The Leader Newspaper 02 September 2024 – Edition 1039
While Flamingos aren't typically considered to be true migratory birds, without a strict annual migration pattern like many other bird species, it is usually in early September that the birds, together with their new chicks that were born this spring in the Natural Park of the La Mata and Torrevieja lagoons, will start exercising in flight to move on to a new location. This year the reproduction of the common flamingo in the Torrevieja lagoon has been yet another success as it has been happening since 2020. Flamingos are grey at birth and with growth and feeding they will gradually adopt the appearance that we know so well as they turn white and pink.
With food resources no longer quite as plentiful in the Torrevieja pink lakes, they will soon move to a different habitat where food availability is more plentiful.
While they may not migrate in the traditional sense, these movements can be significant and help ensure their survival.
The photograph is courtesy of our colleague Joaquín Carrión.
BENIDORM LEADS THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST TOURISMOPHOBIA
Given the growing hostility towards tourists in Spain, as well as other countries, Valencia and the Costa Blanca is trying a different approach to bridging the gap between residents and visitors, by pointing out that many of us are both residents and tourists as the same time, with the slogan, “I am you too, I am a tourist too”.
The HOSBEC Hotel Association, together with Turisme Comunitat Valenciana and Patronato Costa Blanca, have published a series of videos with the intention of showing both tourists and residents that "there is a powerful and positive link between the two".
The Minister of Trade and Tourism, Nuria Montes, said that "we are all tourists at some point and, furthermore, we are very proud to be world leaders in this activity, which accounts for 16% of our GDP."
Through empathetic messages, the campaign highlights the attitudes that characterise the destination of the Valencian Community and all its residents, such as pride of belonging and hospitality, and shows that these values are also common to people who visit the provinces of Alicante, Castellón and Valencia. They emphasise that they are "two sides of the same coin that cannot be understood without the other, since everyone is a tourist and a resident
at the same time."
To express this maxim, four audiovisual pieces have been produced that have gone viral on social media due to the warmth of their expressions.
The videos have been recorded in emblematic enclaves such as Peñíscola, the Cabanyal neighbourhood in Valencia, Guadalest and Benidorm.
Couple found dead in Los Alcazares
Amarried couple in their 60s were found dead on Thursday night in their home in Los Alc·zares. The Guardia Civil has already begun an investigation to try to clarify the circumstances, which, they feel, is not a case of gender violence.
The Judicial Police are now awaiting the results of the autopsy by the Institute of Legal Medicine (IML) to try to shed more light on this event, which still has many unanswered questions.
The bodies of the man and the woman, apparently from Madrid, were found on Thursday night in a house where they lived in Los Alc·zares. It was the local police that
received the call and finding the bodies of both, called in the Judicial Police who promptly took over the investigation.
The bodies did not initially show signs of violence, according to the sources, nor did the house where the couple lived show any signs of having been violated. Abottle of water was apparently found next to the woman's body. According to sources, the couple suffered from some health problems that could be related to the case. The woman did not usually leave the house and the man only left to do household shopping.
Investigators are now looking into whether this double death could be a case of suicide, in which the couple, both worried about their health, decided to take their own lives together.
The online campaign will be complemented by an in-person action that will take place in one of the busiest areas for tourists and residents in the municipality of Benidorm: Levante beach, next to the Biblioplaya.
To do this, a tent will be set up that will become a meeting point for everyone and where a bracelet with the campaign message will be distributed as a symbolic badge.
LAND SALES FALL SHORT
The municipality of Pilar de la Horadada in Spain has failed to meet its target of raising 1.6 million euros from the auction of four urban land plots.
Only one plot, located adjacent to La Romera golf course, has been sold, resulting in the collection of just 12% of the initial forecast.
This setback has forced the council to abandon the auction of the remaining three plots and seek a loan to finance the Centre for Musical and Performing Arts (CAMME).
The council believes that there is currently a sufficient supply of urban land available to developers, making it unnecessary to repeat the auction process or lower the initial price of the plots. They plan to either reserve these plots for other uses or launch a new tender process in the future.
CLEARING OF ORIHUELA COSTA RIVERBEDS DELAYED DESPITE THE CERTAINTY OF HEAVY RAIN
The delay in clearing work by the council is worrying residents, who fear possible flooding. Many are currently overgrown with vegetation, and full of rubbish. As the days pass and we get ever closer to the possibility of torrential rains, as happened in September 2019 the inaction by Orihuela and many other councils has residents extremely concerned.
Urban and other rural areas urgently need work to remove vegetation and avoid the damage and disasters so recently experienced but during one more summer, the necessary actions have still not been carried out.
"There are sections that must be a priority to clean, such as in Cala Estaca," according to the Councilor for the Environment of the Orihuela Council, Noelia Grao. Ramblas de Campoamor and Playa Flamenca are both overwhelmed with vegetation. Clearing tasks and specific actions are necessary in 14 municipal ramblas.
Of course, permits must also be obtained from the Generalitat and the river basin authority (CHS) to proceed, because there are complicated channels in terms of competences, where the City Council, the CHS and even the Coastal Authority converge, as occurs in the Rio Nacimiento, in Campoamor.
Similarly, there are places where the river basin authority must carry out action but so far "nothing has been done and there is still a lot of work to be done," says the Orihuela Council. Before any cleaning can be carried out, there needs to be an agreement between the City Council and the Segura Hydrographic Confederation (CHS) which has not yet been fully implemented.
However, according to municipal sources the City Council of Orihuela would allocate 125,000 euros for cleaning actions in gullies and in the riverbed in the urban section, while the river basin authority would take charge of the undeveloped areas and rural spaces.
The Segura River, as it passes through the Vega Baja, is also a concern as much of it is covered in abundant vegetation and mud that would not help the flow of large channels of water with a largescale cleaning and waste removal task perceived as a problem.
ANALYSIS OF A MEDITERRANEAN PARADISE
As we are over halfway through 2024, as in previous Years we will provide an analysis of how the year is going so far compared to the previous year. Normally it was summed up in one sentence, NOTHING HAS CHANGED, the same neglect, abandonment, biased funding etc, but 2024 is destined to go down as one of the darkest chapters in the history of the municipality of Orihuela.
Just like our previous Mayor Bascuñana, our town hall and our councillor for the coast, Manuel Mestre, are telling us that we live in a paradise, the sea, sun, weather, the climate, the great scenery etc; anything that is out of Orihuela’s control, safe from their incompetence. They cannot ruin what they don’t touch, unlike everything they do handle which turns into a disaster.
It is safe to say that in their first 15 Months in government, the coalition of PP and Vox have done more damage to the reputation and image of this great town of Orihuela Costa than any of their predecessors.
All the negative press that has been generated, not only in the media here in Spain, but also the national and regional media back in England, Ireland
and many other countries, has had an adverse effect of the tourist sector. It seems that Orihuela politicians actually believe in their own dogma; "Repeat a lie often enough, and people will eventually accept it as truth."
Our government is toxic from top to bottom. Between them they have broken virtually every key election promise, a budget for 2023, to greatly reduce the number of assessors, not only do we have the maximum allowed, but the first order of business was to vote for a pay rise, thereby making it the most expensive town hall in the city’s history.
