As such, the issue has led to a recent meeting between the Council and the Local Police as they try to regulate the situation and avoid the many difficulties generated by their use on public roads, as a result of the chaos they often cause on pavements with pedestrians, and on roads with traffic.
Thus, in the last few days, more than a hundred of these personal mobility vehicles have been confiscated from unlicensed operators, by police agents and deposited at the Orihuela Costa Emergency Centre, awaiting a decision.
Municipal sources have confirmed that electric scooters can still be used, however, but only by those companies that have been authorised to do so, for a period of three months.
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Orihuela Costa
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The authorised companies are those that requested the extension, although it is understood that ‘Hoppy’ made a mistake in its request that is now being corrected. It was for this reason that "the scooters were removed until everything was in order."
Orihuela Council points out that the use of scooters is regulated in the mobility ordinance, for which there is an exclusive section.
The number of electric scooters on the streets of Orihuela Costa is growing by the week, where they often appear in a disorderly fashion on any street corner or are abandoned to their fate on the pavement or the road by users.
These personal mobility vehicles are very attractive to tourists, as they allow them to travel around the urbanisations in a comfortable, economical and sustainable way.
To a large extent, many of these problems, the reckless driving and their abandonment, depend on the good will of the user, their public responsibility and their civic attitude, something that will have to be improved on if they are to be accepted by the public as a means of transport of the future, because they are sustainable, economical and practical, as well as being a beneficial service in an area like the coast, which has an acute a lack of transport services, taxis and buses.
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‘STRICTLYDYNAMITE’
By David Whitney 2024
It's getting 'strictly' boring now
As accusations mount
Celebrities complaining Time it all was sorted out
Is it for publicity?
Does it all ring true? It seems quite unbelievable Somebody must have knew
If training is abusive If the tensions break a heart
The standards on the dance floor
Would all 'strictly' fall apart
But as it is the spectacle
The glitter and the skill
Display a show of expertise
Together with a thrill
I'm not convinced that anyone
Has over stepped the mark
But if there's actual footage It can't be hidden in the dark
Just sort the problems out now Before more troubles come to light It's called "Strictly Come Dancing" Not called "Strictly Dynamite!"
REGISTER OF BUILDINGS TO BE RESTORED IN ORIHUELA (RMSER)
The council has approved the draft ordinance that will regulate the Municipal Register of Plots and Buildings to be Rehabilitated (RMSER). This regulation seeks to enable intervention in properties requiring construction or rehabilitation, promoting urban regeneration and the renewal of the existing urban fabric.
This initiative is part of the government commitment to comply with current regulations, while effectively addressing the challenges related to the conservation and renovation of Orihuela's urban heritage. The main purpose is to ensure adequate publicity of the properties included in the RMSER due to the non-compliance of their owners in their duties to build or rehabilitate. This transparency will allow interested parties to
access relevant information about these properties, encouraging the presentation of technical proposals for their development or rehabilitation.
The situation in Orihuela reflects the reality of many municipalities, with vacant lots and unfinished buildings that give an image of abandonment. This problem not only affects the urban core of the city, but also the pedanías and coastal areas, where the aim is to eradicate these deteriorated images, especially in areas of high historical and cultural value.
This regulatory framework seeks not only to avoid land speculation, but also to actively promote urban regeneration, especially in the Historic Centre of Orihuela, an area declared a Historic Site and an Asset of Cultural Interest.
Electric scooters parked up at La Zenia Emergency Centre
The pedestrian footbridge project has now been approved by the Demarcation of State Roads
CLARO ASK FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS TO ALTERNATIVE MONTEZENIA LINK
CLARO ask for improvements to dirt road
There is more traffic than usual during the summer season, a busy dirt road that is now carrying far more traffic than is usual following the closure of Avda La Luz by residents of Montezenia urbanisation.
Avda de la Luz was closed due to the alarming lack of basic services provided by the City Council in that Urbanisation in recent years, together with their failure in committing to any improvements.
The closure has resulted in many hundreds of vehicles using this valley road as an alternative, connecting them with the area around the Overseas supermarket in the west and Los Dolses/La Zenia in the east of Orihuela Costa.
Recently, Antonio Cerdán, former coordinator of the Orihuela Costa district Pedáneos and leader of CLARO, met with the Councilor of Urban Planning Matías Ruiz to whom he put a proposal that would consist of “joining Calle Ciprés with Avda Montezenia-la Solana, across a section of about 250 metres of a valley dirt road, where there is a pumping station, as well as electricity, water and sanitation conduits.”
This valley transports many hundreds of cars, vans and motorcycles on a daily basis, despite it’s poor condition, as it facilitates quick access to the area around Zenia Boulevard and the Town Hall, saving about five kilometres of travel, avoiding alternative routes or the N-332.
This initiative, presented by CLARO, "is well known since we were working on it eleven years ago, when we held the coun-
cillorship of the Coast.
This suggested solution, which we believe would substantially improve traffic in the area, is a proposal that we included, like several others, in the electoral programme of the PP, as a result of the support agreement that CLARO signed before the municipal elections of 2023," they say.
ORIHUELACOSTASUMMER SPORT
The Orihuela Youth Department is organising "Summer Sport 2024", designed to promote family activities through sport during the summer in Orihuela Costa. Anabel García, Councillor for Youth, highlighted the importance of the project: "We propose simultaneous activities for adults, young people and children, which will take place in the same location, with different instructors for each activity".
With the main objective of offering recreational options for all ages, the programme includes activities suitable for children while adults can enjoy sporting activities.
Summer Sport 2024 programme
For the children, the programme includes fun and learning play sessions under the guidance of trained professionals. From water games to treasure hunts, activities are designed to stimulate children's creativity and physical development.
For youth and adults, a variety of fitness options are offered including pilates, functional and zumba, adapted for different levels of physical ability.
Activities will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the month of August, starting at 19:00 hours, at the following locations:
CAMPOAMOR
TUESDAY 6th August:
Adults: Zumba
Children: Summer games
THURSDAY 8th August:
Adults: Pilates
Children: Treasure hunt
CABO ROIG
TUESDAY 13th August:
Adults: Zumba
Children: Inflatables
FLAMENCA BEACH
TUESDAY 20 August:
Adults: Zumba
Children: Giant Balls
THURSDAY 22nd August:
Adults: Pilates
Children: Water Games
CAMPOAMOR
TUESDAY 27th August:
Adults: Zumba
Children: Team Games
THURSDAY 29th August:
Adults: Zumba and Pilates
Children: Foam Party
To participate in the activities, it is necessary to register in advance on the website
www.summerorihuelacosta.es. In addition, all the information about the programme is available on the website and on the social networks of the Youth Department.
ORIHUELA COSTA MURDER CASE: CHILD’S TESTIMONY CHALLENGED
A10-year-old boy is at the centre of a legal battle stemming from the alleged murder of his father in Orihuela Costa, Spain. His mother, a 49-year-old Norwegian woman, is accused of stabbing her 45-year-old husband to death during a domestic dispute.
The incident occurred in the presence of the couple's three young children, who have since been placed in protective custody. The defense is challenging the admissibility of the 10-year-old's testimony, claiming that he was coerced into making a statement while in a state of extreme emotional distress.
