No 925 Monday 27th June - Sunday 3rd July 2022
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Keeping people safe and informed for over 18 years - The Costa Blanca’s oldest ‘FREE’ English language newspaper
T O R R E V I E J A S A L U T E S T H E M I L I TA RY O N A R M E D F O R C E S D AY
lthough the list of VIP’s might have been rather shorter than that seen at Saturday’s UK National event in Scarborough, Armed Forces Day, held at La Inmaculada Concepcion church in Torrevieja on Saturday was no less poignant, as former servicemen, women and members of the public from across the region, joined together with their colleagues from Spain, to celebrate and show their support for those currently serving in the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, as well as veterans, reservists and their families.
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This was the first time that the event, organised by Spain District North of The Royal British Legion, has held the event in Torrevieja. After three successful years at the Orihuela Cathedral the decision was taken to decentralise the occasion and move it around the country, with the ‘City of Salt’ the chosen venue, where the Ayuntamiento have always been so supportive to the expatriate community. This year was no different with Jean Paul Mulero, Director of the office for international residents (OARI), together with his predecessor, Graham Knight, providing the necessary links between the two bodies. Although Mayor Eduardo Dolon was out of the country and not able to attend the event, his two representatives, deputy mayor Federico Alarcon Martinez and councillor for foreign residents Ms Gitte Lund Thomsen, proved more than capable substitutes. They were joined in the front rows by the British Vice Consul Elizabeth Bell MBE along with the Chief of local police, Vicente Gutiérrez and Wing Cmdr Jon Millington from the NATO Project Team in Albacete. The service, led by Fr Richard Seabrook, got underway as Standard Bearers representing the RBL, Guardia Civil, RNA, RMA, British and Spanish military veterans, marched into the magnificent church, reconstructed in 1844, using stones reclaimed from the original Torre Vella, (Old Tower). Their entry was accompanied by music from The RBL Concert Band in Spain, directed by David Last, as it welcomed their arrival with the Royal British Legion March. During the joint denominational service of readings and hymns, conducted in both English and Spanish, there was further musical accompaniment by the Royal British Legion Band, who were supported throughout by The Crescendo International Choir.
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By John McGregor Our original and best scooter group, Costa Blanca Scooterists, returned to Mojacar after three years, to enjoy four great days in Almeria. Last year we had visited Ibiza - again - brilliant! This time twelve members set off in the searing heat from Torrevieja arriving late afternoon in time for a cooling-off session at the hotel’s swimming pool - and
bar… On the first morning we met up with our old friends and sister group, the Mojacar Soul and Scooter club. After renewing our friendships the two groups enjoyed a brilliant ride out along the picturesque Almerian coastline. Twenty of us were all together on our Italian shopping trollies, stopping for lunch en route at Agua Amarga. The views are stunning and it was a great ride into the afternoon, then we returned to explore the local area, shops and bars. Mojacar town perched up on the hill is a lovely place to visit with its little streets and whitewashed houses high up on a hill overlooking the coast and below the long beachline, known as Mojacar Playa with its many hotels and nightlife.
early evening on the beach we were famously entertained by ’THE ALLSKAS’ group. Their brand of SKA music and entertainment, sort-of Madness style is special with a big following. In no time they had the mainly geriatric audience up and dancing and the place rocked for two hours. Was the evening over? No sir, back on the scoots for a half hour ride inland to a town called Vera. Here in another lively bar one of the lively super MSS crowd called Melanie was singing her little heart out, to more happy ex-pats - and again the place was buzzing, great fun, what a day. Sunday alas, alack, time to prepare for the long trip home again, back to loved ones with terrific tales of fun for everyone.
After more sightseeing on the Saturday we had a double header to look forward to. For two hours
One of the ALLSKAS favourite numbers is ‘Enjoy Yourself!’ - and as it says in the song - we did! GREAT MEMORIES!
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AD-VERSE by Mike Shail - June 2022 Every time you switch on the telly You’re bombarded with adverts that say That a product will make you less smelly Or, binge watch a series today.
But before you can make a transaction There’s something they’d like you to do – They say it’s for your satisfaction That credit’s a good thing for you.
But among these attractive suggestions More sinister items are shown That seem to answer the questions About things you might like to own.
So, you’re asked if you’ve ever owed money But if you’re a stranger to debt, You’ll discover the answer’s not funny – ‘We can’t process your order just yet.’
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ORIHUELA TO CELEBRATE IT’S FIRST ‘GAY PRIDE’ PARADE Other than Monday’s exhibition in the Playa Flamenca Town Hall, all events wil be held in Orihuela City
"Equality to love" is the motto being used by the Orihuela council to publicise it’s first Pride Parade which will take place next Thursday 30 June, starting at 8pm from the Glorieta Gabriel Miró along a route to the bullring. It is part of the cultural program that the municipality celebrates every year to commemorate the fight for the rights and equality of the LGTBI community. Details of the six days of activities leading up to the parade were announced on Thursday by Councillors Mar Ezcurra and Patricia Menarguez, from Orihuela´s departments of Culture, Youth and Equality and LGTBI, along with José Aix, and members of the government team
Cáscales, who was the first town crier, and a performance by the Spanish drag queen, tv and radio personality, Pupi Posisson. During the event, there will be a bar to benefit the Atrévete Association, an LGTBIQ+ group that works across the Vega Baja in the defence of gay rights. As a preview to the march, also in the bullring, starting at 7:00 p.m. a great family party "Orihuela loves you" will take TV personality, Pupi Posisson
They got underway on Saturday 25 at La Lonja with a charity gala "Pride Night" a walk through LGTBIQ+ history, through music and dance. The scheduled events "mix revelry and celebration with the demand for freedom and equal rights" , because "we want Orihuela to be a mirror of tolerance and respect for diversity", said the Councillor for Culture and Youth, Mar Ezcurra. Of course all events, other than a minor exhibition "Novelas para la libertad" at the Orihuela Costa Town Hall, will be held in Orihuela City where, on Monday evening, at 7.30 pm there will be a further exhibition and discussion at the María Moliner public library. On Tuesday, also at La Lonja, the exhibition "Almodóvar, the laws of desire" will get underway at 11am featuring the posters of the filmmaker's most important films. Then, starting at 7pm, there will be a screening of "Lesbophobia. A documentary followed by a discussion “Lesbian realities.” On Wednesday, four Orihuela city museums, Casa Museo Miguel Hernández, Palacio Sorzano de Tejada, Museo de la Muralla and Museo de la Reconquista, will exhibit the historical milestones of the fight for LGTBI freedom. The final day of the event is Thursday 30 June, when, the activities will be brought to a close at the Orihuela bullring where, following the Pride March, a Proclamation of Pride will be presented, as the culmination of a week of activities, by fashion designer Eduardo Navarrete. Shortly after 10pm he will be followed by DJ Agustín
place, with inflatables, youth workshops, entertainment and music for the children. As a sign that Orihuela is, according to Councillor Mar Ezcurra, "a welcoming and cheerful municipality, that defends freedom above all else,” throughout the week the rainbow flag will be hung on cultural buildings and multicoloured blankets will be distributed so that they can be hung from private balconies and in windows. They can be collected at the Department of Culture and at the María Moliner library. In addition, bracelets and coasters will be distributed in bars and restaurants.
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CARAVANNERS FORGOTTEN IN THE RUSH TO GO ELECTRIC
Tow Car Awards 2022 Winners
As part of the judging process for the What Car? Tow Car Awards 2022, held in partnership with The Camping and Caravanning Club and supported by Adria, eight of the latest electric cars were range tested with and without a caravan. The best performer managed 113 miles while towing a caravan weighted to 85% of the car’s kerb weight (the maximum recommended), and the worst just 78.1 miles. By comparison, the fuel economy in a petrol or diesel car typically drops by around a third when towing, so it will be necessary to stop more often with an electric car. Plus, topping up is likely to be much more complicated. None of the motorway services run by the three main operators in the UK currently allow caravanners to charge without first unhitching. And due to one-way systems, some make it impossible to get back from the chargers to the towing parking area. Moto said it was unable to comment, and Welcome Break didn’t respond to our enquiries on its future charging infrastructure plans. However, a spokesman for Roadchef said: “While supporting cars and vans is our current priority, we are actively consulting with caravan forums to determine their needs around electric car charging. We aim to facilitate towing EVs well ahead of any bans on petrol and diesel
models in the UK.” What Car? editor Steve Huntingford said: “Electric car ranges have improved massively over the last decade, but towing is always going to reduce how far you can go on a charge, so it’s crucial that the infrastructure is in place to support those who use their cars to pull a caravan or trailer. At the moment their needs feel like an afterthought, even though the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK is just eight years away.” For now, a model with a combustion engine remains the only suitable option for many caravanners, with the Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro diesel named the best car for towing in 2022 at the annual What Car? Tow Car Awards. The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Ian Hewlett, a tester judge on the programme, added: “This year’s field was packed with great tow cars, but everyone on the judging panel agreed that the Audi Q5 was the best all-rounder. “It’s vital that motorists match the right car with their caravan, and our awards programme gives drivers excellent insight into the performance of the latest vehicles on the market.” Before deciding on the overall winner in 2022, the judges handed out awards to cars in five different towing weight classes, ranging from up to 1400kg to more than 1900kg. They also named the best tow car for practicality, and the best
electric, plug-in hybrid and estate cars for towing. In addition to taking the top prize, Audi won the 1700-1899kg weight category with the Q5. Two other manufacturers also took home a brace of awards: Kia won the 1900kg+ category with the Sorento 2.2 CRDi and best electric tow car with the EV6 77.4kWh AWD, while Skoda won the up to 1400kg and 1550-1699kg weight categories with the Scala 1.0 TSI and Karoq 2.0 TDI Evo 150 4x4 DSG respectively. Testing was undertaken by matching eligible cars to caravans weighted to 85% of the car's kerb
weight or its legal towing limit, depending on which was lower. They were then ballasted to simulate driving with passengers and luggage. Meanwhile, drivers from The Camping and Caravanning Club assessed high-speed stability, carried out a hill start on a 1-in-6 slope, looked for towing-friendly features – such as a trailer stability system – and confirmed whether the puncture repair provision was suitable for use while towing. Key brands that supported the testing in 2022 include caravan manufacturer Adria, Al-Ko, Witter Towbar Systems, Milenco and the Coventry Scale Company.
