Torrevieja has again launched it’s project MANOS POR EL ALZHEIMER
The project seeks the involvement of people through social networks during the months leading up to World Alzheimer's Day, 21 SEPTEMBER, who can help to raise public awareness of Alzheimer's disease.
It consists of posting images and photos of groups, people, murals, etc. that represent GREEN HANDS. The hands represent help and the need for society as a whole to get involved in the social and health problems of dementia. The colour green is the most representative of Alzheimer's at national and regional level, as it is the colour of the Confederation and the Federation.
Photos must be shared publicly with all contacts. The images that reach the Association will be published on their social networks and the most representative will be collected and shared by the Alzheimer's Federation through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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GREEN HANDS FOR ALZHEIMERS
Let’s remember that green hands is the symbol that represents the need for help and also the need for hope for people with Alzheimer’s, family, friends and caregivers.
Members of Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja were also at last Tuesday’s launch including the mayor Eduardo Dolon, together with councillors Trudy Páez, Concha Sala, Domingo Paredes and Maria José Ruiz.
AFA Torrevieja
The Alzheimer's Association of Relatives/Friends of Torrevieja (AFA Torrevieja) is an association that cares for people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. It was founded in 2004. Since 2007 it is located in Prolongación Avenida de la Estación Nº1, 03185 Torrevieja (Alicante).
The centre opens from 9am to 7pm, from Monday to Friday, where the following services are provided: cognitive stimulation, physical stimulation, functional stimulation, social and psychological intervention, attention and auxiliary nursing care. It also has a meal service and transport. The centre currently offers its services in the fol-
Monday 8th - Sunday 14th July 2024
lowing areas: Torrevieja; Guardamar del
Los Montesinos; La
San
de Salinas; Pilar de la Horadada; Rojales: Ciudad Quesada, however, residents of Orihuela Costa may also use the centre because of the distances involved to AFA Miguel Hernández in Orihuela
City.
Its main objective is to improve the quality of life for those suffering from Alzheimer's and other dementias, as well as providing support to their relatives.
DON’T LOSE YOUR PENSION BECAUSE OF ‘PROOF OF LIFE’
The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) continues to check that over-80s of any nationality who are drawing a state pension in Spain are still eligible. These checks are called ‘life certificates’ and they require the recipient to complete a form and have a witness sign it before returning it by post. This is a routine process, with certificates sent by DWP on a regular cycle to specific groups drawing a UK state pension.
To date, the number of life certificates returned to the DWP from Spain is lower than expected. The DWP have therefore extended the deadline to 31 July 2024 to give
over-80s more time to complete the process.
It is extremely important that all British state pensioners over the age of 80 complete this process as soon as possible. Failure to do so could lead to the suspension of pension payments by DWP (although these would be reinstated if eligibility is subsequently proven).
For state pensioners over-80 that have already received their letter and returned their life certificate, no further action is required.
For state pensioners under-80, there is no action currently required but they will be receiving a letter towards the end of the year. We therefore
If you would like a doggie, a rescue one’s a must One that you could cuddle, and generally fuss.
If you don’t know, and you’re not sure what type it should be, One that you could stroke and love and keep you company On the rescue sites you are bound to see, The one that’s perfect, for you or for me.
How would you know what type to pick? You might take home a crazy mix.
Short haired, long haired, scruffy, or one that’s oh so smooth There are so many of them, just how would you choose?
It’s even been known for a dog to choose you And then you would know, exactly what to do.
There is a dog for everyone, just look into their eyes and sure enough it won’t be long before you recognise, the one that’s right for you to be your life long buddy, together the future could be bright, and fun and sunny..
recommend that all state pensioners check their address registered with DWP is correct if they have recently moved house. They can do so here: https://www.gov.uk/international-pension-centre
If any state pensioners over-80 have not received a letter or have changed their address without notifying DWP, they can request a new one at the following link: www.gov.uk/international-pension-centre
What a Heavenly Father we have!
Sunday 16 June saw the UK celebrating ‘Fathers’ Day’. In Murcia, Salt Church Mar Menor held their annual ‘Our Heavenly Father’s Gift Day’ to raise funds for 3 local charities. A total of 1500 euros was shared equally between HELP MURCIA MAR MENOR, MABS CANCER SUPPORT and YO ENCUENTRO.
Bob Barham from YO ENCUENTRO praised the work of so many volunteers who give of their time and energy without payment and how well the charities work together assisting the needy in our communities.
Left to right: David & Margaret Leigh (Help MMM), Mary & Bob Barham (Yo Encuentro) and Mike Downie (MABS)
Segura;
Mata;
Miguel
ADOPTION By Marion Skinner
AFATorrevieja staff with the mayor and councillors at the project launch
TORREVIEJA PLACES SIGNAGE WARNING OF PURCHASES FROM ‘LOOKY LOOKY’ VENDORS
The emphasis not to make purchases is now being placed on the public.
Anew chapter in the war between the Torrevieja authorities and the 'top manta' illegal street traders was unveiled on Thursday, with the erection of street signage warning members of the public that the purchase of products from such sellers is punishable by a fine of 200 euros.
The signs have been installed along much of the seafront, up and down the Juan Aparicio promenade, although initial indications are that few people are taking any real notice.
The signs are a new initiative that the Council has undertaken to try to tackle a phenomenon that has been resisting all other deterrents for many years now, and that has simply ignored all other measures introduced by the town hall.
The poster says. “The purchase or acquisition in public spaces of food, drinks
and other products from unauthorised street vending is prohibited." A similar message has also been published on the council’s social networks.
