The long-awaited widening of the N-332 highway in Torrevieja continues to face significant hurdles due to land availability constraints.
Despite assurances from the Ministry of Transport in May that the project would be approved and put out to tender by the end of 2023, progress has been slow.
The primary obstacle lies in the lack of suitable land to accommodate the expansion of the road. According to national legislation, the necessary land for widening must meet specific criteria, which has proven challenging to fulfil in Torrevieja. These criteria include factors such as proximity to existing infrastructure, environmental impact, and land ownership.
Surveys conducted as part of the environmental assessment process have identified potential issues with the proposed widening plan. While the project is expected to pass the assessment for four of the eight kilometres with the highest traffic density, challenges remain for the remaining sections.
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 N-332 ROAD WIDENING
These challenges include concerns about the impact on protected ecosystems, the displacement of local businesses, and the potential for increased noise pollution.
A key factor contributing to the land shortage is the extensive development of tourist-residential properties in the area over the past four decades. According to former Mayor Jose Manuel Dolon, hundreds of thousands of square metres of suitable land have been lost to development, hindering the road widening project.
Dolon alleges that successive local governments failed to enforce the 100-metre building limit line established by national law for ring road variants, and that a key factor contributing to the land shortage is the extensive development of tourist-residential properties in the area over the past four decades. According to the former Mayor, hundreds of thousands of square metres of suitable land have been lost to development, hindering the road widening project.
The consequences of this past oversight are now evident. The N-332 bypass is tightly constrained by surrounding buildings, businesses, and activities, limiting the options for widening the road, especially at access points and public areas. This lack of space has significant implications for the project's feasibility and cost.
Refurb of Torrevieja Paddle Courts
Torrevieja will invest 1,198,720 euros to restore the racket area of the Ciudad Deportiva, with paddle tennis courts that have been unused for five years.
The works, which will take 6 months to complete, include the dismantling and subsequent replacement of the seven current courts. The new facilities will be of the double panoramic WPT type, which will comply with the regulations established by the Spanish Padel Federation. They will have fibrillated artificial grass, LED lighting columns, openings on both
Monday 21st - Sunday 27th October 2024
Efforts to address the land shortage have been complicated by the limited flexibility in building regulations. While the Roads Act was modified in 2015 to reduce the building limit line to 50 metres, Torrevieja has maintained the 25metre limit. This restriction further limits the options for acquiring land for the widening project.
As a result, the future of the N-332 widening project remains uncertain. The challenges posed by land availability and regulatory constraints will likely require innovative solutions or further negotiations to ensure the project's successful implementation. One potential solution could be to explore alternative routes or consider a more modest widening plan that minimises the need for additional land.
In addition to the land acquisition challenges, the project also faces potential opposition from local residents and businesses who may be affected by the construction process or the increased traffic generated by the widened road. Addressing these concerns will be crucial for securing the necessary support for the project to move forward.
Overall, the N-332 widening project in Torrevieja highlights the complex interplay between urban development, infrastructure planning, and environmental considerations. The challenges faced by this project underscore the importance of careful land use planning and the need for long-term vision in addressing infrastructure needs.
sides of the court and an anti-injury system. In addition, the central stands will be equipped with anchored plastic seats and the masonry and painting of the stands will be carried out.
P O E T R Y C O R N E R
COUNCIL KID by Julie Friend
I grew up a council kid and on the street where l lived, lived no kings with crowns of gold, only people, very old.
My council road had council dust and skinny birds with council crusts, and dirty kids with dirty faces, while "faggy" mums scrubbed council places.
My poor ole Dad, he had no work, and so my brother had no shirt. The kids and me played in the street, waiting for our tea to eat.
The men came round for council money. Mum said "Days ain't very sunny". We couldn't pay, so out we wentno council house if there's no rent.
I went into a "lovely home", but there l couldn't run or roam. There for tea we ate meat.
But I'd rather have my council street.
THE BODY IN QUESTION by John McGilvray
And her husband said to herI love your eyes but not your thighs, I love your lips, but not your hips, I love your hair but not your spare-tyre.
So she gave up chips took an inch from her hips and she gave up pies and reduced her thighs, and aerobics took care of most of her spare-tyre.
And her husband said to herI love your body, And she repliedSo does somebody elseAnd left him.
SALMONELLA SCARE
The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (Aesan) has warned of the presence of salmonella in the Ovopak brand of the pasteurized liquid whole egg of. The warning was given Thursday after detecting the bacteria in one of the lots.
The batch number is L11142 with expiry date 28 October 2024. Each unit weighs a kilo and its temperature is chilled.
The promenade will close in November and is expected to reopen by mid July 2025.
The iconic Levante breakwater promenade in Torrevieja will be closed to the public from November to undergo significant renovation. The City Council has awarded the contract to CHM, a local construction company, to revamp and resurface one of the city's most beloved attractions.
The renovation work will begin simultaneously from both the lighthouse and the entrance to the Marina Salinas car park, with the city council aiming to minimize disruption to daily life. According to the Councillor for Urban Management, Sandra Sanchez, the primary areas affected will be the fish market, the marina itself, and the nearby pub area.
The project will include a series of tests to assess the mechanical and structural integrity of the breakwater. Subsequently, the wooden bench along the promenade will be demolished in phases, preserving the existing wooden framework until the final stage of the renovation. The outdated natural wood will be replaced with a more durable synthetic material, similar to the pavement currently being installed on the pedestrian path in La Mata.
One of the key features of the renovation is the creation of new viewing points along the promenade. Instead of a continuous bench, there will be gaps allowing for unobstructed sea views. Additionally, the railings, pergolas, and other street furniture will be replaced with modern materials, while the overall structure and appearance of the pergolas will remain unchanged.
The project, valued at e6.5 million, includes e900,000 in European Next Generation funds, which will be allocated entirely to lighting. The new lighting system will feature monumental street lamps and other lights that can be
year.
The renovation will also address the wear and tear caused by the marine environment, including repainting the concrete wall and applying an anti-graffiti coating. The entire project is expected to be completed by the first week of July, coinciding with the start of the high summer season. While the Levante breakwater itself will be undergoing renovation, the connection to Juan Aparicio and the hippies area will remain closed due to ongoing construction work on the new "Paseo del Mar" leisure centre. This project includes a new bridge that will connect the promenade to the first floor of the leisure centre, as well as a new electrical transformation centre and a sea viewpoint.
The mayor, Eduardo Dolon, has estimated that the entire project, including the leisure centre, will be completed by the end of next year. He also mentioned that the interior road leading to the port will be open to traffic by the end of November, providing an alternative route and easing congestion on Avenida de la Libertad.
Once the storm drain works are finished, the City Council plans to tackle the renovation of the fairgrounds, the hippie market, and Avenida de la Libertad. The tendering process for this phase is expected to take place between December and January.
adjusted to create different atmospheres throughout the
BRITISH WOMAN'S DEATH IN TORREVIEJA SPARKS CALLS FOR SCOTLAND YARDINVE STIGATION
ABritish technology executive, Piia Hokkanen, tragically died after falling from a window in Torrevieja on her 50th birthday. Her family and friends are now demanding a more thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, questioning the Spanish authorities' conclusion of suicide.
Hokkanen was celebrating her birthday with her boyfriend, Eugene Doris, when the incident occurred. Doris, who was staying in a nearby hotel at the time, expressed doubts about the suicide theory, stating, "I don't think she was in a suicidal state. I think it was an accident or something inexplicable."
Concerned by the Spanish police's handling of the case, Hokkanen's loved ones have turned to Scotland Yard for assistance. The British police have been in contact with their Spanish counterparts, but the investigation remains under the jurisdiction of the Spanish authorities.
Friends and family of Hokkanen allege that the Spanish investigation was rushed and incomplete. They claim that not all residents of the building have been interviewed, and key evidence, such as Hokkanen's mobile phones and nearby security camera footage, has not been fully analysed.
Hokkanen's death has sparked outrage among her loved ones and friends, who are demanding a more thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident. They believe that a more
comprehensive investigation is necessary to provide closure and ensure that justice is served.
A close friend, Enrique Puerto, who had known Hokkanen for 20 years, expressed frustration with the speed at which the Civil Guard concluded it was a suicide. "If you're not a resident and you're a foreigner, you become a statistic, and the case is quickly closed," said Puerto.
Piia died after falling from the window of an apartment block in Septmber
ZAPLANA JAILED FOR 10 YEARS
Former Valencia President Eduardo Zaplana has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the ITV plot in the 'Erial case'.
