The Leader Newspaper 9 September 2024 – Edition 1040
Tragic news has rocked the community as we learned that the entertainer and fundraiser extraordinaire Steve Spit (Brian Thomas McLeod BEM) passed away on Tuesday, aged just 54, surrounded by his family and friends.
The news of his untimely death has left many in shock and disbelief as they come to terms with the loss of a truly beloved figure.
Stevie gained international recognition for his incredible fundraising efforts. His determination and spirit captured the hearts of people around the world, inspiring many to support his numerous causes and donate to his multitude of charities.
Stevie was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer only recently, but such was the speed of it’s spread to the lungs, colon and liver, that he passed away within two short months. Friends, family, and supporters are left reeling from the news, struggling to come to terms with the loss of someone who touched so many lives.
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TORREVIEJA WILL HOST MORE THAN 30 SHOWS BEFORE END OF THE YEAR
Torrevieja’s new cultural programme planned for the Municipal Theatre and the International Auditorium consisting of concerts, dance, theatre and comedy, and much more, has now been announced with tickets already on sale.
During September you can see the ninth edition of the Torrevieja Audiovisual Film Festival. The show for the whole family 'Sleeping Beauty' will also premiere and the 36th International Choral Concert will also take place, organised by the Coral Francisco Vallejos.
Also in September, there will be the long-awaited comedy 'El Sentido del Humor: Dos Tontos y Yo', starring Florentino Fernández, José Mota and Santiago Segura, To end the month, the 17th anniversary of the Orfeón de Torrevieja will be celebrated, a tribute concert to its great director, Mario Bustillo.
The International Gala Day of Older Persons Gala will take place in October, followed a few days later by the comedy 'Mujeres: La Dramedia' and the concert by the acclaimed Pastora Soler to celebrate her 30th anniversary of artistic career.
You can see ABBA ‘The New Experience’ at the Municipal Theatre on 11 October
The first session of the XXI Musical Exchange Concert Campaign will see performances by the La Paz Musical Society and the Torrevieja Musical Union, while Ismael Lemais and La Kiskillosa will present their new show 'Madre Mía' in Torrevieja, and the show 'ABBA: The New Experience' will be held in the International Auditorium with one of the best tributes to the legendary Swedish band. The first concert of the season by the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra will also be held in the auditorium. Also, you can see the renowned vocal group Sette Voci who will present their new album. October will conclude with the long-awaited comedy show by Faemino and Cansado, a concert by Torrevieja favourite Shani Ormiston, and, to celebrate Halloween night at the Municipal Theatre, the children's musical 'Juan Sin Miedo & la Casa Encantada', which is about a young man who has never felt fear.
November will host the XVIII Flamenco Meeting, organised by the Casa de Andalucía Rafael Alberti; the concert for the 20th Anniversary of the Manuel Barberá Choral Group and a concert by the Youth Band of the Torrevieja Musical Union.
On the 16th there will be the Coronation of the Queen of Salt 2024-2025 and the patron saint of Santa Cecilia will be celebrated with various concerts by Los Salerosos, the Torrevieja Musical Union
and the Francisco Casanovas Professional Conservatory. The month will conclude with a new concert by the Royal Film Concert Orchestra and music from 100 years of cinema, also with Diana Navarro's opera "De la Piquer a la Navarro".
Finally, a show for the whole family 'Lily: A Tale of Torrevieja'.
The final month of the year will conclude with the humour of Ángel Martín, the Comic-Musical Magazine La Sal de Torrevieja will be presented, and the Diego Ramírez Pastor Prize will also be awarded. Ars Creatio will present the entertaining comedy 'Eloísa está bajo un almendro' and the Culture Gala will take place.
Coinciding with the Christmas holiday period, there will be a children's show by the successful band Pica Pica and also a Christmas concert by the Los Salerosos Youth Band. This December programme includes the Christmas concert by the UMT Youth Band and the wonderful show 'El Cascanueces', performed by the Barcelona Ballet.
The programme will conclude with 'Navidad Rociera', organised by the Andalusian Cultural Association; followed by the play 'Los Amigos de Ellos Dos' and, to finish, the UMT's 'Broadway' Christmas concert.
Tickets for all these events are already on sale on the website: www.culturatorrevieja.com.
BRITISH TOURIST SPEND IN SPAIN, OVER 2 BILLION EURO
Despite ongoing protests in many provinces and cities, including Alicante, the Valencian Community has seen a significant increase in international tourism during the first seven months of 2024, with British tourists contributing the most to this growth.
They spent a total of 2 billion euro, up from 1.5 billion euro in 2023. This increase is attributed to higher prices for hotels, travel, food, and gifts. Other notable markets include French and Nordic tourists.
The average stay for international visitors has increased, while the average daily expenditure has also risen. This increase in tourist spending has been driven by a combination of factors, including the region's attractions and the rising cost of living in many European countries.
50% SHORTFALL IN MUNICIPAL CONTRACT AS LOCAL
RESIDENTS
SPEND THEIR OWN
MONEY
TO REMOVE ILLEGALLY DUMPED BUILDING WASTE
COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Residents of La Florida paid for two skips and then spent Friday cleaning up the illegal dumps in Calles Aries and Victoria themselves.
The requests of coastal residents to clear building waste from their streets now appears to have materialised into something tangible, although by it is no means anywhere enough to resolve the problem completely.
On Wednesday the Orihuela Council put out to tender a contract valued at 71,923 euros (VAT included) to remove construction waste across the Orihuela Costa and other points spread across the 24 districts and the outskirts of Orihuela city. However, the Cabo Roig and Lomas Residents' Association and CLARO have both said that the new contract only covers "just over half of the waste that is scattered around on their streets."
Both organisations have expressed their discontent with the street cleaning with AVCRL saying, "Although the Town Hall, after making all kinds of excuses for month after month, is finally assuming its responsibilities, only 34,850 euros of the 72k will be allocated to the coast."
They also condemn the fact that the list only includes thirty of the 51 identified dumping points that were recognised in conjunction with an exhaustive study in which they involved the Local Police.
"Once again, the Orihuela City Council lacks a global plan, a comprehensive vision of the problem, since the lack of a permanent ecopark on the coast, which should have been operational at the beginning of this summer, will see the problem simply repeat itself in the same areas, once the current waste has been removed," they said.
They also requested an awareness campaign on the coast throughout the year and more sanctions and police control, otherwise, they warn, "this expenditure will only be a band-aid on what is a serious wound, one that will simply reappear."
Given that the contract will take several months to award, some residents, at their own expense, have decided to clean up their own streets. In the La Florida residential area, where a
group of residents have purchased the use of two roadside containers, many of them spent all day Friday cleaning up and depositing all the construction waste abandoned in Calle Aries and Calle Victoria, according to the former coordinator of the pedanias and leader of CLARO, Antonio Cerdán.
“Although the residents note that Calle Aries is included in the municipal contract, given that work will not begin for another 2 or 3 months, they have decided to start now,” said Cerdán.
This is not the first time that this situation has occurred, and, in fact, platforms linked to the independence movements across the coast have already highlighted many other occasions where street cleaning has been carried out by the residents themselves.
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Known for his resilience and unwavering positivity, Stevie was a beacon of hope for those facing challenges of their own. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he has impacted and the incredible feats he achieved during his time on earth.
As the community mourns the loss of Stevie Spit, tributes pour in from all corners of the globe, remembering him as a true inspiration. His memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew him, and his legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Our thoughts are with Stevie’s loved ones during this difficult time, as we remember the remarkable man who defied the odds and touched the lives of so many. Rest in peace, Stevie. You will be deeply missed.
A Champion of Compassion and Hope Stevie was a beloved entertainer and humanitarian. His unwavering positivity and dedication to helping others have left an indelible mark on the world.
