The Leader Newspaper 29 July 24 – Edition 1034

Page 1


See main ad on page 17

The Cabo Roig and Lomas Residents' Association (AVCRL) has publicly stated that it no longer trusts the mayor, who it criticises for failing to fulfil his electoral programme for the coast.

A large group of residents attended last Thursday’s plenary session to support the Association President, Tomás Moreno, who lectured the mayor on his poor performance, his broken promises and the lack of confidence that the public has toward the government that he has led for the past 14 months. In a calculated act, Moreno spoke of the rupture between the coastal residents and their political representatives.

Under the pretext of a question submitted by a member of the public, in this case to demand a gesture as symbolic as holding a plenary session for the first time at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall, the President of the main neighbourhood group on the coast listed, one by one, all the pending issues of thecoastal residents with the City Council.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 LOSS OF CONFIDENCE IN MAYOR

In making his demands Moreno said how let down the residents of Orihuela Costa feel with the PP/Vox coalition, based on the lack of results of their first year of government.

Moreno pointed out that in February 2023, before the municipal elections were held, he had a meeting with Vegara in which the future mayor expressed his desire to transform Orihuela Costa. "Today, surrounded by a group of residents from the coast and representing more than 700 members (and their families) who belong to our association, I come to tell you, Mr. Mayor, that, after a year of government, that trust has been broken, due to your failure to keep your word."

Moreno called for increased rubbish collection, the replacement of containers, increased street cleaning, an end to the dumping of rubble, improvements to parks and gardens, improved accessibility. He also echoed the protests from the Parents' Associations of the two coastal schools that were staged in front of the coastal Town Hall just a few weeks ago, to demand the immediate construction of a new school, in view of the current saturation of classrooms. He then went on to highlight many other improvements in infrastructure, such as the second health centre for the residents of the coast.

Everyone knows that the problems in Orihuela Costa have been a constant, not only since the beginning of the current legislature, but for many years before. The exponential growth of the population has not been accompanied by investment and improvements at the same level in terms of infrastructure and services, so the demands are constantly increasing.

The delay in the new junior school in Orihuela Costa, the collapse of the Aguamarina health centre and the lack of services on the beaches, with contracts for beach bars still to be awarded, are just some of the examples that add to the deficiency of basic services in cleaning, rubbish collection, street cleaning and the maintenance of green areas.

As Moreno enumerated his list of demands, his colleagues from the Orihuela Costa held up printed sheets with illustrative images,

highlighting many of the deficiencies that he was listing to the mayor.

These demands were also passed on to the Orihuela Costa councillor, Manuel Mestre.

Moreno summed up by saying, "we want our elderly to be cared for and not left to their own devices, and for our young people not to have to go to work in other countries due to the lack of jobs." And he concluded: "Finally, we ask for something as simple as removing the weeds that proliferate along the roads and pavements of the coast. I remind you that you said in the media, before becoming mayor, that you could not understand why something so easy could not be done; which is something that we both agree with," he concluded.

In his response, the mayor, Pepe Vegara, who was caught out by Moreno’s speech, but who did not interrupt despite its length, maintained a conciliatory and diplomatic position.

He said that he deeply regretted "having broken the trust that you spoke of earlier, but it is a trust that I hope I can recover sooner rather than later."

In response to the question about his failure to hold plenary sessions on the coast, he pointed out that it is of "practically no inconvenience" and that he will study it, but that, at the moment, the Playa Flamenca Town Hall does not have the necessary recording and broadcasting equipment.

Vegara also expressed his willingness to hold a meeting with the neighbourhood association "and provide all the explanations, whenever you want."

The mayor's words, however, did not calm the mood of the AVCRL Group, who left the room visibly angry and shouting: "Do something for the coast, you have abandoned it," "shameless," "it's all dirty." Their actions were closely followed by the attentive gaze of half a dozen local police officers, who took note but maintained a watchful silence from the side.

Following the meeting, in response to questions from the Spanish press, Moreno said that he positively valued his visit to the plenary session, highlighting the importance of putting the demands directly to the mayor himself.

He added that he will certainly be requesting a meeting with the mayor and that he has also formally requested an appointment with the president of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, who knows the Orihuela Costa well. He said that he wants to convey first-hand to the head of the Consell the deficiencies that the people of Orihuela Costa suffer in their daily lives.

AVCRL

The voice of the coast

Join now and help us to make a better Orihuela Costa

See details of how to join below:

Tomas Moreno and some of his supporters at the Orihuela Pleno

The plot earmarked for the second centre by former mayor Emiliano Bascuñana (right) in La Ciñuelica, close to Punta Prima

ORIHUELA GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS PRIVATE DEVELOPER FOR SECOND COSTA HEALTH CENTRE

The issue of a second health centre for residents of Orihuela Costa was raised at last Thursday’s Plenary meeting by the PSOE who, once again, asked for an explanation of the current situation from the governing PP/Vox coalition.

What we saw was that the Council and the Regional Ministry are still not entirely clear, one year later, on how they will solve the problem of saturation at the Aguamarina centro salud, the only medical facility currently serving Orihuela Costa.

When the new Consell and municipal government team assumed power, the project to expand the health centre promoted by their predecessors was put on hold, despite the fact that it was already included in the Generalitat budget and only lacking formalisation by the council with the transfer of the plot adjacent to the current centre, generally used as a car park, although currently, for a summer fair.

On Thursday, however, the local executive gave some more clues as to what is on the negotiating table that they are holding open with the regional administration, the authority that really should undertake the work. And at this time, if Valencia does not take the project forward, there are two options, according to the Councillor for Urban Planning, Matías Ruiz.

The first is that the City Council carries out the construction of a second centre to the north of the Orihuela coast out of its own pocket and the second is that a private company or developer carries out the work in exchange for an urban development benefit, no doubt a coastal plot of land, that compensates them for the financial effort.

Matías Ruiz said that they are in favour of "a second health

centre without giving up on the expansion of the current centre".

In response to questions from the socialists, he acknowledged that there is no document renouncing the Ministry or their investment - the expansion of the Aguamarina health centrewhich they inherited from the previous government. What the councillor did say is that they are not going to wait for the Ministry and that they will build a second centre as soon as possible.

What the Councillor for Urban Planning pointed out is that, in terms of water consumption, 150,000 inhabitants live on the Orihuela coast in August and 50,000 in December, and that, in terms of electricity consumption, there are an average of 90,000 residents. This figure, Ruiz emphasised, contrasts sharply with the mere 22,000 health cards registered. Until now, it should be noted, the Generalitat has refused to build this second health centre because Orihuela Costa does not have the minimum number of registered users, which is largely due to the fact that most of the residents are not documented.

Ambitious Rail Plan for Vega Baja

An ambitious plan has been presented at ADDA, the Auditorium of the Provincial Council, which includes a branch that will provide the backbone of the Vega Baja region, linking Orihuela with the coastal area of Torrevieja/Orihuela Costa, also serving Guardamar, Pilar de la Horadada and down into the north of the Murcia region, San Pedro del Pinatar and San Javier.

Attended by the President of the Valencian Community, the Alicante Diputacion and the mayor of Torrevieja, the plan ‘Alicante online to connect everything’ was presented by Ineca, the Alicante Chamber of Commerce, CEV and Hosbec to improve infrastructure in the province of Alicante. The report sets out measures to promote sustainable mobility in the province, from north to south, which would be implemented by both the central government and the Generalitat Valenciana itself. This plan, which is projected to run until 2033, would have an overall investment of

1,151 million euros with a return of 435 million.