The defense lawyer argues that the child was subjected to unwarranted pressure and manipulation during a lengthy interrogation. The boy reportedly expressed reluctance to testify multiple times but was persistently questioned. Furthermore, the child was not informed of his right to remain silent until well into the interrogation.
The defense contends that the child's psychological state was not adequately assessed prior to the interview and that he was provided with an English interpreter despite being a Norwegian native
speaker. These factors, combined with the alleged coercive tactics, render the testimony unreliable, according to the defense.
Court officials, however, maintain that proper procedures were followed and that the child was allowed to terminate the interview when he desired. They also assert that the child's statement was facilitated by specialists and that all necessary language support will be provided.
The legal battle over the admissibility of the child's testimony is likely to be a critical factor in the ongoing murder investigation.
Man missing from San Miguel on Saturday found dead
The local police have located the lifeless body of Sergio Iván,a 75-year-old man who disappeared last Saturday in San Miguel de Salinas.
The discovery took place on Thursday afternoon near an irrigation channel on the La Castellana estate,at the height of the SUSA sector in a greenhouse area. Jurisdiction has since been handed over to the Guardia Civil who are preparing a report for the courts.
A local rambler reported finding the body to the local police from San Miguel de Salinas,who had been looking for him for a few days.A helicopter was combing the same area at the time.
The Association,SOS Desaparecidos,had posted his disappearance on its social networks,also providing a description.It was his daughter who reported him missing.He was last seen on Saturday at 9 p.m.when he left his home on foot.He was wearing a shorts,grey T-shirt and different shoes on each foot (a dress shoe and a sports shoe).It wasn't the first time he'd disappeared.
It is understood that he had a psychiatric illness,as well as being diabetic and fitted with a pacemaker.He wasn't carrying a mobile phone nor his medication I was taking.
Moving the accused to court
SPEED CAMERA ON THE CV-905 IN TORREVIEJA NOT YET OPERATIONAL
The peed camera installed by the General Directorate of Traffic a few weeks ago on the CV-905 in Torrevieja is not yet operational. It will not be so until well into September, according to sources from the DGT.
It is a "camera" with a robotic appearance, not at all similar to the grey rectangular cabinets e often see at ground level, hidden among guardrails and shrubbery, with which drivers are "caught" for speeding on other stretches of roads in the Vega Baja.
The new camera is located at kilometre 7 (7+050) of the CV-905 road with two lanes in each direction of travel, which, along with the N-332, is the main access to Torrevieja, with an average passage of 30,000 vehicles per day, in the section between the La Siesta and San Luis urbanisations.
Either side of this installation are warning signs located on both sides of the road at kilometre points 6.550 and 7.670.
These sophisticated cameras, of which many others have been installed in the province, are expected to be certified in the first half of September and to come into operation at the end of that month.
The cost of each radar of this type is 45,000 euros - with an annual maintenance cost of another 6,500 - according to public information. More than 60 of these devices are being sited with an investment of 14 million euros.
According to the study carried out by the DGT's Mobility Sub-directorate at a national level to detect stretches with a high accident rate caused by speeding, between kilometre points 6.5 and 8.5 of this CV-905 there has been a high accident rate in the last five years: 47 accidents resulting in 3 serious injuries and 26 minor injuries. The 50 kilometre per hour limit along almost ten kilometres between the Torrevieja exit and the Los Montesinos roundabout was implemented in 2018 in order to improve road safety in a stretch full of roundabouts at the access to urbanisations and pedestrian crossings.
Orihuela Multiple Vehicle Thief Arrested
The National Police arrested a man in Orihuela for stealing two vehicles from different garages, one of which was a motorcycle and the other a car. The victim of the motorcycle did not know how the theft could have occurred, although the owner of the car had suffered the theft of the set of keys to his vehicle the day before.
Following the investigation, the officers discovered that a man had tried to manipulate the recording devices in the garage to prevent them from working, but the attempts failed allowing the officers to identify the suspect.
A surveillance device was set up in the vicinity of the suspect's home, which resulted in his arrest. The effective intervention allowed the officers to locate the stolen vehicle inside another garage in the municipality and they also found the motorcycle in front of the entrance to the suspect's building.
The National Police also recovered the sets of keys to the vehicles that had been stolen to carry out the crimes.
Santa Pola Adapted Beaches More Popular then Ever
Adapted beaches of Santa Pola, playas Levante and Gran Playa, have registered a large influx of users during July, with more than 5,300 people with reduced mobility or with different physical and mental abilities using the services.
The Levante and Gran Playa beaches are equipped with accessible points that allow people with reduced mobility to reach the shore and enjoy swimming safely. Gran Playa also has a special area for people with different psychicsensory abilities, offering activities in a safe environment, attended by highly qualified personnel.
During July 2024, Levante beach registered 2,765 users and 912 assisted swims. Gran Playa welcomed 2,574 users and 1,142 swims, in addition to 75 users in its special area. The beaches had 5,339 users and 2,054 assisted swims.
Demands for new Gran Alacant Health Centre
Santa Pola council is demanding a new health centre in Gran Alacant, which was put to the regional ministry in the meeting with the Minister of Health, Marciano LÛpez. The council has been demanding a new centre since 2022, during a time when the PSOE led the government when contacts began and the drafting of the project for the already existing centre in the area for a value of 400,000 euro. The new infrastructure, for which they already have the land, will serve more than 11,000 people. Loreto Serrano has continued to insist to the new regional
government on the need to expand the health service in one way or another for the large population that grows in the summer months due to beach and tourism.
The mayor has stated that they are once again ìsatisfied and hopefulî after the meeting with the councillor who, they say, has been ìreceptive and has committed to visiting Santa Pola to see first-hand what these needs are and the health situation of the cityî.
The council has asked the regional minister to urgently sign an agreement for the construction of the centre, as the council already has the land and infrastructure necessary to transfer it to the Ministry of Health.
FIREWORK SPECTACULAR OF THE YEAR ...Nit
de l'Albà
The Nit de l'Albà will once again light up the skies of Elche, taking place on Tuesday 13 August, the biggest firework spectacle of the year, in honour of its patron saint.
More than 2000 kg of gunpowder are fired with both organised shows, and the residents taking part with their own fireworks, until at midnight, between the bursts of pyrotechnics, there is a solemn silence, darkness falls and one of the songs that are part of the Misteri d'Elx is sung, before the entire sky over Elche is illuminated once more with an incredible palm tree of light.
The origins of the Nit de l'Albà date back to the late Middle Ages, coinciding with the origins of La Festa o Misteri d'Elx (Mystery of Elche), declared by UNESCO in 2001 a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" (Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2008).
Today, although the Nit de l'Albà has undergone various changes throughout history, the presence of lights and thunder has always been a constant. The traditional and popular spirit of this celebration has been maintained to this day, so that it is not a common fireworks display that is watched passively, but rather an entire city launching fireworks, an entire town as both a spectator and an architect of the festive act.
How do you like your tea ?
We love our tea in Ireland. We rank as the second highest teadrinkers in the world. It may surprise you to read that Turkey gets the top billing, with the British one place behind us.
In recent years we have developed a cultivated coffee culture across the country, but come what may, we will always be known for being a nation of tea drinkers. The British brought us tea more than three hundred years ago – and so we certainly owe them for that one! It is no exaggeration to state that tea has kept Ireland sane through the turmoil of the past few hundred years. Through bad times and good, when nobody knew which way to turn, the answer would be revealed by somebody announcing, ‘I’ll put the kettle on!’
