The Leader Newspaper 6 May 24 – Edition 1022

The Valencian Community has banned the use of mobile phones in non-university teaching centres with effect from Monday 6 May. The measure will also include playgrounds and extracurricular activities.

The use of phones will be limited to two exceptions: educational activities under the supervision of teaching staff and specific individual health or other duly justified reasons that must be authorised by the centre’s management.

According to the Department of Education the ban is being introduced to put a stop to the addiction generated by smartphones among students in classrooms, as well as other worrying problems that are currently on the rise, such as bullying, cyberbullying and the decline in the school performance of many students.

The Minister, José Antonio Rovira, said that his department wanted to address one of the biggest concerns of families today, their children's addiction to mobile phones, its negative impact on grades and on social relationships.

The educational community of the province of Alicante has applauded the regional decision although they recognise the fact that its enforcement will be a challenge due to the difficulties in controlling students.

FROM PAGE ONE

MOBILE PHONE BAN

The measure was published on Friday 3 May, in the Official Gazette of the Valencian Community. It aims to regulate the use of mobile devices in educational centres during the school day, teaching hours, recreation time and periods dedicated to the development of complementary and extracurricular activities, respecting the rules of equality and coexistence in operation within the educational centre.

The scope of application of this order is non-university educational centres supported with public funds from the Valencian Community, although it is hoped that private schools and institutes may benefit from what is regulated in this resolution. In the event of possible non-compliance, each centre will establish its own procedure for withdrawal, temporary custody and return of the phones. The resolution also emphasises that

before its removal, teaching staff must ensure that the student turns the phone off as a guarantee of confidentiality.

Rovira said that the resolution " reinforces the role of teachers and their authority in the classrooms." He highlighted the importance of " promoting responsible digital education among children and young people, stating that" this implies establishing restrictions on time, purpose and place of use, both inside and outside educational environments, and this responsibility falls on all members of the educational community.

On behalf of the families, the Gabriel Miró Federation of Parents' Associations (APAS) strongly agreed with the Generalitat's measure, but with an important nuance. " We do not agree that the mobile phone should be used for specific activities because it would create discrimination among students whose family does not allow their child to have a phone," said its secretary, Tonia Terrero.

MUSIC FROM THE

80’S & 90’S IN TORREVIEJA

In an unforgettable trip to the past, full of nostalgia, music and fun, the acclaimed "Musical of the 80s & 90s" arrives at the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja on May 10, 11 and 12 .

With four scheduled performances, this theatrical experience promises to captivate the people of Torrevieja and transport them back to a memorable past.

The musical tells the story of an emotional reunion between high school friends after 25 years, at the opening of the “La Movida del Bacalao” bar. Through their meeting the audience will witness how the passage of time has transformed the lives of these friends, but at the same time, how they remain true to themselves in the depths of their hearts.

“The audience feel that they leave the musical 25 years younger, singing, dancing and happy and that is what fills us with such enjoyment,

and what differentiates this musical from other shows; in addition, of course, to the production and technology that it entails with transparent screens that move throughout the stage,” said director Antonio Martin

With a cast of 12 singers and dancers, the musical features the biggest hits of Spanish and international pop, as well as many summer songs that marked an era in the 80s and 90s. This amalgamation of music and emotions ensures an experience that will resonate in the hearts of all attendees.

It offers impressive transparent LED screens, dazzling lighting, vibrant costumes and immersive sound, the 80s & 90s Musical offers an incomparable visual and auditory experience.

Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the sounds of the 80s and 90s. Tickets through the website: culturatorrevieja.com

Some Institutes already collect phones prior to the start of classes

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

"WEEPING WILLOW"

Afictitious poem of lost love by David Whitney

I went back to a place I knew

Ameadow where wild flowers grew I wasn't sure what I would find

Years after I'd left it behind

But there it was just as before

Just like a carpet on the floor

Of flowers wild and coloured bright Poppies, daisies what a sight

And then beyond the willow tree

Still weeping like it's wept for me

Beside a pond where once we sat You in your summer dress and hat

That shaded your hypnotic eyes

Behind which stored so many lies

We kissed we hugged

We made sweet love

The day warmed by the sun above

I carved initials in the tree I thought our love would always be

And there now etched into the bark I found she'd cut a question mark

Amark I'd never seen before My initials gone for evermore

Now I was old and still unwed

The only love I knew was dead

She'd made her life with someone else Whilst I was left upon the shelf

My bitter tears now memories past I loved her to the very last

Now I would not come back again

The pasture now a place of pain

The flowers now looked pale and sad

Respecting the sweet love I had

The weeping willow weeping still

Forget my love

I never will !

RETURNING FLAMINGOS STAY FAITHFUL TO PINK LAGOON

They're back, for the fifth year in a row. Thousands of pairs of flamingos have arrived at Torrevieja's salinera lagoon to nest. At the moment there are approximately 2,500 couples, located in the lagoon, according to Federico Kenzelmann Area, a salinero and photographer who has been following the unique nesting of the species in the region.

This year's early couples started arriving in mid April and began preparing nests. From the initial 100 their numbers increased to 500 and now they are over 2,500, and growing. The first eggs could hatch on May 20.

The flamingos have always been part of the habitat of the Natural Park of the lagoons of Torrevieja and La Mata, but they had never chosen the wetland to reproduce until 2020. Several factors came together on that occasion for breeding pairs to settle in the lagoon, particularly in the central motte, better known as the pink lagoon, even though this natural space endures enormous human pressure.

While experts saw a future for the continuity of the reproductive colony we then had the pandemic when human confinement coincided with the months of courtship and nesting. Human pressure was minimised in the wetland surrounded by thousands of homes. It was also helped by the cycle of torrential rains that flooded the wetlands of the south of Alicante months earlier, while the drought wreaked havoc in its traditional breeding areas, such as the Fuente de Piedra lagoon, close to Málaga.

The success of that occasion allowed the colony to repeat again in successive years. The determining factor is the pink lagoon itself. Built in the nineties to divide El Charco and protect the production of salt, it now houses one of the main flamenco breeding colonies in Spain.

In addition to common flamingos, some specimens of dwarf flamingo have also been sighted in recent weeks, that last year also nested for the first time in the lake.

The nesting site is isolated from the shore, only with access by the salt company and the natural park. As such, the natural predators of the young, such as boars and foxes, cannot

enter. It is a place where birds are far away and not accessible to human intrusion.

The flamingos have become accustomed to the constant passage and the barges that carry the salt loaded from the harvesting machine to the drying rooms, but they appear not to feel threatened by their slow and heavy movement.

In nearby areas such as Santa Pola and El Hondo they have not been seen to nest in recent years, but the proximity of these wetlands, also those of the salt flats of San Pedro, allows them to diversify their food areas, but for the moment the flamingo chicks will be staying in Torrevieja.

During the last five years the interest in the flamingo and its presence in the saline lagoon has risen sharply. The profile of the bird can be seen on local roundabouts, in institutional advertising campaigns and decorating commercial macrocenters. At the same time the restive pink tone of the lagoon itself has become another tourist claim in a city that tries to flee its own image of massification.

But with the exception of joining in with the wide range of guided tours in the saline complex the sighting of these birds in their middle is difficult - they are several kilometers from the shore.

In addition, it is prohibited by the regulations of the natural park to use the trails around the lake although further north in La Mata there is a center for visitors, with itineraries and viewpoints.

Neither is it allowed to bathe in the pink lagoon, although the City of Torrevieja has come to include in its promotional video material many images of tourists sunbathing on its shores.

INACTION MEANS INEQUALITY

Over the past few years council owned land situated in Orihuela Costa has been sold by the Orihuela Council raising well over 24 million Euros, which has been added to the municipal funds. This figure is substantially less than anticipated, has netted far less than its market values. The land that had been sold was earmarked for various projects deemed important to improve the non-existent facilities of Orihuela Costa.

However, the administration based in Orihuela, being totally blasé about the population living on the coast, decided in their wisdom that the land was surplus to requirements and would raise much needed revenue that could then be invested in new projects in the other districts therefore buying their votes.

Can the long neglected and deprived residents of Orihuela Costa expect that they will see some much-needed council spending being expended on the inhabitants of the coast? If the land sold had been reserved by past administrations for building projects, for the benefit of the community of Orihuela Costa, then surely the money raised by selling off these valuable assets of Orihuela Costa should be spent on

Orihuela Costa.

Well, as can be expected, the coast will be lucky if it sees any of the money, and only if councillors honour long agreed promises about public spending, something that history has shown to be very unlikely.

Councillors from the city who have so far ignored the needs of coastal residents have all had their hands out fighting for their share of this windfall.

The tiny village of La Aparecida, with its small population, recorded by its own Facebook page as 2,500 people, saw the completion of its multi-purpose cultural centre, which ran 700,000 euros over budget, resulting in an investigation by

‘SON IN TROUBLE’ SCAM

The Civil Guard has arrested 102 people in the provinces of Alicante, Barcelona, Girona, Granada, Madrid, Málaga and Valencia, for swindling more than 850,000 euros from 238 victims. Posing as a son in desperate need of money, the group used mobile messaging to

get the victims to make transfers of between 800 and 55,000 euros.

In this police operation, called 'Hiwaso', the Civil Guard has discovered that in the province of Alicante alone 238 people have been defrauded of at least 850,000 euros.

