The Leader Newspaper 26 August 2024 – Edition 1038
Miguel Hernández was one of the greatest Spanish poets of the twentieth century and despite him being Orihuela’s favourite son his work is scarcely known amongst the local expat community.
Miguel’s family was very poor and his education very basic, but his talent would not be denied, and as he struggled against an unfavourable environment to build up his intellectual education, he wrote secretly at night to avoid his father’s disapproval.
However, it was his childhood friend Ramón Sijé, who lent him books, and so ensured that writing was to become Miguel’s life.
After moving to Madrid where he rubbed shoulders with many literary giants, on the outbreak of the Civil war in July 1936, he threw himself into the struggle against the military rebellion of General Franco, enlisting in the Fifth Regiment. At the time he was a rising star in an unrivalled generation of Spanish poets.
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE MIGUEL HERNANDEZ
By March 1939, with the Civil War lost, he was arrested and released on multiple occasions and imprisoned for his anti-fascist sympathies. He was finally tried in 1939, accused of writing poems harmful to the Francoist cause.
Condemned initially to death, his sentence was commuted to 30 years, leading to confinement in multiple jails where he eventually succumbed to typhus and tuberculosis. He finally died in Alicante jail on 28 March 1942. Although his death sentence was commuted, the 30-year jail sentence was not so now, eighty-five years after Miguel Hernández 's arrest, a group of supporters, headed by Lucía Izquierdo and Joan Pàmies, are asking the Spanish Government to annul the proceedings in which the poet from Orihuela was convicted, and to issue a declaration of recognition, a complete pardon and personal reparation in favour of his family. His name, and that of his family, still awaits the gesture, the restitution, the recognition of the injustice that was carried out by Franco all those years ago. The document, signed by Joan Pàmies López, Lucía Izquierdo, Miguel Hernández's daughter, María José Hernández and Miguel Hernández, the poet's grandchildren, together with groups defending historical memory, experts in his legacy and his life and work. It is addressed to the Secretary of State for Democratic
Memory, Fernando Martínez López, and maintains that "it has been objectively proven that the proceedings against Miguel Hernández have no legal foundation, the facts attributed in the summaries can never be considered crimes and sentence of the death was based on ideological aspects at the time.
The Hernández researcher explains that the court summaries of those years, such as that of Miguel Hernández himself, did not include any testimony in defence of the accused and that “Miguel Hernández 's fate was decided from the very moment of his arrest.”
Hernández himself fell into despondency and was aware of the loneliness of the defeated man. His last days, prior to his death in in Alicante prison, were marked by a tragedy mixed with a poverty that reached extremes that today are difficult to understand.”
In 2010, Miguel Hernández's heirs filed a legal appeal before the Supreme Court to demand that the death sentence handed down in 1940 by a military court against the poet be reviewed and annulled. At that time, "moral reparation for the poet" was obtained from the Ministry of Justice, which was delivered to the family by the then vice president of the government, María Teresa Fernández de la Vega.
But the review of the conviction in a summary trial did not succeed. In 2011, the Military Division of the Supreme Court refused to admit the appeal for review of the sentence that condemned Miguel Hernández to death. Nor did the subsequent appeal to the
Constitutional Court in 2013.
Now, eighty-five years after the poet’s death, it is hoped that this new appeal will be the last step to finally recover his extraordinary dignity. If the institutional declaration of Recognition and Personal Reparation in favour of his family is approved, the signatories of the request, of which there are currently more than two hundred extremely eminent parties, many of them senior government officials, propose that it is issued on 30 October 2024, the day of the writer's birth in Orihuela.
Increased attacks on Torrevieja Guardia Civil officers
Acourt has sentenced the perpetrator of a crime of domestic violence to compensate two Guardia Civil officers who were attacked when they attempted to restrain him. The conviction by a court in Torrevieja has served as an argument for the Association of Civil Guards (AUGC) to demand that the Government recognise the function of the Civil Guard as "a risky profession ", a condition that the local police forces already have, as well as to denounce the increase in attacks on members of the State security forces, and to request reinforcement measures in the penal code to enable greater
protection of agents.
The events took place in May 2023 in Torrevieja when a woman reported her son for a crime of domestic violence, blocking the main door to the house with furniture.
Several Guardia patrols were met at the property with insults and threats from the assailant who refused to cooperate and persisted in his refusal to open the door, so the agents had to request the presence of a locksmith.
Once the door was opened and as the officers were trying to gain access to the house, the
man started punching the officer who entered first, so the other officers had to intervene to restrain him. Finally, he was subdued and handcuffed.
The Criminal Court Number 4 of Torrevieja found him guilty of assault against two agents for which he was sentenced to eight months of prison and fines for each of the assaulted agents of the sum of 1,080 euros and 1,930 euros.
The AUGC of Alicante says that according to data from the Statistical System of Criminality of the Ministry of the Interior, the year 2023 closed with 16,762 attacks on its members, exceeding the data for 2022 by 0.66%, a number that will almost certainly be exceeded once again in 2024.
ORIHUELA COUNCIL CONTINUES TO IGNORE ROAD SAFETY AT LA FUENTE ACCIDENT BLACK SPOT
Motorists misjudging the bend would fall into a ravine of about 50 metres
Completely inadequate temporary fencing, held together with plastic tape, is all that protects motorists as they navigate one of the most dangerous stretches of road on the Orihuela Costa.
This section of the C/Alcazar de Segovia, close to the entrance of Campoamor Golf, becomes even more dangerous after dusk as the road is completely unlit with users regularly blinded by the lights of oncoming vehicles.
AVCRL, the Association of residents of Cabo Roig and Lomas - Orihuela Costa, has publicly denounced the highly dangerous section of this road, widely used by the drivers of Orihuela Costa, which lacks any safety measures whatsoever, where there have been numerous accidents in recent years.
The association has written to the Orihuela councillor for transport, to warn of the danger of this situation, as well as copying their correspondence to the Generalitat and the Government of Spain.
In their letter they call for its urgent repair, with the location of steel roadside barriers, the implementation of reduced speed limits and relevant signage warning of an accident black spot.
It is a stretch of road where accidents occur on a regular basis, but to its manifest danger it now adds the lack of maintenance
and repair of the any safety measures. It is currently without any protection, either preventive or effective, for drivers using this road. What makes the situation even worse is the high roadside vegetation that, being on a sharp bend, also restricts the view of any oncoming traffic.
