Leader Newspaper Edition 865 – 20 September 21

No 885 Monday 20th - Sunday 26th September 2021

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Keeping people safe and informed for over 17 years - The Costa Blanca’s oldest ‘FREE’ English language newspaper

JOY FOR DOUBLEJABBED AS UK LIFTS IT’S TRA VEL RESTRICTIONS

RANT SCHAPPS announced on Friday that the UK will simplify its restrictions on international travel and will no longer require a coronavirus test prior to traveling into England for vaccinated people from low-risk

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countries.

will be much stricter.

The Transport Minister said that from 4 October, the travel traffic light that classified countries according to three risk categories will be abolished and only a list of those countries allocated to a red zone will remain, for which the travel restrictions

There will no longer be an amber category, which included Spain, so, from that date, travellers who have had their two vaccinations will no longer have to present a negative test for COVID-19.

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UK eases travel restrictions ADVERTISING SALES

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637 227 385 E-mail office@theleader.info Website www.theleader.info Journalists 600 228 616 office@theleader.info 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 PART OF THIS NEWSPAPER MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHERS.

The British government said that with these measures it aims to "reduce the cost of travel", while continuing to protect public health. The Transport Minister said that a "simpler" system will now be introduced for the traveller.

On his Twitter account he added, "Later I will establish measures to simplify international travel in order to reduce costs, take advantage of the higher levels of vaccination and keep us all safe."

“The change will take effect on 4 October, with a view to also modifying the post-arrival protocols, so that the mandatory two-day PCR test can in future be replaced by the much cheaper lateral flow antigen test”, said Schapps.

European states such as Spain, France, Italy and Portugal, currently on the amber list, will be classified as low risk countries.

The reduction of the restrictions is a key element needed to dispel the main uncertainty that hoteliers have going into the final few months of the year, which focuses on the need to start international tourism.

The United Kingdom is the main source market for international tourism for the Valencian province, representing 30% of all airport arrivals and a similar pro-

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British authorities have also agreed to remove eight countries from the maximum risk ‘Red’ group starting from Tuesday, including Turkey, Pakistan and the Maldives, according to the minister.

For those countries that are currently identified in red, the United Kingdom has established a quarantine and testing system that costs more than 2,200 pounds (almost 2,700 euros per person).

Latin American states, such as Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico, will continue for now in that red category. Travelers who have been in these countries during the ten days prior to their departure will only be able to enter England if they have British nationality or a residence permit in the United Kingdom.

One of the first major travel companies to respond to Friday afternoon’s announcement was Jet2holidays which reported a spike in bookings following the update.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2holidays said: “The Traffic Light system has been confusing and completely unfit for purpose since day one. We welcome a new approach which is easy for everyone to understand and provides certainty.”

“There has been an immediate and massive surge in bookings for package holidays on the back of this wel-

come news for holidaymakers and independent travel agents in England. We expect the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive to update their advice too and we look forward to this.”

Orihuela Costa to have Official Language School The intention is to teach foreign languages, which will include the teaching of Spanish The Official Language School (EOI) could open a satellite college in Orihuela Costa, according to the Department of Education.

On Friday the councillors José Aix and Antonio Sánchez held a working meeting with the management team from Orihuela’s Language School to discuss various matters of interest.

Among them, the main objective promoted by both parties and on which work has already begun, is the opening of a section of the EOI in Orihuela Costa that would offer tuition in foreign languages and

would also incorporate the teaching of Spanish as a language foreign.

The councillor for Education, Antonio Sánchez, explained the need to "strengthen ties between the council and the language school and, above all, promote the educational offer that it has made. "In this way, we hope to establish a collaborative framework to carry out common activities so that we can promote language learning in Orihuela.

already made the appropriate contacts with the idea of being able to offer this service in the next year, as long as the Education Department gives its approval to the initiative.

Deputy mayor, José Aix, said that "this step will also be a commitment to the territorial cohesion of the municipality of Orihuela and to the integration of international residents in the day-to-day life of our city.

The Orihuela EOI, with more than 1,000 students, is located on Avenida Príncipe de Asturias, is currently enrolling students for a range of languages in English, Valencian, French and German.

" The Department of Education has

Anyone who is interested in register-

ing may do so at www.telematricula.es.

“More information is available at the EOI website www.eoi.gva.es,” said Sergio Rodríguez, EOI director.

Finally, the participants agreed to meet again once the new term is underway, when they will plan joint extracurricular cultural and educational actions to give greater visibility to the work of the EOI and to further integrate it into the cultural and social life of Orihuela.

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TWO DEAD AS CAR PLOUGHS INTO TORRE PACHECO TERRACE wo men died on Friday afternoon in Roldán, Torre Pacheco, and a number were left needing treatment for their injuries, after a car ploughed into the terrace of a local restaurant that was occupied by a number of diners.

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patrols from the Local Police and the Guardia Civil, as well as two mobile emergency units and two ambulances from the Emergency Management and Health Emergencies service were despatched to the site.

One of the fatalities was the driver of the vehicle while the other death was that of a customer, who was understood to be eating his lunch.

The restaurant manager said that, minutes before the accident, he had seen the car "driving around the area, from one place to another", until it finally ran into the Terrace. "It didn’t stop until it collided with the house next door to the restaurant," said the hotelier.

The circumstances, however, are far from clear as the vehicle driver, a young man between 25 and 30 years of age, according to witnesses, had stab wounds to the chest and blood on his face.

It is understood that, as a result of his injuries, the driver was not able to control his car and ended up crashing into the terrace on the Avenida de Murcia at more than 120 kilometres per hourWitnesses say that he lost control as he crashed, at full speed, into the tables and chairs on the terrace of the Roldán restaurant, Honey's Bar. The driver of the car was traveling alone and apparently trying to escape from a fight in the town of Lo Ferro in which he was badly injured.

Witnesses say that there were four customers sitting at two tables on the terrace, including the wife of the deceased client, who was sitting next to him, but who was miraculously unharmed.

The two other clients were both injured, one of them with a head injury and the other with a leg injury. Both were rushed to the Los Arcos Hospital in San Javier, although their injuries were not thought to be serious, according to police sources.

Firefighters from the Murcia Region Fire and Rescue Consortium,

"Everything was normal, we were serving customers as usual when we heard the crash," he added.

“It all happened so quickly, we were waiting for the food to be served and heard the car crash into the tables,” explained Alberto Rodríguez, who was sitting on a side terrace.

His wife, Deborah Rose, who is a nurse and was eating with him, tried to revive the customer who was hit by the vehicle, "but he was already dead, I couldn't do anything," she said as she burst into tears.

Mohamed Saadi, who lives in the block of flats next to the bar, explained that "I was at home and I heard a very loud bang, I went down scared to see what had happened and I found the boy in the car, covered with blood."

Other witnesses described the scene as something from a "horror movie".

According to sources, the driver of the car was of Moroccan origin, and the customer who died on the terrace, was South American.

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IMMINENT COLLAPSE OF COASTAL WALKWAY FORCES COUNCIL TO ACT, BUT IT TAKES 2 YEARS It has taken two years since the sinkhole appeared in the coastal walkway above the Cabo Roig beach but at long last, after dozens of appeals and complaints, the councillor of Infrastructure, Ángel Noguera, Councilor for Infrastructures in Orihuela has finally brought in a team to carry out a geotechnical study on the Orihuela coastline.

Unfortunately the size of the sinkhole has continued to increase, causing a number of injuries, as well as additional damage to the landscape below.

office@theleader.info The first samples were taken above Playa La Caleta

The condition of parts of the coastal walkway has also deteriorated further, as it has regularly been pounded by the weather.

The study will determine the properties of the existing materials making up much of the surrounding land as well as the hydrogeological conditions that determine the behaviour of the land in the face of repeated episodes of torrential rains and maritime storms.

Image courtesy AVOCA

Civil Guard detains 2 people at Crevillent cryptocurrency farm The Civil Guard has raided a house in Crevillent in which a cryptocurrency mining farm was hidden with a large number of processors, computers and sophisticated equipment.

The arrests were made of two men aged 30 and 53 , for a crime of fraud worth 24,657 euros, whereby they were diverting electricity through an illegal connection.

The investigation began in June, when the agents thought that the excessive usage of electricity was due to the presence of a marijuana farm so they were surprised to discov-

er that it was not a plantation, but a cryptocurrency mining farm, usually used as a means of payment involving money laundering. In total, 8 processors, 100 graphics cards, 1 laptop and sophisticated cooling and smoke extraction equipment was located.

Those arrested have been placed at the disposal of the Elche Investigating Court, but have since been released, on bail.

Over the past few years, cryptocurrencies have emerged as a highly popular form of payment and investment, particu-

NEXT WEEK IN THE LEADER Andrew Atkinson reports on an update on the controversial proposals to remove part of the fishermens warehouses (pictured) at the proposed new euro 30m project in the Port of Torrevieja. Photo: Helen Atkinson. larly for those that do most of their shopping online.

The fluctuating price of Bitcoin, which is showing promising

signs of recovery after a record high was followed by a record slump, has attracted those looking not just to invest but mine their own coins.

SAT ANIMAL RESCUE

Free visitor attractions in Cartagena Until 24 September, Cartagena Puerto de Culturas will be promoting the Carthaginian and Roman festivals by allowing free entry to all of it’s museums and visitor centres free of charge, provided

ROJALES PANTO GROUP say...

HIP, HIP, HOORAY as they met for their first rehearsal since 2019. The cast and crew are excited to be back and are looking forward to being able to entertain you all with the very funny panto – TREASURE ISLAND – at The Cardinal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio next February.

Long John Silver with his trusted bird Polly and his dastardly, and not so dastardly pirates, sail away to the Caribbean looking for the hidden treasure.

Who will be the first to claim the treasure, if indeed there is any to find? There will be fun and

mayhem and lots of audience participation... oh yes there will!!!

The Group welcomed lots of new members to the first rehearsal and hope that they enjoy the experience and have lots of fun.

New members are still welcome to join us to either act, sing in the chorus, or help out backstage.

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday and Thursday at the Cultural Centre, Quesada at 6pm.

Email: douglasmcclone@yahoo.co.uk for details or join us at the Cultural Centre in Quesada this Tuesday or Thursday when auditions are being held.

