No 1005 Monday 8th - Sunday 14th January 2024
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n Friday, Dr Marciano Gómez, the Minister of Health in the Valencian Community, announced the re-introduction of facemasks in hospitals and health centres, with immediate effect, due to the recent increase in cases of flu and respiratory infections. The action is introduced alongside those in the neighbouring Province of Murcia.
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The measure was thought necessary due to the ongoing increase in the global rate of acute respiratory infections in Primary Care, currently 908.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, an increase from 806 over the previous week, and in general, at all levels of care, of 1,501 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, well above the Spanish average, which is 908.
H E A LT H R E - I N T R O D U C E S M A N D AT O R Y U S E OF MASKS IN HOSPITALS & MEDICAL CENTRES
The Ministry sent to the health departments of all three provinces an instruction that establishes the mandatory use of masks in health and social health centres as a preventive measure in the face of the resurgence of the respiratory virus infection. The instruction requires that the mandatory use of masks in health and social health centres is necessary in the following situations: Symptomatic people when in shared spaces Professionals who care for symptomatic cases People who work in Intensive Care Units and Units with Vulnerable Patients In hospital emergencies or primary care departments In places where patients and families are concentrated (Primary Care waiting rooms, hospital consultation areas).
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE REINTRODUCTION OF MASKS The move had been widely anticipated following Thursday’s announcement by the Minister that health centres are to administer doses of flu and covid-19 vaccines without the need for appointments, with the purpose of promoting the immunisation of the public in the face of the rebound in respiratory infections that is typical of this winter period, putting many local hospitals under increased pressure. In the Emergency Department of the Alicante Hospital, health workers say that they are overloaded with an average of 500 patients every 24 hours, where the maximum is usually 350. With beds in corridors and hallways, patients are currently experiencing waits of between six and ten hours The Vinalopó Hospital has opened a ward due to the resurgence of respiratory infections, where there are currently just five free beds, and the Vega Baja hospital is admitting patients without infectious pathologies to the Maternity Unit, so as to free up space in other areas of the hospital. In general, the Emergency Departments of all our local hospitals are currently saturated. Admissions for serious respiratory illnesses have almost doubled in seven days and are also twice the state average. The incidence of flu has multiplied by four between Christmas and New Year's Eve, as a result of the increase in infections following the family and social gatherings
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Minister of Health in the The worsening of the situation has also led Valencian Community, the Ministry of Health to allow hospitals to Dr Marciano Gómez reschedule operations, depending on the pressures they are under: thus, while urgent and vital operations will be carried out, non-urgent surgeries may be postponed. In the event that the use of private resources is needed, a public-private collaboration framework will also be sought. That is, patients will be diverted to private clinics and hospitals, where necessary. Also from Monday, all Primary Care centres of the Valencian Community will administer flu and COVID-19 vaccines without an appointment, with the aim of facilitating the immunisation of as many people as possible in the face of the current rebound in respiratory viruses. All children will also be able to be vaccinated starting on Monday, in Primary Care centres with a paediatric service (all health centres, except clinics), which the Minister has urged families to seriously consider. Dr Marciano Gómez said that, so far, medical teams have administered 1,035,089 doses of vaccine against the flu, 769,425 doses against the COVID-19 virus and 25,459 against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). He added that he will meet next week with the managers of the health departments from across the Valencian Community to analyse the implementation and possible adjustment of these measures.
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he Petrogo business group, of Murcian origin, is building a new service station with a supermarket and laundry service in the Dehesa de Campoamor urbanisation, in Orihuela Costa. The City Council has put the request for an environmental license on public display for approval.
It is a plot of more than 5,000 square metres, previously the storage yard of Chirunguitos del Sol, but now unused. The business group intends to open a supermarket with an area of 499 square meters, of which 365 will be used for the store, 68 metres for the warehouse and the rest for toilets and offices. The area for the fuel pumps amounts to 164 square metres, while the laundry area will cover 150 metres. The plot is located in a busy area of the coast, especially during summer. Its proximity to the N-332 favours attracting cus-
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that is typical of these holidays periods.
New Filling Station for Orihuela Costa
The facility is to be build adjacent to the N-332 roundabout, along the side of the Avda Miguel de Cervantes, just south of the two Cepsa filling stations.
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tomers to both the filling station and the supermarket. The Petrogo Business Group currently has five service stations, all located in Murcia. Following the opening of the station in Campoamor the group also intends to expand in the province, in an area very close to the Murcian coast. It currently has two establishments in Monteagudo, another in the district of El Raal, another in Beniel and a fifth in Llano de Brujas. In the last year it has achieved an increase in its business volume, invoicing 17,875,508 euros, 5.3 million more than the previous year, which shows its expansion and business growth.
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The Family is still looking for answers after five years.
FIVE YEARS AND STILL NO TRACE OF HENRY t dawn on New Years Day, the family and friends of Henry Alejandro Jiménez Marín gathered in remembrance, determined that the disappearance of the young man is not forgotten, as they once again demanded that the Civil Guard revives its investigation.
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At the heart of the tribute was Henry’s mother, Gina Marin. Her face, etched with years of grief and frustration, as she reflected on the family’s tireless struggle with the Civil Guard’s handling of the case where, despite her efforts in providing substantial leads and information, the investigation would seem to be a ‘cold case’. Gina spoke of her distress as she held a banner bearing the image of her son in the Plaza de la Constitución in Torrevieja. Criticising the lack of action from the security forces who say they are still investigating his disappearance, she said that she was torn between indignation and helplessness.
record the fight on their phones, and then the earth swallows him up? Those friends who were supposedly there, let them touch their hearts and admit what they have done to my son. They have helped the person who beat him". "How sad that today we still don't have any answers!" she remarks while stating that it was Henry's relatives who manged to get the friends to admit the attack. "The Civil Guard didn't even call them." During these years of searching, the family has turned to private detectives to try to find out more about what happened that night. But the data they have provided, especially about the person identified as the perpetrator of the alleged beating, has not been followed up by the security forces. This is an Icelandic citizen who has a criminal record in his country of origin, according to the data collected by the private investigator and corroborated by Icelandic journalists, according to Henry Alejandro's mother.
"My son went missing five years ago on New Year's Eve 2018 while saying goodbye to the old year at a party in Orihuela Costa. His so-called friends say that he went missing after someone who was in the house beat him up. It is sad that after we have provided so much information to the Civil Guard in Pilar de la Horadada, they have still done nothing for my son," says Gina Marín.
Gina got some of the friends together and took them to the Guardia Civil barracks. "They agreed on what to say, but only after exchanging many messages by text. They said that the Icelander confessed to hitting Henry, but explained that he ran away. However, no cameras in the area caught Henry either walking or asking for help. A few days after the attack, the Icelander had returned to Iceland.
CIVIL GUARD “NO BODY, NO CRIME.”
