The Leader Newspaper 25 June 2024 – Edition 1029

Albeit a few days early, so as not to clash with similar events being held elsewhere, we saw a truly moving Armed Forces Day service at Capilla de las Mil Palmeras on Saturday, held by Levante Veterans and Friends Association, but very much with the support of Tony Jenkins and the Royal Naval Association.

Once again, the ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Pilar de la Horadada, José María, who always seems to enjoy such occasions. He was accompanied by the Councillor for Foreign Residents, María Nieves Moreno.

Gracing the altar, for the first time in some years, it was a pleasure to welcome back Pastor Keith Brown, who led the service with his usual dry wit and charm. Keith had been the minister at these events in Mil Palmeras since they first got underway in 2008, that drumhead ceremony being conducted in front of the church on a makeshift altar, before commitments at La Siesta Church in Torrevieja led to him stepping back.

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ARMED FORCES DAY 2024

As the Costa Blanca International Concert Band played music from ‘Titanic’ the church was bursting at the seams. The Torrevieja Pipes and Drums led the standard bearers along Calle Alcarria into the front of Capilla de las Mil Palmeras.

As the congregation then struck up the hymn ‘Praise my soul the king of heaven’, the standard bearers marched into the church and the service got underway.

As the band played on there were wonderful solo performances from Rebecca Holt with ‘Keep the home fires burning’, and Stevie Spit who gave an emotional performance of ‘Bring Him Home’ from Les Miserables.

In his sermon, Pastor Brown began by reading a number of poignant extracts from the diary of a Military Policemen, Kenneth Anderson, who was attached to the Middlesex Regiment. He served during the tail end of WW2. Kenneth survived the war and died peacefully at his home in North Harrow just a few weeks ago.

His son Daryl came across the small diary that Kenneth had used to record his experiences in those final days of the war.

Whilst there were no great ramblings of major battles, entries in the diary nevertheless provided a very poignant insight into the final days of the war through the eyes of a very ordinary soldier………

Following the sermon, the last post and reveille were played by Ian Gibson, after which Pipe Major Brian Day piped the lament ‘Hector the Hero’.

The Exhortation and Kohima Epitaph were read by Walter Shatford with proceedings from the offertory collection

donated to Cruz Roja, the Red Cross.

There followed the National Anthems of Spain and the United Kingdom and as the Concert Band played ‘Colors of the Wind’ from the film Pocahontas, the Standard Bearers led the congregation out into the Garden of Remembrance.

Pipe Sergeant Colin Gordon played as a wreath was then laid in memory of all those who have served by Mayor José María, the Councillor for Foreign Residents, María Nieves Moreno and Mil Palmeras resident

Then onto a very enjoyable lunch attended by over 50 people in Pueblo Latino.

Dating back to 1950. Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets. Here in Spain, we include all military, blue light services and veterans who provide us with the security so that we can all live in a more peaceful world.

Louise Innes.

Pastor Brown with the WW2 diary.

Rebecca Holt with Stevie Spit

The Costa Blanca International Concert Band

Members of the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums

KILLER OF BRITISH WOMAN DIES IN CAMPOAMOR CAR CRASH

The 80 year old British woman was stabbed three times and then shot dead

An 18-year-old man arrested in Alicante 2 years ago for the murder of an 80-year-old British woman at a villa in Elche in May 2022, when he was classed as minor, died on 9 June in a traffic accident on the AP-7 at Campoamor in Orihuela Costa.

The young man lost his life just the day before his criminal trial was scheduled to begin in a juvenile court in Alicante. The accident was discovered 2 weeks ago, around 6pm on June 9, at kilometer 768 on the AP-7, in Orihuela Costa. The alarm was raised by a road maintenance worker found the car overturned in a palm zone.

The Provincial Fire Consortium attended the scene where they rescued the victim's body from the interior of his convertible Mercedes.

A Civil Guard traffic officer said that the young man could have fallen asleep at the wheel, as there were no signs of braking on the road.

Following his arrest in May 22 along with his mother, for the shooting of the British woman, he served for 9 months in a juvenile detention centre before being released on bail while he awaited his trial.

The pair gained access to the villa while the main gates were left open awaiting

the arrival of a plumber. Once inside the grounds, the minor and his mother arrived went into the house through a glazed porch and made a surprise attack on the 80-year-old woman. The reason for the murder is unknown, but everything points to it being an economic motive.

The initial attack was carried out with a knife, and then the woman was shot 3 times with the gun, however, the police investigation is still to determine which of the accused carried out the shooting.

Following the death of the young man, the Juvenile Court No. 2 of Alicante will have to close the file, but the trial of his mother will be held after summer at the Elche High Court.

Police to reinforce Valencian Community during Summer

Staff of the National Police and the Civil Guard in the Valencian Community will be reinforced with 718 officers during the Summer, from 1 July to 31 August. The Ministry of the Interior will reinforce the nine Autonomous Communities that will have the greatest tourist influx this summer will a total of 4,407 troops additional agents.

According to the Government, in the case of the Valencian Community, a further 400 National Police will supplement the Community force while the Civil Guard will allocate a further 318 officers to the summer operation.

According to data from the National Institute of Statistics, in the first three months of 2024 the number of international tourists who have visited Spain has increased by 17.7% compared to the same period last year, over 16.1 million tourists. The Ministry of the Interior is

aware of the economic impact of tourism on the national economy, and therefore police operations are aimed at providing security and confidence to everyone who chooses Spain as a tourist destination.

The police reinforcement planned for this summer will increase surveillance and preventive control in urban and interurban communication channels, stations, ports, airports, hotels, playas, beaches and campsites and at events where there are large numbers of people.

The DGT will also launch special campaigns in relation to the control of alcohol and drugs, motorcycles and vans, speeding, as well as distraction at the wheel. In order to carry out these activities, the Civil Guard Traffic Group has 5,859 officers, supported by other civil guard units units that are spread across the national territory.

COVID HOSPITALISATION RATE EXCEEDS 2021

Covid continues to spread in many countries again, including Spain, where it has now seen seven consecutive weeks of growth. In the last week, the estimated incidence rate has risen from 85.4 to 107.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Hospitalisations continue to increase, as many locations face a summer of cuts and reductions already, and as of now, the estimated admission rate already exceeds that of June 2021, the second year of the pandemic.

65 YEARS OF SAVING LIVES ON THE ROADS

The Guardia Civil Traffic Group is celebrating 65 years on the roads of Spain since its creation, in a special event in Madrid.

The event was chaired by the Secretary of State for Security, Rafael Pérez, who opened the exhibition on the history of the Traffic Group, a visual tour that told how the Guardia Civil unit has evolved, from the uniforms to the types of vehicles used, including classic cars and motorcycles.

The unit has almost 9,000 officers of which 185 are women.

