The Leader Newspaper Edition 762

No 762

Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th April, 2019

Tel: 637 227 385

The Leader Newspaper will not be published on Monday 29 April. We will be back on 6 May.

Multi Million euro investment in San Miguel de Salinas The Budget has now been approved for the first of a number of major investments into the infrastructure, particularly the road network, around San Miguel de Salinas, with works expected to get under way on the first

Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Urban Planning, Sergio Correas Ferrer such improvement early next year.

In an exclusive interview with The Leader Newspaper, the Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Urban Planning, Sergio Correas Ferrer, confirmed that finance has now been received to fund improvements to the

Camino de la Balsa, the road connecting the town with Las Fillipinas urbanisation and Villamartin, which will see a widening of the road as well as the addition of a pedestrian walkway and cycle track connecting Las Fillipinas with San Miguel.

The final kilometre of the present road, where it meets the CV941, in the direction of San Miguel, will be re-routed, taking it in a straight line to the junction with the CV 952, Carr de Rebate, where a new roundabout will be built.

Continued on Page 2

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www.theleader.info CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE San Miguel improvements

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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.

Cllr Ferrer said that this will eliminate many of the dangerous curves and bends in the present road, which have been responsible for a number of fatal accidents in recent years.

He explained that final documentation and tenders are now being prepared and following the Municipal elections next month, the new councillor for Urban Planning will be expected to complete all the necessary processes in order to get the work underway.

By that time, of course, following the upcoming resignation of Ángel Sáez Huertas, Sergio Ferrer hopes to have assumed the mantle of San Miguel mayor.

He told me that “Angel has been the mayor for 15 years during which time he has worked extremely hard on behalf of everyone living and holidaying in the area, but he feels that he would now like to sit back and remove some of the pressures that he has been under as mayor, and although he will still retain an involvement in the Partido Popular and in local politics, he wants to spend more time with his family and to enjoy more of his retirement, which is only natural after so many years.”

As such Cllr Ferrer is extremely excited by the challenges that he now faces. “We have some very good people on the PP list going into the municipal elections and I hope that we will do very well.

Strictly X Factor Stagestruck Theatre Company will bring their summer show, Strictly X Factor to Teatro Cardenal Belluga in San Fulgencio from 16th-18th May at 7.30 pm (Doors open at 6.45 pm) This hilarious, family show follows the fortunes of Bragton Save our Village Hall Committee as they strive to save the falling-down wreck from demolition.

To accomplish this they decide to hold a talent competition – and some of the acts to audition cause more than a few raised eyebrows. The stuttering ventriloquist and belly dancing wife of the vicar to mention just a couple.

Then there’s the Tenor Ladies...(Don’t ask!) So for some great songs, dance routines by members of Footworks, a little romance and a lot of comedy –

We have a good record of achievement in the town and there are many more projects that I have initiated and that I personally want to see through to their conclusion.”

“One of the next major schemes for which I will soon receive the budget will be the road improvements at the Las Fillipinas end of the Camino de la Balsa, just beyond Captain Morgan’s Bar, at the junction with Calle Fillipinas and Calle Richard Wagner. That whole area will be completely remodelled with the construction of a new roundabout at the junction and the complete renewal of all the roads leading off it. If the PP is re-elected the improvements will be prioritised to take place early in the next legislature.”

But as Sergio Ferrer now looks ahead to the municipal elections in just 4 weeks’ time, and reflects on his efforts as a San Miguel councillor, he told me that he still has many ambitions to fulfil in San Miguel de Salinas.

“I am extremely honoured to be selected to lead the Partido Popular into the elections as I firmly believe that here in Spain you can do whatever you truly desire. I have always carried that with me. I am honoured to be in that position and I hope that if I am elected as mayor I can show others that they too can do what they really want to do in life, and that I can also continue in my efforts to make things better for the people who live in this wonderful town of San Miguel de Salinas.” book your tickets soon.

Entry is 10 euros and tickets are available at The Card Shop, Benimar, The Post Room, Dona Pepa (Quesada) and at Cards and More in La Marina.

Tickets can also be reserved on line by emailing stagestruck.show@gmail.com or by calling 625 883 387

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State Heritage refuses to authorise mud baths in Torrevieja The Generalitat is to launch an information campaign to make the public aware of the illegality of taking mud baths in the pink lakes of Las Salinas. They have warned that following the campaign local police will be told to issue fines, ranging from between 60 to 600 euro, to anyone found contravening this new law.

The general director of Natural Environment and Environmental Assessment, Antoni Marzo , the director of the Natural Park of Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja, Francisco MartĂ­nez and the Torrevieja councillor of the Environment, Fanny Serrano have all given their support to the measure along with their rejection of a proposed plan to authorise mud baths in specially bounded areas.

Serrano said that the environmental group "has reiterated on many occasions that taking mud baths in the lagoon is absolutely prohibited under any circumstance" and that "it is based on two reasons, one of them is purely environmental, and the other is due to safety reasons", because of the salt extraction work that takes place in adjacent areas.

These baths "are considered to be highly dangerous, since the extraction of salt is done by automatic machinery that operated under the water and that could cause fatal injuries to illegal bathers." The Law 11/94 relating to Natural Spaces in the Valencian Community, stipulates that penalties will range from 60 to 600 euros.

The general director of Natural Environment, Antoni Marzo said that "the ban is immediate" and adding that "a publicity campaign notify-

ing people of the law will be put into place with immediate effect."

Francisco MartĂ­nez, director of the Natural Park, said, "The operation will last the entire summer period." This operation will also be reinforced by a private security that the salt company will provide.

Serrano also added that Turismo Comunitat Valenciana has been asked to sanction and pursue those companies that offer the experience of bathing in the lagoons within their tourism packages, a practice that has already been detected.

The councillor said that "we have some organized visits to Las Salinas that meet all the environmental and sustainable criteria and that they have all the corresponding authorisations and what we want is to protect and reinforce them".

Although mud baths in the lagoon have been a widespread practice for decades, the distribution of spectacular images of the pink lagoon in social networks and the use of the salty landscape as an advertising scenario has made it a popular destination, hence many members of the public will find the new legislation difficult to accept.

The visitors look for the supposed dermatological benefits of the mud, in addition to the experience of buoyancy in the salt water. During the summer such visits can also be accompanied by spectacular sunsets on the mirror of the lake.

In other nearby salt mines, such as those in San Pedro del Pinatar, the mud bath is not only authorised, but there are also specific areas where it is encouraged, as well as in a natural park, although these areas are not used by the salt works and are less sensitive from an environmental point of view and therefore without security problems.

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National Elections - Many voters still undecided As Pedro Sanchez starts the decisive week of his electoral campaign it seems that he is now the clear favourite to win the national elections which will be held in Spain next Sunday, but he will need the support of the nationalists to forge an absolute majority if he is to provide a stable government, given the refusal of Ciudadanos to join his alliance, according to the results of a major opinion poll.

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Ciudadanos spokesperson Inés Arrimadas at Alicante rally

The PSOE would achieve 28.8% of the votes and 129 seats, improving on a poll held a month ago, providing it with an even bigger advantage over second (the PP, which would get 17.8% and 75 deputies, its worst ever historical result).

Sanchez will gain more seats than the PP and Cs together and their improvement would move them close to an absolute majority, despite the emergence of Vox which is projected to get 32 deputies.

The 28-A campaign begins this Sunday (21 April) its final week, with two successive debates on television that could be decisive, given the high percentage of undecided voters and with Pedro Sánchez at the top in all surveys.

izquierdas PSOE-Unidas PodemosCompromís will gain 165 deputies according to the survey (results from 2,000 interviews conducted between Monday and Thursday last week). That will be 11 less than the absolute majority that the pact will need (176 seats in a Congress of 350).