A PLEA FOR RENEWED EFFORTS
"After five years, the only answer I have from the Civil Guard is that without a body there is no crime," says the mother of the missing young man. Unable to suppress her tears, Gina explained that the police officers "are assuming that my son is dead, but they can't take any action against the Icelandic person who hit him" in front of nine others, despite him having a history of run-ins with the law. According to the family’s findings, the suspect allegedly confessed to assaulting Henry, who vanished without a trace. Any possible clues to his movements post-assault were swallowed up by the shadows, with no camera footage to shed light on his mysterious disappearance. Despite this admission, the assailant has since returned to his home country, Iceland. "The police tell me not to waste my time putting up posters because something has happened to my son, but they don't know what. They have the case buried in their desk drawers, in Alicante." HENRY IS BEATEN AS FRIENDS WATCH ON "There were nine people watching as he was beaten up, they
The rally in the plaza was an emphatic indictment of what the group described as a ‘paralyzed’ and effectively ‘archived’ investigation. The group’s chants and banners were a stark reminder of the justice still sought for Henry, a 20-year-old young man who vanished into thin air late at night on New Year’s Eve night. The family’s relentless pursuit of truth continues, bolstered by the support of the SOS Desaparecidos association and the public’s assistance, as they remain hopeful of unearthing the truth behind Henry’s tragic disappearance.
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Excited Youngsters enjoy delights of Three Kings
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raditionally, the Three Kings arrive in Torrevieja by boat, and this year was no exception, however the craft they used was rather different to normal, travelling on the Pascual Flores, the “pailebota”, or pilot boat, and onetime star of the TV series ‘The Onedin Line’, which has been open to tourist visits throughout the holiday season and will continue to be so until the end of this month. Arriving at the port, via the fish market, their Majesties met with the Torrevieja dignitaries, including the Mayor, Eduardo Dolon, and councillor for fiestas, Rosario Martinez, before being whisked away to start the parade through the town. With an entourage of around 400 people and more than half a dozen floats, the starting point was the Levante Dam in the south of the town, continuing through the streets of Ramon y Cajal and Zoa, before they had a little taste of home at the Plaza de Oriente, before continuing along Ramon Gallud to reach the main square, where King Melchor spoke to the eager crowds. The whole parade was accompanied by music, as one might expect in a town like Torrevieja, led by the Ciudad de Torrevieja-Los Salerosos Musical Society, and King Herod was accompanied by Roman soldiers, some on horseback. The Torrevieja event was, once again, far superior to any other comparable parade in the Vega Baja. The Three Kings also took part in a much smaller parade in La Mata. In Orihuela the first stop for the Three Wise Men on Thursday was their traditional visit to the boys and
girls who are currently patients in the Vega Baja Hospital, where each was given a gift, then on Friday they were received by the mayor of Orihuela, Pepe Vegara, at the town hall, where, during a civic reception, they were given the keys to the city, so that it would be easier for them to make their obligatory visit to all the houses, loaded with their gifts. After receiving the children’s letters at the “Atanasio Die” Circus Theatre, their Majesties paraded through the city and in the Orihuela Costa. The parade on the coast, unlike that in the urban centre, was rather austere. There were no big floats, no pretentious costumes, but there was one surprise with the Councillor for the Coast, Manuel Mestre, donning the costume of King Melchior who, along with Gaspar and Baltasar, travelled through the streets on horseback. The reins of Melchior’s horse were held by his footman, in the guise of CLARO President, Antonio Cerdán.
King Melchior on horseback
Not quite as magical as in previous years, the parade was, neverthless, played out in front of large crowds along C/Nicolas de Bussi before finally arriving at the commercial heart of the Orihuela Costa, the macro shopping centre of La Zenia Boulevard, where the Three Wise Men greeted thousands of residents and delighted children of a multitude of origins and nationalities. And from the multicultural diversity of the coast to the traditions of the interior across the extensive geography of Oriola. Much more modest but equally as enthusiastic were parades in las pedanías of La Murada, Hurchillo, Arneva, Virgen del Camino, San Bartolomé, Torremendo, Molins, La Matanza and Desamparados.
Arrival on Pascual Flores
Orihuela Costa Parade
Orihuela Reception Mayor visits Torrevieja Nursing Home
Zenia Boulevard
The 3 Wise Men in Torrevieja
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OPPOSITION JOIN WITH ORIHUELA COSTA RESIDENTS TO REJECT THE "CATASTROZO" P.I.O.C. say that the residents of Orihuela Costa have been sold ‘a pig in a poke’ by the Partido Popular and Vox
plicated for the PP-Vox coalition, to dare to do something that previous local governments have been very careful to avoid: updating the cadastral values, which in practice implies an increase in taxes for the majority of owners, especially those on the Orihuela Costa. PP and Vox, however, say that this is a necessary review because the current value of the properties, last updated 30 years ago, does not correspond to what appears in the cadastre. They say that the present IBI tax rate of 0.695% will not be touched.
Ciudadanos are calling the announcement of a cadastral review by PP and Vox, a move that will increase the IBI, "extortion" after they promised six months ago that they would lower taxes. They say that they do not rule
out demonstrations if the planned changes go ahead. They add that, just six months into their stewardship, the financial situation of the Orihuela Council must be com-
However, this cadastral review, which the mayor Pepe Vegara confirms will be introduced at the end of 2024, will mean an increase in the municipal income of ten million euros annually, a very useful adition to the funding that will be predominantly sourced by people who live on the Coast, where residents believe that the levels of public services are far lower than those provided elsewhere in the municipality. José Aix, spokesperson for Ciudadanos (Cs), was especially critical of the decision by the right-wing coalition government. “This seems like an absolute ‘con’ to us. Just six months ago PP and Vox promoted the idea of lowering taxes on Oriolanos saying that they were going to make everything much easier,” And now, the C’s leader points out, “we find ourselves with the announcement of a brutal tax increase, coming at the worst possible time when people are already facing many difficulties.” Aix continues, “We do not rule out demonstrations, nor raising our voices more forcefully. If they were so clear about what they were going to do, why didn't they tell us during their municipal election campaign. They are laughing at us, and we are not going to allow this.”
The reaction from many residents of the Oriola Coast has not been long in coming. They range from surprise at the announcement to indignation, because the feeling of abandonment by the local administration of this area of the coast has taken root in recent years. It is the coastal residents who would be the most affected by the update of the cadastral values which has thousands of homes built between 1994 and the present. According to Tomás Moreno, President of the Neighbourhood Association of Cabo Roig and Lomas-Orihuela Costa (AVCRL), many of the 30,000 residents consider that the measure punishes them twice, both for the cadastral revaluation itself and for the fact that they feel that they receive "terrible" municipal public services in exchange for the taxes they already pay. Residents are clear: they have been waiting for decades for payment of their taxes to be more accurately reflected in better public services for the Coast. In their opinion, the standard of waste collection is very poor, as is the conservation and construction of new green areas, the state of the roads and signage, as well as the capacity of the sanitation network, which regularly overflows onto public roads. They say there is an almost total absence of municipal provisions. But there is also a large section of the community that would willingly pay more in IBI if the monies raised were to be put back into the coast. They too say that the council has been taking the IBI for many years without maintaining the Coast in good condition, and that must change whether or not they raise the IBI. “Should taxes be raised, and the infrastructure does not improve, residents will be much more vigorous in making their feelings known," they say. Meanwhile, Orihuela Costa continues to be an important source of income for the Oriola municipal budget. Despite the lack of updating of cadastral values, it continues to be the main collection area for Real Estate Tax, the Construction and Installations Tax (ICIO), which taxes the important activity of promoting tourist housing, urban planning licenses, and important million-euro auctions of municipal land intended for residential construction.
