Costa Blanca Leader Edition 800

No 800

Monday 27th January - Sunday 2nd February, 2020 Tel: 637 227 385

Serving the community, in print and online, for over 15 years - The Costa Blanca’s oldest ‘FREE’ English language newspaper

C D T O R R E V I E J A’ S YO U T H G R AV E YA R D

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he second half of the 2019/20 season is now underway and although CD Torrevieja are mid-table, with the right players and a fresh approach, the playoffs and promotion are still a possibility.

However, as has become the norm for the club over the past ten seasons, the festive break has seen a number of talented players leave the club, most for financial reasons, as there seems to be no money to pay the players.

Having been relegated twice in the past two seasons, due in part to poor ownership decisions and even poorer management/coaching choices, with the team now playing at the sixth level of seven in the Spanish system, the future of the club is not bright. Not only

have players left for other clubs but many of their Youth players have probably finished playing the beautiful game for good, as they are disillusioned by a lack of opportunity and broken promises.

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FROM PAGE ONE CD Torrevieja’s Youth Graveyard

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Back in 2010, former Supporters Club President Andy Hermida wrote. “We have to remember that unlike other clubs in their divisions, FC Torrevieja accomplished promotion, not by buying players from higher placed clubs, but by sticking to its youth policy.

It is interesting when you consider that 15 of the 20 strong squad are home grown talent who came through the FC Torrevieja youth system. For the season 2009/2010, nothing short of second division football will suffice.”

This season, readers of the local newspapers will have noted an almost complete lack of coverage about CD Torrevieja. Ten years ago the fabulous Torry Army had hundreds of members, raised tens of thousands of euros each season and attracted more than 4,000 supporters to home games, an unheard of number, at this level. Now there are but a few hundred in the Nelson Mandela stadium as the Vicente Garcia remains closed. As young teenagers, today's youth players watched FC Torrevieja playing every other weekend and dreamed one day of playing for their City's first team. Sadly, that dream has now vanished.

The season started poorly with new owners taking over the club and training starting a month later than usual, on August 14. They changed the name to REAL ESPARG FOOTBALL CLUB TORREVIEJA, REFC Torrevieja. Personally, I've no idea what ESPARG means either! The owners are somewhat elusive when it comes to finding a straight answer.

Some players have been asked to call into the office to meet with Club Directors for payment and have even produced invoices, only to find the Directors decided not to show and these players have not been contacted since.

Torrevieja has always been able to produce talented footballers.

However, poor management and coaching choices have seen the majority either give up the game completely or they have moved away from the city to play. From

BROKEN PROMISES. Of the opening day squad only three players remain this season's opening day squad, only three players remain. And from the days when the team featured and supported local talent, with 15 out of 20 being local lads, now they don't have any, except for Junior youth team players.

This season started with just three former CD Torrevieja Juvenile players signed to the squad. None were given a chance to start for the first team because the new Argentinian owners had apparently brought in their own favourites, These 'favourites' had their accommodation and expenses paid for. All of these 'star' players have now left, having brought nothing to the team and it seems the budget was primarily spent on these underachieving footballers. The attitude of the directors seems to be that Torrevieja's local players should feel privileged to play for the club for free.

Many of us 'old timers' might agree and say that in 'our day', we played for the love of it. However, football boots were not 200€ a pair with three pairs a season being the norm (plus a pair for training) due to the construction of today's lightweight boots. The players also have petrol expenses, for three round trips a week to and from training, plus home and away games, costing close to 300€ a month, difficult for a 19-year old to find, to fund their passion.

One of the former Juvenile players had offers to play semi-professionally or Under 23 level in the UK, Norway or at 2B or 2A level in

Spain. However, the new owners put an offer on the table plus travel expenses, and so, since he was working locally, he decided to stay with the club. However, it's been more than a month since the directors last contacted him. Another came out of 'retirement' for a couple of months to play again and the third has returned to futbol sala.

Thus three juveniles have now hung up their football boots. This, all because the new owners decided not to use local talent or to pay them as promised. However their 'star' players started every game even if they could not be bothered to show up for training; player power ruled and they played the position they wished to play. Now the team are without any former Juveniles and it has been abandoned by the 'stars'.

So where does this leave REFC Torrevieja? They will still hope to win a few games. They have probably done enough to avoid relegation. Chances are, CD Montesinos, who have many more Torrevieja players in their squad than Torrevieja do, will win their league and go head to head with REFC Torrevieja next season, meanwhile CF Torrevieja will fester at Spain's lowest level.

The Torry Army remain as positive as ever and hope that the club can turn things around. In days gone by, they would have paid players wages themselves and helped in any way they could. But while they can't support the club financially today, they are all still there in the background cheering Torry on!

FUNDING. It costs an average of 300 euros a month for a youngster to fund his football

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Mayor rejects ending of Management Contract at Torrevieja Hospital

“Hospital management is impeccable,” according to Torrevieja mayor.”

Dolón tells Valencian President that taking away the management concession from Ribera Salud is "a serious mistake."

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has given an account of the meeting he held on Monday afternoon in Valencia with the president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig. The mayor said that the meeting took place in a tone of cordiality and thanked him for receiving him at the Palau de la Generalitat and listening to the needs and demands of Torrevieja.

During the meeting there was a particular discussion on the future management of the Region’s Health Concession during which Dolón, said that "we do not want to become the Vega Baja Hospital nor do we want our hospital to be anything like the Alcira model, which does not work" He said that removing the management concession of the region’s health facility from Ribera Salud when it expires next year, “is a serious mistake, because we all know that we are talking about one

of the best hospitals in Spain, and that it’s operation and management is impeccable”.

He said that “Puig will have both me and the local population against him, because we do not want the Torrevieja Hospital to become the Orihuela Hospital, nor do we want it to be like the current Alcira model, which doesn't work.”

The mayor said that he proposed discussions to address the issue, and hopes that the Valencia Government will reconsider and take into account the wishes of the people of Torrevieja.

Dolón confirmed that, subject to the extension of the management contract, the Torrevieja Department of Health has an Investment Plan which will see it invest more than 20 million euros in health care improvements in Torrevieja, mainly in the Hospital (new equipment and the implementation of robotic technology) and expansion and improvements of the building. There will also be additional major reforms, such as a comprehensive refurbishment of the Health Centre in La Loma (the oldest in Torrevieja), extension of the Acequión health centre (Unit of Addictive Behaviours - UCA) and improvements to many other health centres in Torrevieja.

The meeting also addressed infrastructure needs, such as the extension of the bridge on the CV-905 over the N-332, as well as the overpass to the Auditorium and the Quirón Hospital, and the urgency of improvements to the CV-95, the stretch of about 800 metres that goes to the Torrevieja hospital.

Puig agreed to visit Torrevieja shortly, and to bring with him his councillors who would be able to talk to their counterparts and check on-site the needs of the city.

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Prime Minister’s Saturday job in Mar Menor Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez spent Saturday morning with Mar Menor’s mayors where he discussed the effects of last week’s Storm ‘Gloria’ on each of their municipalities.

Sanchez met the mayors at San Javier airbase where he landed shortly after 9am.

Amongst the party was Ana Belén Castejón, the mayor of Cartagena, Antonio León of Torre Pacheco, José Miguel Luengo from San Javier, who was so outspoken about the lack of government support last week, Mario Pérez Cervera, the mayor of Los Alcazares, and the Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Tourism in San Pedro del Pinatar, Silvia Egea.

DEVASTATION - The Prime Minister flying over the Mar Menor on Saturday Following the meeting Sanchez then flew over the area by helicopter before leaving to visit the Castellón region that had also been hit by the storm.

The Government delegate for the Region of

15 arrests for selling horse meat in Spain The Civil Guard has arrested 15 people and is investigating another 13 in Barcelona for allegedly marketing horse meat for human consumption, without the necessary documentation, according to a statement released on Monday.

Between 2015 and 2018 the suspects allegedly falsified equine passports to fraudulently classify the type of meat as fit for human consumption, an operation that the researchers believe consisted of 'bleaching' the animals along with the alleged involvement of a slaughterhouse, livestock farms, cattle dealers and veterinarians.

The investigation began in 2018 when traceability errors of the meat were detected, which was subsequently withdrawn from the

Aliens do exist - but in Los Montesinos?

Murcia, Francisco Jiménez , said after the visit that Pedro Sánchez "has once again demonstrated his commitment and sensitivity to the Region by visiting the areas most affected by the recent storm."

market, and, after inspecting more than 10,000 horses in slaughterhouses and livestock farms in the province of Barcelona, the agents found 300 horses that had already been slaughtered had violated the regulations of consumption.

In the operation, carried out by civil guards of the Nature Protection Service (Seprona), in collaboration with the Conselleries of Health and Agriculture of the Generalitat, 185 equine passports were also discovered with indications of documentary falsification.

In addition, they detected another 100 animals that failed to comply with Spanish and European regulations for slaughter and sale to the consumer.

Aliens have landed: an alien-like flower in Los Montesinos.

Photo: Andrew Atkinson.

By Andrew Atkinson British astronaut Dr Helen Sharman, who went into space 28 years ago, has revealed ALIENS do exist: “Aliens exist -there’s no two ways about it!," said Dr Sharman.

In 1976, two Spanish soldiers, José María Trejo and Juan Carrizosa Luján, claimed to have seen and shot at a being of unknown origin - at the Base Aérea de Talavera la Real, located in the province of Badajoz.

On patrol at 1.45am, they heard a noise, and spotted an intense bright light in the sky.

The head was small and covered by something resembling a helmet. The arms were very long and had no apparent hands or feet.

Trejo fainted - and his colleague opened fire at the creature. 40 to 50 bullets were fired, but the

The Government has said that it will raise the Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI) to 950 euros this year, after the agreement reached with the unions and the employers, 5.5% more than in 2019, when the Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez raised it by 22.3% , up to 900 euros.

This was announced on Wednesday by the Minister of Labour and Social Economy, Yolanda Díaz , the general secretaries of CCOO, Unai Sordo, and UGT, Pepe Álvarez, and the presidents of CEOE, Antonio Garamendi, and Cepyme, Gerardo Cuerva.

The revelations about the presence of aliens on earth have been ridiculed - but Dr Sharman is adamant: "It’s possible they’re right here - right now - we simply can’t see them," said Dr Sharman, who became the first Briton in space in 1991.

They heard the sound of twigs being broken, and Trejo allegedly spotted a human-shaped green light, about 3 metres tall, formed of small light points. The brightness was more intense, along its edges.

Spain minimum wage to increase

being disappeared.

The following morning, 50 men searched the area - but found no bullet casings or bullet holes.

"There are billions of stars in the universe - there must be all sorts of forms of life," said Dr Sharman, chosen from over 13,000 applicants, to visit Russian space station Mir, in Project Juno.

The new Coalition Executive has set itself the objective, as outlined in the agreement signed between the PSOE and Unidas Podemos to put the minimum wage at 60% of the average salary by the end of this legislature, which would amount to about 1,200 euros, and as recommended by the European Social Charter.