Almost three years after achieving the worst every result attained by the socialists in the democratic eara, Sanchez seems to have turned things around and is almost certain to lead his party the its very best showing at the polls in 11 years.

But the poll also states that as many as 38% of voters are still undecided with many of them saying that they are likely to make their decision following the TV debates so a big week for Pedro Sanchez is likely to get very much bigger.

However, the landscape of governance continues to be complex. The block of

Polls indicate that the left bloc would retain its advantage over right wing par-

Valencia Community

ties due to anticipated losses by the PP and Ciudadanos, in excess of 10 seats, who would be unable to stem the gains made by Vox in Les Cortes.

Alicante Province Voting in the province of Alicante would be rather more even, where the left bloc would get 18 or 19 seats compared to 16 or 17 on the right.

The PSPV would achieve the most votes with eight seats, followed by the PP with 7, Compromís with 6-7 and Vox with 6.

This scenario reflects an equal fight in the province from which United Podem would realise four representatives and Ciudadanos between three and four.

The meeting of Ciudadanos in Alicante this Easter Saturday, ahead of the National and Municipal elections, has not disappointed, with an attendance of about 1,000 people from all over the province, of which more than 100 were from Orihuela.

National Party spokesperson, Inés Arrimadas, was the main guest along with Marta Martín, Marcos de Quinto and Toni Cantó.

The number 2 on the National list was presented to the Congress, Juan Ignacio López-Bas, currently the deputy mayor of Orihuela, as well as José Aix, mayoral candidate for the next local elections, both from the Ciudadanos party in the province of Alicante .

Water, investments and rejection of the imposition of Valencian in schools were the main points covered at the Ciudadanos meeting at which Inés Arrimadas said that she expects good results in these upcoming general elections to be held on April 28, as well as the European and local elections on May 26.

has worsened since the Beaches across the region size of the city has almost were devastated doubled, encouraging for Photo:Tony Mayes many years construction that it could not deal with.

The water has nowhere to escape and when it reaches the level of the salt pans it simply floods wherever it can. The works carried out to alleviate flooding during recent years do not repair the deficiencies that the city has.

Elsewhere in the region, in Orihuela, the Segura Hydrographic Confederation was watching all weekend for a possible overflow of the river, something that occurred in the Reguerón area, when the Segura exceeded 3.5 metres in height, flooding adjoining houses. In the basin of one of the driest rivers in Spain, up to 80 litres per square meter were registered in 12 hours. In some points the levels surpassed five metres in height, but fortunately there were no major incidents or dangers.

The only injuries occurred on Friday night when a wall of an abandoned house fell on two men as a result of heavy rains. According to police sources, the men were both homeless and had taken refuge from the rain in the house, located in the hamlet of Correntías.

In Guardamar, the País Valenciano avenue was closed when masonry fell from several buildings.

In Elche, the water flooded one of the tunnels of the main ring road, when the drainage system failed, trapping three vehicles, making it necessary to rescue two drivers who had left their vehicles before the rise of the water. Up to 14 routes were closed to avoid incidents.

During the Friday/Saturday night, numerous incidents related to the heavy rain were attended by the emergency services. The main roads affected were the Circunvalación Sur between Avenida Santa Pola and Portalada, the N-332 at its access to Arenales and the old Santa

The worst April storms seen in 73 years Water, water and more water. The cold spell that has been lashing the province since last Thursday night completely ruined Holy Week and left with it a trail of desolation, with floods, falling trees, palm trees and flooded municipalities across the region.

It is now said to be the worst storm in the month of April since 1946, 73 years ago, and completely overwhelmed the emergency services, which struggled to cope with over 300 call outs throughout the province.

In many of the region’s weather stations results show that the rainfall far exceeded 100 litres per square metre in just 48 hours of the holiday weekend.

Professor Jorge Olcina, president of the Association of Spanish Geographers (AGE), said that there has not be as much rainfall since 1946, when there was a major flood in the Segura, which also occurred on Good Friday, never before has it rained "as much or been as widely distributed across the Iberian southeast as it is now".

In fact, between Friday and Saturday there was as much rain as the entire amount that we saw from January to April, and whilst the rain reduced the deficit in our reservoirs the fields across the whole province and the region of Murcia have been well soaked.

The main problems occurred in the south of the province, in the Vega Baja, where Torrevieja, which saw more than 200 litres per square metre, suspended its urban transport and closed such important roads as Rosa Mazón and Delfina Viudes, the road that provides access to Crevillent, along the CV-905, which is practically a highway.

The City Council reported that many drivers were either ignoring their warnings or were not aware of the danger of driving on roads which had been transformed into lakes. Many vehicles still remained abandoned yesterday, although there were no major incidents because most drivers chose to leave them where they had broken down.

Torrevieja, once again offered an image of a city that is unable to deal with its floods due to the lack of infrastructure, something that

Pola road.

According to reports the Consortium of Alicante Firefighters rescued four people from three vehicles, one of which fell into an irrigation ditch in Orihuela, while the other two were rescued from flooded watercourses located in Novelda and Sax, although none of them suffered injury.

In Alicante, the strong rainfall at night and early morning caused damage to the city and beaches due to water accumulation, gusts of wind and waves. Firefighters attended more than 70 call outs to reduce water in basements and to remove the branches of the fallen trees.

The beaches suffered the worst effects of the storm, with notable damages across the entire coastline, where the force of the sea had completely wrecked many of the wooden walkways that had been built for the Easter holidays.

According to Olcina, this is not the end as during the coming days we will have more turbulent weather, with the possibility of storms forming between Tuesday and Thursday. Although not with the same amount of rain, or intensity of the cold drop. They will be rather more scattered than of late."

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budget across various invoices that were issued by several of the businessmen who acted as a single business group.

This action "contravened consciously and radically the principles that inspire legislation on public sector contracting," and caused a significant loss to the public purse.�

5oth Wedding Blessing Celebrations

by Andrew Atkinson

Using the slogan 'For trade and a more ecological Torrevieja: No more plastics', the councillor for Commerce, Manuela Osuna, announced that 10,000 reusable paper bags were to be distributed in the city over Holy Week, in order to raise awareness about the environmental impact produced by the use of plastic.

Specifically, 5,000 were distributed to the many different shops in the municipality with the other 5,000 distributed during the Holy Week processions.

Osuna explained that "the time has come for our city to say no to plastic. It is everyone's job to make our city healthier. The paper bags are much more sustainable and ecological and we believe that with this type of initiative we can help in raising awareness about the use of less polluting and harmful materials to our environment ".

Court upholds Ferrando's prison sentence

However the judge agreed to suspend the execution of the prison sentences imposed on the six accused and acquitted a seventh defendant for whom the accusation was dropped at the beginning of the hearing.

The ruling also recognises compensation of 149,697 euros in favour of the City of Orihuela that will be paid with the money consigned to the court by four of the defendants before the trial.

Awards from TRBL to Welfare workers Pedro Dominguez and Beatriz Lara work for the Spanish Red Cross and the Casa Verde Foundation respectively and over many years they have both been absolutely invaluable in co-ordinating the works of local expat charities with those of their own.

Pedro, from Cruz Roja in Alicante, has a specific responsibility for expats and their needs and over the last 4 or 5 years he has helped to improve the lives of many hundreds of veterans and their dependants on the Costa Blanca.

He is an English speaker and will help those who are in need to obtain pendant alarms throughout the whole of Spain as he will also provide assistance and help with energy and food poverty.

Contact him via Phone or Email: pdominguez@cruzroja.es Telephone 678501586

Officiated by Canon Terence Sampson who married the couple in 1969, SAN Miguel couple Tony and Linda Parlett have celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends.