Torrevieja to spend 971k on Lifeguard Booths &Toilets The Torrevieja City Council has opened a competition to improve the facilities on of its beaches with new lifeguard booths, three watchtowers for La Mata, Playa del Cura and Los Locos, and public toilets, with a planned investment which is close to one million euros (971,000 euros, VAT included). This will be their second attempt to award the contract, the price of which has been
doubled since the first award in summer 2022. Torrevieja beaches are "a tourist and economic asset" of the "first order" but the current lifeguard posts are more than 17 years old, deteriorated, with frequent leaks, which necessitates regular repairs. They also lack the two separate rooms which are required for the correct provision of the service.
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SEISMIC ACTIVITY INCREASES BY 70.3% IN THE PROVINCE DURING THE LAST YEAR
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This figure represents an increase of 70.3% in the province during 2023 compared to 2022
El Comtat, Alto Vinalopó and l'Alacantí, which have had only two earthquakes each in 2023. Other local municipalities with more than one recorded seismic movement are Crevillent with 6; Guardamar del Segura and Los Montesinos with 3; with 2 in the municipalities of Hondón de los Frailes, Hondón de las Nieves, Algueña, Santa Pola, and Alcoy. This phenomenon has not gone unnoticed by experts, although they do point out that the increase in the number of earthquakes may be due to different variables.
The largest local seismic movement in 2023, by magnitude, was recorded in Torrevieja at 3.1 degrees (March 23);
igures released on Thursday come as no surprise as the National Geographic Institute reports a record number of tremors in the province of Alicante during the last year, a total of 91 seismic movements ranging between 1.5 and 3.8 degrees of magnitude on the Richter scale.
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Sergio Molina, a professor at the University of Alicante and member of the Seismic Engineering and Risk Group (GIRS) of the UA,
in which 64 earthquakes occurred. By region, l'Alcoià is the one that has recorded the most earthquakes with 29 in total; It is followed, although some way behind, by the Vega Baja, which in recent months registered 11 earthquakes ; the Middle and Lower Vinalopó have each suffered 8 earthquakes recorded while, among those that have suffered the least movements, are the regions of
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says that the increase "is influenced by different factors. As the years go by, we have put out new stations and improved instruments, making the level of detection much more precise. As such it can simply mean that our detection is better, it does not have to be related to anything else." Of the magnitudes recorded, the largest was 3.8 degrees on the Richter scale, on July 30 in Banyeres de Mariola. The other important seismic movements in 2023, by magnitude, were recorded in Torrevieja at 3.1 degrees (March 23); the Santa Pola coastline at 2.9 degrees (January 19); and La Mata coast which was 2.8 degrees (May 28).
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THE PASSENGERS ON THE TEAM here are workers in our society who are not being paid well enough for what they do. I never met one person who would disagree with the fact that nurses fall into that category.
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So why are some dedicated workers not monetarily rewarded in keeping with the service they provide to humanity? ‘The money isn’t there’, we are told. But you see, the money is there, but it is being doled out to the wrong people. Let us first put forward a few more examples of people who should receive more money from the State’s coffers, and then we’ll tell you where this money can be found. Hard working couples on low salaries and with young children, should be entitled to an income supplement to allow them live in basic comfort. Anyone opting to go out to work should be encouraged and see clear-cut benefit for doing so. Single parents, those on disability, the genuinely sick and those ‘unfit for work’ should receive enough State benefit to be able to live in dignified independence.
talking about able-bodied, working-age adults who don’t work, don’t want to work, never worked and probably never will work – and these people are all drawing ‘welfare.’ Weigh this fact against the cry from every sector of the economy that ‘we can’t get staff’ and ‘I can’t find men to work.’ But for the labour provided by foreign nationals, our economy would collapse. If the Westmeath football team went out to play the first round of the league, and while 12 of the players ‘bursted themselves’ to get the job done, 3 sat on the grass, chatting to each other across the halfway line. Spectators pay money to go watch the team and it’s the same craic. Right through the league and onto the first round of the championship if the same 3 passengers tell Dessie Dolan, the manager, that they know their rights, and this includes sitting on the grass during the match and doing nothing. What would you say? What would Dessie say?
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I don’t have figures to hand for Ireland, but it is hardly likely to be much different from our neighbours. (Or could it be that I am just cowardly and feel I might not be attacked by this now strong lobby of worklessness, if I don’t quote our own statistics?!) An article in ‘The Daily Telegraph’ a few weeks back, states that one in every five (remember the football team) working-age adults in Birmingham, Liverpool and Glasgow are neither in work nor seeking work. It is even worse in Blackpool, where fully a quarter of working-age adults fall into this category. There is more … but we don’t depend on the Telegraph to write our column for us. ‘Not a word about all the payments the farmers receive’; I will be told by one of the ‘one in five’ with his backside on the grass. Farm payments are in no way related to ‘welfare payments’. Farm subsidies are paid so that the consumer can buy cheap food – and besides, there are no farmers likely to be sitting all day in the centre of the pitch; ‘warming the gross with their orse’ – as Ross O’Carroll might put it!
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Work is essential for the mental health and physical wellbeing of each one of us. Everybody, whether they realise it, needs to feel useful and fulfilled. Even though only four out if every ten workers admit to ‘loving their job’, 78 percent want to be there doing their work. Teamwork is more satisfying than the person performing a solo run. The people we work with are most often among our best friends. One of the most important aspects of a job is the belief that you make a difference. I often said that the inscription I would like to earn for my headstone is; ‘He made a difference’ The saddest thing is where idleness is a generational existence; neither good for the family or the economy of the country. It becomes a way of life and surely a way has to be found to get those people ‘playing for the team.’ DON’T FORGET Happiness is the result of being too busy to be miserable.