During the poorest of times, there wasn’t a house in the land where a neighbour, a visitor, or even a passer-by, would be asked if they’d like a cup of tea.
‘How do you like your tea?’ has to be the most frequently asked ceist in the homes of Ireland. Be it just a casual drop-in or a momentous happening such as a wake; nobody leaves without being offered a cup of our national beverage.
Being earnestly offered that cup of tea is surely the warmest and most sincere way of saying; ‘I’m glad you’re here.’ I have a nice story to tell you at the end, showing the value placed on the friendly cup of tea offered to a stranger.
Since my early days in Canada, I am primarily a coffee drinker – if the coffee is good! But
I equally enjoy tea and if I’m not sure of the coffee, or feel I’m drinking too much of it at that point in time, I’ll opt for tea. Most of us value a ‘decent cup of tea.’
This means no weak tea! It must be allowed to draw and exhibit a golden brown colour before you add milk and sugar … that is, if you take milk or sugar in your tea; a question again, which will have already been dealt with at this stage”
Some tea drinkers I have known would have carried the ‘decency’ of tea to the extreme. My father was one of such people. The tea pot was always ‘stewing’ on top of the range. The stronger and the blacker, the better he liked it. My mother would regularly remark; ‘you could trot a mouse on your father’s tea!’
You all know where tea comes from? No Lads, from a red cardboard box with ‘Barry’s’ written on it, is not the answer I’m looking for!
Tea is taken from the Camellia sinensis plant. Drinking tea started in China a long time ago, but today the ‘tea-tree’ is cultivated all over the world. What we regard as real tea in Ireland, is only one of many types of tea enjoyed in various countries.
Believe me, I have on occasion been served some ‘quare stuff’ on requesting a cup of tea in far flung places. There is green tea, yellow and white tea, herbal tea; Rooibos, Chamomile, Peppermint, Pu-erh, Oolong … and several more teas you don’t need to know about.
Most come from the same plant, but it is what’s done with it after the leaves are plucked that makes the difference.
I told you I would finish up with my favourite
tea story; which illustrates the hospitality importance placed on offering a cup of tea to a stranger. I previously wrote this in an article; ‘Confessions of a Political Has-been!’
I was running in the local elections of 2009 and out canvassing day and night. Coming near dusk one evening and just about to call it a day, we knocked on the door of people I did not know. We were greeted with courtesy by the man who opened the door and were soon joined by his wife.
The couple made name recognition from getting this paper and reading my column. They said nice things and I thought, ‘a sure number one here!’ I read it wrong … they were just nice, decent people – like a majority you meet when out canvassing.
The man made intelligent suggestions as to how the council might improve things. I agreed and said that if I got elected I would take his concerns on board. This was the moment to ‘close’ and the guy with me asked if they would give me a number one. As well as being nice – they were also honest!
The man spoke; ‘Ah the way it is, we always voted Fianna Fail – and we’re too old to change now!’ The words had barely cleared his lips when the woman turned to me with a smile and asked; ‘would you like a cup of tea?!’
So now you know the value placed on a cup of tea … Just slightly below giving a candidate a vote!
D D ON’T F ON’T F OR OR G G ET ET
No man ever fails until he fails on the inside.
DERELICT TORREVIEJA CIGAR SPA TO BE RESOLVED
After almost 20 years standing derelict,the future of the infamous Torrevieja Cigar by the salt lakes on the Torretas urbanisation,may soon be resolved.
Now,Torrevieja Council and the Provincial Coast Service have initiated contacts to resolve its controversial administrative situation, although at this time we do not know to what end.
Sources from the Provincial Coastal Service indicated to the Spanish press recently that they are currently awaiting regularisation of the administrative situation of this unfinished resort.
Furthermore,Costas confirmed that Torrevieja Council has made “some informal contacts with the Provincial Coastal Service in order to regularise the administrative situation,although a formal proposal has not yet been made in this regard”.
The construction of the building was halted by Costas following a complaint that the AHSA environmental protection group filed with this administration on 26 September 2003.
Renowned architect Toyo Ito was commissioned in 2000 to design the building,known as the “caracola”,though often referred to as the “cigar”,which was set to be the largest relaxation park in the country, with the intention to try and steer Torrevieja away from the cheapbeach tourism it was becoming known for.
PROTEST DEMANDS 24-HOUR HEALTHCARE IN LOS ALCÁZARES
ROCKING ALL OVER SAN MIGUEL
Whilst many people will be looking forward to September because of “back to school”, there is a double bonus for some who will be able to “rock out” in San Miguel.
Having been a success already, BARGUSTRA ROCK is back with a full of music, fun and lots of rock!
So, rock fans, clear your diary for 7 September and prepare your best themed clothes to rock out at San Miguel de Salinas.
The Mayor of Los Alcázares, Mario Cervera, and the Councillor for Health, Antonio López, announced at the doors of the Los Alcázares Health Centre earlier this week that a demonstration would be held to demand "quality healthcare and a care service that covers all hours of the day".
Starting from the doors of the Town Hall, under the slogan 'Los Alcázares for a 24-hour Health Centre', the protest march was organised to meander the streets of the town before reaching the town's health centre, located on Calle Mar Tirreno.
"Since 2011, when the major healthcare cuts occurred in the municipality, care was reduced to practically 9 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon. The Department of Health used the excuse that there was not enough population in the municipality of Los Alcázares, but the truth is that since then we have grown exponentially, surpassing 20,000 inhabitants this year," said Cervera.
GRANTS FOR HEALTH AND ANIMAL PROTECTION
The Councillor for Health, Irene Celdrán, has reported on the call for grants for health and animal protection associations in the municipality of Orihuela, for the year 2024.
As the Orihuela councillor said, following Tuesday’s approval by the Local Government Board, the grants announced by the Department of Health will be published in the Official Provincial Gazette (BOP), and from the day after publication a period of ten working days will be open to submit applications for this municipal subsidy.
Celdrán also stated that the maximum amount of these grants is 30,000 euros, so she is has encouraging "all groups related to the field of health and animal protection to apply for these grants because we are committed to continue promoting and supporting their activities and programmes, while we value their daily work at the head of their associations.
ILLEGAL LANDFILL GROWING IN THE PUENTE ALTO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ORIHUELA
OUT OF CONTROL.
Rubbish of all kinds including large quantities of household goods are piling up on land in the Puente Alto Industrial Estate in Orihuela.
A plot of land, located near warehouses and the municipal slaughterhouse, which has become an "illegal rubbish dump", according to the AntiCorruption Platform la Plataforma
Defensa de la Huerta.
From sofas, shoes and chairs to tyres, glass and building debris, all types of waste abandoned indiscriminately.
An area that workers live with and that is gradually occupying more space, because the piles of abandoned rubbish are growing by the day.
It is a major concern for truck drivers, who leave their vehicles in this area of the industrial estate to rest, as it is unhealthy and poses a risk of fire. Moisés Cruz, secretary of the Platform, says that the problem needs to be addressed, and quickly. It is not only the residents of Orihuela Costa who are unhappy with the performance of the councillor for Urban Waste.