Beatrix and Pedro with RBL Community Support Coordinator Pamela Twissel-Cross

A service was held to bless Tony and Linda at Lago Jardin Church of St Peter and St Paul, Torrevieja, officiated by Canon Terence Sampson F.C.A., who married the couple in April 1969 at Cleator Moor, Cumbria.

After the service Tony and Linda held a celebratory dinner at La Cosecha Restaurant in Benijofar, Alicante.

Torrevieja council distribute 10,000 paper bags Torrevieja councillor for Commerce, Manuela Osuna

Pepa Ferrando The Criminal Court No. 3 of Orihuela has confirmed prison sentences conferred on Orihuela’s former councillor of Tourism, Pepa Ferrando, together with five businessmen for fraud, relating to the contracting of the municipal exhibitor for four seasons of the International Tourism Fair in Madrid (Fitur) and one edition of the Tourism Fair held in the Valencian Community (FTCV).

The sentence, imposes penalties of between six months and two years in prison, as well as disqualification from public office for crimes of prevarication and fraud.

The judge said that it was proven that the accused, "with full knowledge of the arbitrary and flagrant unlawful conduct," acted in concert "to defraud the public treasury, adding that the then councillor of Tourism, Pepa Ferrando, in collusion with other parties, split the services relating to the operation of the municipal stand at Fitur in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and at FTCV 2011, and divided the

CINEMA PILAR English Language Cinema in Pilar de la Horadada - Calle Canalejas 4 Thursday 25th APRIL at 7pm and Saturday, 27th of APRIL at 5pm

THE GIRL IN THE SPIDERS WEB Young computer hacker Lisbeth Salander and journalist Mikael Blomkvist find themselves caught in a web of spies, cybercriminals and corrupt government officials.

Cast: Claire Foy, Sverrir Gudnason, Vicky Krieps, Sylvia Hoeks, Claes Bang, Stephen Merchant, Dur: 1hr 57min Genre: Thriller | Drama | Mystery | Crime Find us at https://goo.gl/maps/kS56en98KXF2

Beatriz Lara is from the Casa Verde Foundation on the Costa Blanca.

She too is a social worker who has helped veterans and their dependants in numerous ways by assisting in training new and existing caseworkers as she guides them through the minefield that is the Spanish health care and Social Services system. Lara has also helped personally by providing specialist help, advice and action to support individual beneficiaries.

In gratitude for their efforts, particularly with the welfare teams and members of The Royal British Legion, the pair were recently presented with well-deserved Certificates of Appreciation by Don Cubbon, the Chairman of Spain North, in front of the whole of the District Committee.

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From Sinatra and war torn Lebanon to Doña Pepa SPAIN EXCLUSIVE: Part 1.

Andrew Atkinson talks Exclusively in Part One of a Two Part interview with Madrid born musician Esteban Fernandez and his Manchester born wife, singer, dancer and former teenage circus star Norma, who live at Dona Pepa, Alicante.

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"I was taught how to play the guitar by Curro and played with him for six months," said Esteban.

"Curro was married in France - and we played the music in the Church wedding ceremony," said Esteban.

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Anthony Molina - Spain Flamenco legend.

"I also spent six months with Anthony Molina - he was the best and did a lot of films," said Esteban.

"At that time he was as famous as The Rolling Stones and The Beatles," said Esteban.

Esteban's life changed dramatically when finding himself amongst the stars during his musical years.

"I did everything - I was a milkman at one stage," said Esteban.

"I also worked in a furnishings shop. And was an electrician too," said Esteban.

Norma and Esteban with Andrew Atkinson (centre) in Los Montesinos.

NAMES don't come much bigger in the world of music and film than Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis jnr and Ike and Tina Turner - along with Spanish legends Curro Savoy and Anthony Molina.

"Then everything changed when I had an opportunity to start my music," said Esteban, who has travelled the world.

"I have been to so many countries," said Esteban, who also played Workingmens Clubs in Manchester, to that of Japan, Naples, Lebanon, "While in an American base in Naples, Norma was seven months pregnant", said Esteban.

"I was tutored by Spain's famous 'Whistler' Curro Savoy - famed for his whistling in Clint Eastwood movies 'A Fistful of Dollars' and 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' - in learning how to play the guitar," said Esteban.

*PART 2 of reporter Andrew Atkinson's SPAIN EXCLUSIVE with Esteban Fernandez's memories of Sinatra in Tokyo at the famous Copacabaña; Sammy Davis jnr, Johnny Mathis, and Ike and Tina Turner.

"I also worked with the late Antonio Molina - Spain's best ever Flamenco singer," Esteban told me while having coffee at Charley's in Los Montesinos, Alicante.

Getting married in Beirut, Lebanon - before the war in the Middle East; Bahrain, the Persian Gulf.

Married 47 years Norma and Esteban, who tied the knot in Beirut, Lebanon, have had a fascinating life story within the world of showbusiness spanning five decades.

Norma talks about their time in Turkey - during the war and being under a curfew - and the night they had guns pushed into their backs!

Norma, who joined the circus aged 15, as an aerial ballet star, became a dancer in Italy and Turkey, prior to joining Esteban's band 'Esteban and The Debutants' after getting married. "I lived in Casablanca, Morocco for two years," said Norma, who also starred in a weekly Moroccan TV show.

Esteban's rise to stardom began in Madrid, when he went under the wings of Curro Savoy, now living in France, who married Bullfighter Clarita Montes.

The war in Tehran and the Revolution - being surrounded by tanks in a hotel - before they luckily managed to board a plane to safety!

ONLY in the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida

Curro Savoy - famed whistler in many Clint Eastwood movies

Camelot donation in Los Montesinos

MARINA BAR REACHING OUT The recent "Reach Out" Fashion Show at the Marina Bar was again an outstanding success.

Organisers David and Lorraine Whitney of Reach Out Shop 2 together with their team of dedicated helpers ensured the afternoon went along as planned.

With Raffle, Tombola, Name the Bear and various stalls to delight the crowds the result was a very acceptable 1202 Euros for the charity.

Again it was a little like the Oxford Street January Sales as customers jostled for position to get at all the bargain clothing, shoes and bags on sale.

Rita and Dave of the Marina Bar together with their staff worked their socks off, serving food and drinks to the hoards of people and once again proved their worth as charitable fund raisers.

Their continued book sales for the charity helped raise the final total . Thanks must go to everybody who helped or donated items for the event and a special mention must go to Wendy Lawrenson, who came to see the Fashion Show and ended up being in it due to the illness of one of the models..

With half an hour to prepare herself she proved to be a natural and was a perfect fit for the clothing on show.

All in all a great afternoon, great atmosphere and a good advert for the shop's next event which is a "Titanic" themed evening meal with prizes, quiz and singer on Thursday the 16th May .again at the Marina Bar. Full details out shortly.

The Grupo Pantomima are extremely pleased to be able to make a donation to the Ayuntamiento of Los Montesinos from monies raised for various charities from the three performances of the Pantomime, CAMELOT THE PANTO, which was performed at the Auditorio de la Escuela de Musica y Cultura in Los Montesinos in January 2019.

400 Euros was donated to the Town Hall for food tickets to be distributed to people of the municipality of Los Montesinos

by Social Services and the money was received by Nathalie Dubi, Concejala of the Services Sociales.

300 Euros was also donated to the Infantil de la Escuela de Musica with the money going towards the purchase of new bolster seats for the auditorium for the benefit of the children and Rosa Belen Moran Paredes, Concejala Cultura was pleased to accept the donation.

Mike Smith, President of the Grupo Pantomima is seen here donating both cheques together with Jose Manuel Butron Sanchez, Alcalde and various members of the Pantomima cast.

The Grupo Pantomima’s performances are always a great success enjoyed by all ages and we are always pleased to be able to donate monies to various charities throughout the region.

Next year’s pantomime has been chosen asTREASURE ISLAND,

which we are all really looking forward to performing.

