The Leader Newspaper 22 May 23 - Edition 972

BRINGING ELEGANCE TO CARDENAL BELLUGA

n 1890, all ofNew York Cityis excited because the widowedand brassy Dolly Levi is in town. She is currently seeking a wife for grumpy "half a millionaire" Horace Vandergelder. It becomes clear, however, that Dolly wants to marry Horace herself. She travels to Yonkers, New Yorkto visit Horace.

Horace tells his two clerks, Barnaby Tucker and Cornelius Hackl, that he is about to getmarriedbecause "It Takes a Woman" to do all the household chores. Dolly comes to Yonkers and sends Horace to the city.

Cornelius decides he and Barnaby need to leave Yonkers. They go to New York and on seeing Vandergelder in the street, they duck into a Hat shop run by Irene Molloy, and her shop assistant, Minnie Fay. After evading Vandergelder at the hat shop, they decide to take the two ladies on a night out in New York.

Cornelius wants to get a kiss before the night is over. The clerks have no money to hire acarriage. They then tell the girls that walking to the restaurant shows that they have "Elegance".

Cornelius, Barnaby and their dates arrive at the restaurant. They're not aware Horace is also at the restaurant. Cornelius is scared of being caught. He tells the ladies he and Barnaby didn't have any money all along. Ireneknew the two men pretended being rich. It all ends up in carnage. Studio32 Musical Theatre Company’s show, ‘Hello Dolly’ will be performed at the Cardenal Beluga Theatre, San Fulgencio, from Wednesday 31st of May to Saturday 3rd of June.

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Any group who book ten or more tickets for the Wednesday or Thursday night performances, will get a 2 euro refund on each ticket on production of their ticket receipt at front of house on the night of the performance. Don’t miss out on this offer. You can also turn up on the night and purchase a ticket at the door.

The more tickets they can sell, the more they can give to local charities. Since their inception in 2013 they have contributed over 40,000 euros to local charities.

To book tickets online for the show please visit the website www.studiothirtytwo.org email: tickets@studiothirtytwo.org or call Linda on 679 062 272.

For those of you unsure of how to use our system you can call into The Post Box in Dona Pepa, or Quesada Tech where someone will be on hand to assist you with booking tickets.

You could also come along to one of our rehearsals at Casa Contenta, Rojales, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:30pm and 9:30pm where someone will be available to assist you.

Crescendo International Choir

Crescendo International Choir performed a concert at a new venue on May 15,raising more than 200 euros for ADISMON,a Spanish charity that helps disabled children integrate.

The new venue was the School of Music and Culture in Los Montesinos.Hopefully,this will be the start of a successful relationship between this school and Crescendo Choir.

On Saturday,June 17,the Choir will perform its final concert before summer break, at the Club,in Quesada.

Some of the songs performed at its most recent concert were the beautiful Prayer of St.Francis,with a solo by tenor Robin Myers,I Say a Little Prayer,made popular by Dione Warwick and the well-loved Spanish song Amapola.

When Parents Get Old.......

Let them grow old with the same love that they let you grow ...

Let them speak and tell repeated stories with the same patience and interest that they heard yours as a child ...

Let them overcome, like so many times when they let you win ...

Let them enjoy their friends just as they let you …

Let them enjoy the talks with their grandchildren, because they see you in them ...

Let them enjoy living among the objects that have accompanied them for a long time, because they suffer when they feel that you tear pieces of this life away ...

Let them be wrong, like so many times you have been wrong and they didn’t embarrass you by correcting you ...

LET THEM LIVE and try to make them happy the last stretch of the path they have left to go; give them your hand, just like they gave you their hand when you started your path!

The Story Writer

Who is the story writer – who tells of woe and pain?

The one who wounds precisely – like now – and then again. From blood to ink, then eye to heart, the circle never ends; the written word conveys the hurt – and never makes amends.

One of Europe's leading horse women Emma Tytherleigh, who formerly showcased her talents in Horse & Flamenco shows on the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida regions, talks exclusively to Andrew Atkinson in another Leader Exclusive.

Horse trainer Emma, currently in Salzburg, Austria, heads to Vienna in June in the star studded Cavalluna show.

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For its finale,the choir sang a medley of songs from the musical Les Misérables.

For more details about the choir or upcoming events,please see crescendo-choir.com.You can also follow the group on Facebook at CrescendoTorrevieja or email: info@crescendo-choir.com.

The choir would be delighted to have more singers,especially basses. Rehearsals take place at Rincon de Miguel in Los Montesinos on Mondays between 17:45 to 20:00.All singers are welcome!

Who is this scary writer? And does he have a name?

Or is he here inside us? There’s no one we can blame. He has that strange ability, to wound and sometimes maim; and doesn’t seem to care at all - just leaves us limp and lame.

He makes us think, he makes us laugh, he makes us want to cry; Been doing it for centuries, while we were born: then die. And through us all, he writes it down, records it, truth or lie. And some day one will read it out - that’s maybe you or I.

The writer’s craft has struck, again - the magic’s always there. That ability to strike within – but who knows when - or where? He strikes by day, by night, in bed or sitting in a chair, writing for me, for you, for them; the writer doesn’t care.

He writes for black, he writes for white, he writes for old and young The writer scores by word of pen – he doesn’t use the tongue. For tongues can wag, and not wag straight; the written word is meant for heads and hearts – it’s written down – the magic must be sent.

So if you can, just write it down – see what the process brings? It might be good, it might be bad: like cabbages or kings. Who knows where it will take you, as blood flows through to ink? Might build you up - or knock you down – perhaps just make you think....

JOHN MCGREGOR

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

Dolly and Horace played by Maxine McAleenon and Andy Kirkwood

EMMA TYTHERLEIGH EXCLUSIVE COMING

The Ministry of Health is now drafting the work project for the reform and expansion of the Health Centre in Guardamar del Segura. The budget amounts to 261,955.46 euros.

The work consists of adapting the general access of the centre and expanding the emergency area, as well as the reform and creation of more rooms for consultations.

The works will involve the creation of 2 new family medicine consultation rooms (there are now 7); 2 more nursing consultation rooms, which will be added to the 2 that already exist; 1 more for Pediatrics (there is already one); and 1 additional Nursing consultation room to reinforce the one that exists now.

In addition, it is planned to create a rehabilitation area with a rehabilitator/physiotherapist consultation, two treatment rooms, a gym and changing rooms; a Social Work area and a Mental Health area with a Psychiatry/Psychology and Nursing support

The current Continuous Care Point will also improve with the opening of two more medical consultation rooms; two new nursing consultation rooms and an observation room that will supplement the current one.

In total, the investment to be made in the centre amounts to 6,197,769.24 euros.

POLICE INVESTIGATE ILLEGAL SALE OF SCRAP METAL BY ORIHUELA COUNCIL

The National Police is investigating the alleged illegal sale of hundreds of tons of iron and scrap metal, that the Orihuela City Council has remove from squares and streets, such as lampposts, gates, street furniture, etc. and which has been sold without a contract, without being entered into the municipal accounts.

Many of the items are of a historical nature, that constitute municipal patrimony, and which have been destroyed without any administrative authorisation and without the financial proceeds being deposited into a municipal account.

The facts were denounced by the Partido Popular, which filed a complaint to determine if the matter constitutes a criminal offense. They say they are unable to verify who receives the money from the sales.

The most striking case occurred on March 17, around 1:00 p.m., when a Council vehicle transported scrap to a municipal collection site. The load consisted of a sculptural group of steel palm trees, five metal and copper sculptures that the Muher firm commissioned from the old CAM, which donated them to the council in 2008 on the occasion of the anniversary of the death of Miguel Hernández.

A PP spokesman said they are very rare pieces and could be worth a substantial sum

MEMORIAL

Despite the abandonment of the Orihuela Costa Branch by the District RBL, Eddie Coleman still went ahead and repaired the Memorial Garden

MIL PALMERAS MEMORIAL GARDEN RESTORED FOLLOWING VANDALISM

In late March the memorial garden, that had been established at the Capilla de las Mil Palmeras by the Orihuela and Costa and District Branch of the RBL over ten years ago, and used as a place of comfort and in countless ceremonies during the intervening years, was vandalised for the second time by mindless idiots. On this occasion the plant pots were smashed, flowers stolen and the cross of Jesus Christ was also removed from the memorial stone.

Although the local police were informed in Pilar de la Horadada, they were unable to find the culprits.

Despite the fact that the branch committee of the RBL was removed by the District Committee some months earlier, and a number of members suspended from the RBL, for their criticism of

District, the branch effectively sidelined and unable to meet or carry out any fundraising activities, the former ceremonial member, Eddie Coleman, was so disgusted at the condition of the garden that he set about restoring it to it’s former glory.

Francesca Samper of Pompas Funebres donated a new statue of Jesus, Lords Wood Houses manufactured and donated a new cross and Eddie Coleman spent many hours cleaning up the area, refurbishing and repairing the headstone and reaffixing the cross. Now, the garden and it’s trappings are a truly fitting memorial that can be used once again to honour those who have passed.

Unfortunately, however, the local RBL branch continues to be in a state of limbo, with it’s former officers resolute

LOS DOLSES - ORIHUELA COSTA

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in their view that the District Committee have acted illegally in removing them from office, and more than six months after submitting their appeal, accompanied by independent statements alleging bullying by the District Chairman, Jack Kemp, both the Membership Council, and the RBL Complaints Committee appear to be sitting on the fence, unable or unwilling to make a decision.