For the moment only a small handful of signs are being displayed although the Council's intention is to erect many more at all points along the promenade that are frequented by the 'manteros'.
In recent years the presence of such traders, far from diminishing, is increasing. Mainly carried out by Senegalese immigrants, areas such as those adjacent to the monument to the Man of the Sea are a continuous series of white sheets spread across the ground and the atmosphere increasingly resembles that of a bazaar or a souk rather than that of a leisure area.
Moreover, any police presence, seems to have little effect on those who sell these
counterfeit products with officers observing from a distance as illegal sales continues without impediment. Although sellers would usually pick up their belongings and hide when they see the agents walking around, once the uniformed officers withdraw the 'manteros' quickly notify each other and return to their former pitches.
During the first term of the current mayor, Eduardo Dolón (2011-2015), an attempt was made to pursue these traders in a more forceful manner but the intervention led to street fights between vendors and agents as well as protests by the Senegalese themselves in front of the courts. With the emphasis not to buy such illegal goods now being placed on the purchaser the council is clearly hoping that their actions will lead to a decrease in the presence of such street traders.
Promise to fund 2nd Orihuela Costa Centro Salud criticised by Cambiemos
Cambiemos spokesperson, Leticia Pertegal
Although the mayor will not disclose the new location the site originally chosen is in Sector PAU-20 "La Ciñuelica", close to Punta Prima. The image shows its unveiling by Emiliano Bascuñana in July 2020.
The political group Cambiemos Orihuela has expressed their concern over the financing of the new Health Centre in Orihuela Costa. They claim that the responsibility lies with the Consellería, but it is apparently going to be funded by the Ayuntamiento.
They fear that a similar situation will occur to that of the old Orihuela courthouse, which was supposed to be paid for by the Generalitat, but never was
Mayor Vegara has stated in an interview that a second health centre in Orihuela Costa will be operational by the end of 2025, although the location has not yet been disclosed.
The Ayuntamiento has asked the Consellería if they would provide doctors for the new centre if it is built, and the Consellería has agreed.
Cambiemos spokesperson, Leticia Pertegal, said that the construction of the health centre is the responsibility of the
Conselleria, not the Ayuntamiento. They believe this is a further example of the Ayuntamiento’ s subordination to the Generalitat, relieving the Consellería of their responsibility. They argue that this is not in the best interests of Orihuela and demand transparency from the municipal government regarding the project's funding and cost.
They assert that the Consellería must fulfil its promises and obligations, including the construction of the socio-sanitary city and the asylum in Orihuela. The group stresses that the residents of Orihuela Costa deserve practical solutions and effective action, not empty promises.
They criticize the ongoing conflict between the Consellería and the Ayuntamiento, citing the prolonged situation with the third school on the coast as an example. They call for answers and tangible progress instead of announcements that only worsen the situation.
VALENCIAN LANGUAGE WITHDRAWN IN 100 SCHOOLS
Over 100 schools in the Valencian Community will switch their main teaching language from Valencian to Castilian (Spanish) due to a new regional law.
This law allows families in Castilian-dominant areas to choose their children's instruction language, whereas previously school councils decided. Students can now pick their exam language and receive language certifications.
Valencian will no longer be the mandatory language in 144 municipalities and these areas can even vote to only teach Valencian as a subject.
This change applies to municipalities in Alicante including Alicante, San Fulgencio, Torrevieja Orihuela, Rojales and many more.
Autumn start on third A-7 lane
The Spanish Ministry of Transport will invest 89.6 million to widen a 17km section of the A-7 highway between Crevillente and Orihuela.
A third lane will be added to both directions, improving traffic flow and safety.
This will extend the existing three-lane section from Elche to Orihuela. Junctions will also be remodeled.
Construction is expected to take nearly five years.
SANTA POLA GETS SU MMER AMBULANCE
Once again, Santa Pola will have a paramedic ambulance on site, based at the Local Police Station, starting this week and until after the patron saint festivities.
On Thursday, municipal services have moved materials and furniture from Elche to the premises of the Santa Pola Local Police station where health professionals will have their summer base. Santa Pola will thus host the 24-hour SAMU service until 9 September.
Mayor Loreto Serrano and Councillor for Health, Borja Merino, welcomed the SAMU team upon their arrival.
50 MILLION EURO INVESTMENT INTO SIERRAGOLF
The local Council has given the green light to the first phase of a multi-million euro development on Sierra Golf which will see the construction of 3000 homes and a hotel for tourist and residential use.
In the first phase,Moorstyle España has a license to build 311 homes and complete the work on urban services,including telephone and electricity networks,as well as the connection to water and sanitation networks,which it wants to carry out as soon as possible.The second phase will continue with a further 324 homes.
According to the Councillor for Urban Planning,Antonio Navarro, "The mild winter temperatures and the good connections to other cities and the sea are an incentive for the arrival of even more Europeans."
WORK NEARS COMPLETION IN AGUAMARINA MICRORESERVE
The Aguamarina micro-reserve's pedestrian path recently underwent repair works. The once neglected area, known for its ecological value, suffered from illegal dumping and logging. The Council addressed the public's concerns and invested 19,121.87 euros to fix the crumbled
steps, fill holes, and replace broken fences. The repaired path is now accessible for tourists and residents. This project fulfilled a key request from the Cabo Roig and Lomas Residents' Association, who had previously raised concerns about the path's condition and fire risks.