Díaz said that today is a "great day for democracy" with this first "great social agreement" reached with supporters of social rights.

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Storm ‘Gloria’ boosts Torreveja Salt Production Salinas de Torrevieja has already exported 140,000 tons of salt by sea during this campaign and another 22,000 tons for the national market.

Storm Gloria has boosted the demand for Torrevieja salt that is needed to thaw the many pathways, roads and motorways that have been covered in ice and snow across the country.

The image of the “convoy” of heavy trucks waiting in an orderly queue along the Salinas access road to load the salt has now become a regular site to anyone driving along the N-332.

According to the director of the salt depot, Joseph Perez, around 700 tons per day now leaves Torrevieja in trucks destined for the national market. It is required all over Spain for road maintenance, administrations and municipalities, which equates into the movement of an average of twenty heavy trucks every day.

This is a situation that occurs every time a snowstorm hits the peninsula. But these requests for salt, although important for the New Leasing Company of the Salinas de Torrevieja (NCAST), don’t have a major bearing in respect to the annual production the salt.

So far this year - from August to August - the NCAST has exported 140,000 tons by sea destined to be used on roads, and another 22,000 tons for the national market. The product is highly sought in the market for its marine origin. It has very low sulphate and gypsum residue, which generates a lower environmental impact and less asphalt corrosion.

Salt is also the most economical and efficient melting material. Actually, salt does not "melt" the snow. It stops the water solidifying in the form of ice, reducing the freezing temperature. Hence, it is especially effective when scattered on

the roads before it snows and freezes.

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AIR QUALITY ALERT IN MURCIA *Cartagena and Lorca hit by cloud of mineral dust *Police called into action as alarm raised

Pérez explains that despite the harsh appearance of the Storm “Gloria”, much of the autumn and winter has been quiet and the salt reserves - a product that has no ‘use by date’ - have remained in plentiful supply in warehouses and silos across Spain, where they have been stockpiled from last season.

Torrevieja has a dominant position in the market because it is one of the few European salt mines that can supply large volumes of sea salt, thanks to its unique method of extraction throughout the year, which other production plants must reserve for other uses.

Salinas can produce an average of around 600,000 tons of sea salt every year. Only a small part is used for table salt. Other much more important uses are for salting, tanning and the chemical industry. The NCAST, of the Salinas Group, with 80 employees, has satisfied its traditional customers despite the impact on cold water levels and brine concentration per drop since late 2016.

By Andrew Atkinson Cartagena and Lorca Town Councils placed a maximum air quality alert in place - as a cloud of mineral dust pollution hit Murcia last week.

Police were called into action and households and businesses were alerted of the dangerous situation, as emergency procedures were put in place. A spokesman for the Ministry of Health suggested that members of the public should consider wearing face masks.

The cloud of mineral dust arrived in Murcia from North Africa, with initially a Level 2 alert announced - increased to Level 3 as the day progressed.

The PM10 particle air readings soared to 130-150 micrograms pcm of air - the threshold is 50 micrograms. In Caravaca the PM10 reached 125.

The Level 2/3 contamination protocols lead to traffic restrictions in Cartagena city, along with other areas in the east of Spain and the Balearics.

"Will all residents please turn heating down in homes and in the workplaces," said a statement from Cartagena and Lorca town halls.

"Advice is also given to share cars, or use public transport. Also turn engines off at red traffic lights," said the statement.

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SKODA AUTO was founded in 1895, making it one of the world’s oldest automobile manufacturers still active today SKODA AUTO is celebrating its 125th anniversary with numerous activities, promotions and events around the world The company is also celebrating 115 years since the launch of car manufacturing SKODA AUTO enters a new era of individual mobility from a position of strength Anniversary year for SKODA AUTO: The car manufacturer celebrates 125 years since its founding and 115 years since the company launched automobile production. Several of the brand’s historically important models are also celebrating jubilees this year.

SKODA AUTO CEO Bernhard Maier emphasises: “SKODA AUTO is one of the world’s five oldest automobile manufacturers still active today. The courage and ingenuity of the two founders, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, are the cornerstone of this unique success story and at the same time an obligation and incentive to lead the company towards a prosperous future. This is precisely what we are doing through our Strategy 2025, transforming SKODA AUTO from a car manufacturer into a ‘Simply Clever Company for the best mobility solutions’.”

In pursuing this goal, SKODA AUTO is continuing along its path towards electromobility in 2020, presenting the series-production version of the Vision iV in the first half of the year. The 125th anniversary of the company’s founding thus also marks the beginning of a new era for the manufacturer: the all-electric SUV is the brand’s first vehicle to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Platform (MEB). As part of its ongoing product campaign, SKODA will be launching 30 new models from 2019 to the end of 2022, more than ten of which will be partially or fully electric.

The company founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement laid the foundations for SKODA’s rise to become an internationally successful car manufacturer in December 1895: the repair and production of

Monday 27th January - Sunday 2nd February, 2020

bicycles began in the central Bohemian town of Mladá Boleslav. The company named after them, Laurin & Klement (L&K), would soon offer numerous two and three-wheelers in several dozen versions, and the production of motorcycles started in 1899. The technically innovative models soon gained in popularity for example in England, one of the most demanding export markets.

The first Laurin & Klement automobile, the Voiturette A, made its debut as early as 1905. It quickly proved to be a high-quality everyday vehicle with an excellent price-performance ratio. L&K comprehensively expanded its model range and soon also offered high-performance sports and commercial vehicles that would win over drivers around the world. 115 years later, the automobile manufacturer is active in more than 100 markets, delivering 1.24 million vehicles to customers worldwide every year.

The basis for further development of this success story was the 1925 merger of Laurin & Klement and the mechanical engineering group Skoda, which secured the necessary capital for expansion. Since then, the winged arrow has been featured in the brand logo of the vehicles from Mladá Boleslav.

SKODA AUTO is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2020 with numerous activities, campaigns and events for the company’s employees, fans of the brand and automotive enthusiasts. For example, historically significant models will be taking part in driving events in China and India as well as other international markets. A special concert by the world-renowned Czech Philharmonic will be a highlight in the year of festivities. Also, for this anniversary year, SKODA is launching an extensive marketing and communication campaign on all the brand's social networks and the company's website, SKODA Storyboard, under the slogan 'Driving inven-

Signs of battery trouble If the engine won’t start, but you hear a slight noise from under the bonnet, the chances are your battery is flat.

If you hear nothing at all, it’s likely to be either a loose connection on the battery, or the battery is has no charge left at all.

If your car has remote central locking (via a button on the key fob), then this won’t work if the battery is flat.

Carry a set of jump leads in your car

What to do about it If you have a second vehicle available – and a set of good quality jump leads – then it may be possible to jump start the car. Just remember to leave the engine of both vehicles running for several minutes after you’ve successfully started your car. Also, switch off both engines before removing the jump leads.

Neil Worth concludes: “As with all car maintenance issues, prevention is better than cure. So don’t risk being caught out in the cold.

Take advantage of the free battery checks offered by many automotive centres, where you can ensure your battery is still charging properly and holding enough ‘juice’ to do its job.”

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tiveness since 1895'.

Throughout the company's history, the Czech and international production sites have built many historically significant SKODA models, some of which will be celebrating the anniversary of their world premieres or market launches in 2020: for example, 85 years ago, in 1935, SKODA showcased the fascinating SKODA 935 Dynamic with its streamlined body.

Sixty years ago, in September 1960, SKODA presented the first SKODA OCTAVIA COMBI at the International Engineering Fair in Brno, and the elegant 2+2 coupé SKODA 110 R made its debut in 1970. The 70th anniversary of factory crew´s 1950 participation in the 24-hour Le Mans in a SKODA Sport commemorates SKODA AUTO’s long tradition in motorsport.

Laurin & Klement 1906 Voiturette Type A.

Don’t risk a breakdown during this cold snap Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist says a few basic vehicle checks will help ensure you’re not left stranded at the roadside during the current spell of cold weather.

They say cold weather slows everything down – including the chemical reactions that take place inside car batteries. When the temperature is at 0 degrees C, a battery loses 35 per cent of its effectiveness, yet so much of the equipment on your car demands electricity – so it’s more important than ever to ensure your battery is ready to cope with the increased demands placed on it in cold weather.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth says it pays to look after your car’s battery. “Cold weather also reduces the battery’s ability to hold its charge – meaning it’s potentially at its weakest when you’re likely to need it the most!

“Remember also that batteries don’t last for ever – in fact the average life of a battery in UK is 5 years, probably only 2 or 3 in Spain, so be ready to replace it when the times comes.”

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lot to the social fabric in Pilar de la Horadada, and thanked La Caixa and AMIPI for their donation.

Two drivers injured by falling palm tree in Orihuela Two people have been injured after a palm tree has fallen on their vehicles while driving along the CV-91 road at La Campaneta, the road linking Orihuela and Almoradí.

Orihuela requests an analysis of Rio Segura water The Orihuela authorities are once again concerned by the appearance of large quantities of foam floating through the Segura river channel following the recent heavy rains and floods.

Several other cars were also involved in the incident with the Policia Local closing the road for about two hours.

The approach to Dos Mares is a regular flood zone

The incident lasted from eight to ten in the morning at which time it was subsequently reopened.

As the result of the falling palm tree a second vehicle then collided with the first.

A Basic Life Support Unit (SVB), was on the scene where it assisted a 26-year-old man, occupant of the first vehicle, and a 42-year-old woman, who was traveling in the second car.

The two injured were transferred by ambulance to the Vega Baja Hospital where they were treated for shock and bruises.

The incident closed the CV-91 for over 2 hours

The key to stopping future damage is, he said, that the State and the Valencian Community start working together to complete the necessary infrastructure, mainly in the D-7 drainage channel in respect of the channelling of the waterways.

The river passing through Orihuela Even before the appearance of foam this week the Councillors Dámaso Aparicio and Ángel Noguera approached Hidraqua, the municipal concessionaire who manage the local water supply, with a request to carry out an analysis of the state of the water that passes through the urban area It is understood that this analysis will be carried out shortly, although its final results will take a few more days.

The City Council wants to confirm that there is no cause for concern regarding spills such as those produced last October, and found by the CHS in the Murcia municipalities of Torres de Cotillas and Alcantarilla, which resulted in disciplinary proceedings.

"They do not realise that they are killing my municipality," he said.

AMIPI donates material to the Gregorio Ortiz Day Center The mayor of Pilar de la Horadada, José María Pérez Sánchez, accompanied by the councillor for the Third Age, Mari Carmen Gracia, attended the handing over of equipment to the Gregorio Ortiz Day Centre in the town.

The apparatus consisted of a digital board, a portable speaker and various sports equipment which was all subsidised by the Social Association of La Caixa, for AMIPI, which in turn has donated it to the social centre for the benefit and use of the clients.

Reports indicate that the river management company itself has already informed Hidraqua about the appearance of this foam which is also being investigated by the CHS.

The mayor with some of the centre users and staff

Both Noguera and Aparicio said that the result of the investigations will be made public so that residents are themselves aware of the situation regarding the foam.