Meanwhile, despite paying an annual fee, almost 140 members of the RBL in Spain are still unable to meet as they continue to be without a branch, and more importantly, having raised almost half a million euro in recent years, 30% of all RBL Poppy Appeal income in Spain District North, they are unable to carry out any fundraising activities. It would appear that ‘SERVICE NOT SELF’ is hardly the motto being applied by the charity in this part of Spain.

DETACHED VILLA WITH PRIVATE POOL

Totally refurbished 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, villa with large southfacing terrace.

Airconditioning and heating, all new windows, completely insulated. Underbuild with 2 additional rooms. Garage and access to seperate garden area, part of which is used for bed and breakfast.

OVER THE MOON’S AS PATRICE CELEBRATES 90 NOT OUT

Last Friday Patrice Satur was able to celebrate his 90th birthday at a special party, held in his honour, in Moon’s Bar, Torre de la Horadada, where family and friends toasted the milestone along with the Torre de la Horadada resident. Patrice was born in Burma in 1933, where he lived with his family until 1942, but when the country was invaded by Japan they had little option other than to flee.

After flying to India, Patrice settled in Mussoorie, a hill station in the Himalayas, where he went to boarding school until 1950. In the meantime, his father was killed in an accident in 1944, and his mother remarried in 1950.

In 1951 he moved to the UK where he begin an apprenticeship, specialising in toolmaking. After working as a toolmaker for 10 years, he moved across to quality control on gas and oil pipelines. In 1970 this provided him with the opportunity to travel to Iran where he worked on the fabrication and installation of oil/gas platforms in the Persian Gulf.

Married in 1971 and now with two sons, he travelled back to UK to take up employment with a number of companies on North Sea platforms.

Unfortunately, his wife died in 1978, however Patrice then remarried in 1982.

When his second wife became very ill, he was forced to retire and following her death in 2004 he was able to fulfil his long-term ambition of moving to Spain, which he did in 2005 buying a property in Torre de la Horadada.

It was there that he met his current partner, Diana, in 2006. They have lived together since 2009 and in the intervening years they have spent their time together travelling much of the world. The image above shows Patrice with Diana.

The Exercise finished on Friday when a final briefing was held in Alicante

FOURTEEN NATO SHIPS TAKE PART IN ANTI-MINE EXERCISE

NATO has sailed into Alicante as fourteen ships from five different countries are carrying out anti-mine manoeuvres in local waters Many of the ships spent the weekend docked in the Alicante Port. In total there are currently eight Navy ships operating off the coast, two from the Italian Navy, two from the

Turkish Navy and one each from the France and Greece. A number of other ships are also operating off the Balearic Islands.

Since last Monday they have been participating in "ESP MINEX 23", an advanced mine warfare exercise which is part of the NATO

Euromarfor maneuver

The exercise will continue all this week until Friday, when they will gather in the Port of Alicante for a post-exercise meeting, led by the commander of the Anti-Mine Measures Force (Comtemecom), Captain of the Navy, Javier Ruiz Ruiz de Cortazar.

In addition to the ships, a helicopter (SH60F) from the Navy's Fifth Aircraft Squadron and the Countermine Measures Diving Unit (UBMCM) are also taking part, along with diving units specialised in Mine Warfare with underwater vehicle operation teams, drones from Belgium and the United States and observers from the Romanian Navy.

Euromarfor is a non-permanent Multinational Maritime Force, with air-naval and amphibious capacity, of variable composition. It was established in 1995 by Spain, France, Italy and Portugal to carry out the missions that are contained in the Petersberg Declaration such as: humanitarian missions, peacekeeping, crisis response operations, preventive deployments, maritime patrols, mine clearance and peace enforcement operations.

The command of Euromarfor (Comeuromarfor) rotates every two years among the four participating countries with Spain having commanded the force since September 2021.

Avoid Dustpans if You Can

Ifind myself scouring the skies lately with my powerful contact lenses. I've begun behaving like an escaped jailbird with the law in pursuit. Fleeing prisoners panic upwards.

You've seen it on countless detective dramas -- the malefactor sprints for the nearest stairs or escalator, grain-silo ladder, flat rooftop or -- how clever is this? -- clambers into the highest point of a haystack. Nowadays he might find a needle in it.

It seems to be our misfortune that one virus after another finds its way to our backwater amongst the stars. In terms of the universe, after all, we live in the sticks, the boondocks, the hinterland. Hicksville. Not so much the middle of nowhere as the back of beyond. As far as the Milky Way is concerned, we live in a one-horse town.

Some might say our planet was lucky in other ways -- formed neither too near nor too far from the sun, a location where our star could breathe life into dust. We are stardust, folks. Being told my ancestors were fish, or even apes, I have no issue with, but specks of dust? That makes me feel slightly untidy. Especially in the presence of a dustpan.

The Fermi Paradox is the apparent contradiction between the lack of evidence

for extraterrestrial life and various high estimates of its probability, by scientists, statisticians, lunatics and Hollywood. As Enrico Fermi famously said to his lunch companions in 1950, "Where are they all?" He was possibly looking for a waiter, hoping to solve the E.T. problem in three easy bottles. His companions responded with a Great Silence. They obviously couldn't see any waiters either. There could have been thousands of other civilisations on other faraway planets in other solar systems. It has been suggested that climate change likely spelled their doom. D-OO-M! As they became more advanced, they burnt them-

selves out faster than rock stars often did. How we live is the danger, and the danger is oblivion.

We might have been invaded long ago and many times, but in galactic terms we are not a constellation devoutly to be wished. Any potential space pirates may simply have added us to their charts -- 'small, round, blue' (like some old ladies exiting the hairdresser) -and put their warp engines into reverse, deciding we weren't worth the candle, or whatever power they were using to drive their star chariots, clean energy, I hope.

It is possible that someone mil-

lions of light years away is trying to contact us, but by the time it reaches us, their message is so faint that I would have more of a chance of picking up Radio Luxembourg on my Pye transistor radio in 1956. Some days I can't even get a proper signal for my mobile when I'm upstairs in my mansion.

A final thought. If E.T. and his fellow aliens ever do come calling, I believe we should vaccinate them as a precautionary measure, before we allow them to invade our shores. Who knows how much dust might be under the beds in a long-haul spacecraft?

Gaura or also known as wandflower, whirling butterfly, and bee blossom is a low maintenance perennial that has a long bloom time.

Both its height and spread ranges from 15 inches to 4 feet tall, but most new cultivars are bred to be compact and container-friendly.

Gaura foliage is lance shaped and often tinged with pink, cream, or gold, depending on the variety. Wiry flower stems bear many 1 inch flowers, with four petals each, with flowers in white, pink, or a combination of both.

The heaviest blooming occurs in early summer, but it will have flushes of flowers recurring throughout the summer and into autumn.

Gaura thrives and blooms best in full sun, but will tolerate some afternoon shade, particularly in hot climates.

They are best planted in the spring or autumn, either from seed or cuttings in well draining soil, which is the key to success with gaura. Plant in groups of three or five plants for maximum impact.

Cutting back stems after the first main bloom will encourage a tidy plant and spur repeat blooming.

Gaura thrives in poor soil and doesnít need supplemental flower fertiliser. Too much manure or fertiliser can make the plant floppy.

Water infrequently, but deeply, to help the plants establish their deep roots.

PE TS IN SP TS IN SP AIN AIN

PE

Coco is around 6 weeks old and one of many kittens we have in need of a home. He has been socialised and is a healthy little boy.

Call: 645 469 253

Duggan is a lively, small 4 month old. Fully vaccinated, mircohipped and passport.

For more info

966 71 0047 / 688 792 515

Guara plants are easy to care for, but may be affected by certain pests like aphids. Infestations of spider mites, whiteflies, and leaf miners are less common, but still possible. Applications of soapy water can typically resolve any problems with pests. EMAIL:info@satanimalrescue.com

Los Alcázares, College students road safety

TRY A TASTE OF KATIE

Guardamar based Georgian born dance champion Katie Street has been featured on the label of a new wine!

"We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Taberna

The Mayor of Los Alcázares and Councillor for Youth visited sixthyear students at the Al-Kazar College last week where students were being shown how to ride correctly on their bicycle or scooter, respecting traffic signs and safety. "All the students, from 3 years old to 1st year of Bachiller received the classes on Road Safety from our Police tutor, who does such a good job" said a town hall spokesperson.

de las Encebras for hosting a fantastic event and featuring us on their new AlbariÒo wine label. Soon, you'll be able to try this incredible wine.

"We also want to express our gratitude to all of our friends and customers who made our May 1st celebration a huge success. We loved spending time with all of you, and we hope you won't miss the chance to try this amazing AlbariÒo wine. Cheers!," said Katie.

80 Pétanque Courts Restored in Torrevieja

The Councillor for Sports in Torrevieja, Diana Box Alonso, has announced that after being neglected, a total of 80 pétanque courts located across the municipal area have had restoration work now carried out.

Diana Box has explained that these remodelling works have been carried out through a contract of 48,400 euro (IVA included) having been the execution period of two months.

The 80 remodelled courts are in: Plaza de Las Abejas, Plaza Argólidas, Plaza de Europa, Plaza de la Marina Española, Plaza Mar Azul, Plaza Sevilla, San Roque

neighbourhood and those that are installed in the Las Torretas urbanisations, Cabo Cervera, Los Balcones and La Siesta.