The fact is we are the life blood, the organs that the rest of the municipality depend on for it’s survival. Without our revenue they would eventually morph into what Orihuela Costa is today; not a “PARADISE” but a living nightmare, a hell, thanks not only to the current
administration but the regimes that have gone before, as far back as 2015, when PP and C’s formed their coalition.
Without a doubt, from the mayor, the deputy mayor and down through the ranks, the politicians do not understand the frustration of Orihuela Costa residents. We are a strong community, and we are now getting stronger, thanks to AVCRL. What was formerly a whisper is now a CRESCENDO, that will continue to grow.
The residents of Orihuela Costa are tired of the many years of indifference on the part of the main political parties. The reality is that we are alone, we have been abandoned by Orihuela, Valencia and Madrid. We are increasingly beginning to realise that our destiny is in our own hands.
Torrevieja downplays La Mata residents’ complaints
Residents of La Mata, Spain, are upset after the construction of a new sports centre blocked their sea views.
Despite the council's attempt to mitigate the issue with a large canvas, residents still feel confined and are considering legal action.
The incident has garnered significant attention on social media and in the news, highlighting the controversy surrounding the project's location and the government's decision to modify local building regulations.
Tourist row erupts as people rent swimming pools by the hour
A new app, "Swimmy," allows tourists in Spain to rent private pools by the hour.
This has sparked controversy among locals, who worry about overtourism. Despite protests, many homeowners have found a lucrative way to earn extra money with 370,000 users in the last 12 months.
The app has seen significant growth in popularity since its launch, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. As tourism continues to rebound, Swimmy is expected to attract even more users and pool rentals.
CYCLIST RESCUED AFTER CALA MOSCA CLIFF FACE FALL
A cyclist suffered an accident in Cala Mosca, between Playa Flamenca and Punta Prima, while out riding his bike on Thursday evening. He was attended by specialists from the Provincial Fire Brigade (CPB) of Alicante who were called to rescue him fom the bottom of a cliff face.
The injured man had fallen down a four-metre-high slope and suffered injuries that prevented him from moving. As he was unable to get out on his own, so a rescue team had to be called in, arriving at the area and carrying out the rescue at
approximately 9pm.
Given the harsh, rocky terrain and difficult access, the specialists had to use two light vehicles, with the necessary equipment for the intervention, which attended the scene to stabilise the victim. The staff was completed by three firefighters, a corporal and a sergeant.
After managing to get him out of the cliff, the fire brigade evacuated the injured cyclist on a stretcher to a SAMU ambulance in which he was transferred to a medical centre where he received assistance.
CCA reopens for new activities
"Community Care Association are starting their Autumn term activities on Monday 9th of September.
Location: The Centro Civico,Alameda del Mar,C/ Santa Alodia,Flamenca Beach. Orihuela Costa.(Behind Supercor store/Sunrise Restaurant)
New Members welcome to join. e20 annual fee to attend any of the following activity sessions.
MONDAYS
Easy Spanish conversation 2pm to 3.15pm
Spanish Quiz and Games - 3.30pm to 5pm
Spanish level 1.- 2pm to 3.30pm
(You need to know some Spanish) Spanish level 2 - 3.45pm to 5pm Advanced
WEDNESDAYS
2pm to 4pm.- ART
2pm to 4pm.- Singalong / Games/ Culture / Living in Spain Advice.
Please bring your own materials.
More activities will be added in the future.
On the 9th and 11th September,you will find Eva in the cafeteria between 12.00h and 14.00h,where existing and new Members can register,and pay fees etc.
For further information,do not hesitate to contact CCA on this email address.
oc.communitycare@gmail.com
MAN SHOT DEAD IN ELCHE COUNTRY HOUSE THOUGHT TO BE EXPATRIATE
The National Police are investigating the death of a 45-year-old man, said to be a non Spaniard, in a country house in the Elche district of Daimés,
close to La Marina. The death occurred shortly before midnight on Monday in circumstances that are still to be fully explained.
It is thought that the murder was committed outside the house, in its yard. Local residents in the area claim that this property had been illegally occupied for almost a year.
For the moment, the police are investigating the case as a homicide, although no hypothesis has been ruled out. The case has been declared as confidential, so, for the moment, no further details have been revealed.
The victim, aged 45, died from at least two gunshot wounds, one to the head and one to the chest, and was apparently in the house with his expartner and their daughter, whom he was visiting.
The Elche Local Police were first on the scene after responding to an emergency. When they arrived at the property, just before midnight, they found the man with gunshot wounds, immediately performing first aid but without success.
For the moment, the National Police are investigating the death as homicide and have not made any arrests. The incident has caused much concern in this rural area of Camp d'Elx.
Social media ‘dares’ see youths fake drownings
in Guardamar
Two young people in Guardamar were fined for faking drownings on the beach as part of a viral social media challenge.
This dangerous trend has been reported on beaches in Alicante and San Juan as well.
Lifeguards were called to rescue the youths, but it turned out to be a prank.
The mayor of Guardamar has condemned the behaviour and called for stricter penalties.
The incident highlights the importance of responsible behaviour on beaches and the potential dangers of such pranks.
NEW WALKWAY OVER THE SEGURA RIVER IN ROJALES
Following the tender for a new bridge over the Rio Segura costing 491,000 and connecting the two banks between Calle Malecón de la La Tejera and el Recinto Ferial,the Rojales council is proposing to offer the work to the company UTE CovialCarrión Pasarela Río Segura.
The implementation period proposed by the firm of three months,so if there are no objections from the other three companies that have competed,the work could be completed in early 2025. The walkway is about five hundred metres downstream from the historic bridge of Carlos III,located in the urban centre.
GOLD MEDAL WELCOME FOR TORREVIEJA SPORTSWOMAN
SPARE A DIME!
Altea Hills is one of the most luxurious residential areas in the Mediterranean. Located on the hill between Altea and Calpe, you will find there is no shortage of million-dollar villas.
And now, according to a list compiled by Idealista, this is the most expensive area in the entire region, where the average price of a house on Calle las Ramblas is over 4.05 million euros. And this is just one street within a development that acts as if it were a town. Despite the price, however, the street in Altea is not the most expensive street in Spain, ranking fifth, behind streets in Malaga, Madrid, Barcelona, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands
The Mayor of Torrevieja,Eduardo Dolón, and the Councillor for Sports,Diana Box, have congratulated the young Torrevieja player,Udane Bernabé Cobos,who last weekend won the gold medal at the Junior Women's World Handball Championship, held in China,as part of the junior warriors.
Udane,who trained at the municipal sports schools in Torrevieja,wanted to thank,first of all,her family for their support throughout her life,as well as Diana Box,Councillor for Sports,the mayor, Eduardo Dolón,and all the people who work in Torrevieja to promote sport and give young people like her the opportunity to begin developing a sports career in handball.
God cares for people through people
Ivisited a patient in Mullingar General Hospital 25 time over 12 days recently. This entailed three visits to ICU and twenty-two visits to a ward. There may be more modern equipment and sometimes different procedures today – but there is one thing that has never changed … That superhuman care given by nurses, doctors; and indeed hospital workers in general, down through the years is beyond words. Some of the greatest human beings on this earth become nurses and doctors; caring for fellow humans with kindness, compassion and exceptional dedication to their job. Surely nursing has to be the greatest vocation of them all? The empathy that over-worked nurses can muster for every patient is out of this world. Sometimes lip service is directed towards the nursing profession - when what they really deserve is more money and more nurses.