9 Social workers for 1/4 million people

The CSIF union has denounced the precarious situation in the Torrevieja Health Authority in terms of the provision of social workers.

In an area responsible for 228,589 people, there are just 9 social workers available, 2 in Hospital Care and 7 in Medical Centres. The overload means that they cannot reach many hundreds of cases who tend to be people with very limited resources, without family support and who have a language barrier (up to 100 different nationalities). Most are also elderly patients, frail and with multiple pathologies.

the Elche Prosecutors Office. Clearly this tiny village is more significant and important than Orihuela Costa, with its population of 33,500 people, who contribute a hugely disproportional amount of revenue to the income of Orihuela.

And then we reflect on the inequality between the rich and the poor, many of who are relying more frequently on food banks. It is now estimated that there are over 100 families on Orihuela Costa who absolutely depend on them.

This windfall could also be used to fund the welfare system which is practically none existent on the Coast, despite having an ever increasing ageing population; perhaps a day care centre, an Alzheimer's / Dementia Centre, Mental Health Centre, which can include a centre for the disabled, deaf and blind. meals on wheels, home help etc.

Unfortunately the perception in Orihuela is that because Orihuela Costa is a wealthy area it residents don’t deserve such services, despite the selling off of our land and being the biggest contributor to the councils overall revenue. We get the least compared to the rest of the municipality.

Money raised from the sale of Orihuela Costa assets should be spent on Orihuela Costa. The taxpayers and businesses of Orihuela Costa have a right to expect that they have council services hat are at least equal to the inhabitants of Orihuela city with a population equal to the coast.

Make sure you fight for equality and that you use your vote wisely to stop this blatant discrimination of Orihuela Costa.

A TASTE OF SPAIN AT THE TORREVIEJA MAY FAIR

Councillor for Festivities Rosario Martinez Chazarra, announced that everything is ready for the Tribute to the Torrevieja May Fair, to be held in the town from 9 to 12 May, in the Parque de la Estación.

Rosario said that, like last year, the Parque de la Estación will have a regulated capacity and will be modified to house a stage and six booths for “No, ni ná”, “Los Justitos”, “Entre Amig@s”, “La última y nos vamos”, “Las Lolas” and the House of Andalusia “Rafael Alberti”.

The park and the booths will have the same musical thread with the performance of DJ's that will enhance the atmosphere across all three days.

MAY FAIR PROGRAM

Thursday, May 9th:

19:00h: Opening of doors and Inauguration

20:00h: Dance Academy “QK” and Dance School “Paya's”.

21:30h: Fireworks

Friday May 10th

20:00h: Dance Centre “Arantxa Blanco” and the Municipal School of Dance with Nuria Girona.

Saturday 11th May

20:30h: “Mery Dance Academy” and “Soul Dance”.

During the period of the fair, the Local Police has also warned of traffic diversions and the closure of some streets around the Parque.

La Aparecida multi-purpose cultural centre

VEGARA SAYS ‘NO’ TO TORREMENDO WASTE PLANT

Prior to the mayor’s intervention, Torremendo was the location originally proposed for the site

Although it took a few days before we finally got a response, the Orihuela City Council has said "NO" to the siting of the planned waste treatment plant for the region of Vega Baja in the vicinity of the village of Torremendo.

The mayor, Pepe Vegara, stated bluntly that "we are aware of the need for this treatment plant, but it will not be in Torremendo where it is constructed.

He also confirmed that Urban Planning are looking at a number of different locations in the municipality for a possible site which they could subsequently offer to the Waste Management Consortium and that it will be land that is

located away from all population centres, with good road links and close to the CV-95.

The areas being considered will be for the positioning of a valorisation plant without waste disposal, that is to say, without landfill. It will generate 70 jobs and will mean a saving for the municipality of Orihuela close to two million euros.

Orihuela Council rules out the construction of the regional waste treatment plant in Torremendo

The site in Torremendo was first considered Sixteen years ago. It is located in the valley formed by the Sierras de Pujálvarez and El Cristo, an important part of the Sierra Escalona Protected Landscape and as such it met with very strong opposition, both from residents

ORIHUELA ON TOUR

Looking for an enjoyable and relaxing day out.Why not consider a trip to Orihuela City next Thursday courtesy of The Association of Merchants and Hoteliers of the Municipality of Orihuela together with the Departments of Commerce and Tourism.

The “ORIHUELA ON TOUR” campaign,with a different tour every week,is being run each Thursday,connecting the coast with the historic city centre,providing the opportunity for Coastal residents to sample Orihuela’s wonderful commerce,hospitality and monuments.

A coach leaves the Orihuela Costa Town Hall at 10 am.On arrival in Orihuela,a guided tour of monuments and points of tourist interest will then take place.

You will then have time to get to know the commerce with an opportunity to visit local shops or enjoy a coffee,after which you will enjoy lunch,taste the typical gastronomy,and then

continue getting to know the city or a further visit with your guide.

The coach will return to the coast at 6pm.

The trips will take place every Thursday with a different route organised for each excursion

and from the environmental group Friends of Sierra Escalona (ASE). Demonstrations held in Orihuela City attracted several thousand people and the plan was eventually shelved.

Considering the importance of establishing such a facility in the Vega Baja, which would save local municipalities many millions of euros, it is astonishing that in the 16 intervening years an alternative site has not been identified.

Currently, Orihuela, which is the municipality that generates the most solid urban waste across the region, approximately 45,000 tons a year, will double its transport and disposal expenditure, increasing from three to over six million euros in 2024, with Torrevieja not far behind.

Wherever the new site is eventually located it will not have a landfill facility, however, so waste will continue to be taken to other locations, as is currently the case, but significantly reducing the amount because of its prior treatment.

Anyone interested in enjoying these experiences must book their place on the Association's website: www.acmo.net.

The cost is 17 euros,which includes transportation,the guided tour and lunch.

2008 demo in Orihuela

TENDER OPENED FOR MANAGEMENT OF AGUAMARINA NIGHT MARKET

The Orihuela Council has published the call for the management of the weekly market on Paseo Aguamarina and Calle Cielo in Orihuela Costa. The contract covers the organisation and administration of this non-sedentary sales market, which features as a key supply and attraction point for residents and visitors throughout the summer season.

The Councilor for Markets, Noelia Grao, explained that the concession period, will begin on June 15 and end on September 30, operating from seven in the evening through to midnight. The allocated space will allow for up to 29 stalls, respecting the established dimensions and without affecting the existing terraces.

The stalls, which offer a variety of items such as jewellery and typical items from artisan markets, must meet cleanliness and order requirements.

The main objective is to guarantee an orderly and controlled market, so that the area can be enjoyed during the summer without generating conflicts between residents, tourists and local businesses.

The successful bidder will be in charge of selecting, organizing and installing the stalls, as well as assigning spaces to vendors. In addition, he will manage the collection of fees, the filling of vacant positions and the installation of a portable toilet exclusively for traders. He will also be responsible for hiring a market manager and control and cleaning staff.

A minimum fee of 10,700 euros is established. The initial contract will have a duration of 2 years, with the possibility of being extended for 2 additional years, allowing a maximum of 4 years of concession.

Habitat of protected mollusk put at risk

The ëSave Cala Moscaíassociation has filed a complaint with Seprona after finding specimens of 'Turodella mauretanicaí. They want to stop the works again as happened in 2007. The reason is the same. The group has found specimens of the protected mollusk 'Turodella mauretanica'. They claim that the builder has begun clearing the plots of scrub, putting the habitat of this endangered species at risk.

The promoter, meanwhile, stated that it is not aware of the complaint that ëSave Cala Moscaí

refers to stating that it is complying, in coordination with the Generalitat, with the requirement of including a microreserve on its land.

REMEMBER THE ‘DODO TREE.…’

The last dodo died near the end of 18th century. The demise of the dodo was caused by man. Nobody mourned the big clumsy bird at the time, because it appeared that he didn’t have anything much to contribute to pay for his existence. However, time was to prove that like so many other facets of life on earth, the dodo didn’t die alone.

There was a valuable hardwood tree growing on the island of Mauritius, until it stopped appearing from the early 1800s. It took some time to establish what caused the wipeout of this tree – the name of which I can’t remember(see last week’s YCBS!). Then a scientist discovered the astonishing truth.

The dodo ate the seed of the tree. It took the dodo’s strong gizzard to crush the outer shell of the seed, before it passed through its body and germinated. This lost hardwood tree came to be known as ‘The Dodo Tree.’ (An easy name to remember!)

Last Tuesday morning I opened my ‘Westmeath Examiner’ and proceeded with the usual flick-through to find out what was the week’s most interesting piece of news. What drew my initial attention were the profiles of several candidates putting themselves forward for the local elections in June.

I read the profiles of all those hopefuls intending to run. The pages consisted of fair and unbiased reporting; irrespective of political

party or what cause the candidate stood for. There will be lots more such coverage between local, EU, and general election within the next year.

This is democracy working at its best – a democracy which is under threat from barefaced lies, far-right and far-left conspiracy theorists … and all enabled through social media and the Internet in general.

This misinformation scourge is the greatest threat to the world at this time.

I thought of what the candidates will have to contend with – having once dipped my toe in that water myself. I thought too of what it may be like for future candidates … and I thought of ‘The Dodo Tree.’

Newspapers are the bedrock of democracy. It is no exaggeration to state that if newspapers go, democracy will die too.