The court found him guilty of receiving ‘kickbacks’ for awarding ITV station contracts between 1997 and 2003. He was convicted of fraud, bribery, document falsification, and money laundering, for which he additionally received disqualification from office and fines totalling over 25 million euros.
Current Community President Carlos Mazon has asked for respect for the sentence, also distancing the PP from Zaplana.
COURT RETURNS UNANIMOUS GUILTY VERDICT FOR TORREVIEJA KILLER
Antonio David M.B. was found guilty of murdering his partner, Maria Elia, in Torrevieja just before Christams in 2021.
An Alicante jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty. He was sentenced to 33 years in prison. The defendant was also convicted of domestic abuse and assault against the victim.
The trial revealed a pattern of abuse throughout their four-year relationship. Elia had attempted to conceal bruises and expressed fear around her partner.
She suffered a broken rib during one assault while pregnant but refused to seek medical attention due to fear.
Prosecutors and the victim's family requested a harsh sentence, emphasising the severity of the crimes.
The jury agreed, finding that the defendant acted with premeditation and malice, in targeting Elia due to her gender.
The couple had a 3 year old daughter who, because of the abusive situation, was being cared for by Elia’s parents.
Orihuela Water Palace closes amid Sports contract dispute
Orihuela faces potential closure of its municipal sports facilities as Clequali,the sports management company,ceased operations on Sunday.
Mayor Vegara is working to secure an emergency contract within two weeks to maintain sports services.
During this period,the Orihuela Water Palace will be closed,but other facilities will stay open under the management of council staff.
The mayor confirmed that the rights of the 130 former Clequali employees are protected while legal advisor Emilio Fernandez accused Clequali of failing to meet obligations and announced plans to report the company for potential crimes.
Clequali claims the council owes it 1.2 million euros.Meanwhile,Cambiemos and PSOE criticised the government's handling of the crisis,demanding resignations and questioning contract transparency.
The mayor with the Councillor for Sport
The accused seated next to his defence lawyer.
ORIHUELA COSTA PINK LADIES RAISE OVER E 2000 AT ZENIA BOULEVARD
On Saturday, the Pink Ladies held their annual event at Zenia Boulevard to commemorate Int Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Volunteers, dressed in pink, worked tirelessly to sell merchandise and raise funds for cancer research. The event was a celebration of survivors, a remembrance of those lost, and a show of support for those still fighting.
Maria, the President of the Pink Ladies, addressed the crowd, thanking volunteers and local artists for their contributions. She emphasised the importance of early detection and the need for continued research to find a cure. A touching ceremony followed, releasing pink balloons in memory
of those lost to cancer.
The management of Zenia Boulevard presented Maria with a cheque for e500, & with donations on the day, the Pink Ladies raised over e2000. The funds will be used to support local cancer charities and provide assistance to patients & their families. Maria expressed her gratitude to the community for their unwavering support and generosity. She also thanked the artists who performed throughout the day, including Georgia Bale, Toni Ann, Costa SKA Tones, Alex Tipping, Lexi May, Cindy, The Blues Brothers, and Raquel Peña Flamenco Dancers.
Their talents helped create a festive atmosphere and raise awareness of the cause.
Beaches joined by new coastal path in Pilar de la Horadada
The Pilar de la Horadada Council has built a new coastal path, with the authorisation of Costas, which runs along the north side of the beach of the Jesuits in Torre de la Horadada. Councillor for the Environment, Pedro Miguel Moya, explains that “we have built a wooden pathway, 1.2 metres wide, along the 60 linear metres joining the beach of Los Jesuitas and the Puntal del Gato and Rocamar coves”. The investment cost 9,907.96 euros of which 5,057.88 will be borne by the Generalitat Valenciana.
HUGE BONUSES FOR ORIHUELA CIVIL SERVANTS WHO LOST €7.5 MILLION
Orihuela paid 78,000 euros in bonuses to civil servants who lost the city 7.5 million euros in European funds.Emilio Bascuñana's administration distributed productivity bonuses in 2018,2019,and 2022 to over a dozen officials working on subsidies aimed at revitalizing the historic centre.Despite their "extraordinary activities," only 1,138,000 euros of the 8.7 million euros granted were claimed. The first bonus distribution occurred in March 2018,with 20,200 euros shared among eight officials.The second round in June 2019 saw 27,677.94 euros awarded to 11 civil servants.The third and largest distribution,29,799.24 euros,was signed by Mayor Bascuñana in April 2022,just before a motion of censure removed him from office.
Among the beneficiaries were Eduardo Rodriguez Carmona,coordinator of European funds,and Agustina Rodriguez,now the Orihuela councillor for Social Welfare,Equality and Human Resources. The bonuses were criticised for lacking clear objectives and were seen as a way simply to please certain civil servants.
FORMER ORIHUELA MAYOR ACQUITTED IN BRUGAL CASE
Monica Lorente and 12 other defendents were found not guilty
ORIHUELA COSTA STUDENTS TO BE SCHOOLED IN PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Pilar de la Horadada will temporarily accommodate around 50 primary school students from Orihuela Costa due to local school overcrowding. These students, from Los Dolses and Playas de Orihuela schools, will be relocated to CEIP Maria Moliner until a new prefabricated school in Los Dolses is completed, expected in January 2025.
The Pilar City Council supports this arrangement and welcomes additional enrolments before Orihuela Costa's third school opens.
Previous options for relocating students to other municipalities were ruled out due to long travel times.
The Alicante Provincial Court's Seventh Section has acquitted all 13 defendants,including ex-Alicante Provincial Council President Jose Joaquin Ripoll and former Orihuela Mayor Monica Lorente,in the "Brugal Case."
This involved alleged irregularities in the 2008 Waste Plan for Zone XVII.
The trial,held over 42 sessions,found no proof of conspiracy,manipulation,or bribery among the defendants.
The court also rejected claims of undue influence on the Vega Baja Waste Consortium and dismissed evidence annulment requests.
The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office's allegations of rigged Waste Plan awards were refuted,with the court confirming decisions were collegial and freely made.
The 258 page judgment is subject to appeal in the Supreme Court.
The temporary relocation highlights the urgent need for more educational facilities in Orihuela Costa due to its growing population.
Renovation work in Orihuela City
The children will be taught in CEIP Maria Moliner
‘The older the fiddle, the sweeter the tune.’
Call this week’s YCBS an epilogue if you will, but when our generation gets on a bit of a roll, we need to drive home every morsel of momentum.
Thousands of readers ... well, at least 3 or 4 of you, got in touch to give their backing to our stand on raising the profile of pensioners – the Elders.
At the time of writing that one, I thought of some famous people who gained their success late in life. First of all, when in my thirties, I read where a psychologist, making his living as a motivator, stated emphatically; ‘whatever you are going to be, you will be by the time you are 40.’ That guy was so wrong – as we shall prove further down. Now, having completed two 40s, I can say from any successes I have had that most of my (apart from getting Mrs Youcantbeserious!) winners were after the age of 40 – and I’m not done yet! ‘That fellow never stays at anything’, was a criticism levelled at me by the Lads over the years. Anyway, read on please and discover a few famous people who made the breakthrough in the second half of their lives. The Lads were right of course, but many successful people in life try and then quit so many jobs that those around them conclude that they lack resilience. But these are the years when late bloomers are learning from mistakes and developing the ability to wander into a broad range of activities.
Frank McCourt was an unknown until, at the age of 66, he became an overnight success as an author when he published ‘Angela’s Ashes.’
Same story (no pun intended) with Bram Stoker who became a sensation when he
Helping Hands benefit from Eurogolf Donation
Eurogolf society recently held a charity lunch at Sabores in aid of Helping Hands who help underprivileged families.
Atotal of 300 euros was raised plus members donated lots of food, toys, baby food and nappies. Nicky and Lynn were invited to represent the charity and collect the donations.
Pictured are Eveline Hackney, Eurogolf captain, and her husband, Nicky and Lynn, Barry Wilson Eurogolf President, and his wife Lynn, plus Steve and Lynne Finnegan
published ‘Dracula’ at the age of 50. Toni Morrison, the acclaimed novelist, became the first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, when she exploded onto the scene in 1993 at the age of 62.
In 1976, at the age of 90, Colonel Harlan Sanders was voted the world’s second most recognisable celebrity. Sanders lost his father at the age of 6 and from a young age he had to cook for his siblings. At the age of 65 Colonel Sanders began franchising his fast food, Kentucky Fried Chicken. He trusted his secret formula to customers with no more than a handshake and a few years later, in his early 70s; he sold his interest in the company for $2M. Not bad for an uneducated guy who spent the first half of his life in and out of menial jobs. (Another Lad who ‘never stayed at anything!’)