The mayor of Los Alcazares, Mario Pérez, cancelled his attendance at last week’s Madrid Tourism Fair (Fitur) because, he says “I have nothing to sell”.

"I don't know how much longer we can take it with our budget," he said, explaining that the town has invested 3 million in works as a result of recent flooding.

The Councillor for Social Welfare of the City of Callosa de Segura, Beatriz Mañogil announced the launch of the specialised unit for family care that began work last month in the local community.

She said that “it is a service made up of professionals who are available to all of the families of Callosa who feel that there are behavioural or relationship problems in any of their children.”

The intervention team in childhood and family care is made up of professionals who specialised in family psychology.

He did so in protest at the Government’s inaction across the region following yet another period of devastating floods.

Mario Pérez described the mood in the region as a mixture of “rage, helplessness, discouragement and fear”.

The intervention team in childhood and family will be composed of professionals who specialise in family psychology

If they find themselves with such problems that situation, they should go to the Social Centre, where they will receive individual and immediate attention from the social services staff, who will be able to assess each situation and refer it to the appropriate to the specialised service”.

Los Alcázares and San Javier demand State action

Along with the mayor of San Javier, José Miguel Luengo, the pair asked “How long do we have to wait for the State to make the promised investments to prevent flooding in the Mar Menor municipalities.”

Callosa launches a specialised unit for child care

The introduction of this new unit in the Callosa de Segura social services department is a big step forward in achieving the objectives with which the council aims to provide the family unit with more care resources.

The director of the office of La Caixa in Pilar de la Horadada, María Teresa Murcia, has always been committed to social work in the municipality according to the president of AMIPI, María Dolores Fernández, who said that she greatly appreciated the gesture, adding that the equipment would be very English Language Cinema in Pilar de la useful for the centre’s users.

Horadada - Calle Canalejas 4

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Councillor Mari Carmen Gracia, also said that the gesture means a

Thursday 30th Jan at 7pm Saturday 1st Feb at 5pm

DESTROYER "Destroyer" follows the moral and existential odyssey of LAPD detective Erin Bell who, as a young cop, was placed undercover with a gang in the California desert with tragic results.

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Sebastian Stan, Tatiana Maslany, Toby Kebbell, Scoot McNairy Dur: 2hr 3 min Genre: Thriller. Action. Drama | Crime

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The Leaning tower of Guardamar he mayor of Guardamar del Segura, José Luis Saez, has confirmed that he has reported the dangerous state of the rescue tower at la playa de Viveros, which is leaning at an angle of 15 degrees as a result of its base being eroded by heavy waves.

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Saez has said that the storm is "doing lots of damage on the coastline" although it is too early to make any real assessment and it will be necessary to wait "another three or four days to see if the sea is going to withdraw so that the reconstruction work can get underway".

"We have two options, either to take it down or to try and restore it to a vertical " the mayor told the local press, explaining that the area surrounding the tower is roped so that if it falls it will do so in a space "where there is no danger."

However, the Beach Council will meet on Wednesday to request the Valencian Tourism Agency "make investments in the coast" and replace the broken and damaged street furniture so that the beaches can be ready to welcome visitors to the

The tower was first moved for a similar problem in 1995

area for the beginning of the summer season during Holy Week.

However la Asociación de Vecinos de Guardamar Playa say that they again want to draw public attention to "the disastrous management of the coastguard of Guardamarrenco, warning of the dangers and consequences of the encroachment of the sea along this strip of coast" in relation to the Maritime surveillance tower located next to the mouth of the Segura, on la playa de Viveros.

Association secretary, Manuel López, said that the dangerous angle at which it currently teeters "is no coincidence as it is located in the shadow of the

breakwater at the mouth of the river, a place where there is the maximum degeneration on the beaches of Guardamar."

López added that this is not the original location of the tower, as it had to be moved from its original position because of precisely the same problems, erosion of the beach caused by the waves back in 1995.

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There is nothing wrong with being wrong.

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any people are incapable of accepting that they are ever wrong - even when indisputable facts are there to prove it.

People will even say they are sorry sometimes but don’t hold your breath waiting for those three little words; ‘I was wrong!’

If they do come out they are usually wrapped in a shroud of qualification and excuses - with most of the blame diverted elsewhere.

Of course, as we see and hear daily on the airwaves, politicians are the worst offenders. No matter how blatant the cock-up, they will pathetically wriggle and twist the truth to try and make black look white, while continuing to plead ‘not guilty’. “Alternative facts” (!), spin doctoring, twisted half-truths and deceptive comments are what we are tired hearing from politicians – and not only on the other side of the Atlantic.

Why is it so difficult for people to admit they are wrong when being wrong is the most natural trait we are born with? Is it pure ego, pride, selfishness, a fear of losing face, or maybe they just want to dodge the consequences of their conduct? Why is it so hard to accept that being wrong is human and we are all the same? Even we ‘ordinary’ people are inclined to pitch our image too high and don’t wish to be ‘found out.’

So, if we are sure to be wrong, why not free ourselves from the fear of it by just standing up and saying “I was wrong”?

Ben Dunne re-invented himself when he found enough humility in Florida to put up his hands and utter the magic words, “I was wrong” and he has enjoyed a better life ever since. Waterford hard man, John Mullane, also earned the respect of the nation when, instead of the customary attempt to appeal on-field wrong-doing, he said; ‘When you do the crime, you do the time’ and he took his three months hurling suspension.

Both Dunne and Mullane made themselves ‘OK guys’ with the people and are remembered years afterwards for admitting they were wrong. When you can admit to being wrong, people tend to believe

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you in other areas.

While being wrong is accepted by others as being human, being wrong and lying about it makes you unethical and questionable in all areas of your life. How long more will it take politicians to realise that the first one to fire his spin doctor, stand up and say he was wrong will be remembered long after the pathological political liars are forgotten?

Character is the management of your own imperfection and the real test of character is admitting you are wrong when it is likely to cost you more than a lie.

People are more likely to help you when you admit to being wrong. Not only this, but when you go to someone you have wronged and are willing to make amends; you will most likely find the other person meeting you half way.

When you say ‘I was wrong’ don’t then dilute it with a rake of excuses. Other people will put forward the reasons for you if they see you being genuine. Even if you believe you were not 100% wrong in a dispute, admit to being wrong for the way you handled the incident.

One Christmas, many years ago, I wrote a short note to someone with whom I had had a major difference and we weren’t speaking for years as a result. Whilst I had not caused the rift, I was wrong in how I handled it so I wrote: “I want nothing done or said in return, but I just want to say I was wrong for the part I played in your upset during this incident and I am sorry.”

Our close relationship resumed and as I requested, the letter was never mentioned again until it was found in a prayer-book after the person’s death. What I am saying is that the benefits of being honest about your ‘wrongs’ far outweigh the negative consequences of the reverse.

To get full benefit it must be clear that you do not expect any reward for admitting to being wrong, but admitting you are wrong refreshes

not only your own soul but those of the people around you.

Finally though; never say you are wrong if you are not. I have done this a few times, for peace sake or some other ulterior motive and it leaves a sourer taste in the mouth than not admitting when you really are wrong.

Don’t Forget.

All men make mistakes – husbands just find out about them sooner.

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 ‘The Leader.’ Call 637 227 385 for info.

Punta Prima vacation - from multi-million pound oil and gas platforms Andrew Atkinson talks to Corey Bateman French, 24, from North Sheilds, on vacation in Punta Prima, who works on oil and gas platforms in the North sea.

ROPE access electrical technician Corey is taking time out in Spain on vacation from his responsibilities for undertaking various electrical construction on different oil and gas platforms in the North Sea. "It's good to chill out in Spain - away from working on the platform, off the coast of Aberdeen," said Corey, over a pint in Punta Prima.

"I am currently working a rota of three weeks on/off, where there are

approximately 100 personnel - four of whom are female," said Corey.

"When the weather is severe we aren’t allowed to leave the accommodation - and work is stopped."

Corey, who mostly works at height, using rope access techniques, working 12 hour shifts, said: "There are a lot of health and safety procedures regarding my job. Health and safety involves working at height procedures, working over the side of the platforms, and also working on electrical systems."

Corey, set to return offshore after a spell in the sun, said: "I hope to return and see more of Punta Prima and surrounding areas, including Torrevieja.It's nice to get a bit of Vitamin D on your face - the sun doesn't exist in Newcastle!"

Newcastle United fan, Corey said: "It’s important that we undertake our work - to avoid the release of dangerous hydrocarbons and injuries to personnel on board.

Corey, whose hobbies include travelling, said: "I hope to see a lot more of the world in the future - and hopefully try and retire early."

"At the same time, trying not to disrupt a multi-million pound production business."

Corey, on holiday with his dad, attended Astley Community High School and completed a NVQ Level 3 on installing Electrotechnical Systems, said: "Once I completed the course I enjoyed the aspect of working away.

"I undertook all my Survival and Rope Access; and complex electrical courses - and got a start offshore."

Corey (right) in Punta Prima with reporter Andrew Atkinson.

Photo: Helen Atkinson.

Corey added: "There are various dangers working at sea, including the helicopter transfer to the platforms, and working on the platforms itself.

"Which are what all the survival courses are for. The weather can also be a big factor - it can get extremely bad.

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 798

ACROSS 1.

Favoured (10) 7.

Machinery (5) 8.

Flabby (7) 10. Droop (8) 11. Blow (4) 13. Infertile (6) 15. Rule (6) 17. Unsightly (4) 18. Continuous (8) 21. Sketch (7) 22. Regal (5) 23. Heedless (10) 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.

3.

4.

5.

6.

9.

12.

14.

16.

19.

20.

Obvious (5) Trespasser (8) Swarm over (6) Dash (4) Omit (7) Enchanted (10) For sure (10) Keep (8) Free (7) Condemned (6) Chasm (5) Region (4)

QUICK ACROSS: 6 Congeal; 7 Robot; 9 Ice; 10 Precipice; 12 Discrepancy; 15 Forthcoming; 17 Paramount; 19 Sly; 21 Style; 22 Revival.

DOWN: 1 Coach; 2 Egg; 3 Fair; 4 Complaint; 5 Concoct; 8 Scream; 11 Virtually; 13 Cocoon; 14 Loyalty; 16 Bleak; 18 Need; 20 Wig. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 6 Capital; 7 Baron; 9 Age; 10 Reporters; 12 Underhanded; 15 Nosey parker; 17 Tit for tat; 19 Dot; 21 Get on; 22 Reverse.

DOWN: 1 Tango; 2 Tin; 3 Ware; 4 Bartender; 5 Journey; 8 Bother; 11 Underfoot; 13 Expert; 14 Conifer; 16 Hoist; 18 Aver; 20 Red.

ACROSS 1. Harsh things said behind the captain's back? (5,5) 7. Sounds to be permitted if given voice (5) 8. Coped as he grew older? (7) 10. Twisted blade can be evenly weighted (8) 11. Extremely deficient delivery - only half (4) 13. Herod's other island? (6) 15. Tip-top edition using thin gauzy paper (6) 17. Rounds of feline drinks? (4) 18. Sacks the money-takers (8) 21. Shyness kept ready if needed? (7) 22. Drilling tool used in putting fireguard back (5) 23. Publicity man wildly resents gap (5,5)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. What nationality was the competitor who commented: "We may not be the greatest at winning Winter Olympics but at least we can carry our bloody flag properly"?