My wife had surgery; which we hadn’t realised was to be major surgery. So, if I sound somewhat sentient in my praise of nurses and doctors – you will understand. And don’t let anybody ever tell me again, ‘you’ll see no doctor over the weekend.’ Pamela’s surgeon, Professor Toomey, came to check on her on a Saturday afternoon, while I was visiting. I also saw him checking on a patient on Thursday at 20.00, after doing surgery all day.
The above are given facts, but here I want to highlight what I believe is one of the great aids to healing and happiness which you never hear about. That is the sharing and caring between the patients in a ward. They get strength from talking with each other and somehow their collective vulnerability creates a bond that becomes a strength in aiding recovery. This underscores the case to be made against single room occupancy – apart from when the patient is gravely ill or
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.
requires isolation of course.
Recovering patients in a ward identify with each other; share their woes and exchange family information. Pretty soon one will know somebody belonging to one of the others. Stories are told; turning to funny incidents and here new friendships are cemented.
Being in hospital is a traumatic episode, especially – as was the case with Pamela, it involves major surgery. The advantages in mixing with fellow patients are many. You will always find someone worse off than yourself. Sharing with others takes your mind off your situation until, lo and behold, you don’t feel so bad about yourself anymore.
After ICU, Pamela arrived in a ward, slotted in between Mary from Mullingar and Sabrina from Granard. Two lovely women … well, now three, you will agree! Soon they could discuss people they all knew; and after two days of this the biggest danger seemed to be the risk of one of them bursting a stitch from laughter. When Mary and Sabrina went home, they were replaced by two more delightful Marys … from Castletown Geoghegan and Ballinagore respectively.
Following on from my belief that ward sharing leads to greater contentment and yes … we can use the word ‘happiness.’ Let me give you the greatest example of this that I know of.
My mother was blessed to be able to spend the last happy years of her life in the greatest nursing centre in the country; St Camillus Nursing Centre, Killucan.
For the first two years of Mammy’s residency, she shared a room with four other women.
The friendships that developed among these residents were probably the strongest I have ever observed in my lifetime. People, on the last leg of life, showing totally unselfish care
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
for their fellow roommates. Not only that; but Annie, Mary, Betty, Doreen, Martha and others turned all the visiting family members into friends with each other.
One Sunday, Mary’s family arrived to take their mother home for Sunday dinner –which naturally, was the highlight of Mary’s week. “I’m not going home today”, Mary announced. “Betty isn’t well” – and Mary, despite being dressed in her Sunday best for the road, would not budge. She would not leave her sick friend. Think about that one … the ones with the least, giving the most.
When Martha lost a son and cried at night into her pillow, Annie, in the bed next to her, cried along with her. Someone told me one time that ‘God cares for people through people’. Room 22 in the Camillians and the nurses I encountered last week showed me how true this is.
Things changed and HIQA decreed that every
nursing home resident must have a private room to themselves. Does this not compound a loneliness and isolation problem - especially for residents with few visitors, or whose family lives a distance away? I can see the reasoning behind this rule … and all I will say about it is that whilst HIQA has been making rules for the betterment of nursing homes for the past 17 years, the nursing order of Saint Camillus has been doing it for 300 years – and so, they too must know something.
The Camillians and other top nursing orders know what is best for their residents and should be allowed some flexibility; especially where residents themselves wish to room together.
DON’T FORGET
A happy frame of mind holds the picture of health.
Bernie stepping out on the Camino Challenge in 2023
HOSPITAL
SECOND DESALINATION PLANT CONSIDERED FOR VEGA BAJA
The Segura Hydrographic Confederation (CHS) is considering building a second desalination plant in the Vega Baja region. The plant would be located in Orihuela Costa and would produce 60 hectometres of desalinated water per year. This would add to the 120 hectometres produced by the existing Torrevieja plant.
The proposed plant is a response to the increasing demand for water in the region, driven by government subsidies for irrigators and the anticipated reduction of the Tajo-Segura water transfer. However, the project faces several challenges.
One major challenge is the location of the plant. The plant needs to be located near the coast to reduce the cost of pumping seawater and evacuating brine. The only available land in Orihuela Costa is either urban or protected, making it difficult to find a suitable location.
Another challenge is the high cost of the desalination process. The Torrevieja plant has an annual energy supply contract costing around 40 million euros. Building a solar plant to reduce energy costs has already met with social resistance.
Despite these challenges, the CHS believes that the second desalination plant is necessary to meet the growing demand for water in the Vega Baja region. However, the project faces significant obstacles, and its feasibility remains uncertain.
November Panto announced by ADAPT
The ADAPT Theatre Group can now reveal the title of this year’s pantomime in San Pedro del Pinatar – “Snow White and the 7 Guiris”. If you don´t know exactly what a “guiri” is, well perhaps you should come along to find out, although we can tell you it is a tongue-in-cheek word which Spanish people apply to us Brits living in Spain. Despite the continuing heat of summer the group has started to meet up to rehearse and put together all the effects we need to make it the spectacular show it always is! We have some great dressmakers, props makers and carpenters in the group, so we pride ourselves on our DIY approach.
This year’s panto is “Snow White and the 7 guiris” to be performed at the end of November (more details to follow). We are sponsored by the ADAPT Metal Detecting group and all money raised goes to local charities. To find out more about the Adapt Theatre Group visit: https://adapttheatregroup.wordpress.com/ or phone Eric on 656 361 098
Exploring Orihuela’s heritage with the Virgin of Monserrate
Orihuela's Department of Tourism is offering special themed routes throughout September to celebrate the festival of Our Lady of Monserrate, the town's patron saint. These routes combine classic and new options, showcasing Orihuela's cultural, historical, and natural beauty.
The program kicks off on September 1st with a route exploring the literary origins of poet Miguel Hernandez and the Orihuela orchard. Other highlights include a scenic hike through the Campoamor hills, and dedicated heritage tours focusing on the historic center from September 9th to 19th. These tours will highlight key monuments and artistic treasures, culminating in a visit to the Convent of Santa Ana and the Sanctuary of Monserrate on September 16th.
The month wraps up with innovative routes like a bicycle tour to waterwheels and a visit to a traditional 18th-century olive oil mill.
The department encourages everyone to participate, locals and visitors alike. Bookings can be made online at the website www.orihuelaturistica.es or contact via WhatsApp at 673 836 385.
Raimundo Benedicto Park to host Collectors Fair
The Parque Raimundo Benedicto Fairgrounds in Pilar de la Horadada will once again host the Mar Menor and Pilar de la Horadada Collectors' Fair.
This fair,which is celebrating its twelfth edition this year,will be held on 19 and 20 October with free admission.
This long-standing initiative in the municipality is organised by the Association of Friends of Museums, in collaboration with the IKOMAR association and the Pilar de la Horadada Town Hall.
Opening hours on the 19th,are from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m.and from 4 p.m.to 8 p.m.and on the 20th, from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m.