Again, I hear you ask where all this money is going to come from: Let me tell you; it will come from ‘welfare ’- real welfare. This word has got itself a bad name and the first thing is to make that right. I looked up the word ‘welfare’ in my dictionary and its definition read; ‘The health, happiness and fortunes of a person or group.’ This tells me that citizens who find themselves in dire straits; despite doing their best for themselves, should be helped by welfare. This is what welfare was meant to be from the beginning, before it got hijacked and fell into the hands of the wrong people. We are
Fifteen thousand tons of Torrevieja salt en route to Iceland and Northern Europe More than 15,500 tons of salt was loaded at the port of Torrevieja between the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, with the merchant ship "Kristella" travelling to the port of Hafnarfjordur, the second most populated city in Iceland, loaded with salt, after a nine-day sea crossing. The "cargo vessel", carrying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda and 115 meters in length, had 4,800 tons of salt from the pink lagoon in its hold, the purpose of which will be the melting of snow in the land of ice. It left the port of Torrevieja on Friday after a record loading period of just over 24 hours, thanks to the technology that now allows transportation directly from the extraction centre in the salt flats to the loading port along a pneumatic belt.
The merchant ship "Kristella" was travelling to Iceland
The Kristella was in Torrevieja along with two other vessels in the priority anchoring area for cargo ships. The "Missouriborg", is a merchant ship of 137 meters in length and flag of the Netherlands, which will load another 6,500 tons of salt, and carrying the Irish flag, the ship "Arklow Rally" is located in front of the cantilevered promenade of the Levante dam, a ship which also exceeds one hundred meters in length and has a loading capacity of more than 4,200 tons. The concessionaire of the salt flats - owned by the State plans to export more than one hundred thousand tons of salt by the end of February. The campaign began at the end of November and since then a dozen merchant ships have arrived in Torrevieja, which has also seen an increase to the industrial activity
of loading and docking large tonnage vessels in the Torrevieja port.
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the problem and, although not for an Campoverde attempted robbery, the criminal was as having an international Residents resume identified warrant outstanding,” stated the same source, who was disappointed that that street patrols the Pilareño council, and the media, Residents of Pinar de Campoverde in Pilar de la Horadada have resumed surveillance patrols in the streets after confirming that there are still properties being robbed in the village. "Same people, same clothes, recently seen jumping into the grounds of a house, presumably to access others," explained a spokesperson for the residents. The owners have re-formed their surveillance operation which was introduced because of the wave of thefts that began at the beginning of last November. "The good news of the recent arrest was hoped by many to have resolved
"sold" the arrest as a solution to the problems being experienced with home robberies. "Perhaps the detainee might have been a suspect in some robberies," they point out, but based on recent information, the perpetrators of the bulk of the intrusions are still active in the residential complex. The Civil Guard and the Local Police, meanwhile, in addition to the mayor, have asked residents not to carry out these patrols because, as well as breaking the law, they can pose a risk to the members of the community themselves.
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Orihuela authorisation for Cat Feeders Councilor for Health, Irene Celdrán, has erected a number of information posters “showing the locations in which feline colonies are being fed by authorised personnel”. Signs have been put up in Aguamarina, Seminario, Espeñetas, Plaza de Santiago and Montepinar, with more coming in other locations in the next few weeks. She said that "only people who have a feeder card, issued by the council, are authorised to feed the feline colonies, as that is the only way for them to be controlled." In the case of Aguamarina, the councillor says that she will not displace the colony of feral cats that is living in the protected microreserve. She spoke of a council steri-
lisation program, which will help reduce the number of cats. The Department has issued 30 feeder cards, which are non-transferable and associated with a specific neighbourhood. In addition, there will be 3 training courses held by ASOKA. Anyone caught feeding the colonies of cats, who is not authorised to do so, may be fined by the Local Police.
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THANKSGIVING FOR OUR CHRISTMAS & A LOOK AHEAD TO 2024
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ather Richard A. Seabrook SSC, the priest at Ss Peter and Paul, Torrevieja, writes to report on Christmas in his church community as he also looks forward to 2024:
“Each Christmas is a celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ and each year it brings many blessings. We gave people an opportunity to fill shoeboxes of gifts for children that are helped by Mission Possible in Torrevieja and it was tremendous that we received around fifty boxes to give to the children at Epiphany. The generosity of people was really wonderful. Lago Jardín Church, opposite the Dña Monse Hotel, was open for a Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve and the church was full with many different nationalities sha-
ring in the celebration. La Siesta Ecumenical Church on Calle Granados had a peaceful Midnight Mass and we welcomed lots of people on Christmas Day morning.
exciting! Masses in English continue at La Siesta Church every week.
In the lead up to Christmas we had a Christmas Quiz and dinner in San Miguel de Salinas, a Nine Lessons and Carols Service at La Siesta, a Christmas lunch at La Marina Bar and a really well attended hour of carol singing outside Lago Jardín Church. It has been a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of Christ in Bethlehem.
I´d like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and pray for God´s blessing as we move into 2024.”
As we look forward to the New Year we are delighted that Masses in English will start at Lago Jardín Church on the second and fourth Sundays of each month at 1130 beginning on January 14th. I can really thank God for the growth in our church community – it is Joan and Sue
Peter and Liz
We´ve just started an Instagram account and you can find us at @sspandptorrevieja. Take a look!
Father Seabrook has been the English speaking Priest in the Torrevieja area since 2015. “It is a wonderful place in which to be a priest and I am so thankful for being here.” Father Richard A. Seabrook SSC Priest, Ss Peter and Paul, Torrevieja 966 840 136 / 693 932 438 Facebook: @anglicantorrevieja
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The Coast’s Best Kept Secret WHAT’S IN THE SOPHIA WELLNESS CENTRE
his month a new Women’s Medical Clinic called “Clínica Dra Ceballos” will open at the Sophia Wellness Centre. The Clinic will specialize in all matters gynecological as well as state of the art aesthetic procedures. There is also a Movimiento Clínica Fisioterapia (Physio movement clinic) specializing in back/neck pain, nerve and sciatic pain, sports injuries, Pilates classes, rehabilitation, arthritis, posture, and shoulder problems. The German Dental Clinic can solve every conceivable problem so you can look your very best. The dentist will also provide innovative aesthetic solutions for restoring, preserving, implanting, or cosmetically correcting your natural smile. Discover the highest level of dental aesthetics using modern technology customised to your needs. English is spoken throughout the Sophia Wellness Centre. The centre also houses on the middle floor, a Thai massage parlour, gent’s barber shop, ladies’ hairdressing salon, nail technician, and a beautician. The Power Assisted Exercise (Toning) Centre is 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. This centre guarantees to restore flexibility and mobility in one month and will maintain that mobility and flexibility if you continue to use the centre. There is also a rehabilitation section in the centre to help recovery from stroke, circulation, muscle-pain, and other ailments including heart-attack. You and a friend can have a free trial at the toning cen-
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tre with a toning professional by making an appointment by whatsapp to 639 951 018. The Sophia Wellness Centre is home away from home for Setrid, a private community club for Icelandic people, set up in 2017 with over 1,000 members. The mission of Setrid is to keep Icelandic food and fun traditions alive. The Sophia Wellness Centre also boasts a convenience store, a launderette, and the only 1,000m2 self-storage facility in the area. Self-storage is very popular in Spain, where homes have very little extra space. Each private storage unit is at least 15m3 with metal lockable door and lights and movement sensors. The whole facility is alarmed, dry and well-ventilated with 24/7 access. Contracts from one month are avail-
able with special 12 for 10 month offers available now if paid in advance. On the first floor is our English, German and Spanishspeaking tax and legal consultant MajoNa who can help you with all resident, non-resident and business taxes, wills, inheritance, conveyancing, translations, NIEs, residencias, all legal and tax advice. Golf Sun Spanish Properties are also found on this floor. Golf Sun were established in 1999 and are responsible for building the Sophia Wellness Centre. Golf Sun sell houses and apartments in the area, but don’t rent residential properties. Golf Sun are the most popular sellers and renters of commercial properties in Orihuela Costa.