A somewhat similar story is that of Ray Kroc, who at the age of 52 did a deal with the McDonald Brothers who owned a small restaurant in California, and thus the famous ‘McDonalds’was born.
‘When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the aeroplane takes off against the wind, not with it.’ Those were the words of Henry Ford, when he left the family farm to pursue his dream of inventing a motor car for the masses in the fledgling motor industry of the time.
Henry, when he made his big breakthrough, never claimed to be anything other than a stubborn farm boy. The first car he made ran on bicycle wheels, but the most famous car of all time was to follow; the Model T. At one time, half the cars in the world were Henry Ford’s Model T. Henry loved the land and went back farming, but it never stopped him from thinking – and thinking big!
A characteristic of late bloomers is that they never experience completion; never a sense of having the job done and able to relax. They continue to push on to improve life around them. They don’t rest on their laurels or sit around waiting for decay.
Rosemary Smith whom some of us remember as a rally race champion in the 1960s, became the oldest person to drive a Formula 1 car seven years ago at the age of 79. And there are those millennials who assert that the elders should be taken off the road because we drive too slow!
Yuichiro Miura, a Japanese gent, became the oldest person to reach the top of Mount Everest. He climbed the hill at the age of 80. (and I thought I was great crossing the
Pyrenees!)
We could go on with more examples of ambitious people making it in the second half of life, but the picture is clear. Today the American Economic Review finds that 45 is the average age of an entrepreneur, but with the odds of success rising as people go into their 50s and beyond.
A tech founder at 55 is twice as likely to start a successful company as one who is 30. Sure looks to me like; ‘the older the fiddle, the sweeter the tune!’
DON’T
FORGET
Never give advice – sell it!
‘TAP’ VERSUS ‘BOTTLED’ WATER
I have lived in Spain for 34 years and for all that time I have drunk tap water, suffering no ill effects. When I first arrived, anyone could stop at a bar or caf? to ask for “agua del grifo” and the bar had to supply it, as long as you drank it straight down and left.
But tourists and most foreign residents would always buy bottled water and gradually as Spain became more affluent, they did so too.
Tap water must adhere to strict regulations and you are more likely to hear of problems with bottled water being removed from supermarket shelves as not being fit to drink. Micro plastics and chemicals can often leech into the water from the plastic bottles. But of course there’s money to be made from bottled water.
If your tap water tastes of chlorine, stand a jug of water uncovered in your fridge overnight, and the chlorine will evaporate.
Alternatively use a simple jug filter. Tap water is best, far cheaper than lugging heavy bottles and it is piped straight to your tap.
Think how “green” you’ll be eliminating all that plastic!
Joe Billet
THE BELLE OF STUDIO32 BROADWAY CHRISTMAS
Isabelle is our newest and youngest recruit for the Studio 32 Christmas Broadway show.It is fitting that her main song, that she should be the childhood sweetheart of Scrooge from A Christmas Carol and appropriately called Belle.
In her duet with Scrooge (Bill Nicolson) she displays a soft,haunting voice that in rehearsals has captivated the cast and will no doubt will bring a few tears to the audience. Spoiler alert,bring your hankie!
Isabelle is studying drama locally and is augmenting her work with the help of our international singing coach Nicole.It’s a wonderful opportunity for her,or for any young aspiring singer/ dancer/ actress that would like to use this group,to experience first-hand the mechanisms of stage work.
Isabelle is sixteen which totally belies the maturity and confidence she exudes,and we see a bright future for her.It’s our time to see, and use,her obvious talents to the full.
In person: Post room,Benijofar,Cards and More,La Marina,The card Place,Benijofar,La Bodega supermarket San Louis,Con Amor, Quesada,Bobs Bar,La Marina,The Post Room,Doña Pepa.
IT’S PANTO TIME AGAIN - ‘OH YES IT IS’.
The Rojales Pantomime Group have been busy rehearsing for their Christmas Pantomime 'Dick Whittington' that will be performed on the evenings of the 5th and 6th December and on the afternoon of the 7th December at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio.
The show is a traditional panto script with comedy, song, dance, slapstick and plenty of audience participation, Oh yes it does! The usual characters will take part including the Principle Boy, Dick Whittington and his love interest, Miss Alice and of course, no pantomime would be complete without the Villain of the piece.
King Rat is enthusiastically played by Andy Kirkwood who is suitably evil, sly and cunning. He is ably assisted by his “Rat Pack” (Pictured L to R Alison Clough; Janet DoelWilliamson; Wendy Squires and Jane Pritchard).
Andy is a newcomer to the Pantomime Group although not new to Amateur Dramatics! He has played a whole range of characters in past productions for Studio 32 Musical Theatre Company and his portrayal of the “bad guy” in Dick
Whittington will have you hissing and booing aloud!
This show is suitable for all ages and tickets are only 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for children, so there's no excuse not to treat yourself to an evening of fun and Christmas spirit.
The proceeds from ticket sales are donated to local charities.
From our last show, we were able to donate 4000 euros to our chosen charities including the Torrevieja
Alzheimer´s Association, Rojales Caritas, Help Vega Baja and San Fulgencio Caritas.
Tickets are now on sale at the following outlets: The Post Box, Doña Pepa; The Card Place, Benimar; The Post Room, Benijófar; Cards and More, La Marina; Carpet Heaven, Los Montesinos; Treasure Chest, Quesada, The Card Place; Punta Prima and The Post Shop, Villamartin. Alternatively email rojalestickets4panto@gmail.com
Belly painting workshops to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week
In order to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, the Torrevieja University Hospital successfully held the Pintabarrigas workshops, an activity designed for future mothers, that took place at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre. During the workshops, participants were able to relax while local artists decorated their bellies with paintings inspired by motherhood and breastfeeding. The event not only highlighted the connection between mother and child through art, but also promoted the importance of breastfeeding, highlighting its benefits for the health and well-being of babies.
SAN PEDRO EARTHQUAKE
The town of San Pedro del Pinatar felt an earthquake measuring 2.4 on the Richter scale last Tuesday evening, according to the National Geographic Institute (IGN).
The earthquake occurred at 7:56 p.m. with it’s epicentre four kilometres deep between Sucina and San Miguel de Salinas.
There are no reports of significant personal or material damage.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA SHOWERS ITS PATRON SAINT WITH FLOWERS
The Patron Saint Festivities were brought to an end after several days of intense celebration in honour of the Most Holy Virgin of Pilar. As is tradition, the closing day was marked by an emotional procession and the floral offering, where the municipal residents paraded through the streets accompanying the image of the Virgin.
The Church Square became the epicentre for the festivities, adorned with colourful bouquets of flowers that the attendees offered in honour of their patron saint. These festivals, which are supported year after year, are led by clubs, residents and local associations, who join in the activities with great devotion and enthusiasm, reaffirming the popular and community appeal of the celebration.
DANA FLOODS COST VEGA BAJA
Over the last six years, 218 million euros has been paid out by insurance companies in compensation following the DANA floods in the Baja Vega.
50% of the cost, relates to damage to homes, while the rest is distributed between vehicle compensation and other flood situations.
The data refers to insurance compensation, not to
Valencian Community has 2nd highest figures of gender violence
During the second quarter of 2024, the courts of the Valencian Community registered a total of 7,240 complaints of gender violence, an increase of 5.2% compared to the same quarter of last year. The data is reported in the 'Quarterly Report on Gender Violence' prepared by the Observatory of Domestic and Gender Violence, which highlights that the number of Valencian women that were victims of violence, 6,574, decreased by 2.8% compared to the figures for the second quarter of 2023. Of these, 4,146 were Spanish and 2,428 were of other nationalities
218 MILLION
the damage financed by the different municipalities in carrying out emergency repairs on infrastructure such as the river channels, roads, or irrigation systems.
The most affected municipality is Orihuela which leads with compensation amounting to 90 million euros.
Children's flu vaccine arrives in local schools
Orihuela has started administering the children's flu vaccine in schools. The vaccine is given intranasally to children born between 2020 and 2021.
The goal is to protect children from the flu virus and ensure their health and the health of their friends and families. The vaccine is administered by healthcare professionals in schools with the collaboration of educational centre staff.
The Department of Primary Care and Public Health has thanked all involved for their efforts in making this vaccination campaign a success.
LOST TORPEDO SPARKS BOSNIA WAR SPECULATION
The recent discovery of a Spanish Navy torpedo near the island of Tabarca has ignited speculation about its origins, with some linking it to NATO manoeuvres during the Bosnian War.