HOLLY BANNIS RENEWS TRIBUTE SHOW CONTRACTS

SINGER Holly Bannis returned to the UK to renew her contract for Tina Turner and Whitney Houston tribute shows after a visit to Murcia to see her dad, former Hot Chocolate lead singer Greg. "It’s been just over a year since I’ve been touring with these two incredible shows as the lead of Tina and Whitney!," said Holly.

Holly,who rose to fame after appearing on TV talent show Starstruck,said: "I’m delighted to announce I shall be continuing this journey a while longer,having renewed my contract with both shows.

"I have seen parts of the country and abroad I have never seen before,performing at some spectacular venues,places I always dreamed of!. "Thank you to my amazing team and cast and all those involved,we work so hard.I can’t thank everybody enough for making me feel worthy."

A column simply oozing with bad taste …

There is ëbad tasteíand there is ëpoor tasteí; there used to be such thing as ëgood tasteí, but it appears as if there is less and less of the latter in todayís society.

I suppose there may be a category covering ëno tasteías well. Anything goes in todayís world and one of the things which has gone into hiding is ëa bit of taste.í

The word ëdisgustingíis a very strong word and one I donít believe we have used previously in YCBS. A former Garda Commissioner used the word unwisely onetime, but I feel that a majority of you will agree that its inclusion is well justified here. Read on please Ö

Old world sensitivities are just that; old world. Disrespect when addressing those in authority; crass rude comments and the hateful stuff posted on social media, are all just par for the course.

(Note we havenít used the word ëdisgustingíyet ñ but it is coming.) Alot of basic standards of decency have been eroded in recent years.

Etiquette is something to be made fun of and itís almost as if points are being awarded for blatantly doing the opposite to what was once expected.

I have heard some dreadfully inappropriate speeches by the best man at

NEWS IN BRIEF

weddings in recent years. Stories that might be OK for me and the Lads in the pub, but certainly poor taste for a mixed gathering at a family event. Being funny is one thing ñ and we all can enjoy a bit of mirth, but too often ñ and fuelled by froth or bubbly and the feeling of being the most important man there, wedding guests are forced to listen to tasteless and indecent tales about the bride and groom.

We can all be guilty sometimes ñ or at least I can, of inadvertently saying the wrong thing in bad taste, or doing something unbecoming. The quick quip that you know is disastrous as soon as it clears the tongue. The best advice when this happens is just to shut up and not try for damage limitation.

I had the great honour of sitting next to the legendary Billy Rackard at the Texaco Sports Awards of 2001 (I think). Billy was accompanied by his lovely daughter, a veterinary surgeon. I wonít indulge in further name-dropping, by telling you who else was at our table ñ as well as Mrs Youcantbeserious.

Hurling was naturally the main topic of conversation, and the fact that Wexford werenít doing particularly well got a mention early on. Around this stage of our chat, Billy men-

tioned that he had five daughters. ëWasnít that an awful pityí, sez this clown Ö and I can still see the expression on the faces of the seven other people seated at the table! Aquick, witty remark that is genuinely funny, can carry a little ëoffcolourílanguage, or even the ëF wordí, but the person forcing it, or relying solely on sarcasm, will quickly drift into the realm of poor taste. Everything you hear on the radio or see on TVisnít necessarily in good taste any more. With ever more programme presenters taking calls in real time this is understandable and an occupational hazard.

There have been some horrible TV adverts over the years, but none as bad as the one that is our main focus here. There has been ëpoor tasteí, ëbad tasteíñ but this one is disgusting.

Awoman is sitting on the toilet bowl, bare legs and bare knees spread apart, as she espouses the necessity for females to purchase the tampon she is using. This has to be the most tasteless advertisement of all time. If you havenít seen it, we wonít go into any detail of what she is saying Ö but you get the picture. Now, and before a sizzling sister lambasts me for being sexist and

screams that I should get fired, let me quickly add that if there appeared a TVadvert of a bare-kneed man, straddled on a toilet bowl, exalting the advantages of a certain toilet roll, and explaining how nothing would be left to chance with one wipe Ö you can picture it yourself Ö I would be equally disgusted! The only difference would be that there would have been an outcry long before it got to this column. Bad taste seems to be more acceptable in some quarters. Obviously there are advertising agen-

cies out there who believe that the impact of bad taste will force the viewer to remember the brand and buy the product.

On the other hand, it has been shown that bad or discourteous driving by trucks emblazoned with the name of a product, has changed peopleís attitude to purchasing that brand.

I hope it is the same when it comes to a disgusting TVcommercial Ö

DON’T FORGET

Advertising is the science of arresting the human intelligence long

Mobile services and Pay TV rank highest in satisfaction

The Competition watchdog has published findings on user satisfaction for household services, with mobile phone and Pay TV ranking highest, and with energy companies at the opposite end of the satisfaction scale.

67.1% of users are satisfied or very satisfied with the mobile Internet access service and 65.2% with the mobile telephone service. Electricity comes out as the worst valued service, with dissatisfaction of 22.2%.

135 YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR BRITISH PAEDOPHILE IN MADRID

The Supreme Court has sentenced a 33-yearold British man to 135 years in prison for distributing photos and videos on a paedophilia forum of about thirty girls whom he cared for in their family homes, or who he taught to English at a college Madrid.

He was sentenced for 41 crimes of pornography in total. The man had previously been convicted of child pornography in England in June 2016, but changed his name prior to moving to Spain.

SPANISH WATER RESERVE NOW AT 51.3% CAPACITY

The Spanish water reserve is at 51.3 percent of its total capacity. The reservoirs currently store 28,775 cubic hectometres (hm?) of water, finally increasing in the last week by 242 cubic hectometres (0.4 percent of the current total capacity of the reservoirs), with still a long way to go to make a significant difference to the drought situation.

Segura is at 34,1%, Júcar 59,7% and Ebro 53,1%

TWO EURO TO GO TO THE FLICKS (FOR PENSIONERS)

On Tuesday, the Government will approve a program that will allow those over 65 to go to the cinema on a set day for only two euro. The announcement was made by the PM Pedro Sánchez, and will, be introduced by over 90% of cinemas across Spain". He said that the move will encourage the elderly "to go to the cinema, providing support to a very important sector of our cultural activity."

THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES

On Wednesday night. 10th of May to be precise, the Emerald Isle played host to 140 people out for dinner and some entertainment…Stevie Spit has just finished his warm up spot and everyone is tucking into their fish. When one customer stands up and says “I bet your all worried”

Then another lady across the room, also eating, stands up and says “We were worried” Then a third stands up and joins the first two in chorus. “We’re worried about Vaginas”

American women, Hispanic women, Asian women, Caucasian women, Jewish women.

The Vagina Monologues is taken from the experiences of over 200 women

At first women were reluctant to talk. They were a little shy, but once they got going, you couldn't stop them. Women secretly love to talk about their vaginas. They get very excited….The Vagina Monologues was a way to bring some awareness to cancer and encourage women to examine themselves regularly.

74-YEAR-OLD PENSIONER SHAMES TORREVIEJA COUNCIL

So that's how this started – talking to women about their vaginas, Doing vagina interviews, which became The Vagina Monologues. It's the experience of over two hundred women, older women, young women, married women single women, lesbians, corporate professionals, sex workers, African

It was also a chance to raise a few euros for two cancer charities. The AACC and MABS. Two very different charities. The First AACC which targets Prevention and The Second MABS which specialises in the care of people that have cancer already. The evening raised E700 which was split equally in two, with both charities getting E350 each.

Whilst shed loads of taxpayers’ money are spent on the futuristic La Siesta Park the surrounding San Luis, La Siesta and El Chaparral communities are sinking under discarded rubbish, litter, dog dirt and weeds. Much the same can be said of Torretas I, II and II.

Such is the neglected appearance of these once showcase areas that long-term La Siesta resident 74-year-old Gary Oliver felt he had little choice but to personally do the council’s work for it by clearing and collecting weeds from outside his home in Calle Ravel.

The situation is even worse in San Luis's Avenida Abanto, a vital road that serves all three communities. The once splendid dual carriageway is now an eyesore blighted by overgrown weeds, broken pavements and kerbs.

The pensioner has the support of other residents in demanding that Torrevieja council pay attention to the entire community not just their grandiose developments.

New Domestic Routes planned from Corvera

High-Speed Train, as well as direct flights to Barcelona.

Fernando LÛpez Miras, President of the Region of Murcia, made the announcement confirming that the routes will be formalised this week.

Corvera Airport will have new domestic routes from November, with Madrid offering competition for the newly inaugurated AVE

So from November the Airport will have two round-trip connections a week with both cities, "once the administrative process has finished", the president indicated. The measure to connect Murcia with Madrid and the city of Barcelona was raised by numerous business leaders due to "the deficient AVE service provided in the Region". The PPleader, who is also standing for reelection, therefore announced, "connections with Madrid are recovered after more than six years".

Mícheál Walsh

Left to right Susie, Michelle & Eileen.

Princess Leonor graduates from Welsh ‘Hogwarts’

After passing her final exams, Princess Eleanor, on Saturday, celebrated her graduation from the UWC Atlantic College of Wales. The heir to the Spanish throne received her Baccalaureate at a ceremony that was attended by her parents and her sister, the Infanta Sofía, who all travelled to the United Kingdom to be with her on her important day.

The Palace, Casa Real, shared two images of the event. A more formal one, with Eleanor posing with the King, Queen and the Infanta Sofía in front of the castle of St. Donat's, dubbed the 'Hogwarts Hippy' by the English press, and another more informal one, of the four cosying up together, all looking very relaxed.

