The Leader Newspaper 08 April 24 – Edition 1018

PPARK AND RIDE STUDY GETS ARK AND RIDE STUDY GETS UNDER UNDER W W A A Y IN TORREVIEJA Y IN TORREVIEJA

Torrevieja will request a report to see which sites are the most suitable to house park and ride facilities. A tender has now been opened, through the Framework Agreement, for the preselected studies that will provide the service to the council.

According to the councillor, Federico Alarcón, there are six plots of land that will be looked at; Avenida de la Estación, a lot next to the El Acequión School, another near the Park of Nations, the fourth in La Torreta, a fifth next to the CV-95 and Avda Rosa Mazón and, the last, Antonio Soria Park.

Torrevieja has a problem of an acute lack of parking that worsens in summer and has been especially aggravated in the last year, with the start of work on the leisure centre in the port and the loss of the parking spaces that have been previously located there.

Last summer, the solution to avoid traffic jams was limited to closing road access to Paseo Vista Alegre and Paseo de la Libertad and a detour through Ramón Gallud. This was a measure that was added to the temporary parking area on this last road during business hours.

However, the lack of parking still forced the Local Police to act against drivers who chose to leave their car in the port, under the cantilevered promenade of the Levante dam or, even, on the old fairground, now part of the leisure centre work.

In the past legislatures, there were also many proposals from the opposition to alleviate the problem. The PSOE advocated opening the Antonio Soria Park and connecting it by bus with the centre.

The Greens campaigned for the establishment of a free bus service and Sueña proposed the Molino and Estación parks as suitable locations.

ORIHUELA COUNCIL CONSIDERS MOORS &CHRISTIANS BUDGET TWICE AS IMPORTANT AS SUPPORT TO THE VULNERABLE

If you´ve ever been to the Orihuela Moors and Christians fiesta but thought to yourself,“it´s lacking something”,then your dreams might soon come true as the town hall has decided to increase the budget for the fiesta to 313,000 euro.

By contrast,the amount allocated to the party that lasts for just a few days is around double the amount allocated to the meals on wheels service for a whole year which is used to support the most vulnerable pensioners in the municipality (weekends excluded because everyone knows that vulnerable pensioners don’t apparently need to eat on a weekend).

The government team had been facing criticism as the budget allocation had not changed since 2018,like the rest of the municipal budgets,and in the face of increasing prices the idea of scaling back the expenses is seemingly

an unimaginable concept when it comes to partying.

The good news is that each of the groups involved in the Moors and Christians celebration will receive an extra subsidy,and because it falls below the amount required to force a tender process,they will not have to justify the additional expense and simply revel in the rewards without any form of audit.

It is also presumably entirely coincidental that many of the current government team,and their advisors,who have increased the payment of public money to the participating groups are active members of those same groups who will now be benefitting,including the mayor and the Councillor for Fiestas. We have not been able to find evidence that any members of the government team are recipients of the meals on wheels service.

Here is the roundup of things to do and events coming up over the next few weeks, from music and culture to sports and spectacles.

For regular updates and things to do, pick up The Leader newspaper out every Monday.

THEATRE, CULTURE AND MUSIC

Friday 12 April sees Salome performed at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre.

On 13 April, the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Torrevieja are holding a concert of soloists’ performances in the Virgen del Carmen Centre in Torrevieja.

On the same evening, Saturday, Sergio Dalma is giving a concert in the International Auditorium in Torrevieja.

Sunday 14 April sees Bunji, the little koala, take to the stage in the Virgen del Carmen Centre in Torrevieja.

29º Certamen Internacional Juvenil Habaneras takes place in Torrevieja on 20 April, at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre.

Fans of the music of Queen might want to take a trip down to Cartagena on 20 April, where the concert, Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen, A Kind of Magic, will be taking place.

On 26 April there is a film music tribute concert taking place in the International Auditorium in Torrevieja, specifically a tribute to the music of Morricone, Williams, and Zimmer, three of the greatest film score composers of modern

times, arguably.

Between the 10 and 12 May, Torrevieja will go back to the 80’s and 90’s with a musical spectacle at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre.

The Film Symphony Orchestra will also perform in Torrevieja on 25 May, offering music from the likes of Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and Mulan.

BIG NAME MUSIC

The Killers – 10 April in Barcelona, 13 July in Madrid.

Twenty One Pilots – 21 April in Madrid, 22 April in Barcelona.

Jonas Brothers – 25 May in Barcelona.

Taylor Swift – 29 & 30 May Madrid.

Calvin Harris – 31 May & 9 and 14 June on Ibiza.

AC/DC – 1 June in Seville.

Olivia Rodrigo – 18 June in Barcelona, 20 June in Madrid.

Tom Jones – 23 June in Valencia, 23 July in Marbella, Alicante on 25 July, Chiclana de la Frontera on 28 July, Almeria on 4 August.

Alice Cooper – 28 June in Barcelona.

Pearl Jam – 6 & 8 July in Barcelona.

Garbage – 9 July in Barcelona.

Metallica – 12 & 14 July in Madrid.

James Blunt – Barcelona on 17 July, Alicante on 19 July, Chiclana de la Frontera on 20 July

Simple Minds – 26 July in Granada.

A PINK FULL MOON

By Marion Skinner

2020 - Written during the onset of Covid

Maybe, you’d think every thing’s alright, Up in the sky, the pink moon is bright, But over the world, the pink moon shone out, Below it something sinister is creeping about.

Leaving in its path devastation, desperation, and sadness untold, It seems not to differentiate, between young and old, It’s a virus, little known, and it shows no mercy, We’re doing our best, to protect from it, making sure nothings dirty.

Wearing shields and masks, no venturing out into the open, How long can we hide away! how long till it’s over?

We can only wait, hope and pray, don’t know what you think. We just have to wait, till a blue moon, replaces the pink.

SPECIAL EVENTS

In the El Raso area of Guardamar del Segura on 11 to 14 April you can celebrate with the Neighbourhood Party, including a Tapas Trail, and a dog show.

AIRSHOWS

Aircraft fans can look forward to the Patrulla Aguila aerobatic team performing locally in the San Javier Airshow, taking place from 3rd-5th May –Festival Aéreo San Javier – over the playas de Santiago de la Ribera, San Javier, Murcia.

They are also at the DIFAS 2024, taking place in Oviedo on 1 June, and on 15th June, the 50º Aniversario del ALA 14, in Albacete, where a competition is open to design a Eurofighter livery.

SPORT

The Dama de Guardamar half marathon, which takes the form of both a 10k and 21k variant, will take place in Guardamar del Segura on 14 April

On 18 May both a 10k run and walk is taking place between San Miguel de

Salinas and Los Montesinos, with a focus on raising funds for charity.

OTHER EVENTS

A Mental Health conference is taking place in Torrevieja on 19 and 20 April, specifically focusing on children and adolescents.

The Todo Tren 2024 tapas event is now on in Torrevieja, taking place until 21 April.

RBF Torrevieja 2024 - Reggaeton Beach Festival – 3 and 4 August.

Brilla Torrevieja – 27 July to 12 August.

CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE

As you might expect, this is not a complete list of events, as there are far too many to put in brief, but they are a hand-picked selection of the most popular or interesting.

For more events in your area, check with your local tourist information office.

The mayor is a past President while the father of the Cllr for Fiestas is the current President

C.L.A.R.O WELCOMES INVESTMENT FOR ORIHUELA COSTA IN 2024 BUDGET PROPOSAL

In a meeting of its Executive Committee on 3 April, C.L.A.R.O evaluated the investment proposals for Orihuela Costa in the Budget for 2024 presented by the Popular Party-Vox coalition government, and expected to be approved in the near future in a Plenary meeting of the Council.

First of all, C.L.A.R.O recognises as a significant achievement the fact that a budget for 2024 has been proposed, since no government since 2018 has been able to do so and the municipality has been forced to live with out of date, carry over budgets for the last 6 years.

It is also commendable that the budget for 2024 represents a 40 million increase in expenditure compared to 2018. This 40 million increase is entirely due to 40 million increase in investments, with 3 0%, 12.6 million devoted to Orihuela Costa. The 40 million will be financed by borrowing within legal limits. After years of budgetary starvation, C.L.A.R.O. welcomes this commitment to meet the needs of the coast.

The Executive Committee also drew attention to the provision in the budget proposals for another 6.8 million for general services which would also benefit Orihuela Costa.

C.L.A.R.O is satisfied with these ambitious investment proposals for Orihuela Costa. Obviously this is the first budget to be proposed by the new coalition government and there are other needs to be met. It will also be necessary to engage funds for the projects proposed in time to avoid any losses due to budgetary rules.

It is noteworthy that the specific investment proposals are based on the electoral programme of the Popular Party agreed with C.L.A.R.O, who supported the Popular Party in its success at last year’s election.

As has been widely reported these specific proposals include: a new facility for drinking water storage, the much needed pedestrian bridge over the AP-7 in Lomas de Cabo Roig, and a new auditorium-cultural centre in the centre of Orihuela Costa.

There are also proposals for tarmacking many roads, renovation of public lighting, provision of compensation for the expropriation of the closed walkway between Cabo Roig and Aguamarina, and the second phase of the completion of the Emergency Services Centre which would provide a base for the emergency services ambulance SAMU.

There are also funds for other additions and improvements in the infrastructure of the coast.

Together with the already announced proposals for a new contract and considerably increased funding for maintenance of parks and gardens in Orihuela Costa, with the non-profit organisation ILDO, and the commitment to undertake the reforms necessary to reopen the second coastal Civic Centre at Ramon de Campoamor, closed for 4 years, C.L.A.R.O is convinced of the commitment of the new Popular Party led government to keep its promises, to make sweeping reforms and improvements in the quality of life of residents of Orihuela Costa.

C.L.A.R.O also considers its decision to support the Popular Party under its new leadership at last year’s local elections and to join and be part of the team implementing these reforms and improvements is being justified.

The alternative, to be left on the side lines, criticising but not contributing to change and improvements and, as some do, advocating a cause which is impossible to realise, is unproductive and deceptive.

Members of the CLAROExecutive

Plaza De Oriente to get a sports court

The Plaza de Oriente central square, popularly known as "La Ermita", is to have an outdoor area that will allow the safe practice of games and sports that are popular with young people in the town.

The councillor, Federico Alarcón, has confirmed the award of the simplified open procedure for the construction of the court, to the company GRUEXMA S.L.U. for a total amount of 162,393 euros.