TORREVIEJA REGGAETON FESTIVAL
The Reggaeton Beach Festival (RBF) has announced the full lineup for the 2024 concerts in Torrevieja, the longest and most spectacular in its history. The event will be held on the 3rd and 4th of August and will once again take place in the Antonio Soria Park (Avenida Delfina Viudes).
The final line-up will feature international artists including Anuel AA, Manuel Turizo, El Alfa, Maria Becerra, Ryan Castro, De La Ghetto, Nio Garcia, Noriel, Brray and La Joaqui, with local and top DJs such as Ballesteros, Albert Gonzalez, Juanjo Garcia, Oscar Herrera, Anthony Ready & Yeigo and Joswerk.
This year the Tour, seen by more than a million people, began in Oropesa del Mar and Puerto de la Cruz on 29 and 30 June, continuing to Nerja, Benidorm, Mallorca, Santander, Madrid,
More money raised by Whitneys for local charities
David,Max the sloth, Lorraine and Amina from Donacions Torrevieja
David and Lorraine Whitney raised money for charity "Donacions Torreveija Alrededores" to help the poor and homeless.
Their friends donated 100 euros,"The Melody Makers" performance raised 204 euros,and the Marina Bar with Mary Flynn and Rita Monaghan contributed 496.64 euros,bringing the total to 800.64 euros.
Margaret Stent also donated a sloth toy for the children.More donations are welcome.
Barcelona, Avilés and Gran Canaria, and will conclude in Nigrán and Torrevieja on 3 and 4 August.
Orihuela Costa Cats prioritised
The Councillor for Health in Orihuela, Irene Celdrán, has said that the council will proceed to sterilise and identify the feline colonies detected in different parts of the municipality of Orihuela, especially in Montepinar and the Orihuela Costa.
"We have detected a large increase in colonies that are also being fed in an unauthorised manner and this creates a significant health problem that we must address," explained the Orihuela councillor, who added that there are currently around 140 registered colonies, to which must be added those that have still to be registered.
To this end, “the Department of Health is going to implement a large-scale shock plan in the coming weeks to tackle the increase in feline colonies, as we have promised the residents who suffer this problem daily near their homes, and in
some cases even inside their homes, and who have told us about their problems in the various meetings we have held with them recently.”
“After working in Orihuela Costa and Montepinar, we will continue with the colonies located in the outlying areas and in the centre of Orihuela.
Under the recently implemented Animal Welfare Law, town halls are responsible for protecting these feline colonies.”
The councillor added that people trained in this field have been authorised to feed felines in an appropriate manner and in compliance with regulations, so that “if anyone is interested in training and obtaining an accreditation card, they can obtain information from the Health Department, but it is important that if we are not trained, we do not feed feline colonies in an uncontrolled manner”.
Torrevieja hoping for green recycling flag
Torrevieja and 168 other Valencian hospitality businesses will compete for Ecovidrio's Green Flag for sustainability this summer.
This campaign recognizes commitment to recycling glass and sustainability in the hospitality sector. Ecovidrio will award prizes to the most responsible municipality and two top businesses based on recycling, energy use, and sustainable practices.
This year, winners will also receive a Michelin Green Star chef experience.
The Green Flag Movement tackles the high summer waste generation in coastal areas, which produces a third of all glass waste. Ecovidrio will support businesses with resources and incentives.
Grants to enable citizen participation
The Alicante Provincial Council is providing over €300,000 in subsidies to 43 municipalities with less than 20,000 residents. This funding aims to improve citizen participation, transparency, and good governance in local administrations.
Grants are divided into two categories: citizen participation actions (€201,039 for 30 projects) and transparency/good governance initiatives (€102,604 for 32 projects).
Several towns in Vega Baja like Algorfa, Daya Nueva, Daya Vieja, and Los Montesinos will benefit from this program.
TRAFFIC LIGHT STUDY IN ORIHUELA CITY
Orihuela Council is hiring a consultant to design a plan to modernize the city's 53 traffic light systems. The current lights are outdated and malfunctioning, causing safety hazards and high maintenance costs.
The consultant will study each light system and propose necessary upgrades, including electrical components, poles, and light heads.
The project is expected to cost €17,545 and be completed by the end of the year.
ORIHUELA APPE ALS TO SUPREME COURT OVER LA GLEA BEACH ROAD
Orihuela City Council is lodging an appeal with the Supreme Court which, if successful, will allow it to rebuild a road destroyed by flooding during the 2019 DANA.
The road, next to La Glea beach, was built in the 1960s before current coastal regulations.
The Council argues a 1963 law allows them to occupy public land for public infrastructure. The Coastal Demarcation prefers a pedestrian walkway, which is currently in the process of construction.
The Supreme Court will decide if the road can be rebuilt
The road would benefit motorists who currently need to take a 3km detour to get to the centro salud, shops and bars
‘HE
IS ON ABOUT FOOD AGAIN...’
We all like to talk about food – although the prodigious range of cookery programmes on TV is a turn-off for 'useless yokes' like me. Maybe that is because I have no interest in food before it is trapped in front of me on a plate.
What we should eat is constantly under the microscope, with new advice being issued all the time. At the outset, I would contend that the most important thing of all is for every human on the planet to have enough to eat.
To the eternal discredit of those who hold the key to the barn door, no more than half the population of the world ever know what it is to have their fill to eat. We have written about this shameful anomaly here before, and I think we have written on other aspects of food from time to time.
Remember, after the weather, food is everybody’s favourite topic of conversation.
‘Eat your greens’, was the persistent directive we children listened to at the dinner table. This could come under the heading of a threat, a plea, or an enticement. Either way, the delivery had limited success –because none of us liked greens!