We are all amateurs so don’t be shy you will be made very welcome……..OH YES YOU WILL!!!!

they are wearing period clothes Similarly, visitors will also be able to visit the Roman Theater, the Molinete Roman Forum Museum, the Casa de la Fortuna, the Augusteum, the Punic Wall, el Fuerte de Navidad, the Castillo de la Concepción and the Civil War Shelters on Friday, 24 September.

Tourist transport managed by the company are not included in this promotion, the boat, the bus and the panoramic lift.

Cultural events will include guided and dramatised routes and activities aimed at family audiences, a pleasant and entertaining way to get closer to the history in this wonderful City.

Other activities organized by Cartagena Puerto de Culturas during the month of September include the children's musical 'Pirates and Princesses' at el Fuerte de Navidad every Saturday morning.

Onme of the most popular events takes place on Thursday 23 September at 9pm, the theatrical night visit ' Galba, the enemy of Nero'.

More information is available in all museums and visitor centres or at:https://puertodeculturas.cartagena.es/

B´Lolo is an 8 year old Beagle who loves the company of other dogs and people.

For more info please contact 966 710 047 (leave a message) or email info@satanimalrescue.com

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Rojales parents right to keep their children out of school Works to remove an asbestos roof from a municipal warehouse located in front of the Poeta Miguel Hernández de Rojales Public School are generating a huge controversy in the municipality The works began last Monday on the building which is located directly across from Infant and primary classrooms.

A narrow road separates the warehouse from the school grounds and parents fear that the dust and the remains of the dangerous material will blow across and into the classrooms and affect the students, especially while, due to the protocol against the covid, it is necessary to keep the windows wide open.

The parents said in a statement, that after meeting with Council representatives and with the school's management team, on a number of occasions, the only compromise that the Council could provide is that the works are carried out in the afternoons, at the end of the school day, however they consider it insufficient and demand that it be postponed to a date when he school is closed.

when the school year begins once again the council planners decide to change the warehouse roof, which is absolute nonsense."

Meanwhile the Rojales council has issued a statement saying that the project team have ruled out any risk and promise "total security" while the uralite is removed "the composition of which contains less than 10% asbestos”.

The Department of Education adds that the work is being carried out by a company that specialises in the removal of asbestos-based cement products, a component whose inhalation of its fibers has been linked to various types of cancer, hence the fear of parents.

However, in a letter to parents from the CEIP Poeta Miguel Hernández, the school says that parents who do keep their children away during the period in which the work is taking place will be justified in so doing.

Only a narrow road separates the warehouse from the school grounds.

But for now, some parents have stopped taking their children to school and will not resume until the works to remove the roof of the warehouse are complete, which will take at least eight more days.

They say that have doubts that, although the works will only be carried out in the afternoon, there will still be the remains of asbestos particles, which, “would expose the children, as well as other staff who work in the school as teachers, classroom assistants, monitors or cleaners ”.

Parents have criticised the council schedule saying that "the school has been closed for more than two months and just

Spain cuts prices in emergency measures to redirect 2.6bn euro

Minister Teresa Ribera, during her speech Spain’s government has passed emergency measures to reduce rising energy bills by redirecting billions of euros in extraordinary profits from energy companies to consumers - and capping increases in gas prices as reported by The Leader.

In Europe wholesale prices have doubled in a year, that has led to Spain acting to limit the profits that energy companies using hydropower and other renewable power generators can make from increasing electricity prices.

The government expects to channel about €2.6bn (£2.2bn) from companies to consumers in the next six months.

Spain’s minister for ecological transition, Teresa Ribera, told a news conference that the measure would remain in place until the end of March, when natural gas prices are expected to stabilise after consumption falls from winter peaks.

Analysts at RBC Capital Markets estimated that leading utility firms Iberdrola and Endesa would take revenue hits of about €1bn as a result. The plan hit shares in Endesa in particular, which slumped by 5.1%.

Spain will also use an extra €900m it expects to raise - by auctioning carbon emission permits this year to reduce bills - citing high market prices as the reason for the additional funds.

Spain will limit regulated price increases for the fuel at 4.4% in the third quarter, compared with forecasts for a 28% rise.

Ribera said the measures under the 'shock plan' would slash the average consumer’s monthly bill by 22% until the end of the year.

Companies will have to shoulder the higher costs while the measures remain in place, they will be reimbursed through higher tariffs later, meaning the overall cost to them will be neutral, the Ministry said.

Spain’s nuclear power industry said the measures would make nuclear plants financially unviable and provoke a total shutdown of the industry.

The leftwing coalition government has been under pressure from organisations to reduce electricity bills as spot prices, which make up about a third of consumer power bills, have been breaking records for weeks.

Local Police check on school crossings The Local Police of Torrevieja have been inspecting the standard of pedestrian crossings and traffic signals on roads adjacent to schools.

"We have already started the checks in many areas and will gradually continue with the rest of the signage that still remains to be completed around various Primary and Secondary Schools in the city," said a spokesperson.

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NO PLANS TO ESTABLISH BUS CONNECTIONS WITH CORVERA AIRPORT As reported in social media, the transport problem has been exacerbated even further during 2021 at Corvera Airport, with Car Hire and taxi charges much higher than usual

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espite the years that have passed since the opening of Corvera Airport, transport links to main

coastal municipalities or to the city of Murcia are still pitiful.

Rafael Esteban, a Podemos Deputy in the Regional Assembly, said that it is "implausible that even now, the few tourists who fly in to Corvera can only continue their onward journeys to Murcia, Cartagena or to the coast by taxi, private vehicle or rental car and that many passengers are having to pay more for a taxi ride from the airport than they paid for a flight from the UK to Spain.”

He was particularly critical of the "notable role" played by the Minister of Development and Infrastructure, Jose Ramón Díez de Revenga , who "seems not

to understand that his job is to solve these problems."

before the pandemic began.

While passenger numbers into Corvera have increased in recent months the airport is still struggling to attract anything like the level

week, with the response of the Regional

Podemos Deputy Rafael Esteban was particularly critical of the Minister for Regional Development who, he says, “seems not to understand that his job is to solve these problems”.

And his criticism seemed to be justified last Development Minister who said that passenger numbers had not reached a sufficient number to warrant the subsidy of a public bus service.

As a result, the month of August saw the airport process 66,369 passengers, just over 50 per cent of the level it enjoyed during the same month in 2019, but the total traffic

of traffic that it enjoyed before the pandemic began and Snr Esteban feels that one significant reason that the level is not much higher is because the provision of public transport is viewed as being of little importance by the regional authorities, and as a result no subsidies have been provided to support the public bus service which existed

year to date is still 82.6 per cent down on 2019 levels, with only 135,202 passengers processed in the period January to August.

Although Alicante is performing slightly better, it is still almost 75 per cent down on the year and 44.6 per cent down on August 2019.

Orihuela Costa Lifeguard service extended It has been confirmed that the first aid

be lifeguards present on Monday, October

service will continue to be active on

11 and Tuesday, October 12, the holiday of

Orihuela Costa beaches every day until

Puente de la Virgen del Pilar.

Sunday, September 19, and on weekends

“We want users of Orihuela Costa beaches to be able to enjoy them in complete safe-

until Sunday, October 17. There will also

POETRY

CORNER

‘Your Heart, A Frozen Orange, A Centre’ by Miguel Hernandez (V: From ‘El Rayo Que No Cesa’) Your heart, a frozen orange, a centre, within, without light, of sweet juniper oil and a porous appearance of gold: a surface that promises danger to those who look.

My heart, a feverish pomegranate of clustered blushes, and opened wax, which might offer you its tender seeds with an enamoured obstinacy.

Ay! What an experience of loss to go to your heart and find a coldness of irreducible and fearful snow!

Through the outskirts of my weeping a thirsty handkerchief goes flying, with the hope of one who might drink there.

If you would like to see your poem published on this page send to: office@theleader.info

GARDEN FELIX ....... Agave Attenuata Agave attenuata is a species of agave, commonly known as the Lion's tail, Swan's neck and Foxtail, due to its development of a curved inflorescence, which is unusual amongst agaves.

It is perfect to plant in the most sunny area of your garden, but it's also happy to be in semishade.

The leaves are arranged in rosettes, and are ovate, grey to yellow-green and can reach150 cm in height, 70cm in length by 12-16cm in width, when not in flower.

Flowers are grouped in yellow-green clusters, that can grow to 3 metres in height, giving it it's common names.

After withering, like the rest of agaves, the specimen dies, so this species is considered to be a

ty despite the fact that the high season has ended.

We are fortunate to have a climate that allows us to enjoy our beaches not only during the summer months ”, said the councillor, Antonio Sánchez.

The extra service will be provided from 10 am to 8 pm at the eleven lifeguard posts on the eleven beaches of Orihuela with a team of 22 lifeguards, a skipper and rescuer, two health emergency staff and a coordinator.

There will also be a rapid intervention vehicle, an SVB ambulance and a boat in operation. monocarpic plant.

It fruits too, which are capsules, but they are not usually seen as they tend to fall off, before they finish ripening.

Caring for the Agave attenuata is simple, they don't require pruning - and it can be said it almost takes care of itself!

They need normal, well-drained garden soil, with coarse sand, although they can grow in poor, dry soil.

Drought resistant, it only requires little water during the summer months when the soil is fully dry, and even less the remainder of the year.

Recommended to fertilise once a month, from early spring into late summer, multiplying as it sprouts suckers from the stem, which can be separated when

big enough to handle.

Separate them with a clean serrated knife, and plant in individual pots of light sandy soil placed outside, in semi-shade. Snails and slugs can be a problem, as they enjoy eating young leaves!

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RBL Citation for El Limonar School The Royal British Legion is at the heart of a national network that supports the British Armed Forces community.

Founded in 1921, it is the country’s largest Armed Forces charity, with 180,000 members, 110,000 volunteers and a network of partners and charities. Their members provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families, and this support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over.

From providing expert advice and guidance, to recovery and rehabilitation, through to transitioning to civilian life – the Royal British Legion are by their side every step of the way. It’s not just members of the Armed Forces but their families too.

