looked upon as the pillar of their local community and the next accused of stealing thousands of

Former Post Offices Minister, Sir Ed Davey, with Paula Vennells

She must have known that something was wrong with the new Horizon system, but did nothing.”

* To put into place, as a matter of urgency, a mechanism to identify any unusual happenings in large institutions, like the Post Office, the NHS, the education system, the police, et. al. Had such a thing been in place it would have identified the unusual deaths in Dr Harold Shipman’s practice in Hyde, and the baby deaths in the hands of a deranged nurse, as other examples. * The legal profession should take a long, hard look at itself and question whether it’s biased in favour of big business, the rich and powerful and money, rather than providing justice for Mr and Mrs Average. * Magistrates and judges should question whether they should look longer and harder at prosecutions brought before them and look for anomalies. (I would like readers to look to my subsequent story to see what I am getting at here) * Much more must be done to protect whistle-blowers and to ensure that information they give is treated seriously and acted upon, and where cover-ups are discovered the full force of the law is brought to bear on them. * Finally, I would like voters to take a long, hard think about who they vote for at the coming election. The Tories could have done so much to help wrongly-accused Post Office staff over the 14 years they have been in power, but did b***er all until ITV showed the documentary, and only now have they rushed out of the woodwork to attempt damage limitation and by acting now can see some votes from it. More hypocricy methinks!

Thank goodness for a free press. If all this had happened in many other countries of the world, the victims would never have

seen justice. I’m going to end this by saying that journalists would make a far, far better job at running the country than any politician!!

I have mentioned above the need for far more robust mechanisms in the justice system, the police, hospitals, schools, etc etc. to identify anything which is out of the ordinary. Here’s what I discovered going wrong in my home town thanks to a rogue copper…

I was only a few years into my career in journalism and covered magistrates’ courts every day. I saw how one young PC in particular would be named in a succession of cases of assaults on police.

At first I thought nothing of it, until my then wife and I were passing this PC who was with a group of teenagers. Interested, as I got closer, and heard him egging the males on, saying, go on, take a punch at me if you think you are man enough, the comments aimed at the youths in front of their girlfriends.

Realising what was happening, I went to this PC and told him that my wife and I had heard what he was saying. I said to him: “You know who I am, I have heard what you are trying to do and I advise you to leave now.” He glared at me, mumbled something and left. The teenage group looked astounded.

Fearing that this police constable was on a one-man mission I discussed the matter with the chief clerk to the magistrates, asking him to examine the number of cases in which this particular police officer was involved in assaults on police. Back came the reply that there were 15 in just three months – much, much higher than any other officer.

Because there are many magistrates covering three courts each day and several assistant clerks, the antics of this rogue copper was not immediately obvious to them.

He said he would discuss my findings with the chief of police. I never saw this copper again and don’t know what happened to him – I hope he was dealt with adequately, because he potentially ruined the lives of teenagers who would have had a difficult time getting a job with an assault on police as a criminal record.

The point I am making here is that there must be robust nationwide systems in place to quickly pinpoint anomalies like this – such a system could have prevented many of the injustices still happening, and in particular what happened in the Post Office.

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Sophia Wellness Centre turns 18 LOOKING GOOD AS EVER AS IT COMES OF AGE

he best-looking commercial centre in Orihuela Costa is not to be found by the beach, it is not in the centre of tourist nightlife and certainly not in a vast international shopping complex.

It is nestled in the old Spanish community of La Regia, close to Cabo Roig.

Although it is not a very large building; it was built to be pleasing to the eye with exquisite brickwork. There are no ugly canopies fixed to the building.

Now, that the Sophia Wellness Centre has turned 18 years of age it is just as good-looking today as the day it was born.

Noticeable by its absence, The Sophia Wellness Centre has no bars or restaurants, so no late-night business, it is a centre that thrives during the day and is quiet at night.

There is never a problem with parking around the centre, even on market day. The main focuses of the centre are physical, social, and financial wellbeing.

The building also has an elevator/lift, to the basement and to all floors, for those who might prefer it to using the stairs.

Car drivers can exit the N332 at the Cabo Roig pyramid roundabout and follow that road (Calle Isla Formentera) to the last building on the left which is the Sophia Wellness Centre next to a small tranquil park.

Many use this route as a shortcut to Iceland (Overseas Supermarkets).

Since 2006 the 400m2 gym opens 7 days a week and occupies the entire top floor. The average age of those who use the Beach Body Gym is 40 plus years of age and are mainly English-speaking. The Beach Body Gym’s monthly subscription has not changed in 10

T

years, so it is the best priced gym in Orihuela Costa at only 45 euro p/m including a free training program.

The additional 200m2 outside terrace boasts wonderful views of the area as well as a fresh-air exercise area most of the year around. The locker and shower areas are very clean and private.

The EASY Exercise (Toning) Centre is also very popular with those who want to improve their mobility and flexibility.

As our population gets older our bodies are not as nimble as they used to be. The EASY Exercise centre boasts greatly improved flexibility and mobility in one month and maintenance of that mobility and flexibility for those who continue to use the centre.

For a FREE trial at the EASY Exercise centre just make an appointment, call or whatsapp 639 951 018.

The Sophia self-storage is very popular in Orihuela Costa as Spanish properties have very little storage space.

Each private storage unit is dry, airy, secure and clean with 24/7 access. Monthly rates are very attractive.

Golf Sun Spanish Properties were established 25 years ago are responsible for building the Sophia Wellness Centre.

Although Golf Sun sell and rent commercial properties, their main business is residential sales.

English is spoken in every business at the Sophia Wellness Centre.

PAGE 12

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Hate Gyms? Love EASY Exercise THE PLACE: The EASY Exercise facility is available at the Sophia Wellness Centre, La Regia (Cabo Roig). If you would like to check it out, then Whatsapp or call 639 951 018 for a FREE trial today.

“He loved exercise so much he could lie down beside it all day”

THE PERCEPTION: If you dislike the idea of Gyms, then you are probably thinking about smelly sweaty bodies, heavy weights and torture machines.

You will therefore be pleasantly surprised to experience the EASY Exercise toning centre where participants sit or lie comfortably while their muscles are being exercised for them, the total opposite to Hard Exercise

THE HISTORY: In the 1930’s American Biochemist Bernard Stauffer invented a machine (IRM or Induced Rhythmic Motion) to help his wife’s muscles that were wasting away from the ravages of Polio. Stauffer realized that muscles needed to move but it didn’t matter how or who moves those muscles. IRM became Toning which in turn became Power Assisted Exercise, this is how EASY Exercise has developed over the last 90 years.

