threw himself into fundraising for local charities.
In the intervening years he has raised thousands of euros for a multitude of charities, as a result of which there are many hundreds of people living in the area today who are very much indebted for his selfless efforts. Stevie was awarded a BEM by Queen Elizabeth II in her 2020 Birthday Honours List. British Ambassador Hugh Elliott wrote at the time, “Stevie is a truly inspirational fundraiser. His enthusiasm is such that whenever he organises one of his many impromptu charity fundraisers it is almost a guaranteed success, such is his support from the local Costa Blanca community.”
Unfortunately, just 3 weeks ago, following his appearance at the Mil Palmeras Armed Forces Day Service, Stevie, suffering from an infection, was rushed into Torrevieja Hospital, where tests revealed that the ‘fundraiser extraordinaire’ was suffering from cancer.
Blanca’s favourite entertainer, Stevie Spit,
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
STEVIE SPIT BEM
His treatment plan will be put in place soon but at this stage, we do not know his prognosis, What we do know is that, as a result of his illness Stevie is struggling to work.. Spain is not the best place to be if you have no income!!
To ease Stevie's financial burden, so that his entire effort can be spent fighting this terrible disease, De Barra's Irish Bar in El Galan, have asked permission to put on a benefit fundraiser.
The event is currently in the early stages of planning, but what will be a Massive Music Gala is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 28th August. Already the organisers have managed to secure some big acts from Benidorm and locally too.... The Jersey Boys, Abba Elite, Dream Girls, to name but a few.
Thay are asking every single person and business to come out in force and help raise as much money as possible for this amazing man who has given his life to fundraising for charity. Now it is our turn to repay the kindness that he has shown to so many people over the years.
The organisers are now looking for spot prizes of every description; there will be raffles in various venues and an auction on the 28th too.. if you can
donate in any shape or form, please contact
or you can message Eileen
There is also a ‘gofundme’ page set up by Lucinda O’Connell
RUBBISH ON THE ORIHUELA COSTA
Dear Editor,
I am a resident of Calle Talco Orihuela Costa. I read with interest your report on page 5 of your latest edition 15-21 July regarding the street cleaning service. It stated that the council had invested all sorts of new measures to improve the disgusting condition of our streets.
I enclose some pictures which show clearly this is not the case on our street. The first three pictures were taken by me on Thursday 18th July, on Friday 19th of July the council removed some of the furniture but left loads as the last photos show. The glass which was there on the first photo was not collected as the last photo shows. This glass has been there for at least six weeks. I have sent numerous photos to the council but it is still there.
I do hope that you publish these photos in your excellent newspaper to show that this council promise everything but do nothing. They must be held to account. It is the tourist season and visitors and us residents should not have to live with this filth on our streets. Many thanks for your attention.
Mary Mooney
NARROW ESCAPEí
By Marion Skinner
A Pussy cat is stalking in the garden outside
A little mouse, unaware that she’s being eyed I’m at my window, praying ‘’little mouse go and hide’’ The gardens big enough, it’s long and it’s wide.
A flick of the cat’s tail, he’s ready to jump His eyes open wide with a wiggle of his rump.
where you can donate cash at: https://gofund.me/415 0 6 431
It is now our turn as a community to get together and show what we can do for this amazing man.
EDITOR’S COMMENT:
We spoke to Tomás Moreno of AVCRL about your problem Mary, who told us that large glass is considered to be debris which is currently not being collected by Street Cleaning. It appears that we will all have to wait for a specific collection service to be tendered and awarded which, in AVCRL opinion, will not be available until October.
The mouse has now realised just what’s going on, Quick as a flash, on her toes, and she’s gone.
A disappointed pussy cat, the fun has just stopped Because under the hedge, the little mouse has popped.
‘’I may as well go inside; the fun is all done I’ll jump up on the sofa, cuddle up to my mum
I know my mum loves me, her hands stroking my fur´´ A big pussy cat sigh, and a loud contented purr.
Audrey O’Gorman at De Barra's Irish Bar El Galan
Gleave.
Stevie chatting to Prince William at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party 2 years ago.
WIDESPREAD ANGER AS VEGA BAJA SNUBBED OVER FREE TOLLS
The decision by the Spanish government to remove tolls on the Alicante ring road while maintaining them on the AP-7 in the Vega Baja region has sparked widespread anger and frustration among local politicians and business leaders.
Mayors and council representatives from Torrevieja, Orihuela and Pilar de la Horadada have vehemently criticized the government's decision, accusing them of marginalizing the region. They argue that the toll disproportionately affects residents and tourists, hindering economic activity and tourism.
The business community also shares the outrage, along with the Chamber of Commerce and agricultural associations,
highlighting the negative impact on the region's economy. The toll is blamed for severe traffic congestion on alternative routes, causing delays and disruptions for businesses and residents alike.
Calls for the removal of the AP-7 toll at La Zenia and Los Montesinos, have intensified, with local leaders demanding equal treatment and highlighting the economic benefits it would bring to the region.
This is the only stretch of road in the Valencian Community that continues to be tolled and with a charge of 5 euros at each of the toll booths, just 13 kilometres apart, it tends to be one of the most expensive in the whole of Spain.
The situation has now escalated into a major point of contention between the Vega Baja and the central government.
Indeed Alicante Provincial Council had now added it’s voice to the debate joining the mayors of Torrevieja, Orihuela and Pilar de la Horadada in demands for the two Vega Baja tolls to be removed.
While the government has announced plans to widen the N332, which is heavily congested due to toll avoidance, local officials believe that removing the toll would provide a more immediate and effective solution to the region's traffic problems.
Renault Megan convertible 2000 with tow
15 July 24.
Seadoo wake pro 215 - 2017. 2 keys. Wake board carrier attachment. Trailer.
Pontoon at Campoamor (paid until end of September.)
bar, 100,000km. New ITV from
Carer arrested for defrauding 91 year old Briton in Rojales
The victim, aged 91, did not realise what was happening until he started receiving notifications that the account was empty.
The Civil Guard has arrested a woman who is accused of defrauding more than 50,000 euros from the bank account of a 91-year-old British man that she was caring for. The victim became suspicious when he received notifications of nonpayments, when she should have had sufficient money in his bank to cover expenses.
After the victim realised that over 53,000 euro of his savings had been withdrawn from his bank account, having to ask his son for money to cover daily expenses, he contacted the Civil Guard.
Officers at the Almoradí Main Post immediately began an investigation where they found a large number of unusual payments and bank withdrawals. As the investigation progressed, the agents
focused their attention on the elderly man's caregiver, who for a year and a half went to the victim's home in Rojales, to help him with personal hygiene and household chores.
They found that, during that time, the alleged perpetrator had been using the victim's card for over 18 months in all kinds of shops, leisure establishments and gambling halls, taking advantage of the age and situation of the victim, aged 91, originally from the United Kingdom, who resides permanently in Spain.
The suspect was finally arrested in the town of Formentera del Segura, when she was trying to sell a property that she owned.
The woman is 64 years old, of Spanish nationality, with a criminal record. She has been placed at the disposal of the Court of Instruction number 4 of Torrevieja, which has ordered her release on bail until a final sentence is handed down.