Born in the UK, Stevie began his drag
career in London before finding fame in Europe and ultimately settling on the Costa Blanca. Despite his glamorous public persona, Stevie was a humble and unassuming individual who was deeply committed to charitable causes.
Throughout his life, Stevie was involved in numerous philanthropic endeavours. He tirelessly raised funds for orphanages in Afghanistan, supported children with disabilities, and provided aid to displaced Ukrainians. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to making a difference inspired countless others to join him in his noble pursuits.
One of Stevie's most notable contributions was his work with orphanages in Kabul. Despite the dangers and challenges of working in a war-torn country, Stevie made regular trips to the city to provide financial support and raise awareness of the plight of children who had lost their parents. His shows provided a muchneeded escape for these children and helped to bring joy and hope to their lives.
Stevie's commitment to helping children extended beyond his work in Afghanistan.
He was also a passionate advocate for children with disabilities. He worked tirelessly to raise funds for medical treatments, education, and support services. His dedication to ensuring that all children had equal opportunities was a testament to his compassionate nature.
In addition to his work with children, Stevie was also involved in a wide range of other charitable causes. He supported organizations that helped victims of domestic violence, provided food and shelter for the homeless, and promoted environmental conservation. His dedication to making the world a better place was truly inspiring.
Stevie's unwavering belief in the power of human kindness was evident in all aspects of his life. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it was volunteering his time, donating money, or simply offering words of encouragement. His positive outlook and infectious energy made him a beloved figure in the community.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Stevie was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2019.
The British Ambassador to Spain said of
"Honoured With Wings"
A poem for the late Brian Thomas McLeod BEM aka Stevie Spit ..... By David Whitney
Sometimes it's not easy to fathom
How God chooses Angels at all
I suppose he just wants all those people
Who are willing to answer his call
Those folk who have spent many hours
Who have selflessly given their time
To help other people with kindness
To be there if they need a life line
Stevie was one of those people
His charity work was renowned
As a man in a suit looking dapper
Or in drag and so sparkly gowned
He entertained with sense of humour
His act always so well received
Rewarded and gifted a medal
For the charity work he achieved
A man who deserved all he worked for
Who God chose to honour with wings
To release him from illness and worry
And all of the misery that brings
Not forgetting those now deep in mourning
Who cannot believe that he's gone
Who now live with their cherished sweet memories
Of the stages he entertained on
So Stevie will not be forgotten
He was larger than life and a star
Deservedly held in our hearts now
So he's really not gone very far
The spotlights and wide recognition
The glamorous rhinestones and slap
Stevie strode on the boards in God's Heaven
On a stage you won't find on a map
Performing for millions of Angels
The applause more than he'd ever heard
Headlining the show with a passion
The audience praise every word
An artiste, a man and an Angel
On a stage meant for only the best
Where love rewards those who are special
Like Stevie who passed every test
him at the time, ““Stevie (as most people know him) is a truly inspirational fundraiser. His enthusiasm is such that whenever he organises one of his many impromptu charity fundraisers it is almost a guaranteed success, such is his support from the local Costa Blanca community.”
Stevie’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come as a testament to his compassion, selflessness, and unwavering belief in the power of human kindness.
Beyond his charitable work, Stevie was also a beloved figure in the drag community. His performances were known for their energy, humour, and heartfelt messages. He was a role model for many, demonstrating that it is possible to succeed in life while also making a positive impact on the world.
Stevie's passing is a profound loss, but his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched and the positive change he brought to the world. He will be remembered as a true inspiration and a shining example of the power of love, resilience, and compassion.
As we mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, let us honour his legacy by continuing his work and striving to make the world a better place. May Stevie's spirit of compassion and hope live on forever. RIPmy friend.
Stevie with his lovely mother following the award of the British Empire Medal
Dinner with Willie Thorne and Jimmy Cricket
Raising funds for Tasha Lynch
In Kabul with Afghan orphans
Memorial to Queen Elizabeth
Launch of the RBL Poppy Appeal
Torrevieja schools exceed 15,000 students
Torrevieja is used to dealing with an avalanche of students at the start of every school year and this year is no different with a minimum of 15,049 students enrolled, 1,814 more than in the 2023-2024 academic year.
The figures were provided by the Councilor for Education, Ricardo Recuero. Once again, the main admissions are in Primary, where Torrevieja schools will have 5,288 students spread across 208 classrooms. In Secondary he anticipates the arrival of 3,878 students based in 125 units.
All of them will be looked after by a staff of nearly 1,500 teachers.
CAMPOVERDE SUNFLOWER CHALLENGE
The annual Campoverde Sunflower Challenge has a winner, and it runs in the family. Pauline Barlow has won this year’s Sunflower Challenge with an impressive flower which measures 240cm tall. Pauline’s husband Peter was a winner two years ago, so they obviously have the magic touch.
When quizzed by James McAllister, the organiser of the competition, as to the secret of her success, Pauline said, “We keep it simple; we start the seeds off in pots and then transfer them into the ground. We water each night at the same time when the sun has gone down and we occasionally feed when we remember.”
Another reason for Pauline’s success can be seen in the photo below. Abba their Golden Retriever is an avid digger and would have happily dug up the young flowers. Pauline’s husband Peter
said, “We saw that Abba was taking an interest in the flowers so I had to erect a fence just to keep him out”.
The Sunflower Challenge has been run by Campoverde Church in the Community for over 5 years and the funds raised go towards their successful kids Summer Club. James McAllister said, “The people of Campoverde are very supportive of the Church and our work with children and the Sunflower Challenge is a fun way for everyone to get involved”.
The photo above shows Pauline with Abba the assistant gardner.
ANAESTHETIST ASSAULTED AT VEJA BAJA HOSPITAL
An anaesthetist was assaulted by a patient's relative last week.The case was revealed on Thursday by the Orihuela Health Department,which expressed its condemnation and rejection of the incident.
"This act of violence,far from being an isolated incident,reveals a worrying escalation of attacks on health professionals in our work environment.The safety and wellbeing of our colleagues is an absolute priority,and we will not allow acts like this to go unpunished."
In a show of support for the victim,Staff held a rally at 12 noon on Thursday demanding firm action,protective measures,action protocols,sanctions and institutional support.The Valencian Community Medical Union and the Alicante Medical Association confirmed these requests as more than a hundred professionals gathered at the door of the hospital,as they applauded the reading of a statement.
Lawyer of Orihuela Costa woman accused of killing her husband presses for release on bail
The woman accused of killing her husband in a house in Orihuela Costa has now been held in custody for more than a month despite pleading that her own life was at risk as she acted in self-defence.
At a hearing in Provincial High Court of Elche on Thursday, the prosecutor, once again, insisted that there is a risk of her escape, while the defence lawyer has continued in his line of arguing that her fundamental rights
are being violated as a result of the accumulation of procedural and material irregularities in both the pre-procedural and procedural phases of the proceedings.
Defence lawyer, Sánchez Otharán, has denied that there is a risk of escape, as the woman has been residing in Spain for several years.
He has asked for other less burdensome measures such as the withdrawal of the passport, the prohibition of exit from the country, periodic appearances at a police station or even the wearing of a tag.
He reminded the judge that It was the woman herself who alerted the emergency services of the incident, explaining that after being attacked and assaulted by her husband, both inside and outside the house, she had stabbed him with a kitchen knife, but only in self-defence, she said.
The incident occurred in the presence of the couple's children, aged 6, 8 and 10, in an isolated house on the Oriolano coast where the family, of Norwegian nationality, were living.
Alicante Taxi Drivers Upset with Uber Airport Introduction
Taxi drivers in Alicante are less then happy with the introduction of Uber and Cabify at Alicante-Elche Airport, saying that there were other alternatives which could have improved the service.
Prior to the decision, the mayor of Elche, Pablo Ruz, had rejected proposals to allow taxis from outside the municipality to pick up at the airport, including Taxis from Alicante, a decision considered to be political.
