On Friday morning the inauguration of the refurbished Zenia Boulevard was celebrated at an event attended by the mayor, Pepe Vegara, together with many of his Orihuela Councillors, and local dignitaries, in front of the central shopping precinct stage.
Zenia Boulevard Director, Cristina Ros, made a short speech welcoming the guests to the event after which the mayor congratulated the centre staff on all their hard work in completing the project.
He said that “Vibrant centres such as Zenia Boulevard are critical to our regional economy and to people’s quality of life, and there is no better example of such a facility in the whole of the Alicante Province.”
“A big thankyou goes to everyone involved in this project. This centre will now provide an even better service, an excellent and essential shopping experience to people like me, and it is a pleasure to be here today as part of the celebrations.”
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
ZENIA BOULEVARD REFURBISHMENT
Ms Ros and members of her staff then guided the party around the boulevard, pointing out some of the many improvements along the way.
The remodelling project, which began last year, involved an investment of more than 18 million euros. During the centre tour she spoke of the improvement of the façades, paving, rest areas, green areas and restaurant areas, as well as the children's leisure areas, paying tribute to its surroundings.
The central motif of the new logo of the shopping centre is the idea of becoming a town with a history to tell, a tourist spot where a melting pot of cultures meet, a more sustainable, more comfortable place, with more services, more attractive and high-tech. The flamingos of the pink lagoon of Torrevieja have also served as inspiration for the remodelling of the leisure areas and for the "salt" toilets in the Plaza Mayor.
The Plaza de la Lonja has a rest area and playground set in the citrus trees and in the Plaza Mayor there is an reference to the sea with a giant jellyfish with three slides that will connect to an interactive fountain.
The works will allow Zenia Boulevard to reduce its energy consumption by 25% with the installation of different applications such as frequency variators in stairs and ramps and the placement of lighting control elements in the parking area, allowing the lighting to be adaptive. Thanks to the improvement works in the photovoltaic installation, it will be possible to increase the percentage of self-consumption from the current 28% to 40% of the total energy consumption in common areas and water consumption will be reduced by 10 to 15% thanks to the installation of a mini water treatment plant.
Zenia Boulevard, inaugurated in 2012, is the largest shopping centre in the province of Alicante, registering an increase in footfall of 8.6% in 2023 with 15 million visitors.
ëNO DISTANT LIGHTí
Located in Orihuela Costa, in a strategic position in the Orihuela area, it has more than 150 commercial premises.
On Saturday the centre continued it’s celebration of the completion with a Revoluzión party for all shoppers and users with lots of gifts and activities for the whole family.
There were multiple activities including shows, free paella, photocalls, stilt walkers, batucadas, water games, festival make-up and performances by Grison Beatbox and Bombai.
Shoppers were able to see the improvements for themselves including the improvement of the façades, paving, rest areas, green areas and restaurant areas, as well as the children's leisure areas.
Throughout the day, more than 1,000 keys were hidden which opened boxes with gifts, including an iPhone, a scooter, an Alcampo shopping trolley and a year's free meals.
Cristina Ros, said: "We had been looking forward to Saturday, after so many months in which the centre has worked tirelessly to undertake this spectacular refurbishment and in which we have tried to reflect the personality and essence of the wonderful environment in which we operate. We are absolutely delighted that so many people were able to attend and have such a wonderful day.
FRONT COVER IMAGE:
Cristina Ros with the mayor, Cllr Mestre and former Cllr Mariola Rocamora
In memory of rugby legend Rob Burrow
By David Whitney c2024 P O E T R Y C O R N E R
You could not win the battle
Despite the valiant fight
A sportsman knowing
That the tunnel Had no distant light
So brave so loved so selfless
Struggling with each given day
Surrounded by his wife and kids
Who kept his fears at bay
His friends who rallied round him
Rugby mates who played their part
One carrying him so preciously
Though with a broken heart
His wife, his rock, her shoulder
Always there to cry upon
Now free from all his worries
His sporting life lives on
But leaving with such memories
That live for evermore
The happy times, the winning games
The life he had before
Rest well you brave sports hero
You played a blinder none could win
In the scrum of life so cruelly dealt
You took it on the chin !
The mayor congratulated Maria Wilson on receiving her BEM.
Touring the centre
Listening to the speeches
The refurbished facilities in Citrus Land
Centre Director, Cristina Ros, with the Orihuela mayor, Pepe Vegara.
BELGIAN MAN ARRESTED IN OR IHUELA COSTA FOR €24 MILLION PYRAMID SCHEME
The man is alleged to be the head of the scheme.
Image:File Photo
A45-year-old Belgian has been arrested in Orihuela Costa on charges of fraud and money laundering in connection with a €24 million pyramid scheme. The man, who faces up to ten years in prison, is accused of heading a criminal organization that defrauded Belgian investors between 2015 and 2018.
The Scheme
The Belgian authorities allege that the defendant lured investors into a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme. Investors were promised high returns on their investments in "nano coins." However, these nano coins were never actually invested, and investors were ultimately unable to withdraw their funds because their cryptocurrency wallets were blocked.
The Investigation
The investigation revealed that the money invested by the victims was channelled through a complex web of accounts in Norway, Singapore, and Hong Kong. None of the funds were ever invested as promised. Instead, investigators believe the money was deposited into accounts controlled by the defendant and his associates.
The Defendant
The man is believed to be the head of the Belgian company behind the pyramid scheme. According to the Belgian court, he collected over 9.8 million from investors through his companies.
The investigation also suggests that he used much of this money to purchase real estate properties in Spain.
The Investors
Belgian investors were attracted to the
scheme by promises of high returns on their investments. They were told that their money would be invested in various projects, but no such investments were ever made. Investors were also provided with a virtual bank card to access their funds. However, this card often malfunctioned or did not work at all.
The Aftermath
After realizing they had been defrauded, the victims filed complaints with the Belgian authorities. To date, there are 58 official complaints on record. The investigation is ongoing, but the victims are unlikely to recover their lost funds. Most of the money appears to have been transferred to accounts outside of Belgium, with a significant portion going to accounts held by a lawyer in Norway.
Council want Forest Firefighters to be stationed in Orihuela Costa
Fighting the Campoamor fire
Following the recent woodland fires in Campoamor and Las Rambles the Orihuela Council wants to protect the pasture and its surroundings like Pilar de la Horadada, which already has summer reinforcement for it’s protected areas and pine forests
The scare last week was huge with over twelve hectares (30 football fields) destroyed, leading to the council insisting on the need to have forest firefighters in summer, when heat and wind, the main problem with this recent fire, fan the flames, devastating extensive areas of pine forests like those along the coastal landscape. Now the government team is demanding that the Generalitat have a forest fire department based in Orihuela Costa.
The closest fire station to the Oriolano coast is in Torrevieja, operated by the Provincial Council and 15 kilometres from last week’s fires. Forest firefighters, more specialised in this type of fire, arrived later from Jijona, just over 100km away. Although the distance is
not excessive, it can be key. Just a few minutes can mean a big difference in preventing the spread, especially when pine forests like the Dehesa de Campoamor are affected by drought.