Motorists misjudging the bend at that point it would fall into a ravine of about 50 metres, with the risk of ending up in the canal de Riegos. AVCRL adds that accidents are so frequent that they know that the Civil Guard Traffic officers have made regular reports request that safety measures be urgently installed.
They say that if there is an accident with either fatal consequences or serious damage, the City Council, particularly the myor and his councillors for Transport an Security, will not be able to claim ignorance or lack of responsibility because, despite the warnings, for almost 6 months, they have simply continued to ignore this very serious problem.
TENSIONS RISE IN GUARDAMAR AS IMMIGRANT EXPELLED FROM HOSTEL
Tensions are once again at boiling point following the expulsion of a troublemaking immigrant from a Guardamar hostel.
According to the Spanish press, a man who was staying at the Xplorer Costa Blanca (formerly Maristas just off the N332 between Guardamar and La Marina) was previously isolated in the centre due to his alleged aggressive behaviour.
As his conduct deteriorated, the authorities at the facility decided to expel him. However, just a few hours later, the migrant returned to the hostel in an obvious state of nervousness, making it necessary for the staff to notify the security forces. Shortly afterwards, three patrols of the Civil Guard and a unit of the Local Police arrived at the scene. According to bystanders the individual adopted a violent attitude that led to his arrest for alleged disobedience. However, the incident quickly escalated when around thirty migrants from the centre surrounded the police vehicles in an attempt to free the detainee, generating moments of increased tension.
Finally, the Civil Guard, with the support of the Local Police, were able to
The former Maristas Centre, where the Xplorer Costa Blanca is now located
disperse the crowd and secure the situation.
The migrant was arrested, appearing before the courts on Wednesday to answer the charges. However, a considerable number of migrants showed up at the Guardia Civil headquarters that same morning to demand explanations. Fortunately, the matter was resolved without any further incident.
This episode adds to a series of violent incidents that have shaken Guardamar in recent months.
On July 14, a 19-year-old man was brutally attacked in a pub in the centre, in an incident that also included assaults on several women present in the premises.
Days before, on May 7, a local police officer was threatened with a knife during the arrest of a migrant expelled from one of the hotels where he was being accommodated. These events accelerated the decision to move the refugees to a new site on the outskirts of the town, at the former Maristas Centre, where the Xplorer Costa Blanca is now located.
Ombudsman calls for protection of Casa Langostina
The Casa Langostina in Orihuela Costa must be protected. The Síndic de Greuges has urged the Council to speed up the processing of its declaration as a Locally Relevant Asset. He has also reminded the mayor of his legal duty to collaborate, and respond to recommendations and suggestions. The Ombudsman considers that "it can be seen that the alleged inactivity of the Orihuela City Council could affect the right to good administration, in relation to the protection of the cultural heritage of the municipality," in addition to indicating that "adequate protection of the heritage of cultural interest by the City Council" has been breached.
Following the problems with the Christmas lights, both in the districts and on the coast, that were largely left without Christmas lighting last year, the City has put out to tender a contract that includes the lighting of all festive events from this Christmas until next year.
The problems with the ornamental lighting began during last year's Reconquista festivities, which are celebrated in the first half of July, when it was the Justa and Rufina Santas Festival Association that had to arrange the lighting for the Moors and Christians festivities.
Now the Council has issued an annual contract, extendable for a further two years, which guarantees
that the festivities in the town centre, districts and Orihuela Costa will be guaranteed for the next few years. The tender price amounts to 803,942.15 euros, and companies have until 13 September to submit their offers.
The contract is divided into three lots, one for the lighting of the town centre, valued at 222,825 euros, another for the festivities in the outlying areas, for 308,805 euros, and the last for the Christmas lights, in the town centre, outlying areas and coast, for 371,994.00 euros.
Of the 804,000 euros just 51,000 will be allocated to Orihuela Costa for Christmas lighting.
Local Holidays for the last week in August
If your pre-Christmas preparations are set to take you turrones shopping,be careful about Monday as it is a local holiday in Jijona,the Valencia region´s most famous creator of the sweet treat.The town is currently in fiesta mode by the way.
When not in party mode,the town should be on your list of places to visit as they do Turrón Routes,similar to the tapas and gin ones,but with nougat,and you can visit the museum and learn all about this traditional favourite.
Monday is also a local holiday in Paterna and Ontinyent in our area,as well as Formentera del Segura and Hondon de los Frailes.
Monday is also August Bank Holiday in England and Wales,and just to mention the “C” word again,the next Bank Holiday in the UK isn´t until Christmas Day,whereas in Spain we have October to look forward to for both a national and regional holiday in the same week.
Back to this week though and Wednesday is next with a holiday in Casas Ibañez in Albacete,and Aviles in Asturias,important as always due to the number of Asturians who live in this area.
That´s pretty much it for this week in our area of interest,if we don´t cover where you are you can check with the local Social Security office,or your town hall.
ZEEKR UNVEILS A BATTERY THAT CHARGES IN 10 MINUTES
Range and charging time are two factors that undermine the ready acceptance of electric cars. But the reality of 2024 is far different to that of 2020, than it might seem at first glance.
Distance records have recently been broken, and now a full charge can cover the same distance (or more) than a tank of diesel.
Now, at least one electric car manufacturer claims to have developed a battery that can recharge from 10% to 80% in just 10 minutes. Zeekr, one of Geely's electric brands, has just unveiled a new lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery that, they claim, when coupled with their new V3 charger, is capable of achieving these results.
These batteries will be available in the brand's new 007 sedan, with deliveries starting next week in the countries where the brand has a presence: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Belgium and Italy.
The car is expected to arrive in the Spanish
market in 2025.
The new battery is capable of achieving impressive performance even in adverse conditions: at 10 degrees below zero, a truly hostile environment for electric mobility, the recharging time is extended to 30 minutes.
The Geely Group owns other brands such as Volvo, Polestar, Lynk&Co, Lotus and Smart.
Last month, when the European Union's provisional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles came into force, the brand announced that it was considering producing in one of the group's factories, thought to be one of the Volvo plants in Sweden.