771 Deaths Due to Excessive Heat in Spain
Spain has recorded a total of 771 deaths attributable to excessive temperatures in the month of July, with the last being the worst week - from July 22 to 28 - when up to 337 deaths were recorded, according to estimates by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII).
In the following week, between July 29 and August 4, the daily all-cause mortality monitoring system (MoMo) has calculated a total of 246 deaths caused by heat.
The month of July began with a total of 37 deaths from heat in its first week, which increased as the days went by. They rose to 49 in the second week; to 102 in the third and, finally, to 337 in the last, adding up to the figure of 771 deaths.
In total, MoMo has reported 33,688 deaths in Spain in July, recording an excess of 843 deaths from all causes - 771 of them due to heat.
By gender, of the 771 heat-related deaths, 459 occurred in women. The remaining 312 were men. By age, the highest figures were reported in people over 85 years of age, with a total of 356 deaths. In total, 455 people over 65 years of age died from heat. Among people between 65 and 74, 18 deaths were recorded from this cause, and among those between 75 and 84, a total of 73. On the other hand, a total of 13 Spaniards between the ages of 45 and 64 died from excessive temperatures.
By autonomous community, the region with the most deaths was Madrid, with 208, surpassing Castile and Leon (96) and CastileLa Mancha (75). It is followed by Catalonia (73), Andalusia (69), Galicia (61), Aragon (55), Valencian Community (45), Extremadura (30), La Rioja (12), Navarre (11), Asturias (10), Basque Country (7), Murcia and the Canary Islands (6), the Balearic Islands (4) and Cantabria (1). Ceuta has recorded one death due to excessive heat and Melilla none.
In July last year, 686 deaths were recorded due to excessive temperatures, 85 fewer than those reported in the same month this year. During the summer of 2023, MoMo identified 3,009 deaths attributable to excessive temperatures nationwide, being the third summer with the highest number of excesses in the 2015-2023 series.
During that same year, the regional health authorities notified the Ministry of Health of 24 deaths from heat stroke, with an average age of 53 years and a gender distribution of 87.5 percent men and 12.5 percent women.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE MINISTRYOF HEALTH
For all these reasons, in mid-July, the Ministry of Health reminded that exposure to high ambient temperatures can cause an insufficient response from the human thermoregulatory system. Furthermore, excessive heat can alter vital functions if
the human body is unable to compensate for variations in body temperature.
They also stressed that very high temperatures cause a loss of water and electrolytes that are necessary for the normal functioning of the various organs. Thus, in some people with certain chronic diseases, undergoing certain medical treatments and/or with disabilities that limit their autonomy, these thermoregulation mechanisms can become unbalanced more easily.
From a biological perspective, exposure to
excessive temperatures can cause health problems such as cramps, dehydration, heat stroke or heat stroke (which causes multi-organ problems that can include symptoms such as gait instability, seizures, coma and even death).
The Ministry of Health recommends drinking water or liquids frequently, even if you do not feel thirsty and regardless of the physical activity you are doing. In addition, you should avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol or sugar, as they can cause dehydration.
DISSENT AND UNREST IS GROWING IN ORIHUELA
Orihuela Council...you maybe listening but you are not hearing an important message. The message is that Orihuela Costa is angry, concerned and frustrated, that you are not reacting, in fact you are deaf and blind.
Leading up to the last elections in May 2023, Orihuela Costa was sold a pig in a poke by the PP and VOX parties. Between them, they have literally broken every one of their key election commitments.
There are far to many to mention, but one that really stands out was NOT to raise taxes.
We warned last year, that when he had the chance, Vegara would raise all taxes, Waste and IBI. Now we have been proved right.
The rise in taxes (which they pledged not to
How much longer before residents take to the streets as they did in 2018
do) is despite a lack of the very minimum of basic of services, services so disastrous that they are not fit for the 30,000+ residents on the coast, despite the area being the biggest contributor, by far, to the council’s coffers, More than 60% of their revenue is generated from the Coast, therefore, with the increases in taxes, that percentage will jump dramatically.
If you were to ask any resident if they would mind an increase of taxes they would, in a very loud and clear voice, say “absolutely not!”, but the punishment hasn’t stopped, the hurt that we felt in the past, and which we are continuing to feel now, will only continue through to the next elections.
We now think there is no doubt that the
anger felt by residents will spill over into the next elections.
We can say with an honest conviction, that Orihuela Costa is in its worst ever condition. We thought last summer was the worst on record but 2024 is beating that hands down. We have a local government now which is 14 months into its term, and it is safe to say they have done more damage than any other previous government.
Politicians are very quick to blame those protesters on the far right for violence - and they have a point.
But what they are ignoring is that people are angry and concerned to see, in real terms, their living and working standards dropping as their taxes are squandered and misused. We must also consider the incompetence shown by the Mayor along with the rank and file in the town hall, which are making all the voices that are being raised on Orihuela Costa completely legitimate.
We have the Associations of Mothers and Fathers fast gaining support about the state of the children’s play parks around the municipality, especially Orihuela and Orihuela Costa, which are a serious hazard, and this has resulted in mass protests and a 1,000 signature petition being handed in.
We had teachers and parents protesting outside, and then, eventually, inside the town hall, about the missing school and the deplorable standards that teachers and pupils have to work and study under, then at the last pleno the president of AVCRL, Tomas Moreno, severely criticised Pepe Vegara and Manuel Mestre for their handling of the government. This is not the far right in action, these are simply very angry residents voicing their displeasure/anger at the town hall. So, Snr Vegara, the Coast asks you, what now? What are you going to do as the person responsible for the decisions of your government team, or do you have more pressing issues on your mind?
Palm Grove Centre services out to tender
The Councillor for the Environment, Noelia Grao, has issued the tender document for the services of care and guided tours, transport and cleaning of municipal facilities at the Interpretation Centre and Palm Grove of Orihuela. She said, "this is the first time that a tender for this service has been carried out so that we can guarantee a quality and continuous service to raise awareness of our valuable
natural environment, considered the second largest palm grove in Europe".
The contract is divided into two lots. Lot one is the service of attention and guided tours in the Interpretation Centre and the coach transport service, for a total amount of 95,478.55 euros (VAT included), while the second lot consists of the cleaning service amounting to 37,092.91 euros (VAT included).
The total amount is 132,580.46 euros (VAT included), while its duration will be two years, with the possibility of a further year's extension.
Contract for emergency, and medical helicopters
The Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs has awarded a Ä14 million contract for emergency aerial services.
This includes two emergency helicopters, two coordination helicopters, and a coordination aircraft.
The contract runs from October 2024 to September 2026, with a potential five-year extension.
The Minister emphasizes the importance of improving emergency response, especially for large-scale incidents like forest fires.
This contract introduces specialist aerial coordination personnel and expands the use of aircraft for various emergencies.
Bauhaus DIY Store coming to Torrevieja
Torrevieja town hall has approved the construction licence of an 18,000 square metre buildable area of a 40,000 square metre plot of the La Hoya development for the construction of a DIY store for the German Bauhaus brand.
For comparison, the Zenia Boulevard store of the
French chain Leroy Merlin occupies 7,700 square metres of commercial space. The Torrevieja store will be the first in the Alicante province.