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It’s Time to Feel Great Be More Flexible, Mobile and Pain Free Within two weeks you will feel much greater mobility.You will be able to walk or climb stairs with increased flexibility of movement. Regular exercise, twice or three times a week, at the Sophia Wellness Toning centre will improve your quality of life enormously.
HIPSTER An extremely versatile machine that guides you through a variety of exercises as it gently tones and firms the hips, buttocks, lower back and legs. Exercises range from gentle to advanced.
Don’t just say “I must do something” send a whatsapp now and book a FREE trial, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
WAIST AWAY
Benefits include: • Increased hip strength • Increased mobility • Improved balance • Improved aerobic fitness
• Improvement to walking and climbing stairs
t the Sophia Wellness Centre there are six Easytone seats and six Powertone beds in a circuit that takes 35 minutes to complete, ideally twice or three times a week.
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can’t or don’t want to. Training will be given on your first visit and more information will be given as you progress. Improvement in your mobility and overall flexibility is apparent very soon after beginning and within one month you will be amazed at the things you can do that were painful, or practically impossible to do, before you started the program.
There are also two seats designed to help people with serious mobility problems following stroke, heart attack or paralysis. In addition, there are three vibration plates to improve Try it yourself, for FREE. Call or whatcirculation and help those sapp 639 951 018 for a with diabetes, posture, suitable time.You can Book a FREE trial. and circulation issues. bring a friend. Unlike a regular gym, you don’t need special clothing.You don’t need to train hard or perspire and ache all over, you don’t even need to shower after a session.
Within one month you will be enjoying life in the same way you would have 20 years ago.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Whatsapp now to: 639 951 018
Toning is exercise, but it is EASY exercise. While the comfortable machines are moving your muscles you can choose to just lie there and do nothing while you are being exercised but if you put in some effort in you can gain more from your routine than those who
CHEST AND LEGS This machine helps strengthen muscles associated with walking, Combines exercise for major muscle groups. Works the heart and lungs; a good fat burning exercise combination.
Benefits include: • Raises energy levels • Strengthens upper and lower body • Improves co-ordination • Strengthens the heart
All you need to bring with you, for hygiene reasons is a bath towel and a pair of socks.
Your free trial will take a maximum of one hour. Toning or Power Assisted Exercise is a totally different concept to traditional gyms where you work the machine, with Toning, the machine works you. Toning has many benefits. Flexibility will return in just one week. One of the most important benefits is reduced muscle and back pain.
The Waist Away provides superb exercise, flattening the tummy wall and strengthening the lower back. This unique exercise combination provides fast results, creating a slim waist and firm flat stomach.
Benefits include: • Tightened tummy muscles • Increased flexibility • Improved lung function • Improved posture
• Reduced back pain • Increased shoulder flexibility
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TOURISM PRESENTS ORIHUELA TOURIST ROUTES FOR JANUARY he Department of Tourism of the routes for January, the first of which can be enjoyed on Friday, January 12, at 5 p.m. when, starting at the Plaza de Monserrate there will be a tour of San Francisco and Monserrate, the “Convent of San Francisco and Sanctuary of Monserrate”.
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On Sunday, January 14 at 10:30 a.m. there will be an event held in English, with its departure from the parking lot at the Santo Domingo School Bus Station. The “Palmeral + San Antón Festival route will show off the San Antón festivities, very traditional in Orihuela, with a bus available from the Coast so that the international community can learn about this festivity. The purpose is to promote the connection with the centre of Orihuela so that residents of the Coast go to the city and learn about the heritage. The route will coincide with the San Antón
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Ortega becomes first Spaniard worth more than 100,000 million USD
Festival to encourage tourism and the economy by shopping in the shops of Orihuela. A bus will leave the Coast (starting time at 9:30 a.m. from the Orihuela Costa Town Hall) and with a stop in Entrenaranjos (10 am). The return to the Coast will take place at 3:00 p.m. from the Santo Domingo School bus parking lot. The “Colinas de Campoamor Landscape Trail” route (Saturday, January 20 at 11:30 a.m. from the Colinas de Campoamor Club House). It is a route along the Campoamor Hills Landscape Trail aimed at people on the Coast and so that they do not have to travel so much. In addition, you visit one of the best golf courses in Spain that has won many awards. Do remember that places are limited and that reservations should made through the website www.orihuelaturistica.es .
The founder of Inditex and its largest shareholder, Amancio Ortega, has become the first Spaniard to exceed $100 billion in assets, which places him in twelfth position in the ranking of 'The richest people in the world'. According to Forbes magazine, the fortune of the Galician businessman amounts to 100.7 billion dollars, which is equivalent to almost 91 billion euros, a figure that is far from the 81.8 billion with which Forbes Spain placed him as the richest person in Spain last November. Amancio Ortega has already overcome the 'stock market crisis' that Inditex experienced in 2022. During 2023, the textile firm has revalued by 35% and its capitalization exceeds 121,000 million euros.
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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ANSWERS Week 1004 QUICK ACROSS: 7 Entire; 8 Strict; 10 Untruth; 11 Roost; 12 Rite; 13 Break; 17 Brash; 18 Tyro; 22 Aroma; 23 Explain; 24 Ladder; 25 Fringe. DOWN: 1 Require; 2 Statute; 3 Argue; 4 Eternal; 5 Pivot; 6 State; 9 Chorister; 14 Creased; 15 Tyranny; 16 Pointed; 19 Fault; 20 Moody; 21 SPARE. SPARE. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC Across: 7 Breach; 8 Shrine; 10 Collect; 11
ACROSS 1. Occult (12)
DOWN 1.
Myopic (5-7)
Satin; 12 Rock; 13 Fleet;
ACROSS 1. Lilliputian elves (6,6)
17 Bairn; 18 Date; 22
7.
There's nothing in the department store (5)
Opine; 23 Onwards; 24
8.
Cut back in earthenware vessels (5)
Strife; 25 Minute.
9.
Lecturer almost cheated (3)
7.
Teams (5)
2.
Colour (3)
8.
Well done! (5)
3.
Evaluate (6)
9.
Digit (3)
4.
They protect from rain (9)
DOWN: 1 Obscure; 2
10. Fatal hurricane? (5-4)
10.
Nonconformist (9)
5.
Separated (5)
Wedlock; 3 Acted; 4
11. Bound to be a kind of board (6)
11.