For all these reasons, year after year, ELIS Villamartin celebrates a fundraising campaign to collaborate economically with its commendable activity. The last academic year a significant contribution of almost 300 euros was raised.

Las week, Mr Graham Rhodes and Mrs Sandie Coates, President and Community Support Officer of its Orihuela Costa Branch, visited the El Limonar School to present a citation in recognition of it’s ongoing support.

They were received by the Headteacher,

THERE’S BOTH RHYME AND RHYTHM WITH PIP & MIKE Branch President Graham Rhodes presenting the citation to El Limonar School, Villamartin Simon Roberts, who introduced them to some British students who study History, and were more involved in this fundraising campaign. He also told the visitors about the different ways the school promotes it’s charity values among the community of parents, students and teachers.

In Mr. Rhodes’ words, ‘We are very grateful for the help we received from ELIS. We want to emphasize that all the money raised in Spain remains in Spain, where we have many veterans requiring our sup-

port’.

Simon Roberts, ELIS Villamartín Headteacher, said: ‘As a community driven school, I am proud to have strong links with the Royal British Legion and have much admiration for the work they do on behalf of the Armed Forces. Long may our association with them continue’.

We take great pride in being a regular contributor to the Royal British Legion, with more than 150 members in our local area, and the amazing values it represents.

The Orihuela Costa and District Branch always tries to provide some sort of activity or entertainment following it’s monthly meetings and last Thursday members Pip and Mike Shail took centre stage with a performance of poetry and live music, in which the pair sang and recited a variety of ditties, that had the audience chuckling away through their entire 45 minute gig.

Following a couple of sixties hits performed by Mike, the duo then launched into an interlude of poetic speech, where their recitals were more resemblant to those of a theatrical role.

There were further periods of music and poetry combined before Mike ended their session with an amusing rendition of a song by Fascinating Aida, a cabaret group, called ‘Cheap Flights’.

It certainly cheered up the audience, with virtually everyone in the room able to associate themselves with the lyrics which highlight the fact that the price paid for a seat on a budget airline does not always match the advertised fare.

No prizes for guessing which particular airline the song is aimed at!

The branch meets on the third Thursday of each month, 7.30 pm at the Olympia Pool Bar in Mil Palmeras, everyone is welcome.

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SAN JAVIER AIR ACADEMY TAKES DELIVERY OF NEW AIRCRAFT T wo Pilatus PC21’s fly in to AGA

Masons to provide Christmas Cheer with their shoe box drive It seems to get earlier each year but, once again, Christmas is approaching, and with it the annual shoebox appeal.

Just before 2pm on Tuesday afternoon, two bright lights appeared in the overcast sky of the Mar Menor, silhouettes of the two Pilatus PC-21s flying in to the General Air Academy where they are replacing the C-101 , after more than 40 years of service training of the pilots in Spain’s Air Force. The two arrivals are the first of the 24 Swiss turboprops that the Ministry of Defense has bought for the San Javier air base, aircraft, it is said, that will revolutionize the teaching of flight.

Known by the military as the ECO 27, the teaching staff and the

maintenance crew say that it will mean a giant forward leap, from dashboards with oscillating clocks to liquid screens, from analogue to digital, but above all "it will save lives", said one of the senior engineers.

With advanced avionics and the very latest technological training capabilities, both on the ground and in the air, it is "the teaching aircraft of the 21st century" said Commander Marco Delgado, the AGA instructor who arrived in one of the Pilatus that flew into the airbase for the first time.

In the front seat of the cabin, he was accompanied by the South African pilot Patrick Willcock who is on the staff of the Swiss company.

In the other aircraft -11 metres long and wingspan of 9 metres, the German pilot Mendel Martin, also from the manufacturer, was sharing a cabin with General Luis Antonio Machés Michavila, deputy director general of Programs of the General Directorate of Armament and Material from the Ministry of Defence.

"I wish you a long life, with many

This is an event run by WBro Freddie Samrai, aided and abetted by wife Carole, with the aim of giving needy children a little happier Christmas. This appeal is run annually by local Freemasons based all over the Province of Valencia.

takeoffs and landings," he told AGA Colonel Director Pascual Soria, when he handed over the two new aircraft that will gradually replace the C-101s used by the Eagle Patrol.

The new aircraft has "similar performance", according to Commander Delgado. It can travel at 700 kilometres per hour at an altitude of 8 kilometres, and with a range of 1,300 kilometres, so it can reach any point on the mainland peninsula without a need to refuel.

"It looks a lot like the C-101, said Delgado. "It is quite lightweight and the sensation of flying is very similar."

FINAL APPROACH: The start of a new era for student pilots at the AGA

The very simple idea is that as many of us as possible fill a shoebox with small toys for the many children who would otherwise receive very little, or even nothing.

The filled shoeboxes, hopefully hundreds of then, will be given to the Red Cross for distribution to those children most in need.

If you feel you may be able to help, please fill a shoe box with toys, stationary, clothes, socks, gloves, hats or whatever you feel is appropriate. Do make sure they are marked boy or girl.

Contact Freddie or Carol for more information on 661 126 359 / 639 439 174 Should you have more interest in the work of the Freemasons or, if you would like more information on becoming a member, please contact me on the following email address. prensa@glpvalencia.com

More work needed on the Segura riverbed in Guardamar

By Andrew Atkinson

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espite the CHS investing €537,000 in improving the drainage of the old Segura riverbed in Guardamar, criticism continues to be flagged-up.

Amid the DANA/Gota Fria in 2019 the Confederation stated it had undertaken eleven cleanings of plastics and containers.

It also stated the undertaking of a clearing - in the final section of the Segura - with an investment of €114,000. However, ASAJA Alicante has said the state of this final stretch of the river is 'clogged-up' with an invasive cane.

ASAJA are requesting the cleaning of all invasive reeds, plant remains and mud, from the old channel at the mouth of the Segura river in Guardamar.

The Segura Hydrographic Confederation (CHS) has undertaken works carried out in improving the drainage capacity of the old channel of the Segura river in Guardamar del Segura, after the DANA of September 2019.

The CHS said the old channel of the Segura river, located in the area of the mouth in the municipality of Guardamar, functions as a free sheet channel - that collects water from the irrigation returns - from the traditional garden through different channels.

President of the basin entity, Mario Urrea said: "Work has been carried out for the conservation and maintenance of the river, particularly in the area of the mouth".

The channel has two connections with the main channel of the river - new channel - with gates that are usually closed, that serve to facilitate drainage in the event of extraordinary floods.

The infrastructures were built after the DANA of 2019, with the avenue of the new channel in the sea working as a stopper for the old one, located at a lower level, causing the flooding of large areas of orchards in Guardamar, San Fulgencio and las Dayas.

The CHS undertook works to connect both channels with a project aimed at preventing the floods from continuing to rise.

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By Linda Bentley he City of Murcia is on our doorstep with museums, culture and amazing architecture.

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If you have ever been on the AP7 near Murcia you can’t miss seeing the Monteagudo castle in the distance, sitting tall, proud and majestic on a rocky point 149metres high.

The Castle is a few kilometres from the city. It was built in the 11th-12th century. It is not the castle itself that is impressive but the 14 metre high sculptor of Christ that captures your attention. It is indeed spectacular and grand.

Gothic altarpiece which is huge and so exquisite.

An enormous 0rgan with 4000 pipes, built over four floors; it is a masterpiece of work and is enjoyed by many, not just at the Church services but throughout the year they hold many concerts.

Another building of great beauty and interest is the Real Casino, it is not a gambling house but a social and cultural venue for holding events and with more than 1500 members.

It is close to the cathedral and again, only a few

It was only designed by the sculptor Nicolas Martinez in 1951, replacing previous sculptures that were destroyed in the Civil War. Recently there have been attempts to take down the sculpture, I am not sure for the reason for this, and it has been taken to the high court, where they have deemed that it is part of the Murcian cultural tradition and a religious symbol so will remain.

You are not able to go in but there is a small free museum explaining all the history of this magnificent place. Also, it is awe inspiring to see close up.

Located in the heart of the old town is the Belluga square. Situated in the square is the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria 54metres high and with 20 sculptures on its façade which is so elaborate, so ornate and beautiful.

euros entrance fee. Here you can see opulent grandeur at its best.

There are many museums Archaeological, science and fine arts. There is also a Working convent, only part of which is available to visit but it is well worth it. It was built in the 14th century and is yet another beautiful building to explore and wonder at its splendidness.

After viewing the sights maybe chill out in the park, Floridablanca Gardens it is full of colourful flowerbeds and lots of old Ficus trees. This is the oldest park in the city and a lot of the residents go in the summer to enjoy the shade it provides.

It took 300 years to build, so has a mix of different architectural styles.

It has three entrances, The Door of Apostles is the only one remaining fom the 15th century, around 1465-1480. It is built in a Gothic style and has two Apostles either side sculptured into the wall surrounding the huge, impressive doors.

Its bell tower is 93 metres high and is the second tallest in Spain. Built in different stages in time so hence different styles to the parts, Renaissance and Neoclassical styles.

It is possible to go up into the bell tower and saviour the best views over the City of Murcia. I am not a religious person, but the Cathedral is so beautifully built and so interesting to see. In the oldest part they have placed the museum.

You can access the Cathedral, Museum with an audio guide included for 5 euros adults only 4 euros if a senior (over 60) The inside of the Cathedral suffered a fire in 1854 and parts of it had to be restored. There is a neo-

For children and adults there is the zoo Terra Natura Murcia. This Park has a very good humane approach, and all animals are kept in enclosures close to their natural habitat. They focus on the conservation of endangered species from the brown bear to birds and reptiles.

Just six kilometres south of the city is the Carrascoy and el Valle Regional Park. With beautiful, scenic walks.

Murcia has the river Segura running through it providing lovely walks along its banks.

I have lived here for 15 years but I am ashamed to say I have never been into the actual City of Murcia, only to the Condomina shopping centre.

Murcia City is lovely, and I plan to go back and stay a night there to finish off my sightseeing and to be able to dine in one of the many fabulous restaurants.

Overlooking Murcia City, the imposing Monteagudo Castle with, at the foot of the rock, it’s impressive visitor centre

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Of Priests, Prayers and Pistrogues'.