BEACH DEATH IN LO PAGAN
Emergency services were unable to save a 78-year-old man, who was pulled from the water, unconscious and in cardiac arrest, on La Puntica beach in Lo Pagán on Friday. Lifeguards jumped into the water to rescue the man at about 12 noon, only to drag him out in an unconscious state.
Ambulances and paramedics were called to the scene where they performed resuscitation manoeuvres. Despite their efforts the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Orihuela sports staff receive May and June salaries
Staff in Orihuela’s Municipal Sport Centres can breathe a sigh of relief, after they were finally paid half of the pay they were owed for May and the full salary for June. They say that they held a meeting with the Councillor for Sports, Víctor Sigüenza, whom they thanked for his efforts in chasing up the payments.
Still pending is the tendering of the new contract, which the mayor, Pepe Vegara, has been announcing for weeks. The staff are anxious to know of the specifications, with many of them advocating municipalisation.
ALMORADI SUPPORT TO COMMERCE
The aim of the grant from the European Union Next Generation Fund is to adapt the commercial sector to new consumer habits and promote the use of new technologies, particularly with the weekly Saturday Market and urban commercial areas
A further E524,603.11 will be added by the Almoradí Council, making a total investment of E2,502,355.48.
The grant will be aimed at digital transformation, point of sale transformation, sustainability and circular economy, supply chain and traceability, and awareness and training.
The carer with the 91 year old man that she allegedly swindled
CLARO withdraws support for PP government in Orihuela as Coordinator of Coastal Villages resigns
CLARO has accused the Orihuela mayor, Pepe Vegara, of failing to honour the promises that he made to the party in the run up to the 2023 Municipal Elections as a result of which it’s President Antonio Cerdan has resigned as both the Pedáneo (Council appointed local representative) of Playa Flamenca and as the Coordinator of the Pedáneos on the Coast.
He claims that his position has been continually criticised and undermined by Raul Fernández, the PP assessor on the coast, and despite a meeting between Cerdan and the mayor in early June, at which Vegara was appraised of the difficulties being experienced, whilst urging him to respect the agreement entered into at the beginning of his term of office, there has still been no response or any positive action.
The full CLARO Press release follows:
C.L.A.R.O. WITHDRAWS SUPPORT FOR THE POPULAR PARTY GOVERNMENT OF ORIHUELA AND THE PART Y’S P RESIDENT RESIGNS AS COORDINATOR OF PEDANEOS OF ORIHUELA COSTA
In the light of recent developments in the team of Pedáneos (local representatives of the mayor), C.L.A.R.O President Antonio
Cerdan presented his resignation on Monday as Coordinator of Pedáneos of the coast as well as his responsibilities as Pedáneo of Playa Flamenca.
At the same time, as a positive gesture and in order not to cause further divisions in the team, the Pedáneos proposed by C.L.A.R.O and appointed by the Mayor have placed their positions at the disposal of the Mayor in the hope that this will bring about important changes in the functioning of the team of Pedáneos in the coast and a greater appreciation of their work.
The following are personal reflections of the President of C.L.A.R.O intended to be read in conjunction with the full text of his letter of resignation which is attached to this press release.
The rupture occurred for two reasons:
First the failure of the mayor to respect the pre-electoral pact which he entered into in March 2023 in return for C.L.A.R.O’ support in the municipal elections. In this agreement, Sr. Vegara, undertook, in the event of leading the government after the elections, that he would offer the posts of two paid Asesores (Assistants) to C.L.A.R.O. In the municipal elections the candidate of the PP for the post of Councillor for the Coast was not elected and the coalition partner of the PP, Vox, claimed the post of Councillor for the Coast.
C.L.A.R.O accepted that in these circum-
stances it was no longer possible to grant two posts of Asesor to C.L.A.R.O. and to overcome the problem Sr. Vegara formally agreed that when naming Pedáneos for the coast the position of Coordinator (unpaid), with responsibilities, would go to the President of C.L.A.R.O.
The second cause of the rupture was the conduct of the PP Asesor from Campoamor who questioned the need for a Coordinator and obstructed and undermined my work during several months.
This accumulation of causes, unthinkable in the case of Pedáneos elsewhere in the municipality, led to a climate of mistrust in the team on the coast. We needed to live with the situation in order not to cause problems distracting from the serious deficiencies on the coast which needed solutions.
Finally, at the beginning of June I met with the mayor to acquaint him with the situation which the Pedáneos of the coast were experiencing, providing him with suggestions which could resolve the unfortunate situation, some of which he seemed to approve, and urging him to respect the agreement we entered into a year ago. “Pacts are to be respected” to quote Sr. Vegara in another context. We awaited his reply. Incredibly, after a month and a half, there has still not ben a word!
The above events cause us to doubt the sin-
cerity of the promises the mayor made to the coast. Until now we thought that the mayor headed a ‘new’ Popular Party in which the residents of the coast could trust, but in the light of our experience, especially the mayor’s failure to respect our formal agreement, as well as his complicity in the divisions created within the team of Pedáneos of the coast, and the obstruction of their work, we have decided to withdraw our support for his governing party.
C.L.A.R.O regrets once again having been deceived by a political partner in Orihuela, BUT, WE HAVE RECOVERED OUR INDEPENDENCE AND OUR FREEDOM OF POLITCAL ACTION..
CLAROPresident Antonio Cerdan with his resignaton letter which can be read in full at the Leader website: www.theleader.info
Builders continue working at Finca Langostina despite court order to stop
A court has ordered Lideralis Empresarial en Desarrollo to halt the construction of nine tourist homes on the Langostina estate due to a lawsuit filed by the Wesenauer family. The Wesenauers claim the construction damages their right of way to their house and puts the integrity of the historical farmhouse at risk. They have been fighting for 20 years to preserve the land they consider to be theirs.
The lawsuit includes reports proving the existence of a right of way and the risk of collapse due to heavy machinery. The Wesenauers also filed a complaint with the Strasbourg Court of Human Rights regarding the "theft" of their property in 2004.
Meanwhile, another court previously ruled in favour of the developer, allowing them to take possession of the property. This resulted in the arrest of two Wesenauer sisters on two occasions. The Wesenauers argue that the developer is carrying out an irregular occupation.
Adding a further layer of complexity, while the recent court ruling ordered the construction to stop, according to the Wesenauers, the developer has failed to comply and
The Planning councillor at the finca - the matter also raises questions about the evenhandedness of local authorities in enforcing court orders.
local authorities seem reluctant to enforce the order. This contrasts with the support the developer received when taking possession of the property. The family are struggling to get the police to implement the court order.
The Wesenauers are asking for the heritage protection of the more than 200-year-old farmhouse and have documented their right of way since at least 1920. Their fight to preserve the property has been ongoing for two decades. This is the first time a court has ruled in their favour, although, at this stage it is a precautionary measure.
The dispute highlights the challenges of balancing development with the preservation of historical properties and legal rights. It also raises questions about the evenhandedness of local authorities in enforcing court orders.