The coordinator of the study, Armando Ortuño, Ineca's project manager, has broken down the plan, which seeks to improve the proposal of the Ministry of Transport regarding the execution of railway infrastructures. The branch line will link the Intermodal and high speed station of Orihuela with the coastal area of Torrevieja/Orihuela Costa, providing service, not only to these two municipalities but also to the entire coastline of Guardamar, Pilar de la Horadada and San Pedro del Pinatar and San Javier.

The total cost of the project is estimated at 277.6 million euros, which is divided into infrastructure, superstructure, expropriations and the Bigastro-Jacarilla, San Miguel and Torrevieja-Orihuela Costa stations.

It is estimated to have an impact of more than 1,200,000 passengers per year, approximately one million long-distance passengers, who would be people from the coast who would travel to Madrid via the Mediterranean corridor and approximately 200,000 passengers who would have a link with the suburban network, also through the same communication node of the Orihuela Intermodal Station.

Torrevieja Mayor Dolon with the Presidents of the Community and the Province at last week’s presentation

Distinctions for Local Police

A number of Awards were approved for Local Police officers at last Thursday’s Plenary Meeting which will all be presented at the traditional event honouring the Patron Saint later in the year.

They include the Diploma of Public Congratulation for outstanding performance and for having an exceptional professional career, the Cross of Police Merit for Citizen Protection with White Badge for services rendered and finally, the award of the Cross of Professional Merit with green badge for more than 35 years service together with the Retirement Diploma for a lifetime of service.

MINISTER SAYS REMOVAL OF VEGA BAJA MOTORWAY TOLLS IS IMPOSSIBLE

Despite mayoral demands from Partido Popular Governments up and down the Vega Baja the central governmment’s response was not long on coming.

Minister of Transport, Oscar Puente, has said that it would be impossible to remove motorway tolls in the the Los MontesinosOrihuela Costa section of the AP7 highway.

"The situation of the Alicante toll, which will be removed during he busy summer months, has noth-

ing to do with that of the Vega Baja.

The former was not concessioned to a company, it was publicly managed, while the Vega Baja has a 25-year concession, which was signed by the PP with José María Aznar in Madrid and Eduardo Zaplana in Valencia."

Earthquake felt from Guardamar to Santa Pola

The Vega Baja area is the regular epicentre of earthquakes and micro-earthquakes,due to its geological constitution; the Benejúzar - Benijófar,Guardamar and Torrevieja faults were the origin of the great earthquake that occurred in 1829,considered one of the strongest in the history of the country,measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale. The current cost of the tolls at La Zenia and Los Montesinos

The Government Subdelegate said the PPmayors only make demands on other administrations when they are not governed by their own Party.

An early morning tremor alerted residents from Guardamar del Segura to Santa Pola, according to MeteOrihuela on Saturday.It was an earthquake of magnitude 1.6 on the Richter scale at a depth of 8 kilometres. According to the meteorological information portal,the epicenter of the earthquake was located northwest of Guardamar.

MEXICO TRIUMPHS IN HABANERAS

The ‘Coro de cámara del departamento de música de la Universidad de Guadalajara’ (Jalisco-Mexico) scooped the main prizes of the 70th International Choral Contest of Habaneras and Polyphony of Torrevieja on Saturday night, winning the first prize for Habaneras ‘Ricardo Lafuente’, and also the prize awarded by the Provincial Council of Alicante, in total 22,000 euros, to which they also won the prize for the prize for the best direction.

The Telkom University Choir of Bandung (Indonesia) won the first prize for polyphony ‘Juan Aparicio’ and the second for habaneras ‘Francisco Vallejos’, a total of 15,000 euros. The public awarded it’s prize to the ‘Encanto’ choir from Griñón (Madrid). In habaneras, the ‘Novo Concertante’ from Manila (Philippines) completed the list of winners with the third ‘Francisco Grau’ prize, while the fourth prize went to Belarus, to the ‘Raniza Girl's Choir’ from Minsk. In the polyphony category, the second prize ‘César Cánovas’ went to the ‘Beijing Wuzi Riparian Choir’ from Beijing (China) and the fourth prize went to the ‘Manila Singers’ (Philippines).

LOS

MONTESINOS BIO WASTE PLANT GETS FIRM ‘THUMBS DOWN’ FROM RESIDENTS

Despite only being held every two months the mayor of Los Montesinos, José Manuel Butrón, was absent from one of the most multitudinous debate sessions in the young history of the municipality on Friday, as deputy Ana Belén Juárez fielded questions to a packed auditorium about the planned Bio Waste Plant that is to be built in the municipality.

Completely overwhelmed by the reaction of the residents, with constant applause for the interventions of the opposition spokesperson of the PP, Pilar Paredes, interruptions from the floor and personal allusions in a municipality that is usually known for its quality of life and tranquillity in the face of the tourist frenzy, where dissenting voices are rare, Montesineros sought answers as to why the transfer of land was rushed through an emergency plenary in barely 20 minutes without any consultation whatsoever of local residents.

The mayor had planned to be away for a family holiday some months ago but he was nevertheless heavily criticised for not being on hand for such an important debate.

A demonstration against the plant has been called for July 30, a date that coincides with the local holiday celebrating the segregation.

ORIHUELA FACES TOURIST ACCOMMODATION BOOM

First line properties in Campoamor are in great demand as tourist accommodation

The coastal town of Orihuela is grappling with a rapid increase in tourist accommodation. With nearly 6,000 registered holiday rentals and an expected surge to 7,000, one in four second homes in the municipality is now classified as a tourist property.

While officials view this growth positively, residents are raising concerns about its impact on local communities. The proliferation of tourist rentals has contributed to rising housing costs, making it increasingly difficult for locals, particularly young people, to find affordable accommodation.

The issue has prompted political debate, with parties divided on the best approach. A motion to investigate illegal tourist rentals and regulate the sector was approved, highlighting the growing pressure to balance economic benefits with the needs of residents. However, with limited resources and differing opinions on the role of local government, finding a solution remains a challenge.

As the number of tourist properties continues to climb, Orihuela faces a critical decision about how to manage this rapid growth while preserving the quality of life for its residents.

Musical Director of the winning choir, Wilma Verrier

‘Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour’

Ido realise I ‘go on a bit’ about how much we learned from Master Lawlor in Johnstown N.S. I thought of ‘the master’ last week when listening to the news concerning the most recent French elections.

One day in Johnstown, our history lesson was on the French Revolution. (Yes, we are talking primary school education here).

It is how our teacher talked us through history and his overriding comments that made the thing stick. ‘The man working the guillotine was constantly complaining of not having enough sand’, we were told.

Master Lawlor’s words came back last week because he said; ‘The French never could hold a government together since the revolution – how could they have luck.’

But not everything we were taught in Johnstown was right, accurate or good for us.

The totally narrow and biased version of two subjects took many of us a long time to untangle.

The two subjects I refer to were Irish history and religion. Both are complicated to understand, never mind to teach or explain. We received an overly green version of one and a dreary grey and frightening presentation of the other.

I hasten to add that this was never the teacher’s fault – because this was how our country beholdened these two fundamental gospels according to Church and State.