The area is on the Plaza de Oriente in Torrevieja, where there is an underground car park, on top of which is a garden with approximately one metre of topsoil with grass and palm trees, olive trees, etc. This layer of topsoil is going to be removed and a raised floor created for the sports court. Therefore, the court will not be supported on natural soil, but on a 50-centimetre slab.

A concrete perimeter wall will be built to delimit the court, a raised floor will be laid until it reaches the level of the square, with an artificial grass area, two benches, a litter bin, two goals, a lamp post with four lights and, finally, the entire sports area will be fenced in.

The dimensions of the court will be 21 metres long and 7 metres wide. It is hoped to be ready for use in approximately 5 months.

PILAR DE LA HORADADA A UNIQUE TOURIST MUNICIPALITY

The Generalitat Valenciana has recognised the status of ‘tourist municipality of uniqueness’ of the Valencian Community to Pilar de la Horadada, joining other municipalities in Vega Baja including Rojales, Orihuela and San Fulgencio.

The recognition will allow the town to claim extra financing to compensate for the imbalances involved in serving the floating population during the summer, due to the mismatch between the economic needs that are based on both the census and on real needs.

TORREVIEJA MAY FAIR TO REMAIN ON EL PARQUE DE LA ESTACIÓN

El parque de la Estación will host the Torrevieja May Fair for the second year. The traditional meeting of Sevillanas will be held between the 9th and 12th of the month. The Governing Board approved the putting out to tender of the event's organisation contract, which has a base bidding budget without taxes of 48,766.55 euros.

The court is costing 162 k and it should be ready in 5 months.

MAD HATTERS FUNDRAISER

The recent Mad Hatters Tea Party" at the Marina Bar calle de las Rosas raised 661 Euros for the charity 'Donacions Torevieja & Alrededores'.

A Raffle, and drinks Tombola (Tombooza) helped the takings along as too the generous donations from many people attending the event. The expert team at the Marina Bar were as usual on top form catering for the delicious afternoon tea and also kindly donated monies to the charity. Organisers David and Lorraine Whitney were at the fore as per usual and were thrilled with the takings which will help this worthwhile charity to continue their good work helping with local poor families.

Raquel Tomas Ignacio of the charity called into the bar to show her gratitude and to witness the support shown by all in attendance. A big thank you must go out to everybody who donated gifts, drinks, and money to make this afternoon a fun and rewarding event for the charity.

The photo above shows David and Lorraine flanked from left to right by Carlota and Raquel charity workers for 'Donacions Torrevieja'

DRUGS DRIVER ARRESTED IN ROJALES

A 36-year-old Irishman has been arrested in Rojales after he was found to be moving drugs around the area, on behalf of an International Drugs Organisation.

He is accused of being the driver of a 'shuttle vehicle' that supported an organization dis-

mantled in the so-called 'Topila' operation in mid2023.

The detainee was placed at the disposal of the Investigative Court No. 3 of Torrevieja, which ordered his release on bail.

The investigations were carried out by the Judicial Police from the Pilar de la Horadada Civil Guard. They began in June 2023, during which the agents found evidence of the existence of a vehicle used to provide security for the transportation of drugs, commonly known as a 'shuttle'.

The agents were able to identify the car and the person who was driving by images taken from roadside security cameras. After con-

firming where he lived, he was arrested in an establishment in Rojales, from where he was moved to the Pilar de la Horadada Civil Guard, station.

After being arrested, the agents discovered that the detainee had a judicial charge for falsifying documents, so he was once again placed at the disposal of the Investigative Court No. 2 of Torrevieja.

These actions are related to an operation carried out last June when the Civil Guard dismantled a criminal group based in San Miguel de Salinas and Orihuela Costa that was sending marijuana to Ireland through postal parcels. One of those arrested had fled at a fuel station in the Madrid municipality of Rivas Vaciamadrid and abandoned four suitcases with 54 kilos of marijuana. In addition to exporting drugs to Ireland, they also sold in municipalities in the area where they were arrested.

ORIHUELA ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM MOVES OUT REMAINING COLLECTION

Closed since the middle of last year, the Archaeological Museum needs upgrading more than ever. The building is beginning to show very obvious signs of deterioration with the Council ordering the shoring up of various parts of the church of San Juan de Dios and the Men's toilets, the two areas of the old Oriolano hospital that make up the museum.

On the main door itself, two supports have been placed there to hold up and prevent the lintel of the access porch from continuing to sink.

A million euros in taxes this year from Cala Mosca

The Councillor for Urban Planning Councilor

Matías Ruiz has confirmed that he expects to see a major increase in taxes received through new Constructions, Installations and Works (ICIO) during 2024,a fact that is reflected in the 2024 budgets.

The municipal purse expects to gather in the not inconsiderable sum of 8,845,389 .09 euros,an extraordinary increase in collections from the nearly four million euros that was collected during the 2022 budget.

Amongst the projects highlighted is one that is especially controversial: the 1,026,178.19 euros that the Council plans to receive this year for the construction of new homes in Cala Mosca,the last virgin kilometre of the Oriola coast.

The construction was authorised by the previous PSOE-Cs government team shortly before the last elections.

According to the Councilor for Heritage, Matías Ruiz, the museum mainly suffers from humidity problems that are weakening the structure. He said that even though the refurbishment is especially urgent, the building does not present any risk of collapse at present.

As a preventive measure, the entire archaeological collection has been transferred to a municipal warehouse, where the councillor says it is well protected. In the recently proposed Orihuela Budget 1.5 million euros has been allocated to address the recovery of the building.

NEW ACCOMMODATION FOR ORIHUELACOSTA REFUSE WORKERS

After many years without decent facilities, garbage workers in Orihuela Costa are finally moving into their new facilities. Last Holy Tuesday, the Council completed the transfer of the staff and vehicles from the open site they used as a base in Lomas de Cabo Roig to the new building on PAU-26, between Calle MiÒo and Ebro.

The new MSW Work Centre offers a 300 square meter administrative building, with a dining room and changing rooms. In addition, there is a 400 square meter warehouse, half of which will be used for washing trucks and vehicles and the rest of the space will be used as a workshop and warehouse for tools and chemical products.

The facilities were equipped with furniture that was already in storage, so there has not been a need to buy new. The total budget plan to equip the new building with cameras and solar panels has an outlay of 30,000 euros and 120,000 euros respectively.

Much improved facilities on PAU-26

SPAIN RULES OUT NEW EU MOTORWAY TOLLS

The general director of Road Transport, Roser Obrer, has confirmed that the Spanish Government definitively rules out imposing tolls for the use of Spanish motorways, despite being requested to do so by Brussels.

This Spanish refusal, which has been agreed with the European Commission, is maintained in exchange for the use of trains in transporting goods in the country, a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to road transport. Brussels had threatened to delay the second phase of the Spanish Recovery and the Next Generation European funds between now and 2026 of up to 25.6 billion euro in 2024, up to 44.6 billion in 2025 and up

to 44.3 billion in 2026, but the new agreement between Spain and Brussels includes the replacement of tolls with other solutions to try to reduce polluting emissions from road transport.

1.5 million euros has been allocated in the Orihuela Budget to repair the building.

OPPOSITION REJECTS BUDGET THAT "MORTGAGES" ORIHUELA FOR 15 YEARS

"The electoral promises of PP and Vox will mortgage Orihuela for the next 15 years," said Carolina Gracia,spokesperson for the PSOE,when evaluating the government team's budget project.She went on to recommend 26 amendments.

Ciudadanos,meanwhile,wants the whole budget rewritten.

Gracia went on to say,"This Government has put its own political interests before those of Orihuela,and this decision will put the City Council in debt with a loan of 41 million euros",despite the fact that "a few weeks ago we asked Vegara not to put his political comfort before a real budget".

For the 2024 financial year,the budget,the first for more than five years,recommends a total amount of 140.5 million euros in income and expenditure,compared to 80.3 million when it was last approved in 2018,representing an increase of 60.1 million and a percentage increase of 74.8%.This includes investments of 40.9 million,which will be financed through bank loans .

Gracia said that these budgets have only one positive item: the current spending status is updated in order to comply with both current contracts and to tender those that have expired or are soon to be

expired.

However,the remaining proposals show that the government is willing to do anything to maintain "the supposed economic unlocking of the city,and to do that they are going to mortgage the City for 15 years with loans."

According to PSOE calculations,"after the first year,repayments will be more than 300,000 euros per month,that is 3.8 million per year,or 57 million euros over the term of the loan".

While the interest repayment figure may be disputed,with much of the planned

investment unlikely to yield a return,it appears as though the council is simply buying vanity votes,and of course what coastal residents must also realise is that, despite financing the bulk of the proposed loan,the residents of the Orihuela Costa are,at the very most,only receiving 30% of the benefit.

Ciudadanos has also presented an amendment to the entire budget that it considers to be "a joke." In the words of its spokesperson,José Aix,it is " a great scam for the people of Oriola for the simple reason that it is unattainable."

Carolina Gracia and Jose Aix

IS THIS PROPOSED LAW DRIVING A JOKE TOO FAR?

Do you know that a person over 70 years of age is not allowed to drive a school bus in Ireland? This is hard to believe – and if it wasn’t a proven fact, delivered by Bryan Dobson, this news item would surely pass for an ‘April’s Fool’s Joke.’ Check it out for yourselves. Bus Eireann recently said that it has no intention of reversing its current policy of preventing those over 70 from driving school buses.

Donald Trump or Joe Biden can run the most powerful country on the planet, both in their high 70s – and yet, when Trump gets out of jail and comes penniless to live in Dunbeg, he cannot earn a few bob from driving a school bus part-time? This, despite the fact that school runs have been suspended due to a lack of drivers.

Children have been left forlornly stranded, smoking their fag on the side of the road as they wait in vain for a bus that never comes to take them the half mile to their place of learning. You might imagine that the answer is to have one of the 6th class pupils take over the role of driving the bus: After all, there is no problem with a minor driving a 150 h.p tractor on the public road, why not a simple school-bus?

It is lucky for Bus Eireann – and indeed for our government, that school-bus drivers are a small lobby; ex school-bus drivers don’t have the numbers to muster a resurrection.

A European Commission proposal that motorists over 70 may have to undergo regular refresher courses is getting through the EU Parliament – seemingly without a murmur. It was left to Professor Desmond O’Neill, chairman of the Irish Society of Physicians in Geriatric Medicine, to question the merits of this move.

Professor O’Neill is opposed to what he calls the Commissions ‘black spot.’ He claimed –

rightly we believe, ‘that there is a widespread body of international research which demonstrated that older drivers are the safest group of motorists on roads around the world.’