Mayor welcomes progress on new Almoradi Junior School
The Mayor of Almoradí, María Gómez, has visited the works of the new Infant and Primary school that are being built on a municipal plot located on the road that connects Almoradí with Algorfa.
Gómez said she was delighted at seeing the good pace of the work, given that the structure of the school blocks is up and progress is already being made in installing windows. The buildings have plenty of natural light, thanks to the large size of the windows and their distribution. Also worth noting is the spaciousness of the corridors and classrooms.
According to the master plan, the centre will be finished by the middle of next year, so it is feasible that the school will be operational for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Hotting Up as Community records 3rd warmest summer
With the end of summer approaching, and welcoming rain being very much on the horizon, forecasts show that 2024 will once again have been an "extremely warm" summer period, behind only 2022 and 2023.
With an average temperature of almost 26 degrees, the JulyAugust period of 2024 was the third warmest in the last 70 years, according to Aemet.
The warming of the climate and, consequently, of the Mediterranean Sea, has led to the heat being much more sustained, especially at night, according to Aemet Comunitat Valenciana, who emphasise that "we have had more and more torrid and tropical nights in the Community, nights during which the minimum temperature does not fall below 20 degrees."
The Costa Blancaís oldest ëFREEíEnglish language newspaper - WITH THE LARGEST LOCALCIRCULATION
REPAIRS TO SAN MIGUEL BRIDGE NEAR COMPLETION
In mid-April, the bridge over the CV-95 linking San Miguel de Salinas with Orihuela was closed due to the detection of major faults in it’s structure. The section of the road affected is used daily by thousands of drivers - an average of ten thousand - for their journeys between Torrevieja, Orihuela and the inland municipalities of the Vega Baja .
Sin ce it was closed, a detour of about two kilometres around the ring road on
the outskirts of the SUS-A Los Invernaderos urbanisation has been necessary.
Now, it is understood that the bridge will reopen at the end of September or beginning of October.
The bridge spanning the Rambla was collapsing with surveyors from the Generalitat ordering an emergency tender to resolve the situation with a budget of 2.6 million euros. The contract went directly to the company Pavasal requesting immediate action.
In the event of torrential rains, the bridge could have collapsed, according to the assessment carried out by the surveyors after they were alerted by a residents' group in October 2023. The Generalitat resolved to award the work via emergency procedures in just five months.
Last week the operation to locate the main structure of the new bridge over the Lo Quiles ravine of the CV-95 in San Miguel de Salinas was completed .
DEFENDING THE GUARDAMAR COASTLINE
The residents of Guardamar, Spain, are protesting against the coastline regression affecting their beaches. The Guardamar Playa Residents' Association, part of the Somos Mediterrania movement, has been organizing demonstrations for years to demand solutions from the local council and the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO).
The association argues that submerged and free-standing reefs could be a viable solution to the beach erosion problem, as they have been
FORGOTTEN SALVADOR DALI LITHOGRAPHS FOUND IN A LONDON GARAGE
A trove of Salvador Dalí lithographs, forgotten for over five decades, has been discovered in a London garage. The prints, part of a luxury edition of Ovid's "The Art of Loving," were purchased by the owner decades ago but never framed or displayed.
successfully implemented in other locations. These reefs can help secure sand, marine life, and biodiversity, while also making beaches safer during storms.
The association's spokesperson, Manuel López, insists that the lack of sedimentary supply from the river, combined with an erroneous design of the river mouth, are the main causes of the beach loss. He calls for urgent legislative reforms and political will from the authorities to address the issue.
Art expert Chris Kirkham made the unexpected discovery while evaluating other assets in the home. The owner had stored the lithographs in a garage in the exclusive Mayfair district. The collection also includes works by Theo Tobiasse, another renowned artist.
The lithographs are expected to fetch a significant sum at auction, with estimated prices ranging from €350 to €600 for each Dalí print and €120 to €350 for the Tobiasse prints. The entire collection could sell for around €6,000.
MORE CALLS FOR AIRPORT EXPANSION
The PP Infrastructure spokesperson in Les Corts, Joserra González de Zárate, has called on the Spanish Government to “expand the airports of Alicante and Valencia after leading the annual growth of international passengers”.
He was joined by President Carlos Mazón and by members of the Valencian tourism sector, “because we need it urgently and its execution must be rapid by the Ministry”. However, the is ignoring the environmental impact the expansion would have, the increase in pollution from flights and the fact that Aena, the airport authority, is already working on increasing the capacity at the airport.
Rent rises in Valencian Community almost 10%
The rental housing market in Spain continues to rise, with 81% of municipalities experiencing price increases compared to the previous year.
The Comunitat Valenciana has seen a 9.7% increase, ranking seventh among autonomous communities.
Alicante towns, San Vicente del Raspeig and Alcoy, have experienced significant growth of 19.6% and 18.2%.
The main reason for this trend is the decline in public housing construction over the past decade.
FLU VACCINATIONS FOR JUNIOR SCHOOLS
The president of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, has announced that "during the next school year we are going to start a school vaccination campaign against flu, which will be carried out in centres with students of early childhood and special education in the Valencian Community."
The initiative plans to immunize some 72,000 students.
It also states that "it will facilitate intranasal vaccination, and that the programme will be carried out on school premises, without the need to travel to health centres."
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ACROSS ACROSS
6.Dose (7)
7.Massage (5)
9.Pull (3)
10.Harmless (9)
12.Indecency (11)
15.Summarise (11)
17.Infection (9)
19.Mine (3)
21.Fragment (5)
22.Unlawful (7)
CAN YOU MASTER THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE?
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
12.Twofold mistake counting against one in court (6,5)
15.Lady luck (4,7)
17.Maid known to upset females in general (9)
19.See 20 Dn.
21.Heather and I will be in the medley race (5)
22.Difficult circumstances affect artists (7)
DOWN DOWN
1.Fruit from the linden trees (5)
2 & 9Ac. Telegraphists are essential operatives (3,3)
3 & 7Ac. Bert Lee disturbed when getting up the shipís flag (4,5)
4.The others about to teach self-control (9)
5.How the irritable examinee behaves (7)
8.Order supplies in the depression (6)
11.One-sided tennis game leads to genuine romance (4-5)
13.Birds near the head of babbling streams (6)
14.Relishes thrifty types, we hear (7)
16.They entertain the crowds (5)
18.Message from school sent back (4) 20 & 19Ac. Unfortunate destiny for the neíer-dowell (3,3)
LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page
1. Which stringed musical instrument shares its name with a cooking utensil?
2. One of the best-selling pop singles of all time was a number one hit from 1967 based on Bach's Suite No. 3 in D Major. What was the anaemic sounding song title of this mega hit?
3. Which famous 1960 black and white horror film was the first to show a flushing toilet?
4. Written in the 9th century, the lyrics to the national anthem of which country are the oldest in the world? a. Japan b. Turkey c. Mongolia d. China
5. Since the Open Era in tennis started, which two unseeded players have won the Men's Singles title at Wimbledon?
6. Which seven letter word for a type of argument is also a collective noun for sparrows?
7. Which eight letter word for a type of argument is also a collective noun for seagulls?
8 Dacca (Dhaka) was the capital city of what between the years 1955 and 1971?
9. The name of which widely used aromatic herb stems from the Greek word for "royal"?
10. The following lyrics are from songs with the word "Peace" somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song? a. Why must we go on hating, why can't we live in bliss, b. Everybodyís talking about ministers, sinisters, banisters and
19)
canisters. c. Give me hope, help me cope, with this heavy load
11. Which French adjective for an Asian country is also the name given to a conical sieve used in the kitchen to strain substances?