And so it goes on - 70 years and counting. The ‘Mayo curse’, allegedly placed by a priest on the Mayo football team in 1951 for disrespecting a funeral, seems to have its case proven once more.

Evidently, only half the team turned up for this year’s All-Ireland final on the 11th September. The other half were undoubtedly ‘foundlings’ masquerading in the bodies of previously great players.

Monday 20th - Sunday 26th September, 2021

ning back the Sam Maguire after a seventy year lapse?

That any curse could be as cruel as to deny Lee Keegan, a player who has given a man-of-the-match performance in not one; but eight All-Ireland losses, the All-Ireland medal he so richly deserves?

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Lee Keegan stands alone as the greatest player without an All-Ireland Medal

There was never a mention of the priest, the funeral, or the curse until twenty years later! But either way, could a bitter spiteful priest have more influence than say Father Noel Forde?

Noel was a great GAA man, a great footballer and subsequently the Chairman of The Mayo GAA Board.

Father Forde said mass and prayed with the players on the morning of AllIreland finals … and the curse still won?

Then there was the Meath ball that hopped over the Mayo crossbar from around a mile out the field in 1986 and the two o.gs in 2016. After 70 years of doing a near perfect impression of Foinavon at the final fence, how can the longest unbroken sequence of losses in GAA history be accounted for by any other reasoning other than the curse?

Monsignor James Horan of Knock, got his flight clearance from the heavenly air traffic controllers in 1986 and he departed this world. I tell you for sure, that if there was a priest up there holding a curse over Mayo, the reverend James would have grabbed him by the throat, held him up against a pearly railing until that wayward priest admitted the error of his ways and lifted the curse!

But let not the facts of this case stand in the way of a good oul curse! If there be any curse it is the weight of history and perhaps the mere hint of a curse in the subconscious of successive magnificent sportsmen who continue to represent their beloved county, final after final; heartbreak after heartbreak.

Now, for those of you sitting there with a smirk on your faces at the very idea of a backwater tribe believing in the notion of priest’s curses, superstitions and pistrogues – just hold your ‘whisht’ for a minute! Do you ever ‘touch wood’, ‘salute a magpie’, ‘cross your fingers’, ‘throw a pinch of salt over your shoulder’, ‘avoid walking under a ladder’, or ‘opening your umbrella indoors’? See … I told you so.

We Irish don’t have a monopoly on pistrogues. A survey in England determined that 70 per cent of its people are superstitious. At times of heightened stress, such as the current Covid crisis, more people resort to ‘magical thinking’ and superstitious behaviour – which has no basis in science or religions. Of course when St Patrick was trying to convert pagan Ireland to Christianity, he found it better to allow the chiefs to incorporate many pagan

‘ALL STAR VISITOR TO LA ZENIA Tommy Dowd and his family are frequent visitors to La Zenia, where they own a house.

They are such a lovely family and Tommy is one of the most affable, easy-going guys you could wish to meet. But Tommy is not your 'ordinary man in the street!'

In 1996 Tommy Dowd captained Meath to win the All-Ireland football final.

The first pic shows Tommy and his baby daughter, Mandy, with the 'Sam Maguire Cup'.

Last week, for this year's final, Tommy, as 'Jubilee Captain' was given the honour of presenting the cup.

The second photo shows him along with 'Baby Mandy' 25 years later!.

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Let us see if we can advance the case against there being any curse in the first place. The records show that no funeral took place in Foxford on that day.

This follows on from a previous ten final losses caused by some evil spirit getting inside the heads of managers and players on the field. Not to mention getting inside the heads of referees who rode Mayo on more than one occasion.

Do you believe that such a curse could exist? More and more otherwise rightthinking people are becoming ‘not so sure.’ Do you believe that a priest would have such power – and if by any chance he did have these powers, that a ‘man of the cloth’ would use that same power to inflict a curse and deny a wonderful tribe the pleasure of win-

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rituals into the new faith and some of that thinking remains to this day.

Dr Thomas Waters, a lecturer at Imperial College London, has been researching the history of the supernatural in Irish folklore and he had this to say at the end of a long paper: ‘I started this topic being very sceptical and being quite dismissive, along the lines of, how can anyone take this stuff seriously? I am not a believer, but the more I look at this, the more and more these tales creep up on you, and I have got a lot more respect for these

ways of thinking and talking.’

Mayo may not have won an AllIreland final in a very long time – but they sure as hell have given dozens of great days for their supporters. Is not the greater curse then on all those counties who never reach Croke Park in August or September!?

DON’T FORGET An excuse is a statement given to cover up for something not well done, or not done at all.

Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com *Author, entrepreneur and newspaper columnist, Bernie Comaskey, now spends most of his time on a farm in Ireland; but he retains his strong links with the Costa Blanca.

Bernie has published four books; ‘If Ever a Man Suffered’, ‘The Best of Bernie’, ‘The Team’, and ‘Just Between Ourselves’. Bernie’s books are available at half price, on sale from either Spanish Solutions or ‘The Leader.’ Call 637 227 385 for info.

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Be careful when signing up for a new internet service owadays, having an internet connection is as basic a utility as water or electricity.

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Each day we are more and more dependent on this service for many day to day activities...

Catching up on the news, online shopping, watching tv, gaming, medical appointments, banking, social media, these are just some of the many uses.

That is why it is important to take precautions when contracting such an important service... especially as it can have unexpected consequences for you.

For this reason, we offer a series of recommendations to take into account before contracting a new internet service.

-Before making any decision, check with your current provider which services you already have and the conditions. We know for example that Telecable have twice raised the internet speeds to all their clients without raising prices, and that many clients are unaware of the increase in their bandwidth.

Another example is that often they have new

services that can fit your current needs better, and may be a better match than the new offer.

- Verify the transparency of the company making the offer.

Unfortunately not all companies or agents play fair or are trustworthy.

In the majority of cases they push misleading offers that later turn into a costly service, sometimes with hidden charges not explained when selling you on the product.

We are also aware that on occasions, other providers initially promise to assume any debt or penalty fee for early cancellation of a contract that the client may have with their current provider, or that they will deal with cancelling the existing service for the client, in exchange for changing over to them.

Promises that they later do not respect, and which result in the client having to pay for these costs.

-Check the opinions of other clients before signing up, on Google or social media, or with neighbors or friends who have or have had service with these providers.

If they don´t have any Google reviews, ask yourself why!

check with your current provider as to the cur-

At a time when information is just a click away, it is easy to check these matters.

ting to a change.

Trust the opinion of those around you and

paying for the product, you are the product."

rent conditions of your contract before commit-

We end with a final thought: "If you are not

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This week in music 1962 - Elvis Presley received an invitation to appear at the Royal Variety Performance in the UK which is attended by members of the British Royal Family.

1973 - On his way to perform his second concert of the day, US singer, songwriter Jim Croce was killed with five others when his chartered aircraft hit a tree on takeoff in Louisiana.

His manager, Colonel Tom Parker graciously declined, citing motion picture commitments. The real reason was that Parker was an illegal Dutch immigrant living in the United States who feared he might not be allowed to return if he left the country.

1974 - Carl Douglas was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Kung Fu Fighting.' The song was recorded in 10 minutes, had started out as a Bside and went on to sell over 10 million and made Douglas a One Hit Wonder.

1963 - Bobby Vinton started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Blue Velvet'. The single became a hit in the UK 27 years later when it reached No.2 1965 - At the end of a European tour Roger Daltry knocked out Keith resulting in the singer being sacked from The Who. The band were playing two shows in one night in Denmark, when an argument broke about between all four band members. Daltrey was reinstated the following day.

1968 - Welsh singer Mary Hopkin was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Those Were The Days'. Hopkins had signed to The Beatles Apple label after appearing on UK TV talent show Opportunity Knocks.

1980 - Bob Marley collapsed on stage during a concert at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This was the last time he ever appeared on stage performing as he died of cancer on in May 1981.

1990 - Nirvana played their biggest gig to date when they appeared at the Motor Sports International Garage in Seattle. Drummer Dave Grohl who would audition for the band in a few days time was in the audience of 15,000 people.

1991 - Bryan Adams made chart history when '(Everything I Do), I Do It For You', it had its twelfth consecutive week as the UK No.1 single.

1969 - During a meeting in London between John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, Lennon announced he was leaving The Beatles.

reland’s Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival coming to Cabo Roig

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The world-famous Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival is travelling abroad for the very first time.

It’s destination is Cabo Roig where it will operate over eight days next month between the 19th and 26th of October.

Europe's biggest singles event usually attracts thousands of visitors

1992 - Def Leppard were forced to cancel two US shows after their soundequipment truck was found abandoned, after one of the bands driver's had attempted to rob a store. The driver was later charged of possessing drugs and criminal damage.

1997 –Elton John started a six week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart

from all over the world.

Unfortunately, two successive cancellations due to Covid have left thousands of love struck singles still in search of romance.

However, all that could be put right when the event launches at dozens of venues across the Orihuela Costa in 4 weeks time with veteran matchmaker Willie Daly promising that love will definitely be in the air on the sun-kissed Costa Blanca.

The 79-year-old father of eight, who

is Ireland's last traditional matchmaker, said he'll be using his wellhoned techniques to conjure romance on Spanish soil, including taking along his 150-year-old “love ledger” with him to arrange dates.

"I don't know quite what to expect, but it'll be wonderful to take Lisdoonvarna over there. I'd imagine the Spanish fellas, with their Latin blood, will be a bit more forward than the Irish lads. Irish lads tend to be shy, and only get going

with 'Something About The Way You Look Tonight', and 'Candle In The Wind 97.' A re-write of his 1974 hit about Marilyn Monroe. This version was raising funds for the Diana, Princess of Wales charity, following her death in Paris.

1999 - Oasis singer, Liam Gallagher was stopped by customs officials at Heathrow airport and made to pay £1300 after not declaring a fur coat he had bought in America.

2000 – Ozzy Osbourne formally requested that Black Sabbath be removed from the nomination list for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Calling the inclusion "meaningless", Ozzy went on to say "Let's face it.

Black Sabbath have never been media darlings. We're a people's band and that suits us just fine."

once they've a rake of pints inside them," he said.

back to normal next year, but in the

He’s hopeful the festival will be

forward to his trip abroad.

meantime he’s very much looking

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 884

ACROSS 3.