Juan Luis Michel, a veteran who served on the S61 Delfin submarine during that time, believes the torpedo could be the one that went missing during a joint exercise with the submarine Mistral and other Spanish naval vessels.
According to Michel, the exercise took place in 1993-1994 and involved targeting practice. While most of the torpedoes were recovered after impact, one was lost. The recently discovered torpedo, he claims, matches the description of the missing one. The Ministry of Defence has declined to confirm or deny this theory, stating only that they are unaware of the circumstances surrounding the torpedo's discovery.
Michel recounts that the lost torpedo was filled with air rather than explosives, making it buoyant. It was designed to rise to the surface after impact, allowing for recovery by helicopter. However, one torpedo failed to resurface.
The S61 DelfIn and the Mistral were both involved in NATO operations during the Bosnian War. While the Delfin remained in the Strait of Gibraltar, the Mistral was deployed to the conflict zone for 79 days.
The torpedo was discovered by local fishermen on October 12th. Pedro Pertegal, one of the fishermen involved, described the encounter as surprising and potentially dangerous.
He and his colleagues towed the torpedo to shore to prevent a possible accident.
Authorities were notified of the discovery, but the fishermen felt that the response time was too slow. They took the initiative to remove the torpedo from the water, citing concerns about safety.
Flood protection for Vega Hospital will cost 1.3 million euro
The Generalitat has announced a project to build a wall and a drainage basin with a capacity of 14,000 cubic meters on an area attached to the hospital of 17,456 square meters corresponding to three private plots During the DANA of 2019 the hospital was virtually inaccessible for several days due to the flooding of CV-91. The centre itself flooded on the ground floor and in some operating rooms because its drainage network was overrun.
Now the Generalitat has released to public exhibition the Basic Project of the Complementary Works of Defence and Drainage of the Hospital de la Vega Baja with a budget of 1.3 million euros, an action in addition to the improvement works that began in March last year and that foresee a period of execution of 30 months for 62.5 million euros.
The S61 Delfin is currently operating as a museum in the Port of Torrevieja.
The Delfin is open to the public in Torrevieja
Guardia officers reeling in the torpedo
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ACROSS ACROSS
3.Miser (9)
8.Manage (4)
9.Fickle (9)
10.Bumpy (6)
11.Avarice (5)
14.Put up (5)
15.Bring up (4)
16.Periods of 365 days (5)
18.Converse (4)
20.Iron (5)
21.Lax (5)
24.Fleeting look (6)
25.Incessant (9)
26.Pool of money (4)
27.Humiliating (9)
YOU
THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE?
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
14.The almost complete unhappiness of a skinflint! (5)
15.Merit a vase, say (4)
16.Cathyís new boat (5)
18.Drams - little ones! (4)
20.Angry indignation on the Cape (5)
21.Where the enemy comes from? (5)
24.Iím in no position to be a dependant (6)
25.Possibly isnít a rich Gentile (9)
26. Calendar girl? (4)
27.Boy caught in the fruit machine (9)
DOWN DOWN
1.It follows trouble at the farm (9)
2.Hostility when Iím at noisy disturbance (9)
4.Atrick sure to go wrong (4)
5.Do her characters constitute a crowd? (5) 6.45 to 1 (6)
7.Overwhelming defeat disrupting tour (4)
9.Rang about the youthleader being cross (5)
11.Food brought home and saved? (5)
12.Wise series of novels about credit notes (9)
13.Fascinated for a spell (9)
17.I want about two (5)
19.Television programme from Israel? (6)
22.Run like a crowd scene participant? (5)
23.Inform on the store (4)
24.Spoil the first cherry brandy (4)
LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 20)
1. Which three legendary NHLplayers were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame before their final retirement?
2. Which kind of medicine is defined by the Encyclopaedia Britannica as "a doctrine of preventive and therapeutic medicine that emphasizes the necessity of looking at the whole person - his body, mind, emotions, and environment."?
3. In which French overseas department is the space centre located from which the European Space Agency launches its Ariane rockets?
4. What was American silent film actor Roscoe Arbuckle's nickname?
5. Which Roman leader's horse was both a priest and a consul, had a manger made of ivory, and drank wine from a golden goblet?
6. Which chicken dish was named to celebrate an 1800 battle in which Napoleonic forces defeated the Austrians?
7. Although it was critically acclaimed, which 1980 epic western from director Michael Cimino was one of the biggest box office flops of all time?
8. Usually depicted with a two-faced head, who was the Roman god of beginnings and transitions?
9. Finland has two official languages. One is Finnish, what is the other?
10. The following lyrics are all from songs with the word "Smile" somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song?
a. I can't laugh and I can't sing I'm finding it hard to do any-
thing. b. You've done it all, you've broken every code. c. Light up your face with gladness, hide every trace of sadness, although a tear maybe ever so near
11. At which FIFAWorld Cup finals were yellow cards used for the first time?
12. "The Bitch is Back" was a movie poster tag line for which part 3 science fiction horror thriller?
13. Vitamins are designated with a letters A, B, C, D, E and ?
14. How many countries border Ukraine? a. 6, b. 7, c. 8 d. 9
15. What is the name of the Scotland Yard inspector that appears in many Sherlock Holmes stories?
16. Which Hollywood actor has a 1939 California law named after them which is designed to protect a child actor's earnings? a. Shirley Temple b. Jackie Coogan c. Mickey Rooney d. Freddie Bartholomew
17. What is the name of the famous volcanic cone landmark in Honolulu?
18. The largest banking network in 15th century Europe was named after which infamous Italian family dynasty?
19. Which kind of gas was an instrumental hit song for Mason Williams in 1968?
20. With one word, complete each of the following Arthur Conan Doyle stories featuring Sherlock Holmes. a. The Adventure of the Speckled ..... b. The Adventure of the Blue ..... c. The Adventure of the Six .....
IT’S TIME TO FEEL GREAT, BE MORE FLEXIBLE, MOBILE AND PAIN FREE
At the Sophia Wellness Centre there are three different circuits that each take 45 minutes to complete, ideally twice or three times a week.
One of the circuits is designed to help people with serious mobility problems following stroke, heart attack, paralysis or joint replacement. In addition, there are five vibration plates to help improve circulation. Unlike a regular gym, you don’t need special clothing.
You don’t need to train hard or perspire and ache all over, you don’t even need to shower after a session.
This is exercise, but it is EASY exercise.
While the comfortable machines are moving your muscles you can choose to just lie there and do nothing while you are being exercised, but if you put in effort in you can gain even more from your routine than those who can’t or don’t want to.
Training will be given on your first visit and more information will be given as you progress. Your mobility and overall flexibility will be apparent within one month.
Try for FREE yourself. Call 663 771 345 for a suitable time.
All you need to bring with you, for hygiene reasons is a bath towel and a pair of socks.
APPRECIATION FOR LOCAL GOLFER
Local golfer Michael (Mick the Grip) Reeves was recently presented with a Spain District North Chairman's Certificate of Appreciation for his amazing contribution to the RBL Poppy Appeal over the last 15 years.
Since 2009 Michael has been arranged Golf Tournaments with many local golf societies, during which time he has raised a phenomenal amount in excess of 100,000 euros, for Legion beneficiaries here in Spain. As the 2024 Poppy Appeal gets underway, with it’s launch in Benidorm on 19 October, remember that every euro we raised in Spain is spent in Spain, in support of our fellow veterans.
7000 kg of illegal waste removed from Orihuela Costa
The Councilor for the Environment, Noelia Grao, has published photographs of the work carried out by cleaning and waste removal in the section of the Las Estacas wadi that runs through the urban channel in Orihuela Costa.
She said that approximately 7,000 kg of waste, mattresses, abandoned furniture and other debris has been removed for subsequent transport to authorised landfills for disposal.
Grao appealed to members of the public who sees any person dumping waste anywhere in our municipality report the incident to the Unit Environment and Administrative (UMAD) in Orihuela Costa 672-210-904 and Local Police Orihuela 965-300-204.
or climb stairs with increased flexibility of movement. Regular exercise at the Sophia Wellness Easy Exercise Centre will improve your quality of life enormously.
EASY Exercise is a totally different concept as the machine works you whereas traditional gyms you work the machine.
Flexibility, reduced muscle and back pain and greater mobility are the main benefits of EASY Exercise.
You will be able to walk
Don’t just say “I must do something” book a FREE trial today on 663 771 345, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
IMMIGRANTS LAND AT CALA MOSCA
Asmall inflatable boat arrived in Orihuela Costa last weekend carrying 13 occupants who had arrived from North Africa. The vessel was beached on the shore of Cala Mosca on Saturday afternoon in full view of many residents who were walking along the coastal path.