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ARMED FORCES DAY IN TORREVIEJA In his sermon, Fr. Richard talked about the good work carried out in Spain by the RBL, of whom he said “we all owe so much.” He spoke of his grandfather and his father, both military men, adding that “this event is also a great opportunity to recognise the bravery and dedication of all those who have served, and who still serve, in whatever branch or arm. It is so humbling to be among you all today. Thankyou to everyone in the vast military family. Thank-you to our incredible veterans. And thank-you to the family and friends whose support is so crucial in these difficult times.” As Fr Seabrook skilfully manoeuvred his way through the service, tributes and welcomes were given by Elizabeth Bell MBE, followed in Spanish by Federico Alarcon and in English by Gitte Lund Thomsen, who spoke about Torrevieja’s perpetual support for the British Community in the municipality, and about how moved she had been during parts of a very emotional and appropriate ceremony. Midway through the service Crescendo moved from the transept to the altar from where they gave a emotional performance of ‘Mansions of the Lord’. They were followed a few moments later by local entertainer and RBL member Stevie Spit BEM, who provided a flawless recital of the the Andrea Bocelli arrangement of ‘Perfect’, written by Ed Sheeran. Following the Acts of Remembrance, read by Jack Kemp and Nick Keen, the Last Post and Reveille were played by Mark Benton. He was followed by Falklands veteran, Pipe Major Brian Day, from the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums, who promenaded though the church as he regaled the congregation with the Scottish lament ‘Hector the Hero,’ written over 100 years ago in praise of Maj Gen Sir Hector MacDonald. The service ended with the National Anthems of Spain and the United Kingdom and the blessing by Fr Seabrook, after which the congregation stood as the RBL and other Standards were marched out of the church by the Parade Marshall, Mike Whitbread. Following a photo opportunity in the church square a small reception was provided by the Ayuntamiento for both the veterans and guests, in the Cultural Society Casino on the Torrevieja seafront, where they were able to reminisce and swap stories of their service and campaigns, war and peace; a short social occasion, a way to make sense of their own service and now their new lives in retirement, here in Spain. The RBL would like to convey it’s thanks for hosting the event to the Torrevieja Mayor, Eduardo Dolon and his staff, to the Bishop of Orihuela-Alicante for making the church available for the service, and to the standard bearers, bugler, piper, RBL musicians and Crescendo Choristers, who all performed so wonderfully on the day. Armed Forces Day, held in the surrounds of the historic La Inmaculada Concepcion, truly was an especial occasion as the event continues to grow in both size and reputation here in Spain.
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A report complied by the investigative websites ‘Lighthouse Reports’ and ‘La Marea’ together with the Spanish Daily newspaper elDiario is saying that the pollution from hundreds of intensive pig farms may have had a larger impact on the collapse of the Mar Menor, one of Europe's largest saltwater lagoons, than previously acknowledged.
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nitrogen in the Mar Menor aquifer. Interporc Spain, claimed the pig industry has been making "huge efforts" to safeguard the environment for years.
According to drone photos and satellite footage obtained by reporters working on the new investigation, pig excrement appeared to be flowing out of slurry ponds, deposited on surrounding land, or kept in huge pits in the ground. The conclusions of the inquiry are similar to those of the Environment Ministry's 2019 report. According to the research, during visits to 10% of the slurry pits in the Mar Menor basin, more than 90% were found to violate rules requiring pig waste to be kept in covered waterproof ponds.
Last August, after dozens of dead fish began washing up on the shores of the Mar Menor lagoon, residents once again began to raise the alarm as, within just a few days, more than five tonnes of decaying fish carcasses littered beaches along the coastline of this popular tourist attraction.
Pig Farms blamed for Mar Menor Pollution For many weeks both the local and the national press contained images and reports of the lagoon's murky waters as complaints about its terrible smell dominated media coverage ain environmental publications across the world.
There also followed a four-month investigation by Lighthouse Reports, La Marea and elDiario into how extensive pig farming may have contributed to one of Spain's greatest environmental disasters in recent years.
Members of the public turned out in force to demonstrate as experts blamed decades of nitrate-laden runoffs for creating massive algal blooms that had drained the water of oxygen, thus drowning and depriving the fish of oxygen.
As dead fish continued to wash up on the beaches of Mar Menor, the regional government restricted the use of fertilizers within 1.5 kilometers of the lagoon, implying that the cause of the issue was primarily the vast stretch of agricultural fields that bordered the
lagoon. After that, however, the central government then took a more direct approach, charging officials of inadequate control with regard to field irrigation by local farmers. However, none addressed the pig farms that have grown into many hundreds across the whole of the Mar Menor drainage basin during the last decade. Officials in the region, along with municipalities in the Mar Menor basin, have been loth to crackdown on the pork industry’s growth, said Andrés
Pedreño Cánovas, a sociology professor at the University of Murcia. “Pig farms have grown without any controls, creating a bubble driven by international markets and specifically exports to China,” he said. “But bubbles always burst, and this one will leave behind a devastated, polluted territory in crisis.” According to a report released by Spain's environment ministry in 2019, these pig farms, which had over 800,000 pigs at the time, were responsible for 17 percent of all of the
"Serious flaws have been discovered in the systems for storing animal waste... The waterproofing is practically non-existent, enabling garbage to flow directly into the earth and contaminating the aquifer," the report continued. Interporc Spain, which represents the white pig business in Spain - a breed commonly employed in intensive farming - claimed the industry has been making "huge efforts" to safeguard the environment for years. The trade body also addressed the 2019 report from the ministry of the environment. “If any deficiencies were found, it is obvious that the farm must correct them and the administration must ensure that this is done,” it said. “But statements cannot be made about the entire sector stemming from the fact that errors were detected in some cases.”
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BITES New flags for Spanish beachgoers Although still maintaining the usual colour schemes of red, yellow and green, a new series of flags is starting to appear on Spanish beaches this summer, with an additional symbol printed on them. The new flags are yellow with a diagonal line, a red flag with a left-pointing triangle, and a green one with a diagonal bar next to a right-pointing triangle. These flags are designed for people who are colour blind and are becoming more frequent on the beaches of Spain.
Tasers enter into service with Guardia Civil Following evaluation tests, a number of Guardia officers are now equipped with taser pistols. The Guardia acquired 150 Axon-brand incapacitating electric guns, commonly known as tasers, last April. The devices underwent a series of tests to evaluate their operational performance and define the procedures for use. Now that they are concluded, a first batch has been distributed and will be issued following the appropriate training of officers.
Government to further slash IVA on electricity bills The Prime Minister has announced plans to further reduce IVA on electricity from 10% to 5%, following approval by the Council of extraordinary ministers. The measure was announced during a response to Esquerra Republicana, whose spokesman, Gabriel Rufián, had previously asked the chief executive to act in the face of rising inflation. The prospect of a long war and high energy prices has forced the government to act again. The IVA reduction on electricity bills, which will go from 10% to 5%, will reduce the fiscal pressure for all electricity consumers, both domestic and business, regardless of the type of contract they have.
Motor fuel discount extended till 30 September The Minister of Economic Affairs, Nadia Calviño, has confirmed that the current fuel bonus will be maintained until September 30 in a "widespread" manner because "it is the most effective".
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Sunbather seriously injured by delivery van on Playa la Caleta 70-year-old man has been seriously injured when he was run over on la Caleta de Cabo Roig beach by a vehicle that was delivering supplies to the beach bar.
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The driver of the delivery van was given a breath test by the local police which proved negative. He told the Local Police officers
VIOLENT HOUSE ROBBERS ARRESTED IN DOLORES Officers from the National Police have arrested six people in Dolores who were allegedly part of a criminal organisation, highly specialised in robbery with force, specifically in the assault on homes with violence or intimidation with firearms.