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QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS QUICK ACROSS: 4 Account; 8 Frozen; 9 Inspire; 10 Lethal; 11 Upshot; 12 Converge; 18 Petition; 20 Confer; 21 Entice; 22 Almanac; 23 Strong; 24 Swarthy.

DOWN: 1 Afflict; 2 Fortune; 3 Menace; 5 Conquest; 6 Oppose; 7 Narrow; 13 Reproach; 14 Visitor; 15 Undergo; 16 Hollow; 17 Affair; 19 Innate.

CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 4 Measure; 8 Neater; 9 Athlete; 10 Icicle; 11 Needle; 12 Goatherd; 18 Indigent; 20 Hostel; 21 Pounce; 22 Cheroot; 23 Petrol; 24 Sceptre.

DOWN: 1 Innings; 2 Capital; 3 Wealth; 5 Extended; 6 Silver; 7 Rattle; 13 Evil-doer; 14 Deanery; 15 Steeple; 16 Gothic; 17 Stir up; 19 Ironed.

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

Solution on Page 23 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.

QUIZ ANSWERS

Uncompromising (12) Muffle (3) Lithe (6) Refill (9) Diadem (5) Examined (12) Quarrel (5) Competitor (9) Furze (5) Gap (6) Clutch (5) Dress (3)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. In Which Month of 1945 Were Atomic Bombs Dropped On Hiroshima And Nagasaki?

2. What Is The More Common Name For The Fruit Citrus Grandis?

3. Who Is The 1st Female In Line To The British Throne?

4. Which Gas Is The Main Element In The Air? 5. In Which Game Do You Have; Stones; Blots; Points And Tables?

6. What Does HSBC Stand For? 7. The Metamorphosis of What Type of Rock Forms Marble?

8. Stilton Cheese Is Traditionally Served With Which Drink?

9. Which Aircraft Manufacturer Built The Dakota?

10. Which Us Union, Formerly Led By Jimmy Hoffa, Was At One Time The Largest In The Usa? 11. Founded in 1776, what are auctioned at Tattersalls?

12. Which British motorway goes across The Pennines, west to east?

13. In the International Phonetic Alphabet, "A" is for alpha and "B" is for bravo what is "R" for?

14. Which comic book character was known as "the pilot of the future"?

15. For what crime was gangster Al Capone eventually imprisoned?

16. What would you have done if you "took the king's shilling"?

17. What is a "half-hunter"?

18. What is the name of the medical oath taken by doctors?

19. What is a "Turk's head"?

20. How was Sir Michael Wilcocks better known?

21. How many stars does the flag of the European Union now have?

22. In the Beatrix Potter books, what type of creature was Jeremy Fisher?

23. Contrary to popular belief, brides do not walk down the aisle to the altar. What do they walk down?

24. 25 Cromwell St was an infamous address in which Town or City?

25. Which city has more paper millionaires than any other?

26. What is Zulu time?

27. In the Bible Genesis is the first book of the Old Testament, which is the second?

28. Who were the first people known to have used paper money?

29. What is the International Vehicle registration letter used to identify cars from Spain 30. Which WWII bomber was nicknamed the ‘Wimpey’?

31. What is the difference between a Pelican Crossing and a Toucan Crossing?

not change when new members are admitted) , 22. Frog , 23. The nave of the church. Aisles are along the sides , 24.

Gloucester , 25. Sydney , 26. Greenwich Mean Time , 27. Exodus , 28. The Chinese , 29. E , 30. Wellington Bomber, 31. A toucan crossing (Two-Can Cross) is for pedestrians and cyclists whereas a pelican crossing (Pedestrian Light Controlled) is only for pedestrians.

DOWN 1. Result of an explosive class situation? (6,6) 2. Don't stand for untruth! (3) 3. Stir up relations led astray (6) 4. Face the other way - faintness after a fight (5,4) 5. Repeatedly decimal (5) 6. Acquitted without having to pay anything (4,2,6) 7. Rise to style of dress (3-2) 10. Stones set as myth exploded (9) 13. Do fag-ends partly indicate having reached majority?

(2,3) 14. Fruitlessly having boarded vehicle about one (2,4) 16. Heron diverted river (5) 20. Lout cuts top off bread (3)

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

10.

13.

14.

16.

20.

1. August, 2. Grapefruit, 3. Princess Beatrice, 4. Nitrogen (70%), 5.

Backgammon, 6. Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, 7.

Limestone, 8. Port, 9. Douglas, 10. The Teamsters, 11. Horses, 12. M62 , 13.

Romeo, 14. Dan Dare , 15. Tax Evasion , 16. Joined Up/Enlisted In The Armed Forces , 17. A Pocket Watch , 18.

Hippocratic Oath , 19. Knot , 20. Black Rod , 21. 12 (The number of stars will

ACROSS 1. Be in a whirl in the highest fashion? (4,4,1,3) 7. Easily tricked into being envious? (5) 8. Animal has part of foot terribly malformed (5) 9. Being on strike is no longer fashionable? (3) 10. Suddenly in unison, perhaps (3,2,4) 11. Sword produced by redhead on a jetty (6) 12. Decamp: the race is cancelled (3,3) 15. No comeback after having some chicken in Greek temple (9) 17. What's left of this tree after fire? (3) 18. Where the dismembered torso came from? (5) 19. Able leader, 51, on his own (5) 21. Eminent musician? (6,2,4)

ACROSS 1.

Unevenness (12) 7.

Sham (5) 8.

Obvious (5) 9.

Fuss (3) 10. Work together (2-7) 11. Quiet (6) 12. Dwarf (6) 15. Nonsense (9) 17. Tease (3) 18. Observed (5) 19. Curt (5) 21. Myopic (5-7)

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‘Letters from the Canary Islands’ Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper.

He enjoys life in the sun as a columnist and author, and continues to write a series of popular novels, books for expats, as well as designing mobile apps and websites to promote the Canary Islands.

SINGLE, MARRIED OR DIVORCED? Divorce is the most stressful experience that most people will ever encounter.

Over the years, studies have shown that the stress of divorce, together with resulting implications for any children from the marriage, property and finance, compromises the immune system and puts anyone dissolving a marriage at risk of illness and disease.

Current UK divorce law is about to be reviewed and overhauled to enable couples to divorce faster and in a less aggressive manner through a ‘no blame split’. Currently in England and Wales, in order for divorce to begin, one spouse has to allege adultery or unreasonable behaviour by the other.

In future, couples will only have to state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. The new laws will also prevent one partner from refusing a divorce if the other wants one.

It was disturbing to read this week that the Canary Islands is second highest region in all of Spain for the number of marital breakdowns.

In 2018, the Supreme Court of Justice registered 15 separations per day.

It is only Valencia that surpassed these shocking statistics, whilst the community of Castilla y León appears to be the area with the highest rate of wedded bliss, recorded at the bottom of this troubling league table. In total, in 2018, the Canary Islands recorded 5686 claims for marriage nullity, separation and both consensual and non-

15

b y Bar rie Mahoney

consensual divorce.

These bland figures disguise a range of reasons for marital breakdowns. Despite many observers and holiday makers looking enviously at the Canarian lifestyle, all is not what it seems for local people.

These islands suffer from one of the worst unemployment figures in Spain, with around 38 per cent of those aged between 20 and 29 years old out of work.

Temporary contracts for those who are employed blight the islands’ labour market, particularly among the young, women, immigrants and low skilled workers, which all adds to the stress within any long-term relationship.

Levels of poverty remain high in the islands too, and many young couples continue to live with their parents, since they are unable to buy or rent a home of their own. Current data show that over 53 per cent of people between the ages of 25 and 29 in Spain are still living with their parents, and this figure is even higher in the Canary Islands.