NEW CARTAGENA SUBMARINES DELAYED BY ANOTHER YEAR
As Navantia celebrates more than a century of submarine construction at its Cartagena factory, tensions between the shipbuilder and the Navy engineers are beginning to heat up as a result of the company announcement that deliveries of three S80 submarines under construction are delayed for another year.
The Navy will now have to wait until 2026 to receive the 'Narciso Monturiol' due to Navantia's problems in completing the work.
All this not only affects the profit and loss and the prestige of the Cartagena shipyard, but also rather more importantly, the Spanish Navy, which must face its responsibilities and obligations for even longer than expected with a very reduced submarine capacity.
Torrevieja Habaneras Final to be broadcast on TV
TV station À Punt will broadcast live the final of the 70th International Habanera and Polyphony Choral Contest on Saturday 27 July at 22:30. In addition, the station will provide coverage thruhout the week on television, radio and the web.
The event, which opened at the Municipal Theatre on Sunday, will see more than 800 choristers from Europe, America and Asia participate.
The climax on Saturday, 27 July, at which the winners of this 70th edition will be announced, and at which 50,000 euros in prizemoney will be awarded, will be broadcast live on TV.
ORIHUELA RADIOLOGY UPGRADE COMPLETE
The Department of Health has completed the installation of the digital radiology rooms with double detector and column-to-floor X-ray tubes. This digital radiology equipment replaces those of conventional analogue radiology, which improves the resolution, quality, speed and efficiency of radiological images, making it easier for the images to be available to medical staff and for patients to receive less radiation. In this way, four new teams have been installed: 1 in the Vega Baja Hospital, 1 in the Almoradí Health Centre and 2 in the Orihuela Specialty Centre, for a total investment of close to of 900,000 euro.
SALTWATER THERAPY CENTRE FOR PINK LAGOON
On Friday, the Laguna Rosa Working Group met to discuss the thalassotherapy centre in the surroundings of the pink lagoon of the Torrevieja salt flats, together with the possibilities of developing a new scientific and health tourism model in this environment.
Four technical studies were presented, all stressing that the new thermal centre must be very respectful of the environment, as it is within a natural park.
The mayor said that the intention is to build the thalassotherapy centre in the old buildings of La Quimica, which are in disuse, where the old settling ponds are located.
There is also the need for a hotel specialising in health to serve the thermal centre outside the natural park of the salt flats, but close to it. The Council is therefore going to start work on the construction of such a hotel in an enclave close to the salt flats.
Mayor Eduardo Dolón said that the main purpose of the project is to establish the Torrevieja salt flats as an important tourist and health resource, providing a facility that is totally respectful, controlled, restrictive and integrated with the natural environment of the salt flats.
No time frame was given for completion of the project.
‘This
place has gone to the dogs’
You will find it hard to believe what I am about to tell you. In fact, only for you are reading it in YCBS, you wouldn’t believe it at all. The first fact is that the world has gone mad and totally ‘gone to the dogs.’
A luxury airline has been launched to cater specifically for pampered poodles and other pooches of good breeding ... one assumes. The first two routes have been announced, both flying out of New York. Your madra can fly (1st class of course) to London for a mere $8,000 or to Las Angelus for a pittance at $6,000 all included. Oh, it is worth mentioning that one human companion can travel with one dog totally free of charge. On board, the dogs are treated as high-ranking VIPs with ‘doggy champagne’ (made from chicken bone broth), enjoy spa treatments and be entertained by relaxing reggae music.
No folks, this is not a joke. We have written way OTT April Fools Jokes in the past, but this is not 1st April and this is not a joke. The world is gone to the dogs ...
A promotional video on ‘Bark Air’ shows a dog eating food from a silver dome. Flight entertainment includes a doggy film, showing what looks
to me like a squirrel eating a nut. The passengers get ‘wings’ attached to their collars and can lap spring water from a cut-glass bowl. They or their human travel companion can press an overhead button for a belly rub, or hairdryer blow-out after a grooming session. I don’t know about you, dear reader; but I have to say it again, or burst. The world is gone mad!
In order to insure that that proper decorum and doggy dignity is maintained on board, no humans under the age of 18 are permitted on the flight. No carriers, crates or leads are required. I forgot to mention that pre-boarding the doggie passengers get the opportunity to mix and socialise and generally get to know each other. ‘Bark Air’ advertises the toys and treats that the dogs will receive on the flight and uses the word ‘surprises’ more than once. The word ‘surprise’ reminded me of another true story regarding one of my grandchildren ... and I would guess there are many such ‘surprises’ in store from the hovering hounds.
Jack was being potty-trained -highly praised and rewarded each time he did it in the potty. A ‘number two’ deposited where it should be was an act worthy of celebration. This was known as
‘a surprise!’ Mrs Youcantbeserious, known to our six grandchildren as ‘Papam,’ was baby-sitting and busy besides, when Jack came running excitedly to inform her he had a ‘surprise’ in his potty. Papam, in the middle of something else, didn’t go immediately to empty the ‘surprise’ and it slipped her mind. An hour later, Jack called her again ... excitedly asking that she look at his potty. ‘I know Jack ... well done, I know you have a surprise in your potty.’ ‘No Papam ... come quick ... I have two surprises in it now!’
I have a hunch that the mile-high hounds, with no leads, no carriers, no hutches and the freedom of the aeroplane will be leaving many such ‘surprises’ on board. The tail wagging the dog doesn’t do this report justice. Check it out for yourself on; air.bark.co
Now, don’t get me wrong - as the man says before he tells you something you don’t want to hear. I like dogs ... same as with people, I have liked a lot of dogs in my time, and loved a few.
But, I firmly believe that it has gotten to the stage where a sizable proportion of what were once ordinary people are now using their dog to compensate for a lack of connection with another human. The Internet and social media provides a
base interaction and the dog can be cuddled without leaving oneself open to feelings towards another man or woman.
I have this image stuck in my mind: There is this guy I know to see in Spain for a long time. A good-looking,’6 footer’, maybe 50 years of age now: He failed miserably in every relationship he had with the opposite sex. Now, he comes into the pub, with a big eegits grin on his face and a rat-sized dog cradled in his arm. Everybody is expected to ooh and aah over the dog wearing the dickie-bow.
We have written previously about the benefits of having a pet – especially a dog. But there are dogs, and there are dogs. Over the past couple of years I have never seen so many kickable dogs taking up human spaces.
Would any of you happen to know how they are fixed for dogs in Rwanda? (Just asking for a friend!)
DON’T FORGET
Neutrality is the most extremist stance of all: without it tyranny cannot flourish. *From Joseph O’Connor’s book; ‘My Father’s House’
Torrevieja Ice Factory to Become Multi-Purpose Hub
The Torrevieja Council plans to renovate the historic Ice Factory into a multipurpose building.It will house the Tourist Office,international resident services,and migrant assistance.This prime location near the Salt Pans is ideal for these services.
Originally,a new auditorium was planned first,but permitting delays shifted focus to the Ice Factory which requires less approval.The restoration will be phased,with the Ice Factory being the first priority. They might include a new auditorium in the tender process even without concession from the port authority.
The area around the Ice Factory will be pedestrianized and turned into a green space.The current Tourist Office will be demolished for a new viewpoint.
