The Leader Newspaper 24 April 23 – Edition 968

The Provincial Coastal Service has finally authorised the reopening by the Orihuela Council of the passage that connects the Aguamarina pedestrian path with La Caleta in Cabo Roig, which was closed by the Council in December 2021 in compliance with a court ruling.

The closure forced pedestrians to take a detour of two kilometres to pass around the section of only 60 meters in order to reach the beach, or to continue along the coastal walkway, causing hundreds of complaints from residents and holidaymakers alike.

The authorisation comes after councillor Ángel Noguera, who was dismissed from his council position just last weekend by the mayoress, Carolina Gracia, submitted a request to reopen the promenade next to the Bellavista urbanisation last January, subject to expropriating the land from its owners.

In February the Provincial Service sent the Council's request to the Ministry of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility, with their support, and a few days later the Ministry granted authorisation for the connection to be reestablished.

The Provincial Service has now said that the action be carried out within a maximum period of one year from last March.

However, sources from the government team explain that the project must first go through the plenary session and then an expropriation agreement made with the community of owners.

CONTINUED

“The Orihuela City Council must first reach an expropriation agreement with the Bellavista community of owners.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Sources indicate that the Council has offered a price of 66,000 euros, while the owners have asked for 2 million euros, as well as another million for the development of a plot on the northern side of the promenade.

If an agreement is not reached, the price will be decided by a court of arbitration, something that could later be appealed, which would paralyse any work being carried out.

The walkway was approved before the Law of Coasts and the PGOU in 1990, which provided that the first line was public property, however, the Council at the time did not expropriate the section that gave continuity to the promenade along the entire coastline.

The residents of Bellavista then built a wall in 2013 to close the path along the sea front, with some extending their gardens.

Two years later, following an extensive campaign by The Leader Newspaper, the former Town Planning Councillor, Antonio Zapata (PSOE), ordered the demolition of the wall, a procedure that the courts subsequently declared illegal.

Hence, it was then forced to restore the wall to its original state in December 2021, closing the walkway once again.

AVCRL also said that the key to everything will be the agility of the new council, following the upcoming municipal elections, and of the expropriation arbitration court, which will have to decide the fair price

Councillor Rafael Almagro (PP), announced that, based on the general interest, the administration had applied for expropriation, stating that the matter would be resolved with the passage reopened before the summer of 2022 .

At the same time, the Councillor José Aix (Cs) stated that the expropriation "should have been resolved much earlier," stating in the December 22 plenary session that he would like it to be reopened prior to Easter 2023.

still closed today, so during Holy Week there have been countless people made to turn around when they have reached the end of the Aguamarina promenade, where it meets the Bellavista urbanization."

The Association added "it would be really unfortunate for the residents of the coast if this passage continues to be closed next summer", so in the plenary session to be held in April they will ask Aix what steps the Department is going to take so that the expropriation is concluded as soon as possible, to ensure that this walkway can be reopened once again before the summer.

AVCRL also said that the key to everything will be the agility of the new council, following the upcoming municipal elections, and of the expropriation arbitration court, which will have to decide the fair price.

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Only then will the council be able carry out the expropriation although, if the residents appeal in the contentious courts, as seems likely, requesting measures to stop the expropriation, the judge will have to decide if he accepts the appeal or supports the wishes of the majority and the need for the reestablishment of the walkway.

Journalists 600 228 616 office@theleader.info

The Cabo Roig y Lomas Neighborhood Association (AVCRL), stated that "The walkway is

TICKETS FOR HELLO DOLLY NOW ON SALE

This show is guaranteed to make you laugh and put a spring in your step with a very funny story line, great musical numbers and energetic dance routines. Pictured are some of the Principal cast members who are looking forward to a performance to remember.

To book tickets online for our show please visit our 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.

Our rehearsals are held at Casa Contenta, Rojales, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:30pm and 9:30pm so if you have experience in Musical Theatre in the areas of singing, acting and dancing we would like to hear from you.

Can you Act? Oh Yes you can!

THE ROJALES PANTOMIME GROUP will be performing a cracker of a pantomime in December called Snow White & The Seven Christmas Elves. Auditions have been held and the majority of the parts have been cast, however, there are still a few vacancies that need to be filled.

BACKSTAGE CREW:

To help ensure that the props are in the right place on stage for the correct scenes and to assist the cast throughout the performance.

CAST VACANCIES:

There are still just a couple of small parts to be cast.

If you are looking for a great night of musical theatre, look no further than Studio32’s production of ‘Hello Dolly’, coming to the Cardenal Beluga Theatre, San Fulgencio from Weds 31st of May until Sat 3rd of June, doors open at 7:00pm curtain up 7:30pm.

Also anyone who is interested in taking part in the show ensemble, working backstage or have experience working with the production of stage props, lighting and sound. If you require any further information, contact Linda on 679 062 272 or visit our facebook page at Studio32 Musical Theatre Company.

P O E T R Y C O R N E R “Out of Control”

by David Whitney c2023

to help her

Encouraging her to eat

But they were up against her

So were lost in their defeat

The doctor didn't help at all

Nor help to fix her mind

Her friends once so supporting

Now had left her way behind

A downward spiral threatened

She began to harm herself

Fearful now her boyfriend gone

She'd be left upon the shelf

Social media made it worse

Her peers were all so slim

So beautiful so perfect

Happy living in their skin

The light beyond the tunnel

Simply flickered then went out

The world she knew was hostile

Nothing good to shout about

But then one sunny autumn day

When leaves began to fall

She realized she wasn't

To see your poem published on this page send to: office@theleader.info

If you would like to be part of a fun group of amateur thespians and think you could help our Group please email us at rojalespanto@yahoo.com so we can invite you to join us at our first rehearsal in Quesada on the 3rd May. Panto is great fun so come along and enjoy yourself, and help to raise money for needy local charities.

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. Her

Over 200 people attended a Partido Popular rally on Saturday where their candidate for Mayor of Orihuela, Pepe Vegara, was forced to defend himself against assertions levelled by the political website ElPlural.com, which published an article alleging that he was the subject of two crimes against the Treasury, for his management of the Vega Baja ITV centre.

According to the article, "the Prosecutor's Office has sent an indictment for the two crimes and has requested the opening of an oral trial against Vegara and several other people."

Vegara has acknowledged that this case was opened in 2011 but, according to him, "it was closed in 2015".

He said that he is not aware of "any opening of an oral trial, so if it has been opened again, I do not know. It is true that in 2011 we received a complaint but in 2015 it was filed.” He added that in 2011 he had heart surgery and did not go into work all year.

However, ElPlural.com insists that the case is still open with the prosecutor requesting four years in prison, with a fine of 4,500,000 euros, for the crime against the Treasury for corporate tax fraud, and three years in prison, with a fine of more than 600,000 euros, for the VAT fraud.

On Saturday the Regional newspaper Diario Informacion weighed in with an article in which it said that it is able to confirm that the case remains open, although it was archived in the first instance, years ago; in fact, the Orihuela court has recently transferred the conclusions of the accusations to Vegara so that he can formulate his defence; that is, to defend himself before a decision is made whether or not to open a trial. However, the fact that there are two prosecutions would make it very difficult for him not to have to answer before a judge.

The allegations were particularly embarrassing for Vegara as they were made just prior to him hosting a meal for 200 members and supporters of the Popular Party in Orihuela, attended by two PP heavyweights, Cuca Gamarra, general secretary of the PP, and Carlos Mazón, the President of the party in the Valencian Community. In addressing the audience, Mazón defended Vegara’ saying “I think these explanations are adequate.”

Having answered the accusations himself, Vegara then spoke of his desire to return Orihuela to the place it should never have lost, as a leading municipality in the Valencian Community.

"I said it and I maintain it, in me you will only find dedication, good management and, above all, hard work. We will fight side by side, to return the joy, the hope and the light”.

To rapturous applause, Vegara went on to say, “I am not a magician, nor do I perform miracles, and I will not deceive you by false promises. Orihuela cannot be changed in two days, but we will begin to do so from May 28”.

"We will have to build a second health centre and a third school on the coast, unfold the CV-95, support the rehabilitation of our historic centre, fight against the imposition of the Valencian language and continue to support all our farmers because the transfer is essential”, he concluded. Carlos Mazón also highlighted a need for change that is going to start both in the Valencian Community and in Orihuela, a municipality that deserves real investments and not deception such as recovery plans that never arrive. "We must continue fighting for the water that we deserve and to stop kneeling and being humiliated by the lethal duo, Sánchez and Puig

The general secretary of the PP, Cuca Gamarra, also had strong words, highlighting that there are winds of change in this country, in the Valencian Community and in Orihuela.

MOURNING THE LOSS OF PAMELA DT

The Royal British Legion in Spain is mourning the loss of it’s most senior member, Pamela Dawson Tasker BEM, who passed away last week at her home in Alfaz del Pi.

Pamela moved to Spain in 1980 where it took less than two years for her to become involved with the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal. Very much in its infancy, there were just 8 Poppy Appeal coordinators at the time with the very first meeting to decide boundaries, held in her house. The first branches of the Legion in Spain appeared a couple of years later.

Pam then went on the join the District Committee on which she served for many years as Poppy Appeal coordinator and PRO. But the RBL was not her only line of support. Moving from Calpe to Alfaz del Pi she quickly became the head of the Spanish Association against Cancer where, in 2003, she was also a founder of the local board.

She continued with her charitable work with the Alicante Association against Cancer and the RBL, founding the Benidorm and District branch of the Legion. She was instrumental in the move of the Poppy Appeal launch to Benidorm where it has now been held, most successfully, since 2013.

On her retirement from the RBL District Committee Pam was awarded a Cerfiicate of Appreciation and then In 2014 she received the Queen's British Empire Medal from the British Ambassador in Madrid, in recognition of her charitable work and her efforts on behalf of the British community in Spain. Just last year Pam was also recognised for her charity work by her adopted home town of Alfaz with a ‘Woman of the Year Award’, el Premio Mujer Relevante en el ámbito social 2022.