Actually, a third of all people over 65 killed in road traffic collisions are pedestrians, with the figure as high as 50% for fatalities in older women. (See reference to lady drivers below.) Do these figures not suggest that the answer to road fatalities would be to ban walking?

If you think that any of the above is as bad as it gets with regard to regulations … think again! There are outrageous EU driving rules coming into effect down the road. The recently passed proposals on road safety from Brussels comes into effect from March 2026, when every driver over 70, including private cars. Must display an ‘S’ plate on their car. I can only assume that the ‘S’ stands for ‘senior’.

This new law is totally ageist – but I suppose it is no worse than a healthy bus driver taken off the road on his or her 70th birthday. It has been argued that because a learner driver is bound to show an ‘L’ plate and a novice an ‘N’ plate, why should an old driver, allegedly with slower reflexes, object to displaying the ‘S’ plate? I disagree … in fact, I believe that

this new law is contemptable on many fronts.

For a start, as this ‘S’ Plate requirement only applies to EU countries, drivers coming down here from the northern part of our country, will be exempt. It’s bad enough that they can come down here, zig-zagging around in their black Audis, with yellow number plates - and driving as if the common rules of the road are only for division 3 and 4 counties. This new law is ageist – and they might have gotten away with that one …although Mrs Youcanbeserious lies awake at night worrying that anyone might think she is 70. (Giving up driving altogether has been mentioned) but the Gorls will not stand for the sexist aspect of the regulation.

There is to be a different ‘S Plate’ for lady drivers. I have not seen either ‘S’ but it appears that there will be a horizontal line down through the lady’s ‘S’ – something not

unlike the dollar sign. The reasoning behind opting for a different gender ‘S’ according to the ‘EU Committee on Road Safety’, is because lady drivers over 70 drive differently than men.

There is an official word in place to categorise this female group of drivers. It’s a French word that escapes me at the moment. Those of you who did french at school will know the correct word for ‘dithery’.

To add to the disarray, the conspiratory theorists are out in force, claiming that all this is an Eamonn Ryan ploy to get us all up on bikes. We live in quare times indeed ….!

DON’T FORGET

Cars are like men – the less substantial they are, the more knocking they do.

STAYAFLOAT! ROUND TABLES FOR THE CARE OF OUR MENTALHEALTH.

This is the slogan that the Departments of Health,Youth,Equality and Social Services are launching for the development of a series of round table discussions aimed at the care of mental health in the municipality of Pilar de la Horadada,which will take place in the Casa de Cultura throughout 2024

The campaign is aimed at prevention and to this end,meeting points will be created where attendees can participate and raise

questions about issues related to mental health.

Four round tables will be held,each with a specific theme,among the topics to be discussed: suicide prevention,unwanted loneliness,the phenomenon of bullying and the impact of social networks,and prevention and tools for postnatal depression.

The round tables will comprise of staff who are specialised in the subject to be discussed,resources and/or associations,as well as first-person testimonies.

Discussions will take place in April,May, September and October,details of which will be disseminated in due course.

SALVEMOS CALA MOSCA ASSN DESCEND ON EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Outside the European Parliament

Led by Podemos MEP,Esther Sanz,and the regional coordinator,María Teresa Pérez,the Salvemos Cala Mosca association was in Brussels last week where it called on the European Parliament to protect of the last kilometre of natural coastline of the Orihuela municipality,in which the construction of 2,200 homes is planned.

They travelled with representatives of seven other associations in defence of the Cala Mosca territory.

Spokespersons for the association said that their fight "is not a local problem of destruction of the area,but it is a consequence of the construction that is being undertaken without any real plan-

Santiago de la Ribera awaits 'permission' for the Fisherman Boy

Like so many fishing children that the Mar Menor has recorded throughout its history,this bronze sculpture waits serenely for a mullet or a bream to bite on his hook.Barefoot and with a naked torso,the Murcian artist Manuel Páez (Calasparra,1976),has captured the calm of this candid boy as he gazes eternally at the lagoon.

Hoeve,the Coastal Authority in the Region of Murcia is reluctant to authorize its location on the breakwater of Pescador beach, a few metres from the yacht club,so the San Javier City Council plans to give it a temporary site on the promenade until that the agency makes up its mind.

For the Virgin of Carmen

At the moment,you can see this sculpture in the lobby of the Town Hall,which was first modeled in clay to make the mold, from which a wax copy was obtained.With this version,a new Mold was made,which was then baked at 700 degrees to harden it. Finally,the bronze was poured,which,now provides its current solidity.It as was then cleaned and polished to receive a patina with chemicals and a blowtorch.

ning or thought,that has caused the loss of the environmental wealth that we once had on the Valencian coast".

They asked the European Commission to put an end to "the ecological attacks in the Valencian Community",advocating "urgent measures that guarantee efficient territorial planning”.

In addition to Cala Mosca,they say that "there are numerous urban projects spread throughout the Valencian Community that don’t take into account the protection of biodiversity,the opinion of citizens or the climate crisis," which is why they have joined to make a joint request to defend the environment to maintain and conserve it.

It is hoped that this tribute to

Menorcan

San Miguel students visit Warsaw

A group of students and two teachers from the Los Alcores Secondary School of San Miguel de Salinas travelled to Poland last week where they visited the Polish school Podstawowa, in the district of Bemowo (Warsaw). The visit was reciprocating that made by Polish students to San Miguel last year.

Two teachers and twelve 4th year ESO students travelled to Poland where they were able to enjoy the hospitality of their hosts, as well as

the beauty of the capital of Poland, in addition to carrying out activities prepared by the Polish teachers.

The Spanish students were also hosted by the governors of the Bemowo district and visited many of the most emblematic areas of the city as well as in the historic centre of Warsaw. Thanks to the Erasmus program, which establishes common ties between Europeans, the students from IES Los Alcores were able to enjoy a week of both education and culture, returning "with memories of a magnificent trip, during which they met and made strong ties with the people of Poland, as well as visiting an incredible city, which they will always remember.

fishing as an ancestral way of life in the Mar

can be inaugurated on July 16,coinciding with the festival of the Patroness of fishermen,the Virgin of Carmen.

Moving and Shaking with Naval Veterans

The shipmates of the Torrevieja Branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNATB) make donations to different charities each year and this year one of the shipmates four chosen charities to receive a donation was the Movers and Shakers.

The Association of Movers and Shakers (AMS) are a charity who supports people with five neurological diseases and their families.

The local Almoradi based group working across the Costa Blanca meet regularly each Friday between 1-3pm at O'Brien's Bar & Restaurant El Raso and can be contacted at info@amscb.org.es or on +34 711 00 82 50;

They also have a Facebook page and their web site http://www. amscb.org.es has more details of the five diseases including Huntingtonís, Parkinsonís and Multiple Sclerosis.

RNATB shipmate Brenda Maw nominated the Movers & Shakers as one of the charities for this year and was at the presentation of the donation from the RNATB Treasurer, Carl Louden to the AMS President, Marion Smith.

Also present were their Treasurer, Peter Jones (not in photo) along with members Steve and Diane Douglas, Andrew Busby, David Smith (Huntingtonís sufferer) and Mick Gray together with the RNATB Welfare Officer, Kath Marks and Standard Bearer, Nicola Louen and shipmates Brenda Maw and Graham Shelton. The RNATB shipmates wish the Movers and Shakers every success with the support they provide across the Cost Blanca area.

THE PAJAMA GAME COMES TO THE COSTA BLANCA

Tickets (12 euros) are available by calling 679 06 22 72 or online at www.studiothirtytwo.org or from the following :The Post Box,Dona Pepa966 71 71 56,Cards and More,La Marina 966 79 09 54,Elipacrafts,Quesada 865 75 63 20, Con Amor (with love),Quesada 865 48 16 01,The Post Room,Benijofar 966 71 23 82,Bob's Bar,La Marina 641 99 21 64

The talented musical theatre group Studio 32 are presenting the musical comedy The Pajama Game at the Cardenal Beluga Theatre,San Fulgencio from Thursday 2nd to Saturday 4th of May inclusive - roughly a month earlier than planned due to the theatre having been commandeered by the powers that be.

Based in a pajama factory in Cedar Rapids, Iowa,it follows the story of the workers who,led by their union rep Prez, are seeking a seven and a half cent pay rise from their miserly boss,Mr Hasler.Featuring memorable songs such as "Hernando's Hideaway" and "I'm not at all in love",it also captures the blossoming romance of grievance committee chairman Babe Williams and the new factory superintendent Sid Sorokin (played by Doris Day and John Raitt repectively in the 1950's film version)

Rehearsals are now well under way and tickets are selling fast.Do not miss out on a fun eve-

REGIONAL MUSIC & DANCE BOOST

The Valencia Regional Department of Education, Universities and Employment,through the General Directorate of Teaching Centres,is offering a share of 11.3 million euro for schools that provide non-formal music education in the Valencian Community.

The purpose of the grants is to promote and collaborate with the support of this school activity through the subsidy of the expenses derived from the teaching activity,as well as those of ordinary operation in schools dependent on local groups or private non-profit associations.

Music schools,music and dance schools,and schools of music and performing arts,are all invited to apply for a share of the funding through the regional government’s online portal.Historical-Artistic Monumental Element.

The groups want to see better coordination of actions

GROUPS CRYOUTFOR BETTER PROTECTION OFMAR MENOR

Adozen neighbourhood groups and associations joined together to hold the 'Third March for the Rights of the Mar Menor' last Saturday. The mobilization started from the old Los Arcos hospital and ended at the Barnuevo esplanade, in Santiago de la Ribera.

The organizers explained that the objective of the demonstration is to demand the implement of necessary measures to reduce the impacts that continue to exist on the Mar Menor, even though some regulatory improvements have been achieved in the last year.

They ask the Regional Government to act according to its responsibilities, and also urge the rest of the administrations to coordinate their actions so that the recovery of the Mar Menor soon becomes a reality and serves as a reference for other ecosystems that are in danger.

The march was attended by groups such as Banderas Negras, Huerta Viva, Pacto por el Mar Menor, SOS Mar Menor and the Federation of Neighbourhood Associations of Cartagena and Comarca, among others.

“ Let's continue protecting the rights of this lagoon that deserves to stay alive," they stated in the manifesto.

HISTORY, NATURE AND FUN FOR CHILDREN IN THE TOURIST ROUTE

Orihuela Tourism has published the programme of tourist routes for the month of April, offering a number of different proposals, nature experiences and activities designed for children.

On the occasion of International Museum Day, there will be games and workshops for children on Saturday 20 April. Families are also catered for with the route "El Juglar y las Historias de su Hogar" (The Minstrel and the Stories of his Home), on Saturday 27 April.