The Council purchased the Ice Factory and nearby land for over 1.6 million euros.The building is in disrepair and needs significant restoration.Despite challenges,the Council is set on revitalizing the Salt Pans area and creating a new hub for tourism,resident services,and cultural events.
HOUR LONG WAIT FOR TAXI IN ORIHUELA COSTA THE NORM
PROTESTS OVER BIO WASTE PLANT
After warning the council of the situation last December, with the arrival of summer the Orihuela Costa taxi service is now describing the sector’s absolute collapse.
They claim that with just 42 licensed taxis operating on the coast, it is impossible to meet the demand of residents and tourists, which increases exponentially at this time. So much so that, they describe long queues in front of the main stops on the coast with waits for users that easily exceed an hour.
Alejandro Gea has been working as a taxi driver in Orihuela Costa since 2002. He says he is fed up with having to apologize to customers.
He says that the number of licenses hasn't increased since 2002, while the area has grown significantly.
The council is blamed for not complying with a court ruling which instructed them to grant eight new licenses.
The lawyer Juan Manuel Gayo is representing the drivers. "Given the ineffectiveness of the City Council, we are forced to take legal action against those responsible for enforcing the ruling and the lack of service."
Over three decades of success, numerous accomplishments and an overwhelming majority for the socialist government are not always enough. Not even in Los Montesinos. That is what a group of residents and businessmen from the municipality believe, who have organised themselves into an opposition group who are against the project to build a bio-waste treatment plant - food and pruning wasteto be located on a municipal plot on Calle Bigastro in the Levante II industrial estate.
José Manuel Sánchez Gea, one of the members of the platform, has said that a petition will be collected and a demonstration will be held. It now seems, however, that Mayor Butrón, with the fundamental decision already made, after seeing the reaction of some residents, is considering an informative meeting.
The proposed site of the new plant in Calle Bigastro
The historic Ice Factory
STARMER MEETS WITH PEDRO SANCHEZ IN UK
The UK Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer, welcomed Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, to Oxfordshire on Wednesday afternoon.
The Prime Minister set out his plan to reset the United Kingdom’s position on the international stage and said he hoped the change in approach would forge the way for an agreement on Gibraltar that worked for all parties.
The leaders also discussed the generational challenges facing Europe, including Russian disinformation, the climate crisis and illegal migration.
The Prime Minister said he hoped the UK and Spain could work even closer together to tackle such issues in the coming months.
Following the meeting, Pedro Sanchez wrote on X, “It has been a pleasure to reaffirm the close relationship that unites our countries. The UK is a preferred partner, friend and ally for Spain. The drive of two progressive executives will bring greater prosperity for our people. The deep ties we share are an example of what the new relationship between the United Kingdom and the EU can become.”
ORIHUELA COSTA CELEBRATES GRANDPARENTS DAY
OIL SPILL CLOSES THREE VALENCIAN BEACHES
The Red Cross treated five people who came out of the water with oil on their skin, sending them to a medical centre while the Generalitat investigates the origin.
The spill closed 3 beaches, blackening the sand of La Devesa. The contamination, which was two kilometres long, also forced the Saler, Arbre del Gos and Garrofera beaches to be closed to bathing, the latter in the early afternoon of Tuesday. All three are located within the Albufera natural park.
The General Directorate of Coasts is combing the Gulf of Valencia to see if there are more spills that could reach the beaches.
The Valencia City Council has confirmed that the beaches are closed to bathing until further notice.
On Grandparents' Day, Friday 26th July, an event aimed at strengthening family ties between grandparents and grandchildren will take place. It will be held in both Orihuela City and Orihuela Costa. The event at the Centro Comercial La Zenia Boulevard will offer a variety of activities designed for all ages:
Live Music Concert: A musical journey through the 60s and 70s, with live performances reliving the greatest hits of these golden decades.
Activity ‘Vinyl Game’: A fun game in which grandparents and grandchildren will have to guess the songs of the era, encouraging complicity and teamwork.
Time: The event will take place on 26 July at 7pm
Brits among ten arrested for committing cyberscams in Orihuela
The National Police have arrested ten people, members of a group alleged to be responsible for carrying out multiple scams across the whole of Spain, in which they fraudulently modified their victims' IDs to arrange contracts with telephone companies or bank cards.
The main members of the plot appear to be four men between the ages of 20 and 46, of British and Norwegian nationalities. They have now all appeared before the
Orihuela Courts. House searches were carried out in Los Urrutias (Murcia), and another in Cabo Roig where 1,100.91 grams of marijuana and 10 acorns of hashish were also found. Along with the seized narcotic substances, the agents seized 28 mobile phones, 1,200 telephone SIM cards, 2,350 euros in cash, watches, and electronic devices. Investigations are not yet fully completed, as further arrests are not ruled out and potential victims are still being sought, given the huge amount of data found in the records.
AIRLINES WILL DECIDE ON SECOND RUNWAY
Spain's Transport Minister says airlines will decide if a second runway is needed at Alicante Airport. The current expansion focuses on the terminal, funded by airline fees. While some call for a runway extension without technical backing, the minister believes the terminal expansion will address current and future passenger growth. Additionally, a railway connection study for the airport has been underway since last year.
Meanwhile, CompromÌs is against expanding the airport. They argue that tourism growth has caused social inequality and environmental damage. They point to increased pollution and droughtas reasons to limit tourism and protect the environment.
BOAT FIRE ALARM AT TORREVIEJA MARINA
An engine fire on a recreational boat moored in Torrevieja International Marina sparked alarm on Wednesday, when thick black smoke could be seen billowing from the craft for miles around. The accident occurred after just before lunchtime with the fire spreading quickly because of the flammable materials onboard. Fire fighters were quick to the scene covering the boat with foam, thereby preventing the spread to adjacent
vessels,
Torrevieja has three sports marinas with a total of 2,300 moorings. Each of these facilities follows a specific security protocol to react to such incidents.
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ACROSS ACROSS
7.Moody (13)
8.Largish (8)
9.Sea-eagle (4)
10.Intermediate (6)
12.Interior (6)
14.Persist in (6)
16.Exertion (6)
18.Mistake (4)
20.Dependence (8)
22.Eternally (13)
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.
7.Valuable memoranda from the Chancellor of the Exchequer? (8,5)
8.Financial statements of a hundred noblemen (8)
9.See 18 Across
10.In the flower-stalk a little chemical substance is present (6)
12.Right piece mixed up in what the chef uses (6)
14.Resent being miscast as the author of ìTristram Shandyî (6)
16.Reason to speak about money being returned (6)
18 & 9Ac. Shows anger about a current measure and rushes about wildly (8)
20.Fragrant product to sell in real assortment (8)
22.Afatal combination of words (5,8)
DOWN DOWN
1.One piece of jewellery or two permitted (8)
2.The temple of one worshipped in Pennsylvania (6)
3.Go round as a music hall act (4)
4.Styes are unpleasant to look at (8)
5.Describing the Jewish law that fits together into a pattern (6)
6.Yield from what is planted, we hear (4)
11.He seeks perfection, but itís different after I do business (8)
13.Game for which Gilbert and Sullivan were responsible (8)
15.In here put explicit public opinion (6)
17.French town will make Ann strangely upset (6)
19.They are available in continental estaminets (4)
21.Producer of much bottled fruit! (4)
LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 22)
1. With an estimated net wealth of 290 billion US dollars in todays money, which man who died in 1917 was probably the richest saint in history?