THE MACHINES: Easytone seats and Powertone beds have been designed for the comfort of the user. There are 12 different and very practical machines at the Sophia EASY Exercise centre, each one is designed to exercise different groups of muscles. The beds are powered by an electric motor and gearbox so there is no heavy lifting, running or cycling required. Very few people even break a bead of sweat during their EASY Exercise session.

THE SCIENCE. Leeds University have studied the effects and benefits of EASY Exercise for over a generation and discovered that consistent EASY Exercise, 30 to 45 minutes per session, twice or three times a week gives participants optimum results. They, along with Shapemaster (toning tables) have meticulously developed a range of power assisted exercise machines to target the areas of the body that most people have difficulties with.

THE BENEFITS: The main benefits of EASY Exercise include: Increased Mobility & Flexibility Overall Wellbeing Energy & Strength

Reduced Joint and Muscle Pain Breathlessness Inches all over your body

Within one week you will experience some results. In one month the most noticeable benefits will become apparent, including being able to walk with greater confidence, climb stairs more easily, have increased energy, better posture, and play with your grandchildren.You can try this system yourself for FREE with no obligation.

PAGE 14

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UK GENERAL ELECTION & THE STATE PENSION TRIPLE LOCK veryone who draws a UK State Pension will know all about ‘Triple Lock’, the Government decree that ensures a fair pension rise, ensuring that it increases every year by the highest of either inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5 per cent.

E

In his Autumn Statement last November, the Chancellor confirmed that from April 2024, those in receipt of state pensions will receive an 8.5 percent boost after the CPI inflation number came in at 6.7 per cent.

However, with the General Election expected to be held in the second half of 2024, we can expect that the usual controversy over the triple lock will reignite very soon.

Due to soaring inflation, the state pension increased by more than 10% in April 2023, costing the Treasury £124bn.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised that the commitment will stay, but with around 60% of the total UK spend on welfare payments going to pensioners, is

the triple lock really affordable?

sky-high food and energy bills.

Critics say it is unfair that younger people should subsidise the income of older people at a time when they may be struggling with their own living costs, however, such is the extent of the divide between the old and the young, that age is now playing an increasingly important part in UK elections.

With Spain sitting pretty at the top of the leaderboard, the UK state pension currently ranks at number 16, just above the breakeven point for pension income, the average cost of living for a pensioner, but as the cost-of-living crisis rages on, the monthly costs are expected to continue rising over the coming months.

That should ensure that both the Tories and Labour are likely to commit to keeping the popular pledge should they win, since neither will want to alienate an important cohort of voters ahead of an election.

Older voters tend to vote in disproportionately higher numbers to the rest of the electorate.

Supporters say that unlike what we saw with the temporary wage growth spike after the pandemic, a majority of pensioners are currently struggling with the very real challenge of high inflation while on a fixed income.

Many depend solely on the stage pension and are having a tough time paying

The UK also has the lowest state pension among rich countries based on one of the most cited international measures.

For the time being, any change to the current ‘status quo’ would therefore seem implausible in what is certain to be a hard-fought election, with Labour anxious not to lose its current polling lead and the governing Tories eager to catch up and overtake their challengers.

While this might be good news for pensioners in the short-term, it will mean the debate over what the state pension should be worth and when it should be paid to people is kicked down the road once again.

Congregation of St Peter & St Paul ‘Reach Out’

Padre Paul making the donation to Maria of Reach Out On the last Sunday of every month the church congregation of St Peter & St Paul, in the Torretas, has a charity collection at the end of mass.

The sum of 3,112 euro was collected from January to November, which, considering the small congregation it is an amazing amount of money.

This is something that the church has been doing for a number years during which time they have collected in excess of 15,000 euro, all of which has been distributed to local charities.

The photograph shows Padre Paco, together with church members, handing over the amount of 1,770 euro to Maria, representing the Torrevieja homeless charity, Reach Out. The other beneficiary of the monies collected during 2023 was Caritas.

BENEJÚZAR COUNCIL LAUNCHES PARTICIPATORY BUDGET PROCESS

with an amount of up to 25,000 euros.

The Benejúzar City Council has opened the procedure for the presentation of proposals for the town's 2024 Participatory Budgets, which may be presented until Tuesday, January 23.

The mayor, Vicente Cases, said that submissions can be presented “in person at the Town Hall; through the Electronic Headquarters; or by depositing the form that can be downloaded from on the municipal website, www.benejuzar.es, in the participatory mailbox located at the entrance of the Town Hall.”

Benejuenses over 18 years of age who are registered in the municipality, will be able to send their suggestions and ideas to the Council, which will fund the winning idea

Once the list is compiled, "members of the public will be able to vote on the suggestions through the same channels, from January 29 to February 12."

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For the time being, any change to the current ‘status quo’ would seem unlikely

PAGE 16

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 1005 QUICK ACROSS: 1 Supernatural; 7 Sides; 8 Bravo; 9 Toe; 10 Dissenter; 11 Inform; 12 Slalom; 15 Heaviness; 17 Oar; 18 Eying; 19 Exile; 21 Run-of-the-mill.

DOWN: 1 Short-sighted; 2 Red; 3 Assess; 4 Umbrellas; 5 Apart; 6 Court martial; 7 Shelf; 10 Derring-do; 13 Loose; 14 Recent; 16 Adieu; 20 Ice. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Little L people; 7 Depot; 8 Sever; 9 Don; 10 Death-blow; 11

ACROSS 1.

Scorn (8) 5.

Pack (4) 9.

Aid (4) 10. Last (8) 11. Prohibition (5) 12. Base (7) 13. Powers of memory (13) 18. Monument (8) 19. Intellect (4) 20. Repeat (7) 21. Viper (5) 22. Location (4) 23. Misanthropy (8) 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

Spring; 12 Puffin; 15

DOWN 2.

Work (7)

3.

First-rate (3-4)

4.

Rashly (13)

6.

Bother (7)

7.

Testimony (7)

8.

Border (6)

13.

Relics (7)

14.

Storm (7)

15.

Regular (6)

16.

Wandering (7)

17.

Perfect (7)

Addressee; 17 Sap; 18 Calls; 19 Large; 21 Catty remarks.

DOWN: 1 Long-distance; 2 Lop; 3 Potman; 4 Oast house; 5 Level; 6 Growing-pains; 7 Donor; 10 Dinner-set; 13 Feste; 14 Ostler; 16 Delia; 20 Rum.