The accident occurred around 8am on Friday when the delivery vehicle, which was driving across the sand on the beach was reversing back to the roadside, having already unloaded it’s merchandise. The injured man was given first aid by the staff of the beach bar and then, on their arrival, paramedics were able to stabilise the victim, who was taken to Torrevieja hospital by a SAMU ambulance with serious injuries around the waist and lower body.
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The investigation was carried out by agents of the Specialised Crime Group of the Alicante Judicial Police Brigade and agents of the Narcotics Group have also participated. that he did not seen the man, although at that time of the accident the beach was empty of the public. The beach bar supervisor assured the Local Police that he has express permission from the
Provincial Coastal Service for vehicles to load and unload their supplies at the bar and that they can access the beach by driving across the sand, taking advantage of the route use daily by the cleaning machinery from the Cabo Roig marina.
SAN JUAN EMERGENCIES The 112 Emergency Coordination Centre for the Valencian Community dealt with a total of 6,189 calls and responded to 1,944 incidents during the night of San Juan, as reported by the Department of Justice, Interior and Public Administration. 53.91 percent of the calls answered by 112 have been for health reasons, while 20.52% were related to security, the administration has detailed. The director general of the Agency for Security and Emergency Response, José María Ángel, stressed that "it has been a quiet night, with no notable incidents".
Following surveillance and discreet monitoring the Guardia identified all the alleged members of the organisation, they also located their homes and a warehouse they used to store their tools and the vehicles they used. It was possible to determine the participation of those investigated in several criminal acts, including an assault with weapons in a property in the Cañada del Fenollar in Alicante, from which they fled after threatening the residents with pistols, and an attempted robbery of a high-speed vehicle, in which they also used firearms.
SAT ANIMAL RESCUE
"When applied to the entire population, the CPI immediately drops. It is one of the most effective measures we have implemented, and we are going to continue it for as long as we can," the vice president said. In so doing, Calviño has settled the debate on whether the fuel bonus, currently 20 cent per litre, should take into account income, as requested by Podemos.
Spanish water reserve is at 47.1% of capacity The Spanish water reserve is at 47.1 percent of its total capacity. The reservoirs currently store 26,437 cubic hectometres (hm?) of water, decreasing in the last week by 603 cubic hectometres (1.1 percent of the current total capacity of the reservoirs). Rainfall has considerably affected the Atlantic slope and has also been very scarce on the Mediterranean slope. The maximum occurred in Vigo (A) with 23.8 mm (23.8 l/m?). The local reserves are as follows: Segura 43,7% and Júcar 64,2%.
Jana is a big girl but a real softy. Loves cuddles, cuddles and more cuddles. This 6 year old is waiting for you!!! For more info 966 710 047 (leave a message) / info@satanimalrescue.com or WhatsApp 688792515
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HORADADA FINES WASTE CONTRACTOR 88K the machinery assigned to the service of street cleaning and waste collection.
Neither has the firm hired personnel to cover long-term sickness or leave, nor has it contributed to Social Security for the workers assigned to the service. Laborers are being used as drivers and a road cleaning manager is missing from the morning shift. In addition, the inspection found faults in 26 vehicles, mainly in garbage trucks, sweepers and scrubbers, in addition to the machinery that has not been operational for unacceptably long
The report identifies 12 serious breaches of the contract Following an inspection of the activities of the town’s urban solid waste and street cleaning service, STV Management, who are paid the annual sum of 5 million euros, the town hall has found 12 serious breaches of the contract, stating that unless they are corrected as a matter of urgency they do not rule out the termination of the agreement. As a result of the breaches they have also invoked a fine on the contractor amounting to almost 90,000 euros, to which the company has 15 days to appeal. During the 2021 financial year, the town
Council has carried out "an exhaustive inspection" in line with the specifications that were agreed for the initial tender, "in order to monitor the service that it is currently being delivered. The reports says that 10 vehicles have been paid for by the council and should bear the livery of the Council, although many of them were shown to have been inactive for 300 days in a row in 2021. The inspection report, compiled by the technical services, also shows "serious breaches by STV Management", in the number of personnel, and
periods, in some cases over 300 days.
The Councillor for Public Services, Adrián López, said that the street cleaning service and RSU in the municipality "is the contract that takes the most money from the municipal budget" and that it is currently not providing value for money. He added that "this is the first time that the City Council has opened a file against a contractor " and it is appropriate "that they are made aware of the report’s findings so that it can respond to observations made by the council’s inspectors."
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‘Come on The Lakers …!’ This has been a good year for Westmeath GAA. Our hurlers sated us with the quality of the win over Laois – with the bonus of that draw against Wexford. I only went to the Wexford match out of a sense of loyalty and not expecting anything. That drawn game against one of the top teams in the country felt like you had put a few bob on a horse just because you knew the owner and the wager paid 200/1 on the Tote! Jack Cooney has proved himself to be an outstanding manager and his classy footballers have responded in style. It would be a tremendous achievement to win the inaugural Tailteann Cup; so, best of luck in the final lads. But you didn’t clock in here, dear readers, to read something you already know. Please bear with us and you could go away excited on account of a suggestion coming up. This could be a ‘do you remember where you were when you heard it first’ sort of moment for you. Around the turn of the century when our teams were buzzing and we had won an All-Ireland minor title in 1995 and an U-21 in 1999, we just knew senior success could be on the horizon; and so it came to pass in 2004. This was our golden era. I wrote a letter to the ‘Westmeath Examiner’, suggesting that we come up with a new jersey as a statement of intent for the Westmeath of the future. Wearing my Westmeath shirt in Paddy’s Point, I was tired of women asking me ‘and what part of Galway are you from?!’ My suggestion did get a bit of traction and there was some debate in the paper. Indeed, one reporter put the idea forward as his own; “after watching Westmeath run out on the pitch last Sunday.” I never mind my ideas being stolen, because this week, we are proposing to engage in a spot of thieving ourselves! Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com *Author, entrepreneur and newspaper columnist, Bernie Comaskey, now spends most of his time on a farm in Ireland; but he retains his strong links with the Costa Blanca.
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Our jersey remains proudly maroon and it is wonderful the airing it is getting this year. And speaking of jerseys, I heard a gem from a Clare woman behind me after her county footballers had beaten Roscommon and their hurlers still in the championship. “I won’t get to wash my jersey this year”, she shrieked with joy! “Up de Banner!” Every county team has a nickname and ours currently is ‘The Lake County.’ This is an insipid name for a band of warriors going into battle ‘The Lake County’ has no zumph or clout to it. We need to change it – and this is where YCBS steps into the breach. ‘The Lake County’ is super for tourism and a grand name for a team in a pike-fishing competition – but not for a GAA team wanting to put the fear of God into the opposition. Worse still, like the jersey, it’s not even unique to our county. Cavan and Fermanagh are also known as ‘The Lake County’ but they don’t apply the name to their football teams. Kerry could call themselves the lake county if they wanted … but they win All-Irelands because they are ‘The Kingdom!’ Does not ‘The Lake County Team’ sound like a group of ‘oul wans’ out for a Sunday stroll in a wooded area? It is time for change … and the change starts here! Let us be daring and different! This column proposes that we adopt a new nickname for our county teams. We can incorporate the old name just for historic and nostalgic reasoning. We need something that will allow the supporters to roar their defiance into the faces of opposition … like ‘The Royals’, (God forgive me!) ‘The Rebels’, ‘The Yellowbellies’, ‘The Tribesmen’ ‘The Premier’ … and so on. How can ‘The Lake County’ expect to win a shouting match against any of those crowd? A slight tweak here in Westmeath and you will quickly see the difference. All we need to do is change from calling our teams ‘The Lake County’ and instead call them ‘THE LAKERS?’
Bernie has published four books; ‘If Ever a Man Suffered’, ‘The Best of Bernie’, ‘The Team’, and ‘Just Between Ourselves’. Bernie’s books are available at half price, on sale from either Spanish Solutions or ‘The Leader.’ Call 637 227 385 for info.
GARDEN FELIX - Echinopsis-San Pedro , a huge tubular fragrance Echinopsis-San Pedro white flowers forming huge tubular fragrance The popular cactus Echinopsis pachanoi - ‘San Pedro' - is one of the best candidates for a Mediterranean climate. When you mention cactus you think hot, dry conditions along with rocky, well-drained soil - but San Pedro will thrive with rainfall and endure temperatures, as low as 15 degrees F, needing a bit of additional water in summer to thrive.
nobody will ever know. Better than being called the same name as two counties up the road? Minnesota claims to have 10,000 lakes and that is how the LA Lakers got their name. I don’t know if anybody bothered to count the Westmeath lakes, but as far as this column is concerned, we have enough to warrant calling our team ‘The Lakers!’ Ronan Leonard recorded a song I wrote in 2004. ‘Tough men in Westmeath’ stopped selling when we stopped winning matches. Now if only that team had been known as The Lakers, things could have been an awful lot different!
‘The Lakers’ … that’s yer moul!
‘Come on The Lakers …!’