Francisco Sanchez, representative of taxi drivers in Alicante, believes that despite having a good relationship with colleagues in Elche, the arrival of the private operators is due to a “lack of public service”, and “political positioning”. Alicante drivers believe they have the operational capacity to act and could have solved the problems of queues at the airport.
Defence lawyer, Sánchez Otharán
Open Letter to Minister Norma Foley
Dear Minister Foley,
Fair f..f –I mean fair dues to you. What a delightful sight to see almost all of this year’s Leaving Cert class jumping up and down with joy on getting their results.
The individual figures included 7.5% additional marks given out for nothing; how could anybody not be happy and what could go wrong? And it’s only right that everybody be equal … same as every child participating in a school’s sport-day race now has to get a medal … the same medal as the winner. Leaving Certificate results have been artificially boosted due to the disruptions the student’s endured whist studying towards this end. Great stuff and everybody is happy –except the universities.
They will have to do random selection from a group with nearly all having the same points-total. Watch for drop-outs in the coming years, as applicants are accepted for courses above what they are suited to. But not to worry … for now everybody is beside themselves with excitement; and even the Lads in the pub are whipping copies of Leaving Cert results out of their breast pocket and boasting to the barmaid about where Johnny got his brains.
Fairness demands that the pitch be levelled to include every student who was ever disrupted in his or her exam preparation. I wish to lobby you, Minister; seeing as that you are so sympathetic with regards to the ramification of disruption leading up to exams.
The only State exam I ever sat was the 1958 Primary Cert and I’d like you to have a look at it … if its disruption you’re after. My studies were very impacted during not one, but for a couple of years leading up to the test. I speak for all the boys in my class in Johnstown N.S when I appeal to you that our results should be artificially enhanced due to
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.
the disruption we suffered.
Being the eldest in my family, I was kept home from school at the drop of a hat. I had to ‘drop spuds’, ‘wheel turf’, mind the baby … or sometimes be grounded when a brother had taken off for school in my boots. We walked to school and often had to carry a sod of turf to give the impression that the school could be warmed. No school meals for us; our lunch was two slices of homebaked bread stuck together with a plaster of country butter.
My father worked as a carter for Westmeath County Council, along with Judy, our Clydesdale mare. Because Judy couldn’t be done without – or the workers wouldn’t have the gravel to fill the potholes, Daddy couldn’t get time off work for saving our own turf, planting potatoes, making hay, or calving cows. We employed a stand-in to cover for Daddy’s absence – and I was the stand-in’s personal assistant.
Jack Murtagh was this man and the problem here was that Jack had to be caught sober to coincide with the job on hand. This meant that I rarely knew in advance when I would be kept home from school. So, Minister, you can clearly see that my education was disrupted … but I am confident that you will fix it now by amending the results upwards; 66 years is a long time to wait for justice. I hadn’t intended bringing this up; but you owe me a favour, Minister. Sometime after your promotion, I wrote to you suggesting that you stop saying ‘you know’ before answering a question put to you by an interviewer on RTE.
I pointed out that the reason you were asked the ceist was because we weren’t supposed to know before you answered. No … no.. Not at all. You’re most welcome … but every favour done in politics is eventually called in
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.
… I want the 1958 Primary Cert results enhanced, please.
In fairness to myself, I did OK in the exam, despite all the disruptions. This is totally with thanks to a fellow county man of yours, Master Lawlor. In fact, due to the Kerry influence, I got the highest marks in Johnstown School for the 1958 ‘Primary.’ Kindly consider what a bit of ‘artificial adjustment upwards’ could do with that paper.
Seeing what you have done for this year’s Leaving Cert class; none of whom had to bring a cow to the bull before school; surely you can enhance the 1958 Johnstown School
Primary Cert results in proportion?
I know that ‘justice delayed is justice denied’, but it is also better late than never.
I wish you the best of luck in the forthcoming general election … if you get my drift like! An oul Arts Degree would suit me just fine –and I wouldn’t have to do anything with it.
Don’t Forget
It is a thousand times better to have common sense without an education than to have an education without common sense.
Bernie stepping out on the Camino Challenge in 2023
APATHY AND A LACK OF INFORMATION
Some time ago there was a discussion about voting rights for citizens living in Spain. The talk was especially aimed at ensuring that all European citizens should exercise their right at the ballot box. Acomprehensive campaign must be MOBILISED aimed at encouraging every resident to make sure they are on the voters list for the next election.
What we found most shocking was that, of the large number of European residents living on Orihuela Costa with the right to vote in Local Elections, only a small percentage are registered on the list of voters! This shows a degree of apathy and lack of information, which is frankly alarming.
It shows a lack of effort on all sides to ensure their names are included on the list of voters held at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall, which could then have a meaningful impact on the elections, as we need at least 60% of the residents to register and vote to make a significant difference. The consequences of this apathy by Orihuela Costa inhabitants are apparent everywhere on the coast. Over the years there has been a mad scramble to build ever more houses but there has never been the corresponding growth in services to meet the needs of a population that now exceeds 33,600 people and which continues to grow exponentially each year.
For every section of the population the lack of spending by the Orihuela Council has impacted negatively on the quality of their lives. Everyone, from the youngest inhabitant to the most senior, suffers from the continued neglect and lack of investment by the Orihuela Government.
What is alarming is that the money raised
from the sale of land on Orihuela Costa has never been used to invest in facilities for itís residents, rather land sale revenue has been spent on lavish projects in Orihuela city, or on extravagant cultural programmes, and even on building projects in the small villages, many with populations of less than 3,000 people.
Never has there been any attempt to invest in the type of amenities that are common in every Spanish town and village. As everyone is more than aware, there is no centre for older people on Orihuela Costa, there are no day care facilities for frail or disabled people, no cemetery, no youth service, no cultural centre, etc. The list of deficiencies is alarming.
All the main parties have had their time, now it is time for a new party, not just any party, but a party with the right leader, a local Spaniard of the right standing. One who is known and trusted by the residents of the coast. And then, we must reach out to the Pedanias who feel just as neglected as we do on the coast.
Local Government affects your daily life so it is in everyoneís interest to register to vote and use their vote wisely in local elections. Your vote matters! Together we can ensure Orihuela Costa has the services it deserves. If we elect more councillors, we will receive more adequate investment.
For all E.U residents you can register to vote NOW. You simply visit the padrÛn office in the town hall AND DECLARE YOUR intention to vote in the next local elections. Once you are registered you will never have to register again.
For none EU residents, however, including the British, there is a different set of rules. Follow this column for more information.
MAKING ASPLASH AT PUNTA PRIMAíS TORREJOVEN HOTEL
A 19-year-old driver was tested positive for alcohol on Friday after he spectacularly crashed his vehicle into the pool of the Hotel Torrejoven in Punta Prima.
The accident happened just after 8pm when, according to eyewitnesses, the all-terrain vehicle was travelling at high speed on Calle Arrecife in the Rocío del Mar neighbourhood, south of the municipality of Torrevieja.
After the 19 year old Lithuanian driver misjudged a bend he crashed through a bordering wall, scattering a number of sun loungers,
and half submerging the vehicle in the children’s pool, Fortunately, the there were no guests using the three-star hotel facility at the time. An ambulance arrived at the scene, but the young driver was unharmed and did not need medical assistance. Immediately afterwards, he was subjected to a breath test by the Torrevieja the local police who confirmed that his alcohol level was positive (0.25 mg/l), double the legal limit for driving (0.60 mg/l) in Spain.
Tender finally issued for Orihuela Sports Facilities
The management of Orihuela's municipal sports facilities has finally been put out to tender,marking a significant step forward in ensuring the continuity of essential sports services and promoting inclusivity.
The contract,valued at 14.8 million euros,will provide a stable foundation for the operation of these facilities and ensure that residents have access to a wide range of sports activities.