A lot of greens got moved around the plate, as we tried to mould it into a shape that looked smaller. But the fact is that the mammies of Ireland did know best, and greens did help us to ‘grow big and strong!’
There is greater awareness nowadays of nutrition and the individual benefits of one food over another. What is regarded as a well-balanced diet has changed a lot since it was simply a matter of ‘eating your greens’ and ‘you’re not getting up from the table until every bit of that
is gone.’ Unfortunately, Rover, begging under the table, like the rest of us and had no gr? for greens.
The advice hammered out by the experts over the past generation was that everybody should consume five portions of fruit and veg a day.
Again, how painfully frustrating must this sound to a parent simply struggling to keep enough food on the table in order to sate the family’s appetite. We all know that everybody in Ireland should always have enough to eat; but the food on the table can often be reduced due to underlying problems.
Staying with the previous advice of eating five portions of fruit and veg per day, new findings have improved on this. And before we go on, it is very much stating the obvious in stating that nutritionists have and are having the greatest role in increasing life-expectancy in the developed world.
The latest advice is that we should be aiming to eat thirty different plants a week. Hold on ...hold on, Gorls. This isn’t as difficult as it may seem, so please bear with us!
Researchers on the British and American ‘Gut project’ have found that people who eat a wide variety of plants have significantly more diverse gut microbiomes than those who follow a more restricted diet.
Gut diversity has been linked to a range of benefits including healthier immune system and reduced risk of diabetes, obesity and cancer. The emergence of the ’30 plants a week’ plan has the backing of eminent medical scientists and doctors specialising in this field.
I told you that this dietary plan is a lot more feasible than it sounds. This is because your thirty plants
can include black tea, coffee, dark chocolate, nuts, seeds, and spices. When you add in your regular fruit and veg ... seems to me that we are there already.
Then, as in most findings, there are the contradictions.
Rice was the staple diet of half the world’s population for 10,000 years. In the south of ancient China, the people ate hardly anything else but rice. How come that many of those people lived to be a ripe old age?
Traditional Eskimos of the frozen northern regions of our planet ate hardly anything else but fish.
Early reports describe these people as looking ‘beautiful and athletic.’
So where do our balanced diets fit into all of this? To me it serves as a testament to the strengths and adaptability of the human species.
Everyone knows about the potato famine in Ireland. To add insult to injury, we were looked down upon in certain quarters for our dependence on the potato; but do you know that the humble spud is the one food which comes close to being the only ingredient you can survive on long term? The fact that the potato has Vitamin C singles it out as a unique food. Also, the egg is said to be the only complete meal all in one.
I’ll leave the final word to my late father: Not scientifically corroboratedbut it gave succour to us non-greens eating creatures; ‘If you like it, it’s doing you good, and if you don’t, it’s not!’
Maybe this is why I am not really a sensible eater!
DON’T FORGET
Happiness is like a potato salad –when shared with others, it’s a picnic.
Torrevieja presents the 70th International Habaneras Competition
From July 21 to 27, the Municipal Theatre will host the most important cultural event of the year, involving more than 800 choristers from across Europe, America and Asia.
In total, there will be 14 groups entered into in the competition that will take to the stage of the Theatre to offer top quality music and choral performances.
The host will be tv personality and journalist Cristina Pampín, formerly of Antena 3, Telemadrid Mediaset where she was coordinator and editor of the Cuatro and Telecinco news programmes for seven years.
Tickets are on sale at www.entradasatualcance.com and at the theatre box office Season The price of a 7-day season ticket is 55 euros. Tickets for the opening gala are 15 euros, while for the other nights they will be 8 euros. Pensioners
LA MATA SPORTS HALL EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY END OF YEAR
ORIHUELA COUNCIL CLAIMS TO BE UP TO DATE WITH PAYMENTS TO CLEQUALI
As the PSOE demands explanations for misinformation and lack of payment to Clequali workers and José Aix appeared at a press conference to show Ciudadanos support for the Clequali workers and to criticise Mayor Vegara and Sports Councillor Sigüenza for lying, employees are still not paid with many now owed two outstanding paychecks.
“The contract has not been tendered nor have the workers been paid, it was all a lie,” said the Councillor Luis Quesada. “The only ones who are complying are the staff who are still working hard during a period of great uncertainty for them and their families, we fear that this will have repercussions on municipal services.”
On Friday the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, visited the new municipal sports hall in La Mata, the first municipal sports facility in Torrevieja that will be fully air-conditioned.
During his visit, the mayor said that the works are progressing at a very good pace, so it is expected that the facility, highly demanded by residents, will be completed before the end of this year.
The new pavilion, costing 6 million euros, pavilion, has a gymnasium of more than 100 m2, as well as two multipurpose rooms which could be combined, allowing for meetings and social and cultural activities, as well as changing rooms for teams and referees, toilets, an outside lobby, a cafeteria, access control, a cloakroom and a grandstand area with 200 seats for spectators.
Cristina Pampín will host the festival which gets underway on 21 July at the Municipal Theatre
Orihuela without Summer Schools for 2nd consecutive year
Orihuela is facing delays in awarding the contract for summer schools, leaving parents struggling with childcare during the summer holidays. This is the second consecutive year that the municipality has not been able to provide summer schools.
The councillor responsible for education blames the delay on a series of problems that have arisen throughout the
contracting process. The tendering process only began in May and the council is currently in talks with the thirdbest rated company after the top two withdrew from the bidding.
The councillor acknowledges the importance of summer schools for working parents and regrets the delay. He assures that once a company is awarded the contract, the service will be guaranteed for at least three years.