Yes, I know it isn’t an original name either. It is used by a basketball team; but they are 5,000 miles - away and
DON’T FORGET Society is always taken by surprise by any new example of common sense.
balanced form. Unlike other columnar cactus, San Pedro is relatively un-spined, increasing its usefulness around patios and walkways. They will tolerate over-watering, with good drainage, making them easier to intermingle with other plantings, allowing you to set softer plants against them for contrast. A problem you will encounter is yellowing, which happens when water has been relinquished entirely, planted in heavy clay, or never fertilised. San Pedro appreciates fertiliser more than other cactus and will reward you with fast growth and vibrancy.
Used for its ornamental sturdy vertical design element, it's able to fit into tight spaces and will grow between 10-20 feet tall.
San Pedro huge white flowers are found in abundance on established specimens - forming huge tubular fragrant flowers.
although they are also moth-pollinated.
A single stem will pup and branch, creating a staggered clump of fast-growing spires with a well-
The unusual size relates to the overly-large hummingbirds that pollinate them in the wild,
Since the pollinators are nocturnal, you’ll find that these huge white flowers open at night.
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Body of man dead for a week found in Torrevieja
located on Avenida Mariano Ruiz Cánovas, in the Paseo de la playa Los Locos area.
Firefighters entered the home of a man in Torrevieja on Tuesday, where they found the body of a 65-year -old man of Russian nationality believed to have been dead for a week. The Firefighters were asked to attend the scene when neighbours reported a strong smell in the landing and the access door to the house
Once in attendance, the firefighters accessed the property and confirmed the presence of the body of a man of Russian nationality.
Medical personnel, along with patrols from both the Local Police and Guardia Civil also attended.
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OSB ORNE IC ONIC BULL HAS ‘GUERNIC A’ MAKEOVER BY ANDREW ATKINSON
Given the smell and the state of the body, the main thought is that he could have died some time ago.
Horadada to Benefit from More Parking Spaces Pilar de la Horadada town hall has announced that the town is set to benefit from works of 4 private lots for Public Parking, carried out within 3 months by the successful bidder CESYR Estudios y Construcción, SL for an amount of 39,900 euro. The Councillor for Infrastructure Rufino Lancharro declares that "these works help to make it easier for pedestrians to reach shops in an easier and more dynamic way, and with this, to favour that local trade that is so important for our City Council and above all for the entire municipality. The lots that have been enabled for parking, with their respective parking spaces, are on Avda. Camilo José Cela, 44 with Calle Arturo
Viudas and Calle Concejal Emilio Tárraga (with 32 parking spaces), Calle Gratiniano Baches with Plaza de la Iglesia (with 28 parking spaces), Calle Azorín, 29 with Calle Quevedo and Calle Guardiola (20), and Calle Ramón and Cajal, 4 (26).
The iconic Osborne bulls are once again at serious risk of disappearing - as artists continue to regularly deface the figures. Thousands of drivers see the iconic bull on a daily basis, on the outskirts of in Santa Pola, as they drive to and from Alicante-Elche airport, However, street artist Sam3 recently repainted the bull in the style of Picasso’s immortal ‘Guernica’ as an anti-bullfighting protest. Last week, however, Santa Pola council stepped in and the bull was re-painted black. In the latest attempt to alter the iconic bull silhouettes, artists have also painted the Osborne bull, located on the outskirts of Ginzo de Limia, Orense, with blue paint blending it in with the sky. After they did so they returned to take a picture - only to find that the Civil Guard was waiting for them. The latest incident comes on the back of many similar incidents. In 2005 the Civil Guard denounced Javier Figueredo, an artis, who, to turn the Osborne bull into a cow, painted white spots on it. He was charged with a crime against cultural heritage. Osborne wineries were founded in the second half of the 18th century, and are the second oldest company in Spain. Englishman Thomas Osborne arrived in Cádiz from Exeter, in 1772, shipping sherry back to England, with the Osborne brandy later following in it’s path. The creation of the Osborne bull dates back to 1956, established when Osborne wineries commissioned Manuel Prieto, who worked for the Azor advertising agency, to design a symbol for their Veterano Brandy.
Manolo Prieto's designs, depicting silhouettes of toros de lidia, were erected next to main roads in Spain, with the name of Osborne’s Veterano brandy tattooed across the base. The original wooden bulls were later upgraded to metal, with over 500 in Spain at its peak. In 1962, the government announced that advertising signs next to roads were distracting drivers, so the Osborne bulls were moved 150 metres away from roadsides. Osborne doubled the size of their bulls after the announcement. In 1988, a law was made banning all roadside advertising, leading to Osborne removing the Veterano branding off the bulls, although the silhouettes were allowed to remain. Additional laws were introduced and in 1994 the Reglamento General de Carreteras, Spain’s road authority, announced their removal. It was, in the main, all but the beginning of the end of the iconic bulls across Spain. But not quite as in Andalucía, the bulls were declared a cultural asset. In 1994, the Congreso de los Diputados also stepped in, announcing the bulls were of patrimonio cultural y artistico - a cultural and artistic heritage, and in 1997 the future of the legendary bulls went to the Supreme Court - with a decision made that they could remain in place. There are now less than 100 black silhouettes of a bull alongside roads throughout Spain and today, Osborne finances their financial upkeep and maintenance.
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1959 - Bobby Darin was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Dream Lover'. The American singer’s first UK No.1 which featured Neil Sedaka on piano. 1964 - The Rolling Stones appeared as the entire panel on the TV show 'Juke Box Jury'. The music panel show ran on the BBC between June 1959 and December 1967 attracting 12 million viewers weekly on Saturday nights. 1969 – John Lennon, Yoko Ono and family were involved in a car accident in Golspie, Scotland. Both John and Yoko needed hospital treatment. John later had the car crushed into a cube and exhibited it on his lawn at Tittenhurst Park.
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1979 - Sony introduced the Walkman, the first portable audio cassette player. Over the next 30 years they sold over 385 million Walkmans in cassette, CD, mini-disc and digital file versions, and were the market leaders until the arrival of Apple's iPod and other new digital devices. 1983 - Rod Stewart started a three week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Baby Jane', his sixth UK No.1. 1991 - Jason Donovan had his third UK No.1 single with 'Any Dream Will Do' a song written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice for the 1968 musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He was playing the lead role in a new London production of the musical at the time. 1998 - After spending 30 weeks on the UK album chart The Corrs went to No.1 with 'Talk On Corners'. It went on to be the best selling UK album of 1998 spending 142 weeks on the chart. 1999 – Michael Jackson suffered severe bruising after falling over 50 feet when a bridge collapsed during a concert at Munich's Olympic stadium. He was singing 'Earth Song' at the time of the accident.
1971 - American singer, songwriter and poet, Jim Morrison of The Doors was found dead in a bathtub in Paris. The cause of death was given as a heart attack. He co-wrote some of the group's biggest hits, including ‘Light My Fire’, ‘Love Me Two Times’, and ‘Love Her Madly.’ On the 25th anniversary of his death an estimated 15,000 fans gathered at Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, France to pay their respects. 1974 - Charles Aznavour was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'She', the French singer’s only UK No.1. At the time it made him the oldest living male chart-topper in the UK charts (at fifty years old). 1977 - Elton John achieved a lifelong ambition when he became the Chairman of Watford Football Club.
2001 – The Rolling Stone’s Ronnie Wood was commissioned to paint a group portrait of diners who are regulars at the West End London restaurant The Ivy. Elton John and Pet Shop Boy Neil Tennant were two pop stars to be included in the portrait. 2002 - A session violinist serenaded a High Court judge during a copyright battle worth an estimated £100,000. The case was over the rights to The Bluebells version of 'Young At Heart.' Bobby Valentino won his case as joint owner of the song. 2008 - The gravestone of former Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis was stolen. Cheshire Police said his memorial stone was taken from where he is buried in Macclesfield Cemetery. In the same year Kylie Minogue received an OBE for services to music from the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace.
Young Friday event celebrated in Pilar de la Horadada Last week, the “Young Friday” event was held in the town, organised by the Pilar de la Horadada Department of Youth. This young Friday party, framed within a set of healthy leisure activities for young people aged from 12 to 30 years, was held throughout the afternoon/evening, with more than 400 people passing through, all of whom were able to enjoy a wide variety of totally free activities. Each person signed in with their DNI or IES card and was given a bracelet, which gave them access to the different activities and stands. In addition, each also had at his disposal three free cards which they were able to exchange for either an activity or for free food. The activities offered included a mechanical bull, role-playing games, Hall Room, Youth information stand,
table football, air table, photo booth, hairdressing stand, ultraviolet makeup, temporary tattoos, UPCCA stand, bracelet workshop and key rings, creation of Tik Tok videos with a light ring, hot dog stand, sweet crepe cart, popcorn, candy and water stand. In addition, there was a DJ who played live music throughout the event. The Councillor for Youth, Nieves Moreno, said she was delighted with the event, explaining that “after two years of pandemic and restrictions, we are once again organising activities for the young people of Pilar to enjoy themselves and have a good time. The Department organizes activities and events by and for youth, so "Young Friday" was created with their tastes in mind. In addition, it is the first time that it coincided with the end of the school year at IES Thiar”.