12. Name the films in which Robert de Niro plays a character married to a character played by: a. Sharon Stone, b. Ellen Barkin, c. Liza Minnelli, d. Blythe Danner
13. What was the most popular name for a girl in the United States from 1880-1956?
14. The title of which Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn novel includes a Russian acronym for Soviet labour camps?
15. With the aid of the following symbols, name the scientists who lend their names to elements in the Periodic Table. a. Es, b. No, c. Cm, d. Fm
16. Which one of the Titanic's sister ships sank in the Aegean Sea on the morning of the 21 November 1916?
17. What is Barbie's middle name? (the Barbie doll)
18. What is the title of the one and only instrumental song found on a Beatles studio album?
19. The following is the opening line to which popular 1964 comedy? "As in every stone of this size, there is a flaw."
20. In The Wizard Of Oz, Glinda is known as The Good Witch of what?
Santa Pola restaurant faces hefty fine for illegally caught lobsters
The Civil Guard in Spain has fined a restaurant owner for illegally caught lobsters and rock octopus.The restaurant was selling the seafood without proper documentation.
The owner faces fines up to 60,000.The Nature Protection Service is investigating the matter to find the fishing vessel responsible for the illegal catches. The restaurant was found to have unlabeled products in its freezer,lacking documentation to prove origin and expiration date.
The illegal capture of these items poses a risk to the environment due to violations of closed seasons and catch limits.
Carlos Mazón back at La Tomatina to celebrate its 77th anniversary
The President of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, has once again taken part in the Tomatina festival in Buñol, where he underlined the unique character of the event together with its potential as an international tourist attraction.
The head of the Consell confessed to feeling “very excited” to have experienced La Tomatina from the inside, which he described as a “unique experience”.
He stressed the international appeal of this event, which was declared of International Tourist Interest in 2002 and which stands out for its "sportsmanlike and Germanic" atmosphere, in attracting visitors from all over the world.
Mazón also highlighted the tomato, the star of the festival, as one of the stellar products of the Valencian Community that “we know how to prepare and offer” in its many different varieties.
During his visit, the president reiterated the Generalitat's commitment to Buñol and the region with a number of investments that the Consell is making toward improving the infrastructure of the municipality.
He said that the Generalitat will allocate more than 10.5 million euros to expand the town's health centre "which was abandoned," adding that the Generalitat is currently drafting the basic project for the improvements.
He also highlighted investments of more than 20 million euros to be made in transport, mainly to improve the connection between Buñol and the city of Valencia, with the frequencies of transport increased to achieve a “more agile” system.
Warning Over Increase in Text Message Fine Scams
The number of fake messages that pretend to be from the DGT to scam users is increasing, with more victims falling foul of the scammers. Generally, a message is sent to a mobile phone and warn of an outstanding fine to
pay with a link to enter and proceed with the payment. By doing so, malicious software is introduced into the device.
Often, the warning introduces an element of panic by stating that “you have 24 hours to pay a fine”, for an offence supposedly com-
mitted on (insert any date here).
The concept is known as Smishing, a form of phishing via SMS messaging, which consists of impersonating a person, company or service to defraud someone or another company (even a public institution).
The aim of this scam is twofold: first, to introduce a malicious program into the device that allows criminals to collect personal information (name, ID, address, etc.) and, second, to obtain bank details in order to subsequently use them fraudulently. In other words, to steal your money.
The DGT has once again published several of those 'fake' messages that have been circulating for some time. In them, you can read things like: "You have 24 hours left to pay your fine of 04/08/2024" and "last reminder before the increase of your outstanding fine."
The General Directorate of Traffic itself warns that this is a phishing campaign that uses its name to alarm drivers with the urgency of
paying a fine: “Phishing cybercriminals are back with more fraudulent messages.
It is important to remember that the DGT never notifies traffic fines by SMS.
The most common method for reporting a fine is by post or the Electronic Road Address (DEV), if you are signed up. If the driver cannot be located by post (due to absence or change of address), the DGT will publish the fine in TESTRA, the DGT notice board, and simultaneously on the BOE's Single Notice Board (TEU).
In addition, fines published in TESTRA and TEU are considered notified 20 days after their publication.
Finally, the Electronic Road Address is an electronic mailbox that allows you to receive notifications and communications of traffic fines.
Only in this case is it possible to receive a notification by SMS or email informing you of a pending notification in the DEV.
SUEÑA PROPOSES SOLUTIONS TO TORREVIEJA SUMMER TAXI PROBLEM
With the influx of summer tourists, Torrevieja, faces the same unfortunate problem every year with a lack of availability of its taxis, particularly with the late night rush, as holidaymakers and residents face long queues as they attempt to find a ride home.
Currently, Torrevieja has 86 taxi licences, of which only 84 are in operation due to legal problems with two others.
Of the active licences, between 10 and 12 taxis only operate during the hours of daylight. In addition, there are always a number of vehicles being serviced, drivers taking rest days and there are pick-ups at Alicante airport. In high season, only between 60 and 65 taxis are available to meet the demand of the entire population.
Sueña spokesperson, Pablo Samper, thinks he has a solution, proposing the temporary authorisation of 30 licenses
from April 1 to September 30, this period coinciding with the summer months.
"We propose a practical and effective solution: the allocation of 30 temporary licenses for the high season, operating from April 1 to September 30. This measure would alleviate the burden on the current system, ensuring that both tourists and residents can enjoy an efficient and accessible taxi service,” he said.
Every summer, the population of Torrevieja triples, rising from 100,000 to over 300,000 people during the months of July and August. This increase generates an excessive demand for taxi services, leaving tourists and residents waiting for hours for a vehicle or, in many cases, without access to the service. The situation is particularly serious for those who have to travel to their place of work or to hospitals or health centres.
The reality is that the traffic chaos and long waits at key points such as Avda Ramón Gallud, Paseo de la Libertad, the Habaneras shopping centre, Carrefour, outpatient clinics, and the areas of La Mata and the beaches, rarely see free taxis that are able to pick up passengers. In addition, the construction of new housing estates, such as that at La Hoya, will add 7,000 homes and 14,000 more people to the city's traffic, further aggravating the problem.
UBER TAKES OFF IN
ELCHE
Since launching at the end of June in Elche, the ride-hailing service Uber has registered more than 130,000 users in the municipality, the equivalent of more than half the registered population.
In the 60 days monitored, the profile of the average user is varied, but the foreign traveller predominates with 65% over the 35% of national or local travellers. On the other hand, the places where most people open the application are Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, followed by the area around the Altamira Palace, the El Toscar neighbourhood, and Los Arenales del Sol. Whereas towns like Torrevieja and Orihuela, the coast in particular, have seen huge problems in the summer with the lack of taxis, having had similar problems themselves previously, it looks like Elche may have found the key to unlock the transport problem.
Sueña spokesperson, Pablo Samper
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.