2. What kind of whale was 'The great white whale' in Herman Melville's novel Moby Dick?
3. What is a three letter word for a software application that runs automated tasks over the internet?
4. The second longest river in China has earned the nicknames "China's sorrow" and "The cradle of Chinese civilization". Name the river.
5. Benedict Cumberbatch is probably best known for his role as Sherlock Holmes in the BBC modern adaptation 'Sherlock'. In which 2006 film does Cumberbatch play British Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger?
6. Which US state was named after the wife of the English King Charles I?
7. Which two bands both had a number one hit single in the Billboard Hot 100 with the song 'Venus'? One point for each correct answer.
8. In classical music, which Latin word meaning "work" or "labour" is used to denote a composition?
9. The two largest islands of Japan both start with the letter "H". Can you name them? One point for each correct answer.
10. Which aptly named US state capital is the hottest city in the
United States?
11. In which capital city is the Queen Elizabeth II now a floating hotel?
12. Smallpox was a term first introduced in the 15th century in order to distinguish the disease from the "Great Pox". What is the medical name for the "Great Pox"?
13. Which four male solo artists have had the most 'Top Ten singles' in the US singles charts?
14. In which 1986 Hollywood flop does Helen Mirren play alongside Harrison Ford?
15. Which letter of the alphabet is 'The Scarlet Letter' in the novel of the same name?
16. With a 49-0 record, who was the only heavyweight boxing champion to retire without a loss in his professional career?
17. Which 1967 concept album was the first to feature printed lyrics on the cover?
18. ALatin American percussion instrument, a pan used in baking and a custard like dish similiar to a souffle. One word, seven letters.
19. Name the only two footballers to have played for England in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.
20. Which 2002 winner of the Academy Award for Best Actor in a leading role was, with 29 years and 343 days, the youngest winner ever?
Pilar de la Horadada Tourist Train
The Pilar de la Horadada Tourist Train was unveiled last week which will operate for 6 days a week until 18 August,where you can travel from the coast to the centre and from the centre to the coast,completely FREE of charge.
It has 18 stops,which are all identified with a ‘Tourist Train’ sign,in Pilar de la Horadada,Torre de la Horadada,Higuericas and Mil Palmeras.
There are two different routes: from Tuesday to Thursday and from Friday to Sunday,however,there will be no service on Mondays.
The train leaves from Avda.Constitución (Rambla in front of Colegio Virgen del Pilar),with a total return journey time of 1h.20min.
As you travel,you can also listen to an audio guide that will explain the history and curiosities of the areas that you pass through.
Further information is available on the town website at: www.visitpilardelahoradada.com
Man
arrested in
Orihuela
The Civil Guard stopped an alleged drug trafficker, a 24-yearold Moroccan resident from Murcia, during a traffic check in Orihuela Costa.
He was carrying six large plastic bags loaded with 'marijuana'.
After requesting his personal documentation, agents carried out a search of the car where they found six large rubbish bags full of marijuana buds between the back seats and the boot area. In total, 26 kilos of the drug were confiscated.
In addition, they located 210 grams of hashish, 430 euros in bills of various denominations and several mobile phones.
After being transferred to the Pilar de la Horadada Police Station for the investiga-
Costa with 27 kilos of marijuana in his car
tion, the man was placed at the disposal of the Investigative Court No. 2 of Orihuela, which ordered his release on bail until the trial.
ALICANTE BISHOP DEFENDS HOMOSEXUAL RE CONVERSION
The bishop of Oriola-Alacant, José Ignacio Munilla, has defended the right of individuals to undergo "psychological therapies for the reversal of homosexuality".
He has accused the LGBTQ+ community of promoting "llibertarisme" (libertarianism) by defending their own freedom while condemning those who seek psy-
chological therapy to reverse their homosexuality.
Munilla's comments come in his program "Sexto continent" on Radio Maria, after the announcement of fifteen victims who participated in similar exercises given at the Family Guidance Centre (COF) of the diocese of Valencia
The incident occurred on July 3, at a Guardia Civil vehicle check on the Ctra. de Villamartín in Orihuela Costa.
Rules for Caravans
Many of the rules for caravan use are the same as we have explained in relation to motorhomes, but there are some extra requirements.
Like a motorhome, a caravan is considered “parked” when it is parked in a permitted place, without exceeding the road markings and without the activity inside transcending to the outside.
Camping is only permitted in designated areas, such as campsites or parking lots designated according to the regulations of each autonomous community.
Caravans are allowed to park and stay in any suitable place, but not to camp, i.e. no external elements can be deployed. In addition, they must remain attached to the towing vehicle.
All caravans, motorhomes and campers must be homologated, comply with tax requirements and respect the coexistence with other road users. Caravans with a weight of less than 750 kg are considered light trailers and only require the technical card from their first inspection.
Those with a higher weight must comply with additional technical conditions and have independent insurance.
What if you're traveling in a caravan or trailer?
Unlike motorhomes, passengers cannot be carried in the caravan when it is being towed.
The most important thing to keep in mind when trav-
eling in a caravan or with a trailer is the need for additional driving licence categories, which depends on the Maximum Authorised Mass (MMA).
If the MMA is less than or equal to 750 kg, no additional permit is required, so a B driving licence is sufficient as long as the car and caravan do not exceed 3,500 kg. As regards registration, it is not necessary to register the caravan, it is only necessary to have the car's registration number in a visible place on the back of the caravan, along with repeater lighting.
For its part, for a MMA greater than 750 kg, authorisation B96 is required, which allows the transport of trailers of more than said mass as long as the set (towing vehicle and trailer) does not exceed 4,250 kg. For those sets that exceed this limit, the B+E permit is required.
In addition, the trailer must be registered and have its own number plate (red), as well as that of the towing vehicle on the back, and lights of course.
Unlike what happens when the MMA is less than 750 kg, in this case, with a MMA greater than said figure, it is necessary to take out extra insurance to travel with the trailer.
As regards speed limits, caravans have specific limits depending on the type of road they are travelling on.
If they are on a motorway or dual carriageway, the maximum speed allowed is 90 km/h, and on open conventional roads the limit is 80 km/h.
WWeather check on Pilar w eather check on Pilar w ebsite ebsite
Pilarde la Horadada town hall
website continues to take steps in the advancement of new technologies where subscribers can now find links to the three municipal weather stations managed by Avamet so that everyone has real time information in the three most important areas of the municipality
They are now situated on Pilar de la Horadada, Pinar de Campoverde and Torre de la Horadada.
In addition, this week, the cameras have been renewed so that they can now withstand the most intense storms.
With this ‘the council wants to keep everyone up to date, even those looking in from overseas, who are interested in the weather in Pilar de la Horadada in anticipation of spending their holidays with us.
“We are sure that the cameras will be another tourist attraction that will spread the benefits of our town,’ said the Councillor for the Environment Pedro Moya.