The councillor was delighted with the event promising that there are many more such activities still to come
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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ANSWERS Week 924
ACROSS 1. Unevenness (11) 9. Rear (7) 10. Invigorate (5) 11. Futile (5) 12. Unsettle (7) 13. Guarantee (6) 15. Outlook (6) 18. Skirmish (7) 20. Elsewhere (5) 22. Allude (5) 23. Wise (7) 24. Reprove (11) 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 21
DOWN 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 14. 16. 17. 19. 21.
Big (5) Clump (7) Helpful (6) Claw (5) Counterpart (7) Celebration (11) Doubt (11) Prevaricate (7) Scurry (7) Against (6) Waive (5) Sluggish (5)
QUICK ACROSS: 1 Step down; 5 Team; 9 Wasp; 10 Giraffes; 11 Apple; 12 Enlarge; 13 Secret society; 18 Peerless; 19 Punt; 20 Artiste; 21 Rigid; 22 Oars; 23 Standing. DOWN: 2 Traipse; 3 Popular; 4 White as a sheet; 6 Enforce; 7 Mystery; 8 Gallic; 13 Soprano; 14 Creator; 15 Enlist; 16 Implied; 17 Tension. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Describe; 5 Chic; 9 Agra; 10 Stingray; 11 Alias; 12 Elitist; 13 Spring flowers; 18 Regiment; 19 Rife; 20 Extreme; 21 Slain; 22 Shaw; 23 Aspiring. DOWN: 2 Eggflip; 3 Chapati; 4 Butterfingers; 6 Heroine; 7 Coyotes; 8 Indigo; 13 Screens; 14 Regatta; 15 Number; 16 Warbler; 17 Ruffian.
ACROSS 1. The blessed hosiery items (6,5) 9. Love to find a vehicle in a musical instrument (7) 10. The morning before our love affair (5) 11. Skill in finding some nicknacks (5) 12. Having squares vetted (7) 13. Jack and Les are aristocrats (6) 15. Girl with a shirt that is a shade of red (6) 18. Western source of wealth? (7) 20. Avoid the girl of the French (5) 22. The smallest amount could be stale (5) 23. Aid must be redirected to the arena (7) 24. Compromise with contented spiritualist (5,6)
L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. Which very fair and bright boxer appears on the cover of the Beatles album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band? 2. The name of which European capital city means wisdom? 3. What is unusual about the Red Cross flag in Russia? 4. Due to the ostentatious and lascivious lifestyle of its inhabitants, which European city was once referred to as 'the Babylonian exile'? 5. What is the missing instrument in each of the following song titles? a. Duelling... (Weissberg and Mandell). b. ... Wind (Rod Stewart). c. While my .... gently weeps (George Harrison). d. Love is like a .... (Barclay James Harvest). e. .... Song (Kate Bush). 6. World famous since 1939, what is the first name of Margret Herrick's naked uncle? 7. Alphabetically, what is the name of the last element? 8. King Richard II of England is credited with inventing which portable item used for personal hygiene? 9. Each of the following excelled in which sport? a. Kirstin Otto. b. Alberto Tomba. c. Mario Lemieux. d. Scott Hamilton 10. Once upon a time, before King Edward I, what was measured by the amount a yoke of oxen could plough in one day? 11. The following figures from American folklore are better known
DOWN 2. A bad actor to ring over in Nebraska (5) 3. Do the French run slowly? (7) 4. Subtle difference in sister concealing article at church (6) 5. Are to possibly speak (5) 6. One criticising something on a door (7) 7. Type of story told by males (4-3-4) 8. Hire purchase, never-never, etc. (6,5) 14. Prohibit Irish singer getting a neckerchief (7) 16. Pull fish over towards the sheltered side (7) 17. Money demanded by the Romans perhaps? (6) 19. Like an unreturned tennis ball put on backwards (3,2) 21. Said when taking French leave? (5)
( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 1 ) under what other name? a. William H. Bonney. b. William Cody. c. Martha Jane Canary 12. Which man's murder was the first to be captured live on television? 13. Which flush word is even a 5 letter palindrome? 14. Which tiny conveyance does one associate with the British designer Alec Issigonis? 15. What was the name of the Russian space probe that was the first to land (or crash) on the moon Sept 13, 1959? 16. Name the German film that won the 1979 Oscar for best foreign film and was later banned in many western countries because it is considered to be P0R N0GRA PH1C. 17. Between the years 1820-1987, most of the immigrants to the USA came from which seven countries? 18. The name of which English musician, who has had number one hits on both sides of the Atlantic, can be cockney rhyming slang for an all day drinking session? 19. Which US state is named after an imaginary island paradise taken from a book written in 1510? 20. What was the original name of the group ‘The Shadows’?
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THE END FOR ‘LOOKY LOOKY’ MEN IN CABO ROIG rihuela has established a Summer Craft Market on Calle Cielo, the Cabo Roig strip, in Orihuela Costa from June 15 to September 15.
O
The Department of Markets, with the assistance of the Local Police, has legalised the Aguamarina craft market which will be operated by Telco Solutions 4U S.L. Councillor Ángel Luis Muñoz Grau has confirmed that with the regularisation of this craft market, "an order has been put in place that will stop the illegal sales by
‘looky looky men’ who have been selling their unauthorised and often counterfeit goods in the area for years, causing problems among the many local businesses, in addition to the bad image that it presented to visitors".
of 15 craft stalls and is open
He explained that "this regularisation is part of the plan of action that the Department of Markets is carrying out to promote the markets and street markets in the municipal area and make them a benchmark throughout the Vega Baja".
their wares, meet the legal
“Hippies Aguamarina”, as this market is called, is made up
by claim sheets from the
from Monday to Sunday, from 7 pm to midnight. Muñoz Grau said that “all the stalls, which are set up and taken down daily, and the traders that will be selling requirements that the law requires. In this way, a guarantee of the item’s quality can be given to the consumer with a proof of purchase receipt but which can also be supported Generalitat, where necessary.
SHORTAGE OF HIRE CARS SEES PRICES ROCKET
has driven up prices of lease vehicles by hundreds of pounds, piling more misery on holidaymakers gearing up for summer trips who are already facing airport chaos and record fuel costs.
While there are still bargains to be had with the price of flights between UK and Spain, many travellers are finding that any savings they make are being gobbled up by the soaring costs for car hire, with prices increasing, in some cases, by hundreds of pounds as they continue to increase in the UK, across Europe and further afield
Last summer, it cost £166 to lease a car in Alicante for seven days but this year that price has shot up £126, or 80 per cent, to £292, while prices in Ibiza have risen by 50 per cent, from £305 to £452.
Indeed car hire prices can now be greater than the costs of flights and even accommodation. The problem is being caused by a global shortage of cars which
The Councillor for markets in Orihuela, Ángel Luis Muñoz Grau
The rocketing prices have been attributed to the fact that many hire car companies ditched their fleets during the global Covid shutdown and now that a global computer chip shortage is slowing down car manufacture they did not forsee that they would have such a struggle to buy new fleets.
Red light for man who fiddled driving test A resident of Moroccan nationality has been denounced by the Civil Guard after being caught fiddling his driving test in Alicante. "The nervousness, behavior and posture adopted by the man during the test made the examiners suspicious," said the Civil Guard. He was found to have electronic systems to report questions and receive answers along with various devices to copy in the theoretical exam of the driving licence. The man has been filed in accordance with the Law on Traffic, Circulation of Motor Vehicles and Road Safety and he may not be examined again for at least six months.
PAGE 16
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Monday 27th June - Sunday 3rd July 2022
Arregui, 23, Torrevieja Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday service 11a.m.; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11a.m. Church Bible Study: Thursday 1.30p.m. House groups in Torrevieja, La Siesta – Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. Phone: 966 799 273 / 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. www.icatorrevieja.org
CAR SALES
CHURCHES AND SERVICES 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 La Siesta Evangelical Church, Torrevieja, a friendly, Englishspeaking church. We hold services at 11.15am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month (and the 5th when there is
one). For more info see our website at: www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org Join us at the 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 Urbano
The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2020 Ford Focus ST3 petrol which is on Special Offer priced at just 37,900 euro. Come along to our showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. The biggest and best for price, choice and quality. ENGLISH SPOKEN
GENERAL Builder, remodelling,kitchens, extensions, we beat most quotes. Call Andy 697 834 934.
MUSICIANS WANTED Come Join The Band' The Royal British Legion Concert
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Band Spain is looking for a second violin player of any nationality to join our growing group of musicians. Please contact Graham Robinson at email by phone on 658 663 846 or by email at: robinsongraham256@ googlemail.com
SOCIAL AND CLUBS The JuneMeeting of the Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch will be held at 7 for 7.30 pm on Thursday 21 July at the Olympia Pool Bar in Mil Palmeras. Guest speaker. Everyone welcome, incl non members. Call Jean on: 630 28 08 99. The RBL Torrevieja Branch Meets at the Oasis, formerly the Casa Ventura, San Luis on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6.30 pm for 7pm start. New members are always welcome. You do not have to be ex-services. For info please contact:Torrevieja.secretary@rbl. community Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50’s. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Home Visiting Team. to
SHARE THE COST OF BUYING AN APARTMENT I am looking for someone to share the cost of buying a 2 bed apartment in Los Alcazares. Total cost is 100k so 50k each.