ACROSS 1. Various needs are expressed in music (8) 5. Young bird lacking the knowledge to be fashionable (4) 9. Mail diverted to African state (4) 10. Musicians get together to make it up (8) 11. Open tarts, perhaps (5) 12. Mother goes first to point out part of the mast (7) 13. Minimum fare for those barred from free travel? (5,3,5) 18. Well brought up, but lacking refinement (5,3) 19. High spots of a European tour (4) 20. An old Empire sofa (7) 21. Seat of battle? (5) 22. A wrong to right (4) 23. Guiding line about two similar points (8)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. The name of which world-famous landmark stems from the Persian for "Crown of the Palace"?

2. Which American singer, actress, dancer, and model was the first woman to have a posthumous number 1 hit single in the UK charts in January 2002?

3. The Japanese Yen, The Korean Won and the Chinese Yuan. Translated, the currencies Yen, Won and Yuan all mean what? a. royal, b. silver, c. trust, d. round 4. Plus or minus 5, in which year did the French penal colony known as Devil's Island officially close?

5. What is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby?

6. Based on the number of television viewers, what is, after the NFL, the second most popular sport in the United States? a. NBA basketball, b. MLB baseball, c. NASCAR racing, d. NCAA college football 7. According to 'Paul is dead' theorists, which man with the initials B.S. replaced McCartney on the Sgt. Pepper's album?

8. Name the film in which each of the following bankers play a role. a.

Gordon Gecko, b. Jordon Belfort, c.

Patrick Bateman, d. Mr. Henry F. Potter 9. Which two cities have the most 5 Star hotels?

DOWN 2. Once in the theatre he demands his money?s-worth (7) 3.

Time to take in a strange rite by the Red Sea (7)

4.

Keep the matter dark? Not at all! (4,7,2)

6.

Tabitha makes a place for animals and plants (7)

7.

No quick-growing plant (7)

8.

Give notice (6)

13. Don?t keep a promise to move a car from the garage?

(4,3) 14. It provides no latitude for the navigator (7) 15. Dark thoughts? (6) 16. No expert, but someone of a mature disposition (7) 17. Give reason for broken axle-pin (7)

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 0 ) 10. What is a naturally magnetised piece of metal called?

11. The English name for which thin all cotton fabric stems from the Persian words for "milk" and "sugar"?

12. Based on capacity, what is the largest stadium in each of the following countries? a. Mexico,b. Brazil, c. Ireland, d.

Spain, e. USA 13. In which 1996 film does actress Natalie Portman play a member of 'The First Family of the United States'?

14. With 850,000 to one million hairs per square inch, which marine mammal has the densest fur in the animal kingdom?

15. Lion and Crescent are both names for a currency in which popular novel?

16. According to the United States Census Bureau, what will be the four most populated countries in the world in the year 2050?

17. Where is the world's largest national park found?

18. Which Island country was a European Kingdom between the years 1918-1944?

19. Who are the only three tennis players in the Open Era to have won five US Open Men's Singles titles? One point for each correct answer.

20. What are the two largest bays in the world?

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PAGE 18

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The Church of JESUS CHRIST of 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 Join us at the SALT CHURCH 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, Polígono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. We look forward to meeting you. www.Saltchurchspain.

Facebook SaltChurchSpain International Christian Assembly, Calle Beniajan 14, Torrevieja -Evangelical Church. Sunday Service 11 a.m.; - Contact 966 799 273 / 660 127 276. Evangelical non-denominational church. www.icatorrevieja.org

The Car of the Month at AUTOMOVILES CRESPO is a very attractive 2019 Ford Focus ST-Line Hybrid at just 21,900 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.

See page 7.

We can assure you of the biggest and best choice of new and used cars in the area for price, choice and quality. ENGLISH SPOKEN

AGE CONCERN BEREAVEMENT GROUP. Have you lost somebody close to you? Are you finding life difficult after a bereavement? Come along and chat to other people in the same situation. Starting on October 10th, then every Tuesday from 2-4pm at the Age Concern Centre, Calle Paganini, La Siesta, Torrevieja. 96 678 6887.

Everyone is welcome.

Los Alcázares Digital Camera Club. Interested in photography? We invite you to come and join us at our twice monthly meetings. Please contact coordinatorladcc@ gmail.com or see http://www.los-alcazarescamera.club/ for details.

COMMUNITY CARE ASSOCIATION (CCA) Open to residents of Orihuela Costa over 60 years of age.

Located at the Centro Civico Alameda del Mar. Open 3 times a week for a programme of English speaking

Monday 15th - Sunday 21st January 2024

activities, support, information and advice with the support of Orihuela Council.

Anyone wanting to join CCA social activities can pop along. Open 2pm -6pm Mondays and Thursdays, Wednesday 2pm - 5pm. You can register between 1pm & 2pm on those days, in the Cafe area where you will find Eva or Norah. email: oc.communitycare@gmail.com Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50’s. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Home Visiting Team to visit a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. 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 Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 5pm at the Lakeview bar/restaurant, Quesada. For more info contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Steve Hemingfield 0n Mob/Whats 711 011 373 The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG is a social group of

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caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Assn.

Contact with the RAFA and the RMG is via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk.

LOOKING FOR Silent Business Partner for small Private Care Home. Invest 10K and get 20K back in 14 months. Call 747 438 225 CONSTRUCTION AND GENERAL BUILDING. For all building works large or small, phone 604 152 124 for quotes. We also specialise in pool leaks and repairs. (1010)

Law Services: PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR, Solicitor, Debt Collections, Bad Tenants. 747 438 225

te r my la ee ad fo r f a g rin r featu rning, you fo ent. k n a ip h u day mo T q m n e o g M in n sew 0930 o rson. wife’s was at that pe ll o t a the c le t a s s during by a s The fir ie ly t ir r u o q n his d sh other e elp at t followe several your h e r r e fo l w u There gratef nd I am time. week a rsonal e p lt u . diffic Hatton

s s Jame Thoma

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E-scooters Require Certification from January

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Of course, it is possible that those in the sales DO have the necessary certificate already, and so the point is that you should check before you buy, or you could be purchasing something that can only last 3 years.

There are also some of these “vehicles” sold, mostly online, that do not have the correct specifications to fall into the category of VMP and would therefore be illegal to use.

Christmas is over and the January sales have started in Spain, but one thing to be aware of, which we have spoken about before, is that from this month, personal mobility vehicles (VMP), a classification which includes the popular electric scooters, or e-scooters, must be certified.