Costa Residents to demonstrate over lack of beach services

‘Residents groups will demonstrate on Tuesday fearing that Orihuela will lose many of it’s blue flag awards’

In the face of numerous complaints, the Association for Environmental and Consumer Education (ADEAC), which awards blue flags to the countryís best beaches, has asked the Orihuela Council for information on the poor condition of the Sendero Azul de Cabo Roig, also requesting that the flag be lowered.

The Cabo Roig y Lomas Neighborhood

Association has criticised the path on several occasions due to itís "abandonment" and poor maintenance, especially in the section that runs along the perimeter of La Caleta beach. They have highlighted the constant rockfalls with potential risk to the lives of pedestrians; the lack of more than 80 balusters, upright supports, along the wooden railing, pillars without adequate support, bad signage and deficiencies in the paving.

According to the Council, they have already been fixed, however, it is worrying that Orihuela, which has blue flags on its 11 beaches, will lose many of them this year due to

deficiencies in their services, which include the lack of toilets and beach bars. With time already running out to put the services in place, prior to the upcoming holiday season, it seems increasingly unlikely that such provisions as sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports, will be available to the many thousands of holidaymakers that are likely to descend on the coast.

As such, Neighborhood associations and beach bar workers are calling on residents to join their demonstration on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. on the promenade of Cala Bosque, in La Zenia, to demand the renewal of these services and

Neighborhood associations and beach bar workers are calling on residents to join their demonstration on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. on the promenade of Cala Bosque, in La Zenia.

improvements to the beaches.

In addition, fearing the loss of the 11 blue flags, they have registered a question in next Thursdayís plenary session for the inept Councillor of Beaches, Antonio S·nchez, about his proposals to maintain the guarantee of the blue flags.

It was S·nchez who stated at the February plenary session that by the beginning of March both the bidding for the beach bars and the installation of chemical toilets would be underway. "Two months have now passed, during which we had the Easter holiday period, and none of his promises have been met".

Meanwhile, Costas has demanded that the Orihuela Council remove the beach bars as they are not fulfilling the purpose for which they were authorised, as the facilities are closed to the public although Chiringuitos del Sol, which has successfully operated the service since 2018, has legally challenged the removal order by the Consistory.

The photo shows Pamela receiving her BEM from Simon Manley, the British Ambassador to Spain.

The worst kept secret in the run up to the Municipal elections was finally confirmed on Thursday evening at the Extraordinary Meeting called by CLARO, when the Orihuela Costa party announced that, in exchange for the placement of a candidate on their electoral list, they will be putting their support behind the Partido Popular. At the meeting, the reason cited for not contesting the elections as a ‘stand alone party’ was the fall, by over 30%, in the number of foreigners who are currently registered in the municipality.

The membership was told that in the event that they head the municipal government, the Popular Party has guaranteed the appointment of a Councillor for the Coast with competences, a budget and a supporting team with C.L.A.R.O representation.

The CLARO activist to be included on the PP electoral list, as an Independent, will be it’s President Antonio Cerdán, although at what number we do not know. However, as the PP won just 9 of the council’s 25 seats in the 2019 elections, anything lower than that number would be unlikely to return him as a councillor, wasting any opportunity of there being a coastal councillor.

In a statement issued on Friday, C.L.A.R.O believes that the programme and reforms, which will be finalised and presented in the coming days, will receive broad support from the population of the coast and its representative associations. The party says that it is convinced that by joining forces and working together, the forthcoming elections will result in a stable, cohesive and majority government which will promote the unity and integration of all parts of the Orihuela municipality, it’s Centre, Pedanias and the Coast.

Girl admitted to ICU after being hit with hammer

Torrevieja Sports City

at

A 15-year-old girl had been admitted to Intensive Care after she was hit by a hammer thrown by an athlete at the Torrevieja Sports City.

The Councillor for Sport, Diana Box, said that the girl was on the athletics track about three metres outside the perimeter when inexplicably, despite all the security measures, she was hit by the hammer.

SAMU Paramedics treated the girl for head injuries at the scene before transferring her to a local medical centre, and then on to Torrevieja University Hospital, where her prognosis is said to be ‘guarded’.

TORREVIEJA TRANSFORMER BOOST

School wants more courses in electric and hybrid Vehicles

Such is the demand for electric and hybrid vehicles that the School of Mechanics in Callosa de Segura has asked that more courses be provided through LABORA

The Mayor, Manuel MartÌnez Sirvent, visited the Municipal School of Mechanics where 2 courses are being held, morning and afternoon, for 30 people each attending for 560 hours. Mora said that "for next year we have requested 3 courses: auxiliary maintenance operations in electromechanics of 350 hours, maintenance of electrical and electronic systems of vehicles of 560 hours, and the electrification course for

i-DE, the distribution company of the Iberdrola group, has carried out major improvements to the Torrevieja substation, installing a new 50-megawatt (MW) power transformer, doubling the capacity of the infrastructure by having two transformers providing a total of 100 MW.

This upgrade, according to the firm, will make it possible to improve the reliability and quality of the electricity supply in Torrevieja and its surroundings, as well as to facilitate access and connection of new supply and generation requests that will now be produced within its scope.

With the commissioning of the substation expansion, iDE will be able to meet the growth in demand from the town and will contribute to reducing losses in the distribution network given its proximity to the areas that generate the demand.

In addition, given its strategic location, this infrastructure will mean a reinforcement for the electricity distribution system in Torrevieja since it now has greater manoeuvring capacity when it comes to distributing loads.

The company, which has made an investment of 1.3 million euro in this expan-

sion, continues to improve the distribution network in Torrevieja, where it has some 130,000 customers who are served through more than 400 service centres and more than 1,000 kilometres of medium and low voltage lines.

For i-DE it is important to have a resilient electrical system in the area, particularly in the Vega Baja region, a territory with a significant degree of urban occupation that has to withstand extreme weather conditions or natural phenomena, which are increasingly frequent.

hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as a training itinerary on electrification and the maintenance of electric vehiclesî.

The Mayor added that ìthe municipal mechanics school, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary, is an example of the government commitment to training and job placement, with this type of workshop continuing to be highly subscribed.î

STYLE NEVER GOES OUT OF FASHION

How people dress tells you a lot about them.Did you glance in your full-length mirror just then?

A man in rags will ask for a euro to fill his stomach (allegedly),whereas a toff wearing white tie and tails will ask to fill your dance card with his name.You certainly sound popular.

Fashion is an instant language which some men never learn to speak,unfortunately,although most women are fluent in the parlance of designer chic.Audrey Hepburn proved the truth of Karl Lagerfeld's dictum that "One is never over-dressed or under-dressed with a Little Black Dress." And it won't show any caviar stains if you are having breakfast at Tiffany's.(Why did Lagerfeld say "One"?)

'Babe' Paley,voted the world's second best dressed woman -- after Wallis Simpson,oh dear -- once changed fashion by tying a scarf around her handbag,causing a trendy tidal wave copied by millions of women.All because her bag clasp was broken,perhaps. There have always been style icons,some of them men. Beau Brummell was a dandy in Regency England who 'made cotton stockings and dingy cravats a thing of the past.' He took 5 hours a day to dress and had his boots polished with Bollinger champagne.According to Beau, to be truly elegant,you should not be noticed.How elegant that makes me feel.He eventually died shabby and insane in France,after being in debtors' prison.He should have polished his boots with sparkling wine. The amateur detective and foppish clotheshorse Philo Vance was always 'scrupulously correct in his dress,yet unobtrusive' -- unlike Lord Byron,who liked to dress up flamboyantly in exotic cloaks and turbans and wore curl-papers in his hair at night.His daughter Ada was a founding figure in the field of computer programming, an idea which makes my hair stand on end.

Not only clothes can influence fashion.Think of David Bowie with a lightning bolt on his face,and Salvador Dali,whose shoe-shaped hats and upturned wax moustache were part of his brand.Dali avoided paying in restaurants by adding drawings to the cheques he wrote, confident such valuable pieces of art would never be cashed,except in Scotland.

Hermes created the Birkin handbag in honour of the

singer Jane Birkin,and you can buy one nowadays for half a million dollars,lucky you.Kim Kardashian sometimes wears bandage dresses,useful for both traffic accidents and fashion disasters,and of course Lady Gaga often lives up to her name.

Kindly clothes designers offer us new fashion choices 4 times a year,perhaps in the belief that fashion is like eating,you should vary your menu to increase your happiness.(According to Bo Derek,"Whoever said that money can't buy happiness didn't know where to go shopping.")

Perhaps most of us would agree with Mary Quant that fashion as we knew it is over: "People now wear exactly what they feel like wearing." That provides me,at least, with a quantum of solace.

Crescendo International Choir performed three successful concerts in April, providing free musical entertainment for people in the Costa Blanca area and raising money for various causes. Most recently, Crescendo International Choir performed at La Siesta Evangelical Church in La Siesta Urb., Torrevieja, on Monday, April 17. Aretiring collection at this concert raised 376 euros for the churchís charity work.

On Saturday, April 15, at Santiago Apostol Church in Benijofar, Crescendo Choir gave a free concert in the evening, after the regular mass. More than 250 euros was raised to help the town hallís social services department buy food for people in need in the Benijofar area.

At the start of April, Crescendo Choir gave a Saturday evening concert at Salt Church in Los Montesinos. At this event, 420 Euros were raised through the red bucket collection after the event. Half of this money went to Salt Church for its own use and half went to Crescendo Choir to help it continue giving free concerts as the music director and the pianist are paid professionals. Member dues also help cover this expense.

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 if you can email info@crescendo-choir.com.

The choir would be delighted to have more singers, especially basses. This international group sings a variety of songs ranging from musicals to spirituals, from pop to classical, mostly in English or Spanish. Rehearsals take place at Rincon de Miguel in Los Montesinos on Mondays between 17:45 to 20:00. All singers are welcome!