Please contact Fintan on +353 86 878 1317
637 227 385
visit people in a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. If you think you can help call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887. Or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 1700 (5pm) at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanisation, Torrevieja. For more information please contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 966 71 6274 or Margaret Forshaw on 966 92 1966.
Royal Air Force Association Costa Blanca: The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG replaces the RAFA Costa Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the RAFA and the RMG is via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk. Tel:0044 800 018 2361. Over 50 - On your own in the Torrevieja area. Check out Phoenix Solos who meet every Monday morning from 11am to 1pm at Reflections Bar/Restaurant, C/Aviles, San Luis Lakeside. Call Lynette on 643 098 173 or see website at; phoenixsolos.wix.com
PERSONAL Diana from Greece. 47 year old lady. Blonde hair, blue eyes. Beautiful, sweet, natural body. Private apartment. Calle Gil Vallejo 5, Torrevieja. Call 663 817 943 Rocio, 40, Argentinian, sweet, qualified massausse. Big, natural breasts. House 75. La Zenia. 672 872 050. Mery... 35 sweet Polish girl. Beautiful body. Complete attention. Maximum privacy
in Campoamor. Fantasies. Tel. 672 539 332 TORREVIEJA MIRIAM Brazilian lady blond 59 year. Do massage erotic with happy end. Speak good english. Call 604 382 799 Torrevieja, Valentini, Brazilian lady, 35. Erotic massage with complete satisfaction. Good time guaranteed. 688 340 708 Norma... Russian lady, mature, big breasts. Torrevieja. Tel. 665 056 834
NADIA... SO SWEET MONDALVIAN (31) Turquesa St. La Zenia.
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LUNA 30 EX MODEL. Brasilian. Slim. Beautiful body. Elegant. Very private in La Zenia. Casa 77 (close to Consum).
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ANA SEXY AND ELEGANT Spanish lady. Punta Prima. Private house. Erotic massage. All services. From €40. Call Ana on 657 603 495. Speaks English.
HELEN... LATINA WITH SKIN OF CINNAMON. Fantasies. Private. La Zenia. Casa 77 (Close to Consum). German spoken.
Tel. 665 736 488
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POSSIBLE CLOSURE OF CAMPING VILLAS CARAVANING IN LA MANGA CAMPING VILLAS CARAVANING, located in La Manga, the home to many Expat residents, and which has been operating for over 30 years, could be forced to close it’s doors by the local council as early as the end of the month.
electrical installation is still outstanding, a job that needs to be tackled by qualified technicians. She said that the administration of the campsite has also identified and put in hand the removal of all illegal constructions, around 113, as the president of the neighborhood association, Juan García, has been able to confirm. These include the construction of terraces on top of houses, the addition of attics, double floors, etc.
The threat of closure comes after a series of fires, the most recent of which, in October last year, resulted in one death and the loss of 12 caravans. Just four weeks ago Cartagena City council declared that the site could remain open, for the time being, while a suitable fire plan and a number of corrective safety actions were being carried out. That plan has now been submitted and council staff and Hidrogea are currently analysing the documentation. If it does not meet with their approval, the site will be closed and residents, including many Brits, will be evicted. They expect to reach a decision within a week. However, site administrator, Ana Perez, says that she needs more time. She said that, to date, a total of 22 new fire
Pérez has requested “more time”, as he considers that “it is not possible to make so many improvements in such a short space of time in a campsite that has been operating for over 30 years”.
JOE BILLET GARAGE SALE hydrants have been installed and the purchase of a small fire truck is being finalised but improvements to the safety of the
CIUDAD QUESADA Corner of Avenida De Castilla & Calle Dr Quiles Mora, close To Norwegian School Monday, Tuesday And Wednesday 27 to 29 June, 10am - 1pm Directions - turn left at Quesada Arches into Calle Los Arcos, continue past Yorkshire Linen to the end where you have to bear right. We are next corner, on the right.
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Plants you must have at home to repel mosquitoes
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LAVENDER
Plants bring joy to our homes, in addition, with their natural fragrances, they can often provide healing or relaxing effects due to their properties. Among the benefits of plants here in Spain is one that many will appreciate, those that are ideal for repelling mosquitoes and other insects.
Have you ever noticed that insects have never decimated your lavender plant? It is because of their lovely fragrance, which comes from its essential oils that are found on the leaves of the plant. It is even argued that lavender oil hinders a mosquito’s ability to smell! This plant is very tough and drought-resistant once established, and only needs full sun and good drainage.
The heat becomes more intense every day and these flying insects sneak into our homes and can often become our worst enemies. Their bites affect the whole family and their penetrating sound fluttering around our ears is particularly disturbing. As such there are a number of plants that could be your best ally. Take note of the following species of indoor plants and say goodbye to mosquitoes:
And while it can endure many climates, it thrives in warmer areas.
MARIGOLD Marigolds, an easy-to-grow annual flower, emit a smell that deters mosquitoes. Grow them in pots and place them near your patio or entrance to your home to keep bugs out. Marigolds are also a popular addition to borders and vegetable gardens. According to NYBG, not only can they keep away mosquitoes, but they also dissuade aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms.
CATNIP Catnip (catmint) can be found thriving almost anywhere. It is from the mint family and grows abundantly both as a commercial plant and as a weed. It is very easy to take care of and may even start to invade other areas of your garden. However, if you are willing to forgo this plant’s insidious nature, they are amazing mosquito repellents and another recommendation from the BBG. In a study at Iowa State University, catmint was found to be ten times more effective than DEET, the chemical used in most insect repellents.
ROSEMARY Another great mosquito repellent is rosemary, a herb that many of us are very familiar with and their woody scent is exactly what keeps mosquitoes as well as cabbage moths and carrot flies away. They do best in hot and dry climates and thrive in containers, which may be ideal for areas with winters. They can also be pruned into all sorts of shapes and sizes and make great borders or decorations. While the pests stay away you can enjoy the herb’s scent and also use it to season your cooking.
MINT Mint is an excellent nontoxic option for keeping mosquitoes, flies and even ants away. The more pungent the aroma, the less bugs you’ll have. Grow it in pots on your patio where it can be easily reached if you want to drop a leaf or two in your afternoon tea. You can even dry the leaves and use them inside your home as a natural pest control method.
BASIL Basil is another herb that can also double as a pest repellent. The pungent smell the basil leaves give off are what keep pests at bay. And since all kinds of basil work to keep flies and mosquitoes at bay, feel free to explore and find the right types of basil to mix into your garden. This herb likes to be kept damp, needs good drainage, and enjoys lots of sun. You can plant basil in containers or in the garden, alone or with other flowers, as long as both plants meet the same requirements.
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IS THERE ANYTHING YOU REGRET? What you regret most at the end of your life is said to be the things you didn't do -- climb Everest without oxygen, go over Niagara Falls in a barrel, bungee jump into the crater of an active volcano. Are you crazy? What I would regret most at the end of my life would be the end of my life.
context, wouldn't you say?
Each generation believes itself to be more intelligent than the one before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it, and yet most of them eventually regret neglecting their teeth, not using enough sunscreen, not travelling more (gypsies are exempt from this), failing to exercise more, not bothering to learn another language, not learning how to cook (most men are exempt from this) and not worrying enough about all of the foregoing.
Scotland's national bard Robert Burns once accidentally destroyed a mouse's nest while he was ploughing a field. Being who he was, he wrote a poem about it, well, you do, don't you, anytime that happens.
"Regrets, I've had a few," admitted Frank Sinatra, whereas Edith Piaf regretted nothing. Connie Francis, whose song "Who's Sorry Now?" was named one of the Songs of the Century, is now 84. She was head of Ronald Reagan's task force on violent crime, and her own brother was murdered by mafia hitmen. "Miss Otis regrets she's unable to lunch today," sang Ella Fitzgerald. It transpires that Miss Otis has a perfectly valid excuse, as she is about to be hanged for gunning down her two-timing boyfriend. Her disappointment at missing lunch is quite understandable in that
The violent gangster Al Capone had lots of time to regret not paying his tax bills, after the Feds managed to send him to jail for 11 years on 5 counts of tax evasion. Not surprisingly, Al died of apoplexy. Incidentally, I've paid all of my taxes, before you ask.
The best-laid schemes of mice and men often get ploughed under. Burns' brother Gilbert claimed the poet composed the poem ('To a Mouse') while still holding the plough. But then Gilbert also claimed that Robert was shy and awkward with women... Some regrets are larger than others. Nobody in history ever said, "I wish I had spent more time in the office," or "I regret making my fourth wife sign a prenup just days before I won the lottery." Most regrets by definition involve the past. "Thinking of the days that are no more" caused Queen Victoria's Poet Laureate, Alfred Lord Tennyson, to shed "idle tears, wild with all regret." Reading poetry can make you a nervous wreck, stick to newspaper articles is my advice. Trust me, you won't regret it.