Already there are dangerous social issues across the globe, where the vacuum left by the death of a local newspaper is being filled with fake news, ‘alternative facts’ and misinformation.

The opposite of this is a survey which shows that the turnout for elections is much higher wherever there is a strong local newspaper.

Swathes of deprived and workingclass areas in America have become so far removed from reality, due to the easy sowing of false, far right, propaganda on social media since their local papers folded.

Newspapers are dying in Britain. There are fewer papers in circulation now than at any time since the days of the dodo. The once proud, ‘Birmingham Post’, loyally serving its region for 170 years, is down to a circulation figure of 844 per issue at the last audit.

This is not to imply that any of our own local papers are in critical trouble. We have always been great newspaper readers in Ireland. But, nationally, it is reckoned that the industry has shed half its workforce over the past decade. It is hard now to believe that I remember when the ‘Examiner’ employed five proofreaders.

With the local papers, local journalism is crucial for the health of democracy. Accurate reports are carried on courts, councils, crime and public services. Our provincial papers hold regional bodies to account, and local journalism encourages civic participation. Charitable causes are highlighted, local business encouraged, and native achievements applauded. There is no greater fosterer of pride of place in our own county, than ‘the local rag!’

There is ample evidence out there that people do value there local paper – even as far a ‘fondness’ for their favourite newspaper.

Despite this, it is doubtful if readers would be prepared to pay the extra it really needs to make a lot of papers sustainable. Again, the ‘enemy’ is the Internet – and of

course the corresponding loss of advertising revenue.

But all is not yet lost, some papers, like this one, are still doing OK. It is up to all of us citizens to realise the importance of our paper- and if not going the extra mile, at least go the extra inch to keep it alive. I don’t preach any of this because I write …. I say it because I read.

We cannot allow the newspaper to

go the way of the dodo.

Democracy is joined to your paper at the hip. Remember the ‘Dodo Tree …!’

DON’T FORGET

Democracy, like love, can survive almost any attack – except neglect and indifference.

ANOTHER BUSY WEEK FOR TORREVIEJA U3A

The Citrus Centre at Playa Flamenca was visited by 30 members of the Torrevieja u3a on Thursday morning.They went there to take over the new Mini Golf course for a couple of hours.An enjoyable match ensued and this event may possibly be repeated in the future.

After the dames were concluded the participants crossed the road to visit The Cavern bar where they settled down to a brunch meal.

That same afternoon the venue of the Social Bridge group was packed out and a pleasant

afternoon of Bridge was enjoyed by all.

Friday saw the members of the Military History group being given an insight into the Vietnam war by a relative of one of the many soldiers that took part before eventually being severely wounded and succumbing to his wounds shortly afterwards.

The above are just a sample of the activities that the Torrevieja u3a association has to offer its members.Anybody interested in taking part in any of these groups can visit our website torreviejau3a.org where full details on how to join up for a moderate fee and details of all the groups can be found.

Barry Weston

ZENIA BOULEVARD ARE LOOKING FOR MODELS

Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre organised a special event last Saturday, under the motto " "Gateway to Equality", in collaboration with the Association of the Disabled of Vega Baja (ADIS).

It was full of activities designed to highlight diversity and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in society including: paper flower creation workshop, music therapy workshop, ADIS solidarity sale stand, parade 60s theme, dance, piano and clarinet performance by the association.

Cristina Ros, Director of Zenia Boulevard, said, “in a world where equal opportunities continue to be a challenge, events like this are essential to raise awareness in the community about the importance of inclusion and respect for diversity. At Zenia Boulevard we will continue to support actions that make visible and give voice to people with disabilities, demonstrating that we all have talents and abilities that deserve to be recognized and valued.”

CASTING:

WE ARE LOOKING FOR MODELS

Next Saturday, May 11, will see Zenia Boulevard host the “Catwalk: Model Casting” event that aims to highlight diversity and promote the representation of people of all abilities in the fashion and entertainment industry.

“We are looking for passionate, self-confident people willing to break barriers. No matter what the age, gender, size or abilities, everyone is welcome to tale part. We want to show the world that beauty goes beyond conventional standards and that true elegance lies in authenticity and diversity,” says Cristina Ros.

On Saturday, May 18, “Urban Street Art” will come to the Boulevard, an event that will showcase the world of urban art. Visitors will be able to enjoy speed painting shows and graffiti sessions for the children, with the Zenia Kids graffiti workshop, the perfect opportunity to explore their creativity in a fun and safe way.

With the guidance of several experts, they will learn the basic techniques of graffiti and will be able to let their imagination run wild in a creative and stimulating environment. The event also includes street dance performances by a local Dance School.

Zenia Boulevard's programming for the month of May is completed with two promotions related to football and in which participants in both initiatives will be eligible to win a 200-euro Decathlon gift card. Those interested in both promotions will have to redeem a purchase ticket equal to or greater than 40 euros. To win they will only have to guess the final result of the Champions League or score a goal from a distance of 20 metres.

On Saturday, May 18, “Urban Street Art” will feature at the Boulevard,

PAIR OF

GIANT PANDAS

ARRIVE IN SPAIN

A giant panda couple has arrived in Spain on a direct flight from China. They will be housed at zoo in Madrid for the next few years, the zoo announced.

On an exclusive flight from the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu in Sichuan Province, the couple, named Jin Xi and Zhu Yu, landed on Monday at the cargo terminal of the Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport.

China and Spain signed an agreement in 2007 to improve giant panda protection and promote cooperation in endangered species and biodiversity.

Dutch Princess finding Freedom In Spain

Princess Amalia of the Netherlands has told local reporters that she is "grateful" for the opportunity to find safety and "freedom" in Madrid, Spain amid ongoing threats.

According to a report from the BBC, organised crime communications showed that Princess Amalia was a possible target while she was attending the University of Amsterdam. As fears she would either be kidnapped or attacked grew, the future queen was forced to return home.

CHS TO CLOSE POPULAR ORIHUELA COSTA ROUTE

The Segura Hydrographic Confederation (CHS) is to close a popular service route of the Tajo-Segura transfer canal, regularly used by walkers and cyclists, as it passes through Orihuela Costa.

The measure has been taken as a result of a complaint made by Román Jiménez, President of the PIOC (Party for the Independence of Orihuela Costa), to both the CHS and the Orihuela Council, for the poor state of the road and the state of a safety railing that has remained in a dangerous condition for

over two years.

The complaint refers to a bridge over one of the branches of the canal transfer, at the end of Calle Papaya and the beginning of Calle Estrecho de Mesina, where the “grey metal fence is in a state of collapse and where the risk of an accident is high.

Speaking to Costa's councillor, Manuel Mestre (Vox), Jiménez called for "a resolution of this situation as soon as possible."

As soon as they were notified of the closure, AVCRL also held talks with the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Mestre, technical staff

of the CHS and Jiménez himself in order to withdraw the complaint made and "avoid the closure of this service route, which is used by many people of Orihuela Costa."

Costa's councillor, Manuel Mestre (Vox), visited the area last Friday and pledged to fix the fence, however, despite having over two years to repair the problem at a relatively small cost, CHS, which is responsible for the maintenance of the service route, has said that it is going to close the road to avoid criminal responsibility.

ASOKA ORIHUELA NEEDS URGENT FOSTER CARE

Asoka Orihuela needs urgent fosters due to the parvo outbreak that the shelter has been suffering and which is causing the death of many litters of dogs.To avoid contagion,it is necessary that the puppies be able to go to foster homes.They also need cleaning products to disinfect and prevent the virus from spreading further.

If you can help contact: asokaorihuela@gmail.com

LAS COLINAS DONATES PLOT OF LAND TO ORIHUELA

Aplot of land next to la Iglesia de Santiago, was donated to Orihuela last week by the promoterof Pau 21 in Sierra Escalona. The gifted site has a constructed area of 1,123 square metres and will become a training centre foradults with multipurpose classrooms.

The plot was presented in 2006 following council agreement to build Las Colinas Golf and Country Club, howeverthe exchange only took place last week.

Torrevieja court denies reopening carnival case

The Court of Instruction number 2 of Torrevieja confirms that it has not reopened proceedings for the infamous parade of minors wearing lingerie clothes from a troupe at the last Torrevieja carnival,despite the stories published in the media last Friday.

A spokesman for Christian Lawyers has said that the story resulted from a misunderstanding conveyed in a recent story to the media,for which it apologised.

The rain gives some respite to farmers

The president of the agricultural organization

ASAJA Alicante,José Vicente Andreu,has said that the recent rain gives a respite to vegetables and fruit trees but the serious drought situation remains in the Vega Baja

According to Andreu there is still a serious drought in our province despite the rain and the announcement by the Government of Spain that it will guarantee the Tagua water transfer until September.The Government needs to do much better in providing a fairer deal for Alicante farmers.

Solar Powered Torrevieja

Torrevieja will carry out an analysis of the solar energy potential in all buildings in the city with ImpactE and will launch the Local Energy Community project with Smart To People.

As part of its commitment to the energy transition, the Council will launch a web platform that will provide access to this information to residents, with the aim of promoting the formation of Local Energy Communities.A decisive step in the direction of turning Torrevieja into a climate neutral city.

TRAGEDY IN

SAN MIGUEL DE SALINAS.

A man died on Tuesday afternoon,along with his dog,in a fire on Calle Los Rosales,in the Mirador del Mediterraneo urbanisation of San Miguel de Salinas.