Johnstown equipped me with everything I needed to launch myself on the world, but we don’t stop learning just because we discard the school-bag.

I continued to learn and am still working on it. I learned from people I met and one of

the first such lessons, which I struggled to accept, was the reasoning that mine might not, after all, be the only ‘one true religion’ and that there are many parallel roads leading to God.

I learned first-hand about people and countries when I worked in Canadian bush-camps. Many different nationalities and cultures were represented – men of all religions and of none.

Because we were confined to living and working together we naturally enjoyed each other’s company and the subsequent conversations, debates and arguments. There were two ‘inmates’ per room and I want to tell you about a German guy called Klaus who was bunked in the room next to me.

Klaus was incredibly intelligent. He had fully mastered the English language in the six months before I knew him.

The young me, then 23 years of age, was shocked almost beyond words when my friend told us he was an atheist - and he could make such a damn good job of articulating his argument for being so. I wondered at first if perhaps the devil had come among us.

I thought I had him when I introduced the subject of the Ten Commandments. Big mistake … Klaus knew them off by heart; whereas for me, I was glad there were ten of them, so I could truthfully admit I only broke them in single figures!

‘They do not belong to you or your religion’, Klaus insisted. ’90 per cent of what you are saying is the manual by which all good people, or those trying to be honest and decent, live their lives – only most don’t use the word ‘commandments’ There were four of us, sitting on the edge of two beds and no matter what argument I made, Klaus was edging it …

Klaus was loving this and an evening or two later he brought up the subject again; with a novel question laced with a hint of devilment. We had to go through the Ten

Commandments and rearrange them; not as they were listed, but in what we believed were their order of importance.

This was a brilliant antidote against boredom and must have lasted a week of evenings. It started off real easy when there was unanimous agreement that Nummer Ein, should be; ‘Thou shalt not Kill.’

Well, after that, there was more debate, promoting, demoting and cases made for and against every sin in the book. I remember now that after settling on number one, the one agreed upon as least important – and slotted in at number 10; was the one we all had ambition to break as soon as we got to town! One way or the other, four guys thrown together in a mining camp got great mileage out of The Ten Commandments!

So, dear reader, in which order of importance would you list the Ten Commandments? I have said here before, that if there is a Day of Judgment and we are all held to account, the same letter of the law won’t be applied to all defendants. Our individual circumstances and inherent weaknesses will be taken into account by the Almighty … with one exception.

We will be judged mostly, I believe, on how we treated our fellow man. This is why ‘Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour’ is my second most important commandment. There is no mitigation for breaking this one … which may cause a bit of bother for a few sad souls.

DON’T FORGET

Even the hypocrite admires righteousness. That is why he imitates it.

Image: Photo of Johnstown school taken from a painting by local artist, Sean Kelleghan (Attributed to Father Hugh O’Flaherty)

Cocaine Ring Dismantled in Torrevieja

A major drug trafficking operation centered in Torrevieja has been dismantled by the National Police.The investigation,initiated by a tip-off about cocaine sales from a local residence,uncovered a sophisticated criminal network responsible for largescale drug importation.

The network's leader,based in Alginet,orchestrated the operation while members transported drugs in high-end vehicles,employing counter-surveillance measures.A meticulous investigation revealed the organization's structure and the role of each member. Simultaneous raids across Valencia,Alicante,Murcia, and Ibiza resulted in the arrest of twelve individuals, including the ringleader and members of various nationalities.Among the seized assets were over 60 kilograms of cocaine,nine kilograms of speed,euro 212,000 in cash,luxury watches,and high-performance vehicles.Eight of the arrested individuals have been remanded in custody.

This successful operation marks a significant blow to drug trafficking in the region.

VETERANS DONATION TO CRUZ ROJA

MARRIED COUPLE SUFFER CARDIAC ARRESTS ON GUARDAMAR BEACH

The 87-year-old man suffered a heart attack while bathing on Thursday and as his 85-year-old wife was trying to help him, she too went into cardiac arrest.

The couple from Madrid were enjoying a day at the beach with family members when, at around 10:30 a.m., the 87-year-old man suffered a cardiac arrest while bathing.

The 85-year-old woman, realising what had happened, entered the water and, while trying to help her husband, also went into shock. Despite the efforts of the paramedics, she was not able to recover.

A relative saw that the couple had not come out of the water and alerted the beach service, who tried to recover the couple.

Pedro Domínguez is in charge of the Cruz Roja Expat Support Project in the Alicante Province so, particularly during the summer months, he is a very busy man. Nevertheless, he was able to meet with Jean Heald on Friday and accept a donation of 200 euro from the Levante Veterans and Friends Association which we have no doubt will be put to extremely good use.

Pedro, who covers the entire Costa Blanca South for the Charity, has also agreed to talk to Association members and Friends about the Spanish Red Cross in September where he will brief everyone about the services and facilities that the red Cross is able to offer to families and individuals who find themselves in need.

The presentation will take place in Punta Prima, dates of which will be published in due course.

Anyone requiring the services of Pedro and Cruz Roja can contact him on 678 501 586

The beach at Guardamar del Segura

COSTA BEACHES REOPENED TO BATHERS

Following the closure on Tuesday of La Glea beach to bathers, after poor water quality tests, the popular tourist destination was finally reopened 48 hours later on Thursday.

Within the framework of the Bathing Water Quality Control Programme, managed by the Regional Ministry, high levels of microbiological control parameters had been detected. The results had exceeded twice the maximum admissible values for one of the pollution indicators, as a result of which the beach was temporarily closed to bathing to protect public health.

However, further analysis confirmed that the levels of the control parameters had returned to within the established limits, allowing the beach to reopen two days later.

Cala Mosca Beach was reopened on Saturday after tests showed the water quality to be suitable for bathing. However, these closures are yet another major embarrassment that reflect badly on the Orihuela Council, particularly as they come at the start of a very busy holiday season.

AIRLINES AND TRAVEL AGENCIES CANNOT CHARGE FOR CORRECTING A SPELLING MISTAKE IN A PASSENGER'S NAME

EMERGENCY SERVICES

VEHICLES UNABLE TO REFUEL IN ALICANTE

Alicante city council faced a public relations crisis this week when emergency service vehicles, including police and fire engines, were grounded due to an unpaid fuel bill.

The council had exceeded its credit limit with the fuel supplier, Ressa, leading to a temporary suspension of service.

While the issue was resolved through negotiations, the incident caused significant disruption and was heavily criticized by opposition parties.

The opposition claimed the situation reflected poor management and highlighted the impact on public safety.

The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has taken advantage of the fact that summer is in full swing to remind consumers that airlines and travel agencies cannot charge for correcting a passenger's name if it contains a typo.

That is, when there has been a spelling or typographical error in online bookings. This is a right to rectification. However, the consumer must prove by providing their ID that it is not a change of passenger.

Charging for a typo is against Article 12.5 and 16 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

La Glea was closed to bathers for 48 hours

Plans Afoot to Improve San Pedro Healthcare

The Department of Health is drafting the project for the improvement of the San Pedro del Pinatar health centre.

Once this phase is completed, the contract for the works will be issued, which will entail an investment of 670,000 euro, and which will improve healthcare in the town.

The head of the Murcia regional government, Fernando López Miras, met this week with the mayor, Pedro Javier

Sánchez, to analyse the progress of this initiative.