In addition, nature lovers will be able to enjoy the mountain route along the Sendero de San Miguel on the 14th of April, an opportunity to connect with Orihuela's natural surroundings. There is a route organised routes around the figure of the poet Miguel Hernandez, on 28 April. Art also has its place with the route "Art through the Churches" on 13 April, offering a unique look at the ecclesiastical heritage of the city.

Finally, in the April routes, visitors are invited to enjoy a Cultural Walk through the Palm Grove Interpretation Centre on 21 April, where they will learn about the importance of this historical heritage. For more information, via the website www.orihuelaturistica.es or by WhatsApp 673 836 385.

TOILETS CLOSED AGAIN ON ORIHUELA COSTA BEACHES

The cleaning and maintenance contract for beach toilets only covered the Easter period so, once again the toilets are closed. Now residents and tourists have to wait for the chirunguitos to open so that the toilets can be operational again with the council now placing responsibility on the beach bars, which are yet to open themselves.

ORIHUELA INCOME FROM FINES TO INCREASE 7FOLD IN 2024

During 2022 the income gained by the Orihuela council for breaches of planning regulations and other local fines amounted to 353,898.93 euros. In 2024, figures release in the budget estimate that figure will increase to 2,615,000 euros.

The council says this is mainly due to the forecast increase in fines for urban planning violations (about 400,000 euros). The rest is made up of fines for ordinance violations (750,000 euros), as well as fines on the Economic Activities Tax and other fines.

NEW ROUTE BETWEEN EDINBURGH & BARCELONA

Spanish budget carrier

Vueling, based at Viladecans and owned by British Airways’ parent IAG, is to start twice-weekly flights between Edinburgh and Barcelona this month.

Edinburgh Airport said: "With new Vueling flights, it just got even easier to fly to one of Europe's most stunning cities. Sunshine. Seafood. Shopping. Sport."

Furthermore, it is understood that 996 staff have been told that the carrier is consulting unions on cutting the workforce by 35%.

PILAR DE LA HORADADA MOTORWAY TUNNEL TO GET 4 MILLION EURO UPGRADE

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has put out to tender the contract for the modernisation and energy efficiency improvement works of the Pilar de la Horadada tunnel,located on the Crevillente-Cartagena section of the AP-7,in the province of Alicante.

The contract is valued at 4.4 million euro (IVA included),with the objective to provide the tunnel with the necessary facilities and equipment to continue guaranteeing safety for tunnel users, as well as to reduce energy consumption in its operation by improving the efficiency of its facilities,through intelligent lighting management. Thus,the power supply facilities,emergency lighting,evacuation signage,emergency posts, public address system,hydrant network,ventilation systems,installation of new automatic fire detection cameras,traffic gauges or closing barriers will be modernised,among others.

The

The lighting system will also be adapted with the aim of obtaining an improvement in the energy efficiency of the installation,through the incorporation of an intelligent control and regulation system,making it necessary to update the current VSAP luminaire technology with dimmable LED equipment.

The intelligent management system for lighting regulation and control will allow continuous regulation of lighting,equipment by equipment, depending on the external luminance and the tunnel occupancy level.

In addition,independent vestibules will be built in the tunnels for the evacuation of people through the galleries,and the burial of two horizontal tanks of 60 m? capacity for fire protection.

The project will be financed through the Recovery,Transformation and Resilience Plan, charged to the NextGenerationEU European funds,which contemplate investments of up to 302 million euro (IVA not included) in sustainability,energy efficiency and action against noise on the state motorway network.

Orihuela asks the Generalitat for help to restore three churches.

Vox is looking to gather support in Valencia for the task of rescuing the Oriolano historical heritage from decline. Two weeks ago, the president of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, announced that he has joined the new Group established by the Council and, last Saturday, during the Holy week processions, the deputy mayor, Manuel Mestre, and the councillor for Culture, Gonzalo Montoya, met with the Valencian vice president, Vicente Barrera. The two councillors took Barrera to visit the Santo Domingo church, a visit that also included the president of the Alicante Provincial Council, Toni Pérez, and the mayor of Orihuela, Pepe Vegara.

Mestre said there is work in the church of San Agustín that need urgently to be carried out. Closed in the 80s, the largest church in the Diocese is suffering serious deterioration with its bell tower and dome covered with canvas due to the danger of falling masonry.

The former Alicante deputy also pointed out as urgent the repair of two chapels in poor condition, the Communion chapel, in the church of Santa Justa y Rufina, and the Hallazgo chapel, in the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Monserrate, Patron saint of the city.

Mestre also stressed to Barrera the importance of Orihuela expanding its university offering, as well as expressing his desire for the Bullring to host bullfighting shows again.

There is no indication yet of when the work will be carried out

LOS MONTESINOS LAUNCHES “HEALTHYSTEPS” PROGRAM.

Los Montesinos has announced the launch of its innovative health program, "Healthy Steps" , designed to promote an active and healthy lifestyle in the community, especially amongst older people.

This free program, which takes place every Tuesday and Thursday, will offer easy and accessible routes for all people who can move independently, thus contributing to the physical and mental well-being of all residents.

The departures are scheduled to start at 10 a.m. from the Plaza Sagrado Corazón de Los Montesinos. The routes, carefully selected, will allow participants to enjoy the natural beauty of the environment while carrying out physical activity in a comfortable and safe manner, supervised by the students of the IX workshop of La Marquesa employment, specialty Social and Health Care for Dependent Persons and Social Institutions.

Sports Councilor Ana Belén Juárez expressed her enthusiasm for this project, stating: "We are excited to launch the 'Healthy Steps' program, which will give the entire neighbourhood the opportunity to take care of their health while enjoying the company of other people, the environment, and the outdoors. "We want to promote the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle and make exercise accessible to everyone, regardless of age."

For more information and to register in the program, it is recommended that you visit the town hall.

Communion Chapel in the church of Santa Justa is propped up to prevent the collapse of its dome

The Mayor, flanked by his Deputy and the Councillor for Health

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ACROSS ACROSS 1.Smith's

Solution on Page 21

ANSWERS Week 1017

QUICK QUICK

ACROSS: 3 Foolhardy; 8 Army; 9 Matchless; 10

Heaven; 11 Flout; 14

Union; 15 Thee; 16

Sides; 18 Lent; 20 Prune; 21 Tramp; 24 Sister; 25

Bestowing; 26 Inca; 27

Stand down.

DOWN: 1 Bashfully; 2

Impatient; 4 Oman; 5

Local; 6 All-out; 7 Disc; 9

Means; 11 Fed up; 12

Thrusting; 13 Rehearsal; 17 Sprig; 19 Triton; 22

Mewed; 23 Heat; 24

Snow.

CR CR YPTIC YPTIC

ACROSS: ACROSS: 3 Abandoned; 8 Mark; 9 Providing; 10

Aspire; 11 Plead; 14

Skein; 15 Time; 16

Tonga; 18 Vain; 20

Lapse; 21 Couch; 24

Barrel; 25 Rigmarole; 26

Stun; 27 Plane-tree.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Impassive; 2

Prophetic; 4 Bore; 5

Novel; 6 Old hat; 7 Edna; 9 Print; 11 Punch; 12

Disparity; 13 Levelling; 17

Algae; 19 Norman; 22

Caret; 23 Viol; 24 Blue.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS ACROSS

1.Meat Kate's cooked (5)

4.I'd seven pickled salad plants (7)

8.Mr Kelly's is the first book (7)

9.Girl who could be Roman (5)

10.Atop London orchestra too (4)

11.Passionate love for a bird (8)

13.Drink put right into the container (4)

14.Volcano in Vietnam? (4)

16.Suggest it's close (8)

17.Copy a baby's bed (4)

20.Untie badly and join together (5)

21.I managed to take a man from the Middle East (7)

22.Minehead and Exeter merging is drastic (7)

23.Highly-skilled, but taped up (5)

DOWN DOWN

1.An obvious lack of success on the railways (6,7)

2.Sinner has no right to return to Irish town (5)

3.Show love for a touch of snooker (4)

4.Leases out artists' equipment (6)

5.Edit many letters about an explosive (8)

6.Dave ran around the porch (7)

7.Was the bad coin given by opposition frontbenchers? (6,7)

12.Prime minister going to the east for first performance (8)

13.Tap trio upset nationalist (7)

15.Make an effort to get rivets out (6)

18.River you'll find her in? (5)

19.Celebration for silver over at Los Angeles (4)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on

1. Which song with a historical figure in the song's title was Paul McCartney's first number one hit in the US after leaving the Beatles?

2. According to worldclimate.com, what is the capital city with the coldest annual temperature? a. Reykjavik b. Ottawa c. Moscow d. Ulaan-baatar

3. Although there are a few exceptions, which ingredient needs to be added to a stock in order to make it a broth? (four letters)

4. Which biblical word for a sea serpent is often applied to a ship of great size?

5. The following are all lyrics from songs with the word (five) or number five (5) somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song? a. Not a shirt on my back not a penny to my name, b. News guy wept and told us, Earth was really dying. c. They just use your mind and never give you credit

6. Plus or minus 20, in which year does the action in both the novel and the film 'The Last Of The Mohicans' take place?

7. Which part of the body does the painful infection known as Otitis affect?

8. Although it is never used for commercial flights, with 8.3 km, the longest airport runway in the world is found where?

9. In which James Bond film is an atomic device disarmed with 007 seconds remaining on the clock?

page 21)

10. Built on their western frontier, what was the German reply to the French Maginot Line?

11. According to legend, which very small animal saved Mohammed the Prophet, Frederich the Great and the Scottish King Robert Bruce?

12. Which actor was in all of the following films? North by Northwest, Lolita, Georgy Girl, The Blue Max, Cross of Iron and The Boys From Brazil

13. The most famous Prince of Wallachia is better known as what?

14. What was the name of the band that backed up Bobby Boris Pickett on the song 'Monster Mash'?

15. The title European Footballer of the Year was awarded between the years 1956 and 2009. Which two countries produced five different title winning players during those years? One point for each correct country.

16. What are the two most populated cities in India? One point for each correct answer.

17. Which word for an outdoor bathing pool takes its name from an Adriatic island?

18. Which title was once given to the virtual rulers of Japan who kept the true Emperor in captivity?

19. What is the name of the CIAoperative who has appeared in 11 James Bond films?

20. Since 1950 there have been three Formula One World Driver's Champions with the initials 'J. S.' . Can you name them?

MORE THAN 50 AIRCRAFT FROM SPAIN AND EUROPE ALREADY CONFIRMED FOR SAN JAVIER AIRSHOW

More than 50 aircraft from across Spain and the rest of Europe will take part in the San Javier Air Festival that will be held from May 3 to 5 on the beaches of Santiago de la Ribera, organized by the San Javier City Council.