Tell (6)
6.
Military tribunal (5,7)
Whiskey; 5 Width; 6
12.
Obstacle race (6)
7.
Ledge (5)
Jeans; 9 Still-room; 14
15.
Weight (9)
10.
Boldness (7-2)
Take-off; 15 Hair-cut; 16
17.
Paddle (3)
13.
Lax (5)
Feasted; 19 Moist; 20
18.
Looking at (5)
14.
From the near past (6)
Mitre; 21 Twain.
19.
Banishment (5)
16.
Farewell (5)
21.
Ordinary (3-2-3-4)
20.
Frozen water (3)
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
12. One of the auks almost out of breath (6) 15. One intended to get the post (9) 17. Take strength from vital fluid (3) 18. See 1 Dn. 19. An escaped convict will be at this (5) 21. Spiteful comments about a household pet? (5,7)
DOWN 1 & 18Ac. Trunks required for visits which entail protracted journeys (4-8,5) 2. Cut off the top of the lobe - minor operation (3) 3. Bartender giving advice to the snooker player! (6) 4. For the Hop Kiln, ring Southsea exchange (4,5) 5. Showing no inclination either way (5) 6. Increasing discomforts said to affect children (7-5) 7. He gives a variation of the rondo (5) 10. Crockery disposed of in tenders (6-3) 13. The clown is the first of the stars in the gala (5) 14. One with a stable job at the inn (6) 16. The girl felt ill coming back (5) 20. It's strange what a tot will hold (3)
H OW W E L L D O YO U R E M E M B E R 2 0 2 3 1. In a number 1 hit song, what were Tommy and Gina livin' on? 2. What is the name of the high school that Sandy attends in the film Grease? 3. Which super hero's real name is Anung Un Rama? 4. George Blanda holds the record for the oldest player ever in the NFL. Plus or minus 2, how old was he when he retired in 1976? 5. In which 2013 film does a fail-safe device known as The Cerberus Code come within three seconds of annihilating the United States of America? 6. Which popular American vocal group in the 1960s and 70s named themselves after a bowling alley they once found themselves in? 7. Plus or minus 7 million, what was the population of England, Scotland and Wales in 1901? 8. In song, what "buys an eight by twelve four-bit room"? 9. Sidon is the third largest city in which Mediterranean country? 10. Canadian Capt. Roy Brown was given credit for which man's demise? 11. The movie poster tag line for which 1988 film, set in late 19th
( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 0 )
century British Columbia, was: "H's an orphan ... at the start of a journey. A journey to survive.". 12. The following are the initials of some of the most venomous snakes in the world. Can you name them? a. RV, b. FDL, c. LT, d.EBS 13. "I'm glad it's you" are the last dying words from a character played by Paul Newman. Name the film. 14. What is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas? a. San Jose, b. Panama City, c. Lima, d. New Archangel 15. The 1990 film Total Recall is loosely based on a novel from which American writer? 16. No matter in which way or manner it is measured, which country has the longest coastline in the world? 17. In the Terminator film series, what was the name of the corporation that built Skynet? 18. The name for which sometimes controversial biological preparation stems from a Latin word meaning "from cows"? 19. Which of the following is the only US group to have had a number 1 hit single in the US Billboard Hot 100 six years in a row? a. The Beach Boys, b. Van Halen, c. CCR, d. The Supremes 20. Which famous 1960s tv heroine's name is a play on the phrase 'man appeal'?
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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
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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 RAGS CLUB (previously Friendship Centre). Every Tuesday Lunchtime, From a Bun to a Banquet. At Graceys - upstairs La Zenia park in Lidl Carpark. COME AND PLAY RUMMIKUB. 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 caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Assn. Contact with the RAFA and the RMG is via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk.
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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
I am looking for an apartment to let. One or two bedrooms, fully furnished, one person only. Long term. Email brendan murphy: brendanmurphy609@gmail.com or call 00353 0872 586249
Several corgi buses boxed for sale. Also other items not with boxes. Los Montesinos. Call 744 617 883
FREE CLASSIFIED ADS If you have items that are WANTED or FOR SALE, ANNOUNCEMENTS, NOTICES and suchlike, advertise them, to a maximum of 35 words, FREE OF CHARGE, on this page. SEND BY EMAIL TO:
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may have taken the form of an actual scooter or moped, or even a quadricycle, but whereas these devices require licences and insurance, as well as training, the vehicles at the other end, bicycles, and electric scooters, do not require any kind of formal training. This, unfortunately, poses a problem for all road users, and a heightened risk for those on these particularly vulnerable vehicles. Local Police officers in places, and indeed members of N332, do carry out educational and awareness campaigns for young people, but these campaigns are informal and not mandatory. And so, the biggest problem we will now see is more people on the road using these vehicles, without knowing the rules of the road.
he Christmas period is now over, and normally has once again hit us, as everyone returns to work and school, but for the latter, it may be with an added excitement, perhaps a touch of trepidation, and even, for some, an increased risk.
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There are many young people who were visited by Santa, the Three Kings, or both, bearing gifts that they had been longing for, in recognition of their goodness throughout the year.
gifts will have taken the form of transportation devices. We are of course talking about anything from a skateboard or a pushbike, to an electric scooter (Personal Mobility Vehicle).
The riders cannot be exclusively blamed for riding down a one-way street the wrong way, or on a pavement or crossing, nor can they be exclusively blamed for cutting across a roundabout or not stopping at a junction, when they might well be totally oblivious to the rules.
For some of those recipients, the
For some of the older teens, the gift
Of course, ignorance is no defence,
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and yes, they should take it upon themselves to learn the basics at least, and yes, the parents should also feel obliged in the interest of keeping their child safe, but the reality is that all too often this does not happen. However, this note is in no way to try and shoulder blame on anyone, but rather to raise awareness of the increase in risk that these vulnerable road users face, because they are not protected by a strong metal shell but are exposed to the dangers that moving in traffic pose. Therefore, please be aware of their vulnerability, whatever your personal opinion might be. Be patient, considerate, and, above all, give these vehicles the necessary space on the roads before and whilst you overtake. The minimum separation distance is set for a reason, safety, and it is mandatory. Yes, despite their perhaps ignorance, the users of these vehicles will face the consequences if they are found to be breaking the law, but so will an experienced, qualified and licenced driver, who should know better.
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porting, hiding, and helping terrorists especially when they are portrayed as the underdog in a conflict. When an organisation gives onesided statements in support of the supposed underdog, then you must question if they are telling the truth. There is a battle raging in the world for the control of our minds. Because we live in democracies, we assume that if the majority say something then it must be right, wrong. In the 1930’s most Germans and Austrians decided to support Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. Their propaganda machine fooled the vast majority. Public opinion is a poor indicator of truth, in fact, overwhelming public opinion is likely an indicator that the opposite is the truth.