Tribute to the nineteen Torrevieja lives lost in 1938 bombing
It is an event that that is held every summer, in memory of that the tragic day of August 25, 1938, political and social organisations gathered on Sunday at the Monument to the Man of the Sea in Torrevieja to preserve and pay tribute to the memory of the 19 civilians killed 86 years ago by Italian fascist aircraft during the Civil War.
It was a gathering that included the reading of poems and a manifesto. The event, which was also attended by many residents and tourists, ended with a floral offering, the casting of carnations into the sea in memory of each of the victims, after the reading of their names.
As every year, a bouquet of flowers was placed at the entrance to the port, the point in Torrevieja that recorded the highest number of fatalities, "people who were just waiting to receive a ration of fish," it was said.
The memorial was attended by the socialist spokesperson for Torrevieja, Bárbara Soler; the spokesperson for the PSOE Orihuela, Carolina Gracia; the provincial deputies Francis Rubio and José Antonio Amat; the socialist senator Ana Martínez Zaragoza and the secretary of Democratic Memory of the PSPV, Toñi Serna. Bárbara Soler said that at the municipal plenary session she will be raising the subject of a permanent memorial to those who died, which the previous Valencian government had promised to place in the port, taking advantage of the remodelling works.
Tribute to victims of Torrevieja bombing at the Monument to the Man of the Sea
SPONSORED BIKE RIDE ACROSS
PORTUGAL IN AID OF STEVIE SPIT
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. Please donate generously to this cause in support of Stevie Soit who has dedicate much o his last 20 years in Spain raising funds for many oher charities. This is now the time to dig deep for Steve: www.gofundme/f/ride-for-stevie
QUIZ FROM P 14:
1.Mandolin, 2.A Whiter Shade Of Pale, 3.Psycho, 4. Answer a.Japan (the 'Kimagayo'), 5.Boris Becker (1985) and Goran Ivanisevic (2001 as wildcard), 6. Quarrel, 7.Squabble, 8.East Pakistan, 9.Basil (from 'basilikos'), 10.Three answers.a.Peace Train (Cat Stevens), b.Give Peace A Chance (Plastic Ono Band), c.Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) (George Harrison), 11.Chinoise (or 'Chinois'), 12.Four answers. a.Casino, b.This Boy's Life, c.New York, New York, d. Meet The Parents (or 'Meet The Focker's), 13.Mary, 14. The Gulag Archipelago (Gulag is a Russian acronym), 15.Four answers.a.Einstein (Einsteinium), b.Nobel (Nobelium), c.Curie (Curium), d.Fermi (Fermium), 16. HMHS Britannic, 17.Milicent, 18.Flying, 19.The Pink Panther, 20.Answer a.the North
SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION
Don Cubbon
Steve Hayden
TAX AVOIDANCE
In the last few weeks my wife visited a hairdresser salon, a nail bar and a place where eyebrows are coloured. In each of them were notices saying that only cash was accepted, and not credit or debit cards.
All very well, I know there is a strong campaign to try to stop the abolition of cash, but the majority of younger people want and do pay by card or through apps on their iphones.
So why are all these businesses refusing to accept card payments? My conclusion is that it enables them to ‘lose’ a few transactions each day so they don’t pay as much tax. Just imagine – this is happening all over Britain and how much tax is being avoided?
In my book, all businesses should offer cash and card payments, with the preference being on card. That way it would be far harder for a business to cook the books, giving the government more money to run the country.
Why have I mentioned this now? This autumn, the new Labour government will be unveiling their first budget and if predictions are anything to go by, it’s going to herald some pretty bad news. A few days ago Labour PM Sir Keir Starmer was saying things would get worse in the UK before they got better.
The bad news has already started rolling in, with the abolition of pensioners’ winter fuel allowances, except for those on benefits.
So much has to be “repaired”, from the ailing NHS to social care, from the state of the roads and the pothole epidemic to crumbling school buildings. And UK defence is in shambles. And it is all going to cost a packet. If Labour’s past record is anything to go by they will look to those with the broadest shoulders to bear the brunt. And so they should because successive Tory governments have manipulated the tax burden to favour the rich.
The right-wing press have warned that if the tax burden on the rich is too high they will take flight and quit Britain. I can’t see that happening. For example, I cannot see very many parents pulling their offspring from private schools just because they will have to pay VAT. They are not going to watch little Johnny go to a State school and miss the chance to go to a top university, they will cash in a few share certificates.
So, as well as requiring businesses to allow card payments so they can’t avoid paying tax, let’s look at other ways Labour can claw
Tony Mayes Rant
money in and make things fairer.
A tightening of the rules is long overdue. One estimate is that the rich get away with avoiding 56 million pounds tax each year and the true figure is probably far, far more. And that could go a long way to repairing Britain. The rich can and use trusts to reduce their inheritance tax bills. Once assets are held in a trust, they no longer belong to the trustee, they belong to the trust. Therefore, these assets are not liable for inheritance tax when the trustee dies. They also use tax havens –something that should have been ended long ago.
TRAVELLERS
Something that has annoyed not only me but many in Britain is how so called “travellers” can get away with invading private land, causing damage, huge amounts of litter and massive problems for people living nearby. It’s ridiculous that it takes weeks before a court order is issued which allows the landowner to evict them.
These travellers are avoiding paying council and income tax. They use every trick in the book to avoid being brought into line and have them paying their taxes. They even have the cheek to call themselves gypsies who deserve special treatment.
Last year a group of “travellers” invaded a greensward close to a lifeboat station. They caused so much trouble the station had to close to visitors which meant the RNLI lost money from gifts from the visiting public.
It took weeks before a court order was obtained to evict them – these people know how to play the system.
It’s about time the law was tightened to turn the tables on them, and make sure they are evicted within 24 hours. If they failed to pay fines their belongings should be seized, including their lavish mobile homes.
That would get them into conventional accommodation which meant they would have to pay council tax. And if people stopped using people like them - doorstep callers - to do work, it would stop another fiddle, because it’s obvious they can offer cheap prices because they avoid paying tax. There’s another tax dodge in Britain which needs action. Across the country there are holiday park home sites which have a range of holiday facilities, such as a shop, meeting place, perhaps pool, swings and slides – in fact all the facilities you would expect for a holiday. These usually close at the end of October and reopen just prior to Easter. Fair enough.
Then there are residential park home sites, which can be bought on a lease and allow people to sell in the market and owners pay council tax, just as if they were in a bricks and mortar house.
Then there are those sites up and down the country which pretend they are “holiday” sites which offer nothing for a holiday and
remain open for almost all the year. It’s another loophole which should be closed. People on these pay no council tax, because it is assumed owners have a conventional home elsewhere and are paying council tax –a loophole allowing people to live on the cheap. And also they don’t even pay TV licences!
Just imagine how much council tax is being lost through this. They all should be paying at least 1,500 pounds per year – but they are not. With that extra money councils could do a lot to repair the damage done by 14 years of Tory rule.
Labour, with a thumping majority, can do a lot to sort out the loopholes, devised over the years by accountants and lawyers, so that much more money could be raised in tax and by so doing get the country back on its feet.