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ACROSS ACROSS
7.Extremely fat (5)
8.Needing water (7)
9.Sulphuric acid (7)
10.Mourning song (5)
12.Fickle (10)
15.Annoy (10)
18.Jewelled headdress (5)
19.Courageous (7)
21.Sport (7)
22.Waterway (5)
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.
15.How the patient will provide entry to all, maybe (10)
18 & 2Dn. At the present time heís a popular figure (5,5)
19.In the main, they direct the ploughmen (7)
21.Cheer up the Cabinet (7)
22.Material for which South African money is needed (5)
DOWN DOWN
1.Academic programme gives a sign of hope to us (10)
2.See 18 Ac.
3.Personage who sat uneasily before the start of the Revolution (4)
4.Diminish the importance of an academic spell, we hear (6)
5.Ordinary seaman first becomes unbalanced (8)
6.Suitable trial for the most athletic (7)
11.Being acquainted, talk shortly with a social worker (10)
13.Spanish wine without a herbal flavouring (8)
14.Doing evening work in woodcraft (7)
16.How the fishermen made a profit? (6)
17.Slowly advanced to the ring (5)
20.The ultimate appliance for the shoemaker (4)
LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 21)
1. The title of which popular 1898 Italian song, often played by ice cream vans, means "my sunshine" when translated?
2. Animals that are classified as arboreal have adapted to life in which environment?
3. Translated, which Japanese martial art means "sword path" or "way of the sword"?
4. The following is the opening line from which 1991 Hollywood film? "Three billion human lives ended on August 29, 1997."
5. Which small shark with an unusual bite is named after a baking implement?
6. In 2006, who became the first player ever to be sent off in a UEFAChampions League final?
7. With 85 m, the world's shortest land border is shared between the Spanish territory Penon de Velez de la Gomera and which other country?
8. The name of which famous car manufacturer means 'blacksmith' when translated?
9. Which European country abolished its monarchy on June 1, 1973? a. Albania b. Italy c. Greece d. Portugal
10. The following lyrics are all from songs in which Superman gets a mention. Can you name the artist or the song? a. I am I am I am Superman, and I can do anything, b. Superman and Green Lantern ain't got nothin on me, c. Superman, Superman, I want to fly like Superman, d. Tall dark and Superman, he puts his papers in his briefcase and drives away, e. You know you want me baby, you know I want
you too, they call me Superman, I'm here to rescue you, f. You don't tug on Superman's cape, you don't spit into the wind, you don't pull the mask off the old Lone Ranger
11. Constantinople and Moscow excluded, what were the five most populated European cities in the year 1700?
12. What is the commonly used French word for scampi?
13. The following are the alter egos of which comic book characters? a. Steve Rogers, b. Logan, c. Princess Diana of Themyscira, d. Selina Kyle, e. Tony Stark, f. Max Eisenhardt
14. Which company, headquartered in The Hague, is usually found in the worldwide top 10 in terms of revenue?
15. In biology, which taxonomic category lies between Kingdom and Class?
16. What was the first song by The Beatles to use backwards vocals? (One word)
17. Name the films in which Dustin Hoffmann plays a character married to a character played by? a. Barbara Streisand, b. Rene Russo, c. Meryl Streep, d. Susan George
18. What is the name of the whale with the distinctive unicorn like spiral tusk?
19. Gregor Samsa does not recognise himself in which famous novella?
20. Located in Chile and Peru, what is the name of the desert which is considered to be the driest place on Earth?
Large Tuna washed up in Torre de la Horadada
Bathers who were enjoying the sea on the Jesuitas beach in Torre de la Horadada,where many people from the Region of Murcia spend their summer holidays,had a big surprise on Tuesday afternoon.What seemed to be a plastic package floating in the sea ended up being a large tuna that was washed up on the shore.
A group of bathers who were on the beach saw a large object floating in the distance.After a few minutes,it came closer to the shore,until several bathers decided to investigate further.
A tuna of a considerable size,it is not the first time that a marine animal like this has been found on local beaches.
The tuna was eventually removed by environmentalists who will now seek to investigate it’s cause of death.
Red Day and other local holidays
Thursday is a national holiday in Spain, a Red Day, el día de la Asunción de la Virgen María, celebrated on 15 August each year.
As for local holidays, Castell de Guadalest celebrates on Wednesday, so if you’re planning a midweek trip that might be a little busier than usual.
Because of the national holiday on Thursday, many places are also taking Friday as a local holiday, and some businesses in other areas closing as a bridging day, so if you have anything important planned, check they are open. There are far too many places to mention, but a few notable local holidays are Bigastro, Denia, Guadalest again, and Callosa de Segura. Another word of warning in that Tuesday is 13th of August, and Tuesday the 13th has a similar significance in Spain as Friday 13th! Don’t go out is the advice! Or get married!
Valencia Approves 2025 Regional Holiday Calendar
The Valencia regional government has approved the 2025 Regional Holiday Calendar, where workers are given an extra paid day off.
This decree includes the 2025 working holidays that will be paid and non-refundable and will be as follows: January 1 and 6, March 19, April 18 and 21, May 1, August 15, October 9, November 1 and December 6, 8, and 25.
To this schedule we must also add the National Holidays (Red
Days) for 2025, and the local holidays, as municipalities also have an extra two days to take at a time of their choosing, which will be revealed later in the year.
Schools also have extra days holidays which will also affect those in education.
Summer Driving Tips – Keep Cool and Hydrated
It's summer and we are experiencing several heat waves that bring us very high temperatures. This represents a fairly high risk when we get behind the wheel. But we can take several precautions when starting the trip or simply when we have to drive at times when the heat is pressing, and it is difficult to maintain a pleasant temperature inside
the car.
When you get into your car when it's so hot, you need to reduce the temperature inside.
So, it's a good idea to leave the door open for a few minutes to let the warm air out. It's a good idea to roll down the windows to allow a draft and renew the air inside. In just a few seconds, the temperature will drop
considerably.
It is not a good idea to leave the vehicle unattended though.
When you are ready to set off, before turning on the air conditioning, it is best to keep the windows down and drive for a few minutes. This way, the air flow will allow the tempera-
ture to drop a little more. After driving for a few minutes, you can close the windows and turn on the air conditioning or climate control. This will allow the temperature inside the car to be slightly lower, making driving more pleasant and avoiding the heat from outside.
The temperature at which you set your air conditioning is a very personal matter. However, it is still advisable to set it to a temperature no lower than 22 degrees. This will make driving cooler, but there will not be a huge difference to the outside temperature. You too need to stay well hydrated. There is a risk when actually driving that the act of drinking can distract you, and so it can result in a fine. If it is safe, and perhaps a passenger can help you open the bottle, an occasional sip should not pose a problem. However, you should pay attention to this issue and plan your road trip by scheduling the appropriate stops so you can eat and drink safely.
Clothing is important, so you should dress comfortably and wear appropriate footwear. When parking, you should look for a place with shade. As shade varies throughout the day, you should bear in mind that you may be in the shade in the morning and in the sun for several hours in the afternoon. A sunshade in the front can make the temperature rise a little less than if you let the sun shine directly on you. If you can put a second sunshade in the back, it will help reduce the effect of the sun on the passenger compartment.
British Embassy highlights newly published EU Guidance on the Entry-Exit System
The British Embassy in Spain is highlighting newly published guidance on the Entry-Exit System to British nationals in Spain: https://traveleurope.europa.eu/ees_en. The guidance issued by the European Union sets out more detail on the scheme, it’s implementation and how Withdrawal Agreement Beneficiaries can avoid registration.