Noa is a small, cheeky 2 year old.

He loves lots of cuddles.

For more info

966 71 0047 / 688 792 515

A HUNDRED ‘PIRATE’ TAXIS DENOUNCED

Elche taxi drivers and licensed transport vehicles with drivers, known as VTC, have said that there is a "mafia" of "pirate" vehicles operating at the Alicante-Elche picking up travellers and taking them to destinations in the Alicante and Murcia Provinces.

They have said that there are currently more than a hundred vehicles operating outside the regulations man of which are with clients who had previously contracted legal services.

The situation is not new but, following the pandemic and the subsequent increase in tourism, the situation is skyrocketing out of control.

Prudencio Azor, president of Radio Taxi Elche, says that when approached by police, the illegal drivers always claim that they are picking up family or neighbours.

The taxi drivers and VTC also insist that many vehicles operating outside the law

carry Russian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Swedish, Finnish and North African license plates as do many large capacity vans and high-end cars, such as Mercedes or Porsche.

They are even brazen enough to advertise and message on social networks where individuals and alleged companies offer their services, in English and Russian, to transfer passengers to and from the airport, predominantly to Benidorm, Alicante or

Torrevieja.

There have been occasions where there have been clashes on the outskirts of the terminal between drivers of VTC vans and these "pirates" and in one recent case, attempted aggression that ended up in court, when a VTC driver, JK, received death threats from one of these illegal carriers who, after an altercation, followed him to an airport toilet and pulled out a knife.

SPLASH IN LOS ALCÁZARES

By Andrew Atkinson

A Hydroaviation party in Los Alcázares will take place during April 28, 29 and 30, with the Murcia municipality hosting a great festival reviving a very important part of the history of the town.

Flights of different seaplanes over the Mar Menor will be seen, along with an exhibition along the promenade, talks and workshops, and

the opportunity to experience firsthand what it feels like to be a pilot, thanks to virtual reality.

You can also watch the sunset from a hot air balloon - suspended over the Mar Menor - along with many other events and activities.

Visit the official website of SplashIn and check all the information about this event in Los Alcázares: https://splashin.losalcazares.es/

We Irish are said to be a superstitious race of people – and so we are. Even those of us who deny being superstitious will be loath to fly in the face of something they say will bring bad luck. One of the ‘Seven Wonders of Fore’ is the water from the well that will not boil.

As a teenager, I told my mother one Sunday that my brother Willie and I were going to take home a bottle of the water to see if we could boil it. Mammy nearly had a fit at the very idea. ‘It would be unlucky to try that’, she said – and that was the end of that proposed experiment.

When a cow calved at home the ‘cleanings’ (afterbirth) was never buried; instead it was thrown up into a whitethorn bush. My father said that if you buried the ‘cleanings’, you would bury the calf. I never heard that anywhere else and now I wonder if that superstition was widespread – or perhaps Daddy just didn’t like digging!

To this day – and no later than last week, when a delightful young couple, Deirdre and Barry, bought a few Dexters from me, I give back a ‘luck penny’ out of the payment. That was a tradition at the fairs years ago and where the seller would spit on the ‘bit of luck’ before handing over the coins.

Is putting out the ‘Child of Prague’ to bring a fine day for a wedding just an Irish thing, or does the custom occur in other countries as well? And speaking of other countries, we are no more superstitious than the rest of them.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Los Alcázares Berber

Incursions break all records

150,000 people were in Los Alcázares to enjoy the Medieval Market during April.

The Berberiscos is a unique festival that has become a benchmark for Holy Week in the Region of Murcia, with music and circus shows. "Tourists filled the streets, and the shops and businesses have worked very hard to make it a success," said mayor of Los Alcázares, Mario Pérez Cervera.

Half of the British people involved in a fairly extensive survey, admitted to being superstitious; but 74 per cent said they ‘touch wood’ in the hope of making things happen or not. A majority also said that if somebody said they had an itchy nose, they would comment that the person was going to have a fight!

Americans are every bit as superstitious as the rest of us. They go for carrying a rabbit’s foot, a four-leaf clover and that sort of thing; in fact 12 percent of them wear a lucky charm – in the same manner as Irish people used always wear a miraculous medal. And wait for this one … 400,000 people kiss the Blarney Stone every year – and the majority of them say ‘Gee’!

You might still see a horseshoe hung over a door in Ireland. This was said, not only to bring good luck, but to keep evil spirits at bay - and if a black cat crosses your path you are on the right side of the lucky line for that day. Whether you admit to being superstitious or not, I bet you will walk around a ladder as against walking under it? This didn’t work out too lucky for a guy somewhere in England a few years ago; he stepped out on the street to avoid the ladder and both he and the cyclist who hit him finished up in hospital!

If we carried our collective dread of Friday 13th, we would spend that day in bed. This goes all the way back to the Last Supper and the belief that Judas was the 13th person to sit down at the table. A lot of people will go to great lengths to insure that there are never

13 diners seated at a dinner table. Back in the day when we all smoked cigarettes, nobody I ever knew would take the third light from the same match. This belief in the ‘bad luck’ of the third light was well founded and dates back to the trenches of WW1. The longer the match stayed lit, the more time an enemy sniper had to take out the unfortunate 3rd soldier.

Throwing salt over your shoulder or refusing to open an umbrella inside is bizarre behaviour from an otherwise sensible and sane adult. But that is the pull of superstition. Have you never ‘crossed you fingers’? I know this is mostly harmless habits, but I also know people who profess not to believe in heaven, hell, or religion – but would be scared out of their wits if they broke a mirror!

Valencian Community creates a Consultative Health Committee

The Valencian Community has appointed a Consultative Patients' Committee to promote public participation in the Valencian Health System, organized through federations, associations or charities of patients and their families. Its creation will be celebrated on April 18, the European Day of Patients' Rights.

The Committee is made up of a secretariat and 24 members. Half of the participants are patients.

Doorman dies at Elliott Wright’s Mijas restaurant

A doorman died at Elliot Wright’s Mijas restaurant on Sunday evening after he intervened in a fight between diners.

Elliott temporarily closed the doors of the restaurant, Olivia’s La Cala, but it was still targeted by vandals who spray-painted in blood red the outside in Spanish, words that translate as ‘Killer Elliot’ and ‘Mafia’.

A police investigation is now underway.

There are ancient cures which should come under the heading of superstition – but very few of us will knock this one. I have never heard of anybody turning down the possibility of a superstitious cure for a sickness which befell them. The ‘7th son of a 7th son’ has the cure of several ailments and a boy whose father died before he was born also has a special gift.

What about all the good money thrown into the wishing well … and searching for a second magpie after seeing a lone one? And you claim not to be superstitious …!?

DON’T FORGET

The rabbit’s foot didn’t bring much luck to the rabbit who had it in the first place.

126,000 EMERGENCY CALLS OVER EASTER

Between April 6 and 18, the '1·1·2 Comunitat Valenciana' emergency telephone number has received a total of 125,790 calls, which resulted in the management of 28,450 incidents. 59% (16,791) were related to health issues, followed by safety, 17% (4,830). By provinces, Valencia had the most incidents, 13,984, followed by Alicante with 10,798 and Castellón 3,292.

A c o l u m n w i t h a g o o d l o o k ( ! ) c h a r m . . . ..

Hot Chocolate star Greg really proud of daughter Holly

Former Hot Chocolate lead singer Greg Bannis, dad of Holly, who has followed in his footsteps, talks exclusively to Andrew Atkinson in a Leader Exclusive.

GREG Bannis has seen his name in lights, having been the lead singer for Hot Chocolate, after replacing Errol Brown in 1992.

Now, Murcia based Greg, says Holly, who appeared as Tina Turner in TV series 'Starstruck', has the best job in the world.

Holly has been touring Europe in Tina Turner and Whitney Houston tribute

BOOK REVIEW: Two Clouds too Many

shows, 'What's Love Got To Do With It', and 'Whitney Queen of The Night'.

"I saw Holly live with the backing of a full band, doing the 'What's Love Got To Do With It'," said Greg.

"It was an OMG - Oh, My God, moment for me," said Greg.

John Moran has just celebrated 52 years of marriage to Sandra. Together, the couple had three children along the way, Jonathan, Julian and daughter Faye.

They have been residents of El Raso, near Guardamar, since 2006, described by John as “a great place to spend our retirement.”

In a previous life or so it sometimes seems, John was a village milkman in Killamarsh, North East Derbyshire, an ex-mining village and the birth-

"She has really grown into Tina, just about one year after being discovered on 'Starstruck'," he said.

"I also saw her in Benidorm Palace, doing Whitney," said Greg, lead singer with Hot Chocolate, until 2010. "She gets better every concert, and I am really proud," said Greg. Greg still performs, with concerts in Spain, including the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida regions, as well as in Europe, but is taking life a little easier relaxing in Murcia.

"Now, I am taking a backseat - and letting her get on with the best job in the world !!!," added Greg.

*Another Greg Bannis Leader Exclusive next week, following the release of his New album 'Reggae Reggae Man'.

place of one of the best lady footballers, Millie Bright of Chelsea and England.

First time author at 80, John spent over twenty years as the village milkman, during which time the village faced great danger. He was part of a community that fought a French multi- national half way round Europe, down the Champs De Elysees in Paris, to the E.U. in Strasbourg and Brussels

Their story is told in the book 'Two Clouds Too Many' available on Amazon .

In the words of Leader columnist Bernie Comaskey, “this growing old holds loads of fun”.

Linda and Rae with Councillor Samantha Hull, Brenda and Lesley.

FREEMASONS BOOST FOR SAN FULGENCIO NEEDY

The Freemasons Caledonia Lodge No 68 held a Ladies Night which raised 1500 euros for the charity AAN, Asociacion de Ayuda al Necesitado de San Fulgencio. The Association helps the most needy families of San Fulgencio and La Marina Urbanisation by providing food which is distributed through Social Services of San Fulgencio Town Hall from the office for the Urbanisation on Calle Madrid.