The Community is also undertaking the construction of a new clinic in Lo Pagán, costing 3 million euro, and which will increase the number of consultations and the space for patient care.

At the same time as the municipality's health infrastructure is being improveded, the regional government is working to increase staff.

Thus, López Miras told the mayor that it will have 13 new health professionals, including four family doctors; three nursing professionals; a physiotherapist and a midwife.

Orihuela Restores Funding to Miguel Hernández

The Orihuela City Council has reinstated funding to the Miguel Hern·ndez Foundation, reversing a controversial decision made last year. The subsidy of 12,020 euros will cover the amounts owed for both 2023 and 2024.

Mayor Pepe Vegara fulfilled his promise to restore funding after the initial cut sparked national outrage.

The council justified the decision by highlighting the foundation's role in promoting the life and work of the renowned poet, Miguel Hern·ndez.

The late award in 2023 was attributed to a lack of funds

Pilar de la Horadada Hosts Successful Opera and Zarzuela Gala

The picturesque Los Picos location in Pilar de la Horadada provided the backdrop for the tenth annual opera and zarzuela gala.

Over 500 people enjoyed the free concert featuring the Orfeón Crevillentino and Camerata Antonio Soler.

The event was praised by local officials, who expressed gratitude to the organizers and the venue owner.

Over 500 people enjoyed the free concert

The stunning natural setting combined with the talented performers created a memorable evening for attendees.

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ACROSS ACROSS

3.Scent (9)

8.Tribe (4)

9.Trifling (9)

10.Teat (6)

11.Scornful noise (5)

14.Cost (5)

15.Comfort (4)

16.Lock (5)

18.Block (4)

20.Card game (5)

21.Scoop (5)

24.Gap (6)

25.Clumsy (9)

26.Egg (4)

27.Trick (9)

CAN YOU MASTER THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE?

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

Solution on

DOWN DOWN

1.Swap (9)

2.Incredulous (9)

4.Uncommon (4)

5.Donated (5)

6.Entice (6)

7.Hint (4)

9.Swift (5)

11.Riddle (5)

12.Loquacious (9)

13.Monotonous (9)

17.Cleave (5)

19.Fruit (6)

22.Grub (5)

23.Quick (4)

24.Rent (4)

ANSWERS Week 1033

QUICK QUICK

ACROSS: ACROSS: 7 Temperamental; 8 Sizeable; 9 Erne; 10 Middle; 12 Inside; 14 Insist; 16 Effort; 18 Slip; 20 Reliance; 22 Everlastingly.

DOWN: 1 Meridian; 2 Spread; 3 Drab; 4 Imbecile; 5 Unless; 6 Dawn; 11 External; 13 Directly; 15 Import; 17 Flaunt; 19 Love; 21 Late.

CRYPTIC YPTIC

ACROSS: 7 Treasury notes; 8 Accounts; 9 Ages; 10 Alkali; 12 Recipe; 14 Sterne; 16 Sanity; 18 Ramp; 20 Lavender; 22 Death sentence.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Bracelet; 2 Pagoda; 3 Turn; 4 Eyesores; 5 Mosaic; 6 Cede; 11 Idealist; 13 Patience; 15 Repute; 17 Nantes; 19 Ales; 21 Vine.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS ACROSS

3.Please cut out conjecture (9)

8.It's all right to love a girl (4)

9.Listen in as part of the roof falls (9)

10.Miscellaneous way to remove moisture (6)

11.Publish complete (5)

14.Work on a twitch of the eye (5)

15.Relax with the others (4)

16.Bill loves to be disapproved of (5)

18.Give up like a selected player, say (4)

20.Country that should be handled with care! (5)

21.Consumed at school, say? (5)

24.Animal found in the Philippines? (6)

25.Apolitical leader like Washington (9)

26. Came out on top (4)

27.Clerical workers (9)

DOWN DOWN

1.Game for a dance before a drink (9)

2.The significance of eating mud? (9)

4.Amuse oneself in drama (4)

5.Divided Conservative wing? (5)

6.Book to have the shelf put right (6)

7.Wrong to return at this pace (4)

9.Build upright (5)

11.Apope from the town (5)

12.Talk about past crimes in broken English (9)

13.Start game badly with a trick (9)

17.Sea getting a once-over (5)

19.English flower festival (6)

22.Try to write a composition (5)

23.And the others could be back late (2,2)

24.Forced to be manufactured (4)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 21)

1. Which 1972 film, a winner of eight Academy Awards, takes place in and around the Kit Kat Klub?

2. The lyrics for which 1965 US number one hit single from The Byrds are taken, almost word for word, from the Bible's Book of Ecclesiastes?

3. Due to his early contributions in the field of immunology, which 18th and 19th century English physician is said to have saved more lives than any other man?

4. Which Oscar winning British actor (for Best Supporting Actor) appeared in both 'The Longest Day' and 'ABridge Too Far'?

5. The University of Paris is also known as the what?

6. The name given to the largest class of battleship ever built?

7. Which two European countries have had the most finishes in the top four at the FIFAWorld Cup finals without ever having lifted the trophy?

8. Name the film in which John Malkovich plays each of the following characters. a. Cyrus 'the virus' Grissom, b. Vicomte Sebastian de Valmont, c. Galbotorix, d. Mitch Leary

9. Alec Issigonis famously said "Never copy the opposition". What iconic automobile did he design?

10. The 10 tallest skyscrapers in the USAare in which four cities?

11. Which popular sport was also a NATO code name for a class of Soviet ballistic missile submarine during the cold war?

12. From the 16th to early 19th century; Florida, Central America

and the northern coast of South America were, in English, often referred to as 'The' what?

13. Which endangered mammal with a pig like appearance is divided into the four extant species; Baird's, Brazilian, Malayan and Mountain? (Five letters)

14. The following are all lyrics from songs with the word "Money" somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song? a. Everyone must hanker for the butchness of the banker, b. So I went to the bank to see what they could do, they said son looks like bad luck got a hold on you, c. This here's a story about Billy Joe and Bobbie Sue, d. I work all night, I work all day, to pay the bills I have to pay, e. But your lovin can't pay my bills

15. What are the two most populated cities in Croatia?

16. Which two narrow Straits does one need to navigate in order to reach the Black Sea from the Aegean Sea?

17. Aline in the Mel Brooks film 'The Producers' was apparently the inspiration for the title of which U2 album?

18. What is the furthest the USAhas ever progressed while participating in a FIFAWorld Cup? a. round of 16 b. quarter finals c. semi finals d. final

19. Heliculture is the science of growing what animal for food?

20. Cleveland Ohio excluded (as it was named after a General Moses Cleaveland),name the four most populated US cities named after a US president.

Hondón de las Nieves Craft Market

Hondón de las Nieves will host its annual craft market on August 9th and 10th.The event features over 20 artisans showcasing their handmade products and offering workshops.Visitors can enjoy live demonstrations,puppet shows,and children's activities.

A highlight is the spectacular "correfocs" (fire run) on Saturday night,featuring a giant float and devilish characters.

The market is organized by Amata,an association dedicated to supporting local artisans.By ensuring all products are handmade,the market offers a unique opportunity to purchase authentic crafts directly from the creators.

The event runs from 7pm until late on both days, with the "correfocs" marking the end of the Saturday market.