The brand's CEO, Andy An, said they were "actively seeking a production location, but a final announcement will be made in due course."
EU tariffs have made it more expensive for electric vehicles manufactured in China to enter the country based on Xi Jinping's gov-
ernment's involvement in their operations, with them penalised by as much as 47%.
Geely Group brands currently suffer a 30% penalty.
“I think these measures are detrimental to the environment and to the motoring industry,” An said. “They will have a significant impact on the brand’s international expansion.” In addition to Europe, Zeekr is also
entering markets in the Middle East, Latin America and Southeast Asia in an effort to break even.
The company lost around 2.3 billion euros after its listing on the Nasdaq. In the first quarter of the year, Zeekr reported losses of around 250 million euros, 18% less than the previous year.
Zeekr has just unveiled a new battery that can charge to 80% in as little as 10 minutes
Me and Jobber McGrath!
John ‘Jobber’ McGrath was Westmeath’s greatest ever hurler – with all due respects to the Michael Cosgroves, the Kilcoyne brothers, the Doyles of Collinstown, the Doyles of Raharney - and a few more.
Jobber was idolised around where I came from and he was both lauded and respected across the length and breadth of Ireland.
‘Howya Jobber’, every kid in the school playground would shout as Jobber rode his bicycle on his way to count cattle. Jobber would dismount to watch us play hurling. Nobody ever pulled harder, or tried the impossible with a hurl, like when the maestro was looking on.
In 1964, whilst working in Ballinasloe, I met the illustrious Joe Sammon; the MeelickEyrecourt clubman who was one of Galway’s greatest ever hurlers. Joe and Jobber had played centre-field together for ‘Ireland’ against the ‘Combined Universities’ – which at that time was an annual exhibition tournament. Joe Sammon told me that Jobber McGrath was the best hurler he ever hurled with or against. That’s how good ‘The Jobber’ was …
My late brother, Willie (Bill), held the course record on Thompson Golf Course for a time; as well as winning the Thompson Open Racquetball Tournament in 1981. But my brother always said that his greatest honour in sport was that at the age of 17, he partnered Jobber at centre-field, playing for Richardstown. That’s how good ‘The Jobber’ was …
Jobber and I have one thing in common, apart from drinking water out of Dunne’s pump. (No, Lads …please, I am not suggesting any such thing- but as Orson Welles said; “If you want a happy ending -that depends on where you stop the story!”)
DON’T FORGET
For only the third time in the 17 years of YCBS, I am availing of this privileged platform to ask for your support; not for me, but for The Irish Hospice Foundation. There is hardly a family that doesn’t know what the hospice does – so no need to explain that one.
Last year a group of us did a sponsored ‘Camino Challenge’ and in doing so, we raised e72,928 for the Hospice Foundation. On 24th September, a week after my 80th birthday, I am walking another sponsored section of the Camino, from Estella to Burgos.
Both Jobber and I each put ourselves before the voters and made one unsuccessful attempt to get elected to Westmeath County Council. But this is more to do with Jobber’s jostle than Bernie’s bungle.
The much loved Jobber received a royal welcome at every house he canvassed for his election. From Killulagh Chapel, down to Battstown and Johnstown; along the Richardstown road, past his own house and across to Kilpatrick; through Ballinock and into Collinstown … Jobber was promised a number one vote in every house! How could he not? Our most famous warrior son … Jobber was surely a certainty to get elected?
Then came the day of the count, and Jobber was astonishingly propping up the list of candidates. He got a dismal vote. The people, who regarded him as the best hurler in the country, felt that their hero was not cut out to be a politician! They couldn’t bring themselves to say they wouldn’t vote for him, so they told a lie! The following was Jobber’s summary the night of the count; not broadcast in bitterness, but in a tranquil tone he lamented, ‘we are a country of liars! Jobber knew how to both win and lose.
I started off to write a column about opinion polls and people’s ‘voting intentions’ … and see where it got us! We are not really a nation of liars, but people don’t always vote the way they tell you for a variety of reason. Some simply change their mind – which in itself is good for democracy. Others want to cast their vote differently from what’s expected. I once canvassed along with a man who told me that as soon as he entered the voting booth, he would find it very hard to cast a vote for the candidate we were canvassing for!
So how accurate are opinion polls and what
In asking for your sponsorship, it is important that you know I am paying all my own expenses, so that every cent donated will go to The Irish Hospice Foundation. You can help bring a smile to someone’s face during their last days! No amount is too small because; ‘through small and simple things, do great things come to pass.’
If you are kind enough to sponsor me; you can either give me your money directly, or donate on line to:
www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/ BernieI H F2 02 4
Go raibh maith agat.
purpose do they serve? They give an indication of trends at a point in time, but they are very flawed.
Opinion polls in Britain predicted a Labour landslide before their recent general election and you would be forgiven for thinking the polls got it spot on. Well, they didn’t; the polls were out by 11%. Pre-election polls had given Labour 45% of the vote and the actual election result was 33%. In a tighter race it would have been some embarrassment for the pollsters. Quite clearly, a lot of those polled, just as in Jobber’s patch, didn’t vote the way they said they would! It is the same in every country. You can see polls fluctuating up and down in America as we speak.
Opinion polls will run riot here at home between now and the general election In November. (Yes, no matter what anybody else
tells you, we will have an election in November) It is great entertainment – as long as it doesn’t influence voters to change course. When I first became involved in politics, in the mid 1970s it was a different ball game. Just the two big parties and a 5% swing could change a government. It isn’t like that anymore. There are many different combinations and scenarios. The pollsters will have a field day and the rest of us will be enthralled and energised. There will be ‘health warnings’ attached to predictions and ‘margin of error’ will be bandied about.. Be that as it may, it is still impossible to factor in the effects of Jobber’s findings!
Don’t Forget
Some people are wise and some otherwise.
Bernie stepping out on the Camino Challenge in 2023
(L to R)
Willie Comaskey RIP, Oliver Kiernan RIP, Bernie Comaskey Photo taken in Johnstown School Playground, mid 1950s.
PROPOSED SHOPPING CENTRE ABANDONED IN ALMORADÍ
Probotean,a company that submitted plans for a shopping mall in the area of Saladar de Almoradí,next to the Sports City,in 2007, has now abandoned the project and,according to the Izquierda Unida (IU),has demanded the return of the 3,555,617 euros with which it endorsed the proposal,from the town Council.