The successful bidder will be responsible for overseeing management staff,maintenance,and access control,ensuring that the facilities are well-maintained and operate efficiently.Additionally,the contract requires the bidder to possess a trained and experienced team to fulfill its obligations,guaranteeing the quality of services provided.
The contract's base budget of 14,888,149 euros reflects the comprehensive scope of services required, including salaries,materials,and maintenance of facilities.This investment demonstrates Orihuela's commitment to providing high-quality sports facilities and programs for its residents.
Council issue ultimatum to owners of Los Balcones building
While its owners continue to ignore their responsibilities in preserving the old Los Balcones tower house, the building continues to deteriorate. Now, in order to prevent its complete collapse, the Torrevieja Council has issued an ultimatum to the owners of this historic building, the company Ocio Azul SL, who have repeatedly failed to comply with their duty of conservation.
The Councillor for Urban Management has given Ocio Azul one month to complete the perimeter fence and urges it to maintain it until the rehabilitation work is carried out. She gives another four months for the company to carry out shoring and propping up tasks in other areas in an unstable situation. At this time, only one façade is propped up, with it still necessary for similar work also to be carried out for the tower.
Tabarca want better balance of tourists throughout the year
residents
Overcrowding during peak seasons can lead to issues with waste management and impact the quality of life for residents.
To address this, the residents' association has proposed an awareness campaign on the boats that transport visitors to Tabarca, emphasizing the island's status as a marine reserve and historical town.
By promoting responsible tourism and preserving the island's unique features, Tabarca can continue to be a valued destination for visitors while maintaining its quality of life for residents.
The
of Tabarca, a small island in the Valencian Community, are seeking to balance the influx of tourists throughout the year. While August brings significant economic benefits, they believe that a more evenly distributed flow of visitors would allow for better preservation of the island's heritage and environment.
The Costa Blancaís oldest ëFREEíEnglish language newspaper - WITH THE LARGEST LOCALCIRCULATION
ALICANTE ACCELERATES TOURIST APARTMENT STRATEGY
The Alicante Council aims to have full control over the regulation, inspection and sanctioning capacity of tourist apartments, with the governing team already completing the first steps to request the transfer of powers, together with a consultation on the requirements that are necessary to assume them, now pending ratification in les Corts.
The request made through the Department of Urban Planning is one of the first registered and which has already received requests for information and enquiries from other munic-
ipalities in the Valencia region.
With the delegation of powers, the Alicante Council will have the capacity to order and decide in which areas of the urban centre and under what specific conditions (complete block or isolated property) the operation of a tourist apartment may be authorised. This is provided for in article 64 bis of the Decree Law, which specifies that "the City Councils, for compelling reasons of general interest, and through the exercise of their urban planning powers, may establish
proportionate limitations, with regard to the maximum number of tourist dwellings per building, sector, area or zone.
This power will now be supplemented by the ability to strengthen the fight against illegal supply by directly exercising the inspection function. Furthermore, it will also be able to initiate, instruct and resolve sanctioning proceedings in the event that possible minor, serious or very serious infringements are detected.
EXHIBITION MARKS 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF DEVASTATING FLOODS
Friday13th September will remind many people either how lucky or unlucky they were 5 years ago, when a new exhibition marking the anniversary of the devastating 2009 floods opens in Almoradí.
The mayor of Almoradí, María Gómez, accompanied by the painter Francisco Sánchez Soria and the councillor for tourism, José Antonio Latorre, presented "Tiempo sin Orillas" (Time without Shores), a new showcase in the Exhibition Hall of the Almoradí Town Hall.
A graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts of San Fernando in Madrid, Sánchez Soria works as a professor of Drawing in Almoradí. He completed doctoral courses in Geography and History at the University of Alicante, where he obtained a
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AT ZENIA BOULEVARD
PhD in Philosophy and Letters with a research paper on the relationship between architecture and aesthetics.
"Tiempos sin Orillas" was born as an artistic response to the devastation and impact that the DANA caused in the region five years ago. Through the works on display, a profound artistic reflection is offered on the effects of that event and its mark on the environment and the Vega Baja.
The Mayor of Almoradí, María Gómez García, invites all residents, visitors and art lovers to visit it, as it will be a great opportunity to see an artistic project that reflects the days when the DANA affected our beloved Vega Baja. The exhibition will remain open until November 9, from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
a member of the loyalty club. Prizes include bags, cards, and activity books.
Zenia Boulevard is gearing up to celebrate its 12th anniversary this September. To mark the occasion, the center has undergone a major refurbishment and will be hosting a series of events.
On Saturday, September 21, there will be a grand party featuring live music, entertainment, and a film concert. The following week, on September 28, the beloved mascot Zimbo will have a birthday celebration with activities for children. Throughout the anniversary month, shoppers can participate in a promotion by presenting a purchase receipt and becoming
In addition to the anniversary festivities, the Boulevard is also hosting a talent show. This competition aims to showcase local talent and encourage creativity. Participants must be over 14 years old and can showcase their skills in singing, dancing, playing an instrument, or other artistic abilities.
The centre is also running a Back to School campaign 1-13 September. To participate you will need to present a purchase receipt of at least €20 and be a member of Club Zenia Kids. Prizes will include a pencil cup, a ‘Back to School’ story and a multiplication table from Zimbo and Peludo.
Coinciding
with “back to school”, Torrevieja Local Police are launching a campaign of awareness and sanctioning for electric scooters in the town.
The minimum age for using one of these scooters is 16.
General laws also apply, such as the vehicles being for single use, not carrying passengers, can not be capable of going over 25 kilometres an hour, the use of headphones and mobile phones is banned, and ALL traffic rules apply. Although not mandatory in Torrevieja, the wearing of a helmet is always advisable.
The police have taken to social media and shared an informative leaflet which details some of the fines for illegal use.
CAT RESCUED BY FIREFIGHTERS IN SAN FULGENCIO
Last Friday firefighters from the AlmoradÌ park were called out to rescue a kitten that had become trapped in a downpipe in San Fulgencio. The animal fell from the roof into the gutter, becoming stuck in the pipe.
To free the cat, the firefighters used a technique that consisted of adding water to the gutter, which allowed the animal to get out of the downpipe. The feline was rescued without suffering any injuries.
Rock Against Cancer charity festival in Torrevieja
If you enjoy rock we have good news. On September 13 and 14, the 'Rock Against Cancer' festival will be held in the Antonio Soria Park in Torrevieja, a charity festival against cancer to benefit the NGOs AFECÁNCER and 'Alicante for the fight against cancer'.
This 7th edition will feature the best tribute bands in Europe with music from Queen, Muse and Status Quo. From Italy, there will be the SAD European Metallica Tribute. From the United Kingdom, Quo-incidence
with their tribute to Status Quo; from Switzerland, Roxxet and from Barcelona, Like a Stone in tribute to Audioslave. Music on both evenings starts at 6 p.m. and end at 2 a.m. The venue will also have merchandising stores and Food Trucks. Advance tickets can be purchased on the festival website or at entradium.com for 25 euros for one day or 40 euros for the entire festival. Entry is free for children under 12. Tickets can also be purchased in person at various establishments in Torrevieja such as the Mexi Mundo restaurant or Monroe's Rock Bar.
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ACROSS ACROSS
1.Glasses (10)
7.Depart (5)
8.Feeble man (7)
10.Authorise (8)
11.Nought (4)
13.Disregard (6)
15.Nook (6)
17.Ajot (4)
18.Unit of weight (8)
21.Sweetheart (7)
22.Silly (5)
23.Dramatist (10)
CAN YOU MASTER THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE?