37,000 drivers in Murcia take car after using cocaine

More than 37,000 Murcian drivers have driven after using cocaine. The report "Stop Cocaine: a deadly addiction," presented by the leaders of the Direct Line Foundation points out that 4% of the 930,000 drivers in the Region have consumed cocaine prior to getting into their car, however the figure for the rest of Spain is far worse, registering at 8%.

The stats are alarming, but so are the consequences: 13% of those killed in a traffic accident tested positive for cocaine, a proportion of drivers who have died for this reason, which has grown by 54% in the last decade.

PARTYING IN ORIHUELACOSTA

The very first celebration of the holidays of San Juan were celebrated in Orihuela Costa, organised by the recently established ComisÌon Fiestas, a group made up of local residents.

The event was attended by many hundreds of people, took place on La Zenia Boulevard car park where there was live entertainment and a spectacular bonfire and fireworks show.

Further events continue throughout the coming week featuring live music, as well as plenty of activities for the children

TORREVIEJA CELEBRATES THE NIGHT OF SAN JUAN

Thousands of people celebrated the Night of San Juan on Sunday at La Cura beach with many small bonfires and with a lot of desire to have a good time by the sea, enjoying a family dinner and barbecue.

On the promenade of Juan Aparicio, there was a spectacular fireworks castle at midnight to welcome in the long summer of 2024.

The few local police officers available to strengthen security during the night concentrated on the beach of Los Náufragos, where there was a large gathering of youths.

The beaches of Los Locos, La Mata and El Cura, where bonfires and celebrations were allowed, were patrolled by Civil Protection volunteers

ARMED ROBBERY AT SAN JAVIER NIGHTCLUB

A group of hooded men robbed the Macao nightclub in San Javier on Sunday morning leaving with the night's proceeds. The gang, carrying sawed-off shotguns, robbed the nightclub following a concert by the popular Omar Montes, the most representative singer of the musical style that fuses reggaeton and flamenco. The robbers, who were all wearing balaclavas, arrived early in the morning in a car. At least two people entered through the back of the premises wielding the weapons with which they threatened the employees, demanding the takings for that night, said to be in excess of 80,000 euros..

The robbers fled along the AP-7 Mediterranean highway. Several Police Units from Los Alcázares and San Javier, established roadside checks hoping to catch them, but they were unsuccessful.

German fugitive arrested in Orihuela

A German national,sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexual abuse has been arrested in Orihuela.

The fugitive had fled the court in Germany after being sentenced to a maximum prison sentence of 10 years for the crimes of sexual abuse,coercion and rape.The acts were committed between August 2010 and February 2012,the victim being the daughter of a couple with whom he lived,at the time in Wuppertal.

He has now been placed at the disposal of the National High Court, which will be responsible for the extradition process.

The priority need for the effective control of the cat colonies is more help for castrations.

Control of Cat Colonies in Orihuela Costa

A meeting was held between a cat colony association, residents' association and Orihuela Town Hall to discuss the control of cat colonies in Orihuela Costa, Spain.

The association highlighted the need for more support for spaying and neutering cats, citing the difficulty volunteers face due to limited resources and distance to the animal shelter in Orihuela City..

They requested the town hall to allocate a budget and raise public awareness about the importance of cat colonies. The association believes the council is lagging behind neighbouring municipalities in addressing this issue.

Olive Oil to join zero rate of IVA from July

Olive oil to join zero rate IVA from July

In their next meeting on Tuesday, the Council of Ministers will approve the reduction of IVA on olive oil to 0% as of July 1, according to sources from the Ministry of Finance.

The Executive has already reduced olive oil from 10% to 5% in 2023.

In addition, the Treasury has decided that olive oil will become part of the permanent group of essential products such as bread, eggs, vegetables, and fruits.

WATER LEVELS DROP

DESPITE THE RAIN

Despite the rain, water levels have decreased According to the latest weekly Hydrological Bulletin, the Spanish hydraulic reserve now stands at 64.3% of its total capacity (56,039 hm?), compared to 47.4% the previous year and 63% of the average for the last decade.

The reservoirs currently store 36,021 hm? of water, decreasing in the last week by 228 hm? (0.4% of the current total capacity of the reservoirs).

The average level of reserves on the Atlantic slope is 65.6%, where the situation in the Guadalete-Barbate basin stands out, with 28.2%.

In the basins of the Mediterranean slope, this level is 60.2%, where the Segura is at 23.4%.

MUSIC CASHING IN FOR AGE CONCERN

Following a very successful concert by the Costa Blanca International Concert Band and the Melody Makers at the Salt Church, Los Montesinos on Friday 24th. May a donation of 355 euros was made to the President Malcolm Winstanley of Age Concern Costa Blanca South by the bands Chairman Graham Robinson (2nd left).

Also in the photograph are Shirley Watmough Chairperson of the Melody Makers and Patricia Shepley the band secretary.'

‘I HAVE AN IDEA.....’

How often have you heard it said about somebody, ‘that guy doesn’t have an idea in his head?’ For a start, this statement is factually incorrect. He does have an idea in his head: we cannot have a vacuum in our head (ah Lads ... please, I’m trying to deal with a serious topic here) and therefore, every head is full of ideas. There are good ideas and bad ideas, but for the purpose of this exercise let us stay with what might be good ideas.

An idea will come to mind whether we like it or not. Remember, the head cannot be a vacuum, so the

only way to rid the bad idea is to replace it with a good idea. We should nurture the good ideas and remove the bad ones as if they were the weeds settling among the good plants. Practice the good ideas and give each one a chance to grow, if it is something that might benefit you or somebody else. Lamentably, many of the best ones are dumped with the weeds, because after allowing it to mature, we then decide that it mustn’t be as good as we think – or somebody else would have thought of it before now. Many great improvements to our lives have been lost

due to this very reason.

If you have no idea what we are on about here, please allow me give an example of a thought which came into my head inside the past few days. I notice that the plastic cap on the litre carton of milk now remains attached to the carton – and also with small bottles of drinking water. I guess the reason – and a very good one it is too; is because the planet is being strewn with these small plastic caps, which are very difficult to collect for recycling.

My idea to solve this problem is to do away altogether with the screw-

on cap, instead, have a small spout inverted into the top of the carton. When you break the seal the spout comes out, making it easy to pour from – or drink from in the case of the plastic bottle. Jugs would be mostly dispensed with ... and while we’re at it, all those pesky little steel jugs could be recycled. I never came across one of them that didn’t dribble milk on the table!

One more: Leave an open bin beside the bottle-bank, where people who can’t be bothered returning refundable cans and bottles, can leave them for some enterprising kid to make a few bob by obtaining the deposit.

We wrote a column here many years ago in which I said that the old style farm labourer was the smartest man in Ireland. This resonated so much with one reader that he still brings it up from time to time, because it reminded him of his brother. The farm hand was full of ideas, was the greatest problem solver and had to know how to do everything.