For many years the municipality of Pilar de la Horadada, has had a summer base provided by the provincial Consortium that operates during daylight hours.
Pilar de la Horadada has multiple forested areas in its interior, upstream of the Seco River, such as the Pinar de la Perdiz and the foothills of Sierra Escalona, with many populated urbs.
As investigations continue by the Guardia Civil into the origins of the fires in Campoamor the possible presence of an arsonist is one major scenario that is being considered.
This hypothesis gained strength on Friday because, when the fire reignited in the same burned area, at the same time another fire broke out in the El Galán urbanisation, in San Miguel de Salinas.
PAINTING WORKSHOPS IN GRAN ALACANT
This summer, Santa Pola and Gran Alacant libraries are offering Drawing and Painting Workshops for all ages. Children's courses are priced at 25 euro and focus on Manga or storytelling through street theatre. Adult workshops are 30 euro and cover outdoor or sea and mountain landscapes. All workshops are designed to provide a fun and educational learning experience.
Wesenauers continue to challenge courts
The Wesenauer family is in a legal battle to stop construction of nine homes next to their historic property Finca Langostina. They argue their land was illegally incorporated into a development zone and the construction damages swallow nests. The developer and local council claim the courts have ruled in their favor. An environmental report recommended halting construction to protect the birds, but this was not enforced.
The family believes the land seizure and building permit were obtained illegally. They are appealing to European courts for protection unavailable in Spain.
VALENCIAN HEALTHCARE WORST IN SPAIN
A report by the Federation of Associations for the Defence of Public Health ranks Valencian healthcare as the worst in Spain. The region scored only 62 points out of 35 possible metrics, a significant drop from previous years.
The report highlights low health budgets, limited access to primary care appointments, and a shortage of doctors and hospital beds in the Valencian Community. This puts the region far behind leaders like Navarre, which scored 106 points. The report suggests a north-south divide in healthcare quality, with northern regions generally faring better than those in the south and on the Mediterranean coast.
MOST IMPORTANT GUARDAMAR PORT
Research from the University of Alicante (UA) indicates that the site of La Fonteta, in Guardamar del Segura, was the most important commercial port in the peninsular southeast, for both the Phoenicians of Malaga and Ibiza, as well as with the Phoenicians, Italians and Greeks of the Central and Eastern Mediterranean.
Recent discoveries of Greek and Italian materials is further evidence of the importance of the city, thanks in large part to its strategic position at the mouth of the Segura River and controlling important maritime and terrestrial trade routes, so it can be considered one of the most outstanding settlements of the Phoenician commercial diaspora in the western Mediterranean.
EUROPE’S BIGGEST FILM STUDIO TO BE BUILT IN MURCIA
A British company, Stage Fifty, in partnership with Universal, is planning to construct the largest film and television production centre in Europe, just to the NW of Murcia.
The ambitious studio, details of which emerged just last week, will be built with a 120-millioneuro investment promising to be a game-chang-
er for the audiovisual industry, putting the Region on the map as a cinematic powerhouse
The proposed studio will span a vast 100,000 square metres and is expected to generate around a thousand jobs. The studio will complement existing production centres, such as the City of Light in Elche.
LEADER OF PILAR PSOE RESIGNS
PSOE councillor Antonio Escudero has announce that he is resigning and saying goodbye to the municipal corporation. He says that will not be able to continue being part of the council having taken on a full-time role as a municipal sports assistant, having won the position through competitive examination, which is legally incompatible.
Escudero was the PSOE candidate in the last municipal elections and is the current general secretary of the PSOE in Pilar. He was also a councillor in the two previous legislatures, having joined the town hall in 2015.
In his resignation speech Escudero had words of thanks for " Ignacio Ramos and Pilar María Samper, for having sponsored him
in the two previous legislatures, as well as all the members of the PSOE who have supported him as a candidate for mayor."
Spanish Officials sent home from Euro 2024
Two Spanish referees have been sent home early from Euro 2024 due to complaints over their decisions.
Jesus Gil Manzano
Four of the five Spanish officials involved in the competition include Jesus Gil Manzano,who has been a controversial figure at times in La Liga.He has been sent home due to an error in France’s 1-0 win over Austria.
His assistants Diego Barbero and Angel Nevado were also told to pack their bags leaving only VAR referee Martinez Munuera as the sole Spanish representation. Meanwhile,VAR referee Alejandro Hernandez was also sent home after he failed to pick up on a Scotland penalty claim against Hungary.
Alicante arrests made following discovery of dismembered body
The National Police appear to have solved the murder and dismemberment of a man in Alicante with the arrests of two people as alleged perpetrators of the crime, which was discovered on 17 June.
The charred corpse was found in a remote spot in the rural area of Fontcalent, in Alicante. It was a 'runner' who made the macabre discovery and rang the police.
Since then, the National Police have carrying out their investigation, first of identification and then of other clues related to the events which took them to the alleged perpetrators that caused his death just seven days after the vic-
MACHETE WIELDING THUG CAUSES POLICE CRASH IN LOS ALCÁZARES
tim's head and limbs were discovered.
On Friday, agents assigned to the Violent Crime Group (Homicides) of the Judicial Police Brigade and agents of the Scientific Police Brigade carried out a search at the home of the victim, a 56-year-old Spanish man.
As a result of this inspection and other investigative measures, sufficient evidence was gathered to lead to the arrest of two people, which also took place on Friday, in Alicante.
The alleged perpetrators, a woman and a man of Spanish origin, aged 51 and 30 respectively, will be brought before the court when the relevant investigation is completed.
An individual, whose identity and age have not yet been provided, has been arrested after threatening his family with a machete, fleeing the scene, causing a police chase and the crash of a police car in Los Alcázares.
The chase took place on Sunday morning, when the Security Forces received notice that there was
a man in San Javier, armed with a knife and who was being very aggressive to his family. Civil Guard agents went to the house but the subject got in his car, a black BMW, drove into police vehicle, and then drove off.
Patrols from several local police forces on the coast were mobilized, including San Javier, San Pedro del Pinatar and Los Alcázares. During the chase, which lasted for more than half an hour, the subject committed numerous traffic violations. In fleeing the scene he endangered both his life and that of the other drivers.
Finally, a vehicle from the San Javier Local Police took him off the road, crashing down a slope one meter high. The driver, a man of North African origin, was arrested. The patrol car suffered extensive damage and an agent was taken to hospital with neck injuries.
A local police officer from San Pedro del Pinatar pulled the individual out of the BMW and handcuffed him just as he was allegedly about to grab the machete, which he was carrying with him and was sitting on the passenger’s seat.
ETAterrorist to be handed overby France for2002 Santa Pola murders
The French Prosecutor's Office ruled on Wednesday in favour of handing over to Spain the former head of ETA logistics FÈlix Ignacio Esparza Luri to be tried for the attack against the Santa Pola Guardia Civil barracks in August 2002, in which two people died and dozens were injured.
His case was examined in just two minutes before the Paris Court of Appeal, which will announce its decision on September 11.