The event, expects to bring together some 150,000 people, according to the mayor, José Miguel Luengo, who pointed out that it is an event of "top-level tourist promotion that will "help to energize everything that San Javier means to the thousands of people who are going to visit us during those days."

The director of the event, Pablo González said that it will be "a unique opportunity to admire many types of aircraft that, usually, are difficult to see up close." The Festival has already confirmed two flights of six planes from England and France,

May 1, 2 & 3. Put the date in your diary now:

that have never previously visited Spain. "We will have world-class aerobatic displays, dual formations, historical aviation groups, civil and military aerobatic patrols, from

England, France, Italy and Switzerland, and aerobatic formations of historical aircraft," said the Festival director who confirmed the presence of the Swiss national acrobatic patrol 'Patrouille Suisse', together with the

San Miguel based ‘Eagle Acrobatic Patrol’.

The Councilor for Strategic Projects, Héctor Verdú, highlighted parallel program of activities that the whole family can enjoy during the weekend, in which they will also be able to watch the training of all the aircraft from the beach, starting on Friday afternoon until Sunday morning when the official display will take place, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The public will also be able to enjoy activities related to aeronautics at ground level in a 'Play Zone' that will be installed on the Barnuevo esplanade with children's workshops, drones, virtual reality glasses, flight simulators and other attractions. There will also be a tent where the public can get signatures and photos from the participating pilots.

The music will be provided by the group Apache, on Friday, May 3, and by the group Conectados and the Argentine singer Coti on Saturday, May 4, in three free concerts that will also take place on the Barnuevo esplanade.

The Church of JESUS CHRISTof Latter-Day Saints in Torrevieja meet at 10.00 each Sunday in their chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. All Welcome. Phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 659 016 733

Join us at the SALT CHURCH Sundays at 10.30 am. We are a friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship. Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, PolÌgono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. We look forward to meeting you. www.Saltchurchspain. Facebook SaltChurchSpain International Christian Assembly, Calle Beniajan 14, Torrevieja -Evangelical Church. Sunday Service 11 a.m.; - Contact 966 799 273 / 660 127 276. Evangelical non-denominational church. www.icatorrevieja.org

The Car of the Month at AUTOMOVILES CRESPO is a very attractive 2019 Ford Focus ST-Line Hybrid at just 21,900 euro. Come along to our large showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and

gramme of English speaking activities, support, information and advice with the support of Orihuela Council. Anyone wanting to join CCAsocial activities can pop along. Open 2pm -6pm Mondays and Thursdays, Wednesday 2pm - 5pm. You can register between 1pm & 2pm on those days, in the Cafe area where you will find Eva or Norah. email: oc.communitycare@gmail.com

The RAFACosta Blanca RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Assn. Contact with the RAFAand the RMG is via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk.

used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. See page 7. We can assure you of the biggest and best choice of new and used cars in the area for price, choice and quality. ENGLISH SPOKEN

AGE CONCERN BEREAVEMENTGROUP.

Have you lost somebody close to you? Are you finding life difficult after a bereavement? Come along and chat to other people in the same situation. Starting on October 10th, then every Tuesday from 2-4pm at the Age Concern Centre, Calle Paganini, La Siesta, Torrevieja. 96 678 6887. Everyone is welcome. Los Alc·zares Digital Camera Club. Interested in photography? We invite you to come and join us at our twice monthly meetings. Please contact coordinatorladcc@ gmail.com or see http://www.los-alcazarescamera.club/ for details.

COMMUNITYCARE ASSOCIATION (CCA) Open to residents of Orihuela Costa over 60 years of age. Located at the Centro Civico Alameda del Mar. Open 3 times a week for a pro-

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50ís. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Home Visiting Team to visit a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. Call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887. Or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es

Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 5pm at the Lakeview bar/restaurant, Quesada. For more info contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Steve Hemingfield 0n Mob/Whats 711 011 373

LOOKING FOR Silent Business Partner for small Private Care Home. Invest 10K and get 20K back in 14 months. Call 747 438 225 CONSTRUCTION AND GENERALBUILDING. For all building works large or small, phone 604 152 124 for quotes. We also specialise in pool leaks and repairs. (1012)

Law Services: PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR, Solicitor, Debt Collections, Bad Tenants. 747 438 225

Check your screen wash levels

It is spring once again, and as the seasons change, so do driving dynamics, and one thing that is often neglected until we realise that its empty is our screen wash reservoir.

One thing that spring brings is more insects, and, sadly, many of them face a very short life, taken out by unexpected collisions with vehicles, but that too poses a risk for those vehicles as visibility is often hampered by the remains of their short, though hopefully meaningful lives, as they are laid to rest on our windscreens.

Therefore, to remove all traces of their being from our windscreen, it is important to remember to keep your screen wash topped up. Some of the bugs might need to be removed manually, as they can be stubborn and streak across the windscreen.

It ought to be one of your (at least) monthly rituals, when you check your lights, oil, and tyres as well as other parts, making sure that your vehicle is maintained in a safe and roadworthy manner.

Although the engine compartment is not an area many of us are familiar with, nor do many of us want to be, there are certain areas that are a must for every driver. Luckily, most vehicle manufacturers make the bits we need both easily accessible and easy to identify, so that we don’t have to “fiddle” with anything unnecessary.

Check with your vehicle manual for the loca-

tion of your screen wash tank, although it is often identified by a standard symbol, and the cap is often a different colour to it stands out, and then keep a check on the levels, topping them up as needed, but at least once a month, as we say.

Once you know that the levels are okay, and with approved liquids only in there (hint: washing up liquid doesn’t work as well as you might think), you then need to use it. Find out the different setting on your vehicle so

Remember to keep your screen wash topped up and your windscreen clean

that you know how to use the screen wash feature. Some vehicles also have them on the rear, so check that out too. Then use the wash to keep your windscreen clear of any obstructions.

It is also worth remembering that if you use your screen wash when the vehicle is moving then the trajectory of the spray may differ to that of a standing vehicle. It is also worth keeping two other points in mind if the vehicle is moving too, such as if you spray too

much, it may obscure your vision, which could be dangerous. Also, the spray may go too high and even over your vehicle, spraying whatever is behind you. Okay, that might mean the car behind gets a free windscreen wash, but for a two-wheeled vehicle that could result in dangerous conditions.

That said, the screen wash is there for a purpose, because our windscreen must always be kept clean, so use it. Remember to keep all windows clean and clear, as well as lights, mirrors and the number plates, as these form essential functions on the vehicle, and some of which are mandatory requirements to do so.

UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE

Tony Mayes Rant

Rowers at the recent London Boat Race bitterly complained about “poo in the water”, while members of the Oxford crew blamed sewage in the river for possibly causing them to lose the race because they had been throwing up after practice sessions earlier in the week.

What a dreadful advertisement for Britain this is, it is hardly likely to persuade people in Europe and America, for example, to choose Britain as their holiday destination this year. But what has led to this disgusting situation, where levels of E. coli in the river has broken all records this spring? The fault must surely go to past Tory governments for privatising the water industry.

Sadly, their philosophy is that private enterprise can provide any service better than something that is nationalised. But I am sure that the majority of voters in Britain have finally realised that so called “benefits” of privatisation have been laid woefully bare. The water industry in Britain, previously run by regional authorities, which were open to the public and press, was privatised by Margaret Thatcher and instead of money being available to improve the water distribution and sewage disposal, some of it was syphoned off to provide dividends to shareholders and massive bonuses to greedy directors.

And all the time more and more sewage was being discharged into rivers and seas around the country, aided and abetted by Ofwat, the body supposedly charged with regulating and overseeing the industry, and, of course the government, who were only to willing to close their eyes to the problem, concerned only to keep bills down to save their political necks.

And now we have so much sewage in the Thames it has become a national disgrace, medics warning people not to swim in it or even to get their faces splashed by the polluted water. And Thames Water Company thinks its customers should foot the clean up bill.

The Boat Race is an event which is highlighted on TV around the world and the Thames is a showpiece of the UK.

But it isn’t just the water industry which has suffered under private enterprise. We have heard dreadful stories about the mismanage-

ment of a funeral director business in Hull, where the ashes of the deceased have been mixed up and police are unable to tell which ashes belong to which family because DNA degrades on cremation.

British railways owned and run by private companies, are now a disaster, and those Victorians who launched the Post Office in 1840 would turn in their graves to see what a disaster it has become under the Tory watch.

The NHS is another disaster, as is State education. Why? Because the rich can opt to go private and that is encouraged by a Conservative government. We heard that people are now waiting up to a month for an appointment to see a doctor.

Teachers and doctors are going off sick at record numbers, suffering under work pressures. What disasters.

It feels like Britain is collapsing like a pack of cards and it’s no wonder that polls are now showing that fewer than 100 Tory MPs will be likely to retain their seats at the General Election – that’s when these dreadful Klingons finally decide enough is enough and declare a date.

MAKING UP

Women – I would like you to take a particular interest in this, because you could, inadvertently, be seriously destroying fish life.

If you are into skincare, you will have heard of squalene or squalane. It is in moisturisers, make-up and cleansers but is also used in vaccines and medicines.

Now, scientists have linked squalene to around 390 species of sharks and rays being

threatened with extinction, according to new research.

Women – did you know that when you put moisturisers on your face or body, you are using something that is quite unpleasant –because Squalene is traditionally collected from the livers of deepwater sharks. The livers help them stay afloat.

And these fish are now being hunted to extremes, and in a few years could become extinct, warn scientists.

So, think again before you use these products, and it might also be useful for people to think what damage is being done to the environment with all the make up and which is being used by millions every day. Sobering thought!

PROTECTING ANIMALS

A few years ago the cost of funerals in the UK became yet another national scandal, and it was caused because more and more privately-owned companies were taken over by American multi-nationals.

Funerals cost thousands of pounds and this has led to companies coming onto the market offering pared back funerals at a much lower price.

And now it seems the “American dream” has reached the veterinary industry, with more and more vets practices being brought out. The result? Sky high prices for the care of animals, especially for emergency treatment.

One well known actor was interviewed on TV telling viewers of having to pay hundreds of pounds for emergency treatment for his dog, even paying a scandalous price for Paracetamol tablets which in a chemist

would cost hardly anything.