Orihuela to Become a Cardio Protected City

The city of Orihuela is set to install 55 defibrillators across the municipality as part of a five-year, euro 259,385 project. The devices will be placed in public squares, police and emergency vehicles, and municipal buildings.

Councillor Víctor Valverde emphasizes the ease of use of the defibrillators, which include features like language selection, automatic instructions, and a paediatric mode.

To enhance emergency response, two mobile apps will be developed. One will locate the nearest defibrillator, while the other will alert trained personnel in case of emergencies.

Nearly 400 municipal officials will receive training, and public awareness campaigns will be conducted. The project aims to make Orihuela a "Cardio Protected City" by September.

CCouncillor Víctor Valverde

Escape the Summer with 8 New Flight Destinations

osta Blanca residents escaping the summer heat now have more options than ever.

Alicante-Elche airport has added eight new routes to its network. Ryanair offers flights to Budapest and Lisbon, while EasyJet (with a new base in Alicante) includes London Southend.

Air Baltic connects to Riga, Vueling to Oran and Algiers, and Wizz Air to Gdansk and Katowice.

These new routes provide increased travel opportunities for locals seeking a summer getaway to cooler climes.

Taking the car to the beach

For many people, the beach is the protagonist of summer, and to get there, the car is the star, but unfortunately, the beach and cars are not a great mix, so we have to be a little conscious of making sure that our car doesn’t suffer any adverse effects, particularly those caused by sand or saltwater.

Firstly, please do not drive on the beach. We will not go into the reasons why at this stage, but please, just don’t do it. Trust us!

What to check after returning from a trip to the beach?

You don’t have to do this every time you’ve been to the beach, but depending on the length of your stay or holiday you would benefit from doing these things more frequently.

The important thing is to thoroughly wash the car, both outside and inside, to remove any remains of salt and sand that may have remained under the vehicle or inside the cabin. Any grain of sand that remains on the bodywork or on the seat fabric can gradually erode the materials, just as happens with salt that remains adhered to the shock absorbers, the brake system or, in general, in the lower part of the vehicle and can cause corrosion.

Tips for removing sand and salt from the car

One of the best ways of cleaning your car is with a high-pressure water gun, such as those found at petrol stations and car washes, and applying it directly to the entire body, paying special attention to the underside of the vehi-

cle and the brake system.

Apply only water (no soap or added wax) to the parts of the car that may have accumulated the most sand, such as the brake callipers (if the discs or callipers are not cleaned, the sand can damage them and create a groove), springs, shock absorbers, suspension arms, ball joints and wheel arches in general. Once you have done several passes, you can apply the soap and then wax the car.

Do not bring the water gun too close as it can damage some elements of the car, such as the ABS sensors. A distance of about 30 centimetres is enough for the pressure to have its effect on the sand and salt.

It is also advisable to open the bonnet and see if the engine has accumulated any kind of sediment. In this case, use a compressed air gun to remove any sand residue. Once you have covered this step, you can wash the engine, but remember to always use distilled water. This will prevent damage to the battery or alternator.

It is advisable to dry areas where there are wet cables with a cloth or with an air gun. The rest of the body will dry as you drive the car.

If you have been on the beach for several months, in addition to giving your vehicle a good wash, it is advisable to change the air and cabin filters earlier than usual, as a good amount of sand and other types of dirt will surely have accumulated.

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

Discover the Natural Charms of Orihuela

The Department of Tourism is once again organising a range of tourist routes for the month of August, covering everything from the coast to the city centre, the orchards and the villages. These routes focus on the biodiversity and the cultural heritage of the municipality.

The Councillor, Gonzalo Montoya, underlined the importance of these activities to promote the muniipality of Orihuela, “on the coast, the most notable visits this month are dedicated to the flora and fauna of La Glea and Cabo Roig. There are also routes through the orchards and districts, the Monte Mágico of Arneva and Hurchillo, for example, and the Cena de Bonanza light of the stars”.

The first route will take place on Thursday, August 1, on the Orihuela Costa with a night excursion entitled “Moths and Flora in the Moonlight at Punta de la Glea” at 9:00 p.m. During this night route, participants will have the opportunity to discover the hidden secrets of the Punta de La Glea flora microreserve, a biodiversity refuge in Orihuela.

Continuing with the night routes, on Friday, August 2, “The Wild Nights of the Orihuela Palm Grove” will take place. This tour will allow attendees to explore how species coexist at night in one of the most emblematic places in the city. Bats, hedgehogs, owls, and many other species will delight attendees as they walk through an agrosystem of great historical, heritage and environmental importance for Orihuela.

Among other routes for the month of August, are those that revolve around the, Miguel Hernandez. On Saturday, August 3, “Los Rincones de Miguel” will take place at the Miguel Hernández House Museum. This route will reveal

the poet’s literary and personal corners. And, on Thursday, August 15, the dramatized route “Miguel… Dear Miguel” will take place.

Among the tourist activities that will take place in the districts, on Thursday 8th August, the route “The Magical Mountain of Arneva and Hurchillo, between Scorpions and Fluorescent Minerals” stands out. This tour will take participants to the Monte de Arneva and Hurchillo, where species of nocturnal flora and fauna of great importance can be found.

The Orihuela Cathedral will be one of the main attractions of the August route. On Friday, 9 August, the “Diocesan Treasures” route will be organised at 11:00 a.m.

On Friday, August 16, two routes will be held: “La Albufera Salvaje de la Glea, an Oasis of Biodiversity” at 7:30 p.m., a splendid coastal wetland, a true oasis of biodiversity and an essential refuge for local wildlife. And, the dramatized route, “Orihuela, the temptation of Velázquez” at 8:00 p.m.

On Thursday, August 22, “Explore Cabo Roig: Between Fossil Beaches and Unique Flora in the Mediterranean” will take participants on an adventure through time and biodiversity in one of the most picturesque corners of Orihuela. This route will reveal the geological wealth of the area and bring visitors closer to the unique flora that defines this Mediterranean landscape.

We end the August routes with an evening under the stars in the Sierra de Orihuela. On Thursday, August 29th, “Bonanza Dinner in the light of the stars” in the Recreational Area of ??Pinar de Bonanza at 8:00 p.m. This activity will include a short night route to discover the

Sierra de Orihuela in the moonlight, listen to nocturnal birds of prey and observe the stars with mobile applications and a terrestrial telescope. Attendees will be able to enjoy an outdoor dinner in this natural environment.

More information on any of the routes is at the website www.orihuelaturistica.es or on WhatsApp 673 836 385. Alternatively call in to the Tourist Office on the Orihuela Costa Town Hall.

1967

´Ít

was Twenty Years Ago Today

Sergeant Pepper Taught The Band To Play ´

Well, yes, it wasn’t twenty years ago today that The Beatles released their masterpiece, for the mathematicians it was fiftyseven years ago - in 1967. That year was an amazing time for me - and Sergeant Pepper played his musical part in my young life.

The year had begun dramatically. On 30th January I joined The Royal Air Force. I didn´t get far as the basic training station was only seventeen miles up the road from my home city of Nottingham. But what a shock to my tender eighteen year-old system awaited me and 119 others as we nervously alighted from the busses that had picked us up from the railway station.

A quick visit to the butchers – I mean barbers - ensured we were all quickly reduced to looking like convicts and were soon led smartly round to sick quarters. Here we were examined – or peered at naked – by a Medical Officer (doctor to you) before being taken to the clothing stores.