Following the graduation ceremony, Leonor returned to Spain with her

parents and her sister. But she will only be able to relax for a few weeks, prior to entering the General Military Academy of Zaragoza. Meanwhile Princess Sofía will replace her sister at the UWC Atlantic College, as she starts out on her two year Baccalaureate course in September.

Torrevieja’s ‘Cinderella’ robber jailed after losing shoe at scene

The Civil Guard has arrested a man for robbery with violence and intimidation at a shop in the middle of Torrevieja business.

The arrested man threatened the worker with a large knife as he stole over 500 euros. However, during his escape he lost a shoe which served to identify him, when arrested, just three hours later.

Using video footage taken at the scene the police were quickly able to identify and arrest the man, a 30 year old of Spanish nationality, who was known to them as being responsible for numerous previous offences.

Asearch was then carried out at the detainee's home. Inside the house, a shoe that corresponded to the one he had lost in the robbery, as well as the knife used to threaten the shop owner, were both found, in addition to the 540 euros that was stolen from the shop.

The detainee, was charged with the crime of robbery with violence and, together with the evidence recovered, was made available to the Investigating Court No. 4 of Torrevieja, who ordered his detention pending trial.

Eleanor posing with the King, Queen and her sister, Sofía

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 971

QUICK QUICK

ACROSS: ACROSS: 1 Bankrupt; 5 Idea; 9 Solo; 10 Pinnacle; 11 Maybe; 12 Operate; 13 Powerlessness; 18 Religion; 19 Clap; 20 Shallow; 21 Jemmy; 22 Lees; 23 Pressure.

DOWN: DOWN: 2 Avocado; 3 Knobble; 4 Prisoner of war; 6 Decease; 7 Ageless; 8 Infers; 13 Perusal; 14 Welfare; 15 Regale; 16 Nucleus; 17 Stammer.

CR CR YPTIC YPTIC

ACROSS ACROSS

1.Ban (11)

9.Reproach (7)

10.Theatrical set (5)

11.Relieved (5)

12.Promote (7)

13.Tell (6)

15.Assassin (6)

18.Evict (4,3)

20.Intended (5)

22.Ingenuous (5)

23.Topography (7)

24.Unprotected (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 DOWN

2.Flowing garments (5)

3.Accumulator (7)

4.Commanded (6)

5.Savour (5)

6.Comprehensive (7)

7.Oversee (11)

8.Strident (11)

14.Stealthy (7)

16.Profligate (7)

17.Motionless (6)

19.Corpulent (5)

21.Accumulate (5)

ACROSS: ACROSS: 1 Inaction; 5 Maid; 9 Stun; 10 Striking; 11 Broom; 12 In state; 13 Blamelessness; 18 Outright; 19 Mint; 20 Hearten; 21 Yemen; 22 Rita; 23 Perished.

DOWN: DOWN: 2 Natural; 3 Conform; 4 Outside chance; 6 Animate; 7 Degrees; 8 Missus; 13 Brother; 14 Attract; 15 Exists; 16 Numbers; 17 Sincere.

1.Plays a capricious part? (4,3,4)

9.Attack a seaman, we hear (7)

10.Topless specimen showing plenty! (5)

11.Tyre pattern needs a bit of smart readjustment (5)

12.Give an interpretation of obsolete unit of weight? (7)

13.About one with guardian getting the prize (6)

15, 14Dn and 20Ac. Rank outsider could well be! (6,7,5)

18.Confines within bounds rotationally, we hear (7)

20.See 15 Across.

22.He won't work part of the bagpipe (5)

23.State in which I will always take precedence (7)

24.They earn present marks at school (11)

DOWN DOWN

2.Asect disposed to social distinction (5)

3.More reliable plumber (7)

4.Violent types - you'll find them in disorder (3-3)

5.Hold tight when the sprag breaks (5)

6.Dissect a mole up in a phial (7)

7.Teacher takes exception to the geniuses (11)

8.The principal sources from which larger flowers develop (4-7)

14.See 15 Across.

16.Gas-bag (7)

17.Climb to the top of Cotopaxi in the Andes, maybe (6)

19.Steward ever so disturbed by the end of the voyage (5)

21.Chemical coming from a hole in the ground (5)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 21)

1.What is the largest pachyderm in the world?

2.What is the only country in the world with the Bible on its national flag?

3.The name of which Principality, formed in 1278, is thought to be derived from 'al Darra', the Arabic word for forest?

4.Which famous song, which includes the phrase "I'd love to turn you on", was banned by the BBC from airplay in 1967 claiming it could "encourage a permissive attitude toward drug-taking"?

5.According to the human rights organisation Freedom House, what percentage of the worlds population live in countries with a free press? Plus or minus 10%

6.Henry Ford kept the last breath of which inventive man in an enclosed test tube?

7.What is the dot over a lower case i or j called?

8.Which insects get their name from an ancient superstition that they crawl into the ears of sleeping people?

9.The 1922 film 'Nosferatu, A Symphony of Horror' was the first film about which person?

10.Plus or minus one second, what is now the world record time for restoring a Rubik's cube at an official competition?

11.The following are national or state mottos.For each motto, identify the country or state:a:Dieu et mon droit (French, 'God and my right').b:Pro mundi beneficio (Latin, 'For the benefit of the world').c:Mir wëlle bleiwe wat mir sinn (Local language, 'We wish to remain what we are').d:

Liberté, égalité, fraternité (French, 'Liberty, equality, fraternity').e: L'union fait la force (French, 'Unity makes strength').f:Patria o muerte (Spanish, 'Homeland or death')

12.What is a 'Wobbegong'? a.An Appalachian idiophone, b.A bat like creature in Harry Potter books.c.A carpet shark

13.Who is the only Woman on Forbes' list of the 50 Highest-Paid Athletes?

14.According to the IAEO, name the 5 countries in the world with the most nuclear reactors.

15.Name the British band or singer that released each of the following albums.a.New Boots and Panties!! (1978).b.Atom Heart Mother (1970).c.12x5 (1964) (pronounced "twelve by five").d.A nod's as good as a wink to a blind horse (1971).e.Jesus of Cool (in the UK) Pure Pop for Now People (in the USA) (1978)

16.What do people suffering from TRICHOTILLOMANIA have a sometimes frustrated impulse to do?

17.What are the top 5 countries in the world with the longest life expectancy.

18.The following words are from songs with the word 'Train' in the song title.Can you name the song? a.It was 9.29.b.He takes me to a movie or to a restaurant.c.Get your bags together, go bring your good friends too.d.The next stop we make will be England.e.We'll have time for coffee flavoured kisses.f.Wrong way on a 1 way track 19.Porto flip, Green Hornet, French Connection, Jack Rose and Panama are all examples of what?

20.Although the answer may sound fishy, according to the UK science journal 'Biology Letters', Atlantic and Pacific herring communicate with each other by using which faux pas?

ACROSS ACROSS

TIME FOR THE PRE-SUMMER TYRE CHECK

need to replace the tyres immediately. Its performance will not be optimal on the road, increasing fuel consumption, and, more importantly, reducing the functionality which, in turn, increases the risk of an incident. In Spain, there is a legal limit for tyre wear, which is measured by checking the tread. If the depth is less than 1.6 millimetres, you should not drive. Not only do you expose yourself to suffering a mishap, but the authorities will end up fining you. Along with this, try to check that the tyre has no visible tears, cracks or cuts. Use your hands to feel all around the tyre, including the inside of the wheel, hidden from view. Also check that the tyre is not discoloured or has spots on its surface, or unusual bulges and flank holes, another danger sign.

Make sure you are aware of this, and even try to park in a cool and shaded place first, remembering to allow the tyres to cool down if you have driven there.

Prior to the summer, and despite the drought the country is feeling, rain may still play a part, for which the tread and depth are crucial for maintaining traction on the road surface. If, or when, it does actually rain, the roads become particularly slippery after a long dry spell, so extra attention to driving is paramount.

The tyres are the most abused element of a vehicle and must be checked on a regular basis. Because of their abuse, in constant contact with the road, faults and deflations are commonplace. Although they should be checked regularly, at least monthly, we understand that most people don´t, but we do really encourage you to

do so at least before any long trip, and seasonally, such as now, just before summer starts.

It is important that you verify that the pressure is adequate and that the tread of the tyre is not degraded. Pay attention to the wear indicators, which are cross bars in the grooves of the tread. If the mark is exceeded, you will

If you are in any doubt, you should contact a qualified tyre-capable workshop to check your tyres, such is their importance.

Remember, in Spain, if a fault is detected in one of the tyres, the tyre on the opposing side of the same axle must also be replaced. When we do get to summer, heat poses a problem for tyres, and the pressure must always be checked when the tyres are cold, so the hot weather can give false readings.

Whatever the weather, if you are going on a drive carrying extra weight than usual, whether that is in the shape of human passengers or luggage, make sure your tyres are able to carry the load first, and then that they are properly inflated for the load you are carrying, which might be different to normal.

All of the data is in the user manual of your car, and most modern cars now have an information plate, usually attached to a door frame, giving tyre information, but, again, if in doubt, check with a qualified mechanic. Finally, don't forget to check the spare tyre, if your vehicle has a spare wheel, which also must be in perfect condition and properly inflated.

The Church of JESUS

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

Join us at the SALTCHURCH

Sundays at 10.30 am. We are a friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship. Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, PolÌgono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. We look forward to meeting you. www.Saltchurchspain.

Facebook SaltChurchSpain

International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, TorreviejaEvangelical non-denominational church. Sunday service 11a.m.; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11a.m.