It’s no wonder that America has 500 or more billionaires, and an increasing number of pets are being abandoned because owners cannot afford vet bills.

RECREATIONAL GERMANY

As from April 1, Germany has legalised the possession and home cultivation of cannabis, and a local mayor in neighbouring France is suggesting that her town should do it to, as a social experiment.

Under the new law, adults will be allowed to possess up to 25g of the drug in public, hold 50g at home and grow a maximum of three plants.

From July, private "cannabis clubs" can supply 500 members on a limited basis. Apparently safeguards are going to be put in place to prevent cannabis tourism to Germany.

The plus side of legalising cannabis is that it will put an end to criminal gangs, often using children as couriers, selling the drug and encouraging its use. Also it will end any “glamour” in taking the drug.

On the negative side it could increase cannabis use, and much more importantly, a larger number of people may end up driving vehicles while under the influence.

Drug driving has already become a serious problem in the UK and any increase in such danger on the road should , of course, be discouraged. So, on balance, I hope Britain does not go down the German route.

WISDOM OF SOLOMON

Watching the news it seems the world is becoming a more dangerous place and it’s worrying.

We hear that European countries bordering Russia are increasingly fearing war and are urging people to volunteer into the armed services.

The situation in Gaza gets worse by the day and, driven by pure hatred on both sides, shows no sign of being resolved.

A religious war, fuelled by hatred, is going to take the wisdom of Solomon to resolve.

Last week we heard that the country which I once thought was one of the most peace loving in Europe – Sweden – has now the worst gun violence on the continent, and many commentators blame the huge influx of immigrants is partly to blame, fuelled by poverty.

And when I hear that a 12 year old boy used a gun to kill one classmate and seriously injure two others in Finland, I despair.

ARTIFICIAL TURF TO BE REPLACED AT NELSON MANDELA STADIUM

The Nelson Mandela Stadium is to have new artificial turf and renovated facilities.

On Friday the council awarded the contract to Pavasal, based in Vara de Quart (Valencia), for 886,587 euros, which represents a 10% reduction on the base budget. The first phase of the project, the most urgent, will be replacement of

the artificial surface, which is already showing some wear. From there, in a second phase, an almost complete renovation is planned, in which the seats in the stands will be renewed, the dugout, the perimeter fencing, and a new video scoreboard.

The Provincial Council will contribute 100k to the project.

HOME OF SC TORREVIEJA

With capacity for 2,000 spectators, since 2016 it has functioned as a stadium and training ground, first for Torrevieja CF and, currently, for SC Torrevieja.

The Nelson Mandela was the priority for councillor Diana Box, which is now expected to be followed by a new indoor swimming pool and the repair of paddle tennis courts in the Sports City.

Cable stolen leaving 1,000 inhabitants without a phone

A new weekend, and for the third time in the last 3-week, sabotage leaves over a thousand Portmán residents incommunicado.

On Friday at noon the third consecutive theft of a cable from the Telefónica repeater mast that provides voice and data coverage to 1,000 local residents was committed. The consequence is that, except for those people who subscribe to cable Internet, no one will not be able to use their mobile phone, even to call 112, until the damage is repaired.

In addition to the theft of the wiring, the criminals destroyed

much of the installation to make its repair difficult.

Although the Telefónica operators were working on the repeater as soon as Friday afternoon, "they do not know when they will be able to restore the service," the mayor of La Unión, Joaquín Zapata, has said.

The first of the robberies took place on March 15 and the second on the 19th. The surveillance of the Local Police and Civil Guard has increased since then, but the thieves have still been able to act in broad daylight.

Generalitat to build 600 Starter Homes in Torrevieja

On Friday the president of the Generalitat,Carlos Mazón,presented the Vive Plan,an ambitious program to build thousands of protected homes throughout the Valencian Community,one of the recipients being Torrevieja.

One of the conditions is that the town councils provide the land to the Valencian government.

Fortunately,the announcement has coincided with the beginning of the works of what is the largest urban expansion of the town in many years.Sector 20 La Hoya is the last large pocket of developable land left in the municipality,and this has been the area chosen by the mayor,Eduardo Dolón,to host these new constructions aimed at young people and families with low incomes.

In total,64,000 of the 1.8 million square meters of the old estate will be allocated to public development.

On Friday the Torrevieja council approved starting the reparcelling procedures prior to the delivery of the land to Valencia.

TORREVIEJA DARTS LADIES ORGANISATION

TDLO LEAGUE F ORMAT WEEK 14

Gap Girlz14 - 7Friendly Temps

Ladybirds13 - 9Tipsy Tigers

Friendly Chicas9 - 11Primadonnas

Dolly Mixtures15 - 8Wacky Allsorts

LEAGUE TABLE PFA

Gap Girlz14182103

Ladybirds14169133

Friendly's Temps14168135

Tipsy Tigers14166155

Primadonnas14155153

Macklin's Dolly Mixtures14126174

Friendly's Chicas14118175

Wacky Allsorts 14117185

HOT DARTS WEEK 14

Bliss Wright (GG) 140, 125, 100x3, Chelsea Campbell (GG) 125, 123, 117, 100 x2, Dons Ralph (LB) 120, 100 x3, Yvonne Rouffignac (GG) 140, 100, Eileen Askew (TT) 140, Elaine Maston (DM) 138, Sandra Crabbe (LB) 132, Diane Burns (DM) 117, Sue Casey (WA) 117, Claire Lumb (GG) 117, Monique Edelenbos (FT) 117, Lynn Young (LB) 117, Lesley Justice (DM) 115, Simone de Lacy (TT) 106, Julie Thompson (FT) 101, Sharon Marshall (GG) 100, Nicola Moseley (FT) 100, Pat Schofield (TT) 100, Alison Webster (FC) 100

HIGH CHECK-OUT: Chelsea Campbell (GG) 117, Ann Wharton (FT) 97, Claire Lumb (GG) 86, Julie Hallett (FC) 80

TDLO LADIES SINGLES COMPETITION: TUESDAY 2ND APRIL

Gap Girlz Chelsea Campbell has added the Tuesday Ladies darts singles champion to her Thursday Ladies singles champion title this season.

Last time, she managed the semi-finals stage in the TDLO league but this year she beat team mate Yvonne Rouffignac in the quarter finals, Mitch Halliday in the Semi´s and Eileen Askew in the Finals to make it a double whammy!

Tipsy Tiger Eileen´s route to the Finals saw off Bliss Wright in the quarters and local lady Ann Wharton in the semi´s. Eileen (140, D1) took the first of 4 legs but Chelsea took the next 3 legs (12-D20), (D5) and (100, D4).

Eileen countered with a ton in both the 2nd and 3rd legs to keep up with the little lass from Ireland but was pipped to the post at

San Luis Bowls Club

Monday 1st SL Hercules travelled to Country Bowls to play a very tough windy game against the Bluebirds, but managed to come away with 2 points, winners: Chris Jackson/Ralph Jones/Vic Mahomet 17/16.

Wednesday 3rd VCL: SL Kestrels played a home game against SM Marshalls, picking up 4 points, with some very close scores and only a 2 shot difference overall.

Winners: Ladies singles-Barbara Louis 21/9. Triples - Ray Watmough

SAN MIGUEL BOWLS CLUB

Barry Jones

On Monday,San Miguel Moors were away to Quesada Blenheim's where they managed wins on 2 rinks but lost the overall shots 71 - 80.The best result came from Phil Broadhurst,Steve Cantley & Fred Willshire 21- 13.

Meanwhile,San Miguel Christians were at home to Quesada Lancaster’s with San Miguel losing 2 - 10,53 shots to 95.The best win came from Ian Hope,Ken Guiney & Alan Campbell,18 - 11.

the check-out. Winner: Chelsea Campbell, Gap Girlz Finalist: Eileen Askew, Tipsy Tigers

HIGH SCORES ON THE NIGHT:

Chelsea Campbell 140, 115, 100 x6; Ellie Attwood 134, 120, 108, 102, 100 x2; Gora Bryndis 136, 125, 112, 105, 100; Yvonne Rouffignac 125, 121, 109; Eileen Askew 140, 100 x2; Ann Wharton 130, 100 x2; Ali Webster 112, 100 x2; Bliss Wright 100 x3, Sharon Marshall 132, 126; Mitch Halliday 121.

R.I.P. DIANE DANE

Finally, we have to say a heart-breaking farewell to one of our lady darters who sadly passed away on 3rd April.

Diane Dane was a well-respected and loved player in the darts world, most recently playing for the Primadonnas in the TDLO league.

Diane also played in the national competitions and will no doubt be revving up to the pearly gates on her Harley Davidson to join her Ladies Double Partner, Karen Winter, on the oche in the sky. RIP beautiful lady.

/Fran & Neil Cox 17/15.

SL Hawks travelled to SM to play against the Sheriffs and came away with a very creditable draw, winners: Ladies singles-Jane Hamill 21/17. Triples-Mary & Phil Lockley/Dave Whitworth 19/18. RinksStuart Wilson/Joy Gardiner/Ralph Jones/Stewart Hamill 24/21. Good luck to San Luis and all competitors, competing in The Champion of Champions.

If you would like to find out more, or give bowling a try, come along to our OPEN roll ups Saturdays 9:30/10:00 or our Chicken/Egg game Wednesdays 1:30/2:00. Dee Hoey

Wednesday saw better results with San Miguel Marshall's away to San Luis Kestrel’s and bringing back a 8 - 4 victory, 82 shots to 80.The best win came from Doug Jones & Ken Guiney in the Pairs,17 - 7.

San Miguel Sheriffs were at home to San Luis Hawk’s where they managed a 6 all draw,109 shots to 91.The highest win came from Dori Svanbergsson & Mike Douglas,again in the Pairs,32 - 19. The Deputies were resting this week but will be back in action next.

A reminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays 1.30pm for 2.00pm - 5 for an afternoon’s bowling with shoes and bowls available to borrow.Due to the popularity of the Wasps,first time bowlers are

LA MARINA BOWLS

Only 1 game to report on this week, and none for next week. If you want to watch some excellent bowling it's Champion of Champions at Quesada ñ good luck to all especially our contestants.

Wednesday and we visited Greenlands where it certainly proved successful if you can get off to a flyer. Our rink took a beating at 38-6, but the opposition were off to a flyer scoring 11 before we got on the board. Our pairs of Peter Parsons and Don Fowkes got off to a flyer scoring 5 on the first and second end. Proving a unassailable leave and went on to win 22-14, Our trip of Mike Stone, Len Daniels and John Rae also got off to a flyer scoring 8 before the opposition got on the board, which again proved unassailable going on to win 23-12.