INCREASE IN SEA TEMPERATURES IS BIG PROBLEM The biggest problem that Alicante’s provincial climatologists are warning of is the increasing temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea. Jorge Olcina, director of the Climatology Laboratory of the University of Alicante, said that after verifying the "pre-summer" records in the province, the temperature of the sea this week is already, around 25 degrees, which represents an increase of three degrees over the normal temperature in the penulti-
mate week of June. After just two weeks of heat, the temperature of the Mediterranean sea has reached values typical of the end of summer rather than its beginning. The waters of the sea off the coast of Alicante already reach 23.5º on average, but there are sectors of the coast of Alicante, Valencia and Castellón that reach 25º C. “This is the biggest problem we have of climate change. A warm
Additional security for Tabarca in anticipation of 300,000 visits
Mediterranean Sea is one more factor that encourages the development of tropical nights, and that can develop intensity in the rains and increases of atmospheric electricity”, he added. The direct consequence of this, as a result of the warming due to climate change, will be that most of the nights during the months of July and August will be tropical, that is to say that the temperature will not not drop below 22 degrees.
This task is being carried out in collaboration with the Local Police which has a specific Unit that maintains permanent surveillance of the island throughout the year. Security functions will be carried out from the Main Post of the Civil Guard of Santa Pola.
Security has been boosted on the Island of Tabarca due to the forecast of some 300,000 visitors in the coming weeks. The Alicante Civil Guard has already begun reinforcing security and will continue to do so until the end of the summer.
The different specialties of the Civil Guard will travel daily to ensure security on the island, guarantee the safety of tourists, as well as the protection of their property during their stay, the immediate response to emergencies that may arise, monitoring of maritime traffic, control and surveillance of underwater activities, recreational activities, events and parties on board vessels carrying passengers, surveillance of recreational boat sports competitions, and protection of the natural environment of the island, which is considered a protected area.
Los Locos beach Torrevieja.
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www.theleader.info VCL - Wednesday 15th June
MONTE MAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB
Monte Mar Bowls Club hosted the play off between Javea Green from the North and Vistabella from the South. There was some very good bowling from both teams but on the day Vistabella come out on top, worthy winners. Well done Vistabella!! INDALO BOWLING CLUB
Sponsored by The Pub, Gran Alacant Insurances, Dialprix,The Belfry,Sunrise Builders and Chippy 2.
great afternoon at Episode Two to celebrate winning the South Alicante Summer league. The food was very good the company excellent.
END OF SEASON LUNCH
A big well done to everyone who contributed to our achievement.
On Tuesday 14th June twenty four members had a
THADER MAKE PLANS FOR NEXT SEASON by Steve Hibberd At a recent CD Thader Rojales AGM, it was announced that although nothing has yet been decided regarding prices for the coming season, a small profit of 767.30 euros was warmly welcomed. As next year is the clubs centenary, a special shirt will be produced to honour this event. Further meetings for club members, will be designed to discuss a variety
After a three years gap we had a weekend competition with our friends from Indalo. We played six rinks of rinks on both days. On the first day Indalo won 10 – 2 after the game we all met at 7pm for dinner at Gran Mundo. The evening went very well everyone enjoyed the food, the conversation was good and the drinks flowed. On the second day Monte Mar won 10 – 2 after the shots were added we were the winners
QUIZ FROM PAGE 14: 1. 'Sonny' Liston, 2. Sofia, 3. It has both the Red Cross and the Red Crescent. 4. Avignon (and the palace of the Popes). 5. a. Banjos, b. Mandolin, c. Guitar, d. Violin, e. Saxaphone, 6. Oscar. 7. Zirconium. 8. Handkerchief. 9. a.
FRIENDLY GAME Monday 20th June we played our second friendly game against San Miguel at home. It was another enjoyable mornings bowling played in lovely sunshine. After the game we enjoyed a chat and a drink in the Tavern, it’s so good to be back bowling against other clubs. For further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website www.montemarbowls.com or email us at info@montemarbowls.com. We are also on Facebook.
Torry appoint coach Gil By Andrew Atkinson Valencia 1st Regional Group 9 SC Torrevieja have appointed José Antonio Gil first team coach following the departure of Jesus Santander. Gil, who arrives at the club from CD Almoradi, will be accompanied by his coaching staff. "The club has informed Jesús Santander and Alejandro Solano of the decision not to continue under their technical direction," said a club statement. SC Torrevieja finished second, behind Atletico de Catral in the 2021-22 season, following promotion from the 2nd Regional last year. "The club wish all the success to both Jesus and Alejandro. SC Torrevieja will always be your home," added the statement. Gil's coaching staff includes Sergio Imbernón from Torrevieja and new addition Juan Antonio Mejías Roca, as a team analyst. Gil and the sports management were presented by president, Cayetano Sánchez Butrón. Gil will link-up with Manu Amores, having previously worked alongside him at CD Almoradí.
Details of players comings and goings, along with general Thader data, will be published in The Leader as and when.
Ian weighed in 16.20kg caught on the pole
It was a lovely weekend and great to see everyone from Indalo. I’m sure all Monte Mar bowlers will look forward to the return match at Indalo next year.
Last Saturday, the closing ceremony for the season took place for the Jennifer Colino Rhythmic Gymnastics Club in which the 120 gymnasts took part. The spectators gallery was absolutely packed as onlookers enjoyed the exhibition put on by the girls, in a club that continues to grow both in students and in vastly improved results. Councillor for Sports of the Torrevieja City Council, Diana Box Alonso, congratulated the Torrevieja Club for its magnificent sporting achievement this season as she then wished the gymnasts good luck in the forthcoming Spanish Championships. Head coach, Jennifer Colino, said that she was very satisfied with the season’s results: silver and two bronze medals in the 2022 Spain Championship, in addition to achieving numerous Autonomous and Provincial Champions at the different levels.
It is hoped that Valencian FA will soon finalize details of how Preferente divisions will be formatted, before next seasons fixtures can be published.
This week Carp-R-Us fished their postponed Spring Cup and their annual Pairs Cup at the El Bosquet complex. The weather was again very warm with a light breeze making conditions quite comfortable. The Spring Cup was won by Ian Brown from the often unfancied peg 33.
by twenty shots and won the cup.
Jennifer Colino Rhythmic Gymnastics
of issues.
CARP-R-US
PAGE 21
using corn. Second, on peg 18, and continuing his recent good run of form, was Roy Dainty with 14.57kg caught on the pole. Third, fishing for the first time after a long absence, was Dave Sutton. Dave used feeder tactics to take 10.70kg from peg 36, Fourth was Willy Moons who also used the feeder for 10.55kg from peg 25.
more than one pair had the same points. In the end three pairs scored four points, Willy Moons and Dave Sutton, Steve Higgins and Ian Brown, Roy Dainty and Alan Smith with Steve and Ian just pipping Roy and Alan by 500gms. Well done to all who took part.
The Pairs Cup was a very close affair. It was decided on section points then total weight if
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.
Swimming, b. alpine skiing, c. ice hockey, d. figure skating. 10. An acre. 11. a, Billy the Kid, b. Buffalo Bill, c. Calamity Jane. 12. Lee Harvey Oswald. 13. Level. 14. The Mini or Morris Minor. 15. Luna (Luna 2) 16. The Tin Drum, 17. Germany (7 mill), Italy (5.3 mill), GB (5 mill),
Ireland (4.7 mill), Hungary (4.3 mill), Canada (4.2 mill) and Russia (3.4 mill) source 'The World Almanac And Book Of Facts 1989' 18. Leo Sayer (all dayer), 19. California (from the Spanish romance "Las Serges de Esplandian"), 20. The Drifters.
SUDUKO SOLUTION
PAGE 22
Monday 27th June - Sunday 3rd July 2022
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LO CRISPIN GOLF SOCIETY Thirty two members and guests competed for the second of the Society's 'Majors' of the year, our Claret Jug. Blue skies and a welcome breeze which developed in the early afternoon, made for almost perfect conditions for golf. The generally good scores reflected this. The fairways and greens were as usual, in generally good condition. The tradition of returning to the Lo Crispin Tavern was maintained, where the day's prizes were distributed and welcome Tapas served. As we were playing for the Claret Jug, there were no divisional prizes. 1st Place and so Winner of the Claret Jug Sarah Haslum with 37 pts off 6 (on count back). 2nd Place - Mark Good 37 pts off 20, 3rd Place - Andy Quinn 34 pts off 12. 4th Place - Ray Moles 32 pts off 6
Costa Blanca Independent Pool League
hear from players how they adapt to them," said Stan. "The Quesada league ran for a few years, and thereafter the Costa Blanca Independent Pool League was formed," said Mick.