DRIVER WHO KILLED LOS NAREJOS BRIT
RELEASED ON BAIL
A driver in Los Narejos, Spain, is accused of negligently killing a British tourist and seriously injuring another in a car accident on Tuesday.
The driver admitted to drinking and driving but claimed the poorly lit area and parked cars prevented him from seeing the couple at a pedestrian crossing in front of Los Narejos hotel.
Despite initially being thought to be unlicensed, it turned out his Spanish license was-
n't yet linked to his ID. The driver stopped at the scene to help the injured couple but the man later died.
New Fire Station for Orihuela City
While Orihuela Costa, with a summer population of 100,000 residents and holidaymakers, has to rely on firefighting services provided from Torrevieja, 13 km distant, the DiputaciÛn is investing more than 3 million euro in a brand new fire station in Orihuela City. However, the project is on hold for the moment as the Consortium explained that they are waiting for the cession of the plot by the City Council to
be formalised. The project is already drafted, costing an estimated 3 million that is expected increase, and will serve to replace the current park, very old and in need of more spaces. Currently, the Consortium has 83 personnel in Orihuela Park. The project envisages the construction of a min administrative building, a hangar and a space for exercises within the station grounds.
Pedestrian walkway finally opens at Campoamor Beach
A new pedestrian walkway has finally opened in front of La Glea beach in Campoamor, replacing a road previously damaged by flooding. The 55-metre wooden walkway, built by Tragsa at a cost of e52,000, aims to prevent future flood damage and improve pedestrian access to the beach.
Local residents have been demanding the reopening of the road since the 2019 DANA flood, as it previously provided direct access to the beach. However, the Orihuela City
Council has been prevented from rebuilding the road by a ruling from the Valencian High Court, which upheld coastal regulations prohibiting such construction.
Despite the court's decision, the City Council is still appealing to the Supreme Court, arguing that the road is essential infrastructure and should be exempt from coastal regulations due to the area's status as a national tourist interest.
Despite the walkway the council is still appealing the reinstatement of the damaged road Direct fr Direct fr om
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 an attractive 2019 Ford Ecosport at just 21,900e 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 5. 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. More info from Eva or Norah. in the cafe area. Email: oc.communitycare@gmail.com
Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help with 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 in La Siesta , ring 966 786 887 or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch 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 is via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk.
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
Court to Rule on Palomares Cleanup 58 years after 4 nuclear bombs r eleased
Four thermonuclear bombs were accidentally dropped on the Almeria town in 1966 following a collision between 2 USaircraft
Aconservation group Ecologistas en Acción appealed to the National Court of Spain to order the Ministry of Ecological Transition (Miteco) to clean up land contaminated with radioactive materials in Palomares, Almería. The group argued that the Ministry has been inactive despite a plan existing for the rehabilitation of the area.
The land was contaminated in 1966 after US Air Force aircraft collided during a midair refuelling exercise, causing 7 deaths, and accidentally dropped four thermonuclear bombs.
The National Court has agreed to hear the appeal after a lower court referred the case to them. This is because the appeal is related to a decision made by a Secretary of State, who falls under the jurisdiction of the National Court. This is not the first time a court has
been involved in the Palomares cleanup. In 2019, the National Court ruled that the Nuclear Safety Council did not have the authority to execute the cleanup.
Ecologistas en Acción has also filed a lawsuit with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) arguing that the Spanish government has failed to address the radioactive contamination in Palomares and has exposed residents to health risks. The ECHR has agreed to examine the case.
The lawsuit alleges that Spanish authorities allowed residents to be exposed to radiation for years as part of a research project and that no meaningful cleanup efforts have been undertaken beyond fencing off a portion of the affected area. The group is asking the ECHR to order Spain to take action to address the contamination.,
Abomber and a tanker collided over Palomeres, causing 4 thermonuclear bombs to be released
USA VENDING MACHINES FOR AMMUNITION
At about the same time as a 20year-old gunman took aim at former US president Trump in an assassination attempt, I was reading a news story that vending machines will soon be installed in grocery stores in three southern States selling ammunition.
Yes, you read it right – ammunition. Each machine will sell ammunition for various firearm calibers, including rifles, shotguns and handguns, according to American Rounds, the company behind the idea.
The machines will be installed in Alabama, Texas and Oklahoma and American Rounds plan to expand into more states, having already received offers from stores in California, Florida and Hawaii, among others. The company is setting up two more dispensers in Texas and Colorado within the next couple of weeks.
American Rounds say they use AI technology to scan the customers’ identification as well as facial recognition software to verify a customer’s identity, according to the company’s website.
The software works together to verify the buyer’s age and that the person using the machine matches the identification scanned. All very well, but I’m sure AI does not screen customers attempting to buy ammunition as to whether they are mentally A1. And this is America’s biggest problem – one which would really frighten me if I was living there.
The fact is that millions of Americans carry guns in their handbags or concealed about their person and you simply don’t know whether that person you meet on the street is having a bad day or has a mental problem.
You would have thought that by now with endless school shootings, shootings in shopping malls, or politicians being shot and or killed the result would have been a successful bid to put an end to mass gun possession.
But no, so many Americans still think they belong to the Wild West – and until there’s a radical re-think the bloodshed will continue.
And that risk is made so much more real when politicians pour fuel on the fire with rhetoric which is close to incitement to violence.
Goodness knows what prompted a 20-year-
Tony Mayes Rant
old who apparently was a Republican supporter to want to kill Trump, but the fact remains he was allowed to possess a semiautomatic rifle and bomb making materials were found by police at the suspect’s home. Clearly he was deranged, and the big question remains – just how many more Americans are just like him and posing a threat?
Finally on this, I am saddened to think that many Americans, wavering in whether to support Trump for another presidential term, will now view him has an “all American action hero” and be drawn to him. And that doesn’t bode well for the future of NATO or for Ukranians.
WITHHOLDING EVIDENCE
I am sure that many readers were saddened when they heard that Alec Baldwin had been arrested after he shot dead cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western film, “Rust” almost three years ago.
I failed to understand how he was expected to know that the prop gun he was using had a live round in it rather than a blank.
It seemed that prosecuters were on a mission to get him convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
Alec Baldwin faced up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.
At the time of the shooting on October 21, 2021, Baldwin was practicing a cross drawpulling a gun from a holster on the side of his body opposite to his draw hand, with a prop gun at a church on the film’s New Mexico set when it fired a live round, killing Halyna Hutchins and injuring “Rust” director Joel Souza.
The judge threw the case out when it was established that the prosecution withheld vital evidence “potentially pointing to an external source of the live ammunition because the evidence would be favorable to Baldwin,”
Thank goodness that in the UK we have a more robust legal system where police submit their evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service which reviews the case against a defendant and decides whether it is sufficient to bring the case to trial.
The danger arises when there is no independent review – as in the case of the Post Office which carried out appalling acts of injustice against its post office staff, accusing them of theft to cover up a failed computer system. It seems to me that America needs to relearn much about the British way of life –about gun control, fair play when it comes to elections, electioneering and far less bad blood from the loser, and the judicial system – a way of life that it turned its back on centuries ago.