The defence lawyer, Romain Ruiz, could not be present at the hearing and was replaced by a colleague, who referred to the arguments presented to the court in writing without developing them.
Esparza Luri did not attend either to avoid having to travel from the Lannemezan prison, in the southwest of France, more than 700 kilometres from Paris, where he is serving his sentence.
The ETAmember did appear before the investigative chamber on May 29 and then rejected the euro warrant for this reason, which is the first step of Spanish Justice against him.
This European court order issued by the National Court of Madrid is the
result of his accusation for two terrorist murders (punishable by up to 30 years in prison for each), 55 attempted terrorist murders (20 years) and terrorist attacks (20 years).
In the case of the car bomb attack next to the Santa Pola barracks on August 4, 2002, in which a man who was nearby and the 6-year-old daughter of an agent died, Esparza Luri is not involved. But he is accused of being the material author of the events.
ETAmembers Oscar Zelarain and Andoni Otegi were previously sentenced in 2012 to a total of 843 years in prison for the same incident.
But the National Court considers that the members of the executive committee of the terrorist organization ordered the attack and for that reason it charged six ETAleaders at that time.
That includes Esparza Luri, who is considered to have headed the logistics apparatus until his arrest in Saint Paul de Dax, southwestern France, on April 2, 2004.
Having been captured in France, Spain must obtain the approval of the French Justice authorities to place him on the bench.
A 51 year old Spanish woman and a 30 year old man were arrested for the crime, thought to be financially motivated.
Esparza has been in a French prison since his arrest in 2004
A San Javier Police car took him off the road before crashing down a slope
Orihuela marches through the City with Pride
For yet another year Orihuela has celebrated International LGTBIQ+ Pride Day with a march through the city. On Thursday at 7:30 p.m., dozens of people gathered outside the Town Hall carrying their rainbow flags to proudly claim diversity.
The march ended at the Glorieta Gabriel Miró, where this year's crier, the gypsy and LGTBIQ+ activist, Juan David Santiago, invited everyone present to "celebrate what makes us unique . " After the speeches, the Glorieta Gabriel Miró was filled with music as marchers, including the mayor and a number of councillors, enjoyed the celebration commemorating International Pride Day.
Los Montesinos launches ‘Well-being’ Program
The Los Montesinos Council launched a new program, “Los Montesinos, Más Bienestar,” offering free activities to improve residents' well-being.
The program includes four Friday sessions in July: Yoga Fit, Meditative Yoga, exercises for posture improvement, and laughter therapy. All sessions will be held at the pool area at 8 pm and require registration at the town hall.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
CHALLENGE FOR EL LIMONAR STUDENTS
A total of 49 students from ELIS Villamartín school located in San Miguel de Salinas (Alicante), have taken part this year in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award (DofE) programme, this being the third consecutive year that the school has offered the course.
Students were put into two categories: Bronze, with 22 participants, and Silver, with 17. Since its founding in 1956 by HRH Prince Philip, the programme has sought to introduce young people to new interests and help them gain self-confidence and a sense of purpose in life.
POLARIS WORLD IS ONE OF THE MOST DEBT RIDDEN COMPANIES IN SPAIN
The Spanish Ministry of Finance published a list of major debtors to the Treasury, and Polaris World, a Murcian company, remains on the list. The company owes 217.8 million, though this is a de crease from 218 million in June 2023. They have managed to reduce their debt slightly over the past year.
Real Murcia, another company on the list, owes 6.2 million and plans to pay it in July. Desarrollos Nueva Condomina also owes money, with a debt of 18 million, although this has only decreased by 1Euro in the past year.
POLARIS WORLD: One of the most Debt Ridden companies in Spain
Enjoying the atmosphere at the Glorieta Gabriel Miró
My shame for infecting my country with an ‘invasive species.’
Iam only a rung or two away from being plunged into a riff of remorse for how I betrayed my country. ‘The country that I love’, to use the words of both Teresa May and Liz Truss, when they got caught out. I have done Ireland more harm than the two of them together did to Britain. Worse still; I sold out my country for the 30 pieces of silver, when I imported an invasive species into Ireland. I am torn asunder with terrible guilt –apart from the bit about taking the money, of course.
Ireland has been polluted with invasive species on and off for hundreds of years. An invasive species is generally an animal or a plant brought into the country from another region of the world.
The first thing to remember is that it doesn’t belong in Ireland (hold that thought, please) and it takes hold and does harm. Japanese knotweed is a prime example. It can be brought in by ship, in the water, on the wheels of a vehicle, accidental release – but most often by people. I brought my scourge in a suitcase – not dreaming for a moment that it would take off out of control and Ireland would never be the same again. It takes only a few fragments of Japanese Knotweed for it to take off, set off new growths and spread widely. Invasive species interfere with the balance of our natural habitats. It was similar with my traitorism – as you will see.
But first, another example of an invasive species which was brought into Ireland for ornamental purposes is the giant hogweed. This disgusting weed, massed along the road-
sides, was imported by the gentry to plant around their ponds. They brought in the grey squirrel around the same time; an awful act which has practically decimated our native red squirrel.
See what I mean?
Anyway, I too sold out my country when I imported line-dancing from America in 1994 … probably a more damaging invasive species than all of the above combined. Let us start at the beginning …
Along with my much-missed friend, Joe Bardon, we attended the World Cup in America that year. Idling around New York, we rambled into where good music was emanating from. The dance floor was crowded, but ‘look, they’re all doing the same thing’, copped Joe. This was my introduction to linedancing in a venue called ‘Denim and Diamonds.’
I had recently expanded the Squash & Leisure Centre to include a new function room and all sorts of dancing and aerobic classes. ‘This might work’, I thought to myself – and it did. I brought home video instruction cassettes, gave them to our gym instructors –and off she took.
We were first in Ireland – but after three months it had spread faster than the hogweed and the country was polluted beyond redemption.
In three months, 11 classes a week, 30-odd in each class, at £3 a head … I made more money than three years mining in Canada!
By then, everyone was claiming to be ‘first’. My problem is that I’m too straight … that
was my chance to keep my head down, say nothing – and let them at it! A fitness instructor working for us, did a runner with some of our tapes. Lo and behold she was soon being interviewed on local radio … telling my story … and how SHE discovered line-dancing in ‘Denim and Diamonds!!’ I should have phoned in and congratulated her; and nobody might ever have known about my Judas Jaunt!
But now, the chickens have come home to roost and an unfortunate poor scrut can’t do an old-time waltze, a quick-step or a fox-trot on the dance floor. Same as with the hogweed, which only took up a corner of a field to begin with, line-dancers who infiltrated the dance-halls, used to only commandeer a corner of the dance floor. Then it was quarter, then it was half – until it reached the point now, where Volodymyr Zelensky has a better chance of breaking through the Russian front, than has a couple of native species dancers getting past a line dance.
Line-dancers don’t dance with each other and all the steps are the same; whether it be ‘Boulovogue’ or ‘Bad moon Rising’; ‘1 .. 2 .. 3 .. 4 ..HUP, 1 .. 2 ..3 ..4’. Nobody smiles; line dancers don’t look at each other; don’t look happy … in fact, they don’t ‘look’ period. A glazed expression and a determination to hold the pack together is the modus operand of your average line dancer.