There is a low proportion of rented property available in the islands and, as elsewhere in Spain, there has been a sharp rise in housing prices, which has placed most properties out of the reach of young couples.

It should also be remembered that in Spain and the Canary Islands, it is often regarded as traditional for young couples to live with their parents and, indeed grandparents, in order to provide the care that older family members need as they get older.

It used to be seen as an obligation, but now this tradition often clashes with the desire for independence from parents, and some

claim that this is one of the many reasons behind the high levels of divorce and separation.

Looking more closely at the statistics, it is interesting to also note that despite Castilla y León being the community that offers the highest rate of wedded bliss, it is also the area with the highest percentage of single person households in Spain…

If you enjoyed this article, take a look at my websites: http://barriemahoney.com and http://thecanaryislander.com or read my latest book, ‘Living in Spain and the Canary Islands’ (ISBN: 9780995602724). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle editions. Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney

16

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HOPI EAR CANDLING WITH BODY HARMONY

including deafness caused by excess wax, congested sinuses, irritation in the ears, ringing or noises in the ears, helps with tinnitus, glue ear, colds, flu, headaches and migraines.

Youngsters arrive at the centre to find it closed

As their action is so gentle, this treatment is particularly suitable for children What are the effects?

Thermo-Auricular therapy (Hopi Ear Candles) What are Hopi Candles?

Hopi Ear Candles are hollow tubes made of cotton, soaked in beeswax, honey and herbs. When lit, the candle acts like a chimney, causing warm air inside it to rise and creating a vacuum at the bottom. This vacuum gently stimulates the ear, facilitating removal of excess wax and impurities It is important to note that the candle does not suck wax out of the ear. It stimulates the ear to eliminate the wax naturally, ensuring maximum safety How are the candles used?

The treatment should be carried out in a relaxed, draught free atmosphere and the patient should lie

in a comfortable position on his/her side with their head supported on a pillow. A small cotton towel should cover the hair.

The lit candle is inserted into the outer ear and the flame is allowed to burn down to within a short distance of the marked red line, when the candle is then removed gently and extinguished in some water. The practitioner then massages gently around the ear, using draining movements towards the neck.

The procedure is repeated on the other ear, and then the patient lies on his/her back for a gentle drainage massage on the face.

It is then important for the patient to have a drink of water and lie still for at least 10 minutes before he/she stands up What are the benefits?

Hopi candles can be used for many conditions

In most cases the treatment is extremely soothing and relaxing, leaving the patient with a sense of well-being and reduced pressure in the ears or head. A little warmth is felt, and hissing and crackling noises are heard, with a little popping. Most people say that it is a very pleasant experience!

The initial effect can be an improvement in hearing or freer nasal breathing and an improved sense of smell. However, improvements can continue occurring for a day or two.

When should candles not be used?

Use of the candles is contra-indicated if: *The ear drum is perforated …...(perforated ear drums can heal up) *Grommets are in places *The ear is infected *The patient is allergic to any of the candles components ..e.g. beeswax Safety I use BIOSUN Ear Candles which are medical products Class IIa according to medical device

directive 93/42/EEC, and are regularly tested by independent institutes. You can therefore be confident that the candles are made of the highes quality and safety standards.

COURSE IN HOPI EAR CANDLING Body Harmony offers a one day course in learning Hopi Ear Candling which will enable you to offer treatments to others.

With this course you will get a certificate, and a comprehensive manual.

If you would like to book an appointment or find any addition information about treatment or courses then please contact Christine Quinlan at Body Harmony The telephone number is: 966 795 103 or email on bodyharmony44@gmail.com Website is bodyharmonytherapies.co.uk.

BODY HARMONY IS BASED IN LA MARINA

Churches and Services

Social and Clubs

Car and Mobility Sales The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2018 Ford KA Petrol which is on Special Offer priced at just 6,900 euro. Come along to our showroom in Elche and see our vast range of used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. The biggest and best for price, choice and quality.

For Sale BMW 323 ci. Color Deep

Grey( M3 original colour) painted 4 months ago. Petrol, Manual, 162,000 kms. 2,5 170cv- (injectors of 328i- 193cv). Spanish plates. Electric seats and windows. Year 2002. Has ITV. €4,500 ono. Call: 602 408 827 COSTABLANCA SOUTH. We BUY and SELL Quality Used Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters.

Tel 966 78 6225 or 659 167 047

RNA - The Royal Naval Assn meet at Restaurant Danmark, Plaza los Alcones 27, in Torrevieja at 5pm on the 1st Weds of the month. Call Margaret Forshaw, on 966 92 1996 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 you can email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es Almoradi Meal Club. If do you fancy a meal out and meeting new friends, come and join our English speaking club. We have twice monthly meals at various restaurants in and around Almoradi. For info go to FaceBook or contact me at davedanie@gmail.com.

Badminton in Pilar de la Horadada.

Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs.

10-12.30 pm. Call John on 634 658 506 Torrevieja Retired Activities Club

meet on the third Wednesday in the month from 11-1pm at Marina Club Cafeteria, International Marina, Torrevieja.

The joining fee is 10euros but you can attend one meeting or lunch before you join. For info phone Sandy Hollywood, President 698 266 696 or Jill Hayes, membership Secretary 672 983 019.

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 email: charitycentre helpathomecb@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 The Orihuela Costa Drop In Centre is in C/Cipres, Lomas de Cabo Roig, where we can offer you a full range of activities Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Info available at: oc.communitycare@gmail.com

La Siesta Evangelical Church hold services each Sunday.

Our 11.15am Services are held every 2nd and 4th Sunday in the month (and on the 5th Sunday, if this applies.) On the 1st and 3rd Sunday’s our Services are at 9.30 am. Our choir sings at our 11.15 am Services and there is also a Sunday School, Stepping Stones, on these Sundays. For info see www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org or phone Pastor Keith on 666 180 108 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. You can phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 667 533 597..

International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja - Evangelical nondenominational church. Sunday service 11a.m.; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11a.m. Church Bible Study: Thursday 1.30p.m. House groups in Torrevieja, La Siesta –

Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. Phone: 966 799 273 / 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. www.icatorrevieja.org Torrevieja Christian Fellowship (TCF) is an English speaking church located on Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas,68,Torrevieja 03183. Each Sunday It holds its Weekly Service with communion and Kids Church at 10.30 a.m.

On Wednesday’s at 6.00 p.m. we hold a Fellowship Meeting (Bible Study) We invite residents and visitors to visit our friendly and welcoming church. Website w.w.w.tcf-Spain.org or tel no 966700391

Personal Transvestite Diana, blonde, new to Torrevieja. Great figure big breasts. Active and passive.well endowed. By appointment.

Playa los locos. 651 363 396 Sexy, elegant Spanish lady. Playa Flamenca. Punta Prima. Private house. Erotic massage. All services. From €40. Call Ana on 657 603 495. Speaks English.

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Danny and his amazing dog Voltia

Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th April, 2019 Danny paid his second visit in recent months to The Royal British Legion. On this occasion he was visiting the Orihuela Costa and District where he was keen to show off his much acclaimed assistance dog Voltio, a 7 year old brown labrador.

It’s fair to say that the demonstration was met by members with some misgivings but within just a few seconds, rather than Voltio, it was the branch members that were eating out of his hands.

Voltio was able to demonstrate an amazing range of obedience and skills including, switching on lights, removing items from drawers, as well as opening the fridge door and helping his master to undress.

Danny trains dogs to assist those with mobility problems and, for over half an hour, Legion members were “spell bound” by the different ways Voltio was able to provide his help. Danny told us that Spain is one of the few countries which give assistance dogs free to those in need, which is a really vital service.

Helping Danny to undress

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17

Danny also trains guide dogs for the blind through Ocio, rescue and sniffer dogs, as well as dogs such as Voltio who provide assistance to those who are less able or suffering from a disability.