Curiosity is a mental magnet for good ideas. An inquisitive mind sees things, wonders how it works and then perhaps comes up with the idea of improving on what they see. I would say that the pick of these good ideas are to do with making tasks easier. A mind open to ideas goes back as far as the wheel.

We are all familiar with people whom you know are going to ask you, ‘how that thing work ’, why does this happen’, or ‘what if we did it this way.’ This person is open

to a new good idea. We should all be a bit more like that and practice curiosity. Pay attention to what’s happening around you, listen to people talking and you will find ideas in everyday stuff. On the other hand, if you always do the same things, your brain gets bored. Change can spark fresh ideas. When a good idea occurs to you, write it down and see how it looks when you read it to yourself. You can always come back and explore it later. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. I always say I learned as much from the ideas that didn’t work. It’s all part of a creative journey.

Ideas become a habit and you don’t have to go looking for them; just be receptive to something new. Very often it is a good idea to share your idea with somebody you can trust and you may come away with your idea being even better. Remember, every idea, big or small, can be a step towards improving our lot or helping those around us.

Being a simple sort of chapie, (quiet please ...) I try to cultivate simple ideas. This doesn’t mean a simple idea is simplistic, but it is easier to work on and more likely to be acted upon.

Why don’t you write into the editor with some of your good ideas? And just in case; if it’s to do with getting rid of YCBS ... forget it!

DON’T FORGET

The mind stretched by a new idea never returns to its original dimensions

Naked and Drunk,as man breaks into wrong home in Horadada

A naked and drunken man ripped out the external blinds to a property in Pilar de la Horadada at the weekend.

Call out by local neighbours the Local Police arrested the man but not before ascertaining that he had mistaken the home for his own.

The man claimed that he wanted to enter his home but no one would open the door.

A police spokesman said that they arrived at the scene to find a surreal situation with the man lying on the terrace naked and in a drunken state.

When they questioned the individual,the man claimed that he wanted to enter his

house but that no one would open the door for him.Due to his state of intoxication,the police confirmed that he had got the wrong address.

The owners of the home were located by the Civil Guard after confirmation was received that the drunken man will assume the financial expense of the damage caused.

COULD THE LAND DESTROYED BY THE ORIHUELA COSTA FIRE NOW BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTION

According to the President of Amigos de Sierra Escalona the previous Consell was processing the land in PAU 5 with the purpose of declassifying it for building

The fire gave little respite to the extinguishing teams at the tail end of last week. Having destroyed 12 hectares of woodland between the Campoamor and Las Ramblas golf courses on Thursday it reactivated on Friday afternoon with the arrival of the wind.

The strong breeze seemingly fanned some of the embers around 4:00 p.m. however, firefighters, however, soon had the situation under control again and the aerial resources were withdrawn.

A security team remained overnight once again with two fire tenders as they continued to cool the perimeter. The Local Police drones were also flying over the affected area.

Having been extinguished early on Friday morning the fire appeared again on Friday afternoon near the post-transfer canal, close to the point where it first broke out the previous day.

Initially many witnesses described moments of tension when the fire was spreading close to their homes, on Calle Rambla de Oleza, where the Police had to evacuate around twenty residents, whose houses were close to the flames. The golf course itself, which opened its sprinklers to the maximum, acted as an artificial firewall against the virulence of the fire, which has remained at the edge of the fairways. There was also concern about the passage of an underground gas pipeline nearby.

The Environmental Group, Association of Friends of Sierra Escalona, is asking if the fires could have been a ploy that would provide new areas in which to build even more tourist housing.

Firefighters were once again busy controlling this part of the fire that once again provided moments of tension to many residents of Orihuela Costa, who watched in astonishment at the column of smoke that the new fire generated, a column that was visible from many different points of the Oriola coast.

Although the earlier fire spread from the Las Ramblas Golf toward to the Campoamor course, this time it remained static, close to Las Ramblas. "The reactivation happened very quickly," according to Miguel Montero, the NCO in command of the firefighting operation.

Given the situation, the fire tender that remained present during Friday had to call in additional support, including the air resources, which had previously withdrawn. A helicopter and a seaplane poured continuous discharges of water onto the flames which proved very effective in preventing their advance, according to the Councilor for Emergencies, Víctor Valverde, "which had become quite high and alarming."

Spanish Classes back for foreigners

Minister of Education, José Antonio Rovira, announced that he will reverse the decision to dispense with Spanish classes for foreigners at the Torrevieja Language School.

PSOE leader Bárbara Soler, is delighted, but asks that the councillor provides data on how many groups there will be. Torrevieja is one of the cities with the highest demand. According to the EOI faculty, there would be 2,000 people on the waiting list.

The fire spread adjacent to Campomor Golf Course. The sports hotel and sports facilities are on the left.

The Generalitat's forest fire crews remained on the scene putting out all the embers of the fire in the area closest to the Campoamor golf course. The flames on this flank brushed the Avenida Conde de Barcelona and reached almost to the roundabout bearing the statue of the golfer close to the Campoamor clubhouse and sports hotel. The possible trigger of the fire is still unknown as the Civil Guard continues its investigation, with no hypothesis ruled out. However, the spokesperson for the Association of Friends of Sierra Escalona, Miguel Ángel Pavón, said that the fire, which got very close to protected areas, has put environmental groups on alert as many of them consider that it could simply have been a ruse that would provide new areas in which to build even more tourist housing.

Path linking Torrevieja centre and hospital to be tendered

The Torrevieja Council has said that the work on the path between the town centre and the hospital will begin in the coming months.This was announced on Monday by the mayor himself,Eduardo Dolón. The project's construction management has already put the project out to tender,and its material execution remains committed.

Part of the route of this "cycle and pedestrian path" runs through land owned by the State (next to the Acuamed desalination plant) and also through land that is located within the boundary that marks the maritime-terrestrial public domain.The shores of Laguna Rosa are considered land affected by the Coastal Law due to its evident interconnection with the marine environment through the Acequión channel. Dolón has said that he wants to carry out the work along that part of the path that is not affected by external ownership,which he frames as the first phase.

In this,the section of path that runs parallel to the CV-95 across land owned by the Generalitat would be established; which, according to the mayor,has now been

approved.This will allow the residents of Los Balcones to travel safely on foot or by bicycle to the junction of the regional highway with the N-332.

The connection from that point to the cemetery and the San Roque neighbourhood will then be carried out later,when the Council obtains a response from the central Government with regards to the remainder of the land required to complete the project.

The path is a long standing demand by the residents of Los Balcones,since its absence makes the walk to the hospital a real danger for pedestrians,who end up walking along the shoulder of the CV-95,a road that is extremely busy along this last section of entry to Torrevieja through Mar Azul and Villa Amalia.In fact,the Generalitat has already included in its budgets the expansion of this small stretch of road because it is a frequent scene of traffic jams in summer.