After being measured a large amount of uniforms were issued with a big blue holdall to put it all in.

Our civilian clothes we had arrived in were bundled up, brown paper and string dished out and they were all, and I mean all sent home.

So now we looked the part – at least. But

there was a lot of brutal stuff to come.

Plunged into a long room with seventeen other young men there was no room for modesty.

I had been in enough lads changing rooms for football so I knew how it works – flashers, braggers, muscle men strutting. There were a few shy ones who undressed quietly with their backs to everyone, but they soon got the hang of it. Basically there was nowhere to hide - and everyone began to slowly but surely come out of their shells. It was a great leveller on how to get on with your fellow man. On the NAAFI juke box Donovan was giving it Mellow Yellow…

For the next seven weeks we woke at 5.30, washed, shaved, showered and breakfasted by 6.30 and were outside on parade for seven. There we were screamed at, sworn at, and roundly cursed as we cringed. But steadily we learnt to march, salute, handle a rifle, clean and look after our uniform, kit and bedding ourselves - and in the meantime become a worthwhile member of Her Majesty´s Forces. Unbelievably in mid-February we were taken for a week’s camping in Sherwood Forest –and it snowed: very character-building. But somehow, fitter than I had ever been and would never be again I passed out at the final parade and was allowed home for the weekend.

No rest for the weary and I was soon on my way to a huge station called RAF Cosford near Wolverhampton. This was to teach me my trade, which was aircraft radio. From tough physical stuff this was very hard mental training which I found difficult.

The course was fourteen weeks and we had to pass an exam every Friday on what we had learned that week. If we failed it was an immediate re-sit and if you failed again you were out. I think eighteen of us started the course and fourteen finished.

One huge memory of that time was the music. In the room we all slept in there was little entertainment, apart for one lad who had a record player – and just two LPs. One was The Beach Boys Concert and the other?

The mighty Sergeant Pepper album, which I quickly grew to love – I should do, I heard it three or four times a night for four months. At its time with that wonderfully iconic sleeve it was hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time – and I believe it still is.

Somehow I passed the course – and everything suddenly got better. I received an unbe-

lievable posting to the South coast, far away from home which helped at that time as I needed to grow a bit. Others on the course, Londoners particularly were incensed they hadn’t been posted to the south while they were heading for Yorkshire, Scotland and even Northern Ireland.

It was July 1967 – the Summer of Love. Flower Power was everywhere, peace and love man were preached, and Scott McKenzie told us to go to San Francisco. Well, I didn’t get that far but I hit the South Coast running. Thorney Island, the station was adjacent to Hayling Island near Portsmouth and that being a holiday area was a Mecca for healthy young men looking for fun and life – that’s a nice way of putting it.

With 2,000 red-blooded young men on the island and very few women the local girls called it ´Horney Island´. On the same theme but going in the other direction was Bognor Regis with night clubs, discos and - Butlins, again full of young ladies on holiday.

It was like a reverse Colditz where you rolled under the big wire fences trying not to get dirty, and then mingle with the holidaymakers – great fun.

´Work´if you could call it that was great albeit a little dull for a couple of weeks working in a servicing bay: eight til five soldering resistors I think. But then I was sent ´Up The Line´ to

be on alternating shifts, days one week, nights the next.

This entailed crawling all over the massive Hercules Transport aircraft that had just come into service, making sure the aerials were in place before and after flights, and replacing black boxes when any of the radio systems weren’t functioning properly.

Travel has always excited me, and I took every opportunity to go everywhere and anywhere.

It wasn’t all sweetness and light, Libya was an awful place for three-week detachments but a certain army officer called Colonel Gaddafi soon put paid to that. We then ventured to other, better more enjoyable places like Malta and Cyprus. I was also lucky enough to travel to New York, Bermuda, The Azores and the Far East – not the most comfortable transport on the Hercs, but great when you got there and back.

I had wanted to be a pilot and emulate my Dad, but it wasn’t to be – and I´m not complaining. By the time the year had finished I had moved from boy to man and had begun to see the world. I made good friends which have lasted all my life and although I only spent four more years in the RAF it was an experience I am so glad I didn’t miss. Oh yes, 1967 was a great year.

Supreme Court annuls the 34 acquittals in the 'Brugal case'

Among those indicted are the former Popular Party mayors of Orihuela, José Manuel Medina and Mónica Lorente

The Supreme Court has partially upheld the appeal lodged by the Public Prosecutor against the sentence handed down by the Alicante Court of Appeals which acquitted the 34 defendants in the so-called 'Brugal Case', in which alleged irregularities in the awarding of the contract for waste collection and street cleaning in Orihuela were investigated.

The appealed judgment is annulled, and the case is returned to the court of origin for a new deliberation process and the drafting of another judgment, this time including the evidence that the Court had previously excluded on the grounds that it derived from invalid proceedings.

After analysing a large number of files, the phone taps agreed in the case from the start, and the records that the appealed sentence considered null, are now declared valid.

The Court explains that the Supreme Court's case law recognises that the SITEL system (legal interception system for telecommunications), which is commonly used and was also used in this case, provides sufficient guarantees for the evidentiary validity of the phone tapping that use it.

In this case, the authenticity was questioned, without any evidence being produced that would undermine the presumption of authenticity of the recordings.

The case involves 2 former Orihuela mayors, Medina and Lorente

In summary, some of the decisions adopted by the sentencing court were found to lack logical and rational support, which led to the expulsion of evidence that the Public Prosecutor's Office, which acts as guarantor of legality and the public interest, proposed in defence of its claims.

For this reason, the Supreme Court considers that the right of the public prosecution to effective judicial protection and to use the relevant means of proof has been violated.

In its appeal, the Prosecutor's Office requested that the annulment be extended to the trial and requested that a new trial be held with another court. However, the Court rejected this request.

SUDUK

QUIZ FROM P 14:

1.Cabaret, 2.Turn, Turn, Turn (to everything there is a season), 3.Edward Jenner, 4.Sean Connery, 5.Sorbonne, 6. Yamato, 7.Two answers.The Netherlands (5x) and Sweden (4x), 8.Four answers.a.Con Air, b.Dangerous Liaisons, c.Eragon, d.In the Line of Fire.9.The Mini, 10. Four answers.Chicago, NewYork, Atlanta and Los Angeles, 11.Golf, 12.'The Spanish Main' 13.Tapir.14. Five answers.a.The Money Song (Monty Python), b. Money's Too Tight To Mention (Simply Red), c.Take The Money And Run (Steve Miller), d.Money Money Money (ABBA), e.Money (that's what I want) (Beatles), 15.Two answers.Zagreb and Split, 16.The Dardanelles and The Bosphorus (also known as the Istanbul Strait), 17.Achtung Baby, 18.Answer c.semi finals (1930), 19.Snails, 20.Four answers.Washington, Lincoln, Madison and Jackson

Extension to Torreveija Palace of Justice

Minister of Justice, Salomé Pradas, and the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, visited the plots adjacent to the Palace of Justice, where the new building will be built for the extension of the judicial headquarters. These two municipal plots are located on Avenida de las Habaneras, between the Palace of Justice and the municipal multipurpose building, and total 1,120 square metres.