According to the new rule to be implemented this month, personal

mobility vehicles (VMP) that are sold from January 22, 2024, must have a certificate that they are safe (for the driver and the rest of the user) and that they offer minimum guarantees of quality and durability.

Those sold until that date and that do not have that certification will only be able to be used until January 22, 2027. From then on, only those that are certified may be

used.

One important takeaway from the legislation is that those vehicles without a certificate can still be sold until the cutoff date, but can then only be used until 2027, it is therefore possible that some of the models being sold off cheap in the sales will be like this, and therefore have a limited lifespan.

To clarify, according to the official characterisation, a VMP is a vehicle with one or more wheels and powered exclusively by electric motors (batteries up to 100 VDC and with an integrated charger of up to 240 VAC input) that can provide the vehicle with a maximum design speed comprised between 6 and 25 km/h and can only be equipped with a seat or saddle if they are equipped with self-balancing systems.

This definition excludes vehicles for people with reduced mobility, toys, pedal-assisted bicycles, and vehicles classified as 'L' according to EU Regulation 168/2013.

The VMPs, being self-propelled

PAGE 19

exclusively by an electric motor, have the 'Zero' emissions environmental classification and are exempt from having it visible.

The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has a webpage dedicated to the different models of VMP, which is www.dgt.es/vmp. It shows the brands and models already certified and that meet all the requirements set out in the Manual of characteristics of personal mobility vehicles, prepared by the DGT and published in the BOE of January 21, 2022.

It is also worth noting if you do buy one of these vehicles that they are prohibited from being ridden on pedestrian areas, including pedestrian crossings following the flow of people walking, interurban roads such as the N-332, and motorways, as well as through urban tunnels.

As they are considered vehicles for all purposes, their drivers are obliged to comply with all traffic rules, like everyone else. There are also additional requirements and restrictions. We will deal with that in more detail another time, but you can find out more already on the n332.es website.

PAGE 20

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VISTABELLA BOWLS CLUB with Freddie Willey

EMERALD ISLE BOWLS - Elwyn Morris

Back after our Xmas break, happy new year to all. Over the Xmas period some of our bowlers entered the Valencian men’s fours and triples competition held at Greenlands bowls club. Vistabella were very successful in winning the men’s fours trophy. Great achievement for Paul Durham, Don Conlon, Dave Hill & Freddie Willey + super sub Tony Grimes (Dave had bad back couldn't play final). Good win against a strong Greenlands team 18-15. Well done Vistabella.

CHAMPIONS!!

Titans started the New Year away at San Luis Klingons and they went down 12-0 Aggregate of 64-110 Neptunes played Quesada Rubies and got a good 8-4 Aggregate of 104 -75 win. G Dyer M Thomas B Fenty 32-9, S Ellis D Taylor J Taylor 24-4, C Wilson K Barber J Fenty 25-12 Moonrakers played against San Luis Vulcans and slipped to a 0-12 Aggregate of 60-104 defeat.

Emerald Isle played at home against Country Bowls in the Winter League, and they had a fine 9-1 Aggregate of 77-51 N Davis K Barber S Marks R Marks 31-8, M Oakley S Elvin D Mooney M Dyer 17-15 A Pridmore R White M Hartley B Kavanagh 16-15 Cavaliers played at home against La Marina Sharks and had a fine 10-2 Aggregate of 115-67 win N Prior Jo Pering Julian Pering 27-11, M Oakley M Ellis S Elvin 24-11, R White K Whelam C Lindgren 24-10, T Pridmore S Johnson M Hartley 22-16 Claymore were at Vistabella Picadores and they had a fine 8-4 Aggregate of 90-80 win, J Sayer J Fenty J Taylor 2514 S Ellis I Laverick K Barber 20-14, C Thomas B Eldred R Stockell 19-15 Outlaws played away at Greenlands Elms and they got a great 6-6 Aggregate 83-94, M Nash C Selby M Munro 22-12 D Clark J Holmyard A Forrest 21-13, A Gower J Forrest J Ball 15-13 SAPS Starts at 13-15 2 hours coaching, bowling shoes and bowls supplied if needed all for 5 EUROS and a bar open.

SOUTH ALICANTE ENTERPRISE DIVISION La Marina Enterprise v Vistabella Albatrosses Two good results, a draw for Alice Howe, Derek Howe and Brian Dunn 18-18 plus a win for Denise Howell, Freddie Willey & Maggie Furness 15-14. Tough game with La Marina coming out on top. La Marina 96pts to Vistabella's 53pts.Good win for La Marina 9-3.

SOUTH ALICANTE DISCOVERY DIVISION San Miguel Orcas v Vistabella Drivers Good wins for Frank Barclay, Avril Kendall & Graham Doel 26-11 plus Rosemarie & Ken Savage & Sue Wilson 19-16. Scores at the end San Miguel 98pts to Vistabella's 80pts. San Miguel winning 8-4.

Winter League - Bonalba v Vistabella.

A very tricky encounter with only 3 teams available from Vistabella. A resounding win for Bonalba 83pts to 53pts Bonalba winning 10-0.

LLB Southern League Division B - Vistabella Picadors v Emerald Isle Claymores Good wins for Denise Howell, Derek Howe & Don Conlon 13-9, plus Olwyn Ratcliffe, Stuart Allman & Brian Dunn 24-7. In the end Emerald Isle took the game 90pts to 80pts(close).Winning 8-4.

LLB SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION C Vistabella Conquistadors - bye Contact: richardwilley321@gmail.com. Tel:698 925 932

Greenlands Bowls Club by Pearl Houghton The CHESTNUTS travelled to Monte Mar and really didn't fair very well at all only winning on 1 rink so need to buck up and getting some points on the board .

Wednesday was the turn of The Gladiators and they really proved how to bowl and achieved a great win of 9-1 against Quesada so well done on great victory which keeps the team still top of table.

The Elms played the Emerald Isle and played very well indeed and came away with a creditable 6all draw so keep it going

QUIZ FROM P 16: 1. Taj Mahal, 2. Aaliyah (More Than A Woman), 3.

Answer d. round, 4. 1953, 5. Mint julep, 6. Answer c.

NASCAR racing, 7. Billy Shears, 8. Four answers. a.

Wall Street (or 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps'), b.

Wolf Of Wall Street, c. American Psycho, d. It's A Wonderful Life. 9. London and Dubai. 10. Lodestone.