To avoid any possible confusion and to separate pedestrians from cars,what is proposed is to pave an existing dirt agricultural road that starts from the bridge over the N-332,next to the cemetery and passes

About 900 mtr in length the path will end on the CV-95 by the Torrevieja Hospital

behind the desalination plant,to end on the CV-95,next to the Torrevieja hospital and Los Balcones.A route of about 900 meters in length.

The budget in 2021 was estimated at 275.00 euros.This also included providing the entire path with benches,chairs or similar furniture in the pedestrian part to

allow users to rest.The mayor has insisted that,from his point of view,the environmental impact is zero and that there should be no problem in obtaining authorisation,since it is,in his words,adapting a path with "ecological" materials that In fact,already exists,although it was originally for agricultural use.

ORIHUELA COSTA PARENTS PROTEST ABOUT THE CRITICAL STATE OF LOCAL EDUCATION

Parents and teachers in Orihuela Costa protested about the lack of progress on a new school last week. The new school was promised by the council but hasn't been built yet.

This is causing overcrowded classrooms in existing schools, especially as there are more and more new students from overseas. Parents are demanding a faster solution.

The protest was fuelled by frustration over unfulfilled promises by the City Council. Parents demanded a new school to be built to improve the quality of education and reduce class sizes. They also highlighted the challenges faced by children who don't speak Spanish and the lack of support for them. The protest aimed to pressure the authorities to take action and address the urgent need for a new school.

One house has been completely gutted and another two severely damaged after a fire in Guardamar. The accident occurred on Friday morning on Calle San Francisco in the town centre close to the Health Centre and the bus terminal.

The flames that spread inside the house were caused by a short circuit of a refrigerator, although the specific details of the fire are still to be confirmed.

The fire affected all the rooms of one house, causing "very significant" damage, according to municipal sources, and with minor damage to two others. Thankfully there were no injuries.

The local police set a cordon around the fire that spread through the façade, because of the constant explosions from an adjacent electrical installation.

CASA GRANDE GETS SECURITY UPGRADE

The Torrevieja council has awarded the installation of a video surveillance system with 17 cameras and replacement of 54 lights in the Casa Grande I Industrial Polygon and Casa Grande II with an investment of 241,000 euros.

Much of the amount comes in the form of a grant from the Generalitat of the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness.

“The accumulated pine had become "a fourmetre-high potential oven," said Caro

In the face of a lack of action by both the Orihuela Council and the Hydrographic Confederation of the Segura, Residents from the Avalon Urbanisation in Playa Flamenca have forked out 5,000 euros to clean the forested section of rambla that borders their homes.

Particularly during the dry summer season, adjacent trees and vegetation provide the consequent danger of fire as can be seen just last week in Las Ramblas and Campoamor where a fire razed 10 hectares, endangering homes and the Protected Landscape of Sierra Escalona and the Dehesa de Campoamor.

The area was cleared by residents in just under a week, with the authorisation of the Segura Hydrographic Confederation (CHS), Tired writing to the Orihuela council over a period of the last five years, without obtaining any solution, the residents ended up asking the CHS for permission to undertake the work that they considered "essential."

Antonio Caro, representing the 126 residents of the Calle Niagara urbanisation, next to a sports centre and a nursery, insists that with so

much accumulated pine it had become "a fourmetre-high potential oven," so they were constantly aware of the danger to their houses: "Every day we pray" in fear of a tragedy.

Caro, who has been living in the same house for 15 years, says it is a problem that became worse every year, with high temperatures and young people who gather in the ravine to socialise.

As such they had no choice but to pay for the action out of their own pockets, a bill that amounts to almost 5,000 euros, not including the costs of the truck to transport the prunings, and the payment of a 70 euro fee to the CHS for a service they did not provide.

With four streets facing the rambla, residents ended up using their urbanisation gardener to prune and establish a firewall.

The Association of Residents of Cabo Roig and Lomas says that "it is an example of what should never be an example: some residents paying with their money to shore up the incompetence and inaction of the administrations that have an obligation to ensure their safety."

Waste Plant to be sited in Orihuela

The president of Vega Baja Sostenible, provincial deputy and the mayor of Formentera del Segura, has said that the regional waste plant should go to Orihuela, and very soon. He confirmed, however, that it will not be located in Torremendo.

He reiterated that it will be a recovery plant - without a landfill, although it is not clear what the region will do then with the millions of tons of waste that cannot be recycled.

He added that the Orihuela Council must offer location shortly.

Diplomas awarded for Spanish Course

Last Wednesday 19th June, the diplomas were handed out to successful students of the Spanish for Foreigners Course, confirming that they have successfully completed the 40 hours of instruction

The course was held in the Miguel Hernández classroom of the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, and they also made two cultural visits, to the Salinas and the floating museums of Torrevieja.

The students came from three continents: Europe, Africa and Asia, thus collecting a sample of the current Torrevieja society.

Lifeguards back in action on Orihuela Costa Beaches

The Coastal Department has launched the lifeguard service on Orihuela Costa beaches to ensure the safety and welfare of bathers during the high season. From 15th June, the service will be active every day from 10:00 to 19:00 until 1st July. After that, the hours will be extended from 10:00 to 20:00 through till 15 September.

In the high season, the num-

ber of lifeguards will be increased to 27, three skippers, four assistants, three emergency technicians and a nurse.

There will be a wide range of resources including a jet ski with a rescue skipper and a basic life support ambulance (BLS), and from July the resources will be increased with a rescue Zodiac, a second jet ski and an advanced

support ambulance (ALS).

Orihuela mayor expects pact with Vox to last until the next election

Having made a pact with Vox at the beginning of the mandate a pact, according to the mayor, it has not yet been put at risk. “I have full confidence that Manolo Mestre will have the same loyalty and I don't see anything on the horizon that will change that.”

The loyalty and desire for Orihuela to move forward, the desire to work

together and mutual respect are things that we both bring to the agreement with our teams. This government pact will last until the next elections in 2027.”

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ACROSS ACROSS

1.Objects of infatuation (5-6)

9.Elderly (3)

10.Be indecisive (9)

11.Carrying-chair (5)

13.Springy (7)

14.Invent (6)

16.Suffocate (6)

18.Exact copy (7)

19.Invoices (5)

20.Roget's book (9)

21.Neckwear item (3)

22.Arguments for and against (4,3,4)

CAN YOU MASTER THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE?