Receiving the money from Linda and Rae Daniel on behalf of AAN is Councillor Samantha Hull Gallon with Brenda Bentley and Lesley Snell .

BISHOP VISITS CAMPOVERDE CHURCH

On Sunday April 16, Campoverde Church in the Community was greatly honoured when the Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Spain, Bishop Carlos Lopez Lozano, visited us to thank us for our work in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ in our church and in our community.

Bishop Carlos led the service which included the participation of members of our congregation.

We were joined by representatives of a number of other churches, including two local Evangelical Churches and our sister churches in la Manga and San Fulgencio.

It was a truly joyful and ecumenical service.

SUNFLOWER CHALLENGE

If you have ever grown Sunflowers, then you will know how easy it can be and the fun they provide in seeing who can grow the tallest. Well now is your chance to grow the tallest Sunflower in Campoverde in the Church Sunflower Challenge.

For just 5Ä we will provide you with two Sunflower seeds with instructions when to plant them, how to take care of them and the date when you need to measure them for the Sunflower Challenge.

YOUR SOCIAL PLATFORM

This week,we asked about the police taking action against scooter riders on the Orihuela Costa,and if their actions are correct.No surprise,as dozens of you shared your opinions!

PETER FINCH

Happy for the police to enforce the law and equally happy for the patient users to comply with it as I have to with my car ??

DEREK MC MAHON

Yes they should. The users of these machines have no tax, insurance, licence or road sense. They have no idea of the rules of the road. The police should be doing even more to stop them.

ELAINE BAKER

Yes..they are dangerous to road users and most of those who ride them have no regard for the rules of the road

LYNFA MORGANS

The Episcopal Church of Spain is part of the Anglican Communion; Campoverde Church in the Community joined in 2020 as we felt it was more appropriate for us to be part of the Church of Spain, whilst remaining within the Anglican Communion.

There is no prize, apart from the immense satisfaction from knowing that your participation will help young people in Campoverde and you may grow the tallest Sunflower in Campoverde. In addition to bragging rights, you and your Sunflower will feature in the local press and social media.

If you would like to take part, and why not it will be fun, then please contact James McAllister to enter: Tel:623 016 229 or email: jamessamuelmcallister@hotmail.co.uk

Yes, very dangerous and if everyone else that uses the roads has to stick to the rules then why shouldn't they. No licence, no tax, no insurance and no idea how to read the roads.

WILLIAM HOPE

Yes, they seem to be oblivious to anyone else, they ride on pavements, bicycle lanes, roads, zebra crossings and pedestrian areas, often just swapping from one to the other when it suits them. They do not wear helmets, quite often there are 2 people on the scooter and some even have shopping bags on them or hanging from them making the unstable. Police need to tighten up before there is a serious accident.

ENA CUMMINGS

They are a menace, no insurance what if they hit your car etc

PATRICIA JINKS

Yes. Not Wearing helmets.two People on them. On mobile phones. Etc

SUZANNE STOKES

Yes. We almost ended up with one under the wheels of our car when the idiot riding it pulled out of a side turning in front of us. Only my husband's exceptional reaction saved him. No safety gear, completely oblivious of other road users. Get rid of them.

COLIN RICHARD

The Most annoying is when they are coming up the wrong way …on blind bends

STEVE DOBSON

Should wear hiviz have lights wear helmets and

ride on road or cycle path

Chris Driscoll

Nothing wrong with scooters it's the people who use them. The police should enforce the rules hefty fines for people not sticking to them. I was doing 50 in my car and a scooter was keeping the same distance between us, I couldn't believe it

NEIL KENDALL

Chris the police local talk alot and post alot about what scooter riders car drivers and cyclists should do but they do nothing about it. They just drive past so the don't have to get involved.

CHRISTOPHER HARTLEY

Some people do exaggerate my god in all my time I have never had an issue with a electric scooter or maybe I'm just more tolerant then most as there is s lot of grumpy old farts about I just seen this moment from a balcony a ***** in a car nearly hit one and he had lights on the scooter and on his helmet and still did not see him so we should take all cars off the road then by the way none of our family have one and most people use for work or we could just get the kids all back on 2 stroke mopeds like back in my day ??

OLE CRAZIES

Left everywhere on the pavements for people for poor sighted people to fall over.

NEIL KENDALL

Scooters are like cyclists they should be banned from everywhere apart from the scrap yard. There both like an unwanted plague.

REGINA MCCRARREN

I use them when I’m over. Do agree there should be obvious rules athough anyone should know not to use them on a footpath

STEVE DOBSON

Regina Mccrarren im.sure there is ?? high viz and helmet at least ??. And sure if using after dusk then lights are needed .

REGINA MCCRARREN

Steve Dobson some have lights. I know some people who work there use high vis and helmets esp on way home at night

JULIE WILLIAMS

Dangerous, come out of nowhere. Ride in the middle of the road, they ride them anywhere foorpaths roads, they should be taken off the roads etc To read more comments,and add your own,follow The Leader on Facebook, www.facebook.com/theleaderdotinfo

The Bishop awarded Assistant Lay Reader Licences to Peter Barlow, Pip Shail, James McAllister and Maggie Dew

WHERE TO PLACE STICKERS IN THE WINDSCREEN

The vehicle´s windscreen is designed to provide protection for the vehicle occupants, whilst allowing for visibility of the road ahead. In terms of the latter point, visibility, it is important that nothing interferes with that function, however there are a very small number of items which are allowed to be place in the windscreen, as they are mandatory requirements. But they are few and far between.

In reality, the only things which you are permitted to place displayed on the windscreen are the ITV, Eco, and shared lane permission (rare) stickers.

It is also important that we place the stickers in the correct location in the windscreen. To explain where, for the purpose of this article, we must imagine that we are sitting in the vehicle and looking out of the windscreen.

ITV STICKER

Once your vehicle has undergone the mandatory vehicle inspection (ITV), and passed, you will be issued with a small rectangular sticker. This sticker must be placed in the upper righthand side corner of the windscreen.

It is also a requirement that you only display a single sticker, the one which shows the current validity. These stickers sequence through three colours, red, yellow, and green. The fine for not displaying the ITV sticker, or displaying it incorrectly, or having it in a bad state, is 80 euro. If you do

need a replacement, such as if your windscreen has been damaged, return to the ITV centre for a replacement, taking your documents with you.

ECO STICKER

The eco sticker, or environmental badge, which identifies the polluting emissions of our car, designated B, C, Eco or Zero, should be placed in the bottom righthand side corner of the windscreen.

CAR SHARING

Lastly, there is a sticker which refers to car sharing or rentalby-the-minute vehicles. In this case, its use is also mandatory and must be placed in the lower left corner of the windshield.

The areas where this sticker is required are not that common at the moment, and so this sticker is the least likely you will see or use.

Remember, it is important that these rules are followed, and nothing else is displayed in the windscreen, such as, for example, “for sale” signs. Anything which can hinder the visibility of the driver can result in action based on article 19.1 of the General Traffic Regulations, which says: «The glazed surface of the vehicle must allow the clear visibility of the driver over the entire road on which it circulates without interference from sheets or adhesives».

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS

Week 967

QUICK

ACROSS: ACROSS: 1 Dude; 3 Estimate; 9 Wizened; 10 Addle; 11 Convalescent; 13 Secede; 15 Estate; 17 Presentiment; 20 Evade; 21 Ailment; 22 Overtake; 23 Idol.

DOWN: 1 Downcast; 2 Dozen; 4 Sodden; 5 Inaccessible; 6 Addenda; 7 Ewer; 8 Incandescent; 12 Teetotal; 14 Carnage; 16 Unmask; 18 Emend; 19 Veto.

CR CR YPTIC YPTIC

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS ACROSS

1.Dud (11)

9.Bow (3)

10.Position (9)

11.Composition (5)

13.Separate (7)

14.Scare (6)

16.Exasperating (6)

18.Scurry (7)

19.Australian dog (5)

20.Odious (9)

21.Pale (3)

22.Gesture (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 23

DOWN DOWN

2.Strange (3)

3.Unpleasant (5)

4.Involve (6)

5.Taste (7)

6.Impersonation (9)

7.Generously (11)

8.Subterranean (11)

12.Require (9)

15.Axe (7)

17.Courageous (6)

19.Live (5)

21.Damp (3)

ACROSS: ACROSS: 1 Half; 3 Readable; 9 Leather; 10 Baton; 11 Flame-thrower; 13 Stress; 15 Shanty; 17 Money-lenders; 20 Spear; 21 Amusing; 22 Reserves; 23 Mast.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Holdfast; 2 Llama; 4 Earthy; 5 Debt of honour; 6 Bittern; 7 Erne; 8 Sheep-shearer; 12 Eyesight; 14 Rioters; 16 Cleave; 18 Erica; 19 User.

1.Put in a word for the working classes (11)

9.Outflow of currency (3)

10.The form aims often take (9)

11.Asource of print? (5)

13.Money making gifts (7)

14.Describing one with the most experience of life (6)

16.No way to finish port (6)

18.Is the parson shortly back on form? (7)

19.Arevolting individual seen in flight (5)

20.Its members were bound to work under strict supervision (5,4)

21.Take a shot of cannabis (3)

22.Science often met in its abbreviated form (11)

DOWN DOWN

2.Tease about Eve's origins? (3)

3. Restrict it below 51 thousand (5)

4.Anumber set about forming principles (6)

5.Gentleman burglar held to raise money for charity (7)

6.Not so busy types sent in a busy type's place (9)

7.Shoplifters are all for these stores! (4-7)

8.Thoughtful enough to study the team and make an assessment (11)

12.Promise to look after one's funeral? (9)

15.Skill taught in laboratories (7)

17.Not just an international entertainment (6)

19.Uncommon Elgar variation (5)

21.Agirl to hang on to? (3)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 23)

1. What is the largest country in the world?

2. Name the composer behind the soundtracks of The Lion King, Inception and Pirates of the Caribbean.

3. How many elements are in the periodic table?

4. At which venue is the British Grand Prix held?

5. Which film was the first to be recognised as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

6. Gordon Sumner is the real name of what famous British musician?

7. How many nations were scheduled to host games at Euro 2020 before its postponement?

8. What colour are the seats in the House of Commons?

9. Which southern Italian city is usually credited as the birthplace of the pizza?

10. Who said this famous quote: ‘If you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best'?

11. Nick, Joe and Kevin are all members of which pop band?

12. How many fingers do Simpsons characters have?

13. In which country would you find the original Legoland?

14. How did Roxy and Ronnie

die in Eastenders?