And lastly, let’s look at the ridiculously unfair council tax system. If you are living in a terraced house on band A you would pay about 1,500 pounds. If you are in a house worth 320,000 pounds you would pay about 4,500 pounds. And if you live in a mansion, or one of those luxury houses offered as a prize in Omaze draws you would pay the same as a 320,000 pound property. Think that’s fair? No doubt rich Tories do, but the vast majority would not. Just think how much councils could benefit if the council tax system was brought up to date. Valuations haven’t been done since 1991. I wonder why?
There you are Keir, I hope you read this and take up some of my suggestions. Perhaps then Britain will get better quicker!
LOCATION, LOCATION
The Location, Location, Location presenter Kirstie Allsopp has got into all sorts of hot water for allowing her 15-year-old son to go with a 16-year-old friend on a train-hopping holiday through Europe.
She foolishly put news of his trip on social media, which resulted in a load of crap from busy bodies, one of whom reported her to social services, who are now obliged to investigate. All this shows just how namby pamby and ridiculously crass Britain has become. By the age of 11 I was catching a bus to the railway station, travelling by train 25 miles, then walking a mile to school, and returning during the evening. My parents didn’t wrap me in cotton wool, it was a good learning curve. By 15, I was going on exciting expeditions with an astronomical group, one of which was to the Isle of Skye to camp on the Cullin Hills to photograph the aurora.
In my book Kirstie’s fault was to be stupid enough to mention one word of it on social media, which is a curse of the modern age. Too many crackpots and idiots are spending all their waking hours on it – the human race is simply not ready for it and won’t be for several generations.
Secondly it’s ridiculous that we have laws which are catch-all scenarios. Kirstie’s son is probably well educated and more than capable of looking after himself. There are many 15-year-olds in deprived areas which are not safe let loose in their own streets.
It’s these which council social services should be devoting their working hours to – and if they think they have time to spare, perhaps they should be better employed filling the potholes in streets.
YOUR DREAM HOME
SUMMER POOL LEAGUE
BUNGALOW DIVISION WEEK 16
Echos4-5Bar Rambla Blue
Thistle & Rose Red1-8Havana Habaneros
Bar Rambla Red7-2Thistle & Rose Blue
Maschis7-2CC's
Tipsy Cow5-4The One Bar
P W Agg Pts
Havana Habaneros15134726
Bar Rambla Red **15134324
Maschis15123524
Thistle & Rose Blue **15101118
Bar Rambla Blue **157-312
Tipsy Cow156-112 CC's155-2110
The One Bar154-318
Thistle & Rose Red153-416
Echos152-394
** deducted 2 points (not adhering to league rules)
PENTHOUSE DIVISION WEEK 16
Mickeys Bar4-5Firestation Bluewatch
Courtyard A9-0Kaceys
Firestation Redwatch6-3Courtyard B New Tavern6-3Arianaz Tipsy Toad7-2Sports Bar
LEAGUE TABLE
P W Agg Pts
Tipsy Toad15155130
Firestation Redwatch15135926
Firestation Bluewatch15112722
Courtyard A15103320
Kaceys156-1712
Sports Bar155-110
New Tavern155-1910
Arianaz155-2710
Mickeys Bar154-338
Courtyard B151-732
D&M CAR HIRE 2015 SL
SUMMER POOL LEAGUE TEAM KO CUP SEMI FINAL RESULTS
SEMI 1
Bar Rambla Red 1-5 Firestation Redwatch (Tie played at New Tavern)
SEMI 2
New Tavern 1-5 Tipsy Toad (Tie played at Bar Rambla)
FINAL - Firestation Redwatch v Tipsy Toad (Venue TBA)
The Committee thanks both Bar Rambla and The New Tavern for hosting the Semi-Finals, and for providing the usual snacks.
D&M Car Hire Team KO Cup Final
The Final is scheduled for Tuesday September 24th, the week after the League Season ends. A Neutral Venue is still to be arranged and agreed, but will be posted within the next few weeks.
SCOTLAND, WALES, IRELAND YOUTH GATHER AT PINATAR
Pinatar Arena has announced the list of international youth teams that will train in the Pinatar Arena complex during the first week of September, comprising of nine teams, including the Netherlands, Scotland, Denmark and Wales.
All the matches will be FREE TO ATTEND and will allow you to follow the progress of some of the most promising young players on the international scene.
In addition, several of the matches of the event will be televised live, projecting the image of the Region of Murcia and Pinatar Arena as one of the world's leading football destinations.
Since Pinatar Arena opened its doors in January 2013, the complex has received many visits from teams representing all five continents. However, no national team or club from Turkmenistan has yet been to Pinatar Arena so the presence of the U-19 national team from the Asian country
between 4 - 14 September takes the name of the Costa Calida to a new emerging country as they show off their skills in San Pedro del Pinatar against different European teams.
The nine participating teams will fill more than 1,500 rooms in the area of Mar Menor and San Pedro del Pinatar during the seven days of the event.
LOCATED AT CRANS-MONTANA in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the spectacular Crans Sur Sierre Golf Club plays host from September 5-8th to the Omega European Masters. The tournament gives the 30 best Asian players the opportunity to challenge their European counterparts, and gives them all the chance to run round a mountain top singing “The hills are Alive!”
MIGUEL ANGEL JIMENEZ is delighted at being tournament ambassador at Crans Sur Sierrre, where he won the European Masters in 2010. Jimenez has fond memories of the Severiano Ballesteros course. “I come back every year, I love the magnificent scenery, and the marvellous restaurants:” he enthuses.” Jimenez has participated in over 720 tournaments on the European Tour, won 21 European titles, and 13 on the PGA Champions Tour. He won the 2014 Spanish Open at the age of 50. Now aged 60, he is looking forward to competing against the young guns. “As long as I am capable of making birdies” he says, chomping cigars and knocking back the Rioja “You will find me at the OMEGA European Masters." Viva Miguel!
THE PGA CUP will be held in America from 9-15 September, on
A biennial contest between professionals from America and the UK, the event has been contested since 1973 by teams of 10 players over three days in a Ryder Cup format, with foursomes and four-ball matches on each of the first two days, and 10 singles matches on the final day. No prize money is awarded, the teams compete for possession of the PGA trophy, formerly the Llandudno tro-
phy.
The Llandudno International Trophy began life as a prize for the Home Tournament Series, contested in 1938 by professionals from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. England won the tournament and the Captain, 6-time Ryder Cup player Percy Alliss, kept the trophy at his home near Ferndown Golf Club Dorset, where he was the club profes-
sional. During the relentless bombing raids on Southampton a German plane had to dump it's load and a bomb dropped on the Ferndown course less than 50 yards from the Alliss home. Gary Alliss, son of Peter and a twotime PGA Cup captain himself, recounted: “There was this massive explosion which literally shook the house, and the trophy fell off the mantelpiece, denting it's lid,” The Home Series tournament was suspended for the duration of the war, and never resumed. The impressive 18-pound silver trophy was repaired and donated to The PGA in the 1970's. The 2022 event was held at Foxhills Golf Cub, Surrey, and America won by five points, retaining the trophy, which was renamed the PGA Cup. Probably because they couldn't pronounce Llandudno.