The minister said that “the transfer of these plots by the Council to the Generalitat is great news for Torrevieja and the other five municipalities that form part of this judicial district, because it represents the start of a project that will allow a larger space to be available to meet the growing needs of the current judicial headquarters, which has become far too small”.

Pradas thanked “the work of the Torrevieja Council, which has managed to complete a complex administrative process and make these plots available to the Ministry, so that we can provide the Department of Justice with larger facilities in order to deal with the increase in judicial matters that this judicial district is experiencing. Having the appropriate facilities is essential to achieve more agile and effective justice for the people.”

The mayor, Eduardo Dolón, with the Minister of Justice, Salomé Pradas

The minister also announced that work will soon begin in setting up a UVFI (Comprehensive Forensic Assessment Unit) and a judicial documentation archive in a 300 square metre open-plan commercial premises that the Ministry of Justice and the Interior has rented on Patricio Zammit Street, a short distance from the main post of the Civil Guard and the Palace of Justice itself. It will require an investment of 314,223 euros.

The UVFI will occupy half of the available space while the rest will be

used as two archive rooms.

The Judicial District of Torrevieja is made up of six municipalities: Torrevieja, San Miguel de Salinas, Los Montesinos, Benijófar, Rojales and Guardamar del Segura, with a population of around 140,000 inhabitants. In 2023, the number of cases resolved in this judicial district was 18,890. In the first quarter of 2024, 5,329 cases were registered, compared to 4,084 in the same quarter of 2023, which represents an increase of 30% compared to the previous year.

Cambiemos Orihuela denounces lack of accessibility during the Moors and Christians festivities

Cambiemos has said that the creation of the Observatory of Accessibility, which was signed by the Association of Moors and Christians in 2022, has not resulted in any progress for the welfare and enjoyment of people with disabilities.

Accessibility continues to be one of the unfinished undertakings of the Orihuela government. As Cambiemos Orihuela has denounced in most of the festivities, there is always some controversy generated by the lack of foresight and failure to comply with the stipulated regulations. The Moros y Cristianos fiestas has been no exception, as we once again encountered a recurring problem: the difficulty that people with disabilities or functional diversity encounter when it comes to enjoying the fiestas in Orihuela.

LOCAL HOLIDAYS

THIS WEEK

There are quite a few local holidays celebrated this week, and in our area, these are the significant ones:

Monday 29 July 2024 – Villajoyosa.

Tuesday 30 July 2024 – Almoradi (Santicos de Piedra), Los Montesinos (Fiesta de Segregacion), Pilar de la Horadada (Aniversario de la Segregacion).

Thursday 1 August 2024 – Javea.

The Fiestas de San Emigdio also begin in Torrevieja, the town’s patron saint, and also the patron saint and protector of earthquakes, although the town will not celebrate with a holiday. The next national holiday, “red day”, is 15 August.

THE COCOS KEELING ISLANDS, west of Australia, consist of 27 tiny tropical gems in the Indian Ocean. Only two are inhabited, West Island, where most of the action is, and Home Island.

There is an airport and a nine hole golf course which locals are fiercely proud of. And no wonder, it's the only golf course in the world which plays across an international runway.

Roughly half of West Island's 120 residents are members of the golf club, formed in 1962, and members tee off in a fun game of Scroungers every Thursday at 3.30 p.m. Cost $10 and $10 to hire clubs, cash only. The game is more about teamwork and banter than getting the ball in the hole. Afterwards they enjoy a few beers and maybe a sausage sizzle at the 'Donga,' the blue-painted wooden clubhouse.

The Cocos Islands have long been strategically significant — an airstrip was built there in 1942 by British forces, part of a base for fighter planes. Later, Qantas began using it as a refuelling stop on the 'Wallaby route' between Sydney and Johannesburg. Aaron Taafe, golf club secretary, says: "Before we can have a game we have to get approval from the runway staff and airport management.

Within certain marked areas we can all cross the runway together. We have one big open event a year, the “Cocos Islands Open” but as we're in the middle of the Indian Ocean we don't exactly get overcrowded.”

Around 3500 people visit the Cocos annually, around 650 of them taking the four and a half hour flight from Perth to these tiny islands measuring 14 sq kms, to swim in the azure waters, lie in a hammock or play a round of golf. The next nearest golf course is on Christmas Island, over 1,000 km away.

The weekly Scroungers Game

Unfortunately, the Australian Defence Dept. has plans to turn the islands into a strategic air base. The U.S. has for decades used them as a stopover between Guam in the Pacific and Diego Garcia. Like on Diego Garcia the Cocos islanders could be evicted in the not too distant future. Definitely trouble in paradise.

BASED IN WEYBRIDGE, Surrey, Benross appeared relatively recently compared to some of the bigger golf names.

In 1997, it's founder Jon Everitt set out to create an ambitious brand for the everyday golfer that was affordable, but with no compromise on quality and using only the best engineering and parts.

Steady growth followed, and international Leisure Brands Ltd. clearly took notice, acquiring the business in 2019 with the aim of branching out into Europe. The philosophy of affordable, high-performance golf equipment at attractive prices remains at the core of the brand. For mid to high-handicappers Benross continues to be the one to watch.

ALFIES GOLFSOCIETY(AGS)

LO ROMERO Thursday 25th July 2024

This month 35 members attended Lo Romero to take part in the 2nd round of our Eclectic Cup Competition. The weather was very sunny and extremely hot. To add to the challenge were the strong windy conditions on the back 9 as the wind picked up in the afternoon.

The course was in great condition with exceptional fairways and greens, a good day of golf was enjoyed by many members, which was evident with some excellent scoring (One score which was truly extraordinary).

Welcome to our newest member: Morgens Alsted. Due to the Captains family commitments, the AGS secretary kindly took charge for the dayís presentation. He then presented the prizes to the following winners:Hcp 20 and above:

NTPin 3 Hole 3 went to Samantha Udell

NTPin 2 Hole 9 went to Eddie Morning

NTPin 4 Hole 10 went to Alan Larmour (Guest) Hcp 19.9 and below:

NTPin 3 Hole 2 went to Denis McCormack

BERNHARD LANGER made his 513th and final appearance on the DP World Tour in the BMW International Open in Munich. Since his debut in 1974, Langer has won 42 titles on the DP World Toura feat bettered only by Seve Ballesteros. After taking three months off the Champions Tour, due to an Achilles tendon tear playing pickleball, Bernhard admitted: “This is going to be a challenge for me, the course is apparently a lot longer, and I'm getting shorter!”

The host venue was situated close to where Langer first worked as assistant professional at Munich Country Club. “A lot of friends and relatives will be cheering me on,” he said. “I hope I make the cut.” Unfortunately, he didn't. Never mind Bernhard, with PGA Champions Tour earnings of around $34 million you haven't done too badly.

TIGER WOODS and Justin Timberlake finally have the go-ahead to develop their sports bar: “T Squared Social,” in the New Picture House cinema in St. Andrews, not far from the Old Course. Despite a

NTPHole 7 went to Denis McCormack

NTPin 2 Hole 13 went to Jason Dormer (Guest)

All the above won a Ä10 Voucher kindly donated by the Lucky Lion bar.

The Best Net score on Hole 18 was Jason Dormer who birdied the hole for a net 2. Jason won a bottle of Vodka donated by Derek Fleet (Handicap Secretary). Jason donated the same to the Charity Rep.