N. T. P. on Par 3s - Hole 2 - Sarah Haslum, Hole 7 - Richard Brady, Hole 11 - Andy Quinn, Hole 13 - Steve Carter
"This season everything was in place, following the Covid-19 pandemic disruption, and it was very successful.
Steve also won the prize for the best Guest and those playing for Handicap, with a score of 31 pts off 18.
"There were two divisions and 20 teams, with over 100 players competing," said Mick.
Sarah, Andy and Richard as well as Keith Rennison shared the 2s Pot. Finally, the Free Game Draw was won by one of our Committee members, Ian Stuart.
Keith added: "We appreciate The Leader newspaper for their coverage and hopefully we can attract additional teams for the forthcoming 2022-23 Winter league."
The next game, a Texas Scramble, is at Las Ramblas on 6th. July. Steve Harrington ( Membership and Handicap Secretary)
The AGM for the 2022-23 season is on August 31 at 8pm, at The Olde 9th Bar and Restaurant near Marquesa Golf. The Olde 9th and Guardian Anti Piracy Barriers are league sponsors. Costa Blanca Independent Pool League Committee and sponsors.
Winner of the Claret Jug, Sarah Haslum with 37pts off 6 (on cb)
Mike Probert talks Golf ere on the Costa’s golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
H
https://cbipl.leaguerepublic.com RESULTS:
The Leader chief sports editor Andrew Atkinson was a guest at the June meeting with the Costa Blanca Independent Pool League Committee.
with current chairman Stan West, administrator and League secretary Mick Margeram, and Committee members Keith Oakes and Kim Bryan.
THE Costa Blanca Independent Pool League, based in Quesada, Costa Blanca South, got their 2022 Summer Mini league underway in June.
"The experimental 2022 Mini Summer league started in June, with nine teams competing.
Formerly Quesada and District Pool League, the league was formed in 2012,
PLAYING GOLF IN HIGH TEMPERATURES
"We are trying some new rules out during the summer, ahead of the 2022-23 Winter league and we are interested to
The opening Division One fixtures in the Costa Blanca Independent Pool Mini Summer league saw Happy Days Nearlys return a 6-3 away win at Pines A. La Hacienda A chalked up a narrow 5-4 win against The Dogs. Happy Days Excellence also returned a 5-4 win against Pines B. Flagger's had a walkover against Bar Principals A.
Remember that thirst is the last sign of dehydration not the first
the opportunity to wait in the shade but don’t hold
Heading into July we can well and truly state that the HEAT of summer has arrived in Spain and there are some simple things that all golfers should do to prevent problems in the summer months , namely:
Drink plenty of fluid particularly water and sports drinks which replace the minerals that your body loses as you sweat.
Although you may feel weary keep up with
If possible avoid playing golf in the early afternoon between mid day and 3pm.
Try to eat something when playing because you will use energy as your body works hard to keep you cool.
Always apply sun block to exposed areas of skin and try to wear a hat to avoid sunstroke.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us: The deals shown in the table are some of the best prices currently available to you: Course Price Comments Alenda €134 2 Green Fees & Buggy Alicante €82 2 Green Fees & Buggy Altaoana Village €95 2 Green Fees & Buggy Altorreal €80 2 Green Fees & Buggy (Holes 10-18 played twice) Bonalba €90 2 Green Fees & Buggy
Campoamor Don Cayo (Altea) El Plantio El Valle Font Del Llop Hacienda Del Alamo La Finca La Marquesa La Serena La Torre Las Colinas Las Ramblas Lorca Lo Romero
€136 €90 €82 €45 €112 €47 €65 €52 €110 €45 €60 €97 €78 €50
Avoid drinking alcohol which de-hydrates you more quickly.
If you get the chance on the way around take
2 Green Fees & Buggy 2 Green Fees & Buggy 2 Green Fees & Buggy Single Green Fee 2 Green Fees & Buggy Single Green Fee Sgl Green Fee Single Green Fee 2 Green Fees & Buggy (3.30pm) Single Green Fee Single Green Fee (from 4.30pm) 2 Green Fees & Buggy (2pm) 2 Green Fees & Buggy Single Green Fee (From 1pm)
up play when doing this.
the group in front and remember the quicker you play the less time you will be exposed to the sun and high temperatures. If you follow these few simple steps you will avoid problems resulting from playing golf in extreme weather conditions in the hot summer months.
Mar Menor New Sierra Golf Puig Campana Roda Saurines Villaitana Levante Villaitana Poniente Villamartin Vistabella
€50 €82 €98 €115 €47 €80 €58 €115 €112
Single Green Fee 2 Green Fees & Buggy 2 Green Fees & Buggy 2 Green Fees & Buggy (1.06pm) Single Green Fee Single Green Fee Single Green Fee & Buggy 2 Green Fees & Buggy (2pm) 2 Green Fees & Buggy (1pm)
DEAL OF THE WEEK: Roda Two Green Fees & Buggy for only €110 after 1.06pm. For Bookings/info Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting reference LEADER or tel on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931
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PAGE 23
M U R CIA ‘Spain’s BEST golfing destination’ WELCOME TO MURCIA
and there is a superb bus service to almost everywhere in Spain and taxi’s are readily available.
The Hotel Juan Montiel offers it’s guests a multitude of sporting and leisure activities
STANDARD OF LIVING: The cost of living in Murcia is now comparable to that of the UK in many respects but eating out and fresh food are still exceptionally good value in Murcia. GOLF COURSES: The region of Murcia is blessed with a selection of 16 superb courses suitable for all standards of golfer designed by many of the world’s best golf course designers such as Jack Nicklaus, Dean Putman, Dave Thomas , Seve Ballesteros and Manuel Pinero to name a few and offer a variety of golfing experiences such as the typical resort style with lakes, large bunkers and undulating greens to those based on more of a desert style with rocks and waste areas.
GEOGRAPHY: Murcia is located in the south eastern corner of Spain covering 11,000 sq km has 45 municipalities with one million inhabitants located between the Valencian region to the north and Andalucian region to the west on the Mediterranean sea and has a saltwater lagoon called the Mar Menor with excellent beaches. CLIMATE: The climate is dry and hot in Summer and mild in winter with temperatures varying from 11 degrees in winter to 40 degrees in summer with an average of 18 degrees and Murcia has 320 days per year of sunshine, the most in Spain. LANGUAGE: The standard language is Castellon Spanish as taught in UK schools but English is spoken widely in the region. GETTING THERE: The region is serviced well with two international airports based at Corvera near to Murcia city and Alicante which is a one hour drive. GETTING AROUND: The region of Murcia has an excellent network of motorways and main roads linking all the major town and cities and relatively cheap car hire and the highspeed rail links have improved dramatically in recent years
Designed by Dave Thomas, Altorreal Golf is characterised by it’s sloping greens
The oldest courses in the region are the North, South and West courses on the La Manga Resort under the shadow of the superb 5* Hotel Principe Felipe and host to numerous celebrity and professional golf tournaments for many years. The well documented Jack Nicklaus trail of golf courses including El Valle, Hacienda Riquelme, La Torre and Saurines de La Torre are located close to the RM-19 Autovia de la Mar Menor motorway and offer a mixture of resort and desert style golf. Situated close to the Mar Menor beaches are the superb courses of Roda, which is one of the best manicured courses in Murcia and located close to the Hotel 525 which offers play and stay packages and La Serena which boasts 16 holes with water and just inland the resort style course at Mar Menor located next to the 5* Hotel Caleia. Further to the south of the region are the courses of Lorca, Hacienda del Alamo and Alhama which is the Jack Nicklaus signature course and located on the outskirts of Murcia city is the beautiful Altorreal golf course which offers in many ways an English style golf experience.
On a similar theme the Residences at Mar Menor and the Roda Golf Apartments offer apartment style accommodation for those with a slightly smaller budget or those that prefer a more relaxed style holiday and again offer stay and play packages.
rest days away from the golf course in Murcia and Cartagena the region has cities of great historical significance but also well served by commercial shopping centres such as Thader, Nueva Condomina, Dos Mares and Espacio Mediterraneo and the beaches on the
THINGS TO DO FOR NON-GOLFERS OR ON REST DAYS:
Mediterranean Sea and Mar Menor are sec-
For the non-golfers in your group or for your
and mountains where you can find wild boar.
ond to none while inland are national parks
HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION: Murcia is not only a tourist destination but a residential area for many other nationalities that have made this region their home so there are an abundance of apartments and villa’s available for rent in addition to the excellent 4* & 5* hotels such as the Hotel Felipe Principe, Hotel Caleia, Hotel Double Tree Hilton, Hotel 525 and Hotel Puerto Juan Montiel located close to the golf courses in the area and offering golf packages on a stay and play basis.
BOOKINGS AND RESERVATIONS: Michael Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services has lived and worked in this region of Spain since 2004 and is the author of a published book called ‘Golfing Guide to Murcia’. He runs a successful golf agency business and can cater for all your golfing needs here in Murcia. Enquiries and bookings can be made by visiting www.costa-blanca-greenfees.com or e-mail to info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or by telephone on (0034) 966 70 4752 or (0034) 661 345 931.
PAGE 24
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