11. Seersucker. 12. Five answers. a. Aztec Stadium, b.

Maracana Stadium, c. Croke Park, d. Camp Nou, e.

Michigan Stadium. 13. Mars Attacks. 14. Sea otter. 15.

The Chronicles of Narnia. 16. Four answers. In order: India (1,656 billion), China (1,301 billion), USA (398 million), Nigeria (391 million). 17. Greenland (Northeast Greenland National Park). 18. Iceland. 19.

Three answers. Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors. 20. Bay of Bengal and Hudson Bay

SUDUKO SOLUTION

now.

On Friday The CHESTNUTS made the trip to Country Bowls and played very well and scored a 6 all draw which was very commendable having to give away 2points and 10 shots on only fielding 4rinks due to one player not appearing. So well done to the team

SAN MIGUEL BOWLS CLUB Monday 8th January saw the start of the New Year league games with the Dolphins playing away against Country Bowls Flamingos where they lost 8-2, 70 shots to 87. Only winning triple was Lee Sinclair, Stuart Hemmings and Derek Farmer who won17-12.

San Miguel Orcas were at home against Vistabella Drivers and won 84, 98 shots to 80 with the highest winning triple of Stan North, Sheila Booth and Mike Douglas winning 30-10.

Wednesday saw the Winter League Team travelling North to Javea/Calpe where the game ended in a draw 5-5. 72 shots to 66.

Highest winning rink was Margaret Patterson, Jan Farmer, Gail Willshire and Mike Douglas.

Friday 12th January and the Apaches came up against their own Navajos with the Navajos taking control and winning 8-4, shots very close at 92-90. Highest winning triple for the Apaches was Margaret Patterson, Jim Taylor and Fred Willshire winning 26-8 while the highest winning triple for the Navajos was Meg Brownlee, Tom Dalgleish

CARP - R - US FISHING Carp-R-Us fish Round Four of their Winter Series on the Rio Segura at the stretches known as Eden 2 and 3. Unexpected overnight rain left the banks muddy, and the river was at a high level but still within its banks. The match was fished with four members on the upstream stretch (Eden 3)

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and Eddie Cowan winning 26-1.

The Comanches played the Cherokees in the afternoon with the Cherokees winning 8-4, 87 shots to 82. The highest winning triple was Pat Staden, Ian Hope and Ken Guiney winning 23-13.

A reminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays 1.30pm for 2.00pm - 5 for an afternoon’s 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 Tuesday afternoons, starting at 1.45pm, by appointment ONLY. To book, please call Dave or Lynn Greenland on +34 667 207 508.

We welcome all bowlers who would like to join San Miguel B.C. as we are a unique club we only pay owner fees and a club fee and NO LEAGUE RINK FEES. For further information on San Miguel B.C please contact club secretary Barry Jones on 602 504 905 or club president Alan Campbell on 606 676 118

By Mary Whitelock

and four on the downstream stretch (Eden 2). And it definitely ended up a match of two halves!

The match was won by Tony Felsted off the favoured end peg on Eden 3 with 7.28kg caught using a small cage feeder and maggot. Apart from his effort, only three other fish were caught on that section. On the

other section, Russell Davidson had 5.42kg from peg 6 on pole and corn, Paul Burton on peg 5 had 4.92kg on pole and maggot, Tony Flett had 4.60kg from peg 8 on feeder and maggot and even Roy Dainty managed 3.70kg from peg 7, again on pole and corn.

Further info about the club can be found on its website www.carp-r-us.weebly.com

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PAGE 21

SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB with Sheila Cammack So here we are again, hopefully all refreshed (or at least recovering from the various viruses that are around at present) and ready to do battle once more; for success in the second half of the season.

SOUTH ALICANTE LEAGUE: Monday 8th SL Vulcans, away v Emerald Isle Titans, had a wonderful result, points 12-0, shots 92-60.

Congratulations to: Jim Gwyn, Ken Stringfellow, Maxine Wright 17-16, Jill Wyatt, Tony Ferreira, Steve Gray 13-7, Lesley & Wayne Howlett, David Whitworth 19-10, Maggie Gray, Dave Louis, Mike Wyatt 19-14, Sue Kenyon, John Bagnall, Derek Biggs 14-13. SL Trekkers v SL Romulans was, as expected a hard fought match, although due to illness the Romulans were a team short. Trekkers points 8-4, shots 86-61, Winners: Joy & Brian Gardiner, Jean Cooper 29-7, Mary & Phil Lockley, Bob Bromley 24-9. Romulans winners: Ray Watmough, Ngaio Baldwin, Peter Ayres 15-11, Judy Carroll, Gordon Paton, Dave Blackie 30-12.

SL Klingons had an excellent result at home v Emerald Isle Moonrakers, winning 12 points-0, 110 shots-64. Well done: Margaret & Neil Morrison, Ian Kenyon 18-8, Mike Veale, June & Keith Jones 31-12, Neil & Sandra Burrows, Dave Webb 25-15, Dee Hoey, Caroline & John Smyth 17-14, Tricia & Pat Reilly, Scott Malden 19-15.

MONTE MAR BOWLS AND SOCIAL CLUB Sponsored by The Pub, Gran Alacant Insurances, Dialprix, The Belfry, Skippers, La Piedra.

WINTER SABA LEAGUE Matadors v Greenlands Chestnuts At home to Greenlands Chestnuts after a slow start the Matadors won on four rinks.

Well done Colin Bedford, Cindy Bedford skip Keith Young 22-19, Sheila Roberts, Paul Dodd skip Phil Goble 33-9, Tony Kershaw, Les Bounds skip David Eades 19-10, Marilyn March, Rod Chamberlain skip Neil Crawford 22-15. Shots Matadors 109 – 72 Chestnuts.

Points Matadors 10 – 2 Chestnuts.

SOUTHERN LEAGUE Matadors v Country Bowls Cubs The 2nd home game and another good result for the Matadors. Well done Lynne Armitage, Cindy Bedford skip Phil Goble 19-13, Gina Hindle, Steve Hindle skip Neil Crawford 208, Colin Bedford, Howie Williams skip John Hunt 29-10, Des Freeman, Chris Harding skip Barry Watson 21-8. Shots Matadors 100 – 61 Cubs. Points Matadors 10 – 2 Cubs.

For further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website www.montmarbowls.com also on Facebook.