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9. Solution on
21.Itís needed when a man gets a telephone call (7)
22.Dismayed to be leading for part of the match (5)
23.Right in the middle of the cemetery (4,6)
DOWN DOWN
1.Cold-sounding country (5)
2.Due anger, perhaps, when too young (5,3)
3.Key worker in an office? (6)
4.Loud Communist man (4)
5.Mean to state number of years (7)
6.With difficulty on the water? (2,1,7)
9.Apologetic nation in poor condition (5,5)
12.Ignore the reduction (8)
14.Ran back at speed to tell a story (7)
16.Forty five and not yet married? (6)
19.Ale is spilt in the passageway (5)
20.Generous type (4)
LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 19)
1. What is both the name of a Greek goddess and a colourful part of the human body? Four letters.
2. Translated, which very popular seven letter word at the dinner/supper table beginning with the letter "D" means "to clear the table"?
3. Which singer with the initials E. C. was the first person to have a record that sold more than a million copies?
4. Which of the following is the highest capital city in Europe? a. Vienna b. Zagreb c. Andorra la Vella d. Bern
5. What was the name of Hollywood's first canine star in the 1930s?
6. What popular winter food is prepared in the cooking vessel known as a 'caquelon'?
7. B.A.S.E. jumping. What does the acronym BASE mean?
8. Since the introduction of the Open era in 1968, name the six US tennis players who have won the Men's Singles title at Wimbledon.
9. The name for which type of high-altitude cloud is the Latin word for 'curling lock of hair'?
10. The following lyrics are from songs with the name of a city somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song? a. The feeling has gone, only you and I, it means nothing to me, this means nothing to me. b. Looking at the world over the rim of his tea cup, each tea lasts an hour. c. Ain't no angel gonna
greet me, it's just you and me my friend, my clothes don't fit me no more. d. Confront your enemies, avoid them if you can, a gentleman will walk but never run. e. The bars are temples but the pearls ain't free, you'll find a god in every golden cloister, and if you're lucky then the god's a she.
11. Grenache and Tempranillo are both used to make what?
12. Who rode the white stallion named Marengo?
13. First introduced in 1966, what became the bestselling car in the world in 1997?
14. In a popular cult TVseries, which acronym is the arch enemy of T.H.R.U.S.H.?
15. The following are the first words to which 1977 Hollywood blockbuster? "Will you just watch the hair! You know I work on my hair a long time and you hit it. He hits my hair!"
16. The ancient city of Tenochtitlan is found today in the centre of which modern capital?
17. What are the three longest rivers in Asia?
18. Atype of boat, the indented bottom of a wine bottle and something done to a ball in sport. One word.
19. Lestat was an evil character in which book and film?
20. Which four letter word beginning with the letter 'M' is a word for sauce in the Mexican cuisine?
Eleven migrants disembark from a boat at Punta Prima
A boat with 11 migrants on board arrived on the coast of Punta Prima on Wednesday night.It was met by the Red Cross emergency team and by Civil Guard agents.The Civil Guard transferred the occupants to the port of Alicante.Inside the small motorboat with an outboard motor,there were eight adult men,a pregnant woman and two minors aged 4 and 6. The migrants travelling in the boat were not the only ones to arrive on Wednesday in the Valencian Community.Passengers on another boat had to be rescued at sea.In this case,they were saved close to Benidorm by Maritime Rescue from the vessel carrying 13 adult males who were all in good health.
This brings the total to 40 migrants in three boats in a single day in the waters of the province.
Repairing Promenade rails in Playa Flamenca and La Zenia to cost 216,000 euros
Putting an end to the poor condition of the railings on the Playa Flamenca promenade is one of the longeststanding demands of Orihuela Costa residents. The corrosive action of the sea has caused the cast iron pillars that support the stainless-steel rails to deteriorate to the point that they serve no purpose, other than portraying a terrible appearance of the coastline.
These railings have been deteriorating for many years due to the slow oxidation process caused by the sea, to the point where stretches of the railings approaching 1500 metres in length now need to be completely replaced.
At long last, we understand that the Orihuela Council has finally agreed an investment of 216,000 euros for the repair of the railings along the promenades of La Zenia and Playa Flamenca. The figure was revealed by the councillor for the Coast, Manuel Mestre (Vox), during the plenary session last Thursday.
Councillor Mestre said that, initially, up to three projects were commissioned because the existing budget allocation, from Municipal Land Heritage (PMS), was insufficient to address the entire project of 1,440 linear metres, 778 in the Playa Flamenca section and 373 in the La Zenia
It has been necessary for the Council to supplement the project with an extra 85,000 euros
section.
He acknowledged that, given the lack of an initial budget, they did consider reducing the quality of the materials or initially only carrying out the section of railing that passes through Playa Flamenca. Now, however, the Council has supplemented the project with an extra 85,000 euros, which, he said, will enable the complete repair from Playa Flamenca to La Zenia.
The PSOE, councillor María García
questioned whether the material finally chosen for the new railing posts (chrome nickel) was the most suitable to withstand the corrosive action of the sea stating that the residents, during district meetings, had proposed wood as an alternative.
In this regard, Mestre said that the municipal surveyors had estimated this resource as the most resistant and ruled out wood because, "despite being more beautiful and aesthetic, it requires annual maintenance and is less resistant."
ARed Cross worker ensures the safety of the youngest child.
Your Unanswered Driving Questions Answered –August 2024 .....
Every month, hundreds of thousands of people search the N332.es for their driving questions, and whereas most of them find the answers they are looking for, occasionally the information
isn´t there, or sometimes their questions are too vague, so each month now, we will pick out some of those unanswered driving questions and answer them, in brief, and if any need elaborating, we will do that on the
website.
So, here is our pick of 5 from the August searches:
WHAT DOES A COW SIGN MEAN WHEN DRIVING?
There are a number of different warning signs relating to animals on the road, on this occasion, the pictogram that looks like a cow warns of animals under control, such as a cattle track, or perhaps goats, sheep etc, but moving together with human companions.
WHAT DOES A HORIZONTAL TRIANGLE SIGN MEAN?
Triangular signs on poles generally mean a warning sign, in other words, they are warning of a hazard ahead, either actual or potential. The exception of the inverted sign which refers to give way. If you see the triangle painted on the road, it refers to the give way junction ahead.
DRIVING IN SPAIN LEFT OR RIGHT?
In Spain, we drive on the right. In fact, the law dictates that we drive as close to the right as possible, generally, unless something prevents this. This applies on roads with one lane, and multiple lanes. On a road with more than one lane in each direction, the righthand lane is the normal driving lane, additional lanes are for overtaking only,
unless indicated that their use is for directional or separation purposes.
ITV DESFAVORABLE MEANING?
There are urgent repairs that must be done on your vehicle following the ITV inspection. This is a lesser problem than “negativa”, which would prevent us from driving away from the test centre, but none the less is serious enough that the repairs should be carried out as soon as possible, and in general terms, return to the test centre within 2 months for a retest, normally for free.
GREEN PAINTED LINES ON ROAD?
We have covered this a number of times over the few years they have been present. They are part of a concept of traffic calming measures, designed to encourage vehicle drivers to slow down and be more careful in problematic areas.
If you have questions about driving in Spain, you can visit both n332.es, and spanishtrafficlaw.es, both of which offer the ability to search, and will give you information based on the query you input. If you can’t find your answer, you can email: news@n332.es, and whereas we cannot enter into personal correspondence, we could answer your question in a future article.
The meaning of a triangular sign !
FARMER DESCRIBES LA MATA GRAPE HARVEST AS “THE WORST RETURN.”
Local farmer Cayetano Gil has called the La Mata grape harvest "the worst possible return," with the plots of the La Mata Natural Park, between Torrevieja and Guardamar del Segura, showing a loss of 50% in it’s production. Problems such as drought, lack of generational change, pests, the presence of animals looking for food - this year they are doing much more damage - and the legal complexity that exists with the land, which all make it increasingly difficult to keep alive this wine-growing activity that has been so important in this territory since time immemorial. The August harvest has yielded between 10,000 and 12,000 litres, as opposed to 50,000 in 2023. In recent years, wineries in La Mata and hectares planted with vineyards within the Park have also been lost, going from around 30 to the current 20 or so.