Heedlessly rash (9) 8.

Military force (4) 9.

Unequalled (9) 10. Paradise (6) 11. Show contempt for (5) 14. Merger (5) 15. Old form of you (4) 16. Teams (5) 18. Period before Easter (4) 20. Dried plum (5) 21. Vagrant (5) 24. Sibling (6) 25. Giving (9) 26. Peruvian Indian (4) 27. Leave office (5,4) 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 1.

2.

4.

5.

6.

7.

9.

11.

12.

13.

17.

19.

22.

23.

24.

In a shy way (9) Easily irritated at delay (9) Gulf state (4) Regional (5) Using maximum effort (3-3) Record (4) Wherewithal (5) Annoyed (3,2) Forcing (9) Practice (9) Small shoot (5) Satellite of Neptune (6) Miaowed (5) Qualifying race (4) Wintry precipitation (4)

QUICK ACROSS: 1 1 Pump; 3 Laudable; 8 Rung; 9 Confound; 11 Perverseness; 13 Retort; 14 Stable; 17 Misbehaviour; 20 Chaperon; 21 Limb; 22 Wreckage; 23 Shoe.

DOWN: 1 Perspire; 2 Minaret; 4 Arouse; 5 Definitive; 6 Blues; 7 Eddy; 10 Heartbreak; 12 Terrible; 15 Boorish; 16 Throng; 18 Inane; 19 Scow.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Duck; 3 All clear; 8 Junk; 9 Dovetail; 11 Cheap edition; 13 Endear; 14 Tender; 17 Streets ahead; 20 Eventual; 21 Omit; 22 Everyone; 23 Oder.

DOWN: 1 Dejected; 2 Contend; 4 Lloyds; 5 Chew the fat; 6 Erato; 7 Rely; 10 Apparently; 12 Creditor; 15 Dreamed; 16 Strain; 18 There; 19 Cede.

ACROSS 3. Deserted, showing lack of self-control (9) 8 & 15Ac. Note the moment to move on the spot (4,4) 9. Making some stipulation when supplying stock (9) 10. Strive for inordinate praise (6) 11. Ask quietly to go in front (5) 14. Flock of geese hide round the top of the elm (5) 15. See 8 Ac. 16. Vehicle not returning to Georgia (5) 18. Conceited one in the forefront of battle (4) 20. Fall back in a bit of a flap, seemingly (5) 21. Kind of grass providing a comfortable place to lie (5) 24. The sort of organ through which a bullet passes (6) 25. A girl more confused by rambling account (9) 26. Almost a gimmick to cause stupefaction (4) 27. Remove any roughness from this arboreal feature (5-4)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1.What is the reverse of a cosmic black hole called?

2.Which mouth-watering sweet confection means 'small oven' when translated?

3.Which amnesic and very well trained fictional character didn't know his real name was David Webb?

4.Each of the following played the President of the United States in films where the world was facing extinction. Can you name the film? a. Morgan Freeman, b. Perry King, c. Peter Sellers, d. Danny Glover, e. Bill Pulman, f. Henry Fonda 5.What did Fred Astaire, Heidi Klum, Michael Flatley and Betty Grable all do to their legs?

6. Until the mid 1970s Smarties were called Smarties chocolate what?

7. In Venice, what is a vaporetti?

8.Which extremely light chemical element is named after the sun?

9.What kind of weapon was a medieval destrier?

10.The two volcanic eruptions in the last century that caused the most deaths were Mount Pelee (1902) and Nevado de Ruiz (1985).Where is each volcano located?

11. The following kiss related lyrics are found in which songs? a. So kiss me and smile for me, tell me that you'll wait for me, b.A kiss is still a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh, c. Excuse me while I kiss the sky, d. War, children, It's just a kiss away, kiss away, kiss away, e. If you want to know if he loves you so, It's in his kiss, that's where it is,

DOWN 1. Being stoical, I'm not resisting (9) 2. Clairvoyant hit copper in disorder (9) 4. Produced a tidal wave (4) 5. Original piece of literature (5) 6. Aged bowler is out-of-date (3,3) 7. She reveals part of her married name (4) 9. Computer information gets out after this (5) 11. Belabour Toby's master (5) 12. Lack of balance could put pairs in a tidy mess (9) 13. Removing any inclination for flatfish! (9) 17. Seaweed dispersed by a gale (5) 19. The standard linked with an early invader (6) 22. It shows something is missing from a broken crate (5) 23. Instrument with an unpleasant sound? (4) 24. Squander money, feeling depressed (4)

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 3 ) f. For a golden girl knows when he's kissed her, it's the kiss of death 12. According to a survey by the Halifax Bank, what is the most common street name in the United Kingdom? A bonus point for the second most popular.

13. The Victoria Cross for gallantry was instituted by Queen Victoria during which war?

14.Which country produces the most potatoes in the EU, a staggering 55.3 million metric tonnes a year.

15.Which visible aid was first introduced for the 1933 F.A.Cup final between Everton and Manchester City?

16. Which occupation has for centuries made the Adriatic island Murano world famous?

17. One of the rarest and most expensive stamps in the world depicts a very popular Belgian born actress smoking a cigarette. Name the actress?

18. What was: a. the name of a critically acclaimed album from the Kinks which ended with the word Hillbillies and b.the name of a band founded by Mark Knopfler which ended with the word Hillbillies?

19. Capybaras are the largest living examples of what in the world?

20.What 'plays' an Aeolian harp?

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PAGE 15

PEOPLE AND PLACES - Bill Shaddock - A very special man Quote: 'I hope I have carried the name forward through fundraising and by exemplifying their values here in Spain' In Part 3 of a Leader Exclusive Andrew Atkinson talks to Orihuela based Casey Shaddock about her parents Mildred and Bill, with her dad one of the most important men in Lake Jackson, Texas, USA.

Almost 1,000 people attended the funeral of Bill Shaddock.

Fundraiser: Casey Shaddock

Many people today might not remember the Shaddock name, but many years ago it was an important part of the community.

I am so proud to call Bill Shaddock my father, not because I am biased, but because he was a man of strong values, honesty, and honour.

Dad was a Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce for years and a huge supporter of all charities, sports clubs, and the Methodist Church.

He never put himself above anyone else and he would help anyone in need.

If he knew of a family in need, he would take groceries from the Shaddock's Rainbow Supermarket store to them.

I, myself, have learned these values, from both my parents, and I hope I have carried the name forward through fundraising and by exemplifying their values here in Spain.

For 14 years, I watched him help so many people - even those who had done him wrong, he would go back and help.

When my father passed away, the Church at the cemetery could not hold all the people in attendance.

When we lived on Surfside Beach, while building our ranch, he helped build the Surfside Baptist Church.

Furniture contract finally awarded for Emergency Centre As the Orihuela council continues to drag it’s feet, the contract for the supply of furniture and equipment for the Orihuela Emergency Centre has finally been awarded at a cost of 73,000 euros.

This contract includes the provision for changing rooms, kitchen, offices, gym and multipurpose room among others.

There is still no indication, however, of when the centre will open.

Father was one of the most important men in the early days of Lake Jackson, working to make a town in which he felt comfortable, and one with a foundation upon which to grow.

Close to 1,000 stood outside. He was simply 'a very special man'!

Bringing back the wonderful memories of .....South Pacific Studio32 Musical Theatre Company are pleased to announce that rehearsals for our next production are well in advance. The plot centres on an American Naval Nurse, Ensign Nellie Forbush who has been stationed on a South Pacific Island during World War II. Nellie falls in love with a middle-aged expatriate French plantation owner but struggles to accept his mixed-race children.

The Musical has many memorable songs like, ‘Nothing Like a Dame’, ‘Wash that man right outa my hair’ and the shows signature tune, ‘Some Enchanted evening’.

The character Nellie Forbush, is being played

by Bev McEwan (pictured) who is a seasoned performer with Studio 32 having played various roles in previous productions including Mabel Normand in Mack and Mabel.

The show will be staged at San Fulgencio’s Cardenal Belluga Theatre between Wednesday 24th and Saturday 27th of November with the performances starting at 7:30pm.

Reserved seating tickets are now on sale, priced at 10 euros and can be obtained by emailing tickets@studiothirtytwo.org or by calling Philip on 602 617 848.

Los Montesinos Running Circuit Racing 2021 is back!

Los Montesinos established races in the 2021 athletic calendar include the VIII Urban Mile Los Montesinos, along with the 10K and 5K Los Montesinos Contra La Violrncias.

Also added to the calendar this year is the Los Montesinos Endurance race: "We can announce details of another great race organised by the Department of Sports and the City Council of Los Montesinos, the Los Montesinos Endurance," said Councillor for Sports Ana Belen Juarez Pastor.

"The new Endurance race will be an Ultrafondo race of 6-12-24 hours, where, in the six hour race there will also be a mixed couples category, and in the 24 hour category the team grouping of four to eight participants.

"The entire event will be held on a circular circuit on the avenue de Riegos de Levante of 1.5 kilometres," added Ana Belen Juarez Pastor.

VIII URBAN MILE LOS MONTESINOS October 16: Children's categories, Senior, Elite, Veterans; Relays, Carriages. Registration: www.asuspuestos.com I LOS MONTESINOS ENDURANCE October 30: 6 hours - 6 hours mixed pairs, 12 hours - 24 hours - 24 hours teams. Registration: www.dorsal21.com X 10K & 5K LOS MONTESINOS “AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE” November 21: Children's Categories 5K-10K. Registration: www.asuspuestos.com

PAGE 16

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Enlist some valuable herbs to help matters along. If you don't have high blood pressure, they'll help make sure you never develop it.

PILING ON THE PRESSURE As many as one in three of us in the Western world suffers from high blood pressure.

And most of the experts agree: it’s a lifestyle disease.

If you're living on junky fast food, taking no or minimal exercise, and letting stress really get to you, all the pills in the world won't be a lot of help. And don't expect herbs to fix it, either.

Since high blood pressure is potentially a killer, your doctor may want to put you on necessary medication immediately.

But it's the lifestyle changes you make yourself —taking more exercise, practising relaxation, lowering caffeine and alcohol intake, losing some weight if you need to and adopting a seriously healthy diet — that will return you to health in the long run.