2. The last four stars on the Stars and Stripes were all added in the last century. Which states did they represent?

3. The stained glass windows in which French cathedral produce a unique colour of blue?

4. The Taj Mahal. Taj means 'crown'. What does Mahal mean?

5. Nellie Bly went around the world from New York to New York in record time in 1889. Plus or minus 10 days, how long did it take?

6. Complete the names of the following Bond girls. a.

Tiffany, b. Honey, c. Kissy, d. Wai, e. Mary 7. Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of which country?

8. The Cutty Sark gives it's name to a brand of whisky.

DOWN 1. Damage the booty (5) 2. Jeopardise by showing wrath after the finale (8) 3. How many have less feeling? (6) 4. Has possession of ring at three points (4) 5. Go off the topic - unusual dirge on ship (7) 6. Does he purr over his swag? (3,7) 9. Boring step taken to get bushels, quarters, etc.? (3,7) 12. Wet chair to be treated cautiously (4,4) 14. He is against work on problem (7) 16. In which court pictures are not for public viewing? (6) 19. 3 in a boat, perhaps (5) 20. Hearty bowman? (4)

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 3 ) Which way is the ship sailing on the label, to the left or to right?

9. On which Caribbean island did Mont Pelee erupt in May 1902, killing all but one of the inhabitants of the town of St. Pierre?

10. What was unusual about the presence of Pope Formosus at his own trial in January 897?

11. Where is the 'Canyon of Heroes'?

12. Which tennis player became the youngest Wimbledon semi-finalist for 99 years in 1986?

13. In which sci-fi films would you find the following doctors? a. Dr. Heywood R Floyd, b. Dr. Zia, c. Dr. John Hammond, d. Dr. Peter Silberman 14. A popular festival in India is called Naga Panchami.

What is it in honour of?

15. In which book or film would you find the well travelled philanthropist Abel Magwitch?

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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 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

Car Sales The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2016 Ford Kuga petrol which is on Special Offer priced at just 16,900 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.

Social and Clubs Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch meet on the third Tuesday of each month at the Olympia Pool Bar and Restaurant in Mil Palmeras.

Everyone is welcome. Call Jean

for info on: 630 28 08 99 Royal British Legion, Torrevieja Branch - Meet the second Friday of the month at Casa Ventura, San Luis starting at 7.00 p.m.

New members are always welcome. You do not have to be exservices. For more information contact:- gill.burden20@gmail.com RNA - The Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 1700 (5pm) at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanization, Torrevieja. For more information please contact Chairman Paul Edwards on 618 644 934, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 966 71 6274 or Secretary 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.

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 Royal Air Force Association Costa Blanca Branch. The branch meets at Restaurant El Nacional, Punta Prima, on N332, on the third Tuesday of the month at 2.30 pm. You do not have to be an ex-member of the RAF to join this friendly Association. For further info please contact the Chairman on 673 766 649 or the welfare officer on 615 048 892. www.rafa.org.uk/costa-blanca 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

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

Churches and Services 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 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

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.

Torrevieja blonde lady, massage, erotica, speaks English 604 382 799 Torrevieja, Valentini, Brazilian lady, 35. Erotic massage with complete satisfaction. Good time guaranteed. 688 340 708

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UNDER PRESSURE Easy Horse Care being hit hard!

An appeal by Rod Weeding EASY HORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE are now experiencing the most pressure they have ever been under in the 11 years they have been up and running.

The financial situation is crippling the Foundation so much so they have to let some of the workers go as they just cannot find the resources to pay their wages and all the associated tax and insurance costs.

Sue said ‘Having to lose two full time workers is now putting 70 year Rod and myself at 64 and the few volunteers who help, under incredible stress to keep on top of all the usual daily chores as well as attempting to keep on top of the maintenance

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“The Easy Horse Care Centre are now experiencing the most pressure they have ever been under in the 11 years they have been operating”

issues for taking care of 120 equines never mind all the other necessities of running a Foundation.’

The financial crisis has been exacerbated this year following the devastating after effects of last September’s ‘DANA’. This storm destroyed all the forage in the area so now it has to come from further afield.

Sue said ‘We have been able to source the forage from places such as Albacete but with double the price tag. A large bale of alfalfa previously cost €50 and we are now paying a staggering €100 each and we get through two of those every day.

The current bill for forage is €20,000.’

Most people don’t realise that there are so many rescued animals at the Centre due to obviously needing to help the individual equine in need but to also making a stand with the Police against animal cruelty. Time and time again the Police say if EHCRC could not take these abused and abandoned equines then they could not pursue prosecutions with the ultimate aim of reducing animal neglect and improving animal welfare. EHCRC cannot easily reduce the number of equines they have as due to working with the Police, the majority of the animals must remain at the Centre as they are part of the judicial process and are not the Centre’s to give up for adoption. Those few that don’t fall under these conditions and could be adopted, aren’t because they are not suitable for riding and come with long term and often costly health care needs which most people do not want.

Adding insult to injury EHCRC have now been informed that strict measures need to be put in

place in all their Charity Shops where they will need to function like any other shop/business and that goes for all Charity Shops in the region not just EHC. The Government in its wisdom has decided that Charity Shops should be treated like any other business and will therefore now be paying 21% on all their takings. This is a huge blow for all genuine Charities. EHCRC are hurling from this incredible decision on the part of the Government as the Charity Shops are a life saving way to raise much needed funds for the animals from the very kind donations and purchases of supporters.

EHCRC have been in contact with all the local authorities, where the equines have come from originally, to inform them of the huge burden these

recent events are now having on the Centre. As always Rojales Council are at the forefront of looking at ways to help the Foundation to not only get through this current financial crisis but to look at long term measures to help with the ongoing animal welfare battle. Sadly the support from the other Councils to date has been non-existent.

Sue concluded ‘More than ever we now need the public’s help and support to not only look after those most at risk equines but to continue with the fight to change the future of animal welfare in Spain. As always we thank you for your support and kindness and ask you to please contribute in whatever way you can – donating, volunteering, sharing...the options are endless just check out our website for all details www.easyhorsecare.net .

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La Siesta BC

with Alan Carr

It was a home game for both of the La Siesta teams in Division B the Blues versus the Golds. The Blues wanted revenge for their defeat which they suffered at the beginning of the season from the Golds, and achieved this by winning quite comfortably 12-2 (Shots 139-73). Rink winners; Pat Malden, Ramsey Sinclair & Mike Edwards team were behind for a big part of the game but battled on to win (18-14). Ann & Robert Heath with Harold Charleton well played (20-14). Barbara Cooper, Tricia & Pat Reilly in front most of the game (22-11). Pat Harman, Brian Gardiner & Jean Cooper always in control (22-9). Dave Davies, Norman Adcroft & Florence Edwards team,

the highest rink winners were on great form and would not allow the opponents woods to remain anywhere near the jack, and on one end were unfortunate not to get a Hotshot the game finished (39-6).

The Golds only winning rink came from Bill Jordan, Noel Morrisroe & Jim Eastwood who were behind at one point but caught up and as the game progressed it could have gone either way but ended (19-18) to secure 2 points. A good win for the Blues not such a good day for the Golds (Grrrr).

The Winter League saw La Siesta travel northbound once again this time to play EL CID, after an early start and long journey the game commenced with three rinks finishing close, the game ended 4-8, with wins for two rinks and only 6 shots separating the

SOUTH ALICANTE WINTER TRIPLES Week 10 - Monday 13th January ENTERPRISE DIVISION San Miguel Beagles 109 (10) San Luis Trekkers 78 (2) Emerald Isle Titans 101 (7) Vistabella Albatrosses 105 (9) La Siesta Apollos 109 (10)

San Miguel Alsations 102 (4) San Luis Klingons 137 (12) Quesada Pearls 115 (7) La Marina Explorers 101 (5) Greenlands Maples 95 (4)

P W D L San Luis Klingons 10 43 1 16 Vistabella Albatrosses 10 34 3 23 San Miguel Beagles 10 32 3 25 Quesada Pearls 10 29 2 29 La Siesta Apollos ** 10 31 2 27 Emerald Isle Titans 10 27 4 29 Greenlands Maples 10 29 1 30 La Marina Explorers 10 23 6 31 San Miguel Alsations 10 23 5 32 San Luis Trekkers 10 15 1 44 ** 5) deducted for failing to field a full side

Diff Diff Pts 252 107 131 85 63 80 62 72 22 69 37 68 12 66 -79 58 -144 57 -356 33

Vistabella Drivers 90 (2) Monte Mar Matadors 96 (2) La Marina Pathfinders 75 (4) Em Isle Moonrakers 79 (0)

P W D L Greenlands Sycamores 9 34 3 17 El Rancho Pintos 9 31 2 21 Vistabella Drivers 9 27 3 24 Emerald Isle Neptunes 9 28 1 25 Monte Mar Matadors 9 25 3 26 San Miguel Dalmations 8 25 1 22 Quesada Diamonds 9 25 1 28 La Marina Pathfinders * 9 22 2 30 Emerald Isle Moonrakers # 9 15 0 39 * 2) deducted for failing to field a full side # 1 Point deducted for reporting infringement

Diff Diff 186 339 20 9 53 9 -52 -209 -355

Pts 88 78 66 65 62 60 59 50 29

Country Bowls Flamingos * Greenlands Chestnuts Monte Mar Torreadors La Siesta Pioneers Greenlands Beech # El Rancho Raiders Vistabella Eagles # San Luis Galaxies Emerald Isle Saturns * *

P 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 8

Greenlands Chestnuts 106 (8) Vistabella Eagles 97 (4) La Siesta Pioneers 83 (4) El Rancho Raiders 96 (10) W 38 31 31 28 27 23 18 16 16

D 3 3 3 3 1 1 6 1 3

* 2) deducted for failing to field a full side # 1 Point deducted for reporting infringement * * 9) deducted for failing to field a full side

Sponsored by The Pub, Bowling Abroad, Avalon, Lounge D, Rogers, La Piazza and The Belfry.

MATADORES - First game back in the Southern B Division saw the Matadores take on the Toreadors. It was a lovely sunny day with some good bowls played by both teams. This time the Matadores came out on top winning on five rinks. Well done to Lynne Armitage, Don Cleeter skip Ronnie Cairns, Mike Farrelly, Paula Cleeter skip Barry Watson, Gina Hindle, Alan Ashberry skip Jack Burrell, Sheila Roberts, Steve Hindle skip Phil Goble.

Shots Matadors 120 – 79 Toreadors. Points 12 – 2 TOREADORS - The first Friday game of 2020 was a home match against the other Monte Mar ream the Matadors and resulted in a very good win for them. The Toreadors only won on one rink well done to jan Soars, Chris Harding skip Rod Chamberlain.