Our two singles faced Peter & Lisa Bonsor and both had similar results ñ hard fought games losing 12-21 and 14-21. We lost the overall shots but came away with a respectable 4 points.

On the home scene the Club days of Tuesday and Thursday mornings are well supported, so if you feel you should exercise more or more importantly if you Doctor told you to exercise more why not consider giving Bowls a try. Competitive but friendly you really will be pleasantly surprised.

DA DAVE HADA VE HADA W WAAY Y

EMERALD ISLE BOWLS CLUB

The Summer League started very brightly with the Vulcans beating Greenlands Gladiators at home 8-4 Aggregate of 73-69; K John, N Prior, D Mooney 21-7. PHeaney, M Harley, B Kavanagh 18-11, N Davis, M Ellis, C Lindgren 1611

Victors travelled to play Country BowlsWarriors and they got a fine 8-4 Aggregate of 88-85 win M Riley G Odell M Odell 30-10, Parrett R Stokell, PWillicott 23-13, D Taylor, K Barber, J Taylor 21-10

VCLleague saw the Dukes playing at Quesada Lions and they got beaten 4-8, Aggregate of 7297 M Dyer 21-5, M Oakley C Lindgren 22-17

Earls played at home against Greenlands Titans and they were beaten 4-8, Aggregate of 87-91 I

Laverick K Barber M Odell 22-16, TPaffett R

Stokell G Inwood G Dyer 20-12

Highjackers visited the Isle but home advantage paid off with Isle winning

SAPS as usual on Saturdays at 13.15 pm

ELWYN MORRIS

asked to attend an initial coaching session on Tuesday afternoons,starting at 1.45pm, by appointment ONLY.To book,please call Dave or Lynn Greenland on +34 667 207 508.

Please note there will be no WASPS on the afternoon of Wednesday 8th May due to club competitions.

We welcome all bowlers who would like to join San Miguel B.C.as we are a unique clubwe only pay owner fees and a club fee and NO LEAGUE RINK FEES.

For further information on San Miguel B.C please contact club secretary Barry Jones on 602 504 905 or club president Alan Campbell on 606 676 118

GreenlandsBowls

Well here we are back on the green for the start of the summer season and the VCLleaques.

1st April Greenlands v Emerald Isle at home did not get the start they wanted and had to settle for just 4points with the Isle getting 8points.

1st April Greenlands Gladiators travelled to Emerald Isle Vulcans. and had to fight hard to grap 4 points I'm sure the results will improve weeks to come .

Greenlands TITANS played in The VCLon Wednesday against Emerald Isle and had agreat result of winning 8 to 4 so such a great result for them well done to all the team..

Greenlands GIANTS were away to La Marina in the VCLleaque and got a good result winning 8 games to 4 so well done keep it going .

The winners were El Limonar Justin

Diane Dane

Chelsea and Eileen

MCDAVITT CLEAR WINNER AT LA MARINA GOLF

This week the members of the La Marina Golf Society met at Alenda golf course in Monforte del Cid, where they were competing for the Vega Fibra Trophy.

We thank our sponsors Vega Fibra for sponsoring the day's game.

The weather was warm and perfect for a game of golf, which unfortunately couldn’t be said for the course itself. With the rough unplayable and long grass on the fairways, the day was tough.

Most of the greens were ok except for many unrepaired pitch marks, 101 Dalmatians spring to mind, and unraked bunkers. It seems that since lockdown many golfers have forgotten course etiquette which is most annoying when playing one of the expensive courses in the area.

After the game, the members met back at the La Marina Sports Bar for some wellearned refreshments and the

day’s presentation.

In first place and winning the Vega Fibra Trophy with 42 points was Elspeth McDavitt, in second place was Gordon Thursfield with 38 pts, and in third place on countback with 35 pts was Sue Roberts Lyall.

Nearest the pin winners were as follows: for hole 3 was Mike Cunningham, hole 13 was Gordon Thursfield and hole 16 was Tommy Ansegard.

There was one knockout cup game being played today between Gordon Thursfield and Jimmy Scott, Gordon won 5/4. Well, done to all the day’s winners.

SMILING JACKS GOLF SOCIETY

Welcome ladies and gentlemen and thank you for supporting smiling jack's golf society

A big thank you to new Sierra golf club for looking after us,also for honouring our price even though we ended up short of numbers due to very late cancellations. A big shout out also to Al and Emma for looking after us this afternoon with a special thank you to our Julie for preparing our food today.

Now for the scores.

Nearest the pin on 3 Cheryl Isaacs,on 13 Cheryl Isaacs, in two on 2 Tom Burke

In second place with a very good score of 34 points but no cigar Cheryl Isaacs

Today's winner 35 points and a new handicap of 36 is Kevin Dodds,well done.

The winner of the famous blue Johnny is Tarby on his first outing,sorry mate.

The raffle winner who wins a free Smiling Jack's golf day courtesy of the Ger is Jack.

Our next outing is on Thursday 9th may at Roda golf. Once again a big thank you to you all for supporting smiling jack's golf society.

El Presidente

CARP-R-US FISHING

Round three of the Carp-R-Us Spring Series was fished on the Rio Segura, Eden 2 and 3 stretches. Good catches have been had from these stretches when the river is in good condition but sadly today it was very low (and dropped further during the match) with virtually no flow, a combination that leads to very difficult fishing, as reflected in the weights.

The overall winner was Tony Felsted with 6.56kg. Tony fished pole and maggot on the

downstream end peg on Eden 3 (match peg 5). Second from the first upstream peg on Eden 2 (match peg 6) was Roy Dainty with 3.74kg using a pole leger set up with maggot on the hook. Third from peg 10 was Russell Davidson with 2.12kg of small carp and barbel caught using pole and corn. Equal fourth were Willy Moons (peg 2) and Jeremy Fardoe (peg 4), both with a single fish weighing 0.88kg.

Still, the weather was nice.

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

PINATAR ARENA SWITCH FOR ENGLISH FA U/16 TOURNAMENT

The English Football Association has switched a UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament, which it is hosting, to the Pinatar Arena sports centre.

The good relationship between the Pinatar Arena and The FA has led to this event that was previously to be held in England from 10 to 17 April to be moved to the Region of Murcia.

The England team, who will play host in Spain, will face Italy, Belgium and Nigeria in this U-16 event overseen by UEFA.

The six matches of the Tournament will be played at the Pinatar Arena's main pitch with free entry and will provide an opportunity to follow the progress of some of the most promising young players on the international scene.

The four participating teams will generate more than 1,000 rooms in the Mar Menor and San Pedro del Pinatar area over the seven days of the event. The schedule is as follows:

QUIZ FROM P 14:

1.Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey, 2.Answer d. Ulaan-baatar (Mongolia) ,3.Salt, 4.Leviathan, 5. Three answers.a.Five Hundred Miles, b.Five Years (David Bowie), c.9 to 5 (Dolly Parton).6. 1757.7.The ear.8.Area 51 (Nellis Air Force Range, Edwards Air Force Base, also known as Dream Land or Groom Lake).9.Goldfinger.10. The Siegfried Line.11.A spider.12.James Mason.13.Dracula or Vlad the Impaler.14.The Crypt Kickers (or 'The Crypt Kicker Five').15. Two answers.Germany (3 x West Germany) and Italy.The Germans were Gert Müller, Franz Beckenbauer, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Lothar Mathäus and Matthias Sammer.The Italians were Omar Sivori, Gianni Rivera, Paulo Rossi, Roberto Baggio and Fabio Cannavaro.16.Two answers.Mumbai (Bombay) and Delhi.17.Lido. 18.Shogun (or Tycoon).19.Felix Leiter.20. Three answers.Jackie Stewart, Jody Scheckter and John Surtees

Left to right: winner Elspeth Mc Davitt, Captain Bill Stobo and 3rd Sue Roberts - Lyall.

Winner: Kevin Dodds

R/Up: Cheryl Isaacs

Welcome to the Society Tarby

LEAGUE RESULTS 4TH APRIL

DIVISION 1

Tipsy Toad Toppers7-5El Capitan

Hub Hyenas8-4CC's Bees

Domino's Doms12-0Milo's

Mind The Gap12-0Freakie Taverners

Ck1 Lads4-8Leeson St Trotters

DIVISION 2

Danny's Bar7-5Ck1 Ladybirds

Fire Station12-0Domino's Desp’dos

Fallen Angels9-3Hub Hellraisers

Pint Depot Queens4-8Tipsy Toad Tiaras

Illy's Oldies10-2Tasty Taverners

LEAGUE TABLES

DIVISION 1PPtslegs

Domino's Domignomes1834156

Mind The Gap1831161

Tipsy Toad Toppers1829155

Hub Hyenas1824135

El Capitan1819121

CC's Bees181699

Leeson Street Trotters181079

Ck1 Lads181079

Milo's18755

Freakie Taverners18141

DIVISION 2

Fire Station1834169

Danny's Bar1830137

Illy's Oldies1827142

Domino's Desperados1824115

Fallen Angels1822123

Tipsy Toad Tiaras181596

Ck1 Ladybirds1813101

Hub Hellraisers181175

Tasty Taverners18674

Pint Depot Queens18049

MOST 180’S: Mark Ellis x8, 180's THIS WEEK: Dave Askew, Mark Ellis, Bliss Wright, Darren Sanderson

HIGH FINISH THIS WEEK: Graham Solomons 110, Paul Durrant 109, Phil De Lacy 109

HIGHEST FINISH TO DATE: Dave Askew 160

MATCH REPORTS

DIVISION 1

TIPSY TOAD TOPPERS V EL CAPITAN

Not a lot to choose between both in the 1st half, a great 109 out from an unregistered player Phil Gildea (according to the scoresheet) in the 2nd triple.and an outstanding pairs from Dave Askew 180,3x100,140 and both outs with partner Pete Spence.Did Dave need Pete? Half time 3-3.

Askew made it 4-3 after the break, Ben Kernahan POTM 3x100,86 out, just outwitting Graham Solomans 3x100,125 and a 2nd leg110 out. Great darts.Lee Maiden took the 3rd singles, Spence the 4th for POTM with 2x100,125,140,180. At 6-5, Andy Rutter faced Moises Bujan for a 7-5 win or draw.The dour aircraft engineer Rutter wacked in 5 tons and an 82 out on the bull for victory.