The UI has said that it welcomes the withdrawal of the proposal, which is located in high-risk flood zone,due to the impact it was going to have on local trade and hospitality
It is also said that,although the request is still to be processed by council planning staff,the first report is that they are in favour of the request.
The developer has said that the proposal made in 2010 and authorized by the municipality,is too far removed from that approved by the Generalitat last summer.
ORIHUELA CHOIR ATTENDS THE PARIS CULTURAL OLYMPICS
Hunting season begins in the mountains of Benejúzar
On Wednesday the hunting season got underway in the mountains of Benejúzar. Both the La Pilarica Hunting Association, the club responsible for controlling the activity in the area, and the local municipal police have reminded residents of the periods of activity as well as the authorised routes, warning the publish that they should stay on the main roads.
The hunting period is Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays between 22 August and 15 September, from sunrise to sunset. In addition, other forest users are asked not to stray from the established forest trails during this period.
Members of the Ginés Pérez de la Parra Choir,from the Orihuela Professional Conservatory of Music,are attending the Cultural Olympics.
This is a multidisciplinary artistic and cultural program that is developed within the framework of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where Artists,cultural institutions and agents of sports movements are participating in a program,aimed at uniting art and sport, exploring their common values (universalism, inclusion,cultural diversity and excellence).
In her presentation,Choir Director,Rosario Torres,said "we are going to try to demonstrate that music and sport can come together through the air,asking for world peace,that is our Project."
PLAGUE OF ‘HUGGER MUGGERS’ RAMPANT ON OR IHUELA COSTA
With the arrival of thousands of tourists to the area, there has been an upsurge in ëHugger Muggeríoperating locally in recent weeks.
Criminals are mugging people, both in broad daylight and on nights out, in many of the Orihuela Costaís popular hospitality areas.
The groups have been nicknamed "hugger muggers" as their approaches to their victims are usually good humoured and friendly, as they move in to clasp them in hugs. But as they do so they are actually feeling in their pockets and taking wallets, jewellery and other valuables.
Recent confrontations in La Florida, however, have not been quite so cordial with many approaches being much more forceful, particularly where the victims are elderly women. Just this week there have been 3 such incidents where jewellery, phones and bags were snatched, with the perpetrators completely fearless of their victims.
Another similar incident involving a bag snatch took place on Aguamarina beach on Thursday morning, with the aggressor running off to an awaiting car.
The photographs which have been shared on social media by the victims or bar owners in which incidents occurred, shows three such alleged ìHugger Muggers/bag snatchersíwho assaulted and stole an elderly victimsíbag in La Florida earlier this week along with similar incidents in CCLa Fuente, Los Balcones, Eagles Nest and Dream Hills.
In La Florida, despite the victim shouting out to local residents, the offender was much too strong for her victim, which often tends to be the case, as she snatched the bag and ran off before anyone could respond.
If you recognise any of these individuals or an Italian registered car that is often used to aid their getaways, or if you fall prey to a similar incident you should call the Local Police or Guardia Civil straight away on the 112 emergency number.
Jeff Bezos Yacht
docks in Cartagena
Jeff Bezos' $500 million yacht, the "Koru," has docked in Cartagena, Spain. After weathering a storm in the Balearic Islands, the vessel is now undergoing maintenance at the Navantia shipyard. As one of the world's largest sailing yachts, its arrival has attracted attention from locals and tourists alike. The exact duration of its stay in Cartagena remains undisclosed due to a confidentiality agreement with Navantia.
MAYOR OF CALLOSADE SEGURARESIGNS
Manuel Martinez, has resigned after 5 years as the mayor of Callosa de Segura, citing personal and professional reasons. It is a decision, he says, that has come after "deep reflection and meditation at the time in my life that I find myself in."
In a statement released on Monday, the PP mayor continued "I close this chapter of my life with a clear conscience, my head held
high and the absolute conviction that I have given the best of myself. And I end as I began: with clean hands."
Manuel MartÌnez added that he will remain as a member of the PP, ìI will remain in the Partido Popular as a grassroots member and always at its disposal, and at the disposal of our leaders for absolutely anything they need from me.î
MOROCCAN ARRESTED IN LA MARINA ON INTERNATIONAL WARRANT
The National Police arrested a 33-year-old man of Moroccan nationality, who was hiding in Dolores. He was subject to an international arrest warrant for crimes of belonging to a Criminal gang and Illegal Trafficking.
Officers from Alicante learned that a managed to locate he man in an industrial estate in La Marina. The agents arrested him and he was placed at the disposal of the Alicante Court of Instruction on duty, from where the proceedings ordered by the Central Court of Instruction of the National Court competent in the case will continue.
Police Chief shoots dead wife and partner then commits suicide
Retired police commis Retired police commissioner and former number two of the National Police in Catalonia, Juan Fortuny de Pedro, shot dead his current partner and his ex-wife on Tuesday in RubÌ y Castellbisbal.
Initial investigations suggest that the man first killed his partner in the house where she lived in RubÌ and then went to Castellbisbal to kill his ex-wife, from whom he had been separated for over a year. He then committed suicide, turning the gun on himself.
If this new case of gender-based violence is confirmed, there will have been 12 women murdered this year in Catalonia at the hands of their partners or ex-partners.
IS THE ORIHUELA COUNCIL LOSING IT’S GRIP ON THE COAST
In a newspaper interview he gave to Jesus Escobedo of La Verdad, Mario Martinez, President of Orihuela Chamber of Commerce, was quite clear in stating that Orihuela Costa is the true economic engine of the municipality.
But this is no surprise, as we have known this for years. He doesn’t mention, however, the overall state of Orihuela Costa, which is heading towards the worst summer on record, despite its increases in revenues although, yet again, this is increasingly being diverted to Orihuela city. The propaganda machine of Orihuela council has been working in overdrive on telling us all how well the council and councillors are performing.
Firstly, why would you promote activities that you should be doing regularly? Also, you are highlighting the areas you have neglected, (which is all Orihuela Costa) but if you analyse most of their videos, the majority are shot from outside Orihuela Costa.