There is also an online tool for travellers to check the number of days they can spend in the Schengen zone, which will become available once the EES goes live later this year.
The EES will require all non-EU short stay travellers to register via an automated system at the border. They will need to provide their name, passport details, biometric data (fingerprints and captured facial images) and the date and place of entry and exit upon entering Spain.
This will replace the current passport stamping at the border.
These details will be held on file for three years, meaning Britons making repeat visits to Spain within a three-year period will not have to go through the same registration process each time.
To be exempt from registering with the EES, British residents in the EU will need to show a valid uniform-format biometric card, which in Spain is the TIE.
The non-biometric Green Certificate, though a valid residency document in Spain, was issued prior to EU Exit and therefore, does not feature in the Withdrawal Agreement or in Annex 22 of the Schengen Border Guard Handbook
document. It is expected that Green Certificate holders may lose out on the chance to be exempt from registering.
As a result, they may encounter difficulties and delays at the border, especially when entering other EU countries where the Green Certificate may not be recognised.
The British Embassy is therefore asking those still using a Green Certificate to get a TIE as soon as possible, ahead of the introduction of the EU’s new Entry Exit System (EES), expected in Autumn this year.
The process for securing a TIE appointment the card itself is run by the Spanish Government.
More information on how to apply, including links to Spanish Government websites where the applications are made, can be found on the ‘Living in Spain’ guide on gov.uk.
ALICANTE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS END INDUSTRIAL ACTION
The industrial action by Air Traffic Controllers in privatised control towers across Spain, including Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport, which started in January 2023, has come to an end thanks to arbitration.
The dispute with the business association Apcta, which includes suppliers Saerco and Skyway, had been ongoing since 2023 when the Union of Air Traffic Controllers (USCA) broke off negotiations with the employers after the obstacles, according to them, of the company Saerco. Since then, there have been several strikes.
In May, when the conflict was entrenched, both parties turned to the Inter-County Mediation and Arbitration Service (SIMA), which ended up resolving the labour dispute between controllers and Apcta.
USCA explained in a statement that an arbitration award issued by SIMA has allowed the conflict to be ended, although not all of the workers' demands have been met. Nevertheless, the statement includes thanks to the arbitration work for "understanding the difficult situation" of the controllers of these towers.
In addition to the Alicante-Elche tower, the other airfields affected by this conflict are those in A Coruña, Castellón, Cuatro Vientos, El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Ibiza, Jerez, Lanzarote, La Palma, Lleida, Murcia, Sabadell, Seville, Valencia, and Vigo.
Strikes by security staff at Alicante airport continue.
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
A pool for every 15 inhabitants in Province
When the heat hits you, there's nothing better than taking a cool dip. And Alicante is the province where you can find the most swimming pools where you can do this, because it is one of the provinces with the most swimming pools.
These leisure facilities continue to grow and in 2024 there is one for every 15 Alicante residents registered. In just one year, 1,722 more swimming pools have been registered.
This is shown in the annual data provided by the General Directorate. According to these figures, in 2023 there were 127,478 open-air swimming pools in the province of Alicante; in 2024 the number has grown to 129,200, a number that could continue to grow in the coming years.
Indeed, there are probably more because of the many that have not yet been officially registered.
Swimming pools have become almost indispensable in these increasingly hot summers, both on the coast and inland, where many prefer to take a dip in fresh water rather than salt water.
Summer arrives and in buildings, housing estates and homes there is no time of day when the pools are not being used; and having a villa is synonymous with friends and family joining with you to spend the day.
In the province, of the 129,200 registered pools, the "top 5" towns are Xàbia (9,199); Elche (8,371);
Orihuela (7,354); Dénia (5,074) and Alicante city (4,823), with Teulada (4,814), Torrevieja (4,800), Rojales (4,793), Calp (4,692) and Benissa (4,078) not far behind.
The municipality of Marina Alta is the one with the most swimming pools per inhabitant.
With 29,760 registered residents there is one swimming pool for every 3.23 people. In Orihuela (83,449 registered) it is one for every 11.3 inhabitants.
However, it is also important that those households that have a pool are able to fill them with water, a commodity that is in especially short supply across much of the province at the moment.
In the Marina Alta, eight towns have been forced to take measures due to drought and lack of water.
The last of them, Teulada Moraira, has been left without drinking water. This is followed by Poble Nou de Benitatxell, el Verger, Benissa, Parcent, Lliber, Xaló and Alcalalí. These last six have restrictions on filling swimming pools and watering gardens.
Between the eight municipalities, in 2024 there are more than 12,300 swimming pools.
According to some sources, a medium-sized swimming pool, about eight metres by four metres, needs an average of 48,000 litres of water.
Unfortunately, for many, with not all of them have been able to be filled this summer.
Orihuela, with 83,449 registered residents, has one pool for every 11.3 inhabitants.
LUCY’S SECRET .... BY JOHN MCGREGOR
´Bletchley Park? I used to work there´.
´Where? When was that, wasn´t that the code-breaking place in the war, top secret´.
´Yes, Bletchley Park! I told you, I used to work there´
´Are you sure Mum? You know as you get older your mind forgets and your memory plays tricks on you -´.
´You cheeky sod. Yes, it was a long time ago. But we weren’t allowed to talk about it – and we didn’t´.
´Wow – do the others know?´
´Well no, I don’t think I´ve ever mentioned it. You just… didn’t´
My Mum Lucy and I were getting ready for a family get-together at her house over Christmas in 1995. The TV was on and a picture of a large redbrick country mansion house came on.
The building was being rescued just in time before being pulled down because of the sudden revelation that Bletchley Park had been the home of British code-breaking during the war. It was said that the success of the operation shortened the war between two to four years, when the Allies were at last able to break the German forces complex messaging system and gain valuable advantage.
Churchill did not want the information about Bletchley Park to get out after the war – and it didn’t.
All this was too good an opportunity for family celebration to pass up so when all the family was all together, after we had eaten and everything cleared away I told my siblings and our kids that our Mum had something to tell us – about how she helped to win the war. What followed was met with genuine amazement, and after the huge surprise more deep respect and love grew for a now-older lady, our wonderful mother who had brought up four of us.
But a curious slice of her early life was revealed that we had never known about: our lovely Dad had passed away some seven years previously aged only sixty-six. We all knew the romantic story about their meeting and courtship - but this new development was something else.
Mum was an only child, Lucy Dorothy Newberry, born in 1923 to a modest couple called Grace and Arthur in a small town called Woburn in Bedfordshire.
The area is dominated by Woburn Abbey, home of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford. Most of the inhabitants of Woburn worked at The Abbey at some time in their lives: Lucy´s Mum Grace was a cook and Dad Arthur a gardener. Her uncle Henry was the Duchess´s
chauffer. Their family home was owned by the estate, built at the turn of the twentieth century. It was in a block of eight terraced houses, just off the main road, but access was by the side of the block to travel round to the back where there was only the one entrance - no doors at the front, only windows. It was said the Duke did not wish to see washing out on the line in front, this area was kept clean and tidy. The large back gardens were used for growing fruit and vegetables. After leaving the Woburn Primary School aged eleven Lucy graduated up to Bedford Girls School but had a considerable journey every day to get there. She biked to the next village, Ridgmont where there was a railway station.