It was a hard fought match with some very close games, but the matadors proved to be strong on the day. After the match both teams and their supporters went for lunch together at Maritaos Kitchen.

L Diff Diff 13 351 20 190 20 -45 23 51 26 -9 30 -127 30 -180 37 -186 29 -45

The game was played on very wet rinks which made it difficult for both teams. There was some close games but Beitachell won on three rinks and Monte Mar on two. Well done to Pauline Merry, Tanya Oliver, Steve Hindle skip Chris Merry and Sheila Roberts, Colin Bedford, Don Cleeter skip Phil Goble.

Shots Monte Mar 74 – 100 Benitachell.Points 4 – 8 For Further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website or email us at info@montemarbowls.com.

We are also on face book.

Vistabella Bowls Club Hotshots Alan Bannister, Lynne Bishop, Arthur Brown and Fred Willey

with MonteStan

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El Rancho Bowls Club With both Monday’s matches postponed due to the weather, the Mustangs played at home on Friday, playing host to Mazarron Miners. The Mustangs played well taking 4 rinks and the overall shots, whilst I think the Miners will be equally pleased in taking away 2 rinks.

Judy Foley, Bob Day and Jim Gracie 19-16. Geoff Jones, John Richards and Henry Ryder 20-11. Lesley Day, Shirley Edwards and Mick Cox 8-27. Val Ryder, Sarah Taylor and Jim Taylor 1911. Sheila Cox, Diane Yates and Richard Lee 12-26. Ria Dukker, Irene Thomson and Eddie Thomson 39-9.

Meanwhile the Broncos were at Greenlands playing their Ash, never an easy venue to play, but they played well in taking 3 rinks, a good away result. Gaynor John, Pam Harris and Brian Harris 18-19. Dolly Ford, Ann Abbott and Marion Haynes 11-30.

Bryan John, Gill Bartlett and Rob Clark 15-13. Tony Abbott, Gary Dunstone and David Wright 18-13. Peter Blackburn, Paul Durham and Keith Longshaw 15-13. David Baker, Brian Gilham and Dave Haynes 10-25.

For further membership information contact Sheila Cox at micksheilacox@gmail.com

LA MARINA REPORT by Barry Latham One from last week. Still 2nd in the SL Div C but the result down at Country Bowls against the Cubs wasn´t good as we lost 12 – 2. Our one heroic rink consisted of Garth Slater, Norman Ship and Paul Tregoing.

Monday came the rain and most games were cancelled. The Explorers rearranged game is on Saturday 1st February. Our rearranged, rearranged match up at El Cid for the Winter League is hopefully Tuesday 28th January.

Winter League entertained Emerald Isle and had a great win against a highly placed team especially as we were bottom of the League.

Not now as we have moved up a couple of places.

Top of the shop were John Rae, Dave Taylor, Roger Stacey (that will please Tom) and Mo Taylor (good family result). Next came Don Fowkes, Garth Slater, Jean Fowkes (another family) and welcome back, Jan Parsons. Unfortunately, Shirley lost a close game by one and hubby Dave Hadaway won by one with Carol Smith, Mike Fitzgerald and Mo Kidd. The other losing rink, last as usual, made sure we got the overall score.

Come Friday without rain saw a great win at home against San Luis Tigers by ten shots to four in Div A. We had one rink winning by one and another losing by the same amount. The winners were Mike Stone, Mike Smith and Jan Parsons in a very tight game 10 – 9. Alex Whyte ( leg and all) plus Jim Reeves and the Anne Stone won 21 – 13 while the girls led by Shirley Hadaway beat the boys 23 – 14 with the help of Wendy Latham and Barbara Forshaw.

The best scoreline of the morning belonged to Cliff Rawlinson, Carol Smith and Kath Manning with a 22 – 11 victory.

Storm Gloria did its worst washing out all matches on Monday causing problems re dates and times for re-scheduling them, with the possibility of resulting matches to be played with reduced rinks.

However Wednesday’s Winter League game at home to Greenlands was a win for Vistabella 10 – 2 with shots 84-67.

It has to be mentioned that the rink of Lynne Bishop, Fred Willey, Alan Bannister and Arthur Brown scored “hotshots” two consecutive weeks running, something, I understand, that is unprecedented in the league. A “hotshot” it is when all of one sides bowls score in an end.

VOYAGER DIVISION Greenlands Beech 84 (6) Monte Mar Torreadors 117 (10) Country B Flamingos 129 (10) San Luis Galaxies 89 (4)

Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club

WINTER LEAGUE Monte Mar v Benitachell

DISCOVERY DIVISION Quesada Diamonds 116 (12) Greenlands Sycamores 107 (12) El Rancho Pintos 136 (10) Emerald Isle Neptunes 146 (14)

teams (Shots 71-77). The rink winners were; Pat Reilly, Ann Edgerton, Jim Hudson & Alan Mawer who stayed in control of the game from beginning to end (22-12). Wendy Ralph, Bill Jordan, Trish Reilly & Brian Fraser who were losing by four shots going into the last end but then gained five shots finishing (15-14).

Skip Jim Eastwood´s team were unlucky to drop five shots on the 17th end and lost the game by only three. The Club Captain would like to thank the team for the commitment shown especially for tolerating the journey's made over the past two weeks.

Interested in joining this friendly club, contact Jim or Lyn on 690190523 or pop in and talk to the President (George) or Club Captain (Sue).

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Pts 95 79 75 69 60 55 44 38 32

Friday saw Southern League A Lanzadores away to Greenlands Oaks have a tight match with the Oaks winning 10 – 4 with some close games resulting in shots 101 to 99.

In the B division the Picadors were at home to La Siesta Golds winning 8 – 6 with 112 shots to 81 with some very close games. The Conquistadores did well in the C division against the Emerald Ilse Roundheads winning 10-4, shots 115 -80 against.

Vistabella Bowls Club is sponsored by: Venture Fleet Services, TV Choice, Oneway Services, Serenity Insurance, Carpet Heaven.

Winter league sponsor Laguna Tavern Entre Naranjos.

How about coming and have a go at bowling we would be pleased to see you. We can arrange a free session and lesson . You could get hooked it’s a fabulous game and a very sociable one you’ll meet lots of new friends.

Also bowlers are most welcome, we have a brand new green and are looking for new members. Please contact: Club Captain - David Jenkins pacadasu@yahoo.com or Charlie Watkins at charlieatpathways@yahoo.co.uk.

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San Luis Bowls Club

By Sheila Cammack After the warmer weather of the previous week; “Storm Gloria” certainly made her presence felt this week with torrential rain & gale force winds causing havoc along the coast, forcing us to cancel Monday’s matches: South Alicante League, Monday 20th SL Klingons home v San Miguel Beagles & SL Trekkers, away v San Miguel Alsations will now be played on Thursday 30th SL Galaxies, fortunately had a BYE. WINTER LEAGUE Wednesday 22nd - BYE. Southern League, Friday 24th SL Lions at home v Quesada Swallows had a well fought game, ending with a great result for the Lions; 12points- 2, 136 shots- 69. Winners: Drew Russell, June & Keith Jones 23-12, Helen Hammond, Bill Webb, Scott Malden 26-6, Ann Holland, Ray Clarke, Ray Pollock 20-8, Margaret Morrison, Pam Lockett, Neil Morrison 29-10, Kath Reid, Sheila Cammack, Ian Kenyon 20-14, and Peter’s team only just missed out by

San Miguel Bowls Club Barry Jones Due to Storm Gloria ,Monday’s games were cancelled and will be played at a later date.

Monday 27th January - Sunday 2nd February, 2020

one shot.

SL Tigers away v La Marina Sharks fought hard, winning on 2 rinks and only just missing out on a third, shots 85-104, 4 points-10. Winners: Shirley Verity, Jo & Jules Pering 22-13, Judy Carroll, Robert Hicks, Derrick Cooper 16-15, Irene’s team just missed out by one shot on the last end.

SL Jaguars home v Greenlands Elms had a good day at the office; 8 points-6, 108 shots-90.

Winners: Pat Tilley, Chris Lythe, Dave Tilley 1910, Ann Jackson, Mary Fromson, Mario Cavilla 16-12, Vic Slater, Irene Everett, Tom Fromson 26-5.

We are a competitive but friendly club; you’re welcome to join in “Vic’s Hamper” 10:00/10:30 on Saturday mornings (check chalkboard outside the office & club calendar).

For more information & calendar, see SLBC website at: www.sanluisbowls.byethost7.com We welcome new and experienced bowlers; come along and see us, or contact June Jones, Club Captain: 691 903 773.

Young, Bill Knight and Stan North 21 - 10.

Also on Friday San Miguel Bulldogs were away to Emerald Isle Cavaliers losing 6 - 8 (99 shots to 101) Best winning triple were Barry Jones, Mike Bayfield and Mike Douglas 27 - 17.

On Wednesday San Miguel were away to Quesada where they lost 8 - 4 (65 shots to 88), best winning rink were Brian Miller, Jim McCarline, Dave Greenland and Steve Cantley.

A reminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays 1:30 for 2:00 - €5 for an afternoon’s bowling with shoes and woods available to borrow.

In the Berleen Trophy Tony Sansom, Linda Plaisted, Val Hignett and Lee Sinclair were pipped at the post losing 13 - 15, but they remain top of the league.

Due to the popularity of the Wasps, first time bowlers are asked to attend an initial coaching session on Tuesday afternoons, starting at 1:45.

On Friday, San Miguel Boxers were home to Emerald Isle Claymores winning 10 - 4 (102 shots to 100) Best winning triple were Dave

Country Bowls Club with John Mallet & Den Birkett On Friday morning the Cubs travelled up to Quesada on a cloudy cold day.

Captain John Mallet knew they were in for a tough game against the Swans and today was no different.

However, the Cubs managed a creditable 5 points away from home to Quesada’s 9.

Well done to the Cubs who battled for every shot, it was a much improved performance away from their own green.

The match was played in great spirit and, in Johns own words, a pleasure to cross swords with Suzi and her Swans.

Overall shots 93 to 124.

Also today, Country Bowls Geckos welcomed

Greenlands Bowls Club

by Dave Webb In the Winter League we were at home to Vistabella, final score, shots for 67, shots against, 84. Points for, 2. Points against, 10. Only winning rink...Geraldine Fisher, Bert Ewart, Derek Toozer, skip Gordon Fisher. 20 shots to 8.

In the Southern league, the Cedars were away to Monte Mar, final score - shots for, 90. shots against, 137. Points for, 4. Points against, 10. best wiinning rik were - Jane Hamill, Bert Ewart, skip Stewart Hamill. 27 shots to 14.

For further information on San Miguel Bowls Club please contact the President Stuart Hemmings on 965 720 461, or the Secretary Gail Willshire on 965 020 492.

Monte Mar Toreadors to their home venue.

The Geckos started slowly, and early on were losing on most rinks, so was the determination of the Toreadors to get a good result against the league leaders.

At the halfway point the Toreadors were still slightly ahead, but the Geckos never had a faint heart! They stayed focused , tightened their games and kept pushing.