15. In ‘Only Fools and Horses’, by what name did Trigger always call Rodney?

16. When did the Vietnam War start?

17. The letterbox of 10 Downing Street in London has an inscription that reads”First Lord of…” what?

18. What language is spoken in Brazil?

19. Which artist painted the Mona Lisa?

20. What colour is found on 75% of the world’s flags?

21. What does the Internet acronym ROFL mean?

22. What is another name for Gypsum plaster?

23. The earliest wheelbarrows were used in which country?

24. As of 2018, who is FLOTUS? (Hint: we want a person's name)

25. Which country has the highest density of vending machines in the world?

26. Who asked the quiz questions on University Challenge before Jeremy Paxman?

27. What sort of vehicle is a vardo?

28. Thiamine deficiency due to not enough vitamin B is also known by what name?

29. What is bigger, the hectare or acre?

30. The name of which Spanish ham literally means "ham from the mountain range"?

ACROSS ACROSS

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.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Los Montesinos - La Herrada

2 double bed/fitted wardrobes, bath/shower. South facing ground floor bungalow apartment, DialPrix Supermarket 2 mins away. Private tiled garden, double glazed Patio, Seperate kitchen, Galleria. Close to all amenities - 35 min Alicante Airport, Priced to sell at E79,995

Tel: +34 634 383 099.Tel: +44 776 230 3798. Tel: +44 770 234 0744.

camera.club/ for details.

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 2016 Ford Grand C-Max Trend+ Diesel which is priced at just 17,500 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-alcazares-

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.

Loquat - peach,citrus and mild mango

Excellent for jellies, jams and preserves!

THE Loquat tree is an ornamental, with it's whirls of glossy foliage and naturally attractive shape.

They have large clusters of attractive fruit that stand out against the dark green, tropical looking foliage, growing to about 7.5m, with a canopy spreading 4.5-6m.

Loquat trees are sensitive to cold weather, as temperatures below -3 C will kill the flowers and fruit.

The trees thrive in Spain, who are the main supplier of loquats in Europe.

Some varieties are self pollinating, you can get a good yield from just one tree, but there are several cultivars that must be pollinated by another tree. When planting only one tree make sure it is a self-fertile type.

The most popular for eating is the Argelino loquat, as it's the sweeter variety. Not only good to eat, they are also good for your body as they contain carotenoids being a good source of Vitamin A. They are also packed with fiber, calcium, and potassium.

When growing loquat trees, plant in a sunny location, at least 7.5-9m from any surrounding structures.

Plant the tree, so that the soil line of the tree is even at the level of the surrounding soil. Water twice, a week after planting, keeping soil lightly moist around the tree, until it begins to put on new growth.

Care needs three essential things: good nutrition; water management and weed control.

Art at the Cultural centre

In May and June, there will be a display of Art from local Artists in the Cultural Centre in Calle Pino, Quesada.

We are a friendly group who meet in the library at the Cultural Centre every Wednesday 10.00- 12.30.

Why not come along and speak to the artists?

Fertilise three times a year, with a lawn fertiliser. Water when blossoms begin to swell in spring, and two to three more times when the fruit begins to ripen. Apply water slowly, allowing it to sink into the soil as much as possible. Stop, when the water begins to run off. Take care when weeding around the tree, with roots very shallow.

Loquat fruits are small, round, or pear-shaped, of approximately 5cm long, tasting sweet or slightly acidic, with juicy flesh being white, yellow or orange, with a yellow or orange blushed peel.

Very tasty, when peeled and eaten fresh, with a flavour being a mixture of peach, citrus and mild mango.

They make excellent jellies, jams and preserves, as they have high sugar, acid and pectin levels.

Ciudadanos said to have blocked PSOE until approval of Cala Mosca

Orihuela’s Partido Popular stated on Wednesday that during the period in which the mayoress, Carolina Gracia, was considering a proposal for the final approval of the Cala Mosca project, which will see the construction of 2,200 homes on the last kilometre of virgin coast of the Oriolan coast, and in which she denounced the threats and pressure she was receiving from the builder, the government coalition partners led by the Deputy Mayor, Jose Aix, blockaded government work that Gracia was attempting to carry out, which

Alejandro Gea launches "Concordia en Orihuela"

Last week the presentation of a new political party took place "Concordia en Orihuela" described by itís leader, and candidate for Mayor, Alejandro Gea MartÌ, as social, liberal and progressive.

Gea explained that it is a party that was founded just a few days ago. "We have many projects planned such as help for young people with driver's licenses, refurbishment of the historic centre of Orihuela City, enhancing of its museums," he said.

He confirmed that the complete electoral list is currently being finalised.

ìI started at the age of 16 as part of the New Generations of the Popular Party. Later I joined Vox, but with my departure from that party I decided that Orihuela needs a change, that's how I decided on the need for a party such as "Concordia in Orihuela".

Butron adds to list

Nathalie Dubi, a Belgian national, has lived in Los Montesinos for about 25 years and is currently a Councillor for social services and health.

"For the benefit of the people and the goodwill she has for the town, she feels honoured to be able to work for the people," said Montesinos mayor Jose Manuel Butron.

Natalie Hayes, an English national, is also added to the list. She has lived in Montesinos for 23 years: "She initially came to enrol her daughter in the nursery and from then on she decided that Los Montesinos was the perfect place to live and raise her daughter.

"I am grateful that Natalie is part of this list and supporting me," said Mayor Butron.

had an damaging impact on municipal ordinance.

One such procedure was "the unsuccessful attempt by the Councillor for Equality" to introduce legislation for the abolition of prostitution and sexual exploitation, where the socialists were forced to withdraw the proposal. Neither was it possible to approve the formu-

lation of the annual accounts of Uryula Histórica, the municipal company through which the City Council manages services such as early care and childcare. On this occasion, according to the PP, the unjustified absence of councillor Antonio Sánchez, from Ciudadanos, meant this important matter was left unresolved.

The PP has stated, "so much is the situation of hostility that exists between the two parties, PSOE and C’s, that it is evident, even in the management of the council website and social networks accounts, where each one publishes it’s own news with their corresponding photographs, and where it is common practice that they are able to delete comments that they find critical.

Nor can the appalling situation regarding the

lack of insurance for municipal vehicles and other uninsured municipal property, for more than three months, be excused, a procedure that was a direct responsibility of the Councillor for Heritage, José Aix (Citizens). It was a failing about which he remained silent, falling to the mayoress to defend him and to fix the problem.

They also add that "the greatest example of the government paralysis continues to be the lack of a municipal budget, the promise of which was the justification for the motion of censure a year ago."

Therefore, they concluded that "the few projects that are seeing the light of day are those that were inherited from the previous management of the PP.

PLAN TO FINALLY DEAL WITH FLOODING IN TORREVIEJA

Pablo Samper, candidate of SueÒa Torrevieja, says that "in Torrevieja we enjoy good weather and sun most of the year, but when rainfall occurs it usually does so torrentially, causing flooding in many parts of the city, such as Las Torretas, DoÒa InÈs, Playa de Los Locos, San Roque and Avenida Delfina Viudes and Cortes Valencianas".

There are usually two seasons where we have heavy rains, around September, following summer, and in the Spring, in the April and May months, times when many residents dread facing the persistent flooding in and around their homes, many of whom are even unable to sell as a result of their disclosure of the problem.

Samper says that "in SueÒa Torrevieja we have a solution: a plan that uses the construction of storm tanks in the areas where this type of flooding occurs and which

could alleviate the problems of residents when they try to access their homes, as well as the transit of vehicles".

Storm tanks could easily be built into roundabouts or municipal lots, creating new green areas on their surface, and might be able to absorb large amounts of rain.

"There are already some projects that has been carried in the town, as in the case of Torreta Florida, but the current PPgovernment team has not done enough, so we must act comprehensively and not just put a patch," said Samper.

He adds that "it is not possible that the main access and exit roads are cut when this type of rain occurs, which effectively closes down the city and leaves Torrevieja and some neighbourhoods in deplorable conditions".

Samper concludes by stating "there have been many years in which this

PP reveals electoral list in Pilar de la Horadada

The plan consists of the construction of five large stormtanks at points where the major flooding occurs

type of problem has just dragged on, due to the poor planning of the city, over 30 years, where it has been built without having a rainwater network. It is something that will continue to occur every time it

The mayor of Pilar de la Horadada, José María Pérez Sánchez, has revealed the list which he will take to the polls on 28M. There will be twelve men and twelve women on the list of 21 candidates plus three substitutes. Eight of the eleven current councillors will stand again.

José María Pérez Sánchez explained that most of his current team will stand for re-election because “we have had a legislature, during which there was a great deal of damage, the pandemic and now the war, which has made it difficult to implement many of the ideas that we want to develop in the future". However, "we have fulfilled the electoral program almost in its entirety, and what we have not been able to do we can explain why".

In addition, he states that they have covered the priority needs of Pilar de la Horadada, providing more than 2 million euros in aid to offset the effects of the crisis amongst families, SMEs

rains, but in SueÒa Torrevieja we do not resign ourselves to putting up with the problem. That is why we offer real solutions to the problems of Torrevieja in order to improve the quality of all of our residents".

and the self-employed, together with another million and a half euros in different consumer voucher campaigns that have supported local businesses.”