In the meantime, some schools in the municipality have taken it upon themselves to organize their own summer clubs to meet the needs of parents.
Tuesday 16th is a Local Holiday - Virgin of Carmen
On July 16th, many towns in Alicante celebrate the Virgen del Carmen, a popular local holiday honoring the Virgin Mary as the patron saint of fishermen and sailors.
This is especially significant in coastal areas where sea processions are common. Other celebrations this month include Orihuela's Reconquista festivities on July 17th, the feast of Santiago ApÛstol celebrated in various towns on July 25th, and the anniversary of Segregation in Los Montesinos and Pilar de la Horadada on July 30th.
New Speed Camera on CV-95 in Torrevieja
A new speed camera is now active on the CV-905 in Torrevieja, near the Mercadona supermarket on the La Siesta side. This zone is known for speeding and the limit is 50 km/h. The camera can monitor both directions and multiple lanes, enforcing speed limits, seatbelt use, and phone usage. Ignoring the speed limit can result in fines from 100 euros to 400 euros and point deductions. The camera's placement aims to improve safety on a road
The councillor of Education, Vincente Pina
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ACROSS ACROSS
1.Obscure (8)
5.Rushed (4)
9.Hairless (4)
10.Hesitant (8)
11.Principal (5)
12.Trickle (7)
13.Awareness (13)
18.Ordered (8)
19.Cudgel (4)
20.Annul (7)
21.Shelf (5)
22.Otherwise (4)
23.Exchange (8)
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.
13.Do they also cater for private customers? (7,6)
18.Acquitted the seaman having found the right answer (8)
19.He won't go out with his workmates (4)
20.Stepped back around a person sleeping (7)
21.Box to trace out (5)
22.Title of pantomime? (4)
23.Bearing gifts, say? (8)
DOWN DOWN
2.Its meals are late! (7)
3.Undeterred by P.E. diets, perhaps? (7)
4.Afirst-class landlord? (7,6)
6.Guillotine a barber? (7)
7.Just arid areas? (7)
8.Amodel employer? (6)
13.Given protection, being cautious (7)
14.Rum's not used to make patent medicine (7)
15.Put in charge again? (6)
16.Watch the old boy put the ball in play (7)
17.Flexible material, though not the laciest! (7)
LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 20)
1. The Greek word for a herb fennel lends its name to which popular sporting event?
2. Which fruit is the main ingredient in Calvados, the world famous brandy from Normandy?
3. Stalin, Tito, Freud, Hitler and Trotsky all lived in which city in the year 1913? a. Berlin b. The Free City of Danzig c. Vienna d. Zurich
4. Which song was the national anthem of the Soviet Union between the years 1917 and 1944?
5. Which US President is enshrined in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame? a. George WBush b. Abraham Lincoln c. Gerald Ford d. Teddy Roosevelt
6. Completed in 1965, the Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made monument in the United States. In which city is it located?
7. Who replaced Keith Moon as the drummer for the Who after his untimely death in 1979?
8. Until 1975, East Timor was a colony of which European country? a. Portugal b. France c. Holland d. Great Britain
9. What is the only major city in the southern hemisphere to be named after a 19th century scientist?
10. All of the following lyrics are from songs with the word "Street" somewhere in the song title. Can you name
the song? a. Baltimore and DC now, yeah don't forget the Motor City, b. Hey think the time is right for a palace revolution, but where I live the game to play is compromise solution. c. You need a Yen to make a Mark if you wanna make money. d. Hello lamppost what cha knowing. e. What are we living for? two roomed apartment on the 2nd floor
f. He's got a dream about buying some land, he's gonna give up the booze and the one night stands
11. The name for which popular Italian dumpling (sometimes referred to as pasta) translated means 'knot in wood' or 'knuckle?
12. What name was given to the terrifying incendiary weapon used by the Byzantine navy in ancient times? Two words.
13. Name the film in which each of the following disturbing questions are posed. a. "Does he look like a bitch?" b. "What's the most you have ever lost on a coin toss?"
14. In a popular Doors song; the woman with a monkey and lazy diamond studded flunkies lives on which street?
15. Which philosophical theory does one associate with Kierkegaard, Nietzsche and Jean-Paul Sartre?
16. Which Boney M song was banned in the Soviet Union?
17. In film, Major Boothroyd is better known as what?
18. Fevernova, Tango, Telstar, Etrusco Unico and Tricolore were all examples of what?
19. Which six bands or singers have had a record 13 or more number one hit singles in the UK charts?
20. Which 1972 film was the first animated feature film to be rated X in the United States?
Beach-cleaning Robot takes to the sand in Valencia
Valencia has begun testing the world’s first beach cleaning robot called ‘PlatjaBot’,a device that works autonomously thanks to AI.The first tests of the robot got underway on Friday watched by Valencia’s mayor María José Catalá.
PlatjaBot is a caterpillar vehicle that can collect up to 10 centimetres of soil and sift through all surface waste.The rubbish is accumulated in a tank at its rear, which can be emptied into waste containers at the beach.
The robot has the capability to clean five square kilometres of beach on a single charge.It also runs on clean energy – both solar-derived and energy stored in batteries with a capacity of seven hours of uninterrupted work.