The fire broke out at 12 noon in a bungalow in the urbanization.The flames quickly engulfed the property,to the point that,according to the Provincial Firefighters Consortium,the fire was visible from the façade,pouring out a large amount of smoke.

Although the firefighters from the Torrevieja Park rescued the man and the pet upon their arrival,their resuscitation was not possible.

The bomberas said out that the house was completely gutted due to fire and smoke.

The troops,five firefighters,a sergeant and a corporal, worked hard to extinguish the fire made difficult by the intense flames and the large amount of smoke coming out of the bungalow.

Work will be halted over the Easter period so as not to inconvenience holidaymakers

WORK TO PREVENT FLOODS IN LA

ZENIA IS A YEAR BEHIND SCHEDULE.

Sustainable urban drainage works in La Zenia, in Orihuela Costa, will be completed in October, which is a year later than planned. The project got underway in January last year with a nine-month implementation period and a budget of 1.5 million euros, and with constant and ongoing disruption to this busy access road, leading to La Zenia beach, local residents are quite rightly up in arms at the unacceptable and constant delays.

Now, work is under way on Avda de las Palmeras once again, between the crossing with the N-332 road and Cala Bosque, after it was halted over the Easter period so as not to inconvenience holidaymakers, and according to municipal sources, the same will happen during the summer.

This comes after the works were stopped for almost a year because of a modification of the project.

The same project also includes la calle del Carmen, on the stretch between Calle Columbus, la calle Colón and la avenida de la Playa, and a section of Paseo del Mar.

This work, which is reflected in the Master Plan de Pluviales, allows the collection of water on Avda de las Palmeras and Calle del Carmen by two scuppers that cover the entire width of the road with a length of nine and six metres, and that allows the water to flow away.

The Consistory rafaleño has invested 957,000 euros in the creation of sustainable drainage and the construction of a flood park in the industrial area.

It is one of the first municipalities of the Vega Baja to execute the grants included in the Vega Renhace Plan, an initiative of the Valencian government for flood prevention in the Vega Baja following the DANAof 2019.

The subsidies, obtained from the Generalitat Valenciana, have enabled the investment of 850,000 euros for additional infrastructure in the northeast area of the town, one of the most affected by the rains. This has now been completed, also using additional aid from the Ministry for Ecological Transition.

The mayor of Rafal, Manuel Pineda, has said that “we have allocated 400,000 euros, obtained in aid from the Vega Renhace, for investment in urban drainage systems and sustainable cleaning actions, implementing a network of collectors for the channelling of rainwater in case of torrential rains”.

Through a 2nd grant of 450,000 euros, “we have carried out the creation of a floodable park and leisure area in the industrial estate, with the construction of a 4,500 square metre area for outdoor recreation including a pump track, calisthenics and parkour area for use as a leisure area”. This last addition has been completed with 107,000 euros, from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge.

The mayor said that the completion of these works “make Rafal one of the first towns in the region to complete all the of the Vega Renhace Plan, executed in record time”.

He highlighted an investment of nearly a million euros for these safety and flood prevention actions, “the result of a constant effort of this government team to continue improving the infrastructure of our town for our residents.”

The man and his dog were engulfed by the flames

The mayor, Manuel Pineda, at the Pump Track

ALICANTE CAR & MOTORCYCLE FAIR AT IFA_FIRA

IFA-FIRA Alacant hosts the largest selection of vehicles in the province in a new edition of Firauto + Expocar and Sobre2ruedas

IFA-Fira Alacant is preparing to host, an exciting edition of the largest automobile fair in the province, full of surprises and a wide range of offers on vehicles, both cars and motorcycles, the fair will take place from May 10 to 12,

The exhibition Centre will once again become a major dealership from May 10 to 12 with the celebration of the 51st edition of FIRAUTO, New Car Fair, the 37th edition of EXPOCAR, Used Car Show, and the 19th edition of

SOBRE2RUEDAS , Motorcycle Fair.

During the three days of the event, the two exhibition halls will bring together a wide variety of vehicles and brands to make it easy for the consumer to find the car or motorcycle that best suits their needs. With all this, Firauto + Expocar & Sobre2ruedas will have all the new products from the leading brands, as well as used vehicles, kilometre zero and motorcycle accessories.

In this edition, the event will have more than 130 brands and more than 1,500 vehicles on display, where the motorcycle offering will be larger than in previous editions, in a total area of 29,400 square meters. Visitors will also be able to enjoy great discounts and exclusive prices during the fair on hundreds of mid- and high-range models. All this makes Firauto + Expocar & Sobre2ruedas an essential event for those looking to purchase a new vehicle.

Among the car brands on show at Firauto + Expocar are Peugeot, Hyundai, Renault, Dacia, Opel, Nissan, Cïtroen, Kia, Mazda, Jaguar, Seat, Seat Mó, Honda, BMW, Mini, Audi, Mercedes, Mitsubishi , Volvo, Fiat, Jeep, Ssangyong, Alfa Romeo, MG, Omoda, Volskwagen, Cupra, Subaru, DFSK, Lexus, Toyota, Suzuki – Xev, Citroen, Land Rover and Ford. Meanwhile, Sobre2Ruedas will bring together more than 50

motorcycle brands including Suzuki, Ducati, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Indian, Kymco, Harley Davidson, BMW, Piaggio, Aprilia, Polaris, KTM, Vespa, Benelli, Peugeot, Gas-Gas, CF Moto , Voge, Wottan, UM, Triumph, Hanway and Setter. The opening hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the IFA-Fira Alacant web box office in advance for 4 euros or at the box office on the day for 7 euros. Accompanied minors under 12 years of age can enter for free.

You can also download a discount voucher through the fair's website. The discount voucher is valid for up to 4 people, and cannot be combined with other promotions.

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ACROSS ACROSS

7.Enraged (5)

8.Wise (7)

9.Voter (7)

10.Enchant (5)

12.Plebiscite (10)

15.All-powerful (10)

18.Killed (5)

19.Chorus (7)

21.Pretended (7)

22.Goodbye (5)

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 19

DOWN DOWN

1.Lewd (10)

2.Keen (5)

3.Thrash (4)

4.Scant (6)

5.Meal (8)

6.Porch (7)

11.Note (10)

13.Advocate (8)

14.Dwell (7)

16.Harangue (6)

17.Cogent (5)

20.Spume (4)

ANSWERS Week 1021

QUICK QUICK

ACROSS: ACROSS: 6 Prophet; 7 Robot; 9 Worry; 10 Confine; 12 Remonstrate; 14 Contentment; 18 Strange; 19 Strip; 21 Layer; 22 Absolve.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Brook; 2 Sparse; 3 Bet; 4 Coffer; 5 Connote; 8 Consume; 11 Coinage; 13 Portray; 15 Travel; 16 Notion; 17 Sieve; 20 Ebb.

CR CR YPTIC YPTIC

ACROSS: ACROSS: 6 Charger; 7 Raven; 9 Crave; 10 Clearly; 12 On both sides; 14 Compartment; 18 Strings; 19 Steak; 21 March; 22 Recover.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Charm; 2 Craven; 3 Red; 4 Safari; 5 Replied; 8 Alchemy; 11 Courage; 13 Postman; 15 Prince; 16 Nation; 17 Wages; 20 Den.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS ACROSS

7.Hidden treasure for the multitude, we hear (5)

8.Places where those in the swim are exposed to public gaze (7)

9.Real spy negotiates crookedly (7)

10.Stone-fruit, soft and well-rounded (5)

12.Perform capriciously (3,3,4)

15.Vegetable dish obtained from garden sale (5,5)

18.Enquire in back-street for assignments (5)

19.Tightly pressed for an agreement (7)

21.They display sprinklers (7)

22.It's a sign X gets around all right (5)

DOWN DOWN

1.One who builds the vessel properly, we hear (10)

2.Stay to give a description of the pitch (5)

3.The verge of irritability (4)

4.Deep singer and French horn required (6)

5.Court writ issued when the bean soup is off ... (8)

6.... no court will be misled by what goes in it! (7)

11.Gas-holder (6,4)

13.Where tea is stored in crates, maybe (8)

14.What one receives after working for a boardinghouse (7)

16.In complex case, copper is to make a charge (6)

17.Those who write for kicks! (5)

20.Acompanion for tea (4)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers

1. Which three Empires had the largest armies in the world in 1840?

2. Which seemingly indestructible musician's autobiography is titled 'Life'?

3. Louis Daguerre is known as 'the father of' what?

4. 'Wild Honey Pie' excluded; there are six tracks on the Beatles White album with a male or female first name in the song titles. Can you name them?

5. What was the last European country to grant women the right to vote in 1984? a. Greece b. Portugal c. Andorra d. Liechtenstein

6. Name the films in which Ralph Fiennes played each the following characters. a. Francis Dolarhyde. b. Amon Goth. c. Count Laszlo de Almassy

7. Which Grand Slam winning male tennis player and his Wilson T2000 made the steel tennis racquet popular in the early 1970s?

8. Santana had a hit with his cover version of 'Black Magic Woman'. Which member of the band Fleetwood Mac wrote the song?

9. Which European country was recently given the title "The world's happiest nation" for the seventh year in a row?

10. All of the following lyrics are from songs with the word 'Wind' somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song? a. The world was new beneath a

on page 19)

blue umbrella sky. b. She's out of my life, just a fool to believe I'm anything she needs. c. And I've got such a long way to go to make it to the border of Mexico. d. From the man in the 22nd row who sees you as something more than sexual.