Here she waited for the train and put her bike in the Guards Van while she travelled the eleven miles to Bedford - then retrieving her bike pedalled on to school – and the reverse coming home – every day.
Lucy was sixteen when war broke out in 1939 with the whole country gripped with fear at the German onslaught of Europe.
Having passed her ´School Certificate´, the equivalent of todays GCSEs well , eighteen year-old Lucy persuaded her parents to let her apply for work in Bedford, rather than try for local work in Woburn.
Telling Grace and Arthur she was doing ´secretarial work´ but which she was not allowed to talk about it she started work at Bletchley Park.
That was OK with Grace – but not Arthur. It is hard to brand her Dad as a gossip, but he did like to know everything, and he strongly suspected Lucy knew a lot more than she was letting on.
C´mon Luce´, he would say, ´Just tell your old Dad was it is you do, I won’t tell anybody´.
´Don’t tell him Lucy!´Called Grace. ‘He’ll tell everybody, especially that barmaid in the
Rose and Crown – she knows more about our family than I do!´ But Arthur was very protective of his only daughter. He would always come to meet her from the train, at night on shiftwork she would always see the light from his cigarette as he waited in the lane.
Arthur didn’t approve of make-up and fashion, so Lucy had to hide things in her bag as she came and went.
For a young country girl the town life had a lot to offer. Amongst the teenage girls the talk was of clothes, stockings - and young men. The Americans were also on their way amid much excitement.
In 1941 fate took a huge hand in Lucy´s life. She received a letter from a young sailor in Portsmouth, a New Zealander a long way from home.
Prior to leaving home one of his boyhood mates had given him Lucy´s address, they had been pen-friends. Knowing no-one in England the young man training to be a pilot wrote to her outlining his position and respectfully asked if he could visit Lucy and her parents. He did, arriving in Bedford station in 1942.
They married the following year in 1943, and my sister Jean was born in 1944. With this whirlwind happening in her life Mum left Bletchley Park and virtually forgot all about it – for fifty years.
Now we all questioned her: what work did she do, what did she see? Well, Mum described the legendary huts in the grounds of the estate, each with a different number
according to which area and sector of the war they were covering.
Written messages were to be dashed to and from the huts with great urgency, and Mum talked of professor-type old men at nights sometimes wrapped up in their dressing gown huddled over their work – but not averse to pinching young girls bottoms if they got the chance, although the word quickly got round as to who to avoid.
To Mum it was her job and like many others in wartime Britain – you got on with it and kept your mouth shut.
Several years later over in the UK for my annual RAF reunion I realized I was near the legendary Bletchley Park. It was early morning but it seemed the place was open so I pulled into the car park.
At the cheerful reception desk I was asked if I had any special reason for visiting and I said I thought my Mum used to work there in war time.
I was told if you walk down the passage there is a large information book which details everyone who ever worked there - hopefully that might help? I rushed down the passage and there it was, a huge ledger.
It didn’t take me long to find what I was looking for:
´LUCY DOROTHY NEWBURY – GENERAL OFFICE 1941 -42´
So there it was, in unbelievable print. My fantastic Mum actually worked in Bletchley Park all those years ago and played her part – her parents never knew - and neither did we. We do now!
One of the wartime huts at Bletchley Park, where Lucy worked
The man The man y Challenges facing y Challenges facing TT orre orre vieja Animal Shelter vieja Animal Shelter
As volunteers at the Torrevieja animal shelter, we are reaching out to share some of the challenges we have been facing recently and to seek your assistance in raising awareness of our needs. We greatly value the community’s ongoing support and believe that your platform could help highlight our current situation.
The shelter is administered by the Torrevieja Town Hall. The Town Hall provides funding for the first two vaccinations, sterilization, and microchipping of all cats and kittens that pass through the shelter. However, the responsibility of providing food and medication is often funded by volunteers.
This constantly leaves us in desperate need of food and money for medication. Additionally, we are in urgent need of volunteers to help clean, feed, medicate, and of course, play with our cats. Often, we need to take them to the vet, so we rely heavily on our volunteers for vet runs.
There is limited assistance provided during the weekends and on festive days.
We were very excited about the new shelter being built, which will eventually allow us to provide even better care for our animals. However, construction was paused in March this year, and we have no idea when it will recommence or be completed. The limitation in space resulting from the abandoned construction site makes it difficult to effectively manage the cats, particularly when there is an outbreak of disease or when we need to provide special accommodations for cats with dietary needs.
At present, these cats must be kept in cages due to the lack of extra rooms where they can roam freely. Additionally, the ongoing construction has resulted in limited parking facilities and a relocated entrance, which has drastically reduced the number of potential adopters and donors who visit the shelter. We also face limited opportunities for running water, and most rooms lack electricity, which means we have no light, heat, or cooling for these areas, further complicating our daily operations. The dust and debris are constantly blown into the pens, making the task of keeping them clean an uphill battle.
Moreover, we are experiencing financial constraints that affect our ability to purchase essential medications and food for both our foster animals and those in the shelter. There have been occasions recently when we have run out of food and medication, making it challenging to provide the necessary care for our animals. Despite these limitations, our commitment to providing the best care possible remains steadfast. We have wonderful regular supporters, but their pockets are not bottomless. We truly need much more help with funds, food, and muscle power.
Currently, we are caring for 70 cats and kittens at the shelter, with an additional 40 kittens
TORREVIEJA SUMMER PARADE ON THURSDAY
The Councillor for Festivities, Rosario Martinez, has announced that on Thursday, August 15, from 21:00 hours, will be a new Summer Parade, an event that is a great attraction for visitors and torrevejenses. It will start from the "Virgen del Carmen" Cultural Centre, and travel go along Calle Ramón Gallud to the intersection with Calle Clemente Gosalvez.
The stars of the parade will be the Corte Salinera 2023/2024 who will greet all the attendees from a float. Suitably adorned will be the Salt Queen, Mireya Hernández and the ladies, Paula García and Beatriz Cerdá. The Children's Queen, Irene del Monte, the King of Carnival, Damián Bear, and the Queen of Carnival, Eva Viuda, will also take part on floats, accompanied by their respective comparsas. The carnival groups Aquí Hay Tomate, QK, Daimana, No ni ná, Destellos, Desafío, Osadía and Jolgorio will also parade with all the colour and spectacular choreography.
Following behind will be the Commission of Hogueras "Molinos del Calvario", as well as representatives of the Real Club Náutico de Torrevieja (RCNT) and the Sacred Heart festivities.
The parade will be announced by a charanga (brass band) at the start of the event, as well as local entertainment. As usual in this type of event, there will be a space reserved for people with reduced mobility which is located next to the Hotel Fontana.
born this year awaiting their forever homes in foster care. September brings a new wave of kittens from those cats that are feral or whose owners have not sterilized their pets. Often, these poor cats are then abandoned either before birthing their kittens, after, or even worse, the kittens are thrown out while the mother is kept, which is horrendously stressful for all. Our limited number of volunteers and staff are working tirelessly to manage this volume of animals, but the challenge is significant. Despite these hurdles, we have many wonderful cats that are ready for adoption and eager to find loving homes. With the support of the community and increased awareness, we hope to enhance the quality of life for these animals and ensure they receive the care they need. You can see some of the cats and kittens available on our website, [torreviejacatadoption.com] (http://torreviejacatadoption.com), and join our Facebook group, Torrevieja Cat Adoption to see more information about our cats.