The gentry never apologised for bringing in the grey squirrel. I wish to place on the record my unqualified and sincere apology for inflicting the invasive species that is linedancing into my country … ‘the country that I love!’
Come back ‘Siege of Ennis’ … all is forgiven!
DON’T FORGET
It’s a mistake to try to judge a man’s horsepower by the size of his exhaust.
Orihuela Youth Welcomes Summer
The Orihuela Youth Department has prepared an event for youths and children to celebrate the arrival of summer,with a variety of activities.It will take place on the Playa Flamenca Promenade on Sunday 7 July from 7pm. There will be a number of workshops,including face painting and a biscuit workshop. There will also be children's games,a popcorn machine and a dance family activity. The day will culminate with the performance of Filiu & Cia,offering a musical show that will put the finishing touch to this summer welcome.
The events are designed for all the young people and children,offering entertainment and fun for the start of summer.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDING PINK SUNSETS AND THE MYSTERY OF THE NIGHTINGALE IN
JULY & AUGUST ON ORIHUELA
COSTA
Councillor Gonzalo Montaya and his team in the Department of Tourism have prepared an entertaining and varied programme of activities for the months of July and August, which includes tourist routes and sporting activities to be carried held in Orihuela Costa.
The calendar includes sightseeing activities around the focal points of Orihuela Costa as well as classes in various sporting disciplines which will take place on the Esplanada de Playa Flamenca.
During the summer months, a tourist programme has been planned which will allow participants to explore the natural wealth of Orihuela Costa.
In July, the routes include:
4th at 20:30 h: Night Route "El Río Nacimiento and the Mystery of the Nightingale".
18th at 19:30 h: Pink Sunsets Route: "The Route of the Flamingos along the Orihuela Coast".
21st at 20:00 h: Route "Las Dunas de Orihuela, last bastion of the Protected Flora of Orihuela".
The councillor made special mention of the Pink Sunsets Route, highlighting that "this experience will allow visitors to witness the impressive parade of hundreds of flamingos at sunset. This natural spectacle is complemented by the sighting of marine species of great importance, such as the Mediterranean Cory's shearwater, the Balearic shearwater and the shag". The route, which starts from the Cala Capitán car park, is designed to offer panoramic views in a setting full of life and colour.
A KISS WITHOUT CONSENT IS A CRIME
The Supreme Court of Spain ruled that kissing someone without consent is sexual assault. They upheld a sentence for a police officer who kissed a detainee. The court says any unwanted kiss is a violation, even if brief, and highlights the detainee's lack of control in the situation.
The ruling emphasizes that consent is crucial and no one has the right to kiss someone who isn't receptive.
In August, the programme continues with more routes:
1st at 21:00 h: Night Route "Moths and Flora in the Moonlight at Punta de la Glea".
16th at 19:30: Route "Albufera Salvaje de la Glea, an Oasis of Biodiversity".? Day 22 at 19:00h: Route "Explore Cabo Roig: between fossil beaches and unique flora in the Mediterranean".
In addition, on 27 July at 21:30 h, a Candlelight Concert will be held on the esplanade of Playa Flamenca, providing an opportunity to enjoy music in an enchanting atmosphere by the sea.
In addition to the tourist routes, a series of sporting activities have also been programmed on the esplanade of Playa Flamenca. These activities include yoga, bachata, xtromba and zumba classes, which will take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, in the mornings and afternoons. "These classes are open to all and do not require booking, offering the opportunity to enjoy a healthy and fun activity in the open air," said Montoya who reiterated the commitment of the Orihuela Tourism Department to offer a
varied and attractive programme for the summer, with the aim of making "Orihuela Costa a destination where people want to stay and enjoy the summer"
For more information about the programme, got to the website www.orihuelaturistica.es or contact via WhatsApp at 673836385
Residents unhappy with Orihuela Government performance
The Cabo Roig and Lomas Neighbours Association (AVCRL) analyzed the manifestos of governing coalition parties PP and Vox,elected in May 2023.
Despite Mayor Pepe Vegara's satisfaction with his team's performance,AVCRL finds only 6% of the 84 proposals outlined in the PP's electoral program have been fulfilled after 13 months.
SHORTFALLS ON PROMISES
The association feels the current situation falls far short of the campaign slogan "An Orihuela,that you want to see." They point out similar neglect regarding Vox's promises,with little achieved beyond Deputy Mayor Manuel Mestre establishing a coastal council department.
LIMITED ACHIEVEMENTS
While acknowledging new budgets,a tourism office,a waste collection center, and a coastal council department,AVCRL emphasizes the lack of progress on crucial issues.These include road repairs,a pedes-
trian bridge,park improvements,emergency center upgrades,flood control,a water treatment plant,a fixed eco-park, additional schools and healthcare facilities.
RESIDENTS FEEL NEGLECTED
A spokesperson highlights the residents' perception of a stagnant local council. They criticize the poor state of beaches lacking facilities,potholed roads with inadequate signage,overgrown palm trees,neglected parks and playgrounds,and malfunctioning public lighting.
FOCUS ON COASTAL ISSUES
The association blames Deputy Mayor Mestre for these shortcomings,particularly regarding coastal management.They cite issues with uncollected rubble,lack of replacement bins and machinery despite budget allocation,and inadequate street cleaning and waste collection.
CONCERNS REGARDING FUTURE
PROGRESS
With complex projects requiring lengthy
“Beaches are poorly cared for, some are still without toilets or chirunguitos, the roads are full of potholes, many with very poor vertical and horizontal signage.”
administrative procedures,AVCRL fears many promises risk going unfulfilled by the end of the current term in May 2027.They
residents.
urge the council to expedite these processes to deliver on their commitments to the
La Hoya Roundabout Land Expropriation Approved
The covered road signs have been in place for weeks, but now Torrevieja town hall has given the go ahead for the expropriation of land in order for a new roundabout to be constructed on the CV-905 road that links Torrevieja with Quesada, to serve the new Lagoons Village urbanisation.
The group of companies involved in the construction on the La Hoya land must pay the municipality the cost at which the expropriation has been valued. The fair price, in this sense, amounts to 28,953 euro, to which 5% must be added as an affection premium, making a total of
30,400 euro, as reported by the secretary of the Governing Board, Federico Alarcón.
The land to be expropriated occupies a small part of the total space that the roundabout will occupy. Only the southwest corner of the roundabout is on land outside the sector and public domain of the autonomously owned road. According to the project, those few metres are property of the commercial companies Salinas del Mar and Promar Vega, SL.
The expropriation project had to first go through a public exhibition period, which was published last February.
Cabify joins Uber at Alicante Airport
Cabify, a Spanish mobility platform, has been awarded exclusive contracts to operate at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport and Valencia Airport. This comes after Uber was granted a license to operate in Alicante and Elche earlier this week. Cabify will have designated pick-up
zones with 4 spaces in Alicante and 5 spaces in Valencia. To improve user experience, Cabify launched 'Cabify Airport' which helps reduce meeting time between the passenger and the driver.