WINTER LEAGUE: on Wednesday 10th San Luis were away v El Rancho. It is always a challenge to play there and there were some nip & tuck, close finishes, with San Luis taking 7points -3, 94shots-70. Winners: Peter Ayres, Mike Veale, June & Keith Jones 37-13, Mike Edwards, Tricia Reilly, Florence Murphy, Pat Reilly 24-19, Neil Burrows, Bill Webb, Sandra Burrows, Scott Malden 17-17.

SOUTHERN LEAGUE: on Friday 12th SL Leopards v SL Pumas; Leopards taking 8 points4, 94 shots-72. Winners: Judy Carroll, Gordon Paton, Dave Blackie 23-21, Margaret Haines, Les Shannon, Peter Ayres 21-8, Catherine & Noel Morrisroe, Barbara Louis 25-10. Pumas winners: Sue Kenyon, John Bagnall, Derek Biggs 15-11, Jill Wyatt, Tony Ferreira, Steve Gray 18-14.

SL Lions at home to Quesada Swallows, shared the points 6-6, taking shots 91-84. Winners: Dee Hoey, Mike Veale, Scott Malden 22-9, Neil & Sandra Burrows, Dave Webb 22-14. SL Tigers: BYE If you want to know more about bowling; come & see us; try out OPEN roll ups on Saturday morning (9:30/10:00) & Chicken/egg comp on Wednesday afternoon (1:30/2:00). Make new friends and have Fun!!

El Rancho Bowls Club On Monday the Raiders played host to Country Bowls Seahawks, it was a fine morning with a varying strength wind, making the bowls a little tricky.

But we had a very pleasant match and took the rinks by 4-1 and won the overall shots by just one. Trev Witcher, Dolly Ford and Jim Eastwood 18-13. Bill Johnston, Malc Sykes and Diane Yates 17-15. Ria Dukker, Jean Giddings and Dave Giddings 18-13. Rose Passmore, Judy Foley and Keith Longshaw 11-29. Sheila Cox, Pam Harris and Mike Cox 23-16.

On Wednesday the Rowdies played San Luis at home in the Winter League and enjoyed a good match taking one rink and drawing another, not a bad result.

Sheila Cox, Rose Passmore, Pam Harris and Mike Cox 13-37. Bill Johnston, Francis Johnston, Derek Barker and Jim Eastwood 17-17. Ria Dukker, Marion Haynes Diane Yates and Bob Day 21-16. Ann Abbott, Malc Sykes, Tony Abbott and Keith Longshaw 19-24.

The Mustangs have a bye on Friday. Bowlers of all levels are welcome at El Rancho, for further membership information contact Sheila Cox at micksheilacox@gmail.com.

La Marina Bowls - Dave Hadaway Let's start with wishing everyone a happy and prosperous new year for 2024 – and that is just how it started on the bowls scene. We were at home to Vistabella and won 9 points to 3. It's not all it seems though Anne Stone, Norman Ship & Shirley Hadaway were 7-1 down and then picked up a 7 to take them into the lead and never looked back, winning – 26-8, what I considered was our strongest trip of Margaret McLaughlin, Barry Roberts and Peter Parsons were trailing by 12 shots but pulled it back to a very creditable 18 each. Our other regular strong trip with

Barbara and Jean & Don Fowkes had a very tight game losing by 1 shot 14-15. Our top scoring triple was Steve Douglas, John Morgan & Garth Slater winning 28-12, our 5th rink of Janet Parsons, John Callaghan and John Rae won by default and had no game but contributed 2 points and 10 shots giving us a overall points win of 9 – 3.

On Wednesday for those brave enough to face the weather, watched 2 mixed triples (internal) the one between Anne & Mike Stone and John Rae versus Don & Jean Fowkes with Garth Slater was very close at 18-19 in the latter’s favour. The other game was a bit more decisive with Dave & Lesley Joynes and Len Daniels winning 24-

11 against Marilyn Fryatt, Johnny Callaghan & Barry Roberts.

Friday and the news against Emerald Isle is not quite so good, where we came away with just 2 points, and that was very close. Our thanks goes to Janet Parsons, Norman Ship and Garth Slater winning 19-18, our overall shots were 67-115.

Our week ended with a short memorial service on the green to Mick Smith who we lost after a 3-month illness on 16th December. Our thoughts are with Carol and the family at this sad time.

PAGE 22

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Monday 15th - Sunday 21st January 2024

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THADER START THE NEW YEAR WITH A BANG Thader started 2024 the same way as they finished 2023 - on a high! Their last match in 2023 was at nearby Callosa, where, courtesy of goals by Javi and Tremino, they pulled off an unexpected victory. So, spirits were high for another local derby, kicking off the Community league in the new year.

CD

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637 227 385

TDLO LEAGUE FORMAT WEEK 4 TUESDAY 12TH JAN. Torrevieja Darts Ladies Organisation League Format Week 4 (9/1/24)

CD Thader ...........2 Redovan CF ........0

At start of play, opponents Redovan sat in 6th place on 20 points, whilst their hosts were in the relegation zone, some 9 points fewer.

There had been a few comings and goings since Thader's last outing, plus a couple of unwanted injuries. Club captain/president Lloyd, along with experienced striker Pedro Juan, are currently receiving treatment for foot injuries, but hopefully their absence will be short lived.

Raul Dominguez has arrived from Villena, whilst Cristian Martinez joins from Eldense 'B'. In the other direction, Diaz has departed following a short stay at the club.

Matches against Redovan are normally feisty affairs, so it was no surprise to see arbitro Cerdan issue no less than 10 yellow cards.

Raul, making his debut, tried his luck with a long-range effort on 6 mins, but it was comfortably saved by Lucas in goal. From a free kick on 20 mins, Raul had a glorious opportunity to put his side ahead, but his free header sailed the wrong side of the far post.

Tremino thought he had put the hosts ahead on 23 mins, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Fran was a lucky man to only receive a caution for a nasty looking foul on Matias, but a few minutes later, it was role reversal

when the Redovan striker sought retribution. A clear-cut penalty on 27 minutes, following Tremino having his legs taken from under him, was coolly dispatched by new boy Raul, to give Thader the lead.

Chema pulled off the first of many important 2nd half saves on 47 mins, as Redovan piled non-stop pressure on the hosts goal. He repeated the feat on 50 mins, getting down low to save from sub Vela. It was centre back Pascual's turn to come to his side's rescue on 54 mins, when his header off the goal line prevented a certain equaliser. On the hour mark, Thales strike from long range, rattled the Thader cross bar, before bouncing to safety.