While most of the occupants were detained by the Guardia Civil, a small number simply wandered off.
Those in Civil Guard custody were transferred to the detention centre for foreigners in Valencia although one 17-year-old boy was moved to a youth centre.
According to the Red Cross emergency report, all of the occupants were in good health. It seems that more and more people with burns and chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, are arriving on the Alicante coast, along with people with greater vulnerability, such as functional diversity, women, even pregnant women, as well as infants and children.
ANOTHER FIND FOR ADAPT METAL DETECTORISTS
Robin, the northern team leader and treasurer for the ADAPT Metal Detecting Club told The Leader of a very recent find. “I was metal Detecting on Friday when I found an apple watch. On getting it home I cleaned it and charged it. It did have an owner photo on the home screen. I posted the photo on about 10 Benidorm forums.
Overnight the owner reached out to me and described the watch and it’s colours. The watch will be returned to owner in Ireland this week.”
This is a great search and recovery with a valuable timepiece finding its way back to the owner.
The ADAPT metal detectorists are sponsors of the ADAPT Theatre Group giving financial help to many worthwhile causes.
The club promotes the hobby for responsible metal detecting on the sand and in the sea, in Partnership with San Pedro Del Pinatar Museum.
They were quickly detained by the Guardia
Mick and wife Dee, with Paul Kane
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 2 times a week for a programme of English speaking activities, various Spanish lessons including Games & Quiz on Mondays. Art sessions and Easy Conversation on Wednesdays. Information and advice regards living in Spain. Anyone wanting to join CCAsocial activities can pop along between 12pm Mondays and Wednesdays for more info from Eva or Norah in the Cafe area. Email: oc.communitycare@gmail.co m Social Activities: Spaces available now. Mondays.
Level 2. Spanish Games & Quiz. Wednesday. Easy Spanish Conversation. 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
Spanish
FACT AND FICTION
People in the UK had a shock recently when they looked at a BBC weather app and heard hurricane winds were coming near London and temperatures would reach 400C in Nottingham!
Not only that but 15,583mph winds were predicted for Lincoln.
Not surprisingly it was a mistake – a glitch in the system, but more proof, not that we need it – that you can’t believe all you read, especially if artificial intelligence or social media has anything to do with it.
This takes me conveniently on to the appalling antics currently going on in politics on the other side of the Atlantic.
We’ve watched on our TV screens the appalling damage and loss of life that has been done by two hurricanes which hit Florida recently.
Trump and other Republican supporters incredibly tried to suggest that the Democrats were somehow controlling the weather and causing the disasters in Florida.
This nonsense flooded social media.
Sadly, there were some people who actually believed it. Isn’t it sad that these people who can’t distinguish fact from fiction have the vote and could change the result of the election.
SUGAR AND SPICE
We’ve got used to hearing the most appalling crimes in the UK, people being stabbed, women being raped by police officers – it’s become harder and harder to shock us.
But one crime that shocked and appalled me and made me realise we have sunk to a new low, was the news that a woman had murdered both her parents and then had been living with their bodies hidden in her home for four years.
The 36-year-old woman in Chelmsford, Essex, poisoned her father with prescription medication before stabbing her mother in the chest. Their deaths happened sometime in June 2019 - but their bodies were not discovered until 2023 after their GP raised concerns about missed appointments.
In that time she had hidden their remains and continued to live there, building a "makeshift tomb" for her father - while telling friends and neighbours that they had moved away, were unwell, or had gone on lengthy trips.
She was sentenced to a life term, with a minimum of 36 years, after pleading guilty to two counts of murder.
She had continued spending her parents’ money after the murders and appeared to have no remorse when she was questioned by police. Quite clearly she was seriously mentally ill and far from being “sugar and spice and all things
Tony Mayes Rant
nice’ which is what we expect or hope for from the ‘fairer’ sex.
On this subject -how about this…?
A man was kicked and punched, made to sleep on the floor and refused access to a toilet by his abusive ex-girlfriend and has told his story to help other victims.
The man aged 41, took more than a year of therapy to begin to recover from months of emotional and physical abuse from a woman he met online in July 2021.
A charity whose helpline he turned to said male domestic abuse was not as rare as some people may think - and one in six or seven men will be a victim in their lifetime. He described being isolated from friends and family during their nine-month relationship, losing control of his finances and about £40,000.
He was subjected to daily verbal abuse and humiliation - not allowed to use the toilet in the house or shower without her permission.
Strict controls on his diet meant he lost 4.5 stone (28kg) in two months, while she repeatedly told him she would tell the police he had assaulted her if he spoke to anyone about the abuse.
She was given a 20-month prison sentence suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour. Suspended sentence – it’s a nonsense. If the roles were reversed and the man was the abuser, he most certainly would have gone to prison. Sexes should be dealt with equally under the law.
BUMPY RIDE FOR LABOUR
The British people were full of hope three months ago when they gave Labour a landslide victory, believing things would be better after getting rid of the Tories.
A snap poll by YouGov isn't good: Sir Kier's approval poll ratings last week fell to -33 - a drop of 44 points since his post-election high, while one poll put Labour just one point ahead of the Tories.
The poll found nearly half of those who voted Labour in the last general election feel let down so far, while six in 10 disapprove of the government's record so far, against one in six who approve of the Starmer government. Great start. It concerns me that people who manage to get to top positions in public office seem to lack basic common sense. You would think that alarm bells would sound about accepting money to buy clothes for the PM’s wife or accepting concert tickets or tickets to watch football matches.
It’s so important to be squeaky clean when they must know the Tories are looking at any minor indiscretion and make as much political capital as they can over it.
And who on earth thought it sensible to employ a member of staff at a salary greater than that of the prime minister. It’s as if they are living on a different planet!
Will the Budget, later this month change people’s opinion? Only time will tell, but in the short term it looks like a very bumpy ride.
SLOWING DOWN
It’s amazing how you get so accustomed to using something that you fail to spot that it is getting slower and slower.
I’m referring to my faithful old desktop computer which has served me so well over the years.
It’s fair to say that we have grown older and got slower together, but when it failed to call up emails I had to take it to a repair shop. They got emails back for me, but then the internet server was slower and slower and that had to go and be installed by another.
I’ve now got a new desktop which works so fast it does things almost before I’ve thought of it. It’s like switching from having a geriatric to a
young child!
The changes resulted in losing all of banking long ins, and many other functions which I have been taking for granted.
The worst was the loss of Facebook which I found to have been hacked = linked to another email address and a password changed 10 months ago.
I’ve emailed Facebook several times asking for help, but have received no reply. A disaster when I haven’t been able to read or reply to all friends’ good wishes for my 80th birthday. Any solutions would be gratefully received. Also just try switching from using a Spanish keyboard to a UK one. A nightmare. Why can’t life be made simpler rather than more complicated?
Myths about the ITV Inspection Explained
The Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, or ITV test, is a mandatory process for all cars from their fourth year of life that, on occasions, arouses many doubts and questions. Here we briefly explain some of those doubts, and the reality around these top myths.
The ITV, which is similar to the MOT in the UK, is an essential requirement to ensure both road safety and care for the environment. Despite the fact that the process is simple and a large majority (81.5%) of vehicles pass this inspection on the first attempt, it is a nervous time for most drivers.
Performing the ITV after the deadline carries an additional surcharge
The ITV stations do not apply any fine for delay in carrying out the technical inspection of vehicles. However, if you drive the car with an expired ITV this is considered a serious offence and you can be fined up to 500 euro because of the potential danger this poses to yourself and other road users.
You should conduct the test before the last day of expiration, and if you don´t then the only legal option is to take the vehicle to the inspection centre on the back of a tow truck. You cannot drive a vehicle with an expired ITV in any circumstance. You may have the test conducted up to a month before the expiry and the outstanding time is added on.
You have to take the test in the region in which you live
This is a myth. The ITV inspection can be carried out in any autonomous community, regardless of where the vehicle is registered. It is true that in some areas the test differs, but these elements are additional tests and are outside the minimum mandatory requirements. You are free to choose your area, inspection centre, and even shop around for the best price, if you wish.
You don´t have to display the ITV sticker in the windscreen
Again, this is not true. The ITV sticker, also known as V-19, must be placed in a visible place, and should be in the top right-hand corner of the windscreen as we are looking out, and is as important as any other vehicle document. Failure to display the sticker can result in a fine of 100 euro. You should also only display the current, valid sticker, not a collection. On vehicles without a windscreen it should be placed in a visible location.