In these, we now have two grape varieties very typical of
the area, Moscatel and Merseguera, but there are many more, in total up to twenty. These vineyards have a unique flavour and character as they are planted about 500 metres from the sea, impacted by a capricious Levante, at a low altitude, on land with tradition, with its own history associated with the vine.
The centuries linked to this crop has been modernised, but they are still worked in an artisanal
way. Because it is tradition and culture, the hallmark of this celebrated corner of Torrevieja. A trajectory that is valued by the researcher and disseminator of the history of local heritage, Ana Meléndez, through 'Lagunas de Torrevieja y La Mata, Patrimonio cultural y poblaciones' (a Facebook and Instagram page), bears witness to the importance and representation of this treasure, which offers unique wines that are highly prized inside and outside Spain.
"A thousand-year-old stronghold" is what Ana Meléndez refers to when describing its history, how strains from other places arrived here, how it is grown and the vocabulary shared by local farmers. Because it is more than just growing. In this sense, the farmers' association that defends the present and future of this essential crop says it needs more support from the administration if it is to survive, although many already consider it lost.
MURCIA GOVERNMENT LOSES AIRPORT COMPENSATION APPEAL
The Murcia airport project has been plagued by financial setbacks. The regional government initially guaranteed a loan of €182 million to the concessionaire, Aeromur. However, Aeromur failed to meet contractual conditions and the government terminated the contract. Subsequently, the government sought compensation from Aeromur for the lost investment.
The Superior Court of Justice has now ruled that the government's claim for compensation was submitted too late. The court stated that sanctions for breach of contract must be presented within three months, and the government's claim was filed after this deadline. Additionally, the court found that the government's calculation of the compensation amount was flawed.
The decision means that the Murcia government will not receive any compensation from Aeromur for the airport project. This is a significant setback for the government, which has already incurred significant costs associated with the airport. It is also a blow to the region's economy, as the airport is a major infrastructure project.
Loss of the appeal will cost the Provincial Government E182 million which they had ‘banked’ on getting back
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.
ENJOY THE VERY BEST TRADITIONS OF A TRAFALGAR NIGHT D INNER
The Torrevieja Branch of the Royal Naval Association will once again be honouring their most famous son, Lord Horatio Nelson, at their annual Gala Dinner on 21 October. The event will celebrate the valour and victory of all those who fought at the Battle. To be held at LA LAGUNA Hotel, in Ciudad Quesada, attendees taking overnight accommodation will benefit from a 15% discounted rate.
Included in the ticket price of E60 will be a Cava reception starting at 6pm, with the spectacle of numerous flags being paraded to the music of ‘Heart of Oak’. This will be followed by a three-course meal with copious amounts of Wine, Beer or Soft Drinks.
Following the formal part of the evening, including the various toasts in port, you will then be able to delight in the entertainment, and dance or singalong to the sounds of the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s music, performed by Guitarist/Singer, Rea Daniel.
Past celebrations with Nicola Louden, the DA Captain Stephen McGlory, and Colin Holloway
There is also an Auction and a Raffle with a host of prizes and the opportunity to have a photograph taken in your finest regalia. This is a Once a Year Gala Evening to which a warm welcome is extended by the RNATB to all civilians, military & ex-military personnel.
For a night to remember contact: Assistant Social Secretary, Amanda Clancy by email at: AsstSocialSecRNATB@gmail.com Full details with menu options and cancellation policy will be explained.
SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION
QUIZ FROM P 14:
1.Iris, 2.Dessert (from the French 'desservir'), 3.Enrico Caruso (the aria ''Vesti la giubba'), 4.Answer c.Andorra la Vella, 5.Rin Tin Tin, 6.Fondue, 7.Buildings, Antenna, Spans, Earth.8.Six answers.Stan Smith, Jimmy Connors, Arthur Ashe, John McEnroe, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras.9.Cirrus.10.Five answers.a. Vienna (Ultravox), b.Streets Of London (Ralph McTell), c.Streets Of Philadelphia (Bruce Springsteen), d.An Englishman In New York (Sting), e.One Night In Bangkok (Murray Head).11.Spanish red wine (grenache and tempranillo are grapes).12.Napoleon. 13.Toyota Corolla.14.U.N.C.L.E.(The man from UNCLE).15.Saturday Night Fever.16.Mexico City.17. Three answers.Yangtze (6,300 km), Yellow river (also known as Huang He, 5,464 km), Mekong river (4,909 km).18.Punt.19.Interview With A Vampire.20.Mole
SUDUK
LUCY’S SECRET .... BY JOHN MCGREGOR
´Bletchley Park? I used to work there´.
´Where? When was that, wasn´t that the code-breaking place in the war, top secret´.
´Yes, Bletchley Park! I told you, I used to work there´
´Are you sure Mum? You know as you get older your mind forgets and your memory plays tricks on you -´.
´You cheeky sod. Yes, it was a long time ago. But we weren’t allowed to talk about it – and we didn’t´.
´Wow – do the others know?´
´Well no, I don’t think I´ve ever mentioned it. You just… didn’t´
My Mum Lucy and I were getting ready for a family get-together at her house over Christmas in 1995. The TV was on and a picture of a large redbrick country mansion house came on.
The building was being rescued just in time before being pulled down because of the sudden revelation that Bletchley Park had been the home of British code-breaking during the war. It was said that the success of the operation shortened the war between two to four years, when the Allies were at last able to break the German forces complex messaging system and gain valuable advantage.
Churchill did not want the information about Bletchley Park to get out after the war – and it didn’t.
All this was too good an opportunity for family celebration to pass up so when all the family was all together, after we had eaten and everything cleared away I told my siblings and our kids that our Mum had something to tell us – about how she helped to win the war. What followed was met with genuine amazement, and after the huge surprise more deep respect and love grew for a now-older lady, our wonderful mother who had brought up four of us.
But a curious slice of her early life was revealed that we had never known about: our lovely Dad had passed away some seven years previously aged only sixty-six. We all knew the romantic story about their meeting and courtship - but this new development was something else.
Mum was an only child, Lucy Dorothy Newberry, born in 1923 to a modest couple called Grace and Arthur in a small town called Woburn in Bedfordshire.
The area is dominated by Woburn Abbey, home of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford. Most of the inhabitants of Woburn worked at The Abbey at some time in their lives: Lucy´s Mum Grace was a cook and Dad Arthur a gardener. Her uncle Henry was the Duchess´s
chauffer. Their family home was owned by the estate, built at the turn of the twentieth century. It was in a block of eight terraced houses, just off the main road, but access was by the side of the block to travel round to the back where there was only the one entrance - no doors at the front, only windows. It was said the Duke did not wish to see washing out on the line in front, this area was kept clean and tidy. The large back gardens were used for growing fruit and vegetables. After leaving the Woburn Primary School aged eleven Lucy graduated up to Bedford Girls School but had a considerable journey every day to get there. She biked to the next village, Ridgmont where there was a railway station.
Here she waited for the train and put her bike in the Guards Van while she travelled the eleven miles to Bedford - then retrieving her bike pedalled on to school – and the reverse coming home – every day.
Lucy was sixteen when war broke out in 1939 with the whole country gripped with fear at the German onslaught of Europe.
Having passed her ´School Certificate´, the equivalent of todays GCSEs well , eighteen year-old Lucy persuaded her parents to let her apply for work in Bedford, rather than try for local work in Woburn.
Telling Grace and Arthur she was doing ´secretarial work´ but which she was not allowed to talk about it she started work at Bletchley Park.
That was OK with Grace – but not Arthur. It is hard to brand her Dad as a gossip, but he did like to know everything, and he strongly suspected Lucy knew a lot more than she was letting on.