When you speak to the citizens of the coast, not a party member, a supporter of any party or even certain associations, the overall consensus is that the coast is getting worse, not just isolated pockets but the whole of the Coast. We are heading into the worst summer on record, even worse than last year.
A question that needs an answer is ‘where are all the Alcalde Pedáneos who were presented after the 2023 elections? Have they been in hibernation? Have they actually been out and about and reported back to the Mayor Vegara as to what is happening? Do they actually know anything about their areas? What have they done, if anything, to improve their area apart for turning up for regular photo shoots’?
Put all this together and what it tells us is that they know they are losing their grip on Orihuela Costa. Within 10 years, the population of Orihuela Costa will be as big as all the other 26 towns and villages in the area put together, so the balance of power is coming our way.
The days of the council viewing us as their cash cow, beheld only as a valuable source of revenue for them to come and plunder at their whim, will slowly draw to an end.
We have the councillor for the Coast, who is also our deputy Mayor, Manuel Mestre, who has made it clear about his ambitions to Improve Orihuela Costa, to bring it back to its former glory.
We can’t fault him for his vision, but the problem he is facing is from his coalition partner, Pepe Vegara and the Partido Popular, who are not living up to expectations and the promises they made in the run up to the municipal elections, especially the councillor for environment, waste management and festivities, Mrs Ortuno Cartagena, whose qualifications and skillset is vastly inadequate for one of the major positions on the council.
But the question for Manuel Mestre - is he raising his concerns to the right people or are the go-betweens simply making his position difficult to manage?
He should not only privately, but also publicly, be berating these people for failing in their duties. Laziness, incompetence, inability and especially nepotism are just a few illustrations being used to describe our town hall.
They simply don't have the capacity to manage a city council of this size in a professional capacity.
We were told regularly by our previous mayor Sr Bascuñana, and now by Sr Mestre, that we are living in paradise. I would say they are both well wide of the mark as 2024 continues to turning into a living nightmare!
NEW HOME FOR AACC CAMPOVERDE
AACC Campoverde are a voluntary group who raise money for early detection cancer screening and research.
In Mid Sept (dates tbc) we are opening our new centre which will bring The early detection cancer screening appointments, charity shop and events planning under one roof Our new premises will be in the parade of shops on Avenida del las Espacias in Pinar de Campoverde. Our new opening hours will be from 10am -1pm Monday to Thursday.
Popularity of crypto continues to grow in Torrevieja
More than 50 shops are now accepting payments by cryptocurrencies in Torrevieja, according to the Association of Small and Mediumsized Business Owners (Apymeco).
This new form of payment is swiftly gaining popularity in Torrevieja's commerce, as more and more establishments in the municipality choose to incorporate crypto for their customers.
Currently over 50 shopkeepers have already joined this platform, which has positioned Torrevieja as the first 'crypto-friendly' town in Europe during the summer of 2024. The move is said to have generated interest in many other towns in the Vega Baja, including Orihuela. 102
SURFBOARD WOMAN RESCUED 400
METRES FROM BEACH
Elche Local Police have reported through their social networks that they rescued a swimmer on a surfboard who was more than 400 metres from the beach. The officers carried out the rescue with their boat because the woman had great difficulty returning to land.
Subsequently, the police have reminded everyone that before practicing water sports it is advisable to check the weather and water conditions.
They have also asked users to be aware of their abilities and to use the appropriate equipment.
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ACROSS ACROSS
7.Unprincipled (13)
8.Lees (8)
9.Sort (4)
10.Noiseless (6)
12.Whiten (6)
14.Offer (6)
16.Antagonism (6)
18.Midday (4)
20.Might (8)
22.Resoluteness (13)
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.
7.Perhaps, every hatís nice after being married for some time (5-4,4)
8.Trained the river to flow back with a coin in (8)
9.Christmas with the Lone Ranger? (4)
10.Reds in uprising not quite washed-up! (6)
12.AFrench city street is most pleasant (6)
14.Time and change schedule (6)
16.Rascal upset the sailor (6)
18. Give it to a man to prepare for publication (4)
20.Temporarily gave the girl a daffodil (4,4)
22.Accepting a lift to the pub? (6,2,5)
DOWN DOWN
1.Require Heather to be annoying (8)
2.Responds concerning sections of the play (6)
3.Plaything returned to Eastern isle (4)
4.Lad in car upset senior churchman (8)
5.Eating out? (6)
6.Came around the summit (4)
11.New ideal end for the time limit (8)
13.Bird picks up rodents and fish (8)
15.Man I have found to be an indigenous local (6)
17.South Africa takes the French line on pay (6)
19.You wonít see that youíre in it (4)
21.Midday, either way (4)
LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 21)
1. The prefix for a billionth lends its name to which new science?
2. The sun doesn't rise until after 10 am in the far western parts of which large country?
3. Which famous comedian won a Grammy Award in 2009 for Best Bluegrass Album?
4. Which two animals are found on the flag of Mexico?
5. What were the five largest motor vehicle producing countries in the world in 1910?
6. Since the introduction of the Open era in 1968, which five players have won three or more French Open Men's Singles titles?
7. Measured in area, which of the following seas is the smallest? a. Black Sea b. Red Sea c. White Sea d. Yellow Sea
8. What name was given to a female broadcaster of Japanese propaganda during WWII?
9. Which piece of culinary equipment with a French name is often used to melt chocolate over the stove? Two words
10. The following lyrics are from songs with the name "John" somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song? a. Somebody said he came from New Orleans where he got into a fight over a Cajun queen. b. Round Nassau town we did roam, drinking all night, we got in a fight. c. Made a lightning trip to Vienna, eating chocolate cake in a bag
11. Afierce football derby is contested in the Serbian capital Belgrade between Partizan Belgrade and which other club?
12. The US Air Force's top secret plan 'Project A119' aimed to detonate a nuclear bomb where? a. over the South Pole b. in the sun c. under the Arctic d. on the moon
13. The 1,849 km long Angara river is located in which country?
14. Name the films in which Helen Mirren plays a character married to a character played by: a. Anthony Hopkins, b. Harrison Ford, c. Nigel Hawthorne, d. Malcolm McDowell
15. Which international organisation, named after a village in Nova Scotia Canada, won the Nobel Peace prize in 1995?
16. In a hit song from 1970, which title character makes "me sing like a guitar hummin'"?
17. Musicians who passed away at the age of 27 are members of the so called '27 Club'. Which club member has the initials B J?