11. Plus or minus 1 min, what is the world record time in climbing the 1576 steps of the Empire State Building?

12. in which movie with an animal in the film title was Paul Newman first nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor?

13. On the 18th of March 1965 Aleksei Leonov became the first person in history to do what?

14. Which monstrous literary character slips away with the "girl so fair" in the Led Zeppelin song 'Ramble On'?

15. Who is the only British film star to have been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay?

16. In 1778, what name did Captain James Cook give to the islands known today as Hawaii?

17. What is the Old French name given to the leader of a troop of demons on horseback and a kind of jester or clown. One word.

18. With 1,674 km, what is the longest river in the United States which is named after an animal?

19. Which singer-songwriter played the role of the insane Renfieldin Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 film Bram Stocker's Dracula?

20. The following was a film poster tag line for which 1968 film? "They look like Nazis but .. The Major is British ...The Lieutenant is American ... The Beautiful Frauleins are Allied Agents"

Road Fatalities increase by 16% in the first quarter

In the first 3 months of this year, fatalities on interurban roads in Spain increased by 16%, which equates to around 20 people every week, not including those who were killed in towns or cities and is steering away from the “Road to Zero” initiative of reducing roads deaths.

To the 261 people who lost their lives in the first quarter, we must also add 908 people

who were hospitalised as a result of road traffic incidents, and all of this during a time where the physical characteristics and ability of vehicles are getting safer, which also increases the false sense of security drivers sometimes exhibit, and therefore, the conclusion can only be that it is the human interactions that are worsening, or to put it another way, it is a result of the actions of people, actions which we are all in power to stop, if

we choose to.

Amongst some of the key points from the latest situation is that the number of deaths has increased more than the number of hospitalised injuries. Deaths on motorways have increased by 50% compared to the same period last year. There have been more serious incidents involving alcohol and inappropriate speed. The number of deaths traveling by car and motorcycle has increased by 23 percent.

By age, almost all of the increase in deaths occurred between 45 and 54 years of age (from 40 to 61 deaths), considerably different from the typical young male under the age of 25 group which is normally considerable. However, it is also clear that many drivers need help in being made aware of the dangers, and so the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has presented a package of measures with which the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) aims to reduce the number of traffic incidents and the fatal consequences.

Amongst the measures which will be implemented to try to reverse this fatal trend will be an increase in automated speed monitoring, an increase in traffic officers in the Traffic Group of the Guardia Civil, greater surveillance on motorways, increased alcohol and drug controls, and reinforcement of motorcyclist safety, amongst others.

There will also be an increase in the information, awareness and promotion of preventive culture, with concrete actions implemented to address the incident rate and promote aware-

ness of this problem. These measures include the public presentation of this shock plan, the strengthening of communications through press releases, social networks and media. Variable messaging panels will be used intensively to disseminate road safety awareness messages, especially adapted to the specific characteristics of the road or section in question and the incident rate present in said area. However, all of this is fruitless, if we, the users of the roads, don’t heed the advice and take stock of our own actions. It is more important than ever that we all play our part by respecting and adhering to traffic laws, showing mutual respect for all road users, avoiding alcohol, drugs, and driving at an inappropriate speed, and acting with a positive attitude to be a part of the solution to preventing these mostly avoidable deaths.

You can read more about the shock plan and the new measures on the website, n332.es.

Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska

Cartagena firefighters demonstrating rescue procedures in La Manga

TIT FOR TAT COST OF UK BIODIVERSITY

I’m writing this to tell all British ex-pats that you are at serious risk of poisoning if you eat any meat or dairy product in continental Europe!

I am joking, of course, but this is the view of British MPs who have, questionably, escaped from asylums to introduce a whole range of “biodiversity checks” on meat and dairy products, plants and seeds imported into Britain from the EU. These were introduced at British ports last week.

It is a tit-for-tat load of ridiculous nonsense brought in because of Brexit, and the fact that the wretched band of MP idiots did not bother to think about the implications of leaving the EU or lied or produced a load of half-truths before asking Brits to vote. Wouldbe right-wing Tory and Reform voters take note.

It’s a national scandal (yes, yet another) which has resulted in all people in Britain having to pay more for virtually everything, and with these new checks at the ports, it will result in more costs, which, undoubtedly, will be passed on at the shops.

Perhaps Brits holidaying in Europe this summer should tell all the MP asylum escapees that they enjoy food on the other side of the Channel, it’s far, far cheaper, and there are no “biodiversity” risks whatsoever – and actually Mediterranean food is better for your health.

And if MPs seriously want to prevent anything undesirable from entering Britain, the most vigorous checks should be made at entry points to prevent the likes of the crazed, mentally ill Spanish/Brazilian who hacked a 14-year-old schoolboy to death while he went to school last week, from getting in.

I am sure that among the hundreds of thousands of “illegals” who have entered Britain under the 14 years of Tory watch there are many thousands of criminals who shouldn’t be in the UK, not now, not ever.

DOES INKING DISCOURAGE JOB OFFERS ?

These pictures were sent to me via Facebook – it’s a 23-year-old who has had tattoos on her face, neck, thigh, and no doubt other places too. She’s had numerous metal studs on her face and a large nose ring too and is

Tony Mayes Rant

now complaining that a would-be employer has rejected her job application for work in a store.

Why on earth do people have this done to themselves? We have all seen people who have been heavily tattooed and with all manner of metal in their face and personally I hate to see it.

I saw a homeless man begging in a town centre in the UK with the whole of his face tattooed and with a Mohican hair cut too, the hair coloured a brilliant orange. I wonder if the reason was to make himself totally unemployable, so the State would keep him. Perhaps there should be far greater controls on tattoo parlours to prevent the idiots from themselves.

Employers must think about the reaction from customers if they saw an employee looking like a clown. And what on earth is this young woman going to look like in middle age with these tattoos. No doubt she will long regret the stupidity of her youth.

LOST FABRIC OF SOCIETY

I have often written about Britain going to the dogs, and over the last few days a number of news stories on TV and the Press have confirmed it.

The examples are:

* A shocking revelation that the number of children in England drinking alcohol has reached record levels, with girls outstripping boys in getting drunk, and the UK is now leading Europe in teenage binge drinking.

* Shoplifting offences in England and Wales have risen to the worst in 20 years, caused, in part, by a decision by police not to investigate shoplifting offences if the value of goods stolen is under 200 pounds.

* The number of children in care has reached shocking levels, especially in parts of the North, with Blackpool having the greatest number, where one in every 52 children is in care compared with one in 140 across

England, exposing “deeply rooted social inequalities” in a north-south divide.

* A 13-year-old girl is in custody after being charged with stabbing two teachers and a pupil at her school in Wales.

* A Spanish/Brazilian national armed with a sword, ran amok killing a 14-year-old schoolboy and injuring several others before being Tasered by police.

* A 56-year-old man has been charged with kidnap and sexual assault of a nine-year-old girl in Knightsbridge, central London. He has also been charged with administering a substance with the intention of stupefying or overpowering to enable sexual activity.

Yes, there is much good going on in Britain too – the London Marathon is a prime example with more than 50,000 people taking part and raising a massive amount of money for a huge variety of charities.

My son was a runner too, beating his personal best of 3 hours 50 minutes.

Britain is one of the leaders when it comes to combating climate change and is also leading the field into research to beat cancer.

But it has lost its way when it comes to ensuring the fabric of society is not harmed, and the present government obsession with cutting spending to create tax cuts is by far the biggest culprit.

It stripped away police numbers to such an extent that seeing a policeman on the beat is as rare as finding a gold nugget on the street. It’s meant that an undermanned and under resourced police force is unable to properly investigate anything like as many crimes as it should and has led to the wave of shoplifting, creating open season in supermarkets and shops.

Budget cuts have resulted in understaffing in schools and within the NHS with dire consequences and cuts have resulted in months of delays in dealing with asylum seekers resulting in hundreds if not thousands of illegal immigrants going missing in the system and no doubt fuelling the drugs “industry”.

There is also a breakdown in basic parenting, otherwise we would not be seeing the huge rise in under-age drinking. Provisional figures suggest suicide was significantly higher last year than in the previous three, and again, this may be partly accounted for through increased poverty levels, which have undoubtedly increased.

Family poverty can be raised by the inability of parents to go out to work, but sadly the UK has some of the highest childcare costs in the world, and experts have warned the most disadvantaged children are at risk of missing out due to the nationwide shortage of provision.

The number of registered childcare providers in England fell by 20,000 from 2015 to 2022, according to data from Ofsted. It all adds up to a sorry story.

There is no doubt that the gap between the rich and poor in Britain has greatly increased over the past decade and there will have to be a giant step change to reverse it. But reverse it we must, otherwise we will see even more ghastly statistics, and even worse stories such as I have mentioned before.

WHITEHALL GALLOPS

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing when I switched on the TV news to hear that bolting Household Cavalry horses ran amok through central London.

Five horses bolted when they were spooked by noise from a building site they were passing.

The horses were injured, two seriously, and four people were treated in hospital for injuries.

But the incident could have been far worse had the horses careered into a crowd of people. I hope that Household Cavalry do not exercise their horses at the rush hour ever again and choose their route very carefully in future. Society should be trying to eliminate risks of injury, not creating them.