This collaboration is expected to improve user experience with shorter waiting times and better signage at collection points.
Torrevieja Classics and Specialists Car Club
The club is now in its 18th year with a membership if 41 owners of both classics and specialist cars. We are fortunate to still have one original member Albino Careiro who owns a Mazda.
In the first six months of the year, we have been able to have a run every month except for January that we could not get an organiser for. Hopefully in the second half of the year this will not happen again.
In February the club went on its annual Almond Blossom Run, this time ending in Hondón de la Frailes.
March took us on a run round the Blue Lake ending at San Miguel.
April saw a run to Santuari de Santa Maria Magdalena, Novelda ending in Hondón.
May was a trip to Torrellano via the Fondo National Park, and the Santa Pola Lighthouse, finishing at Torrellano where after the meal a
visit to the Train Museum was arranged and an excellent time was had by all members , some of whom rode the mini train, great fun.
June was our last run for the first half of the year, this time round our favourite Blue Lake, finishing off at Patio Andaluz in Punta Prima.
All our events have been very well attended with around 24 members and a few friends joining us.
We look forward to the next six months which will include a visit to a Go Kart circuit, The Hondón Cool Run, our annual Dinner and Christmas party, finishing off the year on Innocentes Day with our driving skills and mini golf.
We have a website and also a Facebook group, both under the name of the club, where information about the club, N332 and DGT information is published.
Higher food prices lead to reduced consumption
Spain's food industry is in crisis. Production dropped 2.6% and over 1,800 companies have closed this year. Inflation, high energy costs, and raw material prices are blamed but despite rising prices, manufacturers maintain their profits.
The war in Ukraine and rising interest rates further hurt the situation. Some companies are trying to adapt with technology and sustainability, but it's not enough as the industry faces harsh challenges to stay afloat.
Rainfall still leaving mixed results
The meteorological agency, Aemet, has said the national average value of accumulated rainfall from the beginning of the hydrological year (October 1, 2023) until June 18 is estimated at 563 l/m2, which is 4% more than normal.
Precipitation exceeds normal values in the western and interior half of the peninsula, in the Basque Country and Navarra and in the western half of the Pyrenees along with northern Aragon. However, they are still below their normal values in the eastern third of the peninsul as well as from Almería to the Ebro delta.
Spain assumes Command of Operation Atalanta Force
Spain has last weekend assumed command of the Operation Atalanta Force, replacing Italy, in a deployment marked by the growing piracy activity in recent months in Somali waters.
The Spanish Navy frigate Numancia will lead the EU naval mission, established in 2008, as the flagship of the Operation.
Atalanta's mandate focuses on deterring, preventing, and suppressing piracy and armed robbery in the area of operations, while protecting the World Food Program and other vulnerable vessels transiting the region, contributing to traffic surveillance of drugs, weapons, illicit trade and illegal fishing, as well as the arms embargo on Somalia.
Summer sales season underway in Spain
Although some stores have started early, the official summer sales season started last Thursday, 27 June, so if you were waiting for the perfect time to treat yourself, wait no longer.
The official sales season will now run through the summer, but caution should always be exercised as all to often consumer associations warn that prices have not always been discounted as much as the price tag suggests, in accordance with the law, and on occasion, products are actually cheaper outside the sales season.
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ACROSS ACROSS
4.First (7)
8.Innate (6)
9.Rapture (7)
10.Revelled (6)
11.Loiter (6)
12.Introduction (8)
18.Summary (8)
20.Trip (6)
21.Beastly (6)
22.Everlasting (7)
23.Fondle (6)
24.Pardon (7)
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: 2 Coy; 3 Repay; 4 Dorian; 5 Traipse; 6 Free-range; 7 Short notice; 8 At all events; 12 Mercenary; 15 Outpace; 17 Pepper; 19 Pleat; 21 Sir.
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
ACROSS ACROSS
4.Note two men being thrown out (7)
8.Rope used for a trial? (6)
9.Money is given to Frank (7)
10.Possibly please when slumbering (6)
11.Sharp turn from female outside right (6)
12.Friendly taxi in the distance (8)
18.Love to get about large town at speed (8)
20.Is the girl capable of finding a country? (6)
21.Bird with small back found in the mine (6)
22.Italian making first-class return to a country (7)
23.Book right at the back of the shelf (6)
24.Waiting like one in a waiting room? (7)
DOWN DOWN
1.Calendar girl can come back (7)
2.Tell sir about the espalier (7)
3.I leave America to change photographic device (6)
5.Extremely healthy all right! (4,4)
6.Ahundred girls in the South of France? (6)
7.Show a note to a man (6)
13.German boy without a girl (8)
14.Important people's large hairpieces? (7)
15.Roy's set to make seafood (7)
16.Father brings a dog back to Eastern temple (6)
17.I'm unfortunately returning a sausage (6)
19.Honour given by youth leader to journalist followed (6)
LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 20)
1. Meaning 'praised', what is the most common first name in the world?
2. The name of which liqueur with the year 1745 on the bottle means 'the drink that satisfies'?
3. Which very important part of the human body was named due to its similarity with a seahorse?
4. Which regal musician wrote the Bangles 1986 hit song 'Manic Monday' under the pseudonym "Christopher"?
5. The cocktail named 'Death in the Afternoon' is a combination of absinthe and champagne. 'Death in the Afternoon' is also the title of a book written by the inventor of this potent concoction. Name the writer.
6. As a means of saving coal, Germany was the first country to initiate 'daylight saving time'. Most European countries followed suit not long after. In which year was this measure first introduced? a. 1896 b. 1916 c. 1926 d. 1946
7. Harry S Truman was the name of the local sheriff in which cult 1990s TVseries?
8. At which FIFAWorld Cup finals was the penalty shootout format (after extra time) used for the first time? a. West Germany 1974 b. Spain 1982 c. Mexico 1986 d. Italy 1990
9. In November 2012, the Cray Titan was the fastest what in the world?
10. The following lyrics are all from songs with the word 'Lady' somewhere
in the song title. Can you name the song? a. Your lips feel like winter, your skin has turned to white. b. Children at your feet, wonder how you manage to make ends meet. c. Mucca chocolata la ya ya. d. I can leave her on her own knowin she's ok alone and there's no messin. e. She gets too hungry for dinner at eight, she likes the theatre and never comes late.
11. Who did the following men assassinate? a. Mark David Chapman, b. Sirhan Sirhan, c. Gavrilo Princip
12. According to United Nations estimates, how many shipwrecks are there on the ocean floors? a. 30,000 b. 300,000 c. 3,000,000 d. 30,000,000
13. Which painting method translated means "fresh" or "cool"?
14. Measured in area, what percentage of the land in the Netherlands lies below sea level? a. 5% b. 20% c. 35% d. 50%
15. The culinary term 'a la Florentine' usually refers to a dish served with which vegetable?
16. Name the novel in which each of the following men are central characters. a. Edmond Dantes, b. Edward Fairfax Rochester, c. Oliver Mellors, d. Edward Cullen
17. Which popular sport is played in the John Cain arena?
18. According to medieval literature, the Roman soldier Longinus smote which man with his lance?
19. The movie poster tag line for which 1967 film was "They're young.... theyíre in love.... and they kill people"?
20. In Greek mythology, which famous pillars bore the inscription 'nec plus ultra', meaning "nothing further beyond"?
Speed Limits in Spain
As we have been talking recently about new and more advanced radars to catch speeding motorists, it´s probably a good idea to talk once again about the speed limits on the roads of Spain.