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

DOWN DOWN

2.Conclude (3)

3.Black bird (5)

4.Heart, commonly (6)

5.Dependent (7)

6.Very good-looking (9)

7.Thoughtful (9)

8.Favoured pupil (8,3)

12.Vanish (9)

15.Stringed instruments (7)

17.Colony of rabbits (6)

19.Elementary (5)

21.Unit of weight (3)

ANSWERS Week 1027

QUICK QUICK

ACROSS: ACROSS: Across: 6 Startle; 7 Denim; 9 Suave; 10 Faculty; 12 Influential; 14

Subservient; 18 Canasta; 19 Stick; 21 Clock; 22 Scarlet.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Stout; 2 Craven; 3 Ale; 4 Result; 5 Mistral; 8 Javelin; 11 Clarity; 13 Durable; 15 Stance; 16 Nature; 17 Screw; 20 Act.

CRYPTIC YPTIC

ACROSS: ACROSS: 6 Potters; 7 Ducat; 9 Cedar; 10 Hessian; 12 Unpalatable; 14 Wensleydale; 18 Senator; 19 Steak; 21 Tenet; 22 Garnish.

DOWN: 1 Comet; 2 Strain; 3 Arm; 4 Russia; 5 Capable; 8 Rewards; 11 Cameron; 13 Severed; 15 Scares; 16 Latent; 17 Marsh; 20 Can.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS ACROSS

1.Very frightened by the corpse! (6,5)

9.It's crazy to put wire at the back of this (3)

10.The kind of way for making tracks (9)

11.Strange game of cards (5)

13.When father returns with cultured pearl, this is put on (7)

14.Northern shaft difficult to squeeze through (6)

16.Asuccessful one will produce the happy medium (6)

18.Various letters providing support for the board (7)

19.See 21 Ac.

20.The fruit that follows the sea-food (4-5)

21 & 19Ac. Fixed part for elaborately prepared structure (3,5)

22.Wires pretty well sorted out for office equipment (11)

DOWN DOWN

2.Retiring from the company by the end of July (3)

3. Provide some recompense about wages (5)

4.Almost adoring different mode of church music (6)

5.Disunited parties make weary progress (7)

6.Unlimited scope for hen food (4-5)

7.Not much warning for brief commercial (5,6)

8.Absent from no function in any case (2,3,6)

12.He fights to earn a living (9)

15.Go more quickly but not in step (7)

17.When it comes from the pot, it's hot (6)

19.Afeature of simple attire (5)

21.In class I respectfully address the teacher (3)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 19)

1. Which very small European country has the most petty crime in proportion to its population?

2. One of the largest machines in the world is the LHC. LHC is an acronym for what?

3. Three women and two men have the unusual honour of having won the Golden Raspberry for worst Actor or Actress and the Oscar for best Actor or Actress. Can you name them? One point for each correct answer.

4. What is the well known Hebrew word for 'mankind' or 'man'?

5. Which Scottish Sir and world famous writer was a keeper for Portsmouth Association Football Club in the late 19th century and took a first class wicket as a bowler against non other than W.G. Grace?

6. Which game has been compulsory in Japanese military schools since the 15th century?

7. What is the more fashionable name for the plant genus Digitalis?

8. Which highly intelligent TVcriminal investigator, now lecturing at the Sorbonne, has a form of autism known as Aspergers syndrome?

9. Name the two German-born male tennis players who have won the most Grand Slam singles titles.

10. The following words are from

songs with 'dog' somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song? a. The Japanese don't dare to, the Chinese wouldn't dare to (1931), b. When they said you was high classed (1956), c. Eyes that shine burning red, dreams of you all through my head (1971), d. I remember to this day the bright red Georgia clay (1974), e. I don't want a bowl of fishies, he can't take a goldfish for a walk (1953)

11. What do all of the following have in common? The Cooler King, The Mole, Big X, The Scrounger and The Manufacturer.

12. Name the four British Formula One World Driver's Champions in the 1960s.

13. During World War II what was the 'Abwehr'?

14. Which sightly British band had early 1960s hits with songs like 'Don't bring me down' and 'Rosalyn'?

15. What is the green film caused by oxidation on bronze called?

16. In which films does Kevin Spacey play the following characters? a. John Doe, b. Lester Burnham, c. Quoyle, d. Prot

17. With one word complete these directions to 'Never Never Land'. "Second on the right, straight ahead till ............"

18. Lucifer excluded, which five historical figures or families are mentioned in the Rolling Stones song 'Sympathy for the devil'?

19. Which potable British PM between 1830 and 1834 is an eponym?

20. A'Gazetteer' is a directory or dictionary for which science? a. Geography, b. Zoology, c. Astronomy, d. Botany

Eco Stickers Will Not be Reclassified to the Detriment of Older Vehicles

Pere Navarro, Director of the DGT

The general director of the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), Pere Navarro, spoke recently about the challenges of older vehicles in Spain, and clarified that the environmental badge, or eco sticker, will not be reclassified to their detriment.

Navarro recognised the immense effort made by the automobile industry to improve the safety of its vehicles with the progressive incorporation of ADAS (driving aids). The same incident with a vehicle less than 5 years old can save your life, you will emerge unscathed, while with an older vehicle it will have serious consequences.

Specifically, the risk of dying or being seriously injured is multiplied by two when comparing incidents that occur with vehicles 10 to 15 years old, in relation to vehicles less than 5 years old.

In terms of emissions, there is also a big difference: a recent Euro 6 (label C) emits 60 mg/km of NOx while another one prior to 2001 (Euro 3, label B) emits 2.5 times more.

With the figures for the year 2022, it is clearly observed that the average age of the passenger cars in which those who died in incidents were traveling was 14.8 years in the case of interurban roads and 15.4 on urban roads, while the average age of the circulating fleet of passenger cars was 11.8 years.

At the DGT they work on the education and training of drivers to avoid human error, but if this occurs, the driving aids for new vehicles will greatly minimise the consequences.

There has been talk about a possible update to vehicle labelling and its impact on access to Low Emission Zones (ZBE). Navarro stated that updating the current system of environmental labels is one of the tasks that has been studied for some time with several options identified on the table, but still without decided evaluation criteria, due to the disparity in technologies and aspects to be taken into account such as Euro 7 regulations or the future new EU Air Quality Directive.

In any case, there will not be a general reclassification that will cause existing vehicles to lose access rights, but will affect new vehicles more.

The change process will have among its priorities a very broad communication strategy with the collaboration of manufacturers and institutions together with the DGT and with an information period of sufficient duration to reduce confusion.

Smoke free beach in Torrevieja

Torrevieja is piloting a smokefree beach initiative at Cabo Cervera beach. While smoking won't be banned, signs will be installed to raise awareness and encourage a smoke-free environment for everyone. This includes creating a cleaner beach and protecting marine life from cigarette butt pollution. The program also aims to promote healthy habits, especially for children. This initiative comes despite a recent regional government decision to allow smoking on terraces again.

PILAR BEACH BARS TO OPEN DESPITE THE THREAT OF SANCTIONS

Beach bars in Pilar de la Horadada are facing a stand-off with the local council. New contracts require replacing old booths, but some winners say acquiring new ones is difficult and threaten to open with the old ones despite potential penalties. The council insists on new booths and is seeking legal advice on enforcing the contract. The bar owners want an exception for this season and argue their current booths are good enough.