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

The Car of the Month at AUTOMOVILES CRESPO

is a 2021 Ford Focus ST-Line

X Petrol Automatic which is priced at just 25,500 euro. Come along to our large showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. See page7. We can assure you of the biggest and best in the area for price, choice and quality.

ENGLISH SPOKEN

Los Alc·zares 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.

COMMUNITYCARE ASSOCIATION (CCA) is an Association that caters for residents of Orihuela Costa over 60 years of age. It facilitates the provision of fair and adequate social facilities for everyone. It is located at the Centro Civico Alameda del Mar. Open 3 times a week for a programme of English speaking activities, support, information and advice with the support of Orihuela Council. Anyone wanting to join CCAsocial activities, learn Spanish, to paint, watercolours or acrylics can pop along where you will be welcomed by volunteers. We are open between 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: communitycare@gmail.com

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50ís. 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 RAFACosta Blanca RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the RAFAand the RMG is via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk.

Gitte the Accidental Councillor

Torrevieja Socialists promise to tackle your complaints

Having recently reported on your opinions about much of the decline of some areas of Torrevieja, and the complaints about the waste disposal situation in the town, this week, The Leader presented these problems to the opposition political groups to ask what direct action they would take to tackle the problems affecting real lives, rather than, as one reader put it, ìgrandioso projectsî.

As the chance to choose the future lies in your hands, The Leader spoke to the current councillor for International Residents in Torrevieja, Gitte Lund Thomsen, who has helped far too many people to contemplate in the last four years and may no longer be able to carry on in the role, depending how those votes are cast.

As almost an accidental politician, this is her story, in her words.

In 2018 I had some very bad experiences with the town hall in Torrevieja. My son was going to football and the sports centre was falling apart. We had the theatre shut, lots of events cancelled. The May Fair transferred to October, etc.

I thought this could be done better and I realised that Torrevieja had been better before. When I worked as a real estate agent, I was very impressed with Torrevieja. I loved selling houses in Torrevieja, because Torrevieja was a place where you had a certain spirit. Now in the middle of August the beach was closed because of a lack of lifeguards, and businesses were closed. I realised that the change for the bad had entered when the five-party government had taken over. I started going to town hall meetings. I liked the party in opposition, and I liked the leader, Eduardo. Very quickly, through chance, sud-

denly I was a councillor.

Eduardo is the experienced politician and then we have a team of people who are specialists in their field. Many of us do not have a political background. We have the headmaster from the school Ciudad del Mar, Ricado Recuero to run education. Then we have the former Olympic handball player Diana Box to run sports. Then we have people who have years of experience working in the town hall. This year we have a new candidate number four on the list Rosa Cañón who is an experienced doctor, and she is brought in to help us get our hospital and health service back on track.

In Spain you vote for a list and not for a person. The councillors enter according to what number on the list they are. Many people have reacted because I have gone from position number 14 to position number 15.

Eduardo has assured me that he is very happy with the work that I am doing in Torrevieja.

To vote at the elections 28th of May they had to declare before 31st of January this year. But it is a good idea to express a wish to vote now. In 2024 they will then have the opportunity to vote for EU-parliament on the 9th of June.

Gitte had much more to say. You can read the full interview on the website, theleader.info

Barbara Soler, mayoral candidate for the PSOE, was quick to answer the specific questions put to her, and offer her, and her parties plans to tackle the issues.

The first question was based around actions to directly improve the conditions for those living in the urbanisations. ìMost of the residents live in areas with accessibility, maintenance, security and cleanliness problems. The Socialist Party proposes establishing participatory budgets with projects based on the different residential areas so that the residents themselves decide how to invest in their neighbourhoods. In addition, in all neighbourhoods it is necessary to fix pavements, parks and public spaces. We also want to increase security by creating neighbourhood police officers and providing these areas with basic sports infrastructures, such as calisthenics machines or tracks, and a network of social services and progressively other municipal headquarters outside the city centre. In this way, we would avoid that the citizens of the urbanizations have to travel to do sports or any administrative procedure, taking into account the problem of traffic saturation in the centre and the lack of parkingî.

ìIt is equally necessary to improve communication: services and advice on various matters must be offered in different languages and the communication channel with the local administration must be facilitated so that residents can

convey their opinions, concerns, and suggestions to the local government. Thus, we could work together to address the problems of the municipality and improve the quality of life of citizensî.

We also asked about the waste disposal situation, as we have had numerous complaints about dustbins moving far away from where they were, dustbins that are difficult to open for the more frail residents, green waste bins disappearing completely, etc, to which the response was clear, ìThe garbage collection contract must be reviewed since almost 25 million euro are paid per year, a quarter of the entire municipal budget, and everything is still dirty. The change in bins is not conducive to cleanliness and side-loading bins are sometimes too heavy for older people to pedal, so they leave the rubbish outside. It is necessary to take measures aimed at cleaning the entire city urgentlyî. You can read the full interview on theleader.info.

SUEÑA TORREVIEJA PLANS FOR A MAJOR EXHIBITION VENUE

Having previously teased in an interview with The Leader that the project would be published soon, SueÒa Torrevieja released details of their plans to build a major exhibition and concert hall for the town, which will be able to hold concerts, congresses, fairs, and events, with a capacity for 15,000 people.

Pablo Samper, candidate for mayor of SueÒa Torrevieja, said that "there are many demands and suggestions from residents of Torrevieja that haave suggested the possibility that Torrevieja could host international level events, while also respecting the harmony with the residents of the areas adjacent to the concert areas".

In addition, Samper points out, "that in recent activities, many shows by local artists and events such as carnival galas were short of tickets to meet the great demand of people wishing to attend, so with this venue there would be no problem to host them."

This enclosure located in the plots annexed to the Official School of Languages, would also give the possibility of having a specific place to develop fairs, congresses and exhibitions of all kinds at an international level, something that does not exist in Torrevieja which currently has to use venues that are not suitable, such as the auditorium hall or the Sports Palace, which also causes cancellation of training and competitions for many days.

"This would be the case, for example, of the ComarCON, which takes place in the Palacio de Deportes and that in this way would mean achieving a growth of visitors, as well as having all the facilities for its celebration".

Samper concludes by stating that "the venue would also be prepared for the use of international sporting events, in the style of the Wizink Center in Madrid, and would put Torrevieja in the international spotlight as a sports reference venue".

The Story of the Councillor for International Residents

Torrevieja PSOECandidate, Barbara Soler

Gitte campaigning with Eduardo Dolon

500 attend Orihuela Ciudadanos rally

The PSOE candidate for mayor of Torrevieja, B·rbara Soler, has blamed the current mayor, Eduardo DolÛn, PP, for the delay in the rehabilitation works of the IES Libertas school, which, rather than being simply a political campaign message, is something the socialist candidate can speak of with personal experience, as she had been a teacher in the school before embarking on her political career. Soler has stated that until now, she had decided to keep her teaching work separate, but since the condition of the centre is a sensitive issue, that affects teachers, parents and students, it cannot be tolerated for Eduardo DolÛn to say without blushing, that "since the Conselleria has not taken charge of fixing the educational centres, the City Council is going to do it through the Edificant Planî. Currently, there are delays with

the refurbishment of several centres in the locality depending on the Edificant Plan of the Generalitat Valenciana. This plan consists of the autonomous government providing certain budgets to the municipalities, to reform and rehabilitate their educational centres.

For the Conselleria to approve the requests, it is necessary to attach a series of supporting documents showing the necessity of the works and a value report that is elaborated based on public economic modules to be applied in each specific case. These values change depending on several factors, such as the variation of the prices of the materials or working hours. When new modules are approved, they are published.

The first time that the plenary session approved the delegation of powers was on February 12, 2022, but the Conselleria warned

Torrevieja council that the values that had to be taken into account in the value report had changed months ago. That is, there had been a change in the economic modules but nobody in the town hall had noticed it.

The issue was not brought back to the committees until October 21, when the opposition, again, pointed out that there had been another modification in the evaluation criteria, and that the report being presented was therefore already obsolete. This caused it to be withdrawn from the agenda of that ple-

P.I.O.C. - A Party of Hope for the future of Orihuela Costa

You do the Voting - We take up the Struggle

Because of it’s abandonment by successive administration’s going back many years, Orihuela Costa has had its image, as one of Spain’s Crown Jewels, severely tarnished, sewage on beaches, overflowing dustbins, dirty streets, a lack of basic infrastructure and amenities.

We doubt that there is a Municipal Council in Spain as inefficient and as clumsy as the one in Orihuela. But is it just inefficiency or is there something more?

We hear regular examples of companies failing to be paid for month after month, often resulting in them building up severe debts; there is no money for materials to repair our roads, vehicles are being driven without insurance; it is impossible not to be suspicious. Abandonment, apathy, neglect, and shame are just a few of the comments that residents of Orihuela Costa make about the management of the Orihuela Council, with one serving councillor telling PIOC, that there will never be any major expenditure on the coast because it is not in the interest of Orihuela’s politicians.!

However, nothing could be further from the truth because, as the population is expands, it will not be too long at all before the COAST

is bigger than the rest of Orihuela combined. Legislators are beginning to get nervous, and in the fullness of time victory will most certainly be ours.

But as we look ahead to the coming weekend, 28 May and the Municipal Elections, Orihuela Costa is in a fight for its very future, with PIOC taking on the challenge, as the only real party for the coast, of battling for your future.