18. Which three Japanese cities have hosted Olympic Games? One point for each correct answer.
19. The 'Shining Path' (or Sendero Luminoso) is an infamous revolutionary guerrilla movement in which South American country?
20. Duchess, Merrylegs, Ginger, Farmer Grey, Squire Gordon and Farmer Thoroughgood are all characters in which famous 19th century novel?
Five people treated for smoke inhalation in Torrevieja
Firefighters were called out on Tuesday night to a house fire in Torrevieja.The house,located in Plaza Castelar,is part of a 4 - storey building that was completely evacuated due to the large amount of smoke generated.
The incident,in the city centre and in an area with many hospitality establishments,was attended by members of the Alicante Provincial Fire Brigade. The extinguishing work lasted for more than an hour and required 1 UMJ command unit,1 BUP heavy urban fire engine,1 AEA ladder truck with 1 sergeant, 1 corporal and 6 firefighters from Torrevieja. Agents from the Torrevieja Local Police and the Civil Guard also attended the scene.
After the fire was extinguished,the house was ventilated due to the large amount of smoke accumulated. A SAMU unit and two SVB units were dispatched to the scene,treating five people for smoke inhalation, all requiring transfer to Torrevieja Hospital.
Danger of rockslides at Barranco Rubio beach in Campoamor
Signs have been erected at Orihuela Costa’s Barranco Rubio beach in Campoamor warning of landslides.
The council claim to have erected the small and locally produced signs, which are dug into the sand and displayed on wooden poles.
Apart from this warning of the danger in the area there is nothing to prevent passage with many people who frequent this sandy area stating that the signs are completely "insufficient".
For many, gaining access to Barranco Rubio beach is a real headache, with the elevator service out of order. The Town Hall says that it is working on the problem but it seems unlikely that it will ready this holiday season.
Alicante neighbourhoods protest against dirty streets
More than a hundred establishments in the neighbourhoods of El Pla and Carolinas in Alicante have joined together to protest against the filth that, according to them, exists in their streets. The residents, in collaboration with the Alicante Limpia Coordinator, have started putting up posters under the slogan "Clean our neighbourhood now!", which has more than a hundred businesses signed up to it so far.
The initiative, launched last week, states that the local residents "have to sweep and mop the entrances to their own establishments and homes " in order to "reduce the dirt in the streets where they are located."
They are demanding the same attention as other areas such as the Town Centre or Playa de San Juan, as they also pay exactly the same taxes."
You Won´t Get There Any Quicker!
“You won´t get there any quicker” might well be a saying you have heard at some point in your life, as a speeding driver passes a vehicle driving somewhat more appropriately. In fact, as any traffic cop would testify, “sorry officer, I was late for work / a weeding / the doctor” is a common excuse, but the reality is, the speed your vehicle is travelling is not directly related to time.
A warning, this is another complicated scientific reason, much like how we explained recently how your speedometer is most likely displaying an incorrect speed, but if you are a fan of motorsports, you are most likely already aware of the concept, because we are talking about pace.
First, the potentially complicated science bit.
Speed and pace are different concepts. Speed is a measurement of distance per time, whereas pace is a measurement of time per distance.
Some vehicles these days are fitted with paceometers in addition to speedometers, in order to highlight the problem caused by this misconception, known as the “time-saving bias”, whereas people tend to misestimate the time they can save by increasing the speed in which they perform an activity such as driving.
Although for this example we will use a bit of artistic licence to demonstrate pace in terms of vehicle motion, to explain, if you are travelling at 10 kilometres per hour, that is your speed, whereas your pace is the time per distance, and so at that speed it would take you 1 hour, or 60 minutes, to cover a distance of 10 kilometres.
To look at a few more examples of this, if we are travelling at 30 kilometres per hour, it would take us a third of an hour to cover the 10 kilometres, 20 minutes.
At 50 kilometres per hour it would take 12 minutes. Traveling at 60 kilometres per hour we would cover the 10 kilometres in 10 minutes.
If we go higher to 80 kilometres per hour, it takes us 7 and a half minutes, if we travel at 90 it will take us 6.7 minutes, at 100 kilometres per hour it takes 6 minutes, at 120 it will
take 5 minutes, and if we exceed the motorway speed limit and travel at 130 kilometres per hour, it will take us 4.6 minute to travel 10 kilometres.
If you use a mapping system for route-finding and have ever found yourself rushing in this way, you will perhaps have noticed that the estimated time of arrival barely changes. This is the reason.
What this shows us is that at the lower end of the speed scale, the difference in time is significant. To travel our 10 kilometres at 10 kmph taking an hour, reduced to just 20 minutes if we drive at 30, saving us 40 minutes.
However, at the upper end of the scale, the time saved is utterly insignificant by comparison. If we add the same 20 kilometres excess to our 80 kmph speed, so we travel at 100 kilometres per hour, the time saving is just 1 minute.
And yet, when we get to those higher speeds, we put ourselves and other road users in a heightened state of risk. For the sake of a minute, is it worth it?
So, if you are late, just be late. Don’t put yourselves and others in an unnecessary state of risk, it is really not worth it, and if you are ever stopped for speeding, perhaps think twice before using time as an excuse, because it simply doesn't count.
ENDLESS LATE NIGHT QUEUES AT TORREVIEJA’S MAIN TAXI RANK
As we approach the end of August, at the culmination of another main holiday period, Torrevieja Council is trying to rectify the unfortunate image presented by the city's main taxi rank, during the late-night rush hour on Avenida de la Libertad, altogether too little and, certainly for the 2024 summer season, too late.
The same picture is repeated night after night, and has been since the beginning of July between the hours of 10pm and 1am . Dozens of users, including many families of tourists with young children, wait resignedly for a free vehicle to take them to their hotels or back to their holiday apartments. Taxis are rarely available throughout the day at the rank, with the queues during the late night-time slot, often 20 or 30 metres long.
This is simply yet another of the embarrassing scenes that summer leaves in the centre of
Torrevieja which has remained unchanged for many years.
Some respite for the elderly has been provided in recent days, although insufficient for the demand, the placement of four benches so that, at least, people with mobility difficulties, can face the wait while sitting down.