A workshop cannot carry out the technical inspection of a vehicle
Again, this is not true. Although many garages offer pre-ITV tests, only the ITV stations authorised by each Autonomous Community can carry out the technical inspection of vehicles. The workshops can only carry out repairs and maintenance to guarantee that the
There are special conditions when it comes to changing vehicle ownership.
vehicle complies with the ITV requirements.
Foreign vehicles can have an ITV test
This is a common question and is both true and false at the same time. A foreign vehicle can be subjected to an ITV test, however the
certification of that test is not valid in Spain.
The mandatory inspection must be done in the country of registration. The ITV centre will inspect any vehicle to ensure it is safe, but they are unable to certify it as such, and only advise.
SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB
SOUTH ALICANTE LEAGUE: Monday 14th SL Trekkers were away at El Rancho and had a close fought match, points 6-6, shots 83-85. Winners: Joy & Brian Gardiner, Jean Cooper 22-17, Ken Stringfellow, Dave Louis, Pete Ayres 17-11, Mary & Phil Lockley, Vic Mahomet 15-1.
SL Romulans had a tough match away v Quesada Rubies 4 points-8, 73 shots-90. Winners: Gill Wyatt, Tony Ferreira, Steve Grey 20-15, Lesley & Wayne Howlett, Dave Whitworth 17-12.
SL Klingons BYE.
WINTER LEAGUE: Wednesday 16th San Luis had a great result at home v Calpe, 10-0, shots 95-41. Winners: Cathy Morrisroe, Bill Webb, Noel Morrisroe, Scott Malden 33-5, Jane Hamill, Dee Hoey, Stewart Hamill, Ian Kenyon 19-12, Pete Ayres, Gordon Paton, Keith Phillips, Dave Webb 21-12, Neil & Sandra Burrows, Mike Veale, Barbara Louis 22-12.
SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Friday 18th SL Lions away at Country Bowls Geckos, took 7 points-5, shots 84-89. Unfortunately I don’t have any other team details.
SL Leopards home v San Miguel Commanches had a good result 8 points-4, 90 shots-68. Winners: Pauline Johnson, Ngaio Baldwin, Lyndon Johnson 27-9, Chris & Keith Phillips, Carolyn Harris 21-16, Jim Gwynn, Derrick Cooper, Maxine Wright21-8.
SL Tigers BYE
San Luis is a friendly club, but we are also competitive, with teams in all leagues. We welcome new players; those who have already played competitively and want to continue, or those who want to try out this “new” sport and above all enjoy the game.
If you wish to find out more about bowling, or San Luis BC, please come along to Oasis to watch, maybe with a cool drink, or join in on an open “roll up” currently on Saturday mornings (9:00/9:30). Come and give yourself a chance to have fun and meet new friends.
Sheila Cammack
SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION
QUIZ FROM P 14:
1.Three answers.Gordie Howe, Mario Lemieux and Guy Lafleur, 2.Holistic, 3.French Guiana, 4."Fatty".5. Caligula.6.Chicken Marengo.7.Heaven's Gate.8. Janus.9.Answer c.Swedish.10.Three answers.a. Can't Smile Without You (Barry Manilow).b.Make Me Smile (come up and see me) (Steve Harley).c.Smile (Charlie Chaplin/Nat King Cole).11.Mexico 1970.12. Alien 3.13.K.14.Answer b.7 (Russia, Poland, Belarus, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Moldova).15.Inspector Lestrade.16.Answer b.Jackie Coogan (the California Child Actor's Bill is also known as Coogan's Law, Bill or Act).17.Diamond Head.18.Medici.19.Classical Gas. 20.Three answers.a.The Adventure of the Speckled Band.b.The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle.c.The Adventure of the Six Napoleons
San Miguel Bowls
By Barry Jones
Monday saw the start of the Winter League in earnest with four teams in action (two local Derby’s). In the morning the Stingrays were home to the Marlins, the Stingrays came out on top with a 7-5 win 89-72. The best winning trip for the Stingrays were Gunnie Sigurdardottir, Gill Brimley and Ken Guiney 31 - 14. The best winning trio for the Marlins were Cath Llewellyn, Peter Parker and John Bolton 20 - 9.
In the afternoon the Orcas were home to the Dolphins where they came off second best.
The Dolphins won 8 - 2, 110-66. The best winning triple for the Dolphins were Graham Barwell, Steve Parr and Gail Willshire 30 - 8.
EMERALD ISLE BOWLS
Neptunes started the week off at home against Greenlands Chestnuts with a great recovery and came out winners 8-4
Aggregate 85-77. I Laverick A Pridmore E
Bennett 23-14, M Riley B Eldred K Jolliffe 16-14, M Nash C Wilson J Fenty 12-11
Moonrakers started their week at home playing Phoenix, and they had a great win 10-2 Aggregate of 114-67. J Nash M McClelland M Stritch 38-5, V Cameron R Andrews K Jones 17-11, D Clark M Peaper
A Forrest 20-14, G Stritch G Hindmarsh M Raine 18-14
Wednesday saw the Isle going to San Miguel in the Winter League and they came away with a fine win 8-2, aggregate of 73-55. N Davis M Ellis S Marks R Marks 21-10, M Oakley S Elvin D Gerrard M Dyer 21-10, A Pridmore J Taylor M Harley D Mooney 17-13. Berleen had a good win as well. M Munro F Murphy R White B Kavanagh 17-16
Cavaliers played away at Greenlands Oaks, and they were narrowly beaten 5-7
Aggregate of 85-101. N Davis N Prior J Taylor 17-14, S Ellis J Holmyard F Murphy 20-18, D Jones R White C Lindgren drew 21-21
Outlaws were at home playing Greenlands Elms and they had a fine victory by 10-2 Aggregate of 100-64. I Wren M Stritch T Upham 24-6, D Clark M McClelland A Forrest 24-12, J Nash M Hindmarsh C Wren 16-15, D McClelland M Raine K Jones 21-11
SAPS IS ON SAT at 13-15
Greenlands Bowls
The Cedars went to Vistabella Picadors and could only manage to get 4 points for an 4-8 loss.
Winter League Greenlands Gladiators travelled to Bonalba and achieved an excellent result of 8-2 so well done, great result which puts you back on top.
The Beech team were at home to Vistabella Drivers and put up a good fight although only managed 4-8 loss.
The Chestnuts were away and afternoon game at The Emerald Isle and they also came away with an 4-8 loss. Better luck next game.
The Oaks were at home to Emerald Isle Cavaliers and very well with a 7-5 win so congrats on your victory.
PEARL HOUGHTON
The winning triple for the Orcas were Jack Jackson, Shiela Booth and Ron Peters 23 - 9.
On Wednesday San Miguel were home to Emerald Isle, unfortunately they only came away with 2 points, the score was 2 - 8, 55 shots to 73. Our winning rink were Margaret Patterson, Rab Harvey, Steve Parr and Gail Willshire 22-14.
San Miguel lost to the Emperors in the Berleen by one shot. 16 - 17.
On Friday we had another local derby, the Apaches were home to the Navajos, with the Apaches coming out on top winning 8 - 4, 84 shots to 81, the best winning triple for the Apaches were Allan Patterson, Dave Greenland and Lynn Greenland 17 - 12. The winning trip for the Navajos were Stan North, Sue Gell and Bob Donnelly 19 - 13.
El Rancho Bowls
Monday found The Raiders playing host to San Luis Trekkers, a very similar team to last Friday's, but on a very different mat. But again we had a fine match with the home advantage helping us to achieve a draw, winning two rinks and taking the overall shots. Tony Abbott, Sue Zieppe and Steve Zieppe 17-22. Chris Ziepe, Rose Passmore and John Zieppe 11-17. Derek Barker, Malc Sykes and
QUESADA BOWLS
Quesada Rubies started their campagne at home to San Luis Romulans the games were hard fought losing or winning by 2 shots. The best of the winners were Brian Elkington, Barrie Martin and Dennis Patrick with a score of 30 - 7. Other winners were Chrissie Edwards, Paul Edwards and Peter Bottle 16 - 14, Tina Brinton, Ray Phillipson and Peter Bradbury 17- 15. The other 2 rinks just missing out on 5 shots a piece were John Cleal, Max Holmes , Richard Lewin, Jackie Denman, Tony Denman and Steve Hibberd. Shots were 90 - 75 and 8pts - 4 in Rubies favour.
Also on Monday The Diamonds were away
SAN MIGUELGS AT ELPLANTIO
SMGS travelled an easy 45 minutes north to El Plantio Golf on 16 October. 45 members and guests teed off on a warm Wednesday morning. Everybody was in good spirits for what lay ahead.