It was almost one way traffic, but Thader did manage a couple of counter attacks, which were cut short by an offside flag. In fact, Tremino was unlucky following a solo effort which looked to have crossed the Redovan goal line, but was not given. Then, up the other end, the magnificent Chema again came to his sides rescue on 69 mins, tipping over a goal bound effort by Thales.

13 - 10

Friendly Temps

Friendly Chicas

9-13

Ladybirds

Wacky Allsorts

15-11

Tipsy Tigers

Dolly Mixtures

13-8

Gap Girlz

Ladybirds

13-9

Whacky A’sorts

(Result of postponed match played 19/12/) LEAGUE TABLE when the woodwork again came to the hosts rescue. Then, totally against the run of play, with every Redovan outfield player inside their opponent's half, a long ball out of defence found captain Dani Lucas with only the keeper to beat, a move which he finished with aplomb.

On Sun 21 Jan, ko 4pm, Thader make the long journey to fellow strugglers L'Olleria, for another important league match. Supporters are welcome to travel on the players coach for a small fee. Visit CD Thader facebook page for regular updates.

Narrow defeat for Rangers at La Manga

Rangers fell to a narrow 1-0 friendly defeat in La Manga on Saturday afternoon against Hertha Berlin.

In a game that is perhaps best forgotten the main talking point was the red card brandished to By this stage, Thader were leading a charmed manager Philippe Clement after voicing his displeasure when Scott Wright was fouled near the life, as wave after wave of strikes were Hertha box. repelled. I lost count of the number of corners awarded to Redovan, not to mention The Belgian boss was not best pleased to miss the second half from the touchline.

The only goal of the game came from MarkOliver Kempf, a near-post header which looped over Robby McCrorie.

‘EL PRESIDENTE’ FINALLY COMES UP TO PAR

Primadonnas

P

F

A

Primadonnas

4

50

37

Gap Girlz

4

49

32

Ladybirds

4

49

38

Friendly's Temps

4

47

39

Friendly's Chicas

4

41

45

Tipsy Tigers

4

41

49

Macklin's Dolly Mixts

4

37

49

Whacky Allsorts

4

31

52

HOT DARTS WEEK 4: Debbie le Grys (PD) 174, Yvonne Rouffignac (GG) 156, 140, 125, 114, 100, Sharon Tozer (FC) 140. 135, Chelsea Campbell (GG) 140, 133, Jane Kelly (FC) 140, Julie Thompson (FT) 138, Mitch Halliday (PD) 133, Lisa Alsop (PD) 131, Lisa Ivill (TT) 127, Julie Adams (WA) 126, Carol Hurley (PD) 126, Eileen Askew (TT) 125, 121, Ali Webster (FC) 125, 120, Sandra Crabbe (LB) 123, Sharon Crane (TT) 121, Sally Ann Hurst (DM) 121, 100, Bev Howard (FT) 120, 111, Monique Edelenbos (FT) 117, Lorraine Veale (DM)114, Pat Schofield (TT) 113, Margaret Boden (WA) 107, Tracey Simpson (TT) 103, Jane Barnes (WA) 100, Sharon Marshall (GG) 100, Angie Mullen (LB)100, Sharon O´Rourke (LB)100

LA MARINA GS ‘PAUL GIBSON TROPHY’ The first game of the New Year for the members of the La Marina Golf Society was certainly a chilly one. This week the members met at the Alicante golf course where they played for the “Paul Gibson trophy.”

The course was in good condition and the greens were as tricky as ever for this Seve Ballesterosdesigned course.

‘El Presidente’ receiving his prize from bar owner Ger. Thanks once again for supporting Smiling Jack's Golf Society at a very good and well turned out course. A big thank you to Roda golf resort for looking after us today.

A big shout out also to the Ger and Karen for hosting us us in the bar today, and to our Julie for the wonderful

food today. Perfect as usual.

Now for the scores: Nearest the pin on 7 Matt Davies, NTP on 13 was El Presidente, NTP in two on 15 was Chris ayres. In second place with 34 points and no cigar was Matt Davies The winner, and for the first time ever, was El Presidente

with 36 points and a handicap cut.

A massive thank you to Ger for donating a free Smiling Jack's Golf Day for the raffle.

The raffle winner was Jackie.

Our next outing will be announced shortly.

Thank you all once again.

The day's winners were Roy Harris in first place with 42 points, Iain Lyall in second place with 38 points and Tony Moore in third place with 37 points.

The members all met back at the Sports Complex in La Marina where Captain Bill Stobo and the game's sponsor Paul Gibson presented the winners with their Bill Stobo Captain, Roy Harris winner & Paul Gibson Sponsor. prizes.

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LEAGUE RESULTS 11 JANUARY DIVISION 1 Mind The Gap Freakie Taverners Milo's C.C's Bees El Capitan

11-1 3-9 0-12 2-10 10-2

Ck1 Lads Domino's Domigns Hub Hyenas Tipsy Toad Toppers Leeson St Trotters

DIVISION 2 Pint Depot Queens Tipsy Toad Tiaras Hub Hellraisers Domino's Desp’dos Ck1 Ladybirds

4-8 6-6 1-11 5-7 9-3

Illy's Oldies Fallen Angels Fire Station Danny's Bar Tasty Taverners

LEAGUE TABLES 11 JANUARY DIVISION 1 Domino's Domignomes Mind The Gap Tipsy Toad Toppers Hub Hyenas El Capitan CC's Bees Leeson Street Trotters Ck1 Lads Milo's Freakie Taverners

P 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Pts 19 18 15 14 11 9 6 5 3 0

legs 84 92 82 78 72 57 47 41 29 20

DIVISION 2 Fire Station Danny's Bar Illy's Oldies Fallen Angels Ck1 Ladybirds Domino's Desperados Tipsy Toad Tiaras Hub Hellraisers Tasty Taverners Pint Depot Queens

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

18 18 16 13 10 10 7 6 4 0

90 78 81 65 65 60 53 37 48 25

MOST 180’S: x4 Andres Liamazares, Pete Spencer, Ricardo Perez 180's THIS WEEK: James Brown HIGH FINISH THIS WEEK: Paul Tollafield 146, Olly Walker 114, Patrick Pierloot 112, Luke Monk 106, Reg Christopher 95, Steve Dalton 86 HIGHEST FINISH TO DATE: Dave Askew 160

MATCH REPORTS DIVISION 1 Mind the Gap V C.K.1 LADS Eight ton plus's against 2 from the Lads, gave Gap an early 3-0 advantage. Much the same in the pairs, Steve Dalton 2x140 and Darren Hurcombe unlucky to lose in 3 legs to Gordon Cowan and Carlos

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Monday 15th - Sunday 21st January 2024

Escansiano in the 6th match. James Brown adding another 180 to this season’s tally and a 74 out in his pairs game with Sam Salt.