With the smoke and mirrors, the fake promises, being rolled out almost every day of the week by our adversaries, many established politicians are fighting for their very futures, so they will say anything to secure your vote. Of course they want to retain their prized possession as well as the many financial benefits that they will inevitably accrue, but don’t be fooled by these false promises; judge them on their previous performances and when so doing, remember; Orihuela Costa is in it’s worst condition ever. Just look around, potholes in our roads, abandoned children’s playgrounds, littered streets. Same old record, going round and round and round!

But even though the coast is at a low ebb, P.I.O.C. can offer you hope amidst these political and economic instabilities, because right now, as a result of all this mismanagement, by bringing together a bit of 'people power’those with real commitment, energy and pas-

nary session.

Finally, an attempt was made to approve it in the plenary session at the end of January, but Eduardo DolÛn was not in the town hall at that time, and the corresponding delegation was not made so that the deputy mayors could act in his name, so the commissions prior to the plenary session were annulled by law.

The delay in the approval of these works accumulated by the mismanagement of Eduardo DolÛn, was 356 days meaning an important cost overrun of e 800,000.

The Ciudadanos candidate for Mayor of Orihuela, José Aix, continued with his electoral campaign, in La Lonja, on Saturday, at a rally attended by 500 supporters.

Once again his emphasis was on the Orihuela historic city centre, stating that it is “a place we all treasure but that we are letting die; so, we have to review the Special Plan for the Historic Centre to provide solutions", as well as “completely revising the Catalog of Protected Assets that provides legal recognition that historical buildings in Orihuela need”.

It was only when Luisa Boné took to the stage that there was any mention of Orihuela Costa, when she spoke about the work he has carried out to improve services and infrastructure on the coast.

Orihuela Costa.

The growing discontent is evident in all districts of Orihuela. The lack of services, infrastructure and maintenance resulted in P.I.O.C being formed, to apply pressure on the government to accept its responsibilities, sadly that has not been forthcoming, therefore P.I.O.C decided to register as a legal political party, to campaign for segregation, independence from Orihuela city, to manage its own district affairs as so many surrounding Orihuela Costa have done successfully.

La Murada, a village north of Orihuela, formed an Association to campaign for segregation in 2004, almost 20 years ago, we know other villages have intentions to segregate from Orihuela.

P.I.O.C will support their cause as neighbouring villages have helped us with information and advice about their successful segregation, gained independence.

sion, anything is possible, a real window of opportunity, because more of us than ever want change.

P.I.O.C. is not left of centre, nor is it on the right. It is absolutely where it wants to be, in Orihuela Costa, fighting for our town and the enhanced wellbeing of it’s residents.

P.I.O.C - A party of hope – A party for the future – A party that will justify your vote on 28M

P.I.O.C GOES INTO THE HEARTLANDS OF ORIHUELA

In addition to speaking locally, P.I.O.C is going into the heartlands of Orihuela this week, because of the growing discontent as it meets with the residents of villages surrounding the

The following P.I.O.C. - Info Presentations will also be held at the venues listed:

Tuesday 23rd May 17.00h at the Lucky Lion bar at Lomas de Cabo Roig

Wednesday 24th May 13.00h at the Emerald Isle, La Florida

16.00h at Leeson St, Los Dolses

17.00h - Plaza de la Iglesia – Torremendo

Thursday 25th May 9.00h. The street market at Aquamarina Cabo Roig.

1600h The Lime Bar Via Park lll

1700h Centro Civico Alameda del Mar –

Orihuela Costa

Friday 26th May 17.00h - Emergency Centre La Zenia (by Consum)

Political Commentator and Broadcaster Ramon Fuste, PIOC candidate for Mayor

Soler Blames Dolón for IESLibertas School Refurbishment Delay

Barbara Soler

GRACIA WANTS COSTA TOWN HALL AS CULTURAL CENTRE

Optimising resources to provide new areas and services to the residents of Orihuela Costa is one of the objectives of the PSOE program according to the Mayor of Orihuela, Carolina Gracia, who is running for re-election, as she responds to the needs and demands of the residents.

Among the proposals, she wants to turn the town hall in Playa Flamenca, into a cultural and multi-purpose centre that includes a study room, a children's library and an assembly hall. This was announced in a meeting with representatives of AVCRL, Tomás Moreno and Unai Villanueva, on Wednesday.

This option, she explained, involves relocating all the municipal services offered at the current town hall to the Emergency Centre, located on Avenida Miguel de Cervantes, a building with 4,700 square metres".

This will enable, "all different administrative services to be unified in the same building, in addition to facilitating plenty of parking."

Gracia said that this allows residents "to have the facility they are demanding on the Coast."

She also spoke of a need to implement the "Plan Costa Orihuela" for the maintenance of infrastructures across the entire municipal government that includes a gradual increase in the budget of 10% in each year of the mandate.

In addition, Gracia proposed carrying out a shock plan with the remnants of the City Council's budget, which "could start immediately."

The mayor also promised to increase the urban solid waste cleaning and management service, with a 40% increase in the number of employees by 2027, as well as the creation of an eco-park and an improvement plan for pruning collection.

She spoke of improvements to the beaches with a subsidy of 2 million euros through the Next Generation funds of the EU and an improved transport network.

In all the document featured 35 specific proposals for the coast, "which is still open to new additions by virtue of additional suggestions and ideas that we are collecting in meetings and personal contributions", she concluded.

PARTIDO POPULAR PROGRAMME & TEAM FOR ORIHUELA COSTA

On 16 May at La Glea beach, Campoamor, ttended by a large crowd, the Popular Party, supported by C.L.A.R.O, presented its programme for Orihuela Costa and the team for its implementation.

The atmosphere was vibrant and positive. The consensus of opinion polls is that the Popular Party will win the Orihuela municipal election on 28 May and will form the next government. The interest in the programme for Orihuela Costa was therefore heightened.

Since a key element in the programme is the re-establishment of the position in the government of Councillor for the Coast but this time with a budget, the presentation of the team to implement the programme was met with much interest. The programme is the most detailed and complete for the reform of services and improvement of the quality of life of residents of the coast that has been seen. There are nearly one hundred proposals.

They range from realisation of the much demanded multi-use Cultural Centre in a prominent site close to

La Zenia Boulevard with a modern concept Library, a second Health Centre, construction of the decades awaited footbridge over the AP-7 motorway to ensure the safety of pedestrians at the danger point of Lomas de Cabo Roig, completion of the 16 kilometre continuous coastal path from Punta Prima to Mil Palmeras, to improvement of the maintenance of parks and gardens and road and pavements.

There will be a radical reform of the street cleaning and rubbish removal service which will include an eco park for the deposit of solid waste next to the new site for the Urban

street cleaning and rubbish removal work force centre at Pau 26 and improvements in the collection of garden waste.

There have been many apparently attractive programmes for Orihuela Costa from many different political parties in the past. The difference this time is not only that the PPis predicted to head the government after the 28 May election but that there will be a major structural reform in the government of Orihuela Costa.

The Councillor for the Coast to be appointed will be Raul Fernandez a resident of the coast. He will be

supported by a team consisting of three people who are on the Popular Party candidate list, all residents of the coast. Most prominent will be Antonio Cerdan, President of C.L.A.R.O. Also of importance is the presence of Sonia Huertas, candidate in 2019 who has worked conscientiously for the coast for the past 4 years.

C.L.A.R.O will campaign for a Popular Party government knowing that the chances of the coast electing even one councillor will be made impossible this year, since Brexit will reduce the previously important number of British eligible voters. The number of non-Spanish eligible voters in the whole municipality has dropped by 30% to just over 3,000.

With this ambitious development programme, the prospect of governing and a strong and able team of Orihuela Costa residents to implement the programme, C.L.A.R.O is convinced that this election will be a game-changer and that the reforms and improvements for which we have been campaigning for 16 years will at last become a reality.

Cambiemos promise better social care

Cambiemos Orihuela is putting social care at the forefront of it’s policies in the Municipal Elections, social rights at a local level in a City Council that protects care, fights inequality and looks toward improving well being. Among those launching the manifesto in Orihuela’s Plaza de la Salud were candidates, María García Sandoval and María Menárguez, together with the VP of the Generalitat, Aitana Mas.

Sandoval explained that "although there has been an increase in social policies on the part of the Generalitat, many have not materialized in Orihuela, due to the lack of political will. She said that "we have a Council that that has no desire to strengthen social rights and understand that public policies that are key to improving people's lives."

VICTORY IN LINEA DIRECTA C ofC’sELEVATES BONSOR TO ELITE CLUB

Richard (Freddie) Willey & Gary Thorpe who had scored a 5 on the last end of their semi final to get through. Chris & Jason proved too good winning the title for the third time and becoming the First Pair to go “Back-to-Back”

The Mixed Pairs saw Monte Mar entering the winning circle with a great performance from Lyne Armitage and Neil Crawford defeating the Bonalba pair of Dennis Wright & Judy Branson.

In the Mixed Rinks Phil Goble, Gina Hindle, Steve Hindle & Dave Eades of Monte Mar took on Greenlands’ defending champions Sue Bosworth, Graham Shoots, Andy Miles & Dave Morrison, after a seemingly customary slow start the Greenlands quartet fought back hard and overturned the early deficit, becoming only the second Rinks team to go “Back-toBack”

BY PETE BONSOR

Hosted by Greenlands, this Year’s CofC’s produced some great bowling, unearthed some great new talent and provided several possibilities for history to be made.

The morning of Saturday the 15th got the first 4 finals underway.

First up was the Ladies Pairs final where the strong Emerald Isle pair of Sabrina Marks & Mary Dyer took on San Luis who were represented by Caroline Smyth & Mary Lockley.