Hawthorn is an invigorating and nourishing tonic for the heart, improving function generally. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing and dilating artery walls, and although it's no quick fix for dangerously high blood pressure, it will work gently over months and years to improve matters.

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Here s an idea for you ..........

Good news travels fast, and everybody now knows that dark chocolate is great for you. Its packed with healthy phenols, that's why, and the darker the chocolate, the higher the phenol content.

But in the US study that produced this cheery finding, a quite significant drop in blood pressure was produced on a daily dose of just one of the sixteen squares in one of those big bars. More is not better. And don't expect a nice creamy comforting cup of drinking chocolate to do the trick: the milk will stop your body absorbing those phenols.

In Germany, where they are much more open to herbal medicine than anywhere else in the West, hundreds of doctors routinely prescribe it for their hypertensive patients. It's an outstandingly safe and non-toxic herb. If you're already on medication, though, discuss it with your doctor before starting to take it.

rocketing blood pressure, two herbs can help you unwind and soothe your frazzled nerves. One of them is passionflower, which happens to be my own favourite remedy for sleeplessness, taken an hour or two before bedtime.

The other is valerian, every doctor's favourite tranquilliser before Valium was invented. Both are often found in herbalists' blends for stress or sleeplessness. One thing you should know: valerian may not work for you, and those suffering from depression should not take it.

When herbalist Michael McIntyre (not the comedian) sees patients with high blood pressure, he recommends lots of herbs and vegetables in their daily diet to maintain a healthy heart, blood pressure and circulatory system. 'Garlic, onions and scallions [spring onions] are excellent, and the rawer the better.

Celery can help to lower blood pressure, and like dandelion leaves (delicious in salads) has a diuretic effect that helps to lower arterial pressure. Watercress is a circulatory stimulant.

Use fresh or dried thyme, basil and rosemary in your cooking, and plenty of spices - cinnamon, doves, turmeric, chilli and black pepper, ginger - all terrific for the cardiovascular system.

Limeflower tea calms anxiety and tension, helps relax muscles and arteries and is a friend to the heart and circulatory system generally. Yarrow is another excellent tonic for the circulation, and it can play a useful role in lowering blood pressure. Make up your own half-and-half mix of these dried herbs, and infuse a teaspoon in a mug of boiling water, covered, for five minutes, then strained. A daily cup could make a serious contribution to keeping your blood pressure normal.

Wonder-working garlic can help lower blood pressure. Like hawthorn, the effect is not dramatic, but why quibble?

Garlic delivers such huge benefits for our general health that you'd think any sane person would be eating it regularly anyway. To help lower blood pressure, raw is better than cooked. Two cautions before you start mainlining on garlic.

First, avoid it if you are on blood-thinning drugs like warfarin, since garlic, too, can thin your blood slightly: a healthy side effect for most of us. Secondly, it may irritate your stomach and give you heartburn, in which case you probably won't want to touch the stuff.

Some people thrive on life in the fast lane. But if it's your demanding, stressful multitasking life that's causing your

Go for technicoloured food: dark green vegetables, tomatoes, red and yellow peppers, beetroot and all the bright berries - mulberries, elderberries, blueberries, hawthorn berries: the flavonoids that give colour to fruit and vegetables act as antioxidants, and confer tremendous benefit on the heart and blood vessels.'

NEXT WEEK: Hearty Health

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association supports the welfare needs of ex-members of the RAF and their dependents.

We also provide a social hub for members by organising monthly events. To fund Welfare we raise money through the Wings Appeal.

New members are very welcome. To find out more contact Chairman Tony at tony.elaine.cuenta@gmail.com For Welfare contact Bill or Pauline on 0034 634 38 99 83 or email rafacbpresident2@gmail.com.

For general information on RAFA visit www.rafa.org.uk.

computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11a.m.

Church Bible Study: Thursday 1.30p.m. House groups in Torrevieja, La Siesta – Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. Phone: 966 799 273 / 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. www.icatorrevieja.org

CAR SALES The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2018 Ford Fiesta Trend which is on Special Offer priced at just 11,900 euro. Come along to our showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. The biggest and best for price, choice and quality. ENGLISH SPOKEN

CHURCHES AND SERVICES La Siesta Evangelical Church, Torrevieja is a friendly, English-speaking church. We currently hold services at 11.15am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month (and the 5th Sunday when there is one). For more info about our church, please see our website at www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org For info see www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org Join us at the SALT CHURCH Sundays at 10.30 am. We are a friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship. Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, Polígono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los

HELEN...

Montesinos. We are a lively, friendly church and look forward to meeting you. (Covid19 aware. www.Saltchurchspain.

Facebook SaltChurchSpain The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) 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 648 914 347 International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday service 11a.m.; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and

SOCIAL AND CLUBS The next meeting of the Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch will be held at 7 for 7.30 pm on Thursday 21 Oct at the Olympia Pool Bar in Mil Palmeras. Everyone welcome, incl non members. Call Jean for info on: 630 28 08 99.

The Royal British Legion, Torrevieja Branch - Meets at the Oasis, formerly the Casa Ventura, San Luis on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6.30 pm for 7pm start. New members are always welcome. You do not have to be ex-services.

For more info please contact:gill.burden20@gmail.com

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Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50’s. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Residential Home Visiting Team. to visit people in a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. If you think you can help call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887. Or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 1700 (5pm) at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanisation, Torrevieja. For more information please contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 966 71 6274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 966 92 1966.

Royal Air Force Association Costa Blanca Branch.The

HAH CB need you to help us help those in need in their own homes, short or long term medical conditions of all ages and nationalities. Contact our head office on 965 328 794 or e:charitycentrehelpathomecb @gmail.com.

Curious about the work of Samaritans in Spain? Have a few hours a week to help with the charity shop, fundraising or admin? Come and join us for a chat at our Centre in the Punta Marina Shopping Centre. Volunteers are unpaid but expenses are met. Email: spainsamsrecruits @outlook.com

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PAGE 19

TROUBLE IN STORE

the same time, club in one hand, rapier in the other -- rather like my writing style, both might leave you temporarily cross-eyed.

be available.

I imagine the big beasts like Amazon and Google will survive, because they are the modern equivalent of our corner shop.

Play tennis with your uncle in India from the safety of your own (if not his) living room, but use chalk for the baselines, white paint might ruin your carpet, unless it is white too. There is even some talk of machines that allow you to play two virtual sports at

My local corner shop never closed -- I even know the name of the girl who delivers my morning paper, because she has it written already on her face mask. Now that's forward thinking.

Especially when it comes to something in an envelope on Boxing Day.

W

orking in a large organisation must be quite depressing at times. Just think -whenever a famous person dies, someone at Wikipedia has to change all the verbs into the past tense. While fighting back tears, if they admired the deceased. Is there such a publication as Who Was Who?

I've had very few dealings in my life with big business enterprises, except for cramp in my fingers from writing cheques to cover their bills. Once credit cards came along, of course, there was no longer any need to pay them much more than a pittance, at least I think that's the arrangement, and a welcome one, too, since I've never been good with money.

Money has frequently returned the compliment.

Part of the problem with mega-operations is that such entities develop their own jargon. A stock market analyst once said to me, "Don't sell Noah short, he was a brilliant investor who floated stock while everything else went into liquidation." I nodded

dumbly. Nowadays I tend to avoid going anywhere near large corporate edifices -- I have a building complex complex.

But that will all change tomorrow, or symbolic tomorrow. Some business ventures are now too expensive for their own survival, and will be unable to prosper without the feeding frenzy of customers who disappeared during Covid lockdowns and weren't tempted back by false stutter-starts. They are, to all intents and purposes, doomed. Doomed, I tell you, doomed! You heard it here first, this is a scoop.

After the collapse of the unsustainable giants, I predict that pint-sized dealerships will come along to fill the void.

Microbreweries will become even smaller. (Teensy-weensy breweries, not even pint-sized.) Pop-up shops will spring to life selling bespoke face coverings -- how much more friendly human society will be, once you can address someone by the name on their face mask. Unless a large Frown-Emoji is printed on it.

Inventive carpenters will whittle tiny tables for diminished groups of determined consumers of nouvelle cuisine; small factories will build aeroplanes for no more than 2 pupils, I mean 6 travellers at a time; and when it comes to home entertainment, virtually anything (or anything virtual) will

PAGE 20

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Johnny Vegas celebrity star-studded Crown Green lawn bowling Gala Quote: 'If you've got a good parent and miss them, then it's your responsibility to be a good parent to your own children and be around for them'

By Andrew Atkinson Johnny Vegas led a celebrity star-studded Crown Green bowling gala in aid of his late father in the Lol Pennington Memorial Cup. Vegas - Michael Joseph Pennington - is one of four children to parents Laurence 'Lol' and Pat Pennington.

The annual event, organised by the Steve Prescott Foundation, saw members of the public compete

with stars, including Vegas, fellow comedian Paul Whitehouse and actress Sue Johnston, in St Helens.

Johnny Vegas and his late father

The gala event was launched by comedian and actor Vegas in memory of his dad, Laurence ‘Lol’ Pennington, who died in 2017, aged 85, of bladder cancer.

"Time does heal. Their smile gradually gives you strength. Their qualities live on in you."

"As a family it really hit us hard. It was like a tailspin and I have a tendency to shut down. "But you really need to open up about grief," said Vegas.

2021 was the third JV Crown Green Bowls Challenge 'Lol' Pennington Memorial Cup.

Vegas, 50, said: "It’s the thing with grief and you can tell yourself it's your responsibility to carry on. "If you've got a good parent and you miss them, then it's your responsibility to be a good parent to your own children and be around.

His mother died in 2019.

Sian Gibson, Tim Healy, Shobna Gulati, David Fairclough, Danny Sculthorpe, Paul Loughlin, Jodie Cunningham, James Baxter, Eddie Hemmings, Andy Gregory, Conor Coady, Barrie McDermott and Andy Fogarty all took part in the competition.

Johnny Vegas with winner of the Lol Pennington Memorial Cup, England star Conor Coady, alongside Jonathan Fenney

O’LEARY SELLS 39 HORSES FROM HIS GIGGINSTOWN STUD O'Leary, who announced he was slashing his string of horses, sold three horses to trainer Gordon Elliott, who returns to training after a six month ban.