Claiming the points in the 7th, Salt nailed a 76 out, bettered in the 8th by Dalton taking Lads only leg with 4 ton+ and a S4-Bull-D16 finish.

Hurcombe 2x100,140,4x85+ somehow lost his singles to "Esco". Brown adding 2x100,2x140 for POTM, Hurcombe the same honour for Lads.

FREAKIE TAVERNERS V DOMS DOMIGNOMES The hosts held their own in the 1st half, 3 apiece at teatime. Noel Kenny and Mario Garcia with the outs, Garcia's 2nd a nice 72 finish. Gnomes response 3 tons and 2 outs from Dave Wharton, plus 4 tons or more from Nigel Justice, not forgetting a 78 out on tops.

Bryan Livesy lost the opening singles in 3 to Gnome Patrick Pierloot, the visitor claiming a nice 112 out.

Chelsea Campbell nailing D11 for at least a Gnomes draw, Justice ensuring both points with a 16 and 19 dart effort that included2x100 and 2x140.

Olly Walker made it all 6 singles with an 18 dart leg, outing on T20,S14,D20. POTM - Livsey - Justice.

MILOS V HUB HYENAS

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McGuiness and Wayne Houson, by Paul Christopher 125,140 and Paul Tollafield 2x100 with a T20,T20,D13, 146 out.

Toppers secured all 6 singles, 4 however went to deciders. Houson redeemed his pairs loss with a 7 ton, 3 leg victory over Reg C. 140 and an 85 out.

Pete Spence 4 tons, just got the better of Doug Adkins for POTM, John Rodford concluding the match in 3 legs over Simon Bantleman, the Topper hitting 5 tons. Tollafield - POTM. EL CAPITAN V LEESON ST. TROTTERS Trotters found themselves 6 down at the break, with only Yvonne Rouffignac and Alex Nikolov hitting multiple tons. Caps were far livelier, Andres Liamazares with 3 tons and Moises Bujan, Liam Lumb, Ben Kernahan, Arold K. all hitting a brace the latter adding a tasty 87 out on the bull.

Ed K. took the 1st singles and match for Caps, prior to Billy Dolling gaining Trotters 1st leg against Chris Logan. "Liama" added 5 more tons to his tally in a real belter with Nikolov, the Cap coming out on top, both meriting POTM. Lumb overcame Ken Skinner in the 11th, hitting a further 5 tons, Rouffignac getting the better of Bujan, in 3 legs to close the match.

DIVISION 2 PINT DEPOT QUEENS V ILLY'S OLDIES Queens shared the last 8 legs, unfortunately for them the game was lost in the opening 4, the Royals losing each leg. An excellent shift from Des Field including 2x100,135,140, was only converted into one winning leg. Mike Fellows found D2 in the 5th singles for the match.

Queens, Jeanette Crooks found D19 for the hosts 1st leg, Marie Cummins the 2nd on D16 after a 122 and a 132 from partner Lorraine Cox. Maggie Morgan D10 and Cox D7 also finding the outer ring. POTM Cummins - Brian Abbey.

POTM, Mark & Cain Both sides lacked a little lustre after the Christmas break, unfortunately for Milos they suffered more than the Hub. Winning legs came from Sam James x 2, Fabian Alcaraz and Cain Garcia POTM with plenty of T20's.

Dave Rowlinson helped himself to 8 tons and 3 outs, but Mark Ellis took the POTM award with 5 tons, 7 x 85+ and 4 outs, plus a D14 for the match and points.

C.C.'S BEES V TIPSY TOAD TOPPERS The visitors enjoyed a comfortable 2-4 lead at the break, winning both triples and pairs by the same score. The best of the bunch a 2-0 defeat of Dale

TIPSY TOAD TIARAS V FALLEN ANGELS Anticipating another rout, the Tiaras were tickled to be 4-2 up at the mid-point of the match and earned themselves two more legs in the singles to gain a match point for a draw.

Lisa Ivill contributed half of the legs alone, 20-D10; 82, D8 and 103, D7! Not enough to award her POTM it would seem, this being given to Eileen Askew (80, 132; 85, 17-D13 and 93, 93 in the final singles against Andy Forrest (20-D16), having narrowly missed taking out a ton+ stonker.

Secretary de Lacy donated 133, 83, D1 and a lame 92 in her singles against POTM Graham White, the recent birthday boy, who also nabbed 50% of the spoils for the Angels, 142, 1-D1; 114, D2 and D4.

PAGE 23

POTM, Eileen & Graham Captain McKay (D4) and Steve Godwyn (D9) assisting for draw point for the Los Dolses crew.

HUB HELLRAISERS V FIRE STATION Raisers only success in this one, a D5 from Sue Spiers in the 2nd triple, later adding numerous high scores and a 121 for POTM. Station continue their fine form with solid contributions throughout the side.

Luke Monks 3x80+,100 and a 106 out, Roger Phipps 100,125 and 2 outs, Rob Sturvivant 2x100 and a couple of outs were Stations' mainstays, but Tim Clarke surpassed them all with a POTM performance of, 123,125, 4x80+, plus 4 outs.

POTM, Tim & Sue DOMINOS DESPERADOS V DANNYS BAR Steve Lumb nailed 121,140, D2 for his sides 7th winning leg, to keep pressure on Station, currently at the summit of Division 2. Two late singles wins from Despos Dave Oates and Ray Hayes gave the scoreline respectability, but Eunice Letts was awarded POTM. Dannys Lesley Lumb's 115,134,138, 3x80+ won the visitors POTM award. Both Station and Dannys may well remain unbeaten until late March when both clash. Could be a title decider.

C.K.1 LADYBIRDS V TASTY TAVERNERS A comfortable home victory over Tasties allowed Birds to nudge ahead of Despos and claim 5th spot in Division 2. An impressive POTM effort from the hosts Dons Ralph 2x100,140 and 3 outer rings, a major contribution to their victory. Gena Wood and Kirsty Green adding a brace of doubles each.

Tasty Sonya Lock gradually finding some old form with some reasonable scoring and one out, teammate Sharon Williams meriting POTM with a fistful of scores and 2 finishes.

PAGE 24

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