During the last few ends, the Geckos changed their fortunes with three of the rinks taking a good lead against each of their opposing Toreador teams, the match finished on three ends each with 108 shots to the Geckos and 91 to the Toreadors.

Another deserved win to Country Bowls.

Well done team Geckos!

For more information please visit www.countrybowlsmurcia.com The Elms played at home to San Luis Jaguars, final score, - shots for 90, shots against,108.

Points for 6. points against 8. best winning rink were - Veronica Richards, Diane Hudson, Margaret Hirst. 24 shots to 14.

The Oaks had a good day at the office this week against Vistabella Lansadors. the shots overall were very close 101 to 99 the points were 10 to 4 in our favour, well done.the best winning rink were - Lin Morris, Chris Dewar, skip Tom Hill.

22 shots to 17.

For all inquires please contact the Club Secretary on 698 418 987 or visit our website greenlands-bowls.wixsite.com

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Carp-R-Us Fishing Winter Series The penultimate round of the Carp-R-Us Winter Series was fished at El Bosquet.

Sixteen anglers fished the match, one of our best turnouts in recent years and, despite the bad weather of the previous few days, almost everyone caught.

Quesada Bowls Club

By Suzi Cooper Mondays matches in the South Alicante league were cancelled due to the bad weather conditions. The Diamonds match has been rearranged for Saturday 1st February at Monte Mar. The Pearls will be playing their rearranged fixture at Quesada on Tuesday 28th January.

Wednesday the Winter League team were at home to San Miguel. Winning on 3 rinks, losing 2 but taking the overall shots for 8-4.

On Friday the Swans were hosts to Country Bowls Cubs who were hoping to overturn the 14-0 loss on their own green at the start of the season. The Swans won on 3, drew 1 & took the overall 124-93. 9 -5 Winning teams were Allen

Emerald Isle Bowls Club

by Elwyn Morris Due to inclement weather this week’s bowls were delayed until Wed when the Emerald Isle played at La Marina in the Winter League, which resulted in a home win 8-4 aggregate of 78-89, winners were S Bosworth A Miles C Smyth J Smyth 23-16, D Jones T Dix B Taaffe D Close 17-16 Friday saw the Cavaliers play San Miguel Bulldogs where they got a good 8-6 aggregate 101-99 win. Winners D Leeming G Odell M Odell 22-11, P Heaney C Smyth J Smyth 14-11,

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First was Neil McBirnie with 4.02kg from peg 39. Dave Sutton on peg 40 was second with 3.34kg, narrowly beating Alan Priest who had 3.30kg from peg 22. Fourth was Jackie Breslin who had a single fish in the last few minutes of the match for 2.30kg.

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

Bowen, Chris Bowles & Fay Beattie with a massive win 31-5, Doug Beattie, June Moss & Trevor Voisey 27-17, Suzi Cooper, Peter Bradbury & Kim Bowles 21-12, while John Cleal, Stella Jakeman & Tony Lale managed an honourable 17 each draw.

The Swallows were away at San Luis Lions.

They managed 1 win for 2 points courtesy of Chris Brazier, Graham Phillips & Jason Prokopowycz 19-18.

Quesada will be holding an Open Super 3 Singles competition on 2nd April. Just 1 day, but a different format. There is prize money for semi finalists, finalist & winner and just a 5€ entry fee. If you would like an entry contact Suzi Cooper on 627 054 511 or by email to suzi.cooper57@gmail.com.

S Johnson D Close C Lindgren 17-16 Claymores travelled to San Miguel Boxers and they slipped to a 4-8 aggregate 100-102 defeat, winners were H Rhodes/T Roche, M Whitelock J Mulloy 31-19, J Westall J Loughran S Watson 21-14 Outlaws played at home against La Marina Seagulls and the visitors won 10-4 aggregate of 93-127, winners were S Bosworth S Wickens T Harris 28-19, I Fay T Capewell G Shoots 17-13 Roundheads played at Vistabella Conquistadores and they lost 4-10 aggregate of 80-115, winners were N Prior J Bright G Smith 16-10, M Elliott J Elliott G Digby 18-17

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Monday 27th January - Sunday 2nd February, 2020

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LEADER

The Electrical Shop : Blue Lagoon 3rd leg. Lesley Eagles was just wearing too many socks and repeatedly troubled the outer wire of the D20 whilst opponent Nigel Justice clocked up his 2nd 180 in 2 weeks and a 2-0 win for the penaltimate singles.

MATCH RESULTS WEEK 14 FOR 23 JANUARY Division 1 Hub Hyenas Las Rosas Bullies El Capitan Tipsy Toad Toppers Division 2 Chemies Chicks Hi Life Hi Ho Pint Depot Jesters Milos Bar Inter-Division Match Ale House Chicks Division 1 El Capitan Hub Hyenas Las Rosas Bullies Tipsy Toad Toppers Trinity Pirates Hi Life Legends Ale House Lads Chemies Loungers Tipsy Toad Tiaras Division 2 CC's Flyers Milo's Bar Hi Life Hi Ho Pint Depot Jesters Trinity Panthers Chemies Chicks Hub Hellraisers Ale House Chicks Pint Depot Queens

9-3 5-7 12-0 10-2

Hi Life Legends Trinity Pirates Tipsy Toad Tiaras Ale House Lads

8-4 4-8 7-5 10-2

Pint Depot Queens CC's Flyers Trinity Panthers Hub Hellraisers

NR

Chemies Loungers

P 13 13 12 12 13 12 13 11 12

F 123 98 77 81 75 64 68 58 28

A 33 58 67 63 81 80 88 86 116

Pts 25 20 15 13 11 9 8 8 1

12 12 12 11 13 13 12 11 12

113 98 94 73 72 62 54 35 43

31 44 50 59 84 89 90 91 101

24 17 17 14 12 11 6 4 3

Lisa Ivill's diminutive 60 inch frame was comical compared to lofty Lithuanian Aroldas's 80 incher but she put up a good fight with a 106 but Klimonis Junior's (121, 100) put him in sight of the checkout long before she could save face for the Tiaras.

The Toppers were in full fighting form, with all their big guns in the battery for the first time this season. It shot to 6 - 0, mainly due to fancy finishing rather than super scoring, Graham Solomons leading the way with 68 finish (16-20-D16) in the first triples, setting the bar for the rest of the Topper gunners. Only 3 x 100's from the Ale House Lads lead any resistance, thanks mainly to Karl Mallinson and Alan Havelock.

The Tiaras faced down the mighty El Capitan and clocked up an impressive number of steps on their FitBits whilst going back and forth to the bar. The lads almost succumbed to a 1-0 deficit in the first triples when the ladies got the first chance at the finish on D7, thanks in part to Pat Schofield's 100, but alas narrowly missing out for the single point that they were striving for. A wake-up call for the Capitanos, they quickly despensed with the ladies all the way until the Lithuanian stew arrived. I don't know the recipe but it sure does the trick for the homeside as not a drop was left when they opened up for the singles.

Tiara Wendy Hayward (117) gave good account of herself but Shane - minus the hat this week- Dennis (119) took the lads to an unasailable win. General Vycka Bobinas didn't give Sharon Marshall a look-in but the formidible Pat Schofield (134) showed true spirit against grandad Eddie Klimonis (2 x 100) so nearly getting a chance for a shot-out in the 2nd leg. Ginge Lewis looked positively rattled as he lost the first leg to Simone de Lacy (D1) and despite a 133 in the 2nd leg, she didn't seize her chance at a victory when getting herself first to the finnish in the 2nd leg. Lewis then found his form with a string of ton pluses and much relief, secured the win in the

The Latter continued his good form, taking the scalp of Graham Solomons in a closely fought game in the singles. Despite Solomons 4 tons, ALan took the leg 2-1 in what was probably the best match, giving him MOTM. The return of the Rutter, steadied the the ship beating the balletic Andre Wing with scores including 140 and 155 and securing him the MOTM for the Toppers. There were good wins too for Lee Maiden and Andy Gildea (139. 121), taking the score to a crushing 9-1.

The last two legs saw a drop in quality, firstly from the beleagered Jimmy Gray who recently fell into an uncovered buggy service pit, dislocating his shoulder and Phil de Lacy with a trapped nerve and unrelenting pins and needles in his right hand. The two fought bravely, swapping tales of woe but the dislocated shoulder won out D7, D9. No injuries to blame, Paul Miller eventually saw off Glen Richardson in a marathon final leg with Miller wearing a hole around the D7 area and eventually switch to 10-D2 for the final nail in the coffin. Tipsy Topper Hugh Galloway brought the entire Galloway clan along to support the home side and regretably didn't get a singles game on his birthday of all days!

Not the best of darts for both Hyenas and the visiting Legends, both a little lack lustre in the scoring department,the Legends also missing vital doubles. The hosts took full advantage, taking all three triples by way of Simon Williams D6, Paul Durrant a 74 game shot and Bob Taylor D20. A lone three figure score from John Crabbe, plus a 97 from Roger Phipps, together with a ton from John Eyre and a 121 from Gareth Bevan were the highlights from the opening legs.

The match continued in a similar fashion, the Hub increasing their lead by taking all three pairs, Williams managing a 45 out, the highest of his career, in the first against the visiting Crabbes (John and Sandra). Les Adams and Ralph Christie coming to life in the second with numerous 90+'s, opponents Durrant and Eyre just keeping up, the latter hitting 123 and an 88 out ( T16, D20 ) for 5-0. Bob Taylor continued his fine form recording 96, 140, but it was partner Miller who closed out on D16.

For a change fish and chips preceded the singles and very tasty they were i'm told. Phipps should have taken the first leg singles against Durrant, who pinched the opener on D15. Both players upped their game in the next the Legend hitting 2x100, Durrant 100, 125, 135 and D8 for 7-0. Adams, despite 5x80+ scores and a 140 and a first leg D10, couldn't press home the advantage, but all credit to Hyena Bevan, now finding some of his old form, who stuck in there with a ton and 5x80+'s finally nailing D8 for the game. Sandra Crabbe ignored Taylors 3x100 in the next closing out on D2,D3, for a fine

To celebrate our Ten Year Anniversary We are raffling a 50� JVC 4k Smart TV Tickets: 10euro a strip. Pop into shop or call 966 188 170 On Sale Now, Draw on Friday 6th March 2020 scalp, Taylor unable to reply. Sue Christie added a second for the Legends with 117, 133 and both doubles against Eyre, 100, 140, 98.

Two excellent victories! Ralph Christies usual form went walkabouts on him in his encounter with Miller who was in fine fettle with 4x100 and two winning doubles.

Final match featured Sandras other half John, who completely outscored Williams, completing the third leg on D16 after 2x100 and 140. MOTM for Legends Sandra Crabbe.

Although looking comfortable win, the Chicks from Chemies victory over the Queens was far from it. lt wasn't until the decisive eleventh leg that the Chicks put this one to bed, through a D1 from the captain Winnie Mackay, taking the score to 7-4.

The hosts won all three triples via Mackay, Hennie Oortwijn and Sue Collins, before the deficit was reduced by Rachel Broadhead on D9.