Caroline was one of 10 competitors looking to retain the trophy from the previous Year.

The final winners were Sabrina & Mary.

The Mens pairs saw Holders Chris Brazier & Jason Prokopowych from Quesada take on the Vistabella pair of

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL STAR MARTA SIDELINED WITH INJURY

By Andrew Atkinson EXCLUSIVE

Former Spain

International women's football star Marta Peñalver has been sidelined after suffering a Interior calf rupture.

"In February in the league game against LBTL,I felt my knee turn like never before," said Marta. Marta,who returned to Spain after a spell playing in Italy,joining Galicia based club Poio Pescamar, this season,said: "At no time did I think I was going to deal with an injury that would take me away from the field for so long."

San Javier,Murcia born Marta,said: "I have tried to return and hold on to that part of me,that has always believed.

"But it could not be.It's inevitable,I'll have to have an operation and have accepted it."

Marta,set for an operation in May,said: "I do not fear for what will come.I have millions of examples to follow.

"Now I only think of living this new process,with the strength and determination with which I would like to characterise myself."

NEXT WEEK P2 of The Leader Exclusive interviews with Marta Peñalver.

In the afternoon it was another three competitors defending their Mixed Triples Title. Anne-Marie Gerrard, Drew Gerrard and Colin Lindgren from the Emerald Isle fought out a hard game of high-quality bowling against Peta Rhodes, Lisa Bonsor & Pete Bonsor from Greenlands. The Greenlands trio got over the line and denied the Isle from retaining the title. Sunday morning it was time for the Blue-Ribbon Singles events. In the Ladies Jan Parsons from La Marina took on the relatively inexperienced Bonalba lady Belinda Archer. At the start it was difficult to ascertain which player was the most nervous, however the match proved a real contest and a crowd pleaser. Played on rink 8 the spectators really played a part and both ladies produced some excellent bowling. Congratulations to Jan Parsons who was the eventual winner of a superb game.

Finally, the Mens event, Pete v Pete!

Greenlands Pete Bonsor took on Peter Whitehall from Country Bowls. The score did not reflect the game as

Whitehall ensured Bonsor had to pull out some great shots to deny Country Bowls becoming the first “Club” to produce different “Mens” Winner in consecutive years.

The result was also a personal milestone for the Greenlands Player entering him into “Elite” company as a winner of the Big Three singles titles in Spain! The Spanish Nationals, The Valencians & The CofC’s a feat only achieved twice previously, by Russell Marks & Peta Rhodes.

Thanks must go to John O’Brien for his excellent co-ordination of the entire event, all volunteers, markers, the owners of Greenlands Sports for the use of their superb facilities and most of all the hoards of spectators who turned up to support their relative club.

TORRY CROWNED CHAMPIONS!

Coach, José Antonio Gil has lead SC Torrevieja CF A to the title of the Valencia 1st Regional G8 following a resounding 5-1 win against CF Atlético Algorfa.

Torry went on a run of victories in the second half of the 2022-23 season that saw them thwart Pinoso CF A to become champions.

Following a free kick by Cristian, talisman striker Hucha dribbled past the Algorfa keeper, to slot home to level at 1-1 on 44 minutes.

Hucha gave Torry a 2-1 lead 10 minutes into the second half, completing his hat-trick on 71 minutes from the penalty spot, after a foul on Lukitas.

Lukitas was amongst the goals to wrap up champions elect Torry's victory in their wonderful promotion campaign.

ESQUINA PARK RANGERS RETAIN MOJACAR LOS AMIGOS CUP

Esquina Park Rangers Quesada, travelled to Mojacar on Saturday 13th May to compete in the Los Amigos Walking Football Charity Tournament.

As the current holders of the competition, last played in 2021, Esquina were especially keen to retain the trophy.

Six teams were involved from the Almeria region & also one team from the UK Esquina, hoping to add to there vast collection, Won their five games, scoring a total of 14 goals & only conceding 3...

A Great team effort from all the players..

If you are interested in joining the Esquina Park Rangers Football Team , please email esquinaparkrangers2018@yahoo.com

Pete Bonsor with Jan Parsons

What a Hair-Raising

swing!

DONALD TRUMPTOLD REPORTERS ìIt's great to be homeî as he arrived at Aberdeen Airport in 'Trump Force One' and headed to his Trump International Scotland Course in a 10vehicle motorcade to cut a red ribbon and break ground on the new Macleod course ñ dedicated to his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born on the Isle of Lewis before emigrating to the US. Martin Hawtree, golf course designer, has been commissioned once again by Trump to work his magic and build ìone of the great golf courses in the worldî (Not another one) The Chief of the Clan Macleod can relax, The Donald is not aiming to be Lord of the Isles, his sights are set on higher things.

THE 2023 PGACHAMPIONSHIPheads to Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y. this month. Oak Hill's historic East Course, host of three U.S. Opens, three PGAChampionships and a Ryder Cup has undergone a major facelift. When Jason Dufner won the PGAat Oak Hill in 2013 it was overgrown with the mature trees that gave it it's name. Their removal has allowed for significant fairway expansion ñ although Dr. John Williams, one of the original members, who took up botany as a hobby. and was personally responsible for planting over 75,000 trees all over the Oak Hill property from acorns, would probably not approve.

Justin Thomas will be trying to retain the

Wanamaker trophy he won last year. He erased a seven-shot deficit at Southern Hills, shooting 67-67-74-67 for a 5-under-total. He then defeated Will Zalatoris by one stroke in a threehole playoff. Chile's Mito Pereira, who was leading by one on the 18th, hit his drive into a water hazard, found the rough on his third shot, then chipped over the green, suffered a doublebogey and ended up in 3rd place. He has since decamped to LIVGolf.

AFTER WINNING THE MEXICO Open at Vidanta, his 6th PGATour title, Tony Finau moves up to fourth place behind Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm and Max Homa in the FedEx Cup standings. Since winning the 2022 Houston Open last year Finau has been rising steadily up the rankings. At Vidanta with a final round 65 he beat close friend Rahm, who turned in a 4 under 67 to finish in second place. Brandon Wu's challenge faded after a costly double bogey at the tenth. The result was the opposite of their battle a year ago, when Rahm finished a single stroke ahead of trio Tony Finau Brandon Wu and Kurt Kitayama.î Finau said. ìWe practice quite a bit together and any time I can beat Rahmbo it's great!î

ALTHOUGH THE WELLS FARGO Championship will see the world's top players heading to Quail Hollow this month two top players won't be there. Jon Rahm and Scottie

LA UNICA GOLF SOCIETY

On Monday 15th May La Unica golf society played their second game at El Plantio golf course. There was some good scores but the overall winner was Pete Cleaver with 39 points and runner up with 36 points was Chris Sloane. NTP’s 7th Linda Lynch 9th Barry Wilson, 14th Russ Todd and 18th Pete Cleaver. Afterwards all the players went back to Unica for some food and the presentation.

Scheffler have opted to take a break.. Players on the PGATour are allowed to skip one elevated tournament a season, although If they miss more than one they suffer a 25% deduction in theirPlayer Impact Program (PIP) earnings, dreamt up as a way of rewarding players who "Generate the most interest in the PGATour.î In April Rory McIlroy took time out and missed the RBC Heritage four months after he skipped the Sentry Tournament of Champions, which meant losing 25% of his PIP money (around $3 million) which would have annoyed Mrs M if she had her eye on a new kitchen, as Peter Alliss once famously remarked. The WM Phoenix Open, the RBC

LA MARINA GS

Font Del Llop Golf Course was where the members of the La Marina Golf Society played for the Founders Trophy. The course was in excellent condition and the greens were as tricky as usual, nevertheless, some high scores were achieved especially from our female members.

In third place with 36 points was Louvain Smith, two Ladies Elspeth Mc Davitt and Sarah McCabe both had 42 points and on countback first place went to Sarah therefore winning the Founders Trophy, which was presented to her by Club Captain Iain Lyall.

The nearest the pin winners were Sarah McCabe on hole 3, Dave Freeman on hole 8, Paul Saxton on hole 12 and Louvain Smith on hole 16. Sarah was also the winner of the two's pot. Well done to the day’s winners.

SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION

QUIZ FROM PAGE 14:

Heritage, the Wells Fargo Championship and the Travelers Championship have been upgraded to Elevated Events with a prize purse of 20 million dollars, in an attempt to match LIV Golf's challenge.

The decision is thought to have been inspired by a player-only meeting headed by Tiger Woods, after which Rory McIlroy announced "We need to get the top guys together more often than we do.î Unless, of course, they need a break.

UNTILNEXTTIME: HAPPYGOLFING. Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. 638 859 475 or visit https://mickthegrip.blogspot.com

1.African elephant.Pachyderm means 'thick skin'.2.c.The Dominican Republic.

3.Andorra.4.A Day in the Life, (Beatles, from the album Sgt.Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band).5.14%.6.Thomas A. Edison.7.Tittle.8.Earwigs.9.Dracula.