C´mon Luce´, he would say, ´Just tell your old Dad was it is you do, I won’t tell anybody´.
´Don’t tell him Lucy!´Called Grace. ‘He’ll tell everybody, especially that barmaid in the
Rose and Crown – she knows more about our family than I do!´ But Arthur was very protective of his only daughter. He would always come to meet her from the train, at night on shiftwork she would always see the light from his cigarette as he waited in the lane.
Arthur didn’t approve of make-up and fashion, so Lucy had to hide things in her bag as she came and went.
For a young country girl the town life had a lot to offer. Amongst the teenage girls the talk was of clothes, stockings - and young men. The Americans were also on their way amid much excitement.
In 1941 fate took a huge hand in Lucy´s life. She received a letter from a young sailor in Portsmouth, a New Zealander a long way from home.
Prior to leaving home one of his boyhood mates had given him Lucy´s address, they had been pen-friends. Knowing no-one in England the young man training to be a pilot wrote to her outlining his position and respectfully asked if he could visit Lucy and her parents. He did, arriving in Bedford station in 1942.
They married the following year in 1943, and my sister Jean was born in 1944. With this whirlwind happening in her life Mum left Bletchley Park and virtually forgot all about it – for fifty years.
Now we all questioned her: what work did she do, what did she see? Well, Mum described the legendary huts in the grounds of the estate, each with a different number
according to which area and sector of the war they were covering.
Written messages were to be dashed to and from the huts with great urgency, and Mum talked of professor-type old men at nights sometimes wrapped up in their dressing gown huddled over their work – but not averse to pinching young girls bottoms if they got the chance, although the word quickly got round as to who to avoid.
To Mum it was her job and like many others in wartime Britain – you got on with it and kept your mouth shut.
Several years later over in the UK for my annual RAF reunion I realized I was near the legendary Bletchley Park. It was early morning but it seemed the place was open so I pulled into the car park.
At the cheerful reception desk I was asked if I had any special reason for visiting and I said I thought my Mum used to work there in war time.
I was told if you walk down the passage there is a large information book which details everyone who ever worked there - hopefully that might help? I rushed down the passage and there it was, a huge ledger.
It didn’t take me long to find what I was looking for:
´LUCY DOROTHY NEWBURY – GENERAL OFFICE 1941 -42´
So there it was, in unbelievable print. My fantastic Mum actually worked in Bletchley Park all those years ago and played her part – her parents never knew - and neither did we. We do now!
One of the wartime huts at Bletchley Park, where Lucy worked
VALENCIAN BOWLS CHAMPIO NSHIP GETS UNDERWAY AT BONALBA WITH MIXED RINKS
Suzi Cooper casts an eye over her tournament favourites
The 2024 Valencian Championships begin on 11th September. Games will be hosted by Bonalba, Greenlands, Quesada & San Miguel Bowls Clubs.
The competition starts with the Mixed Rinks Competition, the heats of which will be played exclusively at Bonalba Bowls Club. Lots of good teams entered and with the absence of last year’s champions from Country Bowls the disipline will see new champions with the irst round tie between the rinks of Graham Richardson & Pete Bonsor looking a good match to watch.
In the Mixed Triples my teams to follow are – the title holders from Greenlands, Peta Rhodes, Lisa Bonsor & Pete Bonsor, who get a bye through the preliminaries into round one, along with Gail Willshire, Mike Douglas & Fred Willshire, Sue Bosworth, Andy Miles & Dave Morrison, Mel Ward, Violet Campbell & Pete Morgan.
The Mixed Pairs has lots of established pairings but also quite a few new partnerships. With the absence of the holders, the husband and wife pairing of Russell and Sabrina Marks, it will be interesting to see how the matches progress as the tournament goes on. For the Mens Pairs. Last years winners Dave Morrison & Pete Bonsor will play against Stuart Hemmings & Steve Cantley in the first round while last years losing finalists Mel
Ward & Pete Morgan take on fellow Quesada bowlers Terry Morgan & Allen Bowen.
The Ladies pairs also has some good pairings. Peta Rhodes & Lisa Bonsor will take on fellow Greenlands bowlers Debby Perryman & Janet Jukes in the first round. Sabrina Marks & Mary Dyer will play Maggie Tobin & Maria Isaac. Gail Willshire & Lynn Greenland play Eve Bell & Belinda Archer while the holders, Sue Elvin and Jackie Fenty of the Emerald Isle, get their title defence off with a match against the Greenlnds pairing of Val Duchart and Lin Hammersley.
Only 16 Ladies contesting the singles but some past winners in there with Maggie Furness, Jane Hamill, Lisa Bonsor & Peta Rhodes, with Champion Peta opening up with a tie against her club collegue, Janet Jukes.
With 56 Men participating in the Singles, won last year by Pete Bonsor, the Men in the prelim round will need to win 6 games to become Champion. This is perhaps the most open singles we have seen in recent years with any one of a dozen or more in with a shout for the title. The preliminary rounds get underway at San Miguel and Greenlands next Saturday morning. Further information on these in my next report.
COSTABLANCAWALKING FOOTBALL
The Costa Blanca Walking Football League is now back, bigger than ever before. There is now an over 50’s league with 8 teams; The Hub, Red Lion Fortuna, Forementera, Portobello, Entre Naranjos, Hondon, La Romano, and Camposol. The over 50s league starts in November. Meanwhile the over 60s league starts a month earlier in October, with the teams: Forementera, Portobello, Hondon, Los Marineros, Forementera
An FA Cup type competition will be held at the end of the season, where, teams, not in the league, will also be invited to take part.
On the International scene. the CBWFL was
part of the Bid that the Spanish Walking International Football Team, committed to doing as part of the legacy commitment. The league are adopting the WFA Laws of the Game, and the Referees are currently under taking a rigid training programme, to obtain the appropriate WFA qualification. This could lead to them being selected to officiate in next year's World Nations Cup of Walking Football which is being held in Spain. The League is actively on the look out for more officials, both male and female. Anyone interested can contact Kevin Leonard on 642 157 764, or Mark Kavanagh 711 025 472, for more information on how to become a walking football referee.
2023 Singles winners Pete Bonsor and Peta Rhodes
2023 Ladies Pairs title holders, Sue Elvin and Jackie Fenty of the E Isle.
Spain are currently ranked 4th in the world at walking football
YOUR DREAM HOME SUMMER POOL LEAGUE
BUNGALOW DIVISION WEEK 16
Bar Rambla Red6-3Bar Rambla Blue
Havana Habaneros4-5CC's
The One Bar7-2Echos
Maschis9-0Thistle & Rose Red
Thistle & Rose Blue2-7Tipsy Cow
LEAGUE TABLE
P W Agg Pts
Bar Rambla Red **16144626
Havana Habaneros16134626
Maschis16134426
Thistle & Rose Blue **1610618
Tipsy Cow167414
Bar Rambla Blue **167-612
CC's166-2012
The One Bar165-2610
Thistle & Rose Red163-506
Echos162-444
** deducted 2 points (not adhering to league rules)
Sports Bar6-3Mickeys Bar New Tavern2-7Courtyard A Courtyard B1-8Tipsy Toad
LEAGUE TABLE
P W Agg Pts
Tipsy Toad16165832
Firestation Redwatch16135426
Firestation Bluewatch16123224
Courtyard A16113822
Sports Bar166212
Kaceys166-1812
Arianaz166-2612
New Tavern165-2410
Mickeys Bar164-368
VICKY JOINS THE ‘BIG BOYS’ AT SMILING JACKS
El Presidente does it again.
Good afternoon ladies and gents and thank you for supporting Smiling Jack's
Another fantastic day out again at the lovely new sierra golf
The course was set up well but needed a few GUR areas marked up on the fairways.
I'd like to welcome Victoria Shaw on her first ever round of big boy golf.