Two more victories came through Oortwijn 102, D4 and Maria Ross D18, giving the Chicks a commanding 5-1 lead, at the break.

Queens Lorraine Cox D4 and Marie Cummins D5 closed the gap to just two. No stopping Oortwijn who claimed her third double of the night D3, to earn a point for the Chicks and a MOTM award.

Broadhead gave the Queens a glimmer by taking the tenth on D4 earning herself a MOTM. Mackay and Collins gained both points for Chemies in the final two games.

Player Spotlight NIGEL JUSTICE Former pro darts player and publican Nigel Justice, falls under the Spotlight this week.

The El Capitan star now residing in Spain for the past eighteen months, enjoys his darts in the Euronics league after a hectic ten years on the pro circuit.

Amazingly his pro darts career came after a nightmare accident to his hand, whilst using an industrial circular saw in 1996.

Nigel was unable to play for two years, but quickly got back into his stride performing in the USA, Canada and Europe, culminating in reaching the last sixteen at the PDC World championship when at the Circus Tavern, West Thurrock, Essex, losing to Phil Taylor.

A quarter final achievement also figured at the World Matchplay championship, Blackpool, losing to Cliff Lazerenko after earlier beating the incomparable and sadly missed Jocky Wilson. A fondly remembered highlight is pairing with Steve Raw in Boston (USA ), beating Dennis Priestly and Phil Taylor in the final.

Nigel's looking forward to sharing ruby wedding celebrations this November with wife Lesley, sons Lee, Darren and Carl, along with five grandchidren, the only girl in the family Tillie Rose.

Now semi retired, the armchair sports fan enjoys the exploits of Manchester United whilst savouring the delights of a can or three of Strongbow.

An ideal evening for the sharpshooter, would be a medium rare fillet steak at his favourite restaurant, followed by a lenghthy walk home and a couple of hours relaxing watching the Goodfellows again.

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Monday 27th January - Sunday 2nd February, 2020

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Mike Probert talks Golf (In assn with Costa Blanca Green Fee Svcs) Here 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 and run our golf competitions.

Round and About the Courses - Update

SMGS at Vistabella.

January 22nd, 2020.

Round one of this season’s SMGS Eclectic competition saw 40 members arrive early at Vistabella on a day with a cold and grey beginning.

Some heavy and persistent rain during the previous few days, clearly demonstrated by the rivulets formed in waste areas recently renovated after September’s downpours and water lying in a number of bunkers, meant that buggies were not allowed on fairways.

This caused a few late cancellations as some members do need full buggy access to be able to participate. Given the rain that had fallen, the course was actually in pretty good condition with very wet areas only really present in aforementioned bunkers and close to drainage points.

Scoring was not as high across the board as it usually is at this course, with only 13 members bettering 30 points. Paul Kelsall (39 points) returned the best result, a score which included a superb bunker shot to hole out on the 8th. Brian Mulligan and Hugh Reilly were the only two others to better their handicaps.

A special mention for the two’s scored, with 4 in total being recorded, 3 of those on the 11th (possibly the most difficult of the four Par 3’s played), and two of them by Debbie Boelhouwer (on holes

11 and 15). Lots of Property Shop sponsored balls to take home for Debbie!

A mention also for husband and wife team Bruce and Jacs Boswell who came 2nd and third respectively in their categories. With Carmel McCann finishing runner-up in Bronze, it was a good day for the ladies who played.

The day’s prizes (presented by sponsor Spanish Insurance’s Leisa Geddes) were won as follows: Bronze Category: 5th Mick Roscoe (28), 4th Tommy Boyle (30 on CB), 3rd Jacs Boswell (30 on CB), 2nd Carmel McCann (33) and 1st Dave Bishop with 34 points Silver Category: 5th Kyrre Skarsmoen (32), 4th Adrian Roberts (33), 3rd Brian Mulligan (37 on CB), 2nd Hugh Reilly (37 on CB) and 1st, with the day’s best score, Paul Kelsall with 39 points Gold Category: 5th Tony Smale (31), 4th Graeme Forbes (32), 3rd Colin Smith (33 on CB), 2nd Bruce Boswell (33 on CB) and 1st Dave Alderdice 35 pts

Yet again the Costa Blanca region has been battered by the storms and for a change the majority weren’t too badly affected and were perhaps closed for one day or took bunkers out of play and made golfers using buggies stick to the buggy paths.

Here is a general update for all courses in the local area: Campoamor With effect from the 24th January 2020 all 18 greens are now open for play and while still nor perfect and needing to compact a little as the top surface is still soft the greens are much better than a few weeks ago.

Saurines Unfortunately the course has remained closed since the September 2019 storms and there is a plan to open the course in March 2020 and I just hope the recent storms haven’t put those plans back yet again.

La Torre

Nearest the pins on par 3’s (Sponsored by Property Shop): Holes 2 and 7 Dave Bishop, Hole 11 Paul Kelsall, Hole 15 Debbie Boelhouwer

The course has remained closed since the storms of November 2019 and was scheduled to re-open on the 14th January 2020 but after the latest storms this was put back until the 27th January 2020.

Abacus: Peter Cunniff, Guest Prize: Steve Baker

La Marquesa

Our thanks go to all Vistabella staff for their contribution to an enjoyable day. Next week we will be at La Finca. Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org or simply give Captain Phil de

This course was badly damaged by both the September and November 2019 storms while in the process of re-structuring a number of holes and altering the course layout and has been operating as a 9 hole or 13 holes course since then BUT the

Las Ramblas Golf Society

‘Storm Gloria’ got the better of us on Monday as no-one was daft enough to play so I’m afraid there is nothing to report.

Things cleared up considerably on Wednesday and what should have been a five clubs and a putter competition was changed to a Stableford. Three ‘2’s today, with Richard Connock, Hendrick Oldenziel and Ken Robertson in the money.

Winning on countback with 36 points was Richard who was followed by Benedicte Kruse.

With 34 points Olga Douglas took 3rd, which was some going as she only scored 11 on the front nine!

With 148 points Friday’s ‘Yellow Peril’ was claimed by Alan Douglas, Ellen and John Drakesmith together with Lindsay Forbes. In second place, on 140, were Dave Pulling, Mick Bretnall and Ken & Liz Robertson.

This week’s quote is attributed to Robert Browning who remarked, ‘The trouble that most of us find with the modern matched sets of clubs is that they don’t really seem to know any more about the game than the old ones did’.

Pues hasta la semana que viene, Peter Reffell

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full course will be open from the 1st February 2020 but with some provisional greens still in place until the 15th March 2020.

Mosa Trajectum As previously reported this course has opened again as a 9 hole course and is now owned by the Golf Factory if rumours are to be believed but there is little or no publicity available in respect of the course and prices.

We will keep our readers updated in respect of the local courses in forthcoming articles.

We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us. The deals shown in the table are some of the best currently available to you.

Course Price Comments Alenda €134 2 Players & Buggy Alicante €84 2 Players & Buggy Altorreal €120 2 Players & Buggy Bonalba €116 2 Players & Buggy Don Cayo (Altea) €114 2 Players & Buggy El Plantio €84 2 Players & Buggy Font Del Llop €92 2 Players & Buggy GNK Courses €150 2 Players & Buggy (El Valle, Riquelme & La Torre) La Finca €150 2 Players & Buggy La Manga West €75 Single Green Fee La Marquesa €37 Sgle Green Fee La Serena €47 Sgle Green Fee Las Colinas €172 2 Players & Buggy Las Ramblas €112 2 Players & Buggy Lo Romero €136 2 Players & Buggy New Sierra Golf €68 2 Players &Buggy Roda €120 2 Players & Buggy UGolf Courses €100 2 Players & Buggy (Saurines & Hac. Del Alamo) Villamartin €130 2 Players & Buggy Villaitana Poniente €57 Sgle Fee & Buggy Vistabella €98 2 Players & Buggy For Bookings and info Mike at info@costa-blancagreenfees.com quoting the reference LEADER or on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931

Sapphire Golf Society In assn with Sapphire Properties and Costa Blanca Green Fee Svcs For this months meeting the Sapphire Golf Society and a group of 25 players visited the established course at Mar Menor taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

The course was in good condition considering the storms over the previous days but bunkers were out of play and buggies restricted to buggy paths.

Gold Division 1st Alan Templeman 38 pts, 2nd Tony Ollier 33 pts Silver Division 1st Bob Hewitson 37 pts, 2nd Rudy Wattley 35 pts Bronze Division 1st Jim Speakman 9 pts, 2nd Andy Howard 26 pts Nearest the Pins – Probert, Mason and Clements Football Card – Morten Kristensen, Captains Prize – Mike Dann After the game we returned to the Edina’s Bar and Grill bar, which is located at Dona Pepa, Quesada for a welcome snack prepared by the bar and the prize presentation and we give our thanks for their support and that of our sponsor Sapphire Properties.

Our next fixture is the interim day at Font Del Llop on 5th Feb followed by the society day at Vistabella on 19th February.

By Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or see us at www.costa-blanca-greenfees.com.

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Monday 27th January - Sunday 2nd February, 2020

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Arise 'sir' Tom Nicol The honour of a Knighthood eluded former Burnley, Blackburn Rovers and Southampton football star Tom Nicol.

Unlike, football legends Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Robson, Sir Matt Busby, Sir Geoff Hurst, Sir Sir Tom Finney, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alf Ramsey, Sir Stanley Matthews and Sir Kenny Dalglish, amongst others.

It was when Nicol turned his hands to bowls that he became a 'sir', when winning an historical bowls competition in Southampton - 113 years ago.

Nicol, who joined Burnley in 1891, is still remembered in the Clarets annuls after scoring four goals against arch Lancashire rivals Preston North End in a 6-2 win on March 7, 1891.

Kingsland Tavern in St Mary's Street, after hanging up his boots in 1899, having made 39 appearances for The Saints.

After a period in Southampton, Nicol took charge of a hotel at Portsmouth, returning to Southampton, and ran the London Hotel, Woolston.

It was while residing in Southampton that Nicol joined Southampton Old Bowling Green, deemed the oldest bowling green in the world, circa.1299.

Southampton Old Bowling Green, established during the reign of Richard I the Lionheart, was first used for a game of bowls in 1299, at the Lower Canal Walk and Platform Road club.

The record book shows sir Tom Nicol received his 'Knighthood' in 1907, the 133rd Championship.

In 2019 the 245th Knighthood competition was staged.

Nicol, born in Whitburn, West Lothian, Scotland, died, aged 45, on June 10, 1915, at the London Hotel, Woolston, Southampton, after suffering ill health.

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I’ve got stamina for 5-day Cheltenham Festival Henderson

Toying with an additional day's racing at the Cheltenham Festival was initially voiced by new chairman Martin St Quinton - since overruled.

Tizzard is amongst leading trainer Nicky Henderson OBE, Gary Moore, Philip Hobbs and Alan King, in airing a 'thumbs-up' to a five-day meeting.

"I’ve got the stamina for it," said veteran Henderson, 69, five times NH Champion jump trainer.