El Plantio is a course that has come on leaps and bounds after suffering prior to Covid as not being in great shape – well we beg to differ on that now with green, lush fairways with fast greens.
Guest appearances by the Snapping Turtles on the water features also. Having recently been bought out by Alicante Golf, funds are being invested into El Plantio – it can be seen already and it’s well worth the trip to visit.
A noticeable performance by the overall best score of the day (41 points in Gold)
– maybe having a “slight” advantage of being a member there (the Secretary wanted to add penalties, but wasn’t allowed as the score was won fair and square) was our Kyrre Skarsmoen.
A second great score of 40 was recorded by Richard Whitely (not he of Countdown fame). Both of these gentlemen also won 2 x Twos each with a Nearest the Pin complementing both
Also on Friday San Miguel Comanches were away to San Luis Leopards where they lost 4 - 8, 68 shots to 90. Best winning triple were Gunnie Sigurdardottir, Kari Hilmarsson and Gestur Saemundsson 21 -13. Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays 1.30pm for 2.00pm - ˇ5 for an afternoon’s bowling with shoes and bowls available to borrow. First time bowlers are asked to attend an initial coaching session on Tuesday afternoons, starting at 1.45pm, by appointment ONLY. To book, please call Dave or Lynn Greenland on +34 667 207 508. We welcome all bowlers who would like to join San Miguel B.C. We only pay owner fees and a club fee and NO LEAGUE RINK FEES. For info contact Barry Jones on 602 504 905 or Alan Campbell on 606 676 118.
Diane Yates 24-11. Ann Abbott, Sheila Cox and Keith Longshaw 12-15. Mick Higgins, Mags Higgins and Henry Ryder 21-18. On Wednesday the Rustlers played host to Country Bowls Cobras and had a friendly tussle, with both teams taking two rinks each and the Cobras winning the overall shots. On Friday the Mustangs have a Bye while the Raiders have a Bye on Monday. Bowlers of all levels are welcome at El Rancho. Contact secerbc@gmail.com
to Vistabella Albatrosses, after a great win last week, a bit of a hiccup this week, only winning on 2 rinks the Albatrosses had the upper hand The shots were 91 - 77 and 8 pts - 4 in the Albatrosses favour. The Diamonds winners were Ann Heath, Dave Gould and Andy Reid 25 - 16. Peter Rees, Brenda Rees and Harald Olsen. Friday 18 Oct The Swifts were away to Vistabella Conquistadors, it was a hard morning bowling as it was very windy,but played in a friendly manner. The Swifts losing out to the Conquistadors by 3 rinks to 2 , 93 - 66 shots and 8 pts to 4. Swifts winners were Chrissie Edwards, Paul Edwards, Peter Bottle 15 - 14. Cathy Skinner, Tony Denman , George Skinner. Good Luck for next week. By Chrissie Edwards
Twos.
A Two was also had by Guy WadePalmer and Ken Flaherty (who is now an Honorary Member due to that golden milestone age of hitting 80!).
Well done Ken, proving that power and youth mean nothing in Golf (sometimes!).
Gold: Kyrre Skarsmoen (pic. 1st left)
Silver: Ivan Hanak (pic. 5th right)
Bronze: Dave Blinston (pic. 4th right)
An enjoyable day was had by all, tired and weary on the way home, already looking forward to our next outing, south this time, to Saurines de La Torre (part of UGolf).
Winners pictured above with Lee Eastman (Captain, 2nd left) and Darren Strugnell (President, middle).
MATCH RESULTS
17TH OCTOBER 2024
DIVISION 1
CK1 Chuggers1-11Domignomes
Hub Hyenas8-4Leeson St Trotters
Toppers12-0Milo's
Illy's Oldies2-10Mind The Gap Fire Station9-3Tipsy Cow
180: Sean Monks, Dave Wharton, Mark Farmer, Sam Salt, Paul Christopher (2), Colin Kernahan, Brian Abbey. High Finish: Pete Spence 121, Bruce Admiral 116, Paul Moody 114.
DIVISION 1
CK1 CHUGGERS V DOMIGNOMES
Gnomes took 5 of the 1st six, despite fine efforts from Steve Dalton and Paul Tollafield, the latter gaining the hosts sole leg.Dava Wharton provided a nice 75 out
and a maximum, a second 180 came via Mark Farmer.Ricardo Perez top scoring for the Gnomes. Chuggers Mick Wade, Kevin Wood, Dalton and Tollafield gave fine performances in their singles, but were out gunned by Matt Smith's 2 x 18 dart singles, bettered by Perez banging in 2 x16 dart legs.
Dons Ralph earned a POTM in the 12th with 3x81 and 2x100 in a tight 3 leg match with Jonathon Jiminez 133,140, the Gnome concluding the match on D4.Perez Gnomes POTM.
HUB HYENAS V LEESON ST.TROTTERS
The hosts held a 5-1 advantage at the break, Trotters Amanda Skinner finding scores with ease Alex Nikolov hitting D11.Billy Dolling notched up the 1st singles for POTM, Skinner hitting 125, D20 for the visitors 3rd.
Mark Ellis got Hyenas to the Hubs 6th leg, Bob Taylor gaining both points against Ken Skinner. Jason Blackburn POTM with 5 tons and 5x90+.
TOPPERS V MILOS
Dale McGuiness was best of the bunch for Toppers in the 1st half with 2x100,121,140 and 2 outs, Milos outgunned.Much the same in the 2nd half, Pete Spence notched up 3 tons, a 131, 2x140 and a 121 out on the Bull but insufficient for POTM which went to Dave Askew adding 3x100,123,125,138 to 3 earlier 3 figure scores.
Alex Alcaraz and Sam James both showed decent form the latter winning POTM.
ILLIES OLDIES V MIND THE GAP
Despite the scoreline, both sides played some cracking darts.Maximums from Oldies Brian Abbey and Gaps' Sam Salt, with Paul Christopher managing 2 and POTM.Blimey you don't see one for weeks, then see 4 in one match.
John Poole earned Oldies POTM with 117,2x133 and a 12th leg victory over Craig McCarthy.Craig Miller showing good form with 2x100,140, Alan Fleming recording 3x100,2x140.
Paul Moody nailed a 114 out for Gap, Darren Sanderson again hitting form with 4x100,121,129,3x140.
FIRE STATION V TIPSY COW
Station virtually had the game "in the bag" at half time by taking all 6 legs.Robbie Monks POTM banged in 3 tons in the 7th, but lost out in 3 legs to Cow's John Giggs, Murray Macleod making it 6-2 in the 8th.
Tim Clarke got the all important 7th and points in a 3 leg encounter with Steve Lumb.One more leg
went the way of Cow via Simon Perryman, Sean Monks knocking in a 180 and 2-1 victory over Cow's skipper and POTM Bob Smith.
DIVISION 2
TIPSY COW ARCHERS V PINT DEPOT QUEENS
Jan Norbury found D8 for Archers only 1st half point, the greedy Queens Cox duo of Jade D19 and Lorraine D8,D2, plus Alison Wands D2 and Marie Cummins D15 notching up the other 5 points.
Steve Collins D19 and Norbury D2, got the Archers back into the game 3-5, only for POTM Lorraine Cox ensuring a draw on D14, followed by Cummins nailing the outer ring to secure both points.Steve Faldon got the hosts 4th leg and POTM on D17, Rachel Broadhead wrapped up the game on D16.
FREAKIE TAVERNERS V ILLIES IDOLS
Some useful arrows from Steve Hawkins 140,2x85 and Ernie Willis 126,133 plus 2 outs gave Freakies a useful 4-2 half time advantage, despite 3x100 from Jayne Cahill and 2 outs from Sharon Williams one a 71 on tops.
The singles were shared, Mitch Halliday gaining the 7th leg and points on D14, Cahill getting the better of Hawkins on D10 for POTM.Willis getting his 3rd out of the match meriting the hosts POTM.
FALLEN ANGELS V TIPSY TOAD TIARAS
John Eyre defied his many years to put in a POTM performance for Angels, albeit under a "rule cloud."A match is over once the required double is hit, irrespective of a further dart being thrown (in jubilation or otherwise).
Graham White claimed the 12th leg and points on D4 against Tiaras POTM Lisa Ivill.Eileen Askew somehow lost her singles after hitting 98.95,97,100 to an apologetic Darren Fisher.Best finish went to James Mackay on 79.
CC'S BEES V HUB HELLRAISERS
Raisers took a hammering in the opening half, but shared the singles, very much rueing their earlier losses.Best of the night was Bruce Admiral's 116 out on D18, Richie McSweeney earning POTM with 3 winning legs and a hatfull of decent scores.Liam Lumb adding 2 more outs.