As well as providing training above Danny works at the Hondon Valley Animal Rescue (HOVAR), a charity that is always in need of assistance. The centre has a charity shop in Calle Neuva, Hondón de las Nieves, which accepts gifts and donations that will help in providing a better life for the animals at the centre.

The Orihuela Costa Branch meets at the Olympia restaurant, Mil Palmeras, on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7.00 for 7.30pm.

The branch enjoys many social functions, and everyone is welcome.

Locations and details of all Branches can be found at: www.britishlegion.org. uk/counties/spain-north. For support and information, email assistance.rbl.dns@gmail.com or call 676 451 780.

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Los Montesinos Easter Sunday resurrection parade Special report and pictures

By Andrew Atkinson LOS Montesinos Easter Sunday procession saw thousands of people line the streets to witness the 2019 staging of the resurrection parade, centred at the Vega Baja town's Church area.

Crowds watched in silence as the Virgin of Dolores and the resurrection proces-

sion commenced at the Church, with dignatories including Los Montesinos Mayor José Manuel Butron in attendance.

The streets in the town and surrounding areas approaching the Church were adorned with spectacular displays of multicoloured flowers and Palms.

Queens and Ladies participated in the

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O'Brien to 'shade' Irish Grand National

2019 Holy Week of Los Montesinos, Alicante, and on Easter Sunday la Reina de Fiestas Carlota Mora Ferrandez withdrew the mourning to the Virgin, with four doves released.

As the parade came to a climax, the afternoon air and sky filled with the sounds of fireworks in celebration, to the applause of the crowd as the Church bells rang aloud.

Photos: Helen Atkinson.

THE 2019 BoyleSports Irish Grand National Chase at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday over 3 miles and 5 furlongs sees Shady Operator eyeing success.

The race will be a test for those at the top of the weights - unlike bottom weight Shady Operator - well in and should go well.

Trainer Joseph O'Brien's Shady Operator carries just 10st in comparison to Tout Est Permis (11st 7lb), Jury Duty (11st 6lb) and Pairofbrowneyes (11st 5lb) amongst the top weights.

Shady Operator ran at the Cheltenham Festival in March, and despite having made a bad mistake on the first circuit, added to suffering interference four fences from home, did well to finish seventh.

The Cheltenham race was Shady Operator's first start in a handicap and O’Brien’s six-year-old had posted useful efforts on his first three starts over the larger obstacles, most notably when he beat the ill-fated Ballyward over three miles at Naas in January.

Shady Operator, ridden by JJ Slevin, will be amongst the shake up in the Irish Grand National, with his jumping improved, stays, and there's more to come from him now handicapping.

Burrows Saint, ridden by Ruby Walsh, and trained by Willie Mullins; and Jury Duty, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Robbie Power, are each way selections.

THE HONDÓN VALLEY DIVAS ‘SMASHED’ IT!

BY PETER BROADBENT.

DIVAs, a fledgling Amateur Dramatic Society in the Hondón Valley, recently staged McGillivray & Zerlin’s ‘Murder at Checkmate Manor’. A production that included scripted missed entrances, an undisciplined set, miss-timed sound effects, seemingly off-the-cuff dialogue and uncertain lighting, proved to be an entertaining and adventurous choice for their first production.

Thankfully, the support of the Hondón de los Frailes Ayuntamiento and a small, but effective team of support staff, made everything possible. All profits are donated to The Children’s Care Home in Elche.

Unexpectedly, the evening’s entertainment started in the entrance to Hondón de Los Frailes’ El Teatro when Kim Vance (a last minute replacement for the injured Jill Jordano) dressed as the ‘saucy’ French maid ‘Regine’, greeted those of us queuing to collect our free programmes.

The brilliant Sandra Ward, as the scripted Chairperson, heralded the start of a production that occasionally reminded me of the fondly remembered ‘Acorn Antiques’. The eight Cast members, gainfully played the numerous characters. Unexpected costume and character changes added to the confusion and amusement. Richard de Ste Croix’s purposefully troublesome set had a mind of its own, offering an additional degree of uncertainty.

As a lover of farce, I found the absurdity of the piece, thoroughly entertaining. All the cast were well rehearsed under Lorraine Latchford and Julie Cooke’s direction. Anna Woodham as Lady Doreen and Barbara Colclough as Pawn kept the gaffe-filled plot

moving along nicely. Thankfully Joe Logan, playing Daphne, disguised his masculinity well within a badly tailored tennis skirt: but reinvented himself in the closing scene as an Astronaut wearing a domestic hot water heater as a back pack!

Chris Wyatt, playing Inspector O’Reilly with more than a hint of ‘Clouseau’, benefitted from wearing the same costume throughout.

Along with his “sister” Patricia de Ste Croix, Len Simm had one of the least demanding roles as a wheel-chaired curmudgeon. Later he played the family solicitor. Last, but by no means least, Peggy Wyatt, as a Cook in an inflatable suit, was an extraordinary sight.

Unexpected costume and character changes added to the confusion and amusement

Jacqueline Logan, the ‘prompter’, unashamedly sitting amongst the audience, was only required once to my knowledge: but I could be wrong ... not knowing if her intervention was necessary or scripted.

more cast members ... so DIVAs would welcome any aspiring ‘performers’ to join them before their next production: whatever it may be!

Judging by the reaction of those sitting around me, everybody enjoyed the performance. I hope that DIVAs continues to entertain us for years to come: particularly those like me, who lack the ambition ... or talent to ‘tread-the-boards’ themselves!

Those of you with an unfulfilled dream ‘to get up on stage’, are cordially invited to contact Julie Cooke at hondondivas@gmail.com.

No doubt the next production will be more ambitious, requiring

I leave you with this .... Sir Thomas Beecham is reputed to have once remarked, ‘If there is to be a chair for Theatre Critics ... I think it had better be an electric one!’

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By Tracey Betteridge

“THE ELECTRICAL SHOP” - BLUE LAGOON

FIRE STATION BLACK WATCH Team Knockout Cup

Trinity Rioja Pirates 3-7 Fire Station Black Watch Played at The Secret Garden The Jackals 5-7 El Capitan Played at Trinity Rioja

Team Plate Competition

Unfortunately Angel’s Arrows were unable to fulfil their place so the next in line, who took their place was Pint Depot Queen’s.

Chemies Loungers 7-6 Trinity Rioja Panthers Played at Angels Bar Pint Depot Queens 4-8 Las Rosas Bullies Played at Chemies Lounge A big thank you to The Secret Garden, Trinity Rioja, Angels Bar and Chemies Lounge for the food and hospitality.

Paddys Point Captains Day A large contingent turned out for Captain’s Day with most of them gathering at the first tee to see Captain Eldon Carey fluff his drive. As Captain he was allowed a mulligan and this shot was sliced close to the outbounds, not a very auspicious start to his round. Everyone enjoyed a great day on the course and an even better evening at Los Angeles with Eldon taking on the starring role ably assisted by Alan. The restaurant did us proud with fantastic food and great service, thank you. Thanks

also to all who made the day a success especially Rory, Hazel and the staff at Paddy’s Point also Paul, Mick and Myra and all our generous sponsors.

3rd on the day went to Eldon’s Dad Tony with 34pts, 2nd Alan Cuddihy 34pts c/b and the winner Ted Duffy on 35pts. Most Improved 18/19 - Neil O’Dowd.

Clubman of the Year - Gene Duffy. Order of Merit Winner Joey McAvoy. Golfer of the Year - Elsie Cowie.

Photo Rory Lee with Order of Merit Winner Joey McAvoy.