HUB HYENAS V C.C.BEES

Outs from Matt Dawson D11 and Mark Ellis D2, plus 2x140 from Dario Sierra and 125,180 from Ellis gave Hyenas an early lead.A Paul Christopher D2 and 3x80+, 2x100 from Paul Tollafield, Bees response. The hosts nailed all 3 pairs Doug Adkins D18,D6 and 4 tons, Sierra's D14,D5 and Paul Durrant's 109 out the best of the bunch.Ivan Jones 100,140,3x83 and Tollafield's 100,130,140,85 not converted.

Andre Wing got the better of Jones for Hyenas 6th, Sierra winning in 2 straight for the match.Ellis faced Bantleman in the 8th, the Bee hitting 3x100,2x140,98 and a 57 out, Ellis recording 3x100,140,171 and D9, then another D9 for the game.Bees reeled off the last 3, the best of which a Christopher 100,120,125,133, beating of Adkins 140 in 3 legs.

DOMINOS DOMIGNOMES V MILOS

The champions finished off the season in style with a thumping of Milos.The visitors via Cain Garcia 140,120,100,5x80+, Mervyn Borwick 3x100,2x140,3x80+, Derek Mongan 2x100,140,2x81 and POTM, Javi de Gea 2x100,5x90+ pushing Gnomes all the way.De Gea taking Mark Farmer to 3 legs in the 1st singles, Farmer needing a 74 out to

overcome his opponent.

Ricky Perez put in a POTM performance with 6x100,125,2x140 and a 17 dart singles with Mongan plus 3 earlier impressive outs of, 72,82 and 50.

Chelsea Campbell banged in 3 tons and a 140, Dave Wharton holding his own with a respectable 4x100, 2x120+,2x140.

MIND THE GAP V FREAKIE TAVERNERS

Freakies suffered a hammering in this one despite some decent arrows from Ernie Willis, Tony Garcia, Mitch Halliday and POTM Bryan Livsey.

Gap turned it on with Maximums from Bliss Wright, Darren Sanderson and a 171 from Gordon Cowan, to ensure 2nd place in Div.1.Top scores from Gap, Che Liam 2x100,125,140, Sam Salt 4x100,2x140, 5 outs, James Brown, 6x100,139,2x140 and a 71 out, plus a POTM outing for Sanderson 3x100,140,180.

C.K.LADS V LEESON ST.TROTTERS

Trotters got the better of Lads for the 2nd time this season and coincidentally by the same score. Ironically they both finished with the same points and winning legs.

Trotters won all 3 triples, Barry Shingler 100,121,D6, Alex Nikolov D16 and Yvonne Rouffignac 125,D4 providing the outs.Lads fared better in the pairs with victories from Steve Mullen (both outs) and Kevin Wood.Paul Green and Steve Dalton claiming the 6th leg for 2-4.

Ken Skinner had a lively encounter with Zack Green winning the 3rd leg on D5.Mullen getting the better of Rouffignac in 3 for 3-5.Monique with a 64 out guaranteed the draw, prior to POTM Dalton's 3 leg win over Amanda Skinner.

Nikolov needing 100,140 and another 3 legs to defeat John Crabbe for 2 points and POTM.

DIVISION 2

DANNYS BAR V C.K.1 BIRDS

Dannys were 0-3 down in this encounter, Sandra Crabbe 100,D4, Angie Phipott 81, D4 and Gena Wood D16, the Birds off to a "Flyer".Paul Raffell D10 halted the slide with partner Bob Smith 100,85, prior to Birds regaining their advantage through Dons Ralph 80 and Crabbe 117,D20.Simon Perryman D2 making it 2-4 at the break.

John Giggs added 95,125, D16 to an earlier 140, Jane Wills D6 levelling the score.Perryman just got the better of a rampant Ralph for 5-4, Jean Randell D16 increasing the host’s advantage.Smith 100,D4 getting Danny's 7th and POTM.Kirsty Green D5 taking the 12th.Ralph - POTM.

FALLEN ANGELS V HUB HELLRAISERS

Raisers had a quiet night in the scoring department which meant few chances of finishing.Not so for Angels who had won the match by the 8th leg, Mike Tierney knocking in a D16 for both points.

Andy Forrest ensuring a draw with a 120 and a splendid 90 out on D16.

James Mackay helped himself to 3 outs and was awarded a POTM.

Raisers actually led, Sue Spiers 95 taking the 1st on D2 for POTM. The remaining 2 outs coming from Carol Peace D2 and Lesley Dolling on D10 in the 12th.

PINT DEPOT QUEENS V TIPSY TOAD TIARAS

Languishing at the lower end of Div.2 both sides wanted to win the final game of the season.3 ton plus scores and 13 over 80 made for a quick match, the dreaded D1 rule inapplicable.

Queen Deb, holibobs fresh, secured POTM with D2,D16 outs, Marie Cummins 108,81,D5 and Lorraine Cox, providing the Royals 4 legs.Alison Wands banged in a top score 125 for the Queens. Tiaras Eileen Askew, 2x80,2 outs, Pat Schofield 95,2 outs, Lesley Eagles 3x90+, 2 outs, Simone de Lacy 2x80+, 59 out and Wendy Hayward POTM 119 and D16 scored Tiaras points.The Royals take on fish n chips - Regal.

ILLIES OLDIES V TASTY TAVERNERS

Not too many 3 figure scores this week from Tasties and just 2 wins, one from Steph Broadfoot D14 for POTM, the other from Ruth Williams D2.Some decent Oldies scores via Steve Parkin 100,140,2x80+, Des Field POTM, 2x125 and 2 outs, plus Brian Abbey's 123.

Larry Hodson with a nice 93 out got Oldies 6th, Alan Fleming on D8 gaining the extra point.The remaining 3 singles claimed by the 3 Oldies, Abbey D20, Craig Miller D4 and Tony Jesson D2.

Lesley - Seasons top out 116 at Oldies

Birthday Boy Ricky

POTM - Dario &Simon

POTM - Ben & Pete

LATE SAVE FROM DEBUTANT GALVEZ SECURES POINTS FOR TORRY

Torry welcomed Carrús CD to the Esteban Rosado on Sunday knowing a win was needed to keep the title chase alive.

Carrús arrived in poor form,but they are certainly no push overs as shown in the reverse fixture where Torry managed a narrow 2-3 victory with a last-minute winner in a very even match.

Gil picked a very attacking 11 with Anton and Lewis supported by Omar and Dani Muñoz.We also saw Gálvez making his debut in the Torry goal. With home advantage and a good crowd cheering them on it was no surprise that Torry were quick out of the blocks with a Dani Muñoz strike almost catching out Castillo in the Carrus goal.As the ball swerved it could have gone anywhere,but it struck the keeper on the chest and bounced away to safety.

Lewis was then on target,forcing a great save from the keeper with a low drive at the near post.

As the pressure built on the visitors Torry were in front on 17 minutes.A great Luis Carlos in-swinging corner found Toro at the far post who leapt above the defenders to head powerfully into the top corner.

Omar then tested the Carrús keeper twice in quick succession.First,he was

quick closing down the stopper and pinching the ball in the 6 yards box,but was forced too wide to get a decent shot off,then he neatly beat a man before curling towards the far post,but it rolled just wide.

On 30mins we had the 1st chance for Carrús,it’s a 20-yard strike which saw debutant Gálvez beaten,but it hits the bar and goes behind,fantastic effort.

Omar was getting closer to a goal as he nearly doubled Torry’s lead 5 minutes from the break,his curling effort from the edge of the box goes just wide.

As the first 45 came to an end it was Torry in the ascendency and well deserving their half time lead.

Early pressure saw Torry create two good early chances in the 2nd half. Lewis had a shot inside the box well blocked before Muñoz fired a volley over the bar from the penalty spot,but it was Anton who extended the lead with his 1st for the club on the hour mark.José Toro played a long ball forward,allowing Dani Muñoz to break into the box before squaring to Anton who calmly rounded the keeper and passed it into the open goal.

Toro then missed from close range, blazing over the bar,after he got his body shape all wrong and then it was

the turn of Abadía who has been very impressive in the midfield.It would have been the goal of the season as he hit a volley from 22-yards.Keeper Castillo can only watch it fly past him,but it crashed off the stanchion and then cleared to safety. Despite further opportunities Torry were unable to extend their lead.Lewis had the keeper worried from distance and Jorge Carmona was also disappointed to have headed a good opportunity over the bar.

With the visitors refusing to lie down,Carrùs were able to reduce the deficit on 84mins.A freekick into the box saw Saul miss-kick his clearance with the ball falling to a Carrùs striker on the line who taps it in.Torry in for a nervy finish now. It was a decent debut from Galvéz who,in the 92 minute made the save of the game.Carrùs think

Enrique first half hat trick as Monte stay top

they've levelled as a shot comes in from only 6yards out,but debutante Gálvez with fantastic reactions makes an incredible stop on the line to seal the win.

Torry were able to keep up the pace with a thoroughly deserved win against a very athletic Carrús team.For 75 minutes it was the best Torry have played for a while but,although Gil will be delighted with the 3 points he will be disappointed to have lost the clean sheet,which led to unnecessary pressure in the final minutes.

Along with the win it was also great to welcome back some injured players to the squad for the crucial end of the season run-in,with Cristian and Gombo both returning to action off the bench after long periods out.

More info from: torryarmyfootball@gmail.com

PEÑA RAVAL ELCHE 1 C.D.MONTESINOS 5

Monte travelled to Elche on Saturday evening,which has not been a happy hunting ground for them in recent seasons,and came away with, after a somewhat nervy start,a comfortable victory,to keep them ahead of the chasing pack,3 points clear at the top with a game in hand.

With no less than 5 first team players missing,manager Willy had his work cut out to reshuffle the team.

Nevertheless,despite the home side taking the lead,after a defensive mistake,Monte hit back within a minute,when a good far post cross from defender Alex Ruz,managed to find Enrique whose shot ended up in the back of the net.The goal appeared to Inspire the visitors.

Enrique then scored his and Monte's second goal in somewhat bizarre circumstances.A back pass to the Elche keeper ended with him picking it up inside his own area.Free-kick to Monte and very quick thinking from Lucas,finding Enrique unmarked to slot home.Now in front,Monte were in rampant form.

Enrique scored his third when he "robbed" a home defender,fed Anderson who crossed the ball into the edge of the area for Enrique to fire home with the visitors going in at half time with a two goal cushion. The home side improved in the second period as Monte sat back and defended their lead.

Midway through the half,the manager made a triple substitution and young Anderson,who had been having a very subdued game up to that point,left three defenders chasing shadows and slotted home a fourth goal for Monte.

With two further substitutions close to the end,the two subs combined and young Paco slotted home at the near post for Monte’s fifth.

Report courtesy of ‘The Full Monte’.