The mayor says that he has assembled a team of "honest, hardworking, capable, committed and enthusiastic candidates who are determined to continue improving the quality of life of all of us who live in Pilar de la Horadada".

The PP currently has 11 councillors. Their top 15 candidates are:

1. José María Pérez Sánchez, 2. María del Mar Sáez Martínez, 3. Ángel Albaladejo Miralles, 4. Rufino Lancharro Muñoz, 5. Asunción Sánchez Martínez, 6. José Antonio Martínez Delgado, 7. María Nieves Moreno Moreno, 8. Darío Quesada Ferrer, 9. Rosario Rojano González, 10. Melisa García Roda, 11. Pedro Miguel Moya Albaladejo, 12. Elísabet Marcos López, 13. Eva María Martínez Pagán, 14. José Antonio Sáez Egea, 15. Antonio José Villaescusa Pastor.

AVA Dehesa De Campoamor host Breakfast for election candidates

AVA Dehesa De Campoamor held their very first breakfast last week, at Los Angeles Restaurant, for representatives of all registered political parties that will be presenting candidates at the municipal elections.

Hailed as a great success, the meeting, which lasted for almost 3 hrs, allowed parties to put forward their plans for the Orihuela Costa over the next four years. Candidates also took questions from the audience.

Parties represented included the Partido

Popular with Pepe Vegara, the PSOE by the mayoress Carolina Gracia Gómez. Ciudadadanos were unable to send a councillor so they were represented by an aide, Fermin Gonzalez Rodriguez. Cambiemos sent their candidate Karlos

Cambiemos Orihuela opens its campaign

Cambiemos Orihuela has announced its campaign slogan for the upcoming municipal elections:“Add to Advance”with which the party hopes to highlight the capacity that Orihuela has to integrate, under the same candidacy, it’s wealth of many different traditions and progressive groups as well as independent individuals.

“We are aware that Orihuela does not have a progressive government that is capable of responding to ecological needs, social and political features, that can achieve unity, bringing together all the people who want to contribute to that change.”

“CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME”

Charities and Associations registered in Orihuela Costa have been looking after the welfare needs of coastal residents since 2008, not the Orihuela city government. Why, one wonders, is Orihuela oblivious to our needs, to the point of allowing them to struggle when they are in need of help or social care.

In 2009, Norah Bond and Roman Jimenez Gill founded PUMA22 Association to promote the serious deficit of qualified Doctors working in the Valencian region. They helped many families register in the Spanish Health System, supporting them with information and help.

In 2011, Norah Bond went on to create Help At Home Costa Blanca, the 2nd registered charity in Orihuela Costa, providing help for those on discharge from hospital or suffering long term conditions.

But what assistance did they get from Orihuela city in setting up the charity? None; she was advised by the British Consul to seek advice from the Social Welfare team in Torrevieja, not Orihuela city. In 2017, she established Community Care Association, which enabled people to integrate, socialise and learn Spanish, Arts

LOS VERDES DE TORREVIEJA ARE THE FIRST TO PRESENT ELECTORAL LIST

Bernabé Martínez, VOX, Jesús Hernández. CLARO declined the invitation as they chose to attend the Cala Mosca demonstration held on the same morning while, puzzlingly, PIOC were not invited to attend.

"The objective of Cambiemos has always been one of creating a municipalist, progressive and constantly changing party for the improvement of Orihuela, a party for anyone who shares our values”.

They insist that Orihuela must advance equally in policies of housing, in protection of the territory and patrimony, in public services such as street cleaning, sports facilities or policies that protect the well-being of the population.

It must also have an efficient, agile and decentralised Council where there also needs to be improvements in transport and sustainable mobility and where there is attention paid to the urban centre, all of the districts and to the coast".

Over the next few weeks, Cambiemos Orihuela will begin to issue it’s main proposals to achieve these "improvements" in Orihuela.

and Crafts.

More recently, a month ago, an invitation to meet with the Cllr for Social welfare was sent to open discussions about available support for Orihuela Costa residents but, to date, there has been no response.

There are currently hundreds of vulnerable, elderly, frail or disabled people, who are being ignored by the Orihuela Government? Hundreds more struggle continuously with serious medical conditions.

What should be fairly simple thing like the provision of Mobility Permits / Blue Badges, can take two or more years to obtain, another situation that needs to be simplified and speeded up.

Cancer support is provided by Maria, the Pink Ladies and Panthers, who raise funds for AECC Orihuela Costa. The truth is, if all volunteers stopped working now, the residents of Orihuela Costa would not be able to cope.

P.I.O.C is well aware that coastal residents need more help to access the social welfare system and, with Orihuela Costa resident Ramon Fuste at the helm, they will work hard to ensure that it is improved, but in the meantime, as an inhabitant of this part of Spain, “Charity really does begin at home”.

The representatives of Los Verdes de Torrevieja report that they have been the first to present the candidacies for the municipal elections on May 28 before the Orihuela Zone Electoral Board.

ìToday is an exciting day, we present the candidacy with great enthusiasm. An open, feminist and intergenerational candidacy that will take Torrevieja into the future" defended Israel MuÒoz, candidate for Mayor with Los Verdes de Torrevieja, who also recalled that in these elections "we Torrevejenses are at stake, go back or continue advancing, continue with the cuÒaismo or bet on a new model of the cityî.

CuÒaismo is defined as related to nepotism, or a tendency to express opinions on any subject, usually in an uninformed way, solely based on individual experience or with the intention of being above other people.

The list, as previously advanced, will have independent people from different cultural, social, and educational fields representative of the municipality and will be closed by the former Mayor, JosÈ Manuel DolÛn.

Complete PSOE candidacy announced in Torrevieja

The candidates for the municipal elections in Torrevieja were announced last week headed by B·rbara Soler, David Villanueva and Carolina Ponce.

The list up to tenth place - the Socialists obtained five councillors in 2019 - is comleted by Margarita de Francisco

Gamero, JosÈ Bonilla Mill·n, Aida Llora LÛpez, CÈsar

Bern· Poquis, Laura Corrales

OrtÌn, Carlos S·nchez Arenas and Teresa Lozano Cabello.

This was the first such event held by AVA Campoamor

La Marina Bowls

Dave Hadaway writes ....Last week we saw the Champion of Champions up to semi-finals stages, on Friday I had the privilege of watching the Ladies Singles quarters and the mixed pairs semi. They were terrific matches but my attention was obviously drawn to the mixed pairs of Shirley and Norman against Bonalba, we needed 3 on the last end and scored 2 so unlucky to lose a semi but that's bowls.

Janet Parsons was playing Jacqui Johnston to rinks over from me and managed to lead a very tight game for most of the time, eventually to win 21-18 and a place in Saturday's semis. Janet's Saturday semi and was against Maggie Furness of Vistabella, and won through to the final with a comfortable win of 21-12. Sunday saw our ladies single final against Bonalba's, Belinda Archer and you won't see many better finals, at 18 ends it was 18 each, either can win this next end and be Champion of Champions by scoring 3 and yes our Janet scored that 3 to win a hard fought match to claim Ladies Singles ñ Champion of Champions.

Back to the leagues and Monday saw us travel to La Siesta and after last weeks big win we came away with another fine win of 8-4 with a shot difference of 117-98 in our favour. I would just like to mention Stewart Wright, Jean Tregoing and Mike Stone's fine win of 35-14.

Wednesday we were at home to San Luis and achieved another very satisfactory win of 8-4, and I must mention Garth Slater's fine singles win of 21-3, well done all.

San Miguel Bowls by Barry Jones

On Monday San Miguel Christians were home to County Bowl Red Kites winning 8 - 4, 96 shots to 63. The best winning triple were Anne Young, Dave Young and Alan Campbell 21 shots to 4. Also, Dave Smart, Don Darby and Frank Scotthern 26 - 9. San Miguel Moors were away to Vistabella Fairway, winning 7 - 5, 81 shots for both teams. Best winning triples were Ken Hope, Mary Whitelock and Ron Nairey 18 - 16. Also Jan Farmer, Gail Willshire and Fred Willshire 21 - 9, it was noted that Fred Willshire’s triple came back from 18 -1 down to win 21 -19.

In the VCL league on Wednesday San Miguel Deputies were home to Emerald Isle Earls winning 10 - 2, 92 shots to 72. Jan Farmer won the Ladies Singles 21 - 12, Bob Nesbitt won the Gents Singles 21 - 11. In the pairs Bob Donnelly and Frank Scotthern won 17 - 15, and in the Triples Sharon-Louise, Barbara Scotthern and Derek Farmer won 15 - 13. In the Rinks Jack Jackson, Linda Douglas, Barry Jones & Alan Campbell lost 21 - 18. San Miguel Sheriffs were away to Greenland Giants losing 6 - 8, 72 Shots to 120. In the Ladies Singles Anita Brown lost 21 - 9. In the Gents Singles Allan Patterson won 21 - 16. In the pairs Sandi Hannan and Ron Nairey lost 17 - 15, and in the Triples Ron Peters, Hank Van Essen and Lee Sinclair lost 44 - 12. In the Rinks Margaret Patterson, Dave Homer, Dori Svansbergsson and Steve Cantley won 20 - 18.

A reminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays 1.30pm for 2.00pm - 5 for an afternoon’s bowling with shoes and bowls available to borrow. Due to the popularity of the Wasps, first time bowlers are asked to attend an initial coaching session on Tuesday afternoons, starting at 1.45pm, by appointment ONLY. To book, please call Dave or Lynn Greenland on +34 667 207 508.

We welcome all bowlers who would like to join San Miguel B.C. as we are a unique 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

ELRANCHO BOWLS CLUB

Wednesday found El Rancho at La Siesta playing the Hoopoes, where a stiff breeze caused a little consternation. The Hoopoes took advantage of the home advantage, taking 3 rinks to El Ranchoís 2, they also won the overall shots by 89-81.