Best Front 9 score: Alan Hansen (Guest) ñ 20 pts

Best Back 9 score: David Larmour (Guest) ñ 22pts

Both players received a sleeve of balls donated by Shaun Staplehurst (President)

The Main Prizes were as follows:

1st Place ñ Anita Stokes with 54 pts

2nd Place ñ Samantha Udell with 40 pts.

3rd Place ñ Morgens Alsted with 37 pts (countback).

4th Place ñ Wayne Stevenson with 37 points.

The top 4 places were presented with vouchers from our sponsors, The Lucky Lion.

Congratulations go to our overall winner, Anita Stokes who played the game of her life and finished the day with an excellent 54 points.

Nigel Hardy, the PGAteaching pro at Lo Romero golf has

YOUR DREAM HOME SUMMER POOL LEAGUE

BUNGALOW DIVISION WEEK 11

Echos3-6Thistle & Rose Red

Bar Rambla Blue7-2CC's

Maschis4-5Bar Rambla Red

Havana Habaneros6-3Tipsy Cow

Thistle & Rose Blue6-3The One Bar

P W Agg Pts

Havana Habaneros119218

Bar Rambla Red **1110118

Maschis118316

Thistle & Rose Blue **118314

CC's115610

Tipsy Cow11386

Bar Rambla Blue **11476

The One Bar11386

Thistle & Rose Red11386

Echos11294

** deducted 2 points (not adhering to league rules)

PENTHOUSE DIVISION WEEK

11

Mickeys Bar1-8Courtyard A Firestation Bluewatch7-2Arianaz

New Tavern4-5Firestation Redwatch Kaceys3-6Tipsy Toad

Courtyard B1-8Sports Bar

P W Agg Pts

Tipsy Toad11113722

Firestation Redwatch11105120

Firestation Bluewatch1182116

Courtyard A1171714

Sports Bar115910 Kaceys115-510

New Tavern113-236 Arianaz113-276

Mickeys Bar112-274 Courtyard B111-532

9000 strong petition by furious locals saying it would be totally out of character with the town, the “family-friendly games, dining and entertainment offering” is due to open in 2025. Expect a few flying haggises.

Until next time: Happy Golfing.

Contact Mick for regrippng and repairs. Tel 638 859 475.

kindly offered to sponsor our Captain Gary Armstrong with a voucher for a free lesson at Lo Romero golf; this was presented to the overall winner (Which Anita duly donated to the Stevie Spit Benefit Day being held at Villamartin Golf Club on the 22nd August 2024).

Thanks also to Andy Taliss who was unable to play in the event but donated his fees back to the Stevie Spit Benefit Day.

The captainís chosen charity is Help at Home, and this yearís fund currently stands at Ä1070-30. Many thanks go to Sam Udell our charity member for her continued hard work.

Many thanks go to Michael, Annoushka and staff of the Lucky Lion for their continued support and delicious after-match meal and refreshments.

Our next match on Thursday 29th August will be the Final round of the Eclectic Cup to be held at Lo Romero. This event is now available for sign up on Society Golfing.

We have 40 places available for the Eclectic cup Final Round.

If you wish to play in our next event, please place your name on the list at the Lucky Lion bar and for any further information, contact the Secretary at alfiesgolfsociety@gmail.com

Gary Armstrong, Captain AGS

SINGLE GOAL SINKS FOREST AT PINATAR ARENA Carp R Us

Thursday 25th July was the last Carp-rUs match before the annual August break.

The intense heat of the past few weeks proves how necessary it is to have this break, several anglers having decided to miss the match, the 2024 Summer Cup, because the heat would be just too much.

With reduced numbers, the match was held on just one section of El Bosquet, pegs 1a - 7.

Ian Brown drawn on peg 1 got off to a good start using pole and pellet to catch carp. The fish were not shoaled and he had to search for them near and far. He caught on and off throughout the match to weigh in 12.56 kgs for second place.

Neil McBirnie, the venue maestro, had an odd and hard day by his standards but still managed to win. Fishing pole and feeder with pellet on peg 5 he caught three large bass before the carp eventually moved into his swim. He weighed 18.54 kgs to win the match.

Roy Dainty on peg 3 came third with 8.30 kgs which included some large mullet caught on bread flake. The bass are now making more of an appearance on this section. Around five years ago a few made their way into the section from the adjacent lake to which it is linked by a narrow pipe.

Having to be small to swim through it, their voracious appetite has enabled them to stack on the weight. In fact, there is now a good head of large fish of all the main species such that light tackle is an absolute 'no'.

Last week the club received the news that another ex-member, Peter Boorman, had sadly passed away. Pete was usually accompanied to matches by his with Sue but ill health forced him to stop fishing a few years ago.

Our thoughts are with all the family.

Nottingham Forest’s pre-season trip to Spain was brought to an abrupt end with their first defeat of the summer, a narrow loss by the only goal of the game against Elche CF on Friday evening.

While results are not really viewed as important to managers during pre-season, Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side had made a bright start in their three previous games.

However, Forest were undone by the La Liga 2 side who sealed the win with a 1-0 victory, the goal scored with just five minutes on the clock courtesy of Nicolas Castro’s emphatic strike from a corner.

Without neither Chris Wood or Taiwo Awoniyi featuring, Nuno continued to mix things up and as Forest started to find some rhythm only a string of saves from Elche goalkeeper Edgar Badia kept them at bay.

Nuno Espirito Santo made 11 changes at the interval as he continued to share around the minutes. Hwang Ui-jo almost got the Reds back on level terms but hit the post with 65 minutes gone.

Josh Bowler argued he should have had a penalty for a handball in the closing minutes but Forest could not find an equaliser as they signed off in Spain with a loss.

With neither Chris Wood nor Taiwo Awoniyi involved, goals for Forest were always going to be a tough ask.

CD THADER NEWS UPDATE

With the new Community League South season fast approaching (fixtures not yet released), CD Thader have an awful lot of travelling to put up with in season 24/25. Having lost 4 local sides to either promotion or relegation, the only local club to join Redovan CF will be newly promoted SC Torrevieja.

But before the serious stuff starts in earnest, there are no less than 8 pre season friendlies to look forward to. Kelme CF visit Moi Gomez stadium on 31 July, before the final warm up match, also at Rojales, is on 31 August.

The pick of the bunch has to be on 7 August, when second federation side Orihuela CF make the short journey to Rojales.

There will be a new management team in place for the start of the season, because Carlos Canales has left to take over the helm at Redovan CF.

But, in his place, the club are pleased to

PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES

announce that Raul Mora will be rejoining with his assistant Adrian Pastor. So far, 5 new players have been recruited by Raul Mora, the first of which being Amin El Katthabi.

Amin is a 20 year old centre forward who joins from Torrevieja CF, where he scored 7 goals last season. Utility man Samuel Garcia arrives from Atletico Santa Cruz, and he is joined by 24 year old goalkeeper Sergio Perez, who has played previously for Costa City, Aspe & Pena Raval.

Left winger Sam Nouri arrives from third federation side El Palmar, whilst 18 year old

Kone Keder joins from UD Ilicitana. Central defender Kone Keder´s country of birth is the Ivory Coast.

Season tickets for next season can be purchased at any of the home friendly matches. A standard adult ticket will cost 60 euros, over 65 only 40 euros, or under 30 are 30 euros.

For regular updates on CD Thader news, it is recommended to visit their facebook page.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.