The sight of her dancing around the green after getting her first ever par was only bettered when she parred the next hole.
The squeals could be heard in Smiling Jack's. Well done the daughter.
A big thank you to Lisa for looking after us this afternoon. A special thank you goes out to Julie for the wonderful wraps and hot dogs, delicious as always.
Now for the scores
Nearest the pin on 3 was Cheryl
Nearest the pin on 13 was hubby tiny
Nearest the pin in two on 2 was tiny just to keep it in the family.
In second place with a fantastic 36 points
CARP R US AUTUMN SERIES UNDERWAY
After a few weeks avoiding the heat, here is this weeks CRU report Carp-r-Us resumed its Summer-Autumn series on Thursday 5th September after its August, too hot for matches, break.
The venue was El Bosquet using sections 1-7 and 26-40. This has fished extremely well for most of August but poorly of recent days. No one knew quite what to expect especially after the deluge the previous afternoon.
Pellet was the bait and neither maggot nor bread interested the carp or mullet.
Overall Dave Hutchinson won from peg 30 catching several sizeable carp for a weight of 19-02 kgs.
Most were caught full depth at half way across with a few bonus fish up in the water from the far side. Next came Willy Moons on peg 3.
Willy fished, as ever, feeder and caught 18-00 kgs just narrowly pipping Vinnie Smith on peg 3 who caught 15-76 kgs. At the far end of the venue, on peg 40, Russel Davison came out tops with 10-44 kgs.
A lot of fish have been introduced to the channels during this past Summer, especially into 17-25 which had been widened.
And the access much improved. At the weigh-ins, it was evident that lots of good sized carp were caught though, from carrying voices, more and better ones were caught by a pleasure angler on peg 14.
Next week the club is at Bigastro (actually Jacarilla) on the Rio Segura. An entirely different venue, running rather than still water, which has produced some very large carp and too many dinner plates
Dave Hutchinson with several sizeable carp and a weight of 19.02
was Bob, well done.
Today's winner with a score of 37 points, a new handicap of 15 is El Presidente for the second time in 6 years.
Whoop whoop!!
The winner of the famous Blue Johnny was Kevin Quinn.
A big thank you to the top man Ger for donating the prize of a free gold day with Smiling Jack's was for the first time El Presidente.
I would like to thank everyone for supporting Smiling Jack'sand I will announce the next event shortly
EL Presidente
Join now and help us to make a better Orihuela Costa
See details of how to join below:
Winner
HONOURS EVEN IN BRUISING DERBY ENCOUNTER BETWEEN TORRY AND THADER
Having lost only 1 (against a strong Crevillente side) of their 8 pre season friendlies, Thader went into this opening Community League South match,against new promoted Torrevieja,in a confident mood.The last time that these 2 local sides met a few years ago,it was a cup match,which Torrevieja won.
within the club, including the return of manager Raul Mora.
Since the last league game at the end of May,there have been a number of comings and goings
On 9 Mins,ex Torry player Amin, controlled a cross from the left, before narrowly firing over the bar. His opposite number 9 (Mati) did exactly the same from the very next attack.Midway through the half,which was proving to be exciting end to end stuff, Tremino forced a reaction save from Torry keeper Hector.Shortly afterwards,Tremino appeared to be brought down inside the penal-
ty area,but the diminutive lady referee (Raquel Garcia),waved play on.It was such a clear cut penalty,and to make matters worse,she was in a good position to judge!!
On 39 mins,an Amin assist to Serhiy,resulted in a shot into the hosts side netting.Chema came to his sides rescue,when he saved brilliantly to deny Omar a certain opening goal for Torry.Back came Thader,when another Tremino/Amin combination,resulted in the latter forcing Hector to make a vital save.Inside stoppage time,captain Lloyd could only watch as his free kick on the edge of the box was tipped over for a corner,then his Thader team mate Fran,let loose a screamer from all of 35 yards,which was dealt with in the same manner.
Alvaro hit the post on 56 mins,as Torry went into the ascendency early into the new half.Seven mins later,the same post was again rattled,this time it was Medondo who went close to scoring.Then,completely against the run of play,Thader took the lead on 72 mins.An inch perfect cross from the right found Philip,who from close range made no mistake in side footing the ball into an
SERENITY INSURANCE DARTS LEAGUE
The new season starts uncharacteristically with the preliminary round of the K.O. League matches on 17th October. In the leagues themselves, divisions one and two will play nine matches each, after which each division will split (top 5 bottom 5) to form 4 divisions, playing 8 matches thereafter to determine final league placings.
After the split, last season’s champions will face tough opposition from both Gap and Toppers for Division 1 honours. Tipsy Cow, formerly Dannys Bar, will figure significantly in Div. 2 as will C.K.1 Chuggers, whilst Div. 3's Freakie Taverners and Dominos Despos are likely to battle for top spot. The aptly named Tipsy Tiaras will, I'm sure, be vying for top spot this term in Div. 4, but of course I may have it all wrong when the February split determines league status for each side.
A recent AGM saw Sharon Frain (Freakie Taverners) voted onto the committee, joining Chair - Paul Durrant, Simone de Lacy - Secretary and Bob Smith - Results coordinator. Main change to playing rules was the introduction of a 2 leg Cup format in each round up to the one leg final. Disciplinary matters also figured prominently for the few rule transgressors, team kittys could be hit a lot harder than previous.
Thursday evening darts also welcomes an additional sponsor, Artisan Tiling now supporting Serenity Insurance, entering their 3rd year as headline sponsor. The affable John Rodford, principal of the tiling company, specialises in the refitting of bathrooms and kitchens, more importantly even having time to throw some decent arrows for the Tipsy Toad.
Presentation night has already been scheduled for next
empty net.
an impressive pre season losing only once in 8 matches
Within seconds,Torry were rightly reduced to 10 men,following an X rated lunge by Medondo. Having superior numbers seemed to initially spur on Thader,when quick breaks found Amin in glorious positions to add to his sides lead,but lack of composure resulted in him shooting wide of an open goal on 2 occasions. It´s times like these when squandered opportunities come back to bite you - and guess what? Deep into stoppage time,senorita Garcia spotted a shirt pull on an opponent inside Thader´s penalty area.
June 12th at Los Cucalos, where all will be entertained once again by DJ Nik Smith, Magician Graeme Mykal, plus fed and watered under the keen eye of Cucalos boss Jose.
CUP DRAW - 1ST ROUND
Two matches in each division to leave 8.
Division 1
C.K.1 ChuggersvMilos
Mind the Gap v Hub Hyenas
Division 2
Hub Hellraisers vTipsy Toad Tiaras
Illies Idols v Freakie Taverners (1st Leg 3rd Oct - 2nd Leg 10th Oct)
Two Division start until 4 Division split on 6th February.
Division 1 Division 2
C.K. 1 Chuggers Tipsy Cow Archers
Domignomes Pint Depot Queens
Hub Hyenas Freakie Taverners
Toppers Fallen Angels
Illies Oldies
Tipsy Cow
C.C. Bees
C.K.1 Tornados
Mind the Gap Hub Hellraisers
Milos Tipsy Toad Tiaras
Leeson St. Trotters Illies Idols
Fire Station Dominos Desperados
Mati made light work of dispatching the spot kick,then with the last kick of the match,he agonisingly shot inches wide of Chema´s far post.
I lost count of how many cards our illustrious referee distributed,but it had to be around the dozen or baker´s dozen mark - and that includes Thader´s physio for not leaving the pitch quickly enough!! Next up for Thader is another Community League South fixture. Make a note of Sunday 15 September,1130 ko,when Eldense ´B´ will be the visitors to Moi Gomez Stadium,Rojales.
The KOCup Draw on Friday afternoon at the Tipsy Toad with Bob Smith, Paul Durrant and Simone de Lacy
LINING UP: Raquel Garcia with the 2 skips and her team of officials