Cheryl McGlynn found the outer ring twice for POTM, Alison Scammell numerous trebles hit but no doubles, much the same as Bees Cameron Nesbitt. Simon Bantleman recording a reasonable 121,125,100.
DOMINOS DESPERADOS V CK1 TORNADOS
At 2-4 down at half time the writing was on the wall for Despos.Enter Colin Kernahan to put in a POTM performance against Steve Mullen to start what would turn out to be a winning sequence for the hosts. Kernahan had earlier hit a 180 with partner Eunice Letts only to lose the leg to Kirsty Green 121,85 and Ashley Laidlaw D19.Sue Wilson got the vital winning 7th leg on D6, Paul Laidlaw awarded Tornados POTM.
Dave and Sam Toppers v Milos
The Hellraisers in the Land of the Giants
Potm Ernie and Jayne, Bees v Raisers Ricky and Dons - CK1 v Gnomes
TOO LITTLE TOO LATE AS THADER SURRENDER UNBEATEN RUN
Having risen to top of the Community league southern division,albeit briefly, Thader came back to earth with a bump.
Always a grudge match, this latest local derby had extra spice,in as much as Redovan’s manager was highly successful at preserving Thader’s league survival last season.
His departure came as a big surprise, allowing Raul Mora and assistant Adrian Pastor to once again fill the hot seat. Following a scrappy start to the match, Serhiy should have done better on 13 mins,but when through on goal,Thader’s Ukrainian striker shot harmlessly wide of the post.
In a game littered with fouls (some X rated) ref Beneite issued the first of many yellow cards on the half hour mark,and eventually a red one late on.
Redovan went on the ascendency,so it was no surprise when Vela received a through ball on 40 mins,before dispatching it under the onrushing visiting keeper
Chema,to give the hosts a deserved half time lead. It took 15 mins into the new half before either keeper were called into action.
Once again it was the impressive Serhiy who tried his luck with a well hit drive from distance,but Carlos comfortably saved to maintain his sides advantage.
A jittery Thader defence were close to going further behind on 66 mins,and only a goal line clearance from the veteran Javi saved their blushes.
Thader sub Raul was close to restoring parity on 74 mins,as his long range effort missed the target by a fraction. Unfortunately,against the run of play, Kilian shot his side further ahead on 76 mins,although Chema did get a hand to it before it trickled over the line.
When Raul pulled back a goal direct from a free kick on 84 mins,it looked like an unlikely comeback was on the cards. Their chances were increased on 90 mins, when Redovan sub Ruiz was shown a straight red card for a nasty challenge.
MACKLIN'S ORIHUELA COSTA POOL LEAGUE 24/25
The Macklin's Orihuela Costa Pool League's 2024/25 season got off to a great start on Tuesday 15th October.
Now in its 15th year, the league has gone from strength to strength, with many of the bars now fielding 2 teams.
This year we have 46 teams, 5 divisions and nearly 500 registered players.
We were very sad to hear that two of our players passed away on 15th October.
RIP Colin Wells from Sports Bar Playa Flamenca and Ken Pool and from The Firestation.Our heartfelt condolences to their families and friends.
WEEK 1 RESULTS – 15 OCTOBER
DIVISION 1
Macklins Amigos 4-5 Echoes Bar B
Bar Next Door 3-6 Firestation Blue Watch
Tipsy Toad A 7-2 Boris Sports Bar
Firestn Red Watch 9-0 Lime Bar
The Pavilion 5-4 Sports Bar PF A
DIVISION 2
Rumours Sports 5-0 Kacey's Kougars
Sliders B 4-5 Maschi
Illys Pub 5-4 Tipsy Toad B
Milo's 2-7 Sliders A
New Tavern B 6-3 Bar Liquid
DIVISION 3
Arianaz 1-8Havana Hotshots
Border Bar Red 5-4 The One Bar
Thistle & Rose Blue 8-1 RJ's
Kacey's Hero's 0-9 Emerald Isle
DIVISION 4
Sports Bar PF B 4-5 De Barra's Irish Bar
Drivers Bar 6-3 Thistle & Rose Red
CC's Chameleons 5-4 CC's Crusaders
Echoes Bar A 6-3 Olympia
DIVISION 5
Tipsy Toad CRoig 6-3 The Acorns Royal Oak
Oaks Royal Oak 8-1 Border Bar Blue
Tipsy Cow 8 -1 Rumours Sports Too
TDLO FOUNDERS FORMAT WEEK 3
Primadonnas 1 - 8Gap Girlz
Dolly Mixtures2 - 7CK1 Ladybirds
Whacky Chicas 5 - 4Friendly Temps
LEAGUE TABLE PPts
Gap Girlz323
CK1 Ladybirds320
Tipsy Tigers210
Primadonnas37
Wacky Chicas37
Dolly Mixtures26
Friendly Temps26
although
- Tues 15th Oct
HOT DARTS WEEK 2 - Hot Darts: Bliss
Wright (GG) 125, 100 x4, Dona Ralph (LB) 140 x2, 100, Chelsea Campbell (GG) 121, 100 x2, Lin cousins (WC) 138, Chris Greenwood (WC) 137, Ann Wharton (FT) 121, Sandra Crabbe (LB) 114, Carol Dibden (DM) 111, Ann Bartlett (LB) 106, Angie Philpott (DM) 106, Groa Bryndis (DM) 102, Sarah Grove (FT) 100, Yvonne Rouffignac (GG) 100
HIGHEST CHECK-OUT: Monique Edelenbos (GG) 81
Thader are replaced at the top of the table by CFIndependiente Alicante
WALKING FOOTBALL ROUNDUP
Los Marineros had their first league match of the 24-25 season against Formentera (F) O’60’s, wearing their new green strip provided by Welcome Estates.
The game was played under new rule changes, including the "totting up" procedure for nonwalking, leading to penalties. Formentera took a 2-0 lead in the first half. However, Los Marineros fought back in the second half, scoring two goals to end in a 2-2 draw.
Meanwhile, Portobello Campoverde Walking Football Club participated in a tournament in Malaga. Despite limited numbers and no substitutes, they won all their league games and reached the final, losing 3-1. The team’s performance was commendable given the situation.
ANGLING ROUNDUP
URBAN CARP MATCH GROUP
October has been relatively quiet for UCMG, largely due to Spanish clubs booking El Bosquet, limiting fishing to one section. On September 29, just three participants fished, with Steve Higgins winning with 18kg 340g from peg 20.
On October 6, another trio competed, and Alan Frith won with 17kg 520g from peg 14. On October 14, nine participants arrived without reserved pegs, fishing in sections B and C.
Section C underperformed, with Dave Hutchinson winning with 15kg 520g from peg 21. Brian Fog took second place with 13kg 540g from peg 20, far ahead of Neil Bomford's 9kg 400g from peg 23.
Section B saw better results, with the lowest weight at 12kg 910g. The top two weights came from pegs 12 and 13, with Steve Higgins winning with 31kg 790g, followed by Loska's
On Sunday 27 October,1130 ko,Thader will take on L’Olleria CF inside Moi Gomez stadium,when hopefully a fresh unbeaten league run will commence.
This has enabled them to move on to the next stage of development, raising them to international level ready to referee in next year’s World Nations Cup which will be hosted here in Spain in October 2025.
27kg 400g. John Waples took third with 23kg 410g from peg 15, while Neil McBernie only weighed in 19kg 750g from peg 9.
CARP R US
On Thursday 17th, Carp-R-Us held their annual Memorial Cup match, in memory of past members. The event saw a good turnout and took place in blustery yet warm conditions, with wind impacting the presentation for many participants.
Despite the challenges, Russell Davidson triumphed with a catch of 22.76kg using feeder and pellet from peg 12. Steve Higgins came in second with 12.04kg on pole and maggot from peg 14, while Dave Hutchinson took third with 11.79kg from peg 8. Tony Felstead managed 11.60kg from peg 1b, battling tough conditions.
Post-match, participants enjoyed chip butties at the Dog and Firkin in Catral, where Russell received his trophy. For more information, visit the club's website or Facebook page.
Deep into stoppage time,a cross from the right by Javi found Juan,whose goal bound header was magnificently saved by Carlos,then seconds later,the full time whistle was blown.
victory for Olimpic at home to Gandia on Sunday evening could push them down to third.
Thader have been knocked off the top by CFIndependiente Alicante.
Four local referees also travelled down to Malaga last week, led by Terry Franklin, where they attended a referee upgrading seminar.