LA MANGA TO SANTIAGO FERR LA MANGA TO SANTIAGO FERR Y IS BACK Y IS BACK
After more than a year the popular ferry linking Santiago del Ribera and La Manga is back in operation. The ferry was halted in 2023 because of company problems but with those difficulties now resolved it is operating once again with the first boat in the morning from the La Manga port Tomás
Maestre at 10:15. Thereafter ferries will leave La Manga at 12:30h, 16:30h and 18:30h. From Santiago de la Ribera the first boat to La Manga will leave at 11:30 and then every two hours until 7:30 p.m. when the final ferry will leave.
MURCIA TO HOST DAVIS CUP
Murcia will host a Spanish men's tennis team round in the Davis Cup, the main international tournament contested between countries with the one player who is sure to fill the stadium, the local player, currently ranked number 3 in the world, Carlos Alcaraz Garfia, who will be competing at home.
The centennial club has extensive experi-
ence in organising events such as the ATP Challenger, which has been held in the city since 2019. It is also the venue the Spanish Open Championships and has been for several years in both the male and female categories.
The date is yet to be confirmed as the calendar has not yet been published.
The intention is to extend the schedule but subject to the demand. Tickets are bought on board at a cost of 6 euros per journey, free for children under 4 years of age. Travelers will also be able to take their bicycles, at a cost of 1 euro per journey, along with skates, carts and even pets.
Palacio de los Deportes in Murcia
Are Motorcycles Required to Carry the Emergency Light V16?
V16 lights are small and easy to store, so carrying them is recommended.
From 1 January 2026, it will be mandatory for most vehicles to carry the V16 emergency light, which replaces the warning triangles. At the moment, during the transition period, you can use either. From that date, only the connected lights will be permitted.
More specifically, passenger cars, buses, mixed vehicles and vehicles used for the transport of goods must carry this luminous beacon which, in the event of an incident on the road, will allow them to be visible both physically and virtually to other road users in a safe manner.
As motorcycles are not mentioned, is it necessary for them to carry the V16 light?
The answer is no. Bikers are not required by law to carry this device. That said, they are small and easy to carry, and so it is recommended. Due to their size, triangles were never an option for motorcyclists. However, the V16 light, due to its compact design and low weight, can
be carried in a backpack. In addition, its magnetic surface allows it to be placed on various parts of the motorcycle.
CONNECTIVITY THAT CAN SAVE LIVES
The reason for the connectivity that the V16 light has is that when it connects, it sends a notification to the DGT traffic control centre indicating the exact location of the vehicle. Thus, the DGT 3.0 Platform allows you to share your location with the rest of the road users. In this way, drivers will be able to have information in advance about any incident along their journey, a notification that will not only appear on the variable information panels on the different roads but will also be in the mobility applications on their phones.
It is also important to note that the mandatory use of the V16 also means that the light itself has to have gone through a testing process, and so only those lights certified and approved by the DGT can be used.
Rainwater collection work in Torrevieja
The Councillor for Urban Management, Sandra Sánchez, was accompanied by the manager of AGAMED, Jorge Ballesta, when she visited the construction area around the Avenida de la Purísima, now in its final phase, and recently enabled for pedestrian traffic.
The works have seen the installation of new collectors, the extension of others and the addition of drains to increase the collection and drainage of rainwater. Works to extend the stormwater networks on Calle Bergantín and Avenida de la Purísima were completed last June.
Panto season isn´t exactly upon us as we prepare for the sweltering summer ahead, but work has already started on this year’s panto.
An ADAPT panto wouldn´t be what it is without some curious twists and turns along the way, but we can now reveal that Snow White will have something to do with this year’s show!
We can promise that it will be original as well as great fun. Watch this space as more details will be revealed, and here is a photo of a previous version to whet your appetite.
ADAPTING TO SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTER
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.
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
THE END OF TORY BRITAIN
There is no doubt that what we saw on Thursday night was a political tsunami. To see a huge Tory majority swept away in 13 hours and replaced with a massive Labour majority was incredible but in no way was it a surprise.
So what has gone so wrong with the Conservatives? In two words, it is Tory arrogance. For so long they have watched as the poor got poorer and the rich richer. Arrogance to think that people would accept austerity year after year, with less and less money going in grants to local councils so that essential services were cut back or axed altogether.
Arrogance to watch as the NHS failed more and more people while the rich could jump the queue and go private. Arrogance to think it acceptable that people had to wait hours for an emergency ambulance.
Arrogance to watch as people were unable to access the care they needed – unless they were rich, of course.
Arrogance to see state schools suffer through lack of finance while the rich were able to ensure their children were properly privately educated.
Arrogance (and stupidity) to think it acceptable to cut police numbers and halt prison building and watch crime levels soar and have to release prisoners early.
Arrogance to think it acceptable to watch the result of Brexit and see the British economy falter by 5% and not talk constructively with Europe to redress the problem.
Add to this Boris’ arrogance in thinking there was one rule for him and his cronies and another for us. The list of Tory arrogance which has resulted in Britain becoming a world-wide laughing stock seems endless.
I hope that people keep in their minds the epitome of Tory arrogance and remember seeing on our TV screens Eton-educated Rees-Mogg slouched over two seats in Parliament. I’m delighted he lost his seat. I can recall hearing, as a child, people say Tories are born to rule”. I didn’t know what it meant then. Sadly I have seen what it has meant with far too many years of Tories
Tony Mayes Rant
being in charge.
There is no doubt that the Labour landslide and Tory massacre would not have happened so dramatically had it not been for the intervention of Reform and Nigel Farage. I believe many voters who voted Reform actually did not know what they were voting for. If they thought Truss and her crazy economics was bad, Reform is even more right wing than her. I rest my case.