BODIES IN SUITCASES
We know that America has more than its fair share of mentally ill capable of anything, but
it seems the UK is not exempt.
I’m sure that Brits were appalled to hear the news that body parts of two men were found in suitcases left at the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and later more body parts were found in the flat of a 24-year-old Columbian national in London, these belonging to the two victims.
It raises the issue as to who we have allowed into Britain and whether there should be much stricter controls on immigration.
We know that immigration was the deciding factor as to why a slim majority voted for Brexit, believing that being in control of our borders would work. We all know where that went, don’t we?
Further on this, UK prisons are full to capacity and the government is being forced into a decision to allow some to be released early. But there are growing calls for foreign prisoners - and there are many – to be simply deported.
Last week former adviser to Margaret Thatcher, Piers Pottinger, said the UK prison
system is on the point of collapse, and allowing prisoners to be released early would simply put more criminals back on the streets. He says deporting foreign prisoners would be welcomed by the majority of people in the UK , and free up valuable prison space to accommodate those who should be locked up.
He says it would be inevitable that human rights lawyers would gang up to try to oppose the idea, but the government could win the case against them.
He said: “There is no reason why we can’t deport them. It’s nothing to do with human rights, they are convicted criminals.
“I think we should take a stronger view on that. We are going to get criminals on the streets who will undoubtedly offend again.”
Personally I totally agree with him. When a foreigner ignores British hospitality and turns criminal then we should throw them out and ensure they never return. A extremely tough, no nonsense policy on immigration would be the best possible deterrent.
Property Rights in danger of being abandoned in Valencia Community
Tohell with property rights and the environment, the “Build everywhere” attitude, that makes developers and town halls rich may be back in Valencia. BUT heads up because Orihuela Costa will be next.
It was evident this would be coming even from statements the incoming President and new PP government made while assuming office earlier this year.
A recent El Pais article describes those intentions quite clearly. A decree sets out the path into legal concrete, at least at the regional level. The “wild west” could be back soon.
In effect, this “Decreto Ley”, that is, approved by executive order of the Valencian President and Cabinet, without any public or legislative examination or public complaints process, sets out to abolish or eviscerate most of the protections provided under the current land law, the Valencian LOTUP. That regional law, after many years of struggle and much negotiation finally, under the previous regional Socialist government, replaced (about two years ago) the notorious land grab laws, the LRAU and it successors under the complex LUV.
The LOTUP gave a better degree of protection, in terms of rights and constraints on
developers and town halls, most notably to small property owners versus the earlier legal structure.
The actual Decree has already been confirmed in the official, regional Gazette (Decreto-ley 7/2024, de 9 de julio, del Consell, de simplificación administrativa de la Generalitat.) It runs to almost 200 pages! Obviously, more careful legal analysis, beyond my capacity, will be required.
The major feature of this decree is that , where there were measures of protection under the LOTUP and PATIVEL for example, often involving outright prohibition, against arbitrary action on the part of town administrations (even individual mayors), which would favour developers – and outright vulture speculators- most if not all of that appears to vanish under the new “simplification plan” adopted in the decree.
In effect, rules that made some processes obligatory and provided for prohibitions and penalties, become mere guidelines that should – or just might be- considered.
The Ten Commandments might, under the same watering down procedure, become the ten matters only to think about- “Thou shall not kill, steal or covet” would become “maybe you shouldn’t kill, steal or covet” without some reason or excuse.
The decree puts into regional law what was announced as a concept earlier this year, and criticized in an “El Pais” article of May 13. What isn’t clear is the extent to which the “relaxation” decree pays heed to national laws governing the environment, water distribution and usage, or for that matter EU norms as regards the same issues, or coastal areas, etc. From reading the articles it seems they can for the present be ignored until any
The Valencian President explaining the new decree to businessmen
regional development scheme is challenged via the complex Spanish court system or taken to the ECJ (ECJEU).
Enough for now. Some property owners, especially those with larger properties, views, etc. will have good reason to be apprehensive now the ‘simplification’ process may and probably will work against their interests IT IS EVIDENT THAT MONEY MAKES THE LAWS, NOT POLITICIANS
Championship Day at The Celts Club de Golf
Saturday was our Championship Day for July. We had a field of 75 players competing on our home course La Serena. The weather was hot and humid and for the first time in many months little or no wind. We are indebted to a team of people who all work together to make our tournaments such a success.
The competitions committee under the guidance of Camillus Fitzpatrick and ably assisted by Philip Mountford, Alan Cambell and Terry Fitzgerald. Thank you and well done. To our organisers whose creativity provides us with a variable array of golf during the week, thank you.
To the golf shop with Martha, Jean, and Michael all working efficiently together. To Elena, Duly, Marijose, Vanessa and Gloria in the bar and restaurant muchos gracias por todo. I hope Fina is fit to return soon.
The course management team led by Miguel, thanks to you and the team for preparing the course, the course is improving, and you will soon have it back to its finest. Just raise the blades a little on the mower lol.
The Crystal winners, Cat I, Kenny McGeehan, 39, Eddie Wall 39 and Nick Brooks 36. Michael Banfield 38, Paul Raffell 37 and Chris Fyfe 36. Week 2. Terry Lambert 42, Gordon Montgomery 42 and Denis McCormack 40. Pat Coyne 40, Brendan Gannon 40 and Sue Owens 39. Golf prizes, Steve Hopkins 42, Alan Ewing 38 and Nick
SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION
QUIZ FROM P 14:
1.Tsar Nicholas II of Russia who’s family were canonized as saints in 1981 by the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) 2.Sperm Whale.3.Bot .4.Yellow River (Huang He or Hwang Ho).5.Amazing Grace.6.Maryland. 7.Two answers.Shocking Blue (1970) and Bananarama (1986).8.Opus.9.Two answers.Honshu and Hokkaido. 10.Phoenix.11.Dubai.12.Syphilis.13.Four answers. Elvis Presley (36), Stevie Wonder (28), Michael Jackson (28) and Elton John (27).14.The Mosquito Coast.15."A" (for adultery).16.Rocky Marciano.17.Sgt.Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Beatles).18.Timbale.19.Two answers. Tony Adams and David Seaman.20.Adrien Brody (The Pianist)
We had a field of 75 players competing on our home course La Serena.
Thomson 39 and Hep Kinnear 39.
winners, Alan Ewing 64, Mike Stott 69, Alan Cambell 71 and Tony Burns 72, Paul Raffell 67 and Peter Wyatt 68. Wee k 2, Stuart Tosh 68 and Pauvla Serakova 72, Tony Burns 70 and Nick Shaw 70. Debby Boelhouwer 65 and Logan Nayager 67
Results of the day, the NTP’s. Sally Hopkins, Kevin Russell, Alex Duchart, Colin Fleming,
Niall Murray 38 and Peter Freeman 38. Cat II, Terry Lambert 41, Kenny McGeehan 38 and Nick Shaw 36. Cat I. Camillus Fitzpatrick 38, Bob Smith 35 and Stuart Tosh 35.