BY ANDREW ATKINSON Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown House Stud has sold 39 horses for over €500,000 at the Goffs UK September Sale at Doncaster.

Ryanair chief O'Leary, who announced he was slashing his string of horses, sold three horses to trainer Gordon Elliott, who returns to training after a six month ban.

Meath based Elliott was given a one-year ban, with the last six months suspended, after a photo emerged of him sitting on top of a dead horse earlier this year.

Elliott and bloodstock agent Aidan 'Mouse' O'Ryan paid €50,000 for bumper and chase winner Forged In Fire, previously trained by Joseph O'Brien; €43,000 for four-time hurdle winner Smoking Gun and €16,000 for Mortal.

Smoking Gun and Mortal were both trained by Elliott for Gigginstown, but will now run in new colours for the three-time Grand National winning trainer.

Eddie O'Leary, Gigginstown's racing manager, said of Elliott, 43: “He’s done his time and he’s behaved exemplary through it. "He’s learned a lot and he will come back bigger and better.

“He has changed in an awful lot of ways. This was never a welfare issue, this was a stupidity issue, and Gordon has done exactly as he said he would do.”

Goffs UK Managing Director Tim Kent commented after the sale: "The annual dispersal from Gigginstown House Stud will always draw a crowd to the Goffs UK Sales Complex.

"This has been the case throughout the day with buyers at all levels bidding for a range of horses from a wide variety of vendors.

"These high-profile drafts have proven to be happy hunting grounds for those looking to buy future winners and we would like to extend our

sincere thanks to Michael & Eddie O’Leary for once again entrusting their draft to Goffs UK and this sale."

Elliott can make entries from September 9, after serving a ban from the dead horse photo incident sitting astride a dead horse on the gallops of his Cullentra House stable in Co Meath was published on social media in February.

Aintree Grand National three times winner Elliott saddled Silver Birch (2007) and Tiger Roll (2018 and 2019) to victory at Aintree and won the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Don Cossack in 2016.

Elliott who was banned by an Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board disciplinary hearing.

The Cheveley Park Stud and the Simon Munir-

Isaac Souede partnership chose to remove their horses from Cullentra House.

anybody.We look forward to them continuing to run and in their management."

A spokesperson for the IHRB said: “Following a meeting with the licensing committee, Gordon Elliott is free to make entries from September 9."

At the time of the ban being imposed and horses being removed Elliott said: "That was the lowest point throughout it all.

Leading owners of Cheveley Park Stud removed their horses from Elliott's stables, including the then unbeaten Envoi Allen, Sir Gerhard and Quilixios winners at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival under Rachael Blackmore.

"I had worked very hard to source those horses, and then they were gone. Just like that.

Cheveley Park's managing director Chris Richardson suggested to Sky Sports Racing that they will be staying with their current trainers.

"Willie Mullins and Henry de Bromhead have shown that they can train these horses as well as

"When Envoi Allen was here, there wasn't a night I didn't lie in bed thinking about him. And now that he is gone, there still isn't a night I don't lie in bed thinking about him."

Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown House Stud made €584,000 in total from the sale.

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VALENCIANS ROLL INTO THEIR 13TH YEAR Married couples dominate in early stages of the Linea Directa Valencia Bowls Championships awn bowling has finally made a competitive return to the area with the start of the 13th Edition of the Valencian Bowls Tournament, sponsored once again by Linea Directa.

L

The traditional parade of clubs and opening ceremony did not take place due to Covid-19 restrictions so despite a threat of heavy rain, the competition got underway in bright sunshine at the Emerald Isle and Quesada Bowls Clubs last Wednesday with Sandra Kavanagh rolling the first competitive bowl at her home club, in the Preliminary round of the mixed Triples competition.

Unfortunately Sandra and her team mates, husband Brian and Elwyn Morris, failed to progress beyond that stage as they were subsequently knocked out by the ‘in form’ Vistabella threesome of Gary and Carol Thorpe and Fred Willey, who then went on to progress to the final four. The trio will now meet Andy Miles, Peta Rhodes and Sue Bosworth of the Emerald Isle in the semi final after Andy, Peta and Sue overcame the 2020 winners, Brenda Jiggins, John Jukes and Graham Richardson of Country Bowls in the Quarters.

In the bottom half of the draw Marjorie Parnham, Michael and Pauline Harrison of Finca Guilla will play Country Bowls John and Sheena Mallet and Dennis Wade It was the Mixed Pairs that took centre stage on Friday and Saturday with the competition being dominated by married couples, three of them winning through to the semi Finals.

Pete and Lisa Bonsor progressed to the last four relatively unscathed. They will now meet Sue Elvin and Graham Shoots, conquerers of Martin and Maureen Foulcer, who, on home soil, will provide them with rather more of a challenge if they are to progress to the final.

In Semi Final Two Drew and Ann Marie Gerrard will

also have home advantage against Bonalba’s Dennis and Chris Wright who knocked out Andy Miles and Peta Rhodes in Round One. They were also responsible for the elimination of the Valencian Delegate, Bob Donnelly and his partner, Anita Brown in the Quarter Final.

As the competition now begins to heat up the Men’s and Ladies Pairs were played on Sunday and Monday where Men’s holder Gary Thorpe has a new partner in Fred Willey. In the Ladies Competition, San Miguel’s holders Val Hignett and Anita Brown had a first round tie against Sue Jordan and Irene Laverick of La Siesta.

The two blue ribbon events, the Men’s and Ladies Singles will get underway at the two venues on Tuesday and Wednesday. In the Men’s competition two time winner Peter Morgan of Quesada will be seeking his third consecutive title, but first, in what must surely be the tie of the round, he will have to get past the 2017 champion Martin Foulcer at Quesada on Tuesday.

At the Emerald Isle Sandra Kavanagh rolled the first competitive bowl of the tournament, watched

by Carol Thorpe of Vistabella and Elwyn Morris

Without holder Maggie Furness, there will be no shortage of competition in the Ladies Competition with three previous winners, Anita Brown 2014, Peta Rhodes 2017 and Ann Marie Gerrard 2019 all vying for ownership of the prestigious title, with that contest getting underway from Wednesday.

All of the rounds will be played through to the semi final stage prior to the semis and the finals moving to the Emerald Isle Bowls Club, where they will get underway on Saturday.

There is plenty of seating available at both venues where spectators are welcome, absolutely free of charge, throughout the entire competition.

Linea Directa are proudly sponsoring the tournament for the sixth consecutive year. https://www.facebook.com/ValencianChampionships

Lisa Bonsor directing her husband’s efforts in the Mixed Pairs

Tom Spencer and his team mates, the Stones, suffered an early exit in the Mixed Triples

MORE OPPORTUNITIES AT GREENLANDS Carp-R-Us match report

Greenlands bowls club is looking forward to an exciting season in the Winter leagues with 4 teams entered in each of the Monday (SABA) League and Friday (SOUTHERN) League, thus ensuring plenty of bowling for our members at this time.

We have also entered a team in the WINTER LEAGUE thus offering those willing to travel a chance to play against our friends from up north, with a bus provided for what is a great series of days out.

A team entered into the Premier 20 knock out offers even more chances to demon-

strate your skill.

ward to between now and Christmas.

If this is not exciting enough we are looking forward to having our new carpet laid during the Christmas break, thus allowing us to return to eight rinks and the council are at long last going to tarmac the approach road from the main road to the car park alongside the Adventure Golf course.

We are open for new members both experienced bowlers and beginners alike, with tuition and skills courses available free to all members.

A very friendly club we have a good social side with events such as a race night, murder mystery night, adventure golf night Pre Season Dinner and Presentation night and the annual Christmas Lunch all to look for-

Contact Chris Dewar Secretary . 698 418 987 or turn up at the club any saturday morning,speak to any member and /or join in our roll up.

Earlier this week members of Carp-R-Us and The Lime Bar cleared some paths and new pegs on the stretch of the Segura termed Eden 2. Some of these were included in this week’s rather underwhelming match on this stretch. The river looked in good condition with a decent level and flow, but the fish just did not seem interested, in fact most anglers found that from around 11.30 on, bites just stopped. Winner, and again proving age is just a number, was Roy Buttress with 2.95kg from peg 2 caught on feeder and corn, second was Roy Dainty from peg 1 with 2.74kg caught using pole and bread tactics.

Third was Jeremy Fardoe, on one of the new pegs, who dug out and old Avon float and caught2.35kg down the edge using bread and corn. Fourth was Willy Moons with 1.31kg.

Give it a try you will enjoy it.

On behalf of the clubs who

Various Membership fees are available to cover 90 day people etc. So come and join us and benefit from this exciting time.

did the work on pegs here and Bigastro, could we ask that anyone fishing these stretches just spends a couple of minutes before or after a session either cutting back any reeds they see have grown up in the pegs or just take a walk along the paths to keep the undergrowth trampled down. Thank you.

Further information about the club can be found on its website www.carp-r-us.weebly.com or on Facebook page CarpR-Us Fishing Costa Blanca.

PAGE 22

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Mike Probert talks Golf H

ere on the Costa’s golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers.

Monday 20th - Sunday 26th September, 2021

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Everyone that has had a shank will know the feelings that you have as a golfer when you try and play the next shot with an iron club.

This affliction is not limited to the amateur because you may recall that at a British Open Championship at Troon Darren Clarke hit a shank with a 2- iron on the second hole which ended up on the beach and he was leading the tournament at the time.

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from the ball and this has the impact of throwing you forward on to your toes during your downswing, especially if you are also throwing your shoulders at the ball and coming over the top.

The first thing to do is to stand a little closer to the ball and a simple method is to ensure that your shoulders are over your knees, which in turn are over your shoe laces.

Similarly in the Volvo Masters at Valderrama in 1987 Sandy Lyle shanked his 3rd shot to the notorious 17th hole while also leading the event.

Additionally there is a simple practise method, which involves playing a few shots with something under your left toe, a ball or a club shaft will do.

He did however go on to win the event after a play-off with Colin Montgomerie.

This will help you to turn through on your left heel because you can’t fall forward if you put your weight into your heel.