All roads in Spain have a maximum permitted speed limit. However, that limit not only varies depending on the characteristics of the road, but also the type of vehicle, and (in some cases) the driver.
As always when we talk about
speed limits we must offer the same reminder however, the maximum permitted speed is exactly that, a maximum, it is not a target and the actual safe speed may be much lower depending on the road and weather conditions.
That said, here is the overview of the generic maximum permitted speed on the roads by vehicle type, unless signs say otherwise.
PASSENGER CARS AND MOTORCYCLES
The maximum generic speed for cars and motorcycles on motorways is 120 kilometres per hour. On secondary roads, the maximum permitted speed is 90 kilometres per hour.
BUSES
Buses, and other vehicle derivatives that have been adapted, must not exceed 100 kilometres per hour on motorways. On conventional roads, the maximum permitted speed is 90 kilometres per hour.
On other conventional roads out of town they cannot exceed 80 kilometres per hour. In the event of a bus carrying standing passengers (where permitted) the maximum permitted speed, whatever the type of interurban road, is 80 kilometres per hour.
TRUCKS
On motorways and highways, trucks, articulated vehicles, tractors and vans cannot exceed 90 kilometres per hour. On conventional roads outside of towns, the maximum permitted
speed is 80 kilometres per hour.
SPECIAL TRANSPORT
Any vehicle which falls into this category, namely a bus carrying school children and displaying the yellow school bus sign, or a vehicle carrying goods classed as dangerous, the maximum permitted speed must be reduced by 10 kilometres per hour.
TOWING A TRAILER
The maximum permitted limit on motorways and highways is 90 kilometres per hour when towing a light trailer (which has a maximum mass less than or equal to 750 kg) and 80 kilometres per hour when towing a non-light trailer (greater than 750 kg). On conventional roads the maximum permitted speed is then 80 kilometres per hour.
QUADS, TRICYCLES AND BICYCLES
Vehicles with three wheels or “quads” have their speed limited to 70 kilometres per hour on any type of road where they are permitted to drive.
Cycles, two and three wheeled mopeds and light quadricycles have a maximum speed of 45 kilometres per hour where permitted.
San Fulgencio warning for elderly
On it’s social networks page the Local Police of San Fulgencio have warned of an increase in thefts from elderly people. Thieves try to gain the trust of victims through "selfless help" especially in places such as ATMs, bus stops or in supermarkets, where older people may need help. After helping them and gaining their trust, thieves then take advantage of any carelessness to steal their wallets, watches or jewellery they are carrying.
For this reason, the Police is warning members of the public to be wary of strangers offering their help, always maintaining a safe distance. They say that in case of doubt, they should contact the Local Police or Civil Guard.
UBER ARRIVES AT ALICANTE AIRPORT
Uber is now available in Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez airport, thus, hopefully, relieving some of the pressure of getting a taxi, Of the forty licenses, thirty will be for the for the Alicante area and the airport, and ten will be issuedto the city of Elche. Elche and Alicante now becomes the ninth and tenth Spanish cities in which Uber offers a taxi service.
"It will be a service that tourists and locals can enjoy," explains the director, who wanted to reach out to the taxi sector. "They can NOW use our request and access our platform,"
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 an attractive 2019 Ford Ecosport at just 21,900e 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. 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 Mondays and Thursdays, Wednesday 2pm - 5pm. More info from Eva or Norah. in the cafe area. Email: oc.communitycare@gmail.com 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
Retired former UK Military and Policeman looking for a long term rental in the area from August. I am a non smoker & prefer somewhere with a pool. Please call 711049995 or reply by email to johnmdonaldson@yahoo.com
IS THE PURSUIT OF MONEY RUINING ORIHUELA COSTA?
Orihuela Costa has had its image as one of Spain’s Crown Jewels severely tarnished, Latest example, even the UK media has highlighted that three of our blue flag beaches had been closed because of sewage. This sorry state of affairs is an attack on public health, yet did any representative from the council come to beaches after they were supposedly cleaned and declared safe to use? We very much doubt it.
Without a doubt there is not a city council in Spain as inefficient and clumsy as the one we are inflicted with in Orihuela. But is it just inefficiency and clumsiness, or is there something more underhanded going on? Orihuela has systemically taken the coast apart, selling off its prized assets, asset stripping as it's called.
We hear examples, one after another, of how companies are not being paid for several months, resultant debts being built up of several million euros per company, No money for materials to repair the roads, vehicles driven without insurance etc., it is impossible not to be suspicious!
From the Mayor, down through the ranks, including the estimated 800 civil servants, all of whom are paid very well to serve the general interests of the people of Orihuela as a whole, or are they not serving the people generally but instead serving their individual interests or agendas.
They have seen at the last election they can be totally defeated and because the population is expanding at such a pace, the popu-
lation of the coast will soon be bigger than the rest of Orihuela combined. Not surprising that other political parties are beginning to get nervous.
Orihuela Costa is in a fight for its future and our main adversary is Orihuela council which not only wants to retain control of its most prized possession, but it also wants to strengthen its hold by any means possible, What we say is - do not listen to fake promises which are all smoke and mirrors, but judge Orihuela on it’s history.
Orihuela Costa is in its worst ever condition, we are just about to approach the summer season, but this ruination doesn’t happen overnight, it takes commitment and an agenda to ruin the crown jewels of Spain.
And another huge black mark against it is, as was highlighted in the Spanish media; it has the honour of being the municipality with the highest number of serving mayors and councillors convicted of corruption, on trial or waiting to go to trial.
MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL.
Pursuit of money drove Orihuela in its early years and is still going on today unabated. We are talking about the black economy driving the property sector especially landgrab, which is still going on today.
One that comes to mind is La finca Langostina which the family have been fighting for over 20 years. How can building licenses be granted so quickly? Could there be deals done in cafes/bars; are brown envelopes still being exchanged?
The most expensive commodity the coast has to offer is its prized land. You only have to look at how many cranes blot our lndscape, the number of licenses granted, how quickly land can be reclassified from rustic to commercial, As the saying goes: “If it looks
SPEEDY SCOOTER SEIZED IN TORREVIEJA
The scooter was immobilised and taken to the Municipal Depot
The Torrevieja Local Police have caught the rider of an electric scooter that was capable of reaching 81 kilometres per hour. The maximum speed allowed for this type of device by law is 25 kilometres per hour. The vehicle was immobilised and taken to the Municipal Depot due to its danger, according to the Local Police.
The police stopped the scooter during a random check that they have been carrying out in the city for the last two months during which they have sanctioned 94 drivers of similar mobility vehicles. Of those violations, 33 have been to drivers below the minimum age required to drive an electric scooter, which the DGT sets at 16 years.