With the exception of one bar, and the threat of a 3000 euro fine by the council, none have yet opened although they insist they will..

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 used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. See page 5.

Mondays and Thursdays, Wednesday 2pm - 5pm.

More info from Eva or Norah. in the cafe area. Email: oc.communitycare@gmail.com

We can assure you of the biggest and best choice of new and used cars in the area for price, choice and quality. ENGLISH SPOKEN

AGE CONCERN BEREAVEMENTGROUP. Have you lost somebody close to you? Are you finding life difficult after a bereavement? Come along and chat to other people in the same situation. Starting on October 10th, then every Tuesday from 2-4pm at the Age Concern Centre, Calle Paganini, La Siesta, Torrevieja. 96 678 6887. Everyone is welcome. Los Alc·zares Digital Camera Club. Interested in photography? We invite you to come and join us at our twice monthly meetings. Please contact coordinatorladcc@ gmail.com or see http://www.los-alcazarescamera.club/ for details. COMMUNITYCARE ASSOCIATION (CCA) Open to residents of Orihuela Costa over 60 years of age. Located at the Centro Civico Alameda del Mar. Open 3 times a week for a programme of English speaking activities, support, information and advice with the support of Orihuela Council. Anyone wanting to join CCAsocial activities can pop along. Open 2pm -6pm

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help with well being for the over 50ís. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Home Visiting Team to visit a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. Call into our centre in La Siesta , ring 966 786 887 or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 5pm at the Lakeview bar, Quesada. For

more info contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Steve Hemingfield 0n Mob/Whats 711 011 373

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

EDS? We have the solution. Kamagra pills and jells, cialis, sildenafil. Over 7 products for men and ladies, mixed trial packs, available by mail order. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

DATES ANNOUNCED FOR NEW SCHOOL YEAR

The Department of Education, Universities and Employment, through the General Directorate of Teaching Centres, has published in the Official Journal of the Generalitat Valenciana the calendar of the new school year, which, for Infant, Primary, ESO, Baccalaureate and Vocational Training will start on September 9 and will end on June 18, 2025.

This new calendar has taken into account both the opinions of the unions and fami-

lies, who requested that classes end earlier to avoid the heat and the coincidence with the San Juan festivities.

In response to those requests, the school year will have 179 teaching days, instead of the 180 of the current course.

Basic qualification and second-chance FP training programs will begin classes on September 11, 2024, and will end on June 18, 2025.

The Training of Adults; Artistic Teachings of

Music and Dance, elementary and professional; Professional Teachings in Plastic Arts and Design and Special Regime Sports Teachings, will get underway on September 16, 2024, and will end on June 13, 2025.

Finally, the Official Language Schools will begin teaching their classes on September 24, 2024, and will end on June 18, 2025.

The holiday periods during the 24/25 academic year include the Christmas holidays, which will be from December 23, 2024, to January 6, 2025, both inclusive; and the Easter holidays, which cover April 17 to 28, 2025, also inclusive.

There will be no school holidays on October 9, Valencian Community Day; November 1, Feast of All Saints; December 6, Constitution Day; March 19, Saint Joseph's Day and May 1, International Workers' Day.

QUIZ FROM P 14:

1.The Vatican State.(Largely due to pickpocketing), 2.Large Hadron Collider, 3.They are Sandra Bullock, Halle Berry, Liza Minnelli, Roberto Benigni and Sir Laurence Olivier.4. Adam.5.Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.6.Go.7. Foxglove.8.Gil Grissom (CSI Las Vegas).9. John McEnroe (7) and Boris Becker (6).10.a. Mad dogs and Englishmen (Noel Coward), b. Hound Dog (Elvis Presley), c.Black Dog (Led Zeppelin), d.Me and you and a dog named Boo (Lobo), e.How much is that doggie in the window? (Patti Page or Lita Roza).11.They are all nicknames of characters in the film 'The Great Escape'.12.Graham Hill (62, 68), Jim Clark (63, 65), John Surtees (64) and Jackie Stewart (69). 13.The German military intelligence organisation.14.The Pretty Things.15.Patina or Verdigris.16.Four answers a.Seven, b. American Beauty, c.The Shipping News, d.K Pax.17."Morning".18.Jesus Christ, Pilate, The Kennedys, The Czar and Anastasia.19.Earl Grey.20.a.Geography

SUDUK

THE SWING OF IT....

BY JOHN MCGREGOR

‘Hey, Jean - you didn’t tell me this is a nudist beach’. I looked round, panic-stricken at the acres of naked flesh all around me.

‘What? Oh, don’t be so prissy, it’s not nudist. It’s a ´do what you want´ beach.’ Sitting in her trademark ‘Hiawatha’ pose, cross legged on her towel, topless-but-not-bottomless my elder sister was remarkably laid-back as she watched our kids running down to the sea and back.

As the lone adult male of the six of us I was the last to arrive on the beach having had to lug all the heavy stuff from the car park miles through the pine forests, then across a large expanse of sand to find everyone having a great time. It was our first full day’s holiday in south-west France. There were plenty of people on the big sandy beach, even if they weren´t wearing many clothes between them. By one of life’s strange coincidences both sister Jean and I had both announced the end of our marriages in the same week. Some weeks later at one of our regular family gettogethers Jean had taken me on one side and asked me what I was doing for holidays that year.

‘Haven’t a clue,’ I replied. ’Not much money about, divorce is looking expensive. Why?’ ‘Well, as you know we´ve always been going to France in the campervan. My two always get on well with your two, and I wondered if we could all go together this year. You could drive and I’ll look after the kids.’ Being ´FIVE YEARS OLDER´, as she had always reminded me while we were growing up, Jean was right, and we all got on very well. Our kids dovetailed, her daughter was the eldest aged eight, my son seven, her son also seven and the youngest my daughter six. Jean had lived and taught in France.

Off we all went, across the Channel and after a couple of easy days driving, and two nights camping we had finally arrived on the beach. Wriggling under a towel in the time-honoured ridiculously British fashion I put my trunks on and surveyed the scene as Jean read her book. Wow - as I took in the sights, it reminded of the old adage, that no matter how fat, thin, tall, short, pert, floppy, rounded or straight you were, on this beach there would always be someone fatter, thinner, taller, shorter, perter, floppier, more rounded or straighter than you were.

There no-one seemed bothered about anyone else, everyone was just getting on with what people do on beaches anywhere in the world.

Next to us was ‘the gorgeous couple’ we named them as we were usually near them on the beach for the following fortnight. He was a perfect specimen of a man, tall but muscular, black curly hair and a moustache, like a young Omar Sherif. But somehow it wasn’t him I couldn’t keep my eyes off. She was about average height, but everything else was not average, depending on your point of view. Mine was that she was drop-dead stunning, long blond hair, perfectly-shaped body etc, but she was totally naked all the time, with no inhibitions about it There were parts of her sun-tanned that most women never see the light of day.