Spanglish Golf Society at Riquelme April Fishing Competition In association with Sapphire Properties and Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) at Hacienda For this months meeting the Spanglish Golf Society and a group of 27 players visited the established course at Hacienda Riquelme taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

The course was in good condition with lightening fast greens and tricky pin positions making scoring difficult.

Gold Division, 1st - Graham Mason – 30 pts 2nd – Mike Probert - 29 points Silver Division, 1st – Rudy Wattley - 32 points 2nd – Brian Prockter - 28 points Bronze Division, 1st- Tony Wonfor – 28 points 2nd – Debbie Allen - 26 points Nearest the Pins – Probert,Mason,Valente and Prockter. Football Card – Gary Byrne After the game we returned to the Spanglish bar, at Dona Pepa, Quesada for a snack and the prize presentation and we give our thanks for their support and that of our sponsor Sapphire Properties.

Our next home fixture is at Vistabella on 1st May 2019 followed by the monthly fixture at El Plantio on 15th May 2019.

If you are interested in joining the society call Paul Cawte on 966 73 1223 or pop into the bar.

By Mike Probert www.costa-blanca-greenfees.com.

El Paraiso Angling Club 12 anglers fished the April Competition at El Paraiso with 10 catching which when you consider the very strong winds was very acceptable.

First on the day was Tony Felstead with 13.18kgs, second was Richard Wood with 10.48kgs and third was Terry Screen with 5.40kgs.

The pairs competition was won by Richard Wood and Russell Davidson.

Very good day for Richard who was participating in the competition for the first time.

Sheets are now available behind the bar for the May and June competitions, always the second Wednesday of the month, and are filling fast, remember only 12 anglers can enter.

Cost is 10euros which includes snack lunch and draw for pegs is 9.00 with fishing 10.00 till 1.00 then half hour lunch break fishing 1.30 till 4.30 Tight lines, Jackie Breslin

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SAMM Racing Again at Last After three Sundays when SAMM had to cancel the planned race day due to bad weather, racing was at last possible on April 14th and 7 boats and their eager crews came to the start line for the first race at 11am.

The wind was a light SSW 3/4 knots and it remained at this for the first 40 minutes but increased to 5 knots for the last 20 minutes of the race. Five boats got a good start but Shoestring

Winning crew both races, Robert Hudson left, Ian Sinclair right

Dos was 4 minutes and Ginetta 7 minutes late crossing the line. There were no incidents and the race was unexciting to watch.

The race format was “Average Lap” and after handicaps were applied Mistral with Robert Hudson and Ian Sinclair aboard, was declared the winner with and average lap time of 604.11 seconds.

The wind had backed to SSE 4/5 knots for the second race start at 1pm and all boats got away within 1 minutes of the gun. There was a good battle to the first mark and then the fleet started to spread out as the faster boats pulled away from the slowest.

There was some close racing throughout as boats jostled for supremacy. The wind swung back to SSW and gradually increased to 7/8 knots after 25 minutes, then 8 gusting 11 at 32 minutes and 9 gusting 12 at 42 minutes. Some of the faster

Carp-R-Us Spring Series Round nine of the Carp-R-Us Spring Series was fished at the popular Embalse de Argos.

It was good to see Pete and Sue Boorman back after a long absence, with Sue finishing a creditable seventh. First was Ian Brown with an excellent 51.1kg taken on the feeder and pellet.

Second was Terry Screen with 15.1kg caught using the pole and paste method, third was Derek King with 9.95kg and fourth was Andy Foden with 4.45kg, both using feeder and corn.

Torrevieja Ladies Darts Org Tuesday/Martes 16 Apr 2019.

Macklins Dolly Mixtures 3-6 Primadonnas 6-3 Gap Ladies 7-2 Friendly's Temps 6-3 League Table Gap Ladies El Balcon Chicas Friendly's Temps Macklins Dolly Mixtures Primadonnas Black Dog Ladies Friendly Chicas Wildcats at Macklins

P 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

Week / Semana 14 El Balcon Chicas Friendly's Chicas Wildcats at Macklins Black Dog Ladies W 12 11 6 6 6 6 5 4

L 2 3 8 8 8 8 9 10

Pts. 38 36 26 26 26 26 24 22

Congratulations to the Gap Ladies, league winners and El Balcon, Runners-up Hot Darts: Jane Barnes 140, Pat Woods 135, Tracey Simpson 134, Gail Murray 133, Ann Wharton 132, 129, Jean Warnock 122, Beaty Powell 121, Natalie Clifford 119, Maz Jackson 116, Brenda Harper, Pam Horton 113, Jean Keeley 109, Ellie Attwood 103, Lin Cousins, Janet Boyd, Pam Horton 102, Groa Bryndis 101, Elizabeth Cowan 3 x 100, Jane Barnes, Mitch Halliday, Ann Wharton 2 x 100, Simone de Lacy., Sharon O'Rourke, Pat Woods 100 180’s and 171’s: Pamela Taylor, Bliss Wright 180, Simone de Lacy, Shirley Stephenson, Sue Casey 171 Least Darts: Sue Casey 21, Cynthia Jevons, Pamela Taylor, Bliss Wright 22 Highest Checkouts: Kim Fickling 107, Anita Morfee 105, Lin Cousins 104, Kim Fickling 69 (16/4), Janet Boyd 73 (16/4) Bull Finish: Kim Fickling, Beaty Powell, Cynthia Jevons, Pat Woods, Annette Dobson x 2, Mitch Halliday, Chris Greenwood Ladies Singles Competition: Tuesday 23rd April, New Tavern, San Miguel - The draw will be done prior to the competition and will be revealed on the night. Registration will be from 19:30-19:45 and captains to collect all player fees and register them when called.

dinghies started to find the wind challenging but all held on to finish without problems.

The results were extremely close and showed just how well all crews had performed. The winner was again Mistral with an average lap time of 320.64 seconds. Second was Ginetta in 350.02, third Shoestring Cuatro in 351.99, forth Shoestring Dos 352.62, fifth Sea Hopper 355.21, sixth RS Quba 360.29 and seventh Topaz Duo 377.97. This is probably the closest set of results for many years. Well done everybody!

The next race day is on Easter Sunday April 21st from 10am at CTD, Los Narejos.

You can find out more about SAMM at www.sailingmarmenor.com

Mistral well heeled

Torrevieja Winter Pool League praised for sportsmanship

By Andrew Atkinson The Courtyard Pool team in Los Montesinos, Alicante, are looking forward to the Summer Pool league commencing after their first season in the Torrevieja Winter Pool league.

"It was an unknown venture in entering the Torrevieja Winter Pool League, which has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience, leading to entering the forthcoming summer league," Dale McGuiness told me.

The Courtyard owners Samantha Barton and partner Dale set up the pool team, having taken over the venue in May 2018.

"The aim was to not only give pool players in the area a venue to play - but also give locals the chance to meet new friends - and possibly take up a new hobby over the winter period," said Dale.

"We recruited 10 new players, of which half had never been involved in a pool team before," said Dale.

The Courtyard commenced the winter season with only a vague idea of what to expect and what they could achieve: "The purpose was to win as many games as possible - but mostly to Members of The Courtyard Pool enjoy themselves," said team in Los Montesinos Dale.

The winter season got off to a flying start - with The Courtyard winning their opening three games - resulting in pool captain Dale being knick named ‘The Icemon’ McGuinness.

"At that stage of the season we became naïvely confident that The Courtyard could actually win the league,!" said Dale.

With one game to play Dale jested: "The Courtyard have found some form - and rocketed up the table - we now lie second bottom!".

The Courtyard pool team began with Sam’s brother Ricky and her stepfather Ron - known only to his peers as 'The Rocket' - and Jeff Whatley.

"Midway through the season we recruited additional players including The Courtyard's reigning Mr and Mrs Champion duo Geoff and Ali - now co-captain Graeme Jolly, young Pete and 'youngish' Peter," quipped Dale.