In Torrevieja it is common for many young people to choose to travel by scooter to schools and institutes because it is an economical option with most of the educational centres located on the outskirts. The Council is already undertaking talks in schools given by the Local Police to inform teenagers about the regulations and the correct use of scooters.
The second most common infraction was parking on pavements and other prohibited areas for which the Local Police has issued 30 penalties. Most of these are related to scooter rental companies. Pursuing them is often complicated for police officers as they operate from other municipalities. The only thing that can be done is to fine and seize those scooters that are improperly parked.
like a duck, swims like a duck, quacks like a duck then it probably a duck.”
In short, it all looks and smells suspect then it is, somebody gains but it is the Coast that always loses.
QUIZ FROM P
14:
1.Muhammad.2.Drambuie (from the Scottish Gaelic 'dram buidheuch').3.Hippocampus ('horse' + 'coiled').4.Prince.5.Ernest Hemmingway.6.Answer b.1916.7.Twin Peaks.8.Answer b. Spain 1982 (West Germany vs France, semi-final).9.Supercomputer.10.Six answers.a.Lady D'arbanville (Cat Stevens).b.Lady Madonna (Beatles).c.Lady Marmalade (Labelle).d.She's a Lady (Tom Jones).e.The Lady is a Tramp (Frank Sinatra).f.Three Times a Lady (Commodores). 11.Three answers.a.John Lennon.b.Robert F Kennedy.c.Archduke Franz Ferdinand.12. Answer c.3,000,000.13.Fresco.14.Answer b.20%.15.Spinach.16.Four answers.a.The Count of Monte Cristo.b.Jane Eyre.c.Lady Chatterley's Lover.d.Breaking Dawn, Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse.(Twilight Saga).17.Tennis (Australian Open).18.Jesus Christ (the centurion Longinus was present at the crucifixion).19.Bonnie and Clyde.20.Pillars of Hercules
COUNTRY BOWLS CROWNED HARRIER DIVISION CHAMPIONS
By Kevin Storey
Team Captain Kevin Storey with Vice Captain Steve Wailes holding the Harrier Division trophy which was won this season by The Country Bowls Bluebirds. The picture was taken at their Celebration Lunch in recognition of their performance in the south Alicante Harrier Division. They topped the league with 83 points from 10 games. They were pushed all the way by Bonalba who finished on 79 points. Of the four entries in the South Alicante and VCL Competitions from Country Bowls they won 3 leagues and were runners up in the other. In the South Alicante Hurricane Division
EMERALD ISLE
Lords played at San Luis Pythons in 2 bowl trips league and came away with a very good 8-4 Aggregate of 94 -73. M Oakley N Prior S Elvin 19-7, VCameron C Wilson D Mooney 23-15, M Nash R White I Grimshaw 23-15
SAPS is on at 13--00 pm. You can learn to bowl or play if experienced. You can get shoes Bowls and Coaching all for 5 Euros for 2 hours and there is a bar open.
ELWYN MORRIS
CARP-R-US ANGLING
the Red Kites scored 64 points to Secure 2nd place behind La Marina.
The VCL South Division C was won by Country Bowls Meerkats with 63 points ahead of Emerald Isles on 59 points. And in the VCL South Division B The Country Bowls Foxes prevailed with 69 points compared to San Miguel Sheriffs on 60. This was a great effort by all concerned. If you wish to come along and try Lawn Bowls for the first time, give Country Bowls Jack Attack a try every Wednesday at 5.30pm through the summer.
Ring Club Captain Kevin Storey on +44 7976075905 for more details on club activity. The Club is situated in Camino 48, Puerto El Garruchal, Valle Del Sol, Murcia.
The second round of the Carp-R-Us Summer/Autumn series was fished on the Eden 2 stretch of the Rio Segura. The river was bank high but with a steady flow,if a little coloured and the match started with everyone confident of catching fish.Again,this was not the case and the match was a struggle for most.
Clear winner from peg 7 was Steve Fell who had 9.06kg caught alternating between traditional pole and bread and pole feeder and corn.Second was Tony Felstead from peg 4 who had 3.58kg caught on maggot.Third was Russ Davidson with 0.98kg from peg 5 and fourth was Roy Dainty with 0.42kg.All in all,another disappointing day on the river.
Information about the club can be found on its website http://www.carp-r-us.weebly.com or on the Facebook page Carp-RUs Fishing Costa Blanca
SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB
2 Bowl League on Monday 24th SLPythons, were home against a strong Emerald Isle Lords team.
After some close fought battles the Pythons took 4 points-8, 73 shots-94. Winners: Mary & Phil Lockley, Jim Gracie 17-15, Kath Reid, June & Keith Jones 19-14. Friday 28th SLPythons home v Greenlands Dragons had a good result 9 points-3, 114 shots-68. Well done to the winners: Stewart Wilson, Mike Veale, Bill Webb 26-9, Neil & Sandra Burrows, Scott Malden 26-12, Dee Hoey, Pete Ayres, Bob Bromley 19-19, Kath Reid, June & Keith Jones 32-12.
SLCobras on a hot, sticky morning, had a tough battle away; unfortunately after the journey south, to Country Bowls Eagles, they finished 0 points-12, 60 shots-90.
By Sheila Cammack
So for our two teams, that concludes this experimental 2 Bowl league, I think those members who chose to play, have generally enjoyed the experience; even if some of the results didnít go quite as weíd hoped! Maybe it will encourage more players across the area to have a go at playing in the Winter league, next season.
With no more league matches now, until October we have a members internal ìAussie Pairsî League to look forward to on Tuesday & Friday mornings for the next 3 weeks (for those who can cope with the heat) and hopefully some fun events in September.
The Open ìRoll-Upî on Saturday mornings will move to 9:00-9:30 from 6th July to try and avoid the midday heat. Donít forget to keep drinking the water and have a good summer!!
Westvilles Charity Petanca Competition.
After some close fought games on a very warm day, Peacocks Red sponsored by Petra Honig Inmobiliaria in Quesada, were the eventual winners. Domino's Knights came second, with Peacocks El Raso finishing third.
In the photo are Barry Tolson, Maurice Allen and Jackie Lowton, together with Peacocks Club Secretary Irene Tolson. Abig thankyou for donations received from various local sources.
NORWAY. Situated inside the Arctic Circle there is a ”Cool golf links with the hottest light show on earth.”
Summer visitors come to stay in lodges and play 24 hr. golf in a spectacular setting on the Norwegian Sea, and from August to October they get the Northern Lights thrown in. GOLFERS WHO COMPETE in the Macmillan Longest Day Challenge should tip their caps to H.Lumsden, of the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, who set a formidable record for the most golf played in 24 hours on a light summer night in 1910. Starting at 2.20. a.m. he proceeded to play 12 rounds of golf, or 216
LA MARINA GOLF SOCIETY
holes, a distance of around 40 miles, averaging 82.5 shots per round, and finishing at 9.00 p.m. I wonder if his wife greeted him with ”And what time do you call this, H.Lumsden?”