Versatile Nicol, who played striker, outside right, back, wing, and stood in as keeper, departed Turf Moor, when moving to Blackburn Rovers in 1896, after five years at the Clarets.

Allmankind will remain away from action, after having an annual flu vaccination, until the Cheltenham Festival: "Allmankind is among the favourites for the Triumph.

Nicol switched to Southampton in the latter part of his career, and became the licensee of the

"If I can get him to turn up in the form he's been in, he's going to be a top end competitor. I've got

Irish youngster secures six year deal with Sevilla

Torrevieja Darts Ladies Org Founders Shield Format - 21 January Gap Ladies Macks Dolly Mixt Friendly´s Temps Primadonnas

8-1 6-3 5-4 4 - 2*

Wildcats at Macks Friendly´s Chicas Black Dog Ladies Racing Toast

Highest Checkouts: Kath Morgan 102, Pam Horton 98, Lorraine Veale 98, Selma Dyer 86 Least Darts: Beaty Powell 17,

Nicky Henderson: Got the stamina for 5-day Cheltenham Festival

"Cheltenham is the best - win or lose. It’s what we all strive for - the more days the better," said trainer Colin Tizzard.

Allmankind, trained by Dan Skelton, is worthy of a punt at 7-1 in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

The 19 year-old Luxembourg-born Irish footballer, Ryan Johansson, has completed a move from Bayern Munich to La Liga outfit Sevilla on a sixyear deal.

The youngster will initially play for Sevilla's B team - Sevilla Atletico, who play in the Segunda Division - but will also train with the first team squad with a view to eventually making the step up.

Johansson, who plays in midfield, said on the club’s website that "It is a dream come true."

"I think Sevilla is a perfect club for me at this point in my career and I hope to play for the first team very soon. It was a very easy decision for me to come here, where I can improve and help the team in the future.

"I think I can progress at first with the reserves and adapt myself to the club so I can make the first team, hopefully it's very soon."

Johansson moved to Bayern from FC Metz in 2017, impressing for the German giants' Under-17 and Under-19 teams and featuring for the first team in their last two pre-season tours, but still to make an appearance in the Bundesliga, his Bayern contract was set to come to an end this year. He

LEADER

DESPITE Cheltenham racecourse ruling out an extension of the annual March four-day Festival, backing in favour has been aired by top trainers.

On a five-day Cheltenham Festival, Moore, points out: “Royal Ascot is five days - so why not Cheltenham?".

Nicol, a miner by trade, married Miss Mary Bates, a Burnley barmaid at the Bull Hotel, while with the Clarets.

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to make sure that happens," said Skelton.

Wins at Warwick, Cheltenham and Chepstow have seen Allmankind ante-post odds cut for The Triumph, with Aspire Tower (5-1) and Goshen (61), the latter supported after an impressive win at Ascot on January 18, among leading fancies.

See our comprehensive Horse Racing news website at: fromthehorsesmouth.tips

Amy Boulden wins LET Qualifying School at La Manga Boulden said “It’s a big relief to have my card back.”

Amy Boulden will return to the Ladies European Tour in 2020 after winning Qualifying School at La Manga Club by three strokes from Magdalena Simmermacher and Alison Muirhead.

Ryan is currently being prevented from playing for Ireland by FIFA. made no secret of the fact that he was looking for a club that would provide him with first team football.

Brought up in Luxembourg by a Swedish father and an Irish mother, Johansson's future remains unclear.

Although he played two friendlies for Tom Mohan's Ireland Under-19s in 2018 he had previously featured competitively for Luxembourg Under-21s at international level before acquiring Irish citizenship, and as such he is currently being prevented from playing for Ireland by FIFA.

180’s Gail Murray, 171’s Eileen Rood x2 Bull Finish: Chris Greenwood, Sally Wright Hot Darts: Tracey Simpson 156, Pat Woods 134, 100 x 2, Shirley Stephenson 133, Elaine Willis 133, Elaine Allen 127, Sally Wright 124, Sue Christie 120, 100x2, Sharon O'Rourke 111, Claire Lumb 105, Kim York Fickling 105 , Lin Cousins 101, Bliss Wright 100 x 3, Sandra Crabbe 100 x 2, Ann Wharton 100, Chris Greenwood, Pat Schofield, Lorraine McGrath

LEAGUE TABLE

P

Prs Sgle Pts

Gap Ladies 3 21 6 24 Macklin’s Dolly Mixtures 3 19 8 22 Friendly's Temps 3 18 9 21 Racing Toast 2.7* 8 12 13 Black Dog Ladies 3 12 16 12 Friendly’s Chicas 3 11 16 12 Primadonnas 2.7* 8 16 8 Wildcats at Macklin’s 3 6 21 6 *3 x single games outstanding due to power cut Extra point for win will be awarded at conclusion of match.

Boulden, the 2014 LET Rookie of the Year, closed the Final Stage with a round of five-under-par 68 on the South Course for a 90-hole total of 351, 10under-par.

Simmermacher, 23, from Buenos Aires, will become the second Argentinian member of the LET after sealing second spot, based on the best last 18 holes, with her final round of 68.

Muirhead, who topped the field in Pre-Qualifying at La Manga, which was her first tournament as professional, ended with a 71 to take the third card.

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Thader domination only yields a single point veteran striker Rafa Gomez, although the latter is back in training.

New signing full back Alvero made his debut for Thader, hopefully not the last signing of the season. Due to a duathalon taking place on Sunday, this match was brought forward to Saturday tea time.

A decent effort on the half volley by Ezequiel on 7 mins, wasn't far off opening the scoring for the visitors. An even better opportunity fell to Thader on 15 mins.

CD Thader.....................0

Orihuela CF ‘B’.............0

H

aving already beaten Orihuela in their own back yard, Thader must be kicking themselves for not recording a well deserved double.

For long periods they completely dominated this preferente division match, but alas as has happened so often this season, they could not convert their chances. Manager Jose Ruiz must unearth a proven goalscorer if his team are to avoid the drop, for they won't have too many easier opportunities to grab a much needed win.

Their work rate cannot be questioned, nor can the ability to provide goal scoring opportunities, the problem is that no one seems to possess a killer instinct required to put the ball in the net. Club captain Lloyd sat out the match, as did

Calderon's corner fell nicely to Nino at the far post, but with the goal at his mercy, the tall striker somehow contrived to head the ball wide.

Twice within as many minutes midway through the first half, Thader lacked composure in front of goal.

On both occasions, Calderon got himself into a good position with just the keeper to beat, only for him to then wastefully blast the ball skywards.

Eventually, Orihuela got themselves back into the match, and can possibly have a case for a penalty that was not awarded.

Following an appeal for handball, the

ball broke to the visitors front man Thales, who appeared to be unfairly challenged.

Within minutes of the 2nd half, Orihuela made an enforced change of keeper. Vicente agonizingly fail to get a touch on a cross to the far post, as Thader continued their attacking policy.

Next it was Victor who provided a cross from the left to the far post, only for Juan to head straight at the keeper.

It wasn't all one way traffic, for on 79

mins, a screaming effort by Enrique just missed the target. Full back Vicente struck a beauty on the half volley from the edge of the box on 82 mins, requiring a smart save from the replacement visiting keeper.

ner, Honrubia headed into the net (the wrong side unfortunately!)

On as a Thader sub, Cris should have done better when through on goal, but with just the keeper to beat, he shot into the side netting. With seconds remaining, Rafa's scorching drive was acrobatically tipped behind, then from the cor-

A more clinical performance at top of the table CFI Alicante next weekend is required, for the opposition proved their quality when they won at Rojales back in September, and will now be looking to complete a double over them.

‘El Crunch’ as Monte host Benijofar

By Andrew Atkinson Chief sports editor CD Montesinos host CD Benijofar in a top of the table clash at the Municipal stadium in Los Montesinos next weekend (Feb 1-2) in the Valencia 2nd Regional Group 14.

CD Benijofar failed to capitalise

in narrowing the gap at the top, after sharing the spoils in a 1-1 home draw against UD Horadada B on Saturday.

As the promotion race to the 1st Regional hots up CD Montesinos, CD Benijofar, CF Sporting Albatera and Bigastro CF remain in the shake-up.

CF Sporting Albatera A host Daya Nuevo Atl.

CF, and fourth place Bigastro CF host Todo Deportivo next weekend (February 1-2).

Torrevieja CF went fifth in the Valencia 2nd Regional Group 14 - after a landslide 14-1 victory against lowly Todo Deportivo on Saturday, January 25.

Hondon Nieves CF took the three points in a 2-1 home win against fifth placed CD Altet in

SUDUKO SOLUTION

CD Benijofar visit Montesinos at the weekend in a top of the table clash.

the 1st Regional Group 8, to go second, behind runaway leaders Santa Pola CF, who suffered a shock 2-0 defeat on Saturday.

CF Popular Orihuela, in thirteenth place, gained a 2-0 home win against Santa, whose lead at the top has been cut to eight points.

Pinatar Arena to host the U15 International Tournament Countries represented will include Spain, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and the Republic of Ireland From January 30 to February 3 Pinatar Arena will host its second Under15 National Team Tournament in the men's category in which Spain, Holland, the Czech Republic and the Republic of Ireland will all be represented.

The games will take place on Wednesday, January 30, Friday, February 1 and Sunday, February 3, with 2 matches per day.

TRIVEA QUIZ ANSWERS PAGE 14: 1. British, Squadron Leader Mike Freeman, bobsleigher and flag bearer at the 1972 Winter Olympics. 2. Alaska, Hawaii, Arizona and New Mexico. 3.

Chartes. Chartes Blue. 4. Palace. 5. 72

days, 6 hours, 11 minutes. 6. Five answers: a. Case, b. Ryder, c. Suzuki, d. Lin, e. Goodnight. 7. Brazil. 8. To the right. 9. The island of Martinique. 10.

He was dead. 11. New York City. Lower Broadway, where the ticker tape

So, this first draw of the season ensured that Thader stay outside the relegation zone.

A total of 6 games will be played, in the second Under15 championship hosted by Pinatar Arena since it first parades are held. 12. Gabriella Sabatini. opened in 2013.

13. a. 2001 or 2010. b. Planet of the Apes.

For the second c. Jurassic Park. d. Terminator. 14. year in a row, the Snakes. From the Sanskrit naga. Nag tournament is means snake (usually cobra) in India. sure to attract 15. Great Expectations numerous scouts

and football clubs from all over Europe who will be at the venue hoping to see the future of European football.

Last season, the Spanish U15 team managed by Julen Guerrero won the Tournament, by Julen Guerrero beating the Netherlands in the final game. Both of these teams once again start as competition favourites to lift this prestigious trophy.

The schedule for the six matches are: Thursday, 30 Jan 1pmSpain – Ireland, 4pm Holland - Czech Rep Saturday, 1 Feb 1pm Czech Rep – Spain, 4pm Holland - Ireland Monday, 3 Feb 1pm Ireland - Czech Republic, 4pm Spain - Holland Entry to all matches, to be played in the main 3,000 capacity Pinatar Arena will be free.

24

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