I tried not to look – honest – but she looked a bit like Debbie Harry of Blondie. I’ve always had a thing about her… The only thing they brought was a small inflatable boat. About halfway through the morning, and then again in the afternoon they would take it down to the water and paddle away well away from the shore - and I’ve got a good idea why.

The first day I sweated it out. From a quick clandestine gallup poll I noted about eight out of ten men were sans-culottes, which left me in the twenty percent minority, an area I didn’t want to be in. Somehow it seemed to me it was wrong there for men to be clothed, however scantily– when in Rome, and all that… But this was in public, dammit…

Right – God for Harry, England and St George. On the second morning I eased my trunks off and sat for a moment. Trying not to look as though I was auditioning for a small part in the musical ‘Hair’ I stood up. Surpriseno pointing, sniggering, clapping, laughing –so far so good.

Trying hard to look neither left nor right I headed for the water. I definitely didn’t need any distractions, so I didn’t dare look or think about Debbie Harry nearby.

I sashayed manfully safely into the sea and joined the kids who never even noticed. The water was gorgeous and I stayed happily for an hour before the imaginary catwalk back to Jean - who had hardly noticed I’d gone, let alone anything else. And that’s how it continued, apart from one morning near the end of the holiday.

Another family, friends of Jeans had arrived the night before, and we had a meal with them at the campsite.

Geoff and Helen were a lovely couple who had two teenage daughters. In the morning, the first one of their holiday they had said they were all going shopping and would see us later on the beach. I never thought about it, and was in my by normal state of complete undress when I happened to spot them leaving the pine forest heading in our direction. I suddenly panicked.

‘Jean, pass me my trunks´, I asked with some urgency.

‘Eh?’ she replied vacantly. ’What do you want?’

‘My trunks - where are they? Quick!’

‘Er – I don’t know.’ My delightfully-vague sister started to slowly search through her trademark plastic bags. ‘What do you want them for, we’re not going anywhere?’

‘Quick, they’re coming!´ When she realised my panic and what it was for she started to laugh. ‘You prude, I thought you’d come

through all that!’

‘So did I, but they’re young teenage girls andoh sod it, forget it, they’re here. Hi everyone, did you get all you wanted?’ I took a brave pill and ballsed it out - but that wasn’t quite the end of the story. Geoff it turned out was among the twenty percenters from the previous year’s holiday, but when he saw I was letting it all hang out he boldly took the stance ‘Well, if John can, I can’, and threw his trunks at his wife.

He and I were both football nuts – apologies for the expression – and took to playing head tennis together on the beach. The next day we noticed Jean and Helen helpless with laughter, rolling around in tears. Helen gasped out that she had been trying for a while to get Geoff over his inhibitions to go naked on the beach, and while they were watching us cavorting Helen had innocently remarked.

‘I’m glad John got Geoff into the swing of it!’

San Luis Bowls Club with Sheila

The summer leagues are gradually coming to an end, for many of us that’s a great relief as the summer heat increases, we just have some 2 Bowl League matches to finish, before we can escape to the shade.

South ALC Spitfire Div: on Monday 17th SL Wellingtons were away at Emerald Isle. The Wellingtons fought hard against the EI Vulcans, on a hot and sticky morning, but unfortunately to no avail, shots 70-106, points 0-12.

Harrier Div: SL Hercules, had a close battle at home v Emerald Isle Victors for shared points 6-6, taking the shots 78-73. Winners: Mary & Phil Lockley, Dave Webb 15-11, Chris Jackson, Ralph Jones, Vic Mahomet 28-11. 2 Bowl League on Wednesday 19th SL Pythons, were away v Country Bowls Eagles (in a re-arranged match from May 10th) and had a successful morning: 92 shots-69, 10 pts-2. Winners: Sue Kenyon, Mike Veale, Ian Kenyon 22-15, Stuart Wilson, Bill Webb, Jim Gracie 18-14, Neil & Sandra Burrows, Scott Malden 21-8, Kath Reid, June & Keith Jones 19-15.

Quesada Bowls Club

By Chrissie Edwards

With the summer bowling season coming to a close Two games were played on 17th June. Quesada Blenheims were home to Greenlands Gladiators, the match ended with 3 winning rinks to 2 in the Blenheims favour, but losing on overall shots to the Gladiators 91 - 86.

The Blenheim winners were George Kershaw, Mike Sumner and Gary Thorpe. 17 - 13. Graham Phillips, Chris Brazier and Jason Prokopowcz. 22 - 13. Sandra Johnson , Claire Dye and Carol Thorpe. 20 - 19 the teams shared the points 6 each.

Quesada Lancasters were away to their league winners La Marina. The Lancasters were hoping for a good game and were not disappointed. The day was hot and the game was

San Miguel Bowls Club

By Mary Whitelock

Cammack

Friday 21st SL Pythons home v Country Bowls Eagles again!! had another good result 10 points-2, 104 shots-62. Winners: Dee Hoey, Pete Ayres, Bob Bromley 19-12, Sue Kenyon, Mike Veale, Ian Kenyon 18-12, Neil & Sandra Burrows, Scott Malden 28-6, Kath Reid, June & Keith Jones 27-8.

SL Cobras on a very hot morning, had a tough battle away v top of the league Greenlands Goannas, finishing 2 points-10, 62 shots-102. Winners: Chris Jackson, Derek Biggs, Brian Gardiner 21-12.

San Luis is a friendly club, but we are also competitive, with teams in all leagues, summer & winter. We welcome new players; those who have already played competitively and want to continue, or those who want to try out this “new” sport and above all enjoy the game.

If you wish to find out more about bowling, or San Luis BC, please come along to Oasis to watch, maybe with a cool drink, or join in on an open “roll up” currently on Saturday mornings (9:30/10:00). Come and give yourself a chance to have fun and meet new friends.

played in a friendly atmosphere with the Lancasters pulling off a great win on 5 rinks and 1 coming close.

The Lancaster winners Chris Bowles, Dave Gould and Andy Reid. 17 - 13. Dave Collings, Peter Farrell and Peter Bradbury. 25 - 13. Joan Inns, Karen Kirk and Mike Inns. 24 - 15. Chrissie Edwards, Paul Edwards and Peter Bottle 16- 12. Suzi Cooper, Francios Houbrechts and Kim Bowles just lost out by 4 shots. The overall shots were 97 - 72 in Lancasters favour and gaining 10 points to 2. The Lancasters finished 3rd in their league.

Thank You to everybody who played for Quesada teams, through the summer. A special thank you must go to Andy Reid who at times must have had a magic hat, to pull the Lancasters together to fulfil the fixtures.

See you all next season.

Monday 17th June saw the last game of the summer leagues being played.