Ladies Singles: Sheila Cox 21-15. Mens singles: Mike Cox 12-21. Pairs: Ann Abbott and Ron Greenstreet 13-17. Trips: Chris Ziepe, Malc Sykes and John Ziepe 14-22. Rinks: Peter Blackburn, Tony Abbott, Bill Johnston and Brian Harris 21-14. Bowlers of all levels are welcome at El Rancho, for further membership information contact Sheila Cox at micksheilacox@gmail.com.

SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB by

The summer leagues have resumed after the Champion of Champions Tournament and the weather is getting warmer on the green.

LLB South Alicante League Monday 17th

SPITFIRE Div. The Wellingtons were at home v Quesada Blenheims and had to play hard, the morning produced some excellent bowling from both teams, finishing with 10 points, shots 102-60.

Winners: Chris Jackson, Vic Mahomet, Dave Webb 22-11. Bill Webb, Caroline Smyth, Scott Malden 24-10. Giuseppe

Dee Hoey

Galelli, June Jones, Keith Jones 20-13. Dee Hoey, Stuart Wilson, John Smyth 25-8.

HARRIER Div. Our Hercules team were away v Greenlands Warriors and some of the scores were very close, finishing with 6 points, shots 76-96.

Winners: Dave Notley, Cas Blay, Barry White 22-17. Phil Lockley, Mary Lockley, Derrick Cooper 18-17. Ray Watmough, Bob Bromley, John Dowell 21-10. Valencian Championship League Wednesday 19th

DIV A. Falcons were at home v Vistabella,

MMOONNTTEE MMAARR BBOOWWLLSS CCLLUUBB

Great result for Monte Mar Bowls club at the Champion of Champions, Lynne Armitage and Neil Crawford winning the mixed pairs. It was a nail biting final, on the last end Lynne and Neil were three down but they managed to win by one shot. Also the mixed rinks: Gina Hindle, Steve Hindle, David Eades skip Phil Goble played in the final against a team from Greenlands. They got off to a good start but the Greenlands team gradually caught up and won the game. Well done to both teams.

South Alicante Summer League - Monte Mar Toros v La Siesta Wasps

At home to the wasps the Toros had a better result. Winning on two rinks and the shots well done: Lynne Armitage, Rod Chamberlain skip Barry Watson 24-17, Sheila Roberts, Cindy Bedford skip Neil Crawford 22-14. Shots Toros 82 - 78 Wasps, Points Toros 6 - 6 Wasps

Emerald Isle success at Champion of Champions

Well done to everyone from the club who took part in the Competition. Finishing on the podium were: Ladies Pairs – Winners: Sabrina Marks and Mary Dyer and Mixed Trips - Runners Up: A M Gerrard, Drew Gerrard, Colin Lindgren

The Vulcans started the week travelling to Quesada Lancasters and they had a fine win 7-5 Aggregate was even at 84 all.

The Victors played at home against a very strong Greenlands Gladiators team and lost 0-12 Aggregate 47-127

Dukes were at Ouesada Sheriffs in the VCL league where they lost 4-8, Aggregate of 73-102. M Dyer 21-19, N Prior S Elvin C Lindgren 23-18.

Earls played at San Miguel Deputies and slipped to a 2-10 defeat, Aggregate of 7292

Emerald Isle played their monthly game against The Highjackers and home advantage paid off in a close game

SAPS is on Saturday at 13-15 with 2 hours of coaching and Shoes Bowls supplied if need.

GREENLANDS BOWLS CLUB

Great effort from the home team getting a draw of 6 apiece against San Luis Hercules, one team only losing by 1 shot, such a very tight game on this rink but another rink for the warriors getting a great result of 33-6 thus giving Greenlands the overall win. Well played everyone, a good result . Greenlands Gladiators went to Emerald Isle to take on the Victors in the Hurricanes league and came away with the great result of 12-0, 127 shots to 47 VCL League - Greenland Giants v San Miguel

We were triumphant in the Ladies Singles, also in the pairs and trips but lost one singles and the rinks. The final score was 8-4 to the Giants with shots of 120 to 72 so well done on a good performance

excellent bowling from both teams, finishing with 6 points.

Well done to the winners: Singles – Sandra Burrows 21-11. Triples – Dee Hoey, Keith Jones, John Smyth 24-6.

DIV B. Hawks were away v La Marina, had to work hard against some strong players for 4 points.

Well done to the winners: Singles –Barbara Louis 21-14. Rinks – Brenda Reid, Margaret Morrison, Ralph Jones, Neil Morrison 18-17.

Good luck to all in the coming matches.

The bar will be open, all for 5

Euros

ELWYN MORRIS

MIXED PAIRS CHAMPIONS: Lynne Armitage & Neil Crawford

DIANALLOYD MEMORIALKO COMP ROUND 1-TUE 18TH APRIL

Gap Girlz(7) 5 - 2Tipsy Tigers

Ladybirds5 - 4Friendly Chicas

Friendly Temps5 - 1Wacky Allsorts

Dolly Mixtures3 - 5Primadonnas

HOTSHOTS: Yvonne Rouffignac (GG) 100 x5, Diane Burns (DM) 120, 119, 106, 100, Bliss Wright (GG) 107, 100 x2, Julie Hallett (FC) 162, 129, Chelsea Campbell (GG) 144, 100, Karen Christopher (FC) 124, 115, Ann

QBC ROUNDUP By

Wharton (FT) 100 x2, Dons Ralph (LB) 133, Monique Edelenbos (FT) 109, Sue Christie (LB) 114, Lisa Ivill (TT) 114, Alison Webster (FC) 108, Sharon O¥Rourke (LB) 106 Diane Burns (DM): 106 check-out

Draw and venues forSemi-Finals, Tue April 25th @ Tipsy Toad

Gap Girlz v Primadonnas Friendly Temps v CK1 Ladybirds

LA SIESTA BOWLS CLUB

Steve Hibberd

Firstly, congratulations must go to Chris Brazier and Jason P, who retained the men's pairs trophy in the recent champion of champions tournament.

In the South Alicante summer trips league, in which both of our teams play in the top division, it wasn't the best of days last Monday.

Lancasters were at home to Emerald Isles Vulcans, and although they only won on 2 rinks, an 84-84 shots count, made the scoreline a respectable 5-7.

Well done - C Bowles, D Gould, A Reid 18-8. S Johnston, D Collings, A Johnston 25-8. Blenheims were at San Luis, where only the rink of G Kershaw, P & B Rees won, as they went down 2-10.

Fast forward to Wednesday, and in VCL div 1, Lions conquered Emerald Isles Dukes 8-4 at home.

T Morgan won his men's singles 21-4, A Bowen & Jason P won pairs 18-14, plus the rinks team of B Elliott, C Dye, C & K Lowry won 26-11.

Over at Country Bowls, Tigers lost 4-8 against Foxes, in their div 2 fixture. Only the men's & ladies singles of A Reid (2116) and I Everett (21-10) were victorious.

Vistabella Bowls Club

South Alicante Summer LeagueVistabella Fairways v San Miguel Moors

Vistabella welcomed our friends from San Miguel on a beautiful morning. All five triples were very close games with Denise Howell/Eric Bishop/Maggie Furness winning 19-16, Derek Howe/Stuart Allman/Brian Dunn also winning 14-12 for Vistabella. Total scores at the end were 81pts each. So the final result was a win for San Miguel 7pts - 5pts.Well done everyone.

VCL summer league - San Luis Falcons v Vistabella Saxons

Always a lovely visit to see our friends at San Luis. Two singles/pairs/triples/fours. The mens singles was a hard fought win by Martin Foulcer 21-19 for Vistabella.

Pairs was a comfortable win with Gary Thorpe/Richard Willey 20-12 and our fours Keith Black, Paul Durham/Alan Bannister/Eric Bishop also a good result 19-12.

Points go to San Luis 88-77 so end result was a draw 6pts each. Great game played in a friendly atmosphere.

Vistabella bowls contact: Richard Willey - richardwilley321@gmail.com Tel: 698 925 932

Alan Carr writes ...Hurricane Division The Wasps travelled to Montemar for their game against the Torros, the game produced some good bowling which resulted with both sides sharing the points as seen by the overall (Shots 78-82). The three winning rinks were; Anthony Pridmore, Martin Harley & Karen Kirk (16-10). Kevin Jones, Pauline & Lyndon Johnson (16-13). Ramsay Sinclair, Dawn & John Taylor (15-13). Result 6-6. Harrier Division La Siesta Hornets started the season at home against La Marina, which saw two rinks win quite comfortable but we were unable to pick up any further points with the game finishing 4-8 (Shots 98117). Rink winners were; Jim Gywnn, Derek Barker & John Skipper (29-17). Peter Ayres, June & David Whitworth (23-12).

VCLgame The Parakeets home game last week was against the other La Siesta team the Hoopoes which resulted in the home side winning three of the disciplines, and narrowly collecting 2 points for the overall (Shots 86-79) to win 8-4. The Parakeets winners were; Rinks: Anthony Pridmore, Kathleen & Noel Morrisroe with Dave Blackie (16-13). Trips: Joy & Brian Gardiner with Jean Cooper (24-11). Pairs: Martin Harley & Karen Kirk (25-13). The Hoopoes wins coming from the single games by; Judy Carroll (21-9). Alan Mawer (21-12). The Hoopoes second game was at home playing El Rancho, which saw the team win on three rinks and also collecting 2 points for the overall (Shots 8981) to win 8-4. Winners were, Singles: Alan Mawer (21-12). Pairs: Joan Inns & Ken Barber (17-13). Trips: Mags Haines, Jim Jarvie & Mike Inns (22-14).

Interested in joining La Siesta members run bowls club, there is George¥s Chicken and Egg, every Wednesday 1.30 for 2pm, with Mike & Grahams roll up every Saturday 930 for 950 am. Just pop in or call the President George 865772498 or the Captain Brian 604152834 who will be pleased to give you any further information you may require.