SANTA POLA POLICE HELP TO SAVE A BABY

Santa Pola Local Police attended an incident on Mayday involving a twomonth-old baby at a in Calle Charidad when a man appeared on the street crying out for assistance.

According to reports his child, in a nearby apartment, was unable to breathe.

With the baby in her arms and gasping for air, they quickly drove the little boy and the mother to the local health centre, warning in advance they were bringing in the child."

During the transfer, the baby convulsed and lost consciousness, but on its arrival at the salud, the medical staff were quickly able to treat the baby with it then resuscitated by the emergency doctors.

In customer facing roles employers must think about the reactions of the public

RNATB DONATION TO AGE CONCERN

As part of the ongoing annual support of local charities, the Shipmates (Members) of the Torrevieja Branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNATB), were pleased to make a donation this year to the local Age Concern.

Each year at the RNATB AGM, Shipmates nominate and vote for preferred charities to receive donations from funds collected during the year.

Age Concern was nominated by the RNATB Shipmates not only because they believe and appreciate the service they provide to the mature UK expats living in the local area, but also as a special thank-you to the Melody Makers, who perform in aid of their designated charity of Age Concern, and who provided a tremendous rendition of Christmas Carols to the shipmates and guests for the first hour at the RNATB Christmas Dinner and Dance in December 2023.

The donation was presented to the local Age Concern Centre Manager, Rita Blades by the RNATB Chairman, Tony Jenkins. Also present

were Shirely Watmough, an Age Concern Volunteer, RNATB Treasurer, Carl Louden and the RNATB Organiser Locum, Maureen Jenkins.

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is a nonprofit making charity registered with the Generalitat Valenciana in 1998, charity Number 6301.

Their geographical area covers from south of the City of Alicante down to the Murcia border and inland across the Vega Baja with the aim of gaining public recognition to chart the way forward for the over 50s and secure a positive role in society for the older generation with likeminded organisations, while rationalise benefits/subventions for expatriates.

They can be contacted on Phone: +34 966 786 887, Email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es , Web: www.ageconcerncostablancasur.org

They are located at C. Paganini, 03184 El Chaparral, Alicante.

The RNATB Shipmates wish Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur every success with the phenomenal service and support they provide across the Cost Blanca area.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUPLE CELEBRATE DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Tina and Arthur Lievers will be celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary on the 14th of May.They were married in Arnold in Nottingham. They have three children Ivan, Kathryn and Thomas.They have lived in La Siesta for twenty years.

Arthur worked on farms before ending up working for the prison service where,he took on the role of providing food for the prison. Tina retired from social services after her time in helping others. They will be celebrating with friends and family at Carmen’s restaurant with a cream tea on the day.

Tony Jenkins handing over the donation

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 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, PolÌgono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. We look forward to meeting you. www.Saltchurchspain. Facebook SaltChurchSpain

International Christian Assembly, Calle Beniajan 14, Torrevieja -Evangelical Church. Sunday Service 11

a.m.; - Contact 966 799 273 / 660 127 276. Evangelical non-denominational church. www.icatorrevieja.org

The Car of the Month at AUTOMOVILES CRESPO is a very attractive 2019 Ford Focus ST-Line Hybrid at just 21,900 euro. Come along to our large showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and

used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. See page 7.

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

AGE CONCERN BEREAVEMENTGROUP.

Have you lost somebody close to you? Are you finding life difficult after a bereavement? Come along and chat to other people in the same situation. Starting on October 10th, then every Tuesday from 2-4pm at the Age Concern Centre, Calle Paganini, La Siesta, Torrevieja. 96 678 6887. Everyone is welcome. Los 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) Open to residents of Orihuela Costa over 60 years of age. Located at the Centro Civico Alameda del Mar. Open 3

times a week for a programme of English speaking activities, support, information and advice with the support of Orihuela Council. Anyone wanting to join CCAsocial activities can pop along. Open 2pm -6pm Mondays and Thursdays, Wednesday 2pm - 5pm. You can register between 1pm & 2pm on those days, in the Cafe area where you will find Eva or Norah. email: oc.communitycare@gmail.com

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 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, 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 Assn. Contact with the RAFAand the RMG is via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk.

LOOKING FOR Silent Business Partner for small Private Care Home. Invest 10K and get 20K back in 14 months. Call 747 438 225

CONSTRUCTION AND GENERALBUILDING. For all building works large or small, phone 604 152 124 for quotes. We also specialise in pool leaks and repairs. (1012) Law Services: PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR, Solicitor, Debt Collections, Bad Tenants. 747 438 225

Retired former UK Military and Policeman looking for a long term rental in the area from August. I am a non smoker & prefer somewhere with a pool. Please call 711049995 or reply by email to johnmdonaldson@yahoo.com

La Siesta GS celebrate St Georges Day

Legend has it that St. George never visited England – nor was he or his horse present on the first tee at Campoamor for La Siesta’s annual St. George’s Day competition. That said, there was a full house of golfers to celebrate the day. The weather was kind again and the scene was one of patriots decked out in red and white, joined by friends from afar, including one guest from Norway. The course is really good at the moment and is attracting a lot of players so the day was never going to be a quick one. With this creating a relaxed atmosphere we were off.

QUIZ FROM P 14:

1.Three answers.In order:Russia, AustriaHungary, France.2.Keith Richards .3. Photography (the camera).4.Six answers.'Dear Prudence', 'The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill', 'Martha My Dear', 'Rocky Racoon', 'Julia', 'Sexy Sadie'.5.Answer d.Liechtenstein.6.Four answers.a.Red Dragon, b.Schindler's List, c. The English Patient, 7.Jimmy Connors.8.Peter Green.9.Finland.Ireland was placed at 17, UK at 20 and USA at 23.Spain came in at No 36. 10.Four answers.a.Summer Wind (Frank Sinatra).b.She's Like The Wind (Patrick Swayze).c.Ride Like The Wind (Christopher Cross).d.Candle In The Wind (Elton John).11.9 min 33 sec.12.Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (1958). 13.Walk in space.14.Gollum.15.Kenneth Branagh.16.Sandwich Islands.17.Harlequin 18. Snake River.19.Tom Waits.20.Where Eagles Dare

Some little tweaks were made to handicaps to change the format slightly in the hope that this would produce a closer competition. Our resident David Baily (aka Michael Edwards) was on the first tee to snap the fourballs before the off. Being Irish it wasn’t really a celebration for him – but he was a good sport and donned the red and white as requested. As expected, the play was a little slow, but, as we know, a day in the sunshine makes up for that.

As the competition progressed, it was clear that the handicapping was having a positive

effect. Looking at the scores at the halfway stage, it was all to play for. The back nine continues to test even the best golfers and so it proved once again. If the committee wanted to make it tight they certainly succeeded. At the end of the day, 4 players on 37 points –Roy Brown (5th), John Pritlove (4th), Rosalind Smith (3rd) and George Cumming (2nd). Pipping them all with 38 points and

taking the St. George’s Day trophy was Ben Hines.

As always, it was back to the clubhouse for the evening meal and presentation. Great food, great company and great entertainment from Chloe Leigh.

One more successful day.

By Michael Edwards

Tim Warren, Ben Hines, Steve Lugger,

Already Warren, Stevie Steiner, George Cumming and Tim Warren

LA MARINA GOLF SOCIETY

This week the members of the La Marina Golf Society met at the very picturesque Altorreal golf course to compete for the La Marina Masters. The morning weather was chilly to start with, but soon warmed up and made it a perfect day for a game of golf. Whilst the fairways were looking a little worse for wear due to the lack of rain, everyone had an enjoyable day, and some good scores were achieved.

After the game the members stayed in the Altorreal club house for some wellearned refreshments and the day’s presentation. In first place and winning the La Marina Masters Trophy minus the green jacket with 39 pts was Dave Freeman, in second place with 38 pts was Graeme Buchanan and in third was Jimmy Scott with 37 pts.

Nearest the pin winners were as follows: for hole 5 was Jimmy Scott, for hole 8 & 10 was Garry Garbett, and hole 17 was Gordon Thursfield, the healthy two’s pot was shared by Jimmy Scott, Mark Stokes, Gordon McLagan, and Garry Garbett. Well, done to all the day’s winners.

Photo left to right - winner Dave Freeman and Club Captain Bill Stobo

Emerald Isle Bowls Club

Dukes were playing at Greenlands Giants in the VCL league and they came away with a great win 8-4 Aggregate of 94-84, M Dyer 21-18, D Jones D Mooney 22-18, S Kavanagh J Loughran M Harley B Kavanagh 20-9

The Emerald Isle Club are in Mojacar from Friday to Tuesday, a Bowling trip playing at Indalo ABC and Mojacar bowls club. Hope they are enjoying it all.

SAPS are on at club on Saturday afternoons at 13-15. Two hours bowling with coaching if needed. Bowls and Shoes supplied and a bar all for only 5 Euros.

ELWYN MORRIS

Lo Crispin GS@ Bonalba

SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB

Well the final fling of “April showers” often heavy and in localised areas, though great news for crop growing and gardens, has caused havoc with league matches this week.

South ALC Spitfire Div.: Monday April 29th SL Wellingtons, managed to play their match away at Quesada against the Blenheims, but unfortunately having to concede a game, finished 70 shots – 80, 4 points-8.