The Christians were at home to Monte Mar where they drew on 2 rinks and only lost the shots by 1 on another rink. However unfortunately they lost 2-10, 76 shots to 97.

The two drawn rinks were Mark Poolton-Jones, Ken Guiney and Ron Nairey drawing 20-20 and John Bolton, Ann Taylor and Jim Taylor 16-16.

The Moors had a bye and were waiting for the result of Greenlands and Quesada to see if they could hold on to the top spot in the Spitfire Division. Things were very close at the top with Greenlands just pipping San Miguel to the post by one point!! 56 points to 55. Well done to the Moors and to all teams taking part in the Sumer Leagues.

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. WASPS will close for the summer on 26th June and recommence on Wednesday 4th September. Due to the popularity of the Wasps, first time bowlers are 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. Coaching will finish for the summer on Tuesday 25th June and recommence on Tuesday 10th September. After the game on Wednesday 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.

EMERALD ISLE BOWLS

Vulcans played against San Luis Wellingtons on Monday in a Relegation battle and the ISLE came out clear winners 12-0 Aggregate of 106-70. D Jones N Prior D Mooney 24-11, M Oakley S Elvin C Lindgren 22-14, N Davis S Marks R Marks 2415, P Heaney I Grimshaw M Dyer 17-14, S Kavanagh R White M Harley 19-18

Vulcans travelled to play San Luis Hercules and came away with a very good 6-6, Aggregate of

YOUR DREAM HOME SUMMER POOL LEAGUE

BUNGALOW DIVISION WEEK 6

Bar Rambla Blue4 - 5Echos

Havana Habaneros9 - 0Thistle & Rose Red Thistle & Rose Blue6 - 3Bar Rambla Red CC's2 - 7Maschis

The One Bar6 - 3Tipsy Cow

P W Agg Pts

Havana Habaneros652610

Bar Rambla Red651010

Maschis651010

Thistle & Rose Blue6488

CC's63-46

Tipsy Cow62-64

Bar Rambla Blue62-84 Echos62-104

Thistle & Rose Red61-122

The One Bar61-142

PENTHOUSE DIVISION WEEK 6

Firestation Bluewatch6-3Mickeys Bar Kaceys4-5Courtyard A Courtyard B0-9Firestation Redwatch Arianaz3-6New Tavern

Sports Bar4-5Tipsy Toad

P W Agg Pts

Firestation Redwatch663212

Firestation Bluewatch662212

Tipsy Toad661612

Sports Bar63126

Courtyard A6326

New Tavern62-104

Kaceys62-124

Mickeys Bar61-122 Arianaz61-202

Courtyard B60-300

73-78. J Sayers M Odell G Odell 20-12, M Riley S Johnson K Jolliffe 15-11, G Dyer A Pridmore P Willicott 16-12

Lords played at home in Friday league against Greenlands Dragons and they got a good 8-4 Aggregate. M Nash R White I Grimshaw 27-9, M Oakley E Bennett S Elvin 24-7, P Moore R Stockell J Taylor 24-14 SAPS on at 13-15 on Saturdays ELWYN MORRIS

Carp-R-Us Angling & Social Club

Following the heavy rains of the previous week,Carp-R-Us were forced to move the first round of their Summer/Autumn Series from Bigastro to the Mercadona stretch of the Canal del Progres. The stretch looked in good condition with a nice flow and at a normal level,so good fishing was anticipated.

Unfortunately,no one told the fish,and the match was a real struggle for everyone.The winner was Trevor Morrey with 3.02kg which included a carp of around 2.50kg.

Trevor used a variety of methods to catch his fish.

Second was Steve Fell with 0.86kg of mullet caught on pole and bread.

Third was Roy Dainty with 0.38kg and fourth Tony Flett with 0.24kg,which included a rare eel.

During the match we were visited by students from the University of Alicante who are doing research into the invasive Blue Crabs.They informed us that these are now not only in the rivers but are turning up in the lagoons in the natural parks of L’Albufera and El Hondo.

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 Next matches: 27 June Eden 2/3 4 July Pairs Cup - El Bosquet

Sunny Corner Golf

This week we played New Sierra, 24 in attendance and a very good day was had by all. Overall winner Tommy Rheddin. Par 3's Tommy Rheddin and Blind Pairs

Tuesday

FULL MONTE - SEASON 2023/24

PLAYER PRESENTATION DINNER

Last Saturday,15th of June, the C.D.Montesinos International Supporters club (The Full Monte),organised their annual Players Presentation Dinner at the local "Rincón de Miguel" Restaurante.

The dinner was attended by the players,coaching staff (as guests of the Full Monte),C.D.Montesinos Committee as well as a large turn out by the supporters.

This was the 13th year we have organised this event and it turned out to be one of the best ever.

Nearly 100 people we're looked after superbly by Miguel and his staff.The food was fantastic and with the club having ended the season as Champions (and promotion),there was a lot to celebrate!

The Club presented individual trophies to each player and coaching staff as a momento of their amazing season,and each player was given a standing ovation as they were called up one by one.

Of course,the highlight of the evening was the presentation,by the Full Monte,of their annual awards,in the following categories:

1.Players Player of the year (Steven Harris Trophy).This trophy was voted on by the players and they voted for young Anderson, who also won the Golden boot award as top scorer.

2.Manager's player of the year.

The coaching staff agreed this award should be given to,perhaps one of the unsung heroes of the team,Javi.

3.Golden boot award (top scorer). Went to Anderson.

4.Full Monte Player of the year. The supporters club player of the year was awarded to defender Ousamma who has had more man of the match awards throughout the season than any other player. The supporters club also presented long time club stalwart Joaquin Rodenas (much to his amazement),with a plaque in appreciation for all the years he has worked non-stop for the club.

Special thanks goes out to all the sponsors of these awards,with special mention to:-

Graham Burge,David Winder, Sandra Dunn and Terry Harris. Graham Burge and David Winder

presented the trophies they sponsored whilst with Terry Harris and Sandra Dunn being unavailable,their awards were presented,in their absence,by club President Jonny (Maccan) Lorente Hurtado and the Los Montesinos Mayor,Sr José Manuel Butrón.

A special "Thank You" goes out to the Full Monte Committee for their hard work,tireless efforts and enthusiasm they have all shown this season as well as previous seasons.

All that is now left to finish the supporters club season,is the AGM which will take place on Wednesday,3rd of July at the Civic Centre next to the town hall,from 7pm onwards.

All paid-up members are invited to turn up,as some very important decisions will be made,as to the future of the Supporters Club.

For more information regarding C.D.Montesinos or The Full Monte Supporters Club,please contact us via our Facebook page (C.D.Montesinos).

Vamos Monte!

Mick Cook & Tony McBean. Next outing is on

2nd July at Vistabella, if you would like to join us then please contact the Sunny Corner.