THE STAYSURE PGA Seniors Championship will be staged at Trump International Golf Links July 31st to August 4th. The par-72 championship course, opened in 2012, features 2 loops of nine holes nestled in amongst the Great Dunes with views of the Aberdeenshire coastline.
Host Colin Montgomerie says: “To be hosting the oldest Senior Championship in Europe is a distinct privilege. I will be doing my best to be a good host, while also focussing on competing against a very strong field.” Phil Harrison, CEO of the Legends Tour, said: “Colin Montgomerie is a name synonymous with European golf and it's success. We are delighted to have Colin on board and can think of no better host for this fantastic tournament.”
Unfortunately, Monty is also famous for being one of the world's grumpiest golfers. A man who could be put off his stroke by the sound of butterfly wings, his temper tantrums were legendary. He argued with fans, he argued with cameramen, he even argued with his long-suffering caddie Alastair McLean. Let's hope he's
This week the members of the La Marina Golf Society played at the picturesque golf course at La Finca for the Grill House Trophy. The players eagerly took to the impeccably maintained course and with the beautiful sunny weather, a good day to play golf lay ahead for the 28 members who took part.
Later in the evening the members and their guests met at the Grill House in La Marina for a celebratory dinner. A huge thank you to Rebecca and her staff for great food and a lovely evening was had by all.
Rebecca was also on hand to present the Grill House Trophy to the day’s winner, which was Mike Cunningham with a score of 39 pts, just slightly ahead of Graeme Buchanan in second place with 38 pts and Iain Lyall in third place with 36 pts.
The nearest the pin winners were as follows: Hole 3 Jonathan Ward, Hole 6 Mike Cunningham Hole 13 Sarah McCabe, and Hole 16 Iain Lyall. No one managed a 2 so the two’s pot will be rolled over to the next game. Well done to all of the day’s winners.
mellowed with age, and there aren't too many butterflies on the Trump course.
IT'S ALL HAPPENING north of the border this month. The Genesis Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club Nth. Berwick, July 11-14th, will be followed by The Open at Royal Troon from July 18th to 21st, then the Senior Open at Carnoustie Golf Links, July 25-28th followed by Monty's lot at Trump International on 31st. Hardly gives the players time for a wee dram between Championships. Hope the weather is kind, especially for the seniors, or hot toddys and Vick vapour rub will be the order of the day. To counter complaints of favouritism towards the land of heather and porridge, Sir Nick Faldo will be hosting the Betfred British Masters at The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, from 29th August to 1st September.
The Saturday will be “Retro day” with the fans encouraged to wear their traditional golf outfits, a chance for Sir Nick to dig out one of his diamond jumpers.
HYBRID CLUBS make scoring easier and, as a result, provide more enjoyment, especially if you're a senior player. The Cobra Darkspeed hybrid impressed testers this spring, with it's suspended PWR-BRIDGE design helping deliver long, straight shots, and an AI-designed H.O.T. Face which provides consistently fast ball speeds. The 12g weight positioned low in the sole helps to promote a high, towering ball flight. In addition, the combination of black and grey tones and matte dark grey crown make this one of the best looking hybrids. Impressed? A snip at around £229..
WINNERS OF THE OPEN receive a replica Claret Jug while the original resides at St. Andrews. Tom Watson, however, was given the original Claret Jug in error after his 1982 Open victory and accidentally knocked it off a table at home while practising his swing. He put it in the vice in his workroom and removed the dent. Luckily Henrik Stenson didn't drop the (replica) Claret jug after his win in 2016, as he went waterskiing with the trophy afterwards. Let's hope the next Open winner doesn't do free cliff climbing in his spare time.
Until next time: Happy Golfing.
Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. Tel. 638 859 475. or visit https://mickthegrip.blogspot.com
We celebrated our last Captains’ Day Mr David Stockton at La Serena yesterday.
Thank you to Vanessa, Gloria, Lorena, Duly, Jose, Miguel, Michael and all the staff for the continued support of our club and our members.. Again, thank you to our competitions committee lead by Camillus, that is Alan, Tery and Philip, for their continued attention to detail. To our treasurer Denis, thank you for making the running of these events seamless. Our entertainer as always is the wonderful Jackie, she certainly knows how to woo the members with her dulcet tones.
Our Captain David was on hand to present the prizes to our lucky winners. In his after-dinner speech, he paid special tribute to our new teaching pro, Christy. Christy’s valuable advice was of great help to our lowest handicapped player, a former tour candidate. Just a short note Christy plays off 21
handicap!
To the staff at Meson El Prado, muchos gracias. We were all well-watered and fed.
Results of the day were as follows; NTP’s. Bev Buckley, Nick Brooks, Pauvla Serakova, Jean Randell, Bob Smith, Mike Parry, and Stuart Bulling. Our senior prize winner, Michael Reeves. Cat IV. Theo Boelhouwer 69, Niall Murray 71, and Holly Thomson 73. III. Pat McLoughlin 67, Billy Thomson 72 and Tom Conway 76. Cat II. Tony Burns 70, Wernfried Stuhlpfarrer 71 and Terry Lambert 71. Cat I. Gareth Conroy 68, Nick Brooks 69 and Andy Currie 73. Gross went to Bob Smith 73. Second overall to Kenny McGeehan 65 and the winner of Dave Stocktons’ prize with the fabulous score of 63 Camillus Fitzpatrick.
Well done to all those who shared with Dave this special evening.
LOFOTEN,
Elche v Nottingham Forest the pre season pick at Pinatar Arena
Pinatar Arena starts the summer with the attendance of twenty clubs, twelve of them British, who will be using the training facility for their pre-season.
The first to arrive will be St Mirren to prepare for the preliminary phase of the Conference League. They will be followed by Premier League outfit, Nottingham Forest, who were last at Pinatar Arena two years ago. There they will be joined by Championship clubs Sunderland and Millwall and Lincoln City and Stockport County from League One.
During July, Getafe CF, Elche CF, Real Zaragoza and Andorra, will be joining them along with FC Cartagena, Real Murcia and Eldense as they will play a number of friendly matches at the San Pedro del Pinatar facilities.
The U21 teams from Tottenham Hotspur, Bournemouth and Newcastle United, who will also travel with their youth team, will also be at the Arena during July, joined by the Primavera team of Como 1907 from Italy.
Other clubs scheduled to use Pinatar Arena for their pre season include Preston North End and Derby County.
The expectation that these clubs have generated among their fans has led to an estimated attendance of more than 10,000 people, most of them British, to the matches that will soon be announced.
In the coming days Pinatar Arena will continue to
announce new teams that will visit San Pedro del Pinatar during the months of July and August.
SUMMER SEASON TICKET
As usual, the teams that come to Pinatar Arena are looking for, apart from the facilities, to play competitive matches as they prepare the start of their respective seasons, thus attracting the interest of football lovers, regardless of their favourite club. To this end, Pinatar Arena is once again offering fans a ‘summer season ticket’ for just 50 euros, that will enable them to access all the matches already planned as well as additional games that will be added progressively.
Entrance to individual matches is 5 euros.
Tickets and season tickets for all confirmed matches are now available at pinatararena.compralaentrada.com.