So what do you call them?

So what causes a shank?

The J.Arthur Rank, the Lucy Locket, the socket or the shank.

Let us remove one misconception before we start.

Whatever it is, forget the top, the hook, the slice or the total miss because the shank is the most destructive shot in the golfers armoury but why is this?

It is stated that a shank is almost a perfect golf shot.

To overcome the mental problems cause by the shank you should start by having trust in the technique to overcome the shot and play with a positive intent and commit to all iron shots.

‘UNMENTIONABLES’

Well the answer is simple not only does the shot ruin any chance that you have of having a good golf score on the day but it immediately impacts on your confidence.

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What a load of rubbish, there are technical reasons within your swing that causes you to shank the ball.

A shank is usually caused because the golfer is standing too far away

You must stay in the present and forget the bad shots that have happened and you will find that this bad shot disappears as quickly as it arrived.

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Let me get the technical bit out of the way first.

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Smiling Jacks golf society Well a good early morning start at Mar Menor golf and spa resort with a good turn out as usual. Thank you all for supporting Smiling Jacks.

The course was a good layout but looked a little tired in places, but this didn't stop a great day out followed by some lovely food on our return, thank you Jules.

It is vital that you start to visualise shots flying onto the green and landing softly.

Torrevieja Winter Pool League

By Andrew Atkinson Torrevieja Pool League chairman Alan Boswell has announced the resumption of the Winter league amid the coronovirus pandemic which decimated fixtures during the last year.

League chairman Alan Boswell

Some good scores were had and in second place with a fantastic 36 points was our special guest J J Mcgettigan, well done but no cigar.

"Representatives of teams attended a meeting this month to enter the new 2021-22 Winter league to start early October," said Boswell.

Three Divisions have been formed for the 2021-22 Winter League:

The winner this time with a brilliant 38 points was Wayne Griffin, excellent round of golf mate.

Fixtures were postponed during Covid-19, that also lead to the 2021 Summer league being scrapped, due to health and safety.

Division 1 Britannia A, Fire Station (BW), Quiet Man, Office Aces, Santana A, Terreza Bar next door; Unity Bar.

"After great thought and deliberation it was decided not to run a 2021 summer competition," said Boswell.

Division 2: Britannia B, Fire Station (Rolex), Office Bulls, The Courtyard A, Marie's Rendezvous, Mi Sol, Santana B, Murphs, Racin Toast II, Oasis.

Wayne's playing partner Chris picked up a nearest the pin in two and none other than el presidente also picked up a nearest the pin.

Marina Herron played her second round every and trippled her score. She also picked up blue Johnny.

Next month is high season do I'm trying to get the best deal. We will be having a free presidential BBQ after next month's golf.

Stay tuned for details. El Presidente

"Another meeting will be held at the end of the month for teams to collect their paperwork and fixtures for the 2021-22 Winter league campaign," added Boswell.

Division 3: Reflections, Micky's Bar, The George, Deja Vu Sports Bar, Laguna, Irish Abbey, Thirsty Boot, The Courtyard B.

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Poor start for CF Sporting Saladar as they lost 4-0 at Bigastro.

Season kicks off with Goal avalanche An avalanche with 38 goals netted saw the 202122 Valencia 1st and 2nd Regional season kick-off on September 18 - with Formentera CF bagging six in a seven goals thriller against CF Inter Santa Pola in Group 16 of the 2nd Regional.

Bigastro CF hit four in a 4-0 home win against Club Sporting Saladar. Elche Dream CF B gained a 1-0 win against FB Redován C B; Monovar Atletico A shared the points in a 2-2 draw against Athletic Club Torrellano B. Guardamar Soccer netted five goals in a 5-1 victo-

ry against Callosa Deportiva CF. CD Altet returned a 2-0 away win at CD Horadada and UE Crevilente FB A beat Atletico Benejuzar A 3-0.

In the 1st Regional Group 9 CF Sporting de San Fulgencio gained a 4-0 away win at Orihuela CF B; CF Atletico Algorfa hit four goals in a 4-1 win against Pinoso CF A and CD Benijofar drew 1-1 away at CF Popular Orihuela to take a point, with Adeloy netting the visitors goal on seven minutes.

"We started the season adding one point with a worked draw away from home at Orihuela in what was a very disputed match," said a spokesperson from CD Benijofar.

few chances to Orihuela and only the lack of shots on target prevented us from bringing home three points.

"We knew that in a field as small as today the forces are equal - and any mistake can be a defeat.

"It's time to keep working and think about the next game, in which we can see the team again at home," they added.

"The greens played a great game, conceding very

ENGLAND ICON JIMMY GREAVES DIES AGED 81

Mark Clattenburg was probably the best English referee of his generation, he refereed at the highest level for 13 years, Premier League, Europe and as a member of the FIFA list, but his career was very nearly brought to an abrupt end one Saturday afternoon at Stamford Bridge.

He revealed the incident in his soon to be released autobiography 'Whistleblower'.

“There was a commotion outside the referees changing room following the match.

"Before I get to the door it swings open, and with some force. I jump back, instinctively.

What the f***? John Obi Mikel bursts in. I can see the rage in his eyes. Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo and coach Eddie Newton are holding him back.

"Mikel is out of control, he's trying to get at me. 'I'm gonna break your legs!' he shouts.

F****** hell, he's swinging at me.

"We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of the great Jimmy Greaves, not just Tottenham Hotspur’s record goalscorer but the finest marksman this country has ever seen," the club said.

"Jimmy passed away at home in the early hours of Sunday morning (19 September), aged 81."

A member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad, Greaves scored 44 goals in his 57 appearances for England.

His strike rate was phenomenal as he scored 356 goals in England's top flight, a record which still stands today.

For Tottenham, he returned 266 goals in 379 appearances between 1961 and 1970. The 37 league goals that he netted in the 1962/63 season has yet to be bettered by a Spurs player in a single season.

Greaves began his career with Chelsea, scoring on debut in 1957 against Spurs -- his 41-goal haul in the First Division in 1960/61 still stands as Chelsea’s record for a single season.

A brief spell at AC Milan followed -- where he netted nine time in 14 games -- before he returned to England to join Spurs. He later played for West Ham before retiring from the game and going into television punditry with his great friend Ian St John.

The Warriors Burnham CF hosted UD La Co CaAspense in the 2nd Regional Group 16.

Mark Clattenburg says stress caused him to leave English football

The incident occurred during a match between Chelsea and Manchester United in October 2012 when Clattenburg was accused of racism towards Chelsea's Jon Obi Mikel and Juan Mata following United’s 3-2 defeat of the London club.

The former England striker Jimmy Greaves, one of the game's greatest goalscorers and characters, has died aged 81, his former club Tottenham Hotspur announced on Sunday.

1st Regional Group 9 fixtures on September 19 saw CD Cox v SCB Torrevieja CF, CF Rafal v Atletico de Catral CF, Alguena CF v CD Montesinos and Sporting Dolores v CF Sporting Albatera.

"I've got my boots on, I'm slipping all over the place. I'm knocked backwards into some seats. I just try to defend myself. He's still hellbent on hurting me. Get him out of here!

Mikel is eventually dragged back into the corridor. What the f*** has just happened?"

"I have to be clear here - and this is extremely important - at this point there had been no

TRIVEA QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 14: 1. A white hole, 2. Petit four, 3. Jason Bourne, 4. a. Deep Impact, b. The Day After Tomorrow, c. Dr. Strangelove, d.

2012, e. Independence Day, f. Fail Safe.

5. They all had their legs insured. 6.

Smarties chocolate beans. 7. Public water bus. 8. Helium (After Helios, Greek for "Sun" and also "the god of Sun on mythology". 9. War horse. 10. Mt. Pelee is in Martinque and Nevado del Ruiz is in Colombia. 11. a. Leaving on a jet plane

mention of racism to me, either from Mikel or Di Matteo. No one had made any accusation of that nature."

On his way from Stamford Bridge to the airport, Clattenburg received a notification saying that Chelsea hd accused him of racism.

Sir Alex Ferguson came out in support of Clattenburg

"This could ruin my career," he wrote in his book. “The fear is worse than going to prison. I am being called a racist. That is a life-sentence, you don't come back from that. Guilty until proven innocent, the English way."

Clattenburg was accused of calling Mata a 'Spanish t**t', although Mata heard no such thing and the accusation was finally dropped.

According to Chelsea, he also said to Mikel 'Shut up, you monkey'. Brazilian players Ramires and David Luiz claimed to have heard the insult, but it was later revealed that only Ramires heard anything, the gist of which was translated for him by Luiz.

Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson also came out in support for Clattenburg and called him on the phone. "Mark, it's Sir Alex Ferguson," he said. "I have spoken to my players and they did not hear you say what Chelsea are alleging. We don't believe you said it. I believe in fairness, so we will support you."

The case was eventually thrown out 25 days after the match, with Mikel given a threematch ban for the disturbances in the dressing room.

Clattenberg said that following the incident he (John Denver). b. As time goes by. c.

Purple Haze (Jimi Hendrix). d. Gimme Shelter (Rolling Stones). e. The Shoop Shoop Song (Cher). f. Goldfinger (Shirley Bassey). 12. High Street (there are 5,410 High Streets, compared to 3,811 Station Roads, and 2,702 Main Streets). 13. The Crimean War. 14. Germany. 15. A number on the back of each players shirt. 16.

Glass making. 17. Audrey Hepburn. (The photo was from the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's"). 18. a. Muswell Hillbillies, b.

Notting Hillbillies. 19. Rodents. 20. The wind.

quickly fell out of love with the game, feeling that he was treated unfairly throughout the ordeal.

"To be accused of something that you haven't done is really difficult to deal with," Clattenburg said.

"But I had a mortgage to pay, a family to look after, and therefore I had to go back to refereeing. I was lucky that over the years I fell back in love with football and it made me achieve what I actually did."

Clattenberg did eventually leave the Premier League in 2017 when he replaced Howard Webb as the Saudi Arabian Football Federation Head of Refereeing.

Three years later he joined the ESPN commentary team for Euro 2020 as their officiating and VAR expert He also went on to referee in China, but he is back in the Premier League where he is working for Prime Video as a pundit.

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