As in other tourist towns on the Alicante coast, Torrevieja has a significant shortage of taxis between June and September, and finding a free one from a service that operates 24 hours a day for almost all of the more
than 80 licenses, is nigh on impossible.
The Council has started the administrative process to create 16 new taxi licensee in the coming months, however, and thus comply with the ratio of one taxi per thousand inhabitants.
At the moment, the city has a supply of 84 taxis in operation but despite the population exceeding one hundred thousand inhabitants, the number of licenses has been frozen for almost a decade.
SEAFRONT GARDEN OPENS AT ROCÍO DEL MAR PROMENADE
Three years after its completion, in the middle of August, a green area of 3,500 square meters has been opened on the Torrevieja seafront that had been closed since October 2021 awaiting permission from the Council.
This is a garden for public use that is included in the Panorama Mar urban development project, four buildings with 185 homes, on the Rocío del Mar promenade, in the south of the municipality.
The works were completed on September 14, 2021, at which point a letter was sent to the local Administration. While the garden has remained closed, the developer, Gomendio, has been obliged to maintain it, so a fence was erected to prevent access in order to avoid vandalism.
Now, three years after completion, residents and visitors, in the middle of the summer season, can enjoy this public area, next to the Paseo de los Vientos, which the construction company was forced to undertake as it was included in the planning. These areas are in high demand by residents who are desperate to see more services and green areas infrastructure after decades of construction and real estate excesses.
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
Demand for Newbuild Property sees Price Hikes
The demand for new build properties in the province of Alicante has driven prices up, and for the first time since 2008, prices have risen to more than 2,000 euro per square in several coastal towns.
This is evident from the latest report prepared by Sociedad de Tasación (ST) called 'Study of New Housing in the Valencian Community'. This has analysed the prices for the first half of 2024 and the figures indicate that they continue to rise in the province, partly due to the strong demand that the sector has experienced in recent years.
The average price for a square metre in the region is therefore 2,016 euro, exceeding the 2,000 euro barrier. This limit is exceeded in some coastal municipalities, such as Benidorm, which has the highest price per square metre. In the tourist capital of the Community, the cost of new
housing is close to 2,300 euro per square metre, an increase of almost 5% compared to the first half of 2023 and 2.5% compared to the second half of the previous year.
This is the largest price increase in the province, where the upward trend stands out among coastal municipalities.
The ST report shows La Vila and Santa Pola with increases in their prices of 4.5% and 3.7% annually and costs per square metre that exceed 1,700 and 1,600 euro, respectively.
The provincial capital is not far behind either, with the cost of new housing standing at around 1,677 euro, 3.3% more than the same half of the previous year and 1.5% more than the second half of 2023.
The company highlights the “great dynamism” of new construction in the province. The general delegate of Sociedad de Tasación for Valencia Norte,
Castellón and Teruel, Paloma Escuriola, explained that the upward trend “is influenced by a sustained demand for new housing, to which is added the increase in construction costs and a shortage of supply in the market.”
The report also includes several indices, such as the Real Estate Confidence Index, which has risen by 4.3 points in the Valencian Community, reaching 55.3, the highest of all the autonomous communities in Spain. This evolution
A local newbuild currently being marketed by Spanish Riviera Homes (002057)
confirms "the recovery of optimism in the real estate sector in the region," the company says.
The de-escalation of interest rates and the new direction taken by the European Central Bank have acted as a stimulus for many buyers, gradually reactivating demand "both on the side of sales and the granting of new mortgage loans for the acquisition of housing."
LUCY’S SECRET .... BY
´Bletchley Park? I used to work there´.
JOHN MCGREGOR
´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
Pilar Christian Community Church
How are we all coping with this heat? It is hot hot hot! We residents are not complaining though – No, not us. Why? Because we chose to live here and so we have learned to cope with the extreme heat.
We open everything up in the morning to let the cool breeze in. Then by late morning, we close the doors, pull down the shutters and turn on the lights and the aircon and fans to keep it all nice and cool. And that´s fine, til you have to leave the room and walk into the heat bath that is every other room in the house – but hey ho – it´s only extreme for about 10 weeks of the year. So we batten down and do what we need to do.
Stevie Spit is on my mind a lot and in my prayers. As most of you are aware now, Stevie has Stage 4 cancer. I love this guy dearly. He is a nice, and really kind person, and I really got to know him better through my youngest son as they are good friends.
I love his Night at the Musicals with Nikki G. The Stevie I know is a really, really nice guy. He does so very much for other people and has given of his time and his incredible singing voice for so many good causes. His work for the various Charities here is second to none.
He is a people magnet and he draws in other artists who willingly help out. He was awarded an MBE from the late Queen in 2020 for his dedication to helping others.
Over here, if you don´t work and are not retired, you don´t earn.
Stevie needs help right now as he clearly cannot work and it´s time for the community to help him out for a change.
I know this is happening as there are many venues holding special days for him. Please support them if you can.
Do all of Stevie´s lifestyle choices fit in with what I believe? No. But I still love the guy and want what is best for him and pray for a miracle for him to get well. Stage 4 Cancer calls for a miracle. Can we all pray?
God loves all of us, wants the best for us, and each of us can choose to turn to Him in our time of need.
There is so much intolerance in the world and we are none of us able to judge another, for only God sees into our hearts.
Jesus is the same miracle-worker who walked the earth two thousand years ago. Many people pray to the universe…
God created the universe! He is not a myth. Turn to Him. Jeremiah 33:3 says “Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you great and hidden things you have not known.” Turn. Pray. Believe for a miracle. Jeremiah
Where every person matters butGodmatters most!
29:11 “For I know the plansI have for you,” declares theLORD, “plans to prosperyou and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” First, we must turn and acknowledge Him.
SPONSORED BIKE RIDE IN AID OF STEVIE SPIT MBE AND TAVERNES ANIMAL SHELTER
Over the period 16 Sept to 03 Oct, the former Chairman of the Royal British Legion in Spain (North) Don Cubbon (75) and an old Army buddy, Steve Hayden (70), will cycle the 640Km of the Camino Portuguese.
The route will begin in Lisbon and follow the Camino through, amongst others, Santarem, Tomar, Coimbra, Porto, Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, Tui, Pontevedra and end in Santiago de Compostela.