Anyway, I wish Sir Keir and Labour the very best. They have a gargantuan task in front of them to get Britain back on its feet again. We need massive investment and with a huge majority they should be able to get the money the country needs from those with the broadest shoulders and who have been feather bedded for far too long by the Tories. You will see I have referred to our great country just as Britain. The Tories changed the country’s name after Brexit to United Kingdom – even though we are far from united. I hope that soon we Brits can, one again, say that we come from GREAT Britain – and change our car number plates to proudly display GB.
SLAPPING ON CHARGES
It’s common knowledge that Britain has a reputation for clobbering the motorist, whether it is fining them for straying into a bus lane or stopping at a box junction, daring to drive to an airport to drop off passengers and are faced with at least a 6 pound charge, or paying through the nose at hospitals. And one of the worst places are private car parks, where if a motorist exceeds the time limit by just a minute a bumper fine is on its way.
So I am pleased to hear that at last these private car parks will soon offer motorists a 10 minute grace period before slapping on a fine.
I must applaud the Spanish for their culture of acting against the creeping scourge of slapping on charges for everything. Pity Brits have allowed it to happen.
SEALING UP THE LOOPHOLES
Yet more attacks by XL bully dogs have been reported. The worst was in Ireland where a woman was attacked and killed by one. Last week a woman was injured by one which attacked the public and was “dangerously out of control.” Police had to shoot it. Why can’t for once a government make a law which is total and absolute. If XL bullies are
dangerous, as clearly they are and cannot be trusted, then the obvious is to order their total destruction, with no ifs, buts. How can creating exceptions and loopholes, allowing some dogs to slip through possibly be defended when the public remain at risk?
It is high time that these loopholes in every walk of life are plugged. And one classic example is the multitude of loopholes in tax which allow the super rich to avoid paying their dues.
They employ a vast army of overpaid accountants to find and exploit every possible loophole and the result is that millions, if not billions of pounds remain in the hands of the super rich instead of in the Treasury or in town halls, available to put right the multitude of problems we now have in the UK.
One of the biggest loopholes is the ridiculous council tax system in which someone in a mansion is allowed to pay the same tax as someone in a house valued at 320,000 pounds. How can this possibly be defended?
MORAL MISSION
What a sorry state the lack of morality has come to in Britain. We now hear that bottles of olive oil are having to be security tagged to stop shoplifting in at least one supermarket chain.
It seems that the “liquid gold” has become so expensive it is increasingly targeted by thieves.
The drought in Spain and diseases in plants is said to be the cause of a 110% spike in price of olive oil in the past year.
And with UK police not bothering to turn out to investigate shoplifting unless the haul is
more than 250 pounds, the country has become a shoplifters’ paradise. Added to that prisons are so full that some criminals are being released increasingly early to make room for new “arrivals”.
It gives the green light to criminals who know that they hold ever more of the aces. But then it’s becoming increasingly difficult to identify the criminal from the police, what with dreadful allegations against some Met officers, Met officers on the PM’s security team rushing to put bets on the date of the election when they hear private conversations and a chief constable getting the sack for lying about his military career to gain promotion.
And this is on the Tory watch – a party which used to pride itself as being the law and order party. It’s a joke now.
It’s going to take the wisdom of Solomon to sort this mess out.
THE PPPPP ‘P’ POLICE
Now I want you to be totally honest. Hands up all of you who have ever had a pee in the sea?
Well, if it’s a habit, beware. More Spanish councils are going to fine you a maximum of 750 euros if you are caught.
The big question is how on earth is anyone going to know? In swimming pools there may be something in the water to highlight urine flowing from someone. But not in the sea. So, is this another bit of environmental nonsense? And what about all the fish which are not only peeing in the water but pooing to? They must be stopped and fined at all costs!
Putting photography skills to the test this summer
Specsavers Ópticas are looking for budding photographers aged between 6 and 17 years old, to capture the best image of their summer holidays this year.
They want youngsters to grab their cameras and take an image which really encapsulates the fun of the holidays and enter it into their Summer Photography Competition.
The best photo in the Junior and Senior categories will win a e50 Amazon voucher and a pair of sunglasses and have their image showcased on social media and in the press. Images can be entered via social media and via email between the 1st of July and the 1st of September. Chantelle Hayward from Specsavers Ópticas Calpe explains, “We want to encourage youngsters to get out and about and hone their photography skills this summer. Studies show that getting outside when we’re young and enjoying time in the sunshine can protect against myopia, as well as being good for physical and mental health, so we want to encourage less screen time and more summer fun in the sun. Our Summer Photography Competition will reward the best photographs of these summer adventures and activities and give two youngsters in our Junior and Senior categories the chance to win a e50 Amazon voucher and a pair of sunglasses.”
The competition is open between the 1st of July and the 1st of September and photographs can be submitted on social media by tagging www.facebook.com/SpecsaversOpticas"@SpecsaversOpticas on Facebook and www.instagram.com/specsaversspain/"@specsaversspain on Instagram
Aternatively you can send photos via Messenger or via email to spain.marketing@specsavers.com
A jury of three will judge the entries and shortlist the top five Junior and Senior entries. The shortlisted entries will then be posted on social media and the image with the most likes and comments in each age category will be declared the winners.
One of the judges is Carrie Frais, Director of the website mumabroad.com, a
Specsavers Ópticas are looking for budding photographers aged between 6 and 17 years old, to capture the best image of their summer holidays this year.