“TRUTH IS ALWAYS THE FIRST CASUALTY OF WAR”. BY RAYMOND KEARNEY wo and a half thousand years ago Aeschylus, the ancient Greek playwright and soldier declared in one of his Greek tragedy’s “Truth is always the first casualty of war”. Never in the history of the world has this quote been truer than it is today.
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Large media companies are owned and run by vested interests and so it is very hard to get a fair assessment of the truth from the TV or radio. “Paper never refused ink” can explain how many newspapers, especially tabloids operate. Today social media really distorts the
truth to such an extent that it’s very hard to tell what’s real and what’s fake. There are now thousands of fact-checkers employed around the world to try to separate the fake news from truth. We constantly need to discern between truth and lie. The first step is to ask who is making the statement. Would you believe what the Russian, Chinese, or North Korean president says in a press conference? No, neither would I. Would you believe what the public affairs department of a terrorist organisation like the Provisional IRA,
QUIZ FROM P 16: 1. A prayer. ('Livin' on a Prayer'; Bon Jovi), 2. Rydell High, 3. Hellboy, 4. 48 years old, 5. Olympus Has Fallen, 6. The Four Seasons, 7. 37 million, 8. "Two hours of pushin' broom" ('King of the Road'; Roger Miller), 9. Lebanon, 10. Manfred von Richthofen ('The Red Baron'), 11. The Bear, 12. Four answers. a. Russell's viper, b. Fer-de-lance, c. Inland Taipan, d. Eastern brown snake. 13. Road to Perdition. 14. Answer b. Panama City. 15. Philip K. Dick. 16. Canada. 17. Cyberdyne Systems. 18. Vaccine. 19. Answer d. The Supremes. 20. Emma Peel (The Avengers)
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the UVF, the Taliban, Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah, or the Houthis tell us, no. Black and white are easy to distinguish but grey areas are more difficult to navigate. You might think that some pillars of society are above reproach, but they are not, they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. The names of these organisations might shock you. The United Nations, UNRWA, UNESCO, Médecins Sans Frontières, WHO, The International Red Cross, Amnesty International and many famous charities are guilty of not being impartial and sometimes sup-
The events of Easter week 2,000 years ago are a cruel example of the fickleness of public opinion. On Palm Sunday Jesus Christ was hailed as a King, a few days later public opinion was screaming crucify him, crucify him and they did. The Jews have probably been the most persecuted race on the earth throughout history. Some say that they control the world, they crucified Christ, and they practice apartheid in the only Jewish state in the world. All these accusations are false. There are super-rich people in every nation, the Romans (and public opinion) crucified Christ, and all citizens of Israel have equal rights, Jews, Arabs, Druze, and Christians. So why are the Jews persecuted so much? If you are Christian, the answer is found in the Old Testament of the bible. It is a history of God’s
chosen people, the house of Israel, and the battle between good and evil. There are still dark forces in the world that are hell-bent on perpetrating evil acts and distorting the truth. We are aware of hackers who want to get control of our bank accounts to rob our money. We’ve seen how the WHO and governments took control of our bodies during the Covid crisis. Be certain that there is a much more polished campaign in the world to get control of our minds. They are constantly trying to persuade us to think in particular ways. Watch out, politicians lie, news programs lie, witnesses lie. When someone gives us information there is a way that we can distinguish if something is the truth or a lie. We need to take time and think about that information. Ponder it in our hearts and arrive at a conclusion because deep down inside, we recognise truth when we hear it even if it contradicts our traditions or public opinion. You may not want to believe it, it may be against your self-interest, your heritage or even your religion but if you ponder the situation, you can tell the difference, then all you need is the courage to reject public opinion and choose what is right rather than what is popular.
Santa Pola Prepares February Dance Month Santa Pola town hall, with the assistance of María Palazón, director of the Fem Dansa school, are immersed in the organisation of a new edition of the Mou-Te event that will bring international dance month to Santa Pola in February. After a year full of successes and awards as a dance professional, María Palazón and her team have the support of the Santa Pola Council to organise the Mou-Te again in February, a great event that will bring together in the town the best in the world of dance. Under the name “International Dance Month, Mou-Te Santa Pola”, the objective will be to take dance out of closed spaces and transfer it to open spaces in various places in the municipality, for which there will be the participation of artists and groups from a variety of countries. In the meeting held with Mayor Loreto
Serrano, councillors and municipal services, the foundations have been laid for this great event that aims, according to the mayor, “to attract many people to Santa Pola through the art of dance, which will allow local commerce to be promoted in a month of low
season. It also wants to be a recognition of the great impact that many young people from Santa Pola are having abroad thanks to dance, as is the case of María and other dancers and groups from our town.”
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CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CONTROVERSY INTENSIFIED BY CIUDADANOS hile the expenditure on Christmas lighting in and around Orihuela was, to say the least, rather austere, leaving all but the city and the coast without any festive illumination whatsoever, the council was able to find 48,000 euros for improvements to the floodlighting of Los Arcos football stadium, for the Copa del Rey Orihuela-Girona match, which Orihuela lost 2-5, an amount that would have been enough to provide Christmas lighting to the Orihuela districts.
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The announcement was made in a statement by Ciudadanos Orihuela, which has once again taken up the controversy over the absence of
Christmas lighting in the districts. Cs spokesperson, José Aix, said “This is a serious lack of respect for all of us who live in rural areas. While there is money and time to improve the lighting for a football match, the council is not able to find the funding to put festive arches in rural areas?” “The councillor for sport, contrary to what has happened with Festivities, was able to process an emergency contract that amounted to 48,268.06 euros, "a figure with which all the districts could have enjoyed Christmas lighting, just as they did in the centre and the coast,” Aix added.
a restraining order for a previous crime Rojales man gets 10 ing of abuse, made an appointment by telewith his former partner to meet in a years for assaulting phone cave house where they used to go regularly to have sexual relations. his partner The woman agreed to the meeting after leaving at her place of work “the monitoring device” that was provided to her by the courts, and that had been issued following an earlier assault by the defendant. Once in the cave house, the man reacted violently to the woman, “hitting her face and arms with his hand and forcing her” inside the house. Afterwards, he closed the door and continued hitting her, until he said that he wanted sex with her.
A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to ten years, three months and one day in prison, for hitting and forcing a sexual act on his partner, while violating a restraining order in Rojales. The sentence, handed down by an Alicante court, found him guilty of breaching a restraining order, as well as violence and sexual assault. However, the accused was acquitted of a fourth crime of illegal detention, for which he was also being tried. The events took place between May 15 and 18 when the accused, who was serv-
The woman refused, but the accused pulled down her pants and penetrated her against her will. He later tied her hands with the cable of a phone charger, although the woman was able to leave the house after the accused fell asleep. In addition to the six months and one day for the breach, nine months for the crime of gender violence and nine years for the sexual assault, the sentence requires the accused to compensate the victim for the amount of 500 euros for the injuries caused, and another 20,000 euros for moral damages. The ruling may, however, be appealed before the Superior Court of Justice (TSJCV) within a period of ten days.