The plan is, weather and the unforeseen permitting, to complete the ride in 12 stages, each stage averaging approx. 55km; although some days will be closer to 65Km. It’s planned to use Albergue’s for accommodation which are the traditional pilgrims’ hostels.
Steve is an experienced, medal winning cyclist, Don hasn’t been on a bike for 50 years and hence his, to date, 1,800km training. Should be quite an adventure.
Don will fly in from Valencia and Steve, from Canberra, Australia.
Having discussed Stevie’s current situation, they have decided to seek sponsorship for the trip for two recipients. First and foremost, Stevie Spit and secondly an animal shelter, local to Don, in Tavernes.
As an ex-District Chairman of the RBL, Don has nothing but admiration for Stevie and the outstanding and unstinting support he has given both to the Legion and many other worthy causes. If it can be hosted, they would intend to post daily updates to Facebook, sharing their route and experiences along the way.
Stevie has always been a great supporter of the the RBL.
phil.molloypccc@gmail.com English Service at 11am every Sunday.
Pilar Christian Community Church. Calle Canalejas 3, Pilar de la Horadada. Contact:
Don Cubbon
Steve Hayden
TORREVIEJA’S FALA POUCO WINS THE 42ND SAILING KING'S CUP
The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the Councilor for Sports, Diana Box, the president of the Real Club Náutico Torrevieja (RCNT), Carlos Carmona, joined the president of the Valencian Sailing Federation, Carlos Torrado, to congratulate the crew of the boat FALA POUCO, proclaimed absolute champion of the 42nd MAFRE Sailing King's Cup recently, in the waters of the Bay of Palma. This is one of the important and prestigious competitions in country with Eduardo Dolón showing his pride that once again the name of Torrevieja is at the top of the Spanish sports elite.
The regatta was held from July 27 to August 3, with the boat from Torrevieja competing in the BALEARIA ORC 3 class. There were17 participants from three countries, Spain, Italy and Germany, who all participated in this category. King Felipe VI presented the trophy to the winners in the Bay of Palma, on August 3.
The FALA POUCO Crew comprised of: Jorge San Simón Hernández, Enrique Mena Jiménez, Daniel Cánovas Colón, Andrés Manresa Trigueros (ARMADOR), José Ballester Hernández (PATRÓN), Francisco Ruiz Espinosa, Juan López Santa Cruz, José Vicente Gutiérrez and Francisco Garre Martínez.
In the race series the boat finished in 2nd place on 4 occasions and in third place, twice.
Olympian Polina returns to her Torrevieja Club
Rhythmic Gymnast, Polina Berezina, returned to her Torrevieja roots on Monday, following her homecoming from the Olympic games, where she represented Spain.
A date at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre was attended by her family and friends, dozens of members from her former club, as well as the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the Councillor for Sports, Diana
Box.
On stage, Polina shared her experiences, both from her career and in the French capital. She also signed dedications to the audience.
The event was organised by the Torrevieja City Council, through the Department of Sports, who wanted to support the Spanish representative after her participation in the Paris 2024
Polina sharing her experiences below. She still had time for selfies with her former team mates
Torrevieja’s Charo crowned Junior Spanish Champion for 3rd time
Charo Esquiva is the junior open champion of Spain for the third consecutive year, after winning the age group categories in 2022 and in 2023. This year, however, although Charo is still cadet, she has won the Junior Championship of Spain that was held last week in the Ct Reus Monterols.
In the final she beat the Andalusian Lorena Solar, a
Olympic Games.
Polina has competed at seven Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships and won a bronze medal with the Spanish team in 2022. She is a five-time (2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022) Spanish national all-around champion at the senior level and she competed at the 2024 Summer Olympics in women's rhythmic individual all-around where she was placed 15th.
teammate in the Spanish national team and seeded number 4, by 6-2 6-2 in a brilliant game for Charo. Congratulations champion !!!!!
Polina with Angelina Bergmann
NELSON MANDELA STADIUM GETS 850K FACELIFT
The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the Councillor for Sports, Diana Box, visited the ongoing renovation works at the municipal multi-purpose Nelson Mandela stadium, in the Torrevieja Sports City, last week. These works include upgrading the lighting at the sports facility, renewing the seating in the stands, as well as various general repairs both on the field and in the changing rooms.
The total budget for the work is 886,587 euros and it has a completion period of 6 months.
Being over 12 years old, the artificial grass on the playing field has significant wear, making its replacement necessary, therefore, the existing turf has been removed, and a new 20 mm asphalt layer has been laid before the new synthetic turf is layed. Additionally, the drainage channel grates around the perimeter of the field are being replaced due to signs of deterioration. The existing lighting fixtures have suffered from energy loss and need to be replaced with luminaires that allow for energy savings without compromising the lighting capacity.
Similarly, the plastic seats in the stands show wear from use and exposure to weather and also need to be replaced. They will be removed for recycling, and new monoblock plastic seats will be installed. The pergola in the stands area is being repainted, and the wooden protection of its supporting structure is also being renewed.
Additionally, new rugby goals, 7-a-side football goals, 11-a-side football goals, a video scoreboard, and padded protection for lighting towers will be provided. In the changing room area, new lighting fixtures will be installed, hallways repainted, and all door frames renewed.
Atlético Madrid make Gallagher's signing official
Conor Gallagher is now officially an Atlético de Madrid player. After the departure of Joao Felix to Chelsea was finalised on Wednesday, the 24-year-old English midfielder has moved in the opposite direction, for a transfer worth 40 million euros.
Gallagher, who’s grandparents live in La Marina, fulfils Simeone's aspiration to strengthen the Atlético de Madrid engine room in the central midfield position.
He arrives at the Metropolitano having played fifty games, more than 4,000 minutes, scoring seven goals with nine assists, for Chelsea last season.
Simeone described him as a versatile player, who combines the functions of a holding midfielder, with huge amounts of energy and legs, who can combine his work in pressing to recover balls, with those of a midfielder with ability to create problems in the opposing area.
The player, who has been frozen out the season by Chelsea, the club he has been with since he was 8 years of age, and who he captained last season, first trained with his new club on Wednesday morning, after which he was unveiled to Atlético fans. He arrives on a five-year deal.