10.3.47 seconds.Yusheng Du at the 2018 World Championships.11.a:United Kingdom.b:Panama.c:Luxembourg.d: France.e:Haiti.f:Cuba.12.c.A carpet shark.13.Serena Williams who earned 45,3 million USD in 2022.14.USA (92), France (56), China (55), Russia (37), Sth

Korea (24).15.a.Ian Dury and the Blockheads.b.Pink Floyd.c.Rolling Stones.d.The Faces.e.Nick Lowe.16. Pull their hair out (hair loss from a patient's repetitive self-pulling of hair).17. Hong Kong (82.9), Macao (82.6), Iceland (81.7), Japan (81.6), Norway (81.6) 18.a. Last train to London (ELO).b.Morning Train (Sheena Easton).c.Peace Train (Cat Stevens).d.Love Train (O'Jays).e. Last train to Clarksville (Monkees).f. Runaway Train (Tom Petty).19.Cocktails (specifically with brandy or cognac).20. Farting

Bill Leaves guaranteed a Lads point with a 0-2 win over Debs de Grys, the 2nd leg a 54 out. Willis got the better of an in form Terry David 2-1, the Lad finding 3x100 and a 97 out.

Dalton got Lads over the line with a 2 ton 0-2 win over Ruiz 125, for 2-7. Bryan Livsey and Sharon Frain were Freakies other winners, Paul Green gaining Lads 8th.

FALLEN ANGELS V LEESON ST. TROTTERS

RESULTS 18 MAY - WEEK 9

DIVISION 1

El Capitan8-4CC´s Bees

Tipsy Toad Toppers5-7Hub Hyenas

CC´s FlyersP-PMind the Gap

DIVISION 2

Fallen Angels3-9Leeson St Trotters

Freakie Taverners4-8CK1 Lads

Danny´s Bar6-6Milo´s

DIVISION 3

Hub Hellraisers7-5Angel Delights

Pint Depot Queens7-5Domino´s Desp’dos

CK1 Ladybirds8-4Tipsy Toad Tiaras

LEAGUE TABLES

DIVISION 1 P Pts Legs

Mind The Gap81466

Hub Hyenas91262

El Capitan91055

Tipsy Toad Toppers9850

CC's Flyers8743

CC´s Bees9132

DIVISION 2

Leeson Street Trotters91568

Ck1 Lads91362

Milo´s91055

Freakie Taverners9645

Fallen Angels9547

Danny's Bar9547

DIVISION 3

Ck1 Ladybirds91774

Tipsy Toad Tiaras91158

Angel Delights9751

Domino's Desperados9853

Hub Hellraisers9747

Pint Depot Queens9440

HIGHEST CHECK OUTS: Paul Moody Mind The Gap (155) T20-T19-D19, Ben Kernahan El Capitan (108)

T20-16-D16, Andre Wing Hub Hyenas (98)

20-T18-D12, Terry David Ck1 Lads (97) T17-10-D18

180’s: Mark Ellis (8), 18/5 Lee Maiden & Steve Tilley

DIVISION 1

EL CAPITAN V C.C. BEES

60 tons or more in this clash, Caps edging the 3 figure scores and all 3 ton plus finishes. They came via Vycka Bobinas 116 in the pairs, Olly Walker 114, and Ben Kernahan 108 both in the singles. Bees won the triples 1-2, Paul Tollafield and Liam Lumb obliging, but all three pairs went to Caps, each however needing 3 legs. The best of these Bobinas's 116 out, 2x100,122, partner Ed. K's contribution 2x100,140,

opponents Reg Christopher 100,121,125, 160, Lumb 87,98,D2 out.

Lumb 2x100,121 beat Chris Logan for 4-3, followed by a Bobinas 2-1 victory over Tollafield, Bobinas recording 4x100,125,135. Arold K. made it 6 for Caps, Reg C. returning 2x100,116,127 but no outs. Walker sealed victory over an impressive Jeff Saunders, Kernahan meriting a POTM with 2x100,140 and his 108 out for 8-3.

Ed K. 100,121,135,140,127 somehow lost the 12th leg to Paul C. 1-2, the latter nailing a 70 and 56 out. Reg C.- POTM.

TIPSY TOAD TOPPERS V HUB HYENAS

Some very good performances in this match, the whereabouts of points undecided until the 12th leg. lt was a game possibly remembered more for interpretation of darts etiquette than the excellence of the players involved.

An unexpected Hub 0-3 advantage was the reward for a Jay Wilkinson D16, an 82 out on Bull plus a 135 from Mark Ellis and an Andre Wing 2x100, 98 out.

Andy Rutter and Phil de Lacy got Toppers on the scoresheet, Rutter nailing a 70 and 75 out plus 3x100, 4x80+. The 5th and 6th legs went Hub's way, Ellis hitting 100,125, partner Dario Sierra 100,140 and 2 outs, Pete Spence 2x140, Wilkinson 2x100 and a 65 out. Andy Gildea 152,100 and Graham Solomans 2x100,120 scoring for Toad.

At 1-5 down it didn't look good for the hosts, skipper Barry Schofield played it right by putting on Rutter then Solomans, both won 2-0 in style, Rutter 100, 2x140,122,2x80+, Solomans 3x100, 2x85+.

Lee Maiden was 3rd in a 3 leg thriller with Wilkinson, the Topper hitting 2x100,180,5x80+ with outs of 70 and 68, Wilkinson forcing the deciding leg. Sierra saw off the challenge of Gildea 116,125 with 100,121,2x140.

Hugh Galloway beat a lively Spence 2-0, the latter hitting 3x100,137,140. The score now 5-6 it was down to de Lacy for the draw, opponent John Eyre now past his best but can still throw a mean arrow. Decent scores from both, but it was Eyre to win and 2 points for the Hub. POTM - Rutter - Ellis

DIVISION 2

FREAKIE TAVERNERS V C.K.1 LADS

Just a D15 from Ernie Willis and 100,140 from Mario Ruiz was all Freakies had to show for a competitive 1st half versus the Lads. Steve's Mullen and M.Dalton helped themseves to 2 apiece the 5th coming from John Crabbe.

Darren Foster 85,100 acquitted himself well in the 1st leg only for Steve Tilly to apparently win single handedly with 180,121,D8 for the opener. Yvonne Rouffignac 57 out and Ken Skinner 100, D16 giving Trotters a 0-3 advantage. With Billy Dolling finding big trebles, partner Mike Tierney D8 and then Graham White reduced the score to 2-3. Tilly making it 2-4 on D10.

Rouffignac increased Trotters lead with a 0-2 win and 2 tons over James Mackay, Skinner getting the better of White 140,111,2x100, the Trotter winning 1-2 with 100,2x140, for 2-6. Foster faced Barry Shingler in the crucial 9th leg, both finding the T20 with regularity, 3x 3 figure scores and 9x 80+, Shingler the winner 1-2.

Two more victories from Tilly (3 tons) and Amanda S. 100,140, concluded Trotters wins leaving Tony Spiers to win Angels 3rd leg. POTM - FosterShingler.

DANNYS BAR V MILOS

Honours shared in the 1st half, Danny's highlights a Lesley Lumb 95 and 54 out and a Bob Smith "showboat" 32 out, D7,D9. For Milos a Fabian 100 and 50 gameshot.

Javi de Gea impressed with a fine 0-2 win over Steve Lumb, The Milo nailing 2x100,140. John Giggs levelled in 3 legs with 100,123, and 7x81+. Jane Wills withstood a blitz of scores from Sam James to win 2-0, the following 2 matches going Milos way through Raul Rocamora 3x100 and Fabian 2x100,125, both 1-2 for 5-6.

This left Mr. Reliable "Smithy" to face Alex Alcazar. Enjoying 1st throw, Smithy banged in 100,140,4x85+ for a 2-0 victory and shared points. POTM - Smith - de Gea.

DIVISION 3

HUB HELLRAISERS V ANGEL DELIGHTS

A nice Sharon Williams 140 and Nikki Dean out, opened this Hub tussle, quickly cancelled by a Carol

By Paul Durrant

Peace D7. A Williams 98 set up a 3 dart out from Steph Knowles for 1-2, Jo Burns D4 making it all square. Williams and Peace finishing the 601 respectively for 3-3.

Williams nudged Delights ahead with her 3rd out and deserved POTM, before Burns levelled with a D15. Peace enjoyed a S19,D5,D15 for Raisers, the "Delightful" Winnie Mackay 93, D19 keeping the visitors in the match. All to no avail as Lesley Dolling and Cheryl McGlynn ensured both points went Raisers way. Peace POTM.

C.K1 LADYBIRDS V TIPSY TOAD TIARAS

A decidedly lack-lustre performance from bothe the top ladies teams this week, the Ladybirds achieving two three-figure scores courtesy of the `Angies`, Mullen (100) and Philpott (110). It was evenstevens at the halfway stage, Lisa Ivill (89, D2), Lesley Eagles (D2) and Simone de Lacy (D4) for the Tiaras and Landlady Kirsty Green (90, 3-D5), Dons Ralph (D1) & Sue Christie (D7) for the Birds. The hosts then duffed up the Tiaras in the singles, taking all but one of them, de Lacy (8-D4) saving face for the visitors. POTM - Dons Ralph, Simone de Lacy. The Tairas despondency turned to euphoria with the knowledge that they have secured 2nd place in division 3, having learned that their two nearest rivals suffered defeats in the penultimate match of the season.

PINT DEPOT QUEENS V DOMINOS DESPERADOS

Queens were well on their way to victory by winning all 3 triples, Maggie Morgan, Rachel Broadhead and Lorraine Cox 105, D16, finding the outer circle. Doms rallied with outs from Dennis Rhodes 90.D2 and Paul Chick 135,D2, prior to a Marie Cummins finish for 4-2.

Chris Oates narrowed the deficit for Despos on D2, before Queens rattled the next 3 for 2 points, via Morgan, Cox ensuring the draw, Cummins 85,96 anda winning double for 7-3. Chick 100, D2 and Dave Oates completed the match for Doms. POTM - Cox

Steve Tilley and his 180