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SPENT some very enjoyable evenings over Christmas (fortunately Er Indoors likes golf too) watching “Pro Celebrity Golf” on Youtube.
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Golf had been broadcast on BBC since 1956, but the Pro Celebrity challenge which appeared on the screens in 1977 was a new idea. To ensure good coverage the first matches were for the Bing Crosby Cup with the man himself presenting the trophy. Henry Longhurst introduced the programme, handing over to the dulcet tones of Peter Alliss for the commentary. Gleneagles, Turnberry and other notable courses were the venues. It was an education to watch the skill of the pros with their wooden-headed clubs. In the picture are Lee Trevino, Sean Connery, Max Faulkner and Jackie Stewart. Later on the pro golfers included Nick Faldo (Mr. Pringle) and Seve, while celebrities included Bruce Forsyth, Henry Cooper and Russ Abbott. If you fancy a trip down memory lane I can recommend it. BERNHARD LANGER and his 23 year old son Jason carded a final round 59 to win the 2023 PNC Championship in December (Formerly the Father/Son Championship.) It was Bernhard's 5th victory, after previously winning with eldest son Stefan in 2005 and 2006 and Jason in 2014 and 2019. He has also competed with both his daughters. The PNC Championship dates from 1995, when 10 major winners gathered with their sons. It now features 20 major champions and their relatives competing for the total $1 million purse in a 2 day, 36 hole scramble for the Willie Park Trophy.
Monday 8th - Sunday 14th January 2024
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David Duval, who finished 2nd with son Brady said; “It's the best golfing week of the year. You're on pins and needles through August, hoping to see that invite from Alastair (The founder.) I'm sure with the majority of folks who play at our age it's the most coveted invite in golf. They only take 20 teams and there's probably 25 on the waiting list. To be asked to come back it's a dream come true every year it happens.” When Lee Trevino was preparing for this years PNC he topped several balls on the range. “I never, ever remember doing this in my life,” he said. His son, Daniel, 31, who is partnering him, suggested he contact renowned instructor Randy Smith, who teaches world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. But Trevino made a vow many years ago that he would never take a lesson from anybody he could beat. He rang Smith and said,“Have you got 15 minutes to look me over ? I think you could beat me now.” PGA TOUR “SIGNATURE EVENTS” are due to arrive on the calendar in 2024.The eight tournaments - which don't include the Majors, playoff events and Players Championship - will feature smaller fields but increased prize purses and more FedEx Cup points (700 to the winner of each). The Signature Events consist of: The Sentry (Tournament of Champions) Kapalua Plantation Course, Hawaii. AT&T ProAm, Pebble Beach. Genesis Invitational, Riviera Country Club. Arnold Palmer Invitational, Bay Hill. RBC Heritage, Harbour Town. Wells Fargo Championship, Quail Hollow. The Memorial, Muirfield Village. Travelers Championship, TPC River Highlands.
THE HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC returns to the Emirates Golf Club 18-21st January.
GOLF MONTHLY AWARDS 2023:
The opening DP World Tour 2024 Rolex Series event will feature defending champion Rory McIlroy alongside some of the world’s top golfers, competing for the $9million prize pool.
Round of the year: Bryson Dechambeau, LIV Greenbriar (12 under par 58)
Daily entertainment, live music, a dedicated kids’ zone, and four fun-filled days are promised. General admission tickets are free, although food and drinks cost the earth. Still if you lived in Dubai that wouldn't bother you.
Tournament of the year: Solheim Cup.
Shot of the year: Carlota CIganda 17th hole, final day, Solheim Cup.
Up and Coming star: Ludvig Aberg, Turned Pro in June, Won on PGA and DP World Tour, shone in Ryder Cup. It was a great golfing year. Let's hope 2024 is even better. Until next time: Happy Golfing. Contact Mick for regripping and repairs.
ST MIRREN AT PINATAR ARENA Pinatar Arena has announced the list of teams that will visit the sporting complex in January 2024. Eight countries will be represented with clubs including Heidenheim from the Bundesliga, St. Gallen from Switzerland, from Belgium there will be Union Saint Gilloise, Sparta Rotterdam from the Netherlands, Kalmar of Sweden, Saint Mirren from Scotland as well as the German youth teams and Bayern Munich women. Many of the teams are returning after previous successful visits to be joined by Bayern Munich Women, and the Ukrainian teams Kryvbas, Metallist 1925 and Polissya who will visit Pinatar Arena for the first time and where they will remain for almost a month. RECORD NUMBERS ACHIEVED IN 2023 The complex closed 2023 with the best figures in its history after hosting 130 squads from 41 different countries, filling more than 30,000 hotel rooms on the Costa Cálida. For the first time in ten years, the number of national teams exceeds the number of clubs (72-58) as a clear example of the importance that Pinatar Arena has achieved at an international level within football federations around the world, which will no doubt help to strengthen Murcia's candidacy as a potential venue for the 2030 World Cup.
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Ryder Cup influence at the BOMO Greenlands Competition
Dave Morrison’s “MO’S” ran out eventual winners What a great 3 days playing in the inaugural BOMO CUP The competition was based on golf’s “Ryder Cup” with 2 selected teams of 12 competing in pairs and singles. The winners being the first to reach 14 ? points. The first two days were “Aussie Pairs” in the morning and “Hong Kong Pairs” in the afternoon, with every player playing at least once. The third day included everyone with 12 games of singles.
ed in excellent bowling from all involved. Conditions were a little cold to start but soon warmed up with every game. The results were a little one sided in the end but with 5 Games decided on the last end (unfortunately for the BO’S these were all won by the MO’S!) and two games tied the competition was fierce. Congratulations to Dave Morrison’s “MO’S” (Pictured) who ran out eventual winners with 18 points to the 10 points of Pete Bonsor’s “BO’S”
All pairings were secret until the start of each session. Tactics of “Who, When and Where” were certainly in play and the pairings result-
Thanks to Dave Morrison for organising the whole event, we are already looking forward to the re-match.
CARP-R-US.
the net). First, from peg 3 was Trevor Morrey with 12.60kg caught mainly on maggot and feeder.
The third round of the Carp-R-Us Winter Series was fished on the Rio Segura at Jacarilla. A mild morning gave way to a pleasantly warm January day, but everyone was caught out by a surprise rain shower just after midday. The river itself looked in excellent condition and a decent day’s fishing was hoped for. Normally, the best weights come from the end pegs, but today two of the pegs in the middle of the stretch produced the best weights (although Russell Davidson on end peg 8 did lose a very large carp at
Second from peg 6 was Steve Fell with 9.10kg caught using pole and bread punch to the far bank and maggot and feeder closer in. Third was Ian Brown (peg 2) with 4.24kg caught on a variety of methods, just pipping Paul Burton (peg 1) with 4.14kg caught on pellet and feeder. Further information about the club can be found at www.carp-r-us.weebly.com or on the Facebook page Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blanca
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