However, we have many more in the shelter and in foster homes. We welcome people seven days a week from 08:00 to 13:00, and during summer times from 17:00 to 19:00. If you can't find what you want in the shelter, we can help find a cat that may be in foster care. In light of these challenges, we warmly welcome any assistance from the community. We are in need of volunteers to help with daily operations and care for the animals. Donations of food, medication, or financial support are greatly appreciated.
Every little bit helps and can make a significant difference in the lives of the animals at our shelter.
We would be extremely grateful if you could help us shed light on these issues through your reporting. Your support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the animals at our shelter.
Metamorphosis.20.Atacama Desert
Spain Beats France to Win Men's Gold Medal as Women miss out on bronze
Spain overcame a stunning comeback from France as Sergio Camello scored twice in extra time to seal a 5-3 gold medal victory in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Enzo Millot got the opening goal for France in the 11th minute but Spain responded by scoring three goals in ten minutes. These included back-to-back strikes by Barcelona star Fermín López, who finished the tournament with six goals in as many games.
Villareal’s Alex Baena, who helped set up López's earlier equalizer, scored a fine free-kick in their lightning-quick response after trailing Thierry Henry’s previously unbeaten outfit.
Spanish goalkeeper Arnau Tenas dove across the goalmouth to save a chance from Manu Koné minutes before France finally cut into Spain's lead with a free kick from Maghnes Akliouche.
The host nation completed their comeback from a two-goal deficit in stoppage time as Jean-Philippe Mateta scored from a penalty to even the match at 3-3.
Substitute Sergio Camello was the hero for Spain by recovering the lead with a go-ahead goal in the 100th minute. The Rayo Vallecano striker then scored again in the final minutes of play to secure the Spain victory.
These two teams had previously clashed during the Euros finals in July, in which Spain claimed a
2-1 victory to advance to the final.
Despite the support of the home crowd, France's attempted comeback fell short.
After the men’s senior team lifted the European Championships in July against England, their U-23 side suggested another generation of winners is ready to follow with their own victory in a dramatic final at Parc des Princes. It was the highest-scoring men’s football gold medal match since 1912.
The 17-year-old Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsi became the youngest footballer to ever win a gold medal.
A day earlier, in the Women’s bronze medal playoff match, Alexia Putellas missed a stoppage time penalty as world champions Spain were beaten 10 by Germany in Lyon.
Ann-Katrin Berger dramatically saved from the two-time Ballon d'Or winner in the eighth minute of added time as 2016 winners Germany claimed the bronze for the fourth time since the sport was introduced to the Games in 1996.
A penalty from Giulia Gwinn had earlier given Germany the lead after the Bayern Munich player had been fouled by Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll in the 64th minute.
The defeat compounded a disappointing week for pre-tournament favourites Spain, who suffered a surprise defeat to Brazil in their first-ever appearance at the Olympics in the semifinal on Tuesday.
FURTHER THREE GOLDS FOR SPAIN AT PARIS OLYMPICS
Other than the football, Spain won a further 3 gold medals in the Men's Triple Jump with Jordan Alejandro Diaz Fortun, the Men's Skiff with Botin/Trittel and the inaugural holding of the Marathon Race Mixed Walk Relay with Alvaro Martin /Maria Perez
To become an Olympic champion is one thing but to become the first Olympic champion is a feat that will be remembered forever.
The marathon race walk mixed relay made its Olympic debut at Paris 2024 and it was a truly global affair, with athletes from Spain, Ecuador, and Australia standing on the inaugural podium.
Spain's Alvaro Martin and Maria Perez emerged as the first Olympic champions in this event, marking the nation's first Olympic
title in any athletics event since Rio 2016.
“This is amazing; this is history, not only for us but for Spanish race walking as well," Martin, the individual bronze medallist in the 20km, said.
Martin had missed the podium in his three previous Olympic appearances, so this medal was extra special. “I knew this would be my last Olympic Games. I came here without an Olympic medal, and thanks to Maria, I return to Spain with two."
Perez, who won silver in the 20km individual race, goes home having achieved the famous triple crown, winning gold in the world championships, European championships, and now the Olympic Games.
"I feel very special because it’s the first time that the triple crown has been achieved by an
athlete in Spain, and I’m fortunate enough to have shared it with Alvaro," she said.
Spain's Jordan Diaz won gold in the men's triple jump at the Paris Olympics on Friday with a jump of 17.86m, leading an all-Cuban exile podium.
Portugal's Pedro Pichardo, the defending champion, took silver with 17.84m while Andy Diaz representing Italy claimed the bronze with 17.64m.
All three men were born in Cuba and represented the country before switching allegiance.
Jordan Diaz, who defected from the communist state, gained Spanish citizenship in 2022 but was not cleared to compete for his adopted country until June when he promptly won gold in the European Championships.
gives
In Marseille, Diego Botin and Florian Trittel stormed to Olympic men's skiff gold just 3 weeks after winning the $2 million SailGP final in San Francisco.
After crossing the finish line off the coast of Marseille, they let their winged skiff capsize and roared with joy.
"It's a dream come true. After years of putting the work in with the best team, with our families here, it doesn't get any better," Botin said, later adding in a press conference that the medals race was "a very good race at a very good moment", which had gone far better than they had ever visualised.
At the time of writing Spain sits fifteenth in the medal table with a total of 18 medals
His victory
Spain their first Olympic medal in the event.
Sergio Camello puts Spain ahead in extra time
Jordan Diaz won gold in the men's triple jump
Botin and Trittel stormed to Olympic men's skiff gold
Alvaro Martin and Maria Perez
SERENITY INSURANCE DARTS LEAGUE AGM
This years AGM will take place at the Tipsy Toad, El Galan on Thursday 15th August.
Registration of existing teams and entry fees for season 2024 / 25 is from 7-00pm, meeting commences 8-00pm. Any new teams wishing to enter should contact Simone de Lacy on 600 980 744 prior to the 15th for relevant information.
Existing teams / captains are reminded to forward any proposals for change of rules, by Thursday 8th August.
Proposals not received by this date will be ineligible for voting purposes. The new season is anticipated to commence early October. Entry forms with relevant information are currently in circulation and must be presented with relevant fees on 15th August.
The photos to the right show last season’s Ladies Merit Winner, Sue Spiers, and Mark Ellis who scored the most 180’s
YOUR DREAM HOME
SUMMER POOL LEAGUE
BUNGALOW DIVISION WEEK 13
Echos4-5Havana Habaneros
Thistle & Rose Red2-7Bar Rambla Red
CC's4-5Thistle & Rose Blue
Bar Rambla Blue9-0The One Bar
Tipsy Cow4-5Maschis
P W Agg Pts
Bar Rambla Red **13123922
Havana Habaneros13113922
Maschis13102520
Thistle & Rose Blue **1391516
Bar Rambla Blue **136-310
CC's135-1510
Tipsy Cow134-118
Thistle & Rose Red133-256
The One Bar133-316
Echos132-334
** deducted 2 points (not adhering to league rules)