The Torrevieja Winter Pool League teams have been praised for their sportsmanship during the season.

"I would like to thank every team The Courtyard have played this season - all great competitors, and look forward to playing them in the Summer League.

"Thanks also goes to all the players and a huge thanks to supporters.

Also to Sam, for providing great food throughout the season," said Dale.

The Courtyard are interested in welcoming new pool members for the 2019 Torrevieja summer league.

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Keeping up with the Joneses - but not Messi!

LIONEL Messi gave defender Phil Jones the runaround in the Champions League quarter finals second leg in Barcelona's 3-0 humiliation of Manchester United at the Camp Nou. Messi, 30, arguably the world's best footballer, has given many a player sleepless nights in post match nightmares, after giving spectacular displays in games.

So it was somewhat with unfairness that Jones, 27, born in my home City Preston, was ridiculed in the aftermath of a match, lead by Messi, that saw the Spanish team outplay the once glorious Manchester United.

It was former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson who had signed five of the Red Devils players that featured against Barca.

Yet no blame fell at the Scottish wizard's door. After all Fergie has gone down in history as one of the best managers ever. And rightly so.

The problems at United lie in the dressing room at Old Trafford, the Theatre Of Dreams.

'Pre-madonna' players - mostly on a King's Ransom - with pay packets that most of us can only dream of.

Sanchez, reportedly earning £505,000 a week; others £300,000 a week; £400,000 a week wages, as reported in the Media.

Bit part player Sanchez, 30, has earned a staggering

reported £35m to date, since joining United from Arsenal in 2018.

Paul Pogba, 26, cost a reported £89.3m when rejoining United from Juventus in 2016.

Jones is no pre-madonna, a down to earth Lancashire Lad from Leyland, Preston, who rose to the top of his profession, from that of playing on parks' grass roots level.

England international Jones, donning a white head bandage, was playing the Braveheart centrehalf, alongside a United defence, of which four of the back five were brought to the club by Ferguson, who retired in 2013.

Messi run ragged Jones - and the rest of the defence - picking up the ball in halfspaces, and running in a series of vengeful repetitions.

Messi had Jones and co. in a tizzy. One moment, when taking the ball just past the

centre circle, seeing a space, with Jones ahead of him veering back, he nutmegged him, to the roar of the 100,000 capacity Camp Nou. Spain international and United star goalie de Gea, reportedly wanting £350,000 a week to remain at Old Trafford, made a schoolboy error in letting a Messi shot squander under his arms and into the net!

Jones, who joined United in a £16.5m move from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, signed a new contract at United in February, until 2023.

Olé Gunnar Solskjaer, 46, who replaced the selfproclaimed 'Special One' José Mourinho as caretaker in December, prior to signing a three year contract in March, has a job in hand - in reaching the standard of Barca.

And that's certainly a goal for "Keeping up with the Joneses"!

Jones, left, during Barcelona’s Champions League win last week

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Rojales Walking Football

A squad of 11 players from C F Rojales (Walking Football) recently played a home fixture against E N Naranja F C. As usual, the match was played over 4 quarters of 15 minutes duration.

A very well coached and organised E N Naranja were well on top for the first 2 quarters, leading by 3-1 at the half way stage, with C F Rojales´goal being scored by Darren Hough.

After some minor adjustments for C F Rojales, both in personnel and positioning, the home team came back into the match and took the game to their opponents.

Goals in each of the last two quarters from Darren Hough, Manfred Doerge and a penalty from Geoff Ellison put Rojales into the lead.

The game was finished off when Colin Lewis put the ball away to make the final score C F Rojales 5, E N Naranja F C 3.

The match was played in a good spirit and was well refereed by Matt Naughton.

C F Rojales play every Tuesday morning at 11.00, and anyone interested in having a go should contact Pat Stephens on 654049388, or email rojaleswalkingfootball@gmail.com.

Goatacre CC take Madrid T20 Tournament at La Manga

By Andrew Atkinson The annual Madrid T20 Tournament at La Manga Golf Resort was won by Goatacres CC who defeated London based CDP in the final.

Pinatar CC, who suffered a shock semi finals loss to CDP, defeated LaMangaTorre CC to take third place, with LMTCC fourth.

Shooters (5th) beat Stockholm (6th) with Madrid claiming seventh place by beating Alliance in the play-off.

LaMangaTorre CC were drawn in Group B with hosts, Madrid CC, Swedish tourist Stockholm CC and North London Based team CDP.

and was invited to bat first.

Group A: Pinatar CC, Alliance CC (England), Goatacres CC, London Shooters.

In the final Goatacres CC bowled out CDP for 98, and chased it in eight overs.

The game quickly changed when J.Brook went up in gear a made 50 runs in 28 balls, with a 100 partnership coming soon after.

Hosts Madrid were knocked out of the competition, when falling 35 runs short of Stockholm, who made 175.

J. Brook was caught out at mid-off for 66 off 38 balls, allowing C.Hunt to come in and do some damage of his own, as he went straight to the attack.

The final games of the Group stages saw LMTCC face Stockholm in the decider, and CDP vs Madrid, who had been eliminated. CDP defeated Madrid to return three wins from three games.

An unfortunate run-out in the final over came, as C.Hunt hit the ball back to the bowler, deflecting the ball onto the stumps that saw C.Rumi walk off for 30 off 38 balls.

C.Hunt kept the strike for the remaining 4 balls and finished 44* off 22 balls.

LMTCC finished Goatacre win the toss 172/3 off their 20 and decide to bat overs.

LMTCC prepared for the decider with captain Kieran Wood losing the toss

In Reply, some good bowling at the beginning once again from C.Rumi and T.Rumi kept the runs as low as possible, with the breakthrough coming from T.Rumi, as the batsmen flicked a full toss off the pads to square leg towards C.Rumi, who took the catch falling to his right.

S.Khan came into the attack and bowled some very

good lengths as Stockholm sliced and edged the ball constantly, three of which lead to catches from P. Harvey, R. Maini and K.Wood.

A. Court bagged himself another wicket when clean bowling the no.5 batsman and the game seemed won, with Stockholm needing 60 off five overs.

As the overs ran down, another two wickets fell, with a run out from K.Wood and two wickets for R.Maini.

Stockholm fell 25 runs short of the target with LMTCC gaining a place in the semi finals.

LMTCC met tournament favourites Goatacres CC. Goatacres smashed 21 from the first over, then carried on the pressure by getting to 54 in four overs.

A quick bowling change saw C.Wood come on early, which proved to be the right decision, taking the wicket of J.Haines. His next over saw two wickets in two balls.

The tables turned dramatically as C.Rumi came back on, taking a wicket and A. Alger claiming two wickets.

Goatacres were looking at 140/6 in the 17th over.

Some Loose bowling from R.Maini and good power hitting from Goatacres No. 7/8 saw the batting team rocket to 191/6 after 20 overs.

J. Brook was able to open the batting with C.Hunt, but injury caused him to walk back in the first over.

At the point K.Wood came in the score

needed was 70 off 9 overs. Boundaries dried up quickly, with some good bowling, and injury came when K.Wood pulled a calf and was caught two balls later.

T. Knowles helped C.Rumi push the score on, but was bowled soon after.

With four overs left, C.Rumi was closing in on his 50, but disaster struck, as a nice pull shot was perfectly hit to midwicket, leading to the youngster walking back for a well earned 45 off 50 balls.

T.Rumi and C.Wood saw out the remaining two overs, as the team finished 134/8 off their 20 overs.

LaMangaTorre CC continue their season as they face Alfas 1st on Saturday 20th April in their debut in division 1. *LaMangaTorre CC reports roundup and photos throughout the T20 2019 campaign will only be featured in the Leader.

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