QUIZ FROM P 14:
Shuffle (10 cc), d.The 59th Street Bridge Song (Simon and Garfunkel), e.Dead End Street (Kinks), f.Baker Street (Jerry Rafferty).11.Gnocchi.12.Greek Fire.13.a.Pulp Fiction, b.No Country For Old Men.14.Love Street.15.Existentialism.16.Rasputin.17.Q (the quartermaster in Bond films).18.Official FIFA World Cup footballs.19.Elvis (21), The Beatles (17), Cliff Richard (14), Westlife (14), Madonna (13) Ed Sheeran (13).20.Fritz the Cat
platform providing up-to-date information for Englishspeaking parents living in Spain, Italy, France, and Germany.
She’s delighted to be involved in the competition as she feels like it's a great way to engage kids during the long summer holidays.
She explains; "Encouraging kids to take photos during the summer holidays not only sparks their creativity but also helps them capture and cherish memories. Photography allows them to see the world from different perspectives, develop storytelling skills, and build a visual journal of their adventures, creating lasting keepsakes of their childhood."
The competition is open to residents of the provinces of Alicante and Malaga and the island of Mallorca, and you must be aged between 6 and 17.
The competition closes on Sunday 1st September 2024. Terms and conditions apply, which can be found at www.specsavers.es/sorteo
Young photographers needed to capture the best sights of the school summer holidays as part of the Specsavers Ópticas’ Summer Photography Competition
BLISTERING ROUND FOR SMILING JACK’S
It was absolutely ‘Scorchio’ for our trip to Vistabella. What a great course in immaculate condition and well set up. A big thank you to the staff for looking after us so well.
A big thank you also to Emma behind the bar for taking care of us yet again and a special thank you to Julie for our food, lovely.
Now for the scores: Nearest the pin in two was Cheryl, Nearest the pin on 11
no-one, Nearest the pin in two on 17 was Connor.
In joint second place with 35 points but no cigar was Cheryl and Simon, well done while the days winner with 37 points and a new Smiling Jack's handicap of 12 was Des, well done champ. The winner of the famous Blue Johnny was Jim on his first outing with the society.
The raffle was won by Bob, a free
Sunny Corner Golf Society
What a great day last week with Sunny Corner golf, at the Vistabella G.C.
The golf course was in great condition and the banter was great.
Well done to our winner Neil Armstrong with a score of 35 pts. Best combined par 3s winner Mick Cook, with Trevor Pratt and Mick Cook best mixed pairs.
round of golf with Smiling Jack's courtesy of our Ger.
After a blistering morning in the open fields and with temperatures hitting around 40 degrees we now have to have a think about going out in August. I would like to thank you all for supporting Smiling Jack's Golf Society and I'll let you know our next event when secured.
El Presidente
CARP R US ANGLING
Carp-R-Us took a week off from their Summer Series to fish a Pairs Cup match at El Bosquet, The match was over two sections 1a-8 and 26-40 with one member of each pair on each section. Points were awarded to each pair member depending on the weight they caught with the best weight on a section getting one point, the next best two points, etc.
Tony Felstead easily won the 1-7 section with 26.40kg with Willy Moons second with 15.28kg and Alan Smith third with 14.04kg. The other section didn´t fish quite as well and was won by Neil McBirnie with 11.48kg with Roy Dainty second with 10.98kg and Steve Fell third with 9.60kg. Once the dust had settled and the points added up the winning pair were Neil and Alan with four points just beating Willy and Steve who had five points. After the match a number of the members retired to the Dog & Firkin in Catral who kindly provided everyone with chip butties.
EMERALD ISLE BOWLS CLUB
Lords played their closing outstanding game in the Friday league at Greenlands Dragons on Wednesday, and they came away with a fine 10-2 Aggregate of 10258
M Nash, E Morris D Mooney 33-3, J Holmyard E Bennett S Elvin 19-9, S Kavanagh J Nash B Kavanagh 1811, V Cameron C Wilson N Prior 18-16.
SAPS is on at club on Sat at 13-15 with two hours of Bowling. Shoes and Bowls supplied if need with coaching and a bar ELWYN MORRIS
Information about the club can be found on its website www.carp-r-us.weebly.com or on the Facebook page CarpR-Us Fishing Costa Blanca
The picture below is of the winning pair, Neil and Alan.
BUNGALOW DIVISION WEEK 8
Bar Rambla Red6-3Tipsy Cow Havana Habaneros5-4Bar Rambla Blue Echos2-7CC's
Thistle & Rose Red5-4The One Bar
Maschis6-3Thistle & Rose Blue
P W Agg Pts
Havana Habaneros873014 Maschis871614
Bar Rambla Red **872012
Thistle & Rose Blue **8588 CC's84-28 Tipsy Cow82-124 The One Bar82-124
Thistle & Rose Red82-144 Echos82-184
Bar Rambla Blue **82-162 ** deducted 2 points (not adhering to league rules)
D&M CAR HIRE 2015 SL Opposite Villamartin Plaza info@dmcarhirealicante.com Tel: 0034 665756934
Summer 2024 Pool League Team KO Cup
Second Round Draw (Last 8)
Draw carried out by Cup Sponsor at D&M Car Hire
Match 1Firestation Redwatch v Havana Habaneros
Match 2New Tavern v Mickeys Bar
Match 3 Tipsy Toad v The One Bar
Match 4 Bar Rambla v Red Courtyard A
Ties MUST be played before Tuesday 30th July - Away Captains should contact Home Captains and agree a date and time for the fixture, and the Winning Captains should send the results to their Divisions WhatApp group no later than 12 Noon on Tues 30th July.
The draw for the Semi-Finals will take place during the evening of either Tues 30th or Wed 31st July.