The draw was done by none other than `The Prince of Style` Rod Harrington, former Matchplay champion, PDC Chairman and commentator, witnessed by Gap Girlz Chelsea Campbell and Primadonna Mitch Halliday.

By Paul Durrant

Mens Singles 2023 - Venue - New

Tavern,

San Miguel.

FINAL ..... MARK ELLIS (HUB HYENAS) 3 - ED KLIMONIS (EL CAPITAN) 1

BEST FINISHES:

Simon Perryman (Dannys Bar) 127-T19-S20-D20

Darren Hurcombe (CK1-Lads) 127-T19-S20-Bull

Mark Ellis (Hub Hyenas) 108-T20 -S16-D16

Gordon Cowan (Mind the Gap) 100-T20-D20

Ed Klimonis (El Capitan) 97-T19-D20

Matt Smith (CC.Flyers) 72-S16-D16-D12

Liam Lumb (CC.Bees) 70-S20-S10-D20

180's; Steve Tilley (Leeson St. Trotters) x 2, Matt Smith (CC.Flyers) x 2, James Brown (Mind the Gap), Darren Hurcombe (CK.1 Lads), Sam Salt (Mind the Gap), Bob Smith (Danny's Bar), Liam Lumb (CC.Bees)

501 - LEAST DARTS: Matt Smith (CC.Flyers)14 darts, Sam Salt (Mind the Gap)15 darts, Mark Ellis (Hub Hyenas)15 darts, Darren Sanderson (Mind the Gap)16 darts.

140's - Darren Sanderson (Mind the Gap) x 5, Sam Salt (Mind the Gap) x 4, Matt Smith (CC.Flyers) x 4, Various Players x 16

The Hub's Mark Ellis, overcame a spirited Ed Klimonis performance to win the coveted Serenity lnsurance Singles title this week, at the New Tavern, San Miguel. lt was a "who's who" of local darts talent, the finalists both having their fair share of "top gun scalps".

Ellis won the Bull for 1st throw and managed 2x80+ and a 125, which proved insufficient as Ed K. was quickly into his stride with 140,100,90 and D4 to go one up.

Just 2x80+ from the El Capitan proprietor with throw, was pounced on by Ellis who responded with 140,100,140,57 and 64 out, a 15 darter for 1-1.

The Hub man opened with 85 in the 3rd, similar scores from both followed until Ellis hit

100,and 124 to leave 30 (later to admit a miscount).

Two throws later he found D4 for 2-1. Nerves played their part in the 4th, each player finding T20's, but not converting into 3 figures, bar a 140 from Ellis which allowed him time to eventually nail D1 for the title.

All credit to Ed Klimonis, who had earlier disposed of many fancied contenders, the 1st none other than Mark Farmer, certainly one of the joint favourites, followed by Simon Todd (Dannys), Carlos Escansiano (Gap) and a real "ding dong" with Matt Smith who missed an 11 darter against Ed, but still hit the comps best leg of 14 darts.

Beating Smith got Ed K. to a semi encounter with the popular Sam Salt, who rapidly found

himself 2-1 up after a 15 darter that included a maxi. The Cap man responded with D5 for 2-2 and D2 for a place in the final.

Salt's 3 figure scores - 2x100,125,134,139,180.

Ed K's - 4x100,2x140.

Ellis encountered a similar rough ride to the final, facing "Bees" Dave Rowlinson in his 1st match. Both players sit at the top of the 180 league with 5 apiece, Ellis a 2-1 winner. Suso Madrid went the same way, again 2-1.

To win the board, the very capable Danny's skipper Bob Smith stood in Ellis's way. Despite a 180, Smith went down 2-0, Darren Hurcombe now the only obstacle for a final place.

Hurcombe had earned his semi place by tak-

LEAGUE RESUMPTION

With both Ladies and Mens, singles and pairs competitions now complete, the final five League matches resume this week.

Both KO and Auxiliary Cups, semi and finals are yet to be played, venues for both to be advised in due course.

ing out the "140" man Sanderson 2-1 in the board final. Now facing Ellis, the CK.1 Lads supremo opened with a 180 and outed on 73, for 1-0.

Four minutes later a 60 finish in 2, gave the "Lad" a 2-0 advantage. Ellis responded with a D20 in the 3rd despite 2x140 from "big H".

A 108 out and 2x140,from Ellis made it all square, with one leg to play.

5 tons or more featured in the 5th, Ellis finding D16 for the win and the right to play Ed K in the final.

Hurcombe's 3 figure scores5x100,2x140,180. Ellis5x100,120,121,136,2x140.

Board 1

Semi Finals: Sam Salt (Mind the Gap) 2 - Ed Klimonis (El Capitan) 3 Mark Ellis (Hub Hyenas) 3 - Darren Hurcombe (CK1. Lads) 2

Board 2

Board 3 Board 4

Finalists - Ed &Mark Semi - Sam &Ed

Semi - Darren &Mark

LA MARINA GOLF SOCIETY

This week the members of the La Marina Golf Society met at El Plantio golf course to compete in the Roger and Colin Memorial Cup. The course was much improved, and the greens were in excellent condition, the weather was warm and breezy which made for a great day all round.

The society also welcomed 4 new members, Anita, Mark, Robyn and Gordon to today’s game.

Roger Honey and Colin Yarnton were beloved members and great supporters of the Society and are dearly missed, we were delighted to have Eileen Honey attend the presentation

and hand out the prizes to the winners.

In third place on countback was Alistair Quin with 38 points, and one of our new members Mark Stokes took second place also with 38 points.

The winner with 39 points, therefore, winning the Memorial Cup was Tony Ollier.

Today’s nearest pin winners were Gordon McLagan for holes 7 & 14. Dave Sligham for hole 9 and Sarah McCabe for hole 18.

Well done to all of today’s winners. The two’s pot will be rolled over to the next game

COLLIS ROMPS TO LA UNICA INAUGURAL VICTORY

On Monday 17th April 24 players from the newly formed La Unica golf society played their inaugural game at Altorreal golf course. It was a beautiful day for golf and although most of us found it challenging, we all enjoyed it.

The results were NTPs hole 5 Russ Todd, hole 8 Albert Cook, hole 10 Stephen Gilbert and hole 17 Debbie Weedon.

In 1st place with 37 points was Allan Collis and the runner up with 33 points was Stephen Gilbert. Pictured are the winners

Esquiva retains her Regional Crown

Charo Esquiva has won her sixth individual regional title, this time in the cadete category, 14-15 years, retaining the title she won last year.

In the final, which was played at CT Denia, she defeated Laia Tarazona from CT Valencia in two straight sets, by 6-2, 6-2. Victory ensures Charo’s place in the National championship that will be played this summer at CT Tarragona.

Carp R Us Angling

On Thursday 20th April the Carp-R-Us stalwarts fished the Rio Segura at what is named the Bigastro section of the river but is actually at Jacarilla.

Very strong winds had been expected after the previous two days and whilst the coast still had them, just a few miles inland was simply tranquil. Not even the odd gust.

End pegs, for whatever reason, tend to do best. Paul Burton who lives local to the venue drew peg 1 at the upstream end of the match section.

He used his well tested pole-feeder method with corn and groundbait to catch carp throughout most of the match. They weren't the biggest carp but his 5.74kgs was enough to win the match quite comfortably.

Paul fished the venue last weekend and caught, after about a half hour of playing it, what is thought to be the largest carp yet to come out of this venue, a carp of just over 20 lbs (9 kgs+). The photographs showed it to be a scale perfect wild carp of around 0.75m length.

Second on the day was another local, Willy Moons, who using his usual method feeder approach, this time with pellet, weighed in 3.88kgs. Club President, Roy Dainty, had 2 carp for 1.40kgs and third place.

On the downstream end peg, Match Secretary Tony Flett managed to break a mid section of his pole whilst setting up. This did not do him any favours as using the feeder he was unable to fish the main feature of his swim, a far bank inlet. He resorted to trotting and did catch some small barbel on maggot.

Every angler around Torrevieja knows Terry Screen, 'Mr Fixit' as he has become known for his expert skill in repairing rods and poles. Unfortunately, Terry has been quite ill this year and recently spent several weeks in Torrevieja University Hospital. He now awaits an operation.

I am sure every angler wishes him a full and speedy recovery. Tony has joined the lengthening queue for a pole repair. Get well soon dear Terry. 'You've gotta keep the customer satisfied. Satisfied'.

Next week's match, 27th April, is at El Bosquet with pegs 816 and 26 - 40 having been booked.

Costa Blanca Independent Pool League Cup and Plate

THE Full Monte Azul defeated Mixed Spice 7-3 to reach the final of the Costa Blanca Independent Pool League Knockout Plate competition.

Full Monte will play The Super Beer Monsters in the final, after they gained a 6-4

win against The Pine Nuts. The Dream Team returned a 6-4 semi-final win against Cab Buddies in the Knockout Cup and will meet The Taverners in the final, who defeated The Excellence 7-3 in the semis.

Treasury.18.Portuguese.19.Leonardo

da Vinci.20.Red.21.Rolling on the floor laughing.22.Plaster of Paris.23.China. 24.Melania Trump (FLOTUS stands for First Lady of the United States).25. Japan.26.Bamber Gascoigne.27.A traditional horse-drawn wagon used by British Romani people.28.Beriberi.29. Hectare (one hectare contains about 2.47 acres).30.Serrano

SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION

QUIZ FROM PAGE 14: 1.Russia, 2.Hanz Zimmer, 3.118, 4. Silverstone, 5.Iron Man, 6.Sting, 7.12, 8.Green, 9.Naples, 10.Marilyn Monroe. 11.Jonas Brothers.12.Four.13. Denmark.14.They both drowned on Roxy’s wedding in the hotel pool on New Year’s Day.15.Dave.16.1955.17.the