AFTER CAPTURING the BMW Championship and Tour Championship to win the FedExCup last season, Norway's Victor Hovland tried to make swing changes that backfired, and split with his coach, Joe Mayo. Dire results ensued however, and he soon reunited with Mayo. Hovland had lost his touch, missing three of four cuts in the Majors and failing to record any further victories. Hovland confessed: “I ruined a relationship in my swing that makes it really difficult for me to control the face coming down. I know exactly why it happened. and now it's just a process of getting back to where I was.” He should have consulted Luke Donald, champion of the golf world until he tinkered with his swing. If it ain't broke etc., justest emerging from a great sea of early mist is to taste one of the I
BERNARD DARWIN described a round at Royal County Down as: “The kind of golf that people play in their most ecstatic dreams.” Rick Cleveland, golf writer, wrote: “Harder than any golf course I ever played in my worst nightmare! Players will doubtless experience both dream and nightmare in The Amgen Irish Open, from 12-15th September, but with a great line-up of pros and celebrities, some lively music and a great deal of Guinness, a good time will definitely be had anyway.
Until next time: Happy Golfing.
Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. Tel. 638 859 475.
SAUNA CONDITIONS FOR CELTS CHAMPIONSHIP DAY
Last Sunday was our Championship Day for August. The weather again is a very high 32 degrees with high humidity, one player compared it to a sauna.
Thanks to our birthday boy Denis and Camillus for organising the field. To the golf shop with Jose, Karolina, and Oscar all working efficiently together. To Ellie, Marijose, Vanessa and Gloria in the bar and restaurant muchos gracias por todo.
Gracias a Duly y su hermana Fina, it is great to see Fina back working again. They keep the clubhouse looking spick and span. The course management team led by Miguel, thanks to you and the team for preparing the course, the greens are superb, it is great to see the ongoing improvements.
The Crystal winners, Cat I, Alan Cambell 36, Gordon Montgomery 36, and Mike Stoot 35. Cat II, Mike Banfield 38, Aki Stoot 38, and Phil Sayers 37. Golf prizes, Pauvla Serakova 39, Jim Imrie 39, and Tony Burns 38. Cat II, Mike Banfield 41, Ian Sadler 41, and Logan Nayager 38.
Cat I. Stuart Tosh 39, Clive Jenkins 38 and Tony Burns 37. Cat II. Billy Thomson 41, Tom Conway 41 and Dave Cossan 39. Medal winners, Cat I, Tony Burns 72 and Stuart Bulling 72. Cat II, Bev Buckley 67 and Pat Coyne70. Cat III. Steve Formby 65 and Logan Nayager 70.
Results of the day, the NTP’s. Stuart Tosh, Nick Brooks, Sheila Coyne, Brendan Gannon, Karen Neal and Clive Jenkins. Cat. III, Steve Formby 35, Declan Kynes 35 and Chris Fyfe 33.
Cat II, Phil Sayers 37, Colin Fleming 37 and Bev Buckley 36.
Cat I. Stuart Tosh 35, Terry Lambert 35 and Nick Brooks 34.
Again, a big thank you to Dave Stockton, our captain for presenting our prizes. Well, done to all the winners and congratulations to so many who remained behind to honour those who won a prize.
An opportunity for any society out there who are looking to play competitive match play across the greater Alicante area. We have a limited number of spaces available for teams of 8
players who might wish to join the tournament. Courses included this year are Los Colinas, Vistabella, Alicante, El Saler, Oliva Nova, Bonalba, El Plantio, El Bosque, La Marquesa and Font de Llop. The entry fee per match is 300 euro for 8 players, not too bad. Please contact John O’Brien if you are interested.
If you would like information on entering a team in any of the federation events why not send an e-mail to johnobrienalicante@gmail.com or call 711045312
Sunriver’s Meadows course, Oregon.
The gross was won by Mike Stott 32. Second overall with 38 was Bob Smith, and the winner with 39 points John O’Brien.
FORMER ENGLAND MANAGER SVEN-GÖRAN ERIKSSON DIES AT 76
The Swede managed England and 12 teams, including Manchester City, Leicester, Roma and Lazio, won 18 trophies and suffered from terminal and inoperable pancreatic cancer.
The world of football is in mourning the death of former England manager coach Sven-Göran Eriksson, who has died aged 76 at his home in Sunne, Sweden. Eriksson had been diagnosed in January 2024 with terminal pancreatic cancer, and doctors had given him a life expectancy of no more than a year.
Eriksson’s family have issued a brief statement advising of his passing and asking for respect and privacy at this difficult time.
“After a long illness, SGE (Sven-Göran Eriksson) passed away during Monday morning at his home, surrounded by family, his daughter Lina; his son Johan with his wife Amana and granddaughter Sky; his girlfriend Yanisette with her son Alcides; his brother Lars-Erik with his wife Jumnong. The family asks that they be allowed to grieve privately.
Eriksson had been an influential and respected figure in the world of football for more than four decades. His coaching career began in his native Sweden in the late 1970s, when he made his mark with Degerfors IF. However, it was at IFK Göteborg that he achieved international prominence, winning the Swedish league and the UEFA Cup in 1982. These successes opened the door for him to join more established clubs in Europe.
Eriksson continued his career at Benfica, where he won three Portuguese league titles, one Taça de Portugal and one Portuguese Super Cup. His time at Lazio was particularly successful; under his guidance, the club won the Scudetto, the European Super Cup and the Coppa Italia in the 1999–00 season, as well as two further Coppas Italias and one Italian Super Cup. He also managed at Roma, Fiorentina and Sampdoria, showing his ability to adapt to different styles of football and obtain positive results.
One of the most memorable chapters of his career was his time in charge of the England national team. In 2001, Eriksson became the first foreign manager of the Three Lions, leading England to the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, as well as Euro 2004. During his tenure, he managed a golden generation of footballers, including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard. His innovative tactical approach and ability to manage top-class stars left a lasting mark on English football.
After his time in England, Eriksson also coached in Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines, and at clubs such as Manchester City and Leicester City. His last professional stint was as sporting director of the modest Swedish club IF Karlstad, a position he left due to health problems just before publicly announcing his illness. Eriksson also had the chance to fulfil a personal dream when, on 23 March this year, he branded his day as Liverpool Legends manager 'a memory for life' after he achieved a life-long dream of managing Liverpool at Anfield, leading his side to a 4-2 win with the likes of Fernando Torres, Djibril Cisse and Gregory Vignal on the score sheet.
He was all smiles as he took to the Anfield turf before the game, cameras surrounding him and the 60,000 fans in attendance clapped his arrival as he bowed his head in acknowledgement.
Following the game, Eriksson hailed the charity game and explained his pride in leading his team at Anfield. The opportunity to manage the Legends came as a result of a personal invitation from Jurgen Klopp. The appearance allowed him to return to his favourite team and close an important circle in his life.
In an emotional message during the European Championship in Germany, Eriksson shared information about his battle with cancer and his wish to be remembered positively: “Don’t regret it. Smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players and fans. It’s been fantastic. Take care of yourselves and take care of your life. And live it! Goodbye.” In the documentary ‘Sven’, broadcast on Amazon Prime Video, the Swede left a legacy of strength and optimism in the face of adversity. Sven-Göran Eriksson will be remembered as a pioneer in international football, a coach who left an indelible mark on every team and national team he managed. His legacy and impact on the sport will live on as a testament to his exceptional career and contribution to world football.