The gross was won by Nick Brooks 31. Second overall with 42 Kevin Russell (welcome back) and the winner with 44 points
Proyecto Mastral warn of ‘Fried Egg’ Jellyfish on Torrevieja beaches
Swarms of the harmless ‘Fried Egg’ jellyfish, Cotylorhiza tuberculate, are beginning to accumulate on the coastline of Torrevieja.
This is the popular name for the jellyfish because of it’s similarities to the breakfast favourite.
- it is a name that imposes much more - and that corresponds to how striking it is: the tuberculata is because it is surrounded by a ring of small purple tentacles arranged in the form of a circle.
One of the most common of jellyfish, while it can reach sizes of up to 25 centimetres in diameter it is practically harmless, although a bite can cause hives or burning of the skin among children.
Depending on the weather conditions you will begin to see large swarms of them gathering on local beaches up and down the coastline as they come close to the shoreline to reproduce.
For the moment, they have appeared in large numbers, in the inland waters of the port of Torrevieja and on Acequión beach. They can also be found on the beach of Los Náufragos where they are much more dispersed
Proyecto Mastral said that it is very important to respect these organisms and avoid taking them out of the sea, throwing them or burying them for fun or because of the "discomfort" they can cause to bathers, so do ensure that you give them a wide berth.
Fred Beel.
Again, a big thank you to Dave Stockton our captain for presenting our prizes. Well, done to all the winners and congratulations to so many who remained behind to honour those who won a prize.
Our annual Charity Day will be held on the 1st of August in aid of AECC, Asociacion Español Contra Cancer. If you have any donations you would like to make, please bring them along. If you cannot make the day a donation to the club via our bank account is much appreciated for this very worthy cause. We hope to better last years figure of 2,730 euro donated to AECC.
An opportunity for any society out there who are looking to play competitive match play across the greater Alicante area.
We have a limited number of spaces available for teams of 8 players who might wish to join the tournament.
Courses included this year are, Los Colinas, Vistabella, Alicante, El Saler, Oliva Nova, Bonalba, El Plantio, El Bosque, La Marquesa and Font de Llop. The entry fee per match is 300 euro for 8 players, not too bad. Please contact John O’Brien if you are interested. If you would like information on entering a team in any of the federation events why not send an e-mail to johnobrienalicante@gmail.com or call 711045312
While they are not dangerous, a bite can cause hives or burning of the skin among children
Brooks 35. Kevin Fitzpatrick 47, Eileen
Medal
Pauvla Serakova and Nick Brooks. Blue tee winner Michael Reeves 30. Cat. III Ian Howie 42,
BUNGALOW DIVISION WEEK 10
Thistle & Rose Blue6-3Thistle & Rose Red
Bar Rambla Red6-3Echos
The One Bar5-4Havana Habaneros
Maschis7-2Bar Rambla Blue
CC's3-6Tipsy Cow
P W Agg Pts
Havana Habaneros1083016
Bar Rambla Red **1092616
Maschis1082016
Thistle & Rose Blue **1071612
CC's105-210
Tipsy Cow103-106
The One Bar103-146
Bar Rambla Blue **103-204
Thistle & Rose Red102-204
Echos102-264
** deducted 2 points (not adhering to league rules)
PENTHOUSE DIVISION WEEK 10
Courtyard B1-8Courtyard A
Firestation Redwatch9-0Mickeys Bar
Sports Bar4-5Kaceys
New Tavern3-6Firestation Bluewatch Arianaz4-5Tipsy Toad
P W Agg Pts
Tipsy Toad10103420
Firestation Redwatch1095018
Firestation Bluewatch1071614
Courtyard A1061012
Kaceys105-210
Sports Bar10428
New Tavern103-226
Arianaz103-226
Mickeys Bar102-204
Courtyard B101-462
Kylian Mbappé, finally unveiled at Real Madrid
In a move that has taken seven years to conclude, Kylian Mbappe has finally become a Real Madrid player.
The prodigious 25-year-old French striker was unveiled at the Bernebau on Tuesday in a ceremony that was attended by his mentor and great
With the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics just a week away, all eyes are set on the French capital, and that's not only because of the sports elite competing at 329 events.
To host one the largest sports events in the world, Paris is likely to spend over $9.6 billion, more than its tourism revenue returns and 76% more than initially planned. Cost overruns have become usual for the cities hosting the Olympics, and the difference between their planned budgets and the final bills is shocking.
According to data presented by AltIndex.com, the total cost of the Olympic Games has skyrocketed to over $187 billion since 2000, or three times more than the initial plans.
OLYMPICS CAUSED A MASSIVE $126 BILLION COST OVERRUN IN 24 YEARS
The cost-benefit analysis of hosting the Olympics shows it is less economically beneficial than they claim. Although the host cities gain temporary jobs due to infrastructure improvements that continue benefiting them into the future, the costs are still gigantic.
Once a city wins a bid to host the Olympics, it usually adds roads and builds or enhances airports and rail lines to accommodate the large influx of people. Then, there is housing for the athletes in the Olympic Village and at least 40,000 available hotel rooms and specific event facilities.
The aftermath of the Olympic Games
hero, former manager Zinedine Zidane. Born and raised in a football-rich Parisian suburb, Mbappé's talent was evident from a young age. With a football coach father and a handball playing mother, his path was clear. His early career at Monaco showcased his exceptional abilities, leading to a record-breaking move to PSG. Renowned for his speed, dribbling, and finishing, Mbappé has amassed numerous titles and
over the past 24 years shows these costs, which may range from $5 billion to $50 billion, are always much higher than planned.
Since 2000, the host cities, including Paris this year, have spent $187.6 billion on organizing the Olympic Games, or $126.2 billion more than initially planned. Statistics also show the average Olympics` cost overrun was a massive $9.7 billion, with huge differences between the host cities.
PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES TO SEE ONE OF THE
SMALLEST COST OVERRUNS IN TWO DECADES
So far, Montreal has been the worst example of a cost overrun in Olympic history. The final bill for the '76 Olympics came in at 13 times the original estimate, while the cost of the main stadium took over 30 years to repay fully. However, in the past two decades, many other cities have also seen gigantic cost overruns.
26 July - 11 August
Beijing's 2008 Olympics top this chart with a massive cost overrun of over $40 billion. Rio's 2016 Olympics follow with a gigantic $13 billion difference between the final cost and the planned budget. Statistics show that Sochi overran by more than $16 billion, and Tokyo a shocking $20.7 billion after the COVID19 pandemic forced it to delay its 2020 games and organize them without the spectators eight months later.
Vancouver and Pyongyang saw twice as high final costs of hosting the Games than their initial budgets, a bit more than Sydney and Torino, which saw 91% and 80% cost overruns.
Although Paris' infrastructure spending has exceeded the initial budget by 76% compared with its 2016 projection, this is the second-smallest cost overrun in the past two decades.
The full story and statistics can be found here: https://altindex.com/news/cost-ofolympics-skyrocket
individual awards. Despite his success at PSG, his relationship with the club soured, making a move to Real Madrid inevitable.
However, finding a place for Mbappé in Real Madrid's star-studded lineup poses a tactical challenge. With the likes of Vinicius and Bellingham already established, Ancelotti must find the right formula to maximize the talent at his disposal.