Winners: Dee Hoey, Les Shannon, Bob Bromley 19-9, Kath Reid, Florence Murphy, Keith Phillips 18-14. Harrier Div.: SL Hercules, had their match postponed until Thursday 2nd May, home to Vistabella Greeners and had a good result; 8 points-4, 97 shots- 76. Winners: James Gwynn, Ken Stringfellow, Dave Webb 20-18, Kevin McKenna, Dave Louis, Barbara Louis 23-16, Tony Ferreira, Ralph Jones, Vic Mahomet 28-9.

VCL Southern Div A: Wednesday May 1st SL Falcons were away v Quesada Lions. Although the conditions weren’t ideal; with the intermittent rain showers, it was a very close fought match. A good result, points 6-6, just missing out on the shots 76-79. Winners: Kath Reid 21-5, June Jones & Scott Malden had a very close pairs match but finally won 17-16, Mike Veale, Bob Bromley, Pat

SAN MIGUEL BOWLS CLUB

Barry Jones

Not the best of weeks for San Miguel Bowls Club.

On Monday San Miguel Christians were away to Country Bowls Red Kites losing 2 - 10,56 shots to 110.Our best winning triple came from Dave Sceal,Graham Barwell & Don Darby 14 - 13.

San Miguel Moors were home to Greenlands Gladiators winning 10 - 2,108 - 66,The best winning triple were Pat McEwan,Ron Peters and Mike Douglas 26 - 9.

On 1st. May 27 members and guests 'teed it up' at Bonalba to compete in an Individual Stableford Competition. The weather on the day was a very 'mixed bag' to say the least ! Periods of driving rain, carried along on cold piercing winds, interspersed with interludes of warm Spring sun.

All this made for difficult and testing playing conditions, which was reflected in the modest scores on the day. Although the course was generally in not bad condition, considering the ongoing drought, the recent wet weather notwithstanding, some of the greens were rather patchy and many of the tee boxes were quite scruffy.

Following the game as usual, we returned to the Lo Crispin Tavern where we were served with Tapas and the day's prizes were distributed.

Gold Division: 1st Place - Martin O'Keefe 30 pts, 2nd Place - Steve Price 28 pts, 3rd Place - Ian Stuart 27 pts

Silver Division: 1st Place - Alan Haslop 29 pts, 2nd Place - Janet Candlin 25 pts, 3rd Place - Jackie Spendel 24 pts

N.T. P. on Par 3s: Hole 4 - Ray Brown, Hole 8 - Bill Acton, Hole 11 - Nobody, Hole 14 - Bill Acton Nobody managed a 2, so the 2's 'pot' will be rolled over to our next game, which will be our second 'Major' of the season at Altaona (Murcia) on 15th May. Finally, the Free Game Draw was won by Dean Astley.

By Steve Harrington

Reilly, Keith Jones, in the rinks 19-14.

Div C: SL Kestrels at home v Country Bowls Meerkats, also had a very close result; points 6-6, shots 79-88.

Winners: Barbara Louis 21-17, Judy Carroll, Gordon Paton, Dave Blackie 21-17, Maxine Wright, Fran Cox, Neil Cox, Keith Phillips 18-16.

Div B: SL Hawks: April 30th had a great result at home to the San Miguel Deputies, 10-2, 77 shots- 52. Well done to winners: Mary Lockley 21-7, Ian Kenyon, match conceded by SM, 10-2, Jan Pocock, Dave Webb 17-10, Stuart Wilson, Sue Kenyon, Peter Ayres, John Skipper 17-16.

2 Bowl League Friday 3rd May SL Cobras had a tough morning, away v Greenlands Dragons, points 2-10, 69 shots-103. Winners: Jim Gwynn, Derek Biggs, Brian Gardiner 19-16.

SL Pythons match v Emerald isle Lords, re-arranged for 24th June.

Sunday 5th sees the start of the Spanish National Singles Tournament, until Saturday 11th, initially using 3 different clubs: Greenlands, Vistabella & San Miguel. We have 4 competitors taking part: Barbara Louis, Ian Kenyon, Scott Malden & Dave Webb; we wish them all the very best of luck.

By Sheila Cammack

On Tuesday San Miguel Deputies were away to San Luis Hawks losing 2 - 10,52 shots to 77.

The only winners were the Trips,Ian Hope, Sheila Booth and Bob Donnelly 17 - 10.

On Wednesday,San Miguel Marshalls were home to Greenland Titans where they lost 012,67 shots to 122.

San Miguel Sherrifs were away to Country Bowls Foxes losing 3-9,84 shots to 97.The best winner was Anita Brown in the singles 21 - 15.

A reminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays 1.30pm for 2.00pm - 5 for an afternoon’s bowling with shoes and bowls available to borrow.Due to the popularity of the Wasps,first time bowlers are asked to attend an initial coaching session on Tuesday afternoons,starting at 1.45pm,by appointment

ONLY.To book,please call Dave or Lynn Greenland on +34 667 207 508.

Please note there will be no WASPS on the afternoon of Wednesday 8th May due to club competitions.

There will be no WASPS session on Wednesday 8th May 2024 due to San Miguel hosting the Nationals Single Competition.

We welcome all bowlers who would like to join San Miguel B.C.as we are a unique clubwe only pay owner fees and a club fee and NO LEAGUE RINK FEES.

For further information on San Miguel B.C please contact club secretary Barry Jones on 602 504 905 or club president Alan Campbell on 606 676 118

GREENLANDS BC

With Pearl Houghton VCL TITANS of Greenlands. Played away at San Miguel and had a fantastic win of 12- 0, so well done on this great win away from home turf.

VCL Gladiators did not fare so well playing Emerald Isle and had to fight to gain points losing out 4- 8 to the Isle.

Warriors were at home to Country Bowls and had a strong challenge with some rinks only losing by 1 or 2 shots but lost out in the end only winning on 1 rink, so result was 10-2 for Country Bowls

The Gonnas were away to Country Bowls on Friday and achieved a massive win of 12-0 so well done to the whole team on a brilliant victory.

The Dragons played hosts to San Luis Cobras and played extremely well and a 10 to 2 victory was their reward on Friday so well done to all the team.

LA MARINA BC

The song says I don't like Mondays but that was certainly not true last Monday at La Marina Bowls Club ñ we played at home against Montemar and secured all 12 points. Our congratulations go to Anne Stone, Norman Ship and Barry Roberts 17-13, Lesley & David Joynes with Len Daniels 37-10, John Burrell, Mike Stone and John Rae 18-11, Stuart Wright, Desna & Mike Lowe 187, Peter Horsfield, Margaret MacLaughlin and Garth Slater 1912, giveing us the extra 2 points on a shot difference of 109-63. Well done to all.

This was followed by a evening of education, entertainment and food. Barry Roberts and the Sunshine singers provided the entertainment, Dave O'Sullivan's quiz provided the education and Paulo and Elana provided the food at the Sports Complex Restaurant all in all a fun and successful day.

We are pleased to say our Spanish Trevor is now out of hospital and back home and we hope it won't be long before we meet up on the green again. We all wish him well he has been sadly missed.

No game Wednesday (bye), and no games next week due to the Nationals competition ñ so a great opportunity for practice or for others to take the opportunity for a introduction to bowls. Barry on 641873985 is available if you want any coaching or the basics explained, and you can always pop in on Tuesday and Thursday mornings which are general club days.

Dave Hadaway

THE LEGENDS TOUR 2024 got underway on 3rd May and features 20 tournaments across four continents with a prize fund of over e18 million. The over 50's first tournament, hosted by Ian Woosnam, will be at Apes Hill golf course, on the blissful island of Barbados.

Set on the site of an old sugar plantation, Apes Hill occupies the island's highest usable terrain, with wonderful views and cool breezes from both the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Bearded fig trees line the fairways and green monkeys swing through the trees. Designer Ron Kirby also oversaw the creation of a par-3 course to be played by families and serious golfers alike, with replica holes from around the word, like the Postage Stamp at Royal

Troon or the 17th at TPC Sawgrass.

The course first opened in 2009 but fell into financial difficulty and disrepair before being bought by a Canadian businessman who invested $24 million and brought in Kirby, who designed the celebrated Old Head Links in Ireland.

Luxury villas, a state-of-the-art driving range, fitness centre and health club, hiking and nature trails, floodlit paddle and tennis courts and a world-class spa resulted in Apes Hill Barbados receiving an impressive four wins at the 2023 World Golf Awards in Abu Dhabi.

The golf course was also named the best in both Barbados and the Caribbean. Ron Kirby, who died in 2022 shortly after the completion of his masterpiece, would have been proud.

THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP is returning to Nicklaus-designed Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky from May 13-19th. The course has played host to some of golf’s greatest events, including the 2014 PGA Championship and the 2008 Ryder Cup. For a memorable trip the Kentucky Derby on Churchill Downs would be recommended, if only for the opportunity of cheering on the winner with a drop of bourbon.

Both Kentucky and Ireland produce world-beating racehorses, the

limestone in the soil is said to provide calcium which strengthens the bones of their world famous thoroughbreds.

A visit to the historic building where the Louisville Lip began his boxing career, and then a tour of the bluegrass country followed by the PGA at Valhalla. Perfect. Kentucky is rightly renowned for both racing and golf. Don't know if it's the limestone but their whisky's not bad either.

Rory McIlroy’s victory in near darkness at the 2014 PGA Championship in a rain-delayed final round, was his last win in a major. It's time he sank a celebratory bourbon again.

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER started the year with a reasonable T5 at the Sentry and T17 at the American Express. Things quickly moved up a gear with three top 10's in a row, the At&T Pebble Beach, WM Phoenix Open, and the Genesis Invitational.

After that his form really improved, starting with the Arnold Palmer Invitational then the Players Championship followed by a T2 in the Houston Open. To compensate for that disappointment he proceeded to win the Masters and the RBC at HiIton Head. In the space of 44 days he earned $16,253,735 in prize money, of which he gave $1,608,761 to his caddie, Ted Scott. So far this season Scott has earned just under $1,800,000. more than Rory McIlroy and Tony Finau, to name just two. And it's only May.

MUSTN'T FORGET the ladies. Well done to Nelly Korda for winning the Chevron Championship by two shots in Texas to secure her second major title and a fifth straight tournament win, earning her over $2 million so far. Does she need a caddie?

A RECENT medical study says the death rate for golfers is 40% lower than that for non-golfers, and on a par with athletes and gymnasts. That’s as long as players walk the course, burning off some 900 calories during an average round. (Meaning you can still drop in the 19th afterwards and put 700 back on.) For those of you familiar with the old Stanley Holloway song: “My word, I do feel well!”

Until next time: Happy Golfing.

Contact Mick for your regrips and repairs.

Tel 638 859 475.or visit https://mickthegrip.blogspot.com

MASSIVE PERFORMANCE BOOSTS THADERS HOPES OF SURVIVAL

Talk about being a Jekyll and Hyde team - this is Thader Rojales down to a tee!!

At Calpe the previous weekend,it was a case of men v boys,but on a glorious sun soaked late morning start at Moi Gomez stadium,those boys came of age.Knowing how crucial this match against fellow relegation side Callosa was,manager Carlos Canales transformed his group into one that were magnificent in every department.

These 3 points push Thader up to 31 points,and with another basement side,Santa Pola,also losing, they live to fight another day.Free from suspension,Canales kicked and headed every ball that his boys in blue & white stripes mustered,so motivated was he to achieve a great escape,which is still very much on the cards.

The game started at break neck speed,in fact the first 10 mins or so was quality end to end stuff.A huge turnout got behind their side from the start,never letting up on much needed vocal support. It took only 4 mins for Thader to take the lead.Although Cristian had his shot well saved,the rebound fell nicely for Yiriba to make no mistake with a powerful drive.

Shortly afterwards,Peral struck a thunderous long range free kick which rattled the home cross bar, before bouncing to safety.Dani Lucas had a glorious opportunity to double the hosts lead,but his wayward shot missed the target. Alberto was next in line to try his luck,but his goal bound effort was tipped over the bar,as Thader were like a team possessed.Chema's first real test came on 29 mins,a

vital save to deny the lively Manu equalising for Callosa.

Straight up the other end,a delightful one two between Tremino and Sheriy,resulted in the latter shooting into an empty net

from 10 yards.Totally against the run of play,a cross from the left by Salba,found Manu who headed home for Callosa.Following an almighty let off when Callosa missed a sitter,straight up the other end,Pascual headed home

from a corner,to extend Thader's lead at half time.

Manu should have notched a brace on 53 mins,but much to the relief of the majority of the crowd,he shot into the side netting from a good position.Chema pulled off a trade mark acrobatic save on 63 mins,denying Callosa sub Kevin from reducing the deficit.Pascual was again the hero just 2 mins later,when this time it was his defensive qualities that shone,as he cleared a goal bound effort off the line.

He was so close to adding to his team's total on 69 mins,when he met a free kick with a header that inched the wrong side of the post. Apart from a long range free kick by captain Lloyd,which suffered a similar fate to Pascual's effort,the final word fell to Chema,who made light work of saving a shot by Callosa sub Angel,at the foot of his near post.

Next Sunday ko 1130,Thader visit near neighbours Redovan,hoping to make it 2 wins on the bounce.

LEWIS BACK ON SCORESHEET AS TORRY STAY IN TOUCH OF LEAGUE LEADERS

With Lewis returning to the lineup following his suspension, and Campillo back in partnership with Carmona at the heart of the Torrevieja defence, Gil was able to name a strong starting eleven for Sunday afternoons ‘must win’ fixture versus Villena at Estadio La Solana. Young talent Alek, despite his recent impressive form, was again only able to command a seat on the bench.

on level terms on the 15-minute mark. A back pass to Gálvez saw their winger quicker than the Torry stopper, as he then squared the ball to a team-mate who rolled it into the empty net.

As the goals kept coming Torry found themselves back in front on the half hour mark, a well worked short corner creating space for Cristian to cross the ball to the back post, where Cristian Montero was free to head neatly past the keeper.

Over 50 supporters travelled to Villena, cheering Torry to all 3 points.

On Saturday Novelda had strengthened their spot at the top of the division with a comfortable 2-0 victory away at second placed Murada, so it was important that Torry were able to take all 3 points if they were to stay in touch with the league leaders.

And they couldn’t have wished for a better start. With Manu driving the ball down the right channel the defender hit a perfect cross to fellow full back José Toro, who headed into the bottom corner from 10-yards out, just 3 minutes on the clock.

However, the visitors were then given a sharp reminder of the important task that still lay ahead as a sloppy Carmona pass was intercepted, handing a big chance to the home side, the resultant shot shaving the outside of the Gálvez upright.

But Villena continued to look dangerous and compounded by a defensive mix up, were back

This time the traveling fans were hoping that Torry could remain focussed and retain the lead, as Villena are proving a danger on the break, particularly down the left wing.

Half time Villena CF 1-2 SC Torrevieja

The home side should have been level just minutes into the second period after Campillo was adjudged to have blocked a shot with his arm. Fortunately, Pablo could only hit the post leaving Carmona to clear the danger, the score remaining 1-2 to Torrevieja.

Just five minutes later it got even better for the visitors, a break from Torry, Dani Muñoz getting down the left and releasing Lewis who skipped past 2 defenders before unselfishly squaring to Montero who rolled it in for his 2nd of the game.

Lewis should then have added a 4th, played through by the impressive Cristian, his shot though, straight at the keeper.

With Gil then looking at freshening up the team

Omar & Ramiro were brought on for Montero & Anton, however Villena were by no means done, as Gálvez had to make a smart stop getting down quickly to hold a well hit shot by Abel on the 67th minute.

More substitutions followed by Gil, with Saul and Luis Calos joining in place of Cristian and Dani Muñoz.

Although Torry were still applying the pressure the game was made absolutely safe with just 15 minutes remaining, as keeper Adrià spilled a tame shot to gift the visitors their 4th. Lewis was quickest to react to the loose ball, smashing it home to secure the points.

With Torry now running down the clock Kevin replaced Abadia for the final few minutes of the

game. Villena then went close with a curling effort just narrowly wide of the post but Torry continued to make chances at the other end, Luis Carlos closest with a left footed effort that should have been the visitors fifth.

So, despite the early fright, a relatively comfortable win for Torrevieja taking them back to within 2 points of the league leaders with just 2 games of the season remaining. The missed Villena penalty played a big part although Torry were certainly deserving of the points.

Next week home to 4th placed Almoradi who still have a mathematical chance of making the playoffs, so no room for any complacency there.

Full-time time Villena CF 1-4 SC Torrevieja

TheThader starting eleven

Presentation of awards takes place on June 6th at the leagues favoured venue of Los Cucalos (restaurant and music venue).

All registered league members are invited to attend,plus their guests to enjoy,table magic from the renowned Graeme Mykel,music from Radio 1 DJ Nik Smith,an excellent table buffet and 20 outstanding raffle prizes.

DJ - Nik guarantees to play your favourite music until you drop,the venue closing very late.

Tickets are available through League Secretary Simone de Lacy, by May 24th.Last years popular "walk on music" will be repeated this presentation for all prize recipients.Tina Turner's "Simply the Best" will I'm sure be expected by some,the repertoire a closely guarded secret.

Season 2024 - 2025.Existing teams are reminded to confirm their

inclusion for next season as soon as possible,advising any venue change where applicable.

New teams wishing to participate should contact Simone on 600 980 744 for details as soon as possible and prior to an August AGM. League will commence in September.

DIVISION 1

Champions - Dominos Domignomes

2nd Place Mind the Gap

3rd Place Tipsy Toad Toppers

DIVISION 2

Champions - Fire Station

2nd Place Dannys Bar 3rd Place lllies Oldies

K.O.CUP

Winners - Mind the Gap Runners Up Tipsy Toad Toppers

AUXILIARY CUP

Winners - C.C.Bees Runners Up C.K.1 Lads

MENS SINGLES

Winner James Brown Runner Up Nigel Justice

LADIES SINGLES

Winner Chelsea Campbell Runner Up Bliss Wright

MENS PAIRS

Winners Graham Solomans and Dave Askew

Runners Up Jay Wilkinson and Mark Ellis

LADIES PAIRS

Winners Bliss Wright and Chelsea Campbell

Runners Up Amanda Skinner and Yvonne Rouffignac

HIGHEST FINISH

Mens Dave Askew - 160

Ladies Lesley Dolling - 116

MERIT AWARDS

Mens Announced at Presentation

Ladies"

Team Div 1 "

Team Div 2 "