The Leader Newspaper Edition 814

D O YOU WANT TO S E LL YOU R P R OP E RTY? NO SALE - NO FE E Tel: +3 4 617 537 8 6 6 No 814

Monday 11th - Sunday 17th May, 2020

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or email: property@spanishrivier ahomes.com

Keeping people safe and informed for over 16 years - The Costa Blanca’s oldest ‘FREE’ English language newspaper

Sánchez calls for caution as lockdown is eased Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called on people to exercise “total caution” ahead of a partial relaxation of the country’s lockdown.

about 23 million people, will start “phase one” of the deescalation process to ease nationwide social-distancing measures on Monday.

Amongst them will be the municipalities of the Vega Baja.

More than half of the country,

Among the criteria used by the

Ministry of Health to justify the move are the number of free beds in ICU, the current number of infections and the capacity of the local health system.

In the Valencian Community, the three capitals, Castellón,

Valencia and Alicante, all remain at phase 0, as do Elche and Santa Pola, but all of the municipalities that are served by the two Health Authorities in the Vega Baja, Orihuela and Torrevieja, advance to phase 1.

Continued on Page 2

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Lockdown in Vega Baja eased to Phase 1 They include the following 27 municipalities: ADVERTISING SALES

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637 227 385 E-mail office@theleader.info Website www.theleader.info Journalists 600 228 616 office@theleader.info The Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader, its publishers, members of staff and its agents do not accept responsibility for claims by advertisers nor can it be held responsible for any errors in advertisements which are reproduced from poor artwork, low quality electronic data or inadequate instructions for text or other layout features. Further no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by an error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of any advertisement, although all advertisements produced are checked prior to insertion. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for more than ONE incorrect insertion and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement. E&OE. NO PART OF THIS NEWSPAPER MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHERS.

Orihuela Health Department: Albatera, Algorfa, Almoradí, Benejúzar, Benferri, Bigastro, Callosa de Segura, Catral, Cox, Daya Nueva, Daya Vieja, Dolores, Granja de Rocamora, Jacarilla, Orihuela (except the district of Barbarroja), Rafal, Redován, San Isidro

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of the public to 30% of their capacity. Social gatherings are allowed of up to ten people and cars may take passengers again, to capacity in the case of residents living together, otherwise one per row of seats, but wearing facemasks.

Hotels may also reopen but without the use of communal areas. Museums and libraries are again open to the public as are sports centres for outdoor activities but without the use of changing facilities.

Many councils have issued instructions of their own Torrevieja Health Department: Benijófar, Guardamar regarding beaches, sport and del Segura, Los Montesinos, Pilar municipal markets which have all Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro de la Horadada, Rojales, San been well publicised in recent days.

Fulgencio, San Miguel de Salinas, Sanchez has called on people Torrevieja.

Places of worship may reopen once to exercise “total caution” again but to a capacity of one third WHAT CAN BE DONE IN ahead of a partial relaxation of and cultural events and shows can PHASE 1? be held with a maximum of 30 Perhaps the most significant meas- the country’s lockdown. people indoors and 200 outdoors ure for business in phase 1 will be (as long as they are seated and the physical safety disthe reopening of hospitality establishments and tance is maintained). restaurants which can now serve on terraces outdoors, Until Saturday afternoon, the one significant problem tables occupying up to 50% of those shown on in all of this was the rule regarding movement, timmunicipal licenses. ings and the 1km travel limit that had been applied, However the additional criteria they will need to meet but all that was cleared up with the issue of the could be too much for many, particularly those with Government Bulletin. smaller terraces for whom the 2 metre safety distance So from Monday neither the timings nor the 1km dismight still be too prohibitive. tance limit applies. When visiting establishments Then of course there is a whole new swathe of hygiene measures to be followed; Cleaning and disin- authorised to open in phase 1 there are no time slots, they were issued only for exercise. fection of tables, chairs and any other contact surface after every person, single-use tablecloths, gel dispensers, toilets to be thoroughly cleaned at least six times a day, and the use of cash is to be discouraged.

Small businesses of less than 400 sq mtrs are also allowed to open but stores may only admit members

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Of course they could be different in the Costa Blanca South where we have two authorities, Orihuela and Torrevieja, but you can reference these earlier in the article, so providing you stay within the health authority you may once again cross municipal boundaries, but always returning to the family residence.

Orihuela Costa Bars and Restaurants opening on Monday include: The Trinity, Milo’s, Bar Liquid, San Mari, Sunset, Auld Dubliner, Rianxeira, El Faro, Alejandro’s, Zenia Garden and Emerald Isle.

Yolo’s will open on Tuesday and Smiling Jacks on Wednesday.

Those considering opening later in the week: Manuelo Restaurant, Piccolino, Team Creperie, Rogue Kitchen, Beef or Salmon, Queen Vic, Orange Tree, McCaffertys, O’Riordans, Mamá Mia, Cabo Roig Inn, Bushwacka, Paddy’s Point, Randy Leprechaun (18th)

Similarly in terms of travel, the bulletin states that you may travel throughout your health authority.

“In the social sphere, it is allowed to circulate through the province, island or territorial unit of reference for the purposes of the de-escalation process”.

Looking forward to seeing you all again once the ‘lockdown’ is lifted.

Keep safe!

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Thorne told he could die

by Medics

By Andrew Atkinson Villamartin based snooker star Willie Thorne has been told by doctors that he has to remain in hospital - underlining a number of problems that coud lead to his death..

Thorne, 66, in Torrevieja hospital, undergoing chemotherapy treatment for leukaemia, has had multiple blood transfusions and has a fever.

"Willie has had an investigation procedure and awaiting the results," said Julie O'Neill, who is overlooking Thorne's welfare.

"Willie has been asking the medics when he can go home - but they told him they need to get to the bottom of what is going on.

"It’s very dangerous. If he goes home - without the doctors knowing or managing what’s going on - then he could die," revealed O’Neill.

"Being told that you could die is a hard pill to swallow," she added.

He was rushed to Torrevieja Hospital on May 2 - following concerns about his health “and now they have decided to kee Willie in longer," said Julie O'Niell, who launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for cash-strapped Thorne last month.

Thorne has undergone multiple blood transfusions in the last week and is also on the next stage of chemotherapy treatment.

Added to this Thorne has suffered with gout and has a fever.

"Willie keeps getting a fever - and having prolonged issues with both legs," said O'Neill.

Thorne underwent heart and MRI scans, after being rushed to hospi-

tal and further medical tests are being investigated.

"The doctors are going to put Willie asleep and put something down his throat for investigations," said O'Neill.

"The hospital are doing everything possible to find the cause of infection he has - and underlying issues - causing complications," said O'Neill.

O'Neill said that she has not been told about the results from the MRI and heart scans: "We just have to continue to wait and see," added O'Neill.

The GoFundMe campaign has a target of €30,000 and almost €20,000 has been raised.

The fund received an anonymous donation of €5,000 on May 7.

Lesley Marsden, who donated €45, has thanked Thorne, following his and former England and Spurs star Paul Gascoigne's generosity and kindness, when Gazza came to the Costa Blanca in 2019.

"Willie Thorne is a gentleman. He was very kind to my husband last year, when we went to see Paul Gascoigne in Spain.

"My husband has Motor Neurone Disease and Willie made sure we had our photograph taken with Paul," said Lesley.

"Willie also went out of his way and got us seated at a table, near the front," said Lesley.

The couple attended An Evening with Paul Gascoigne event, that saw the football legend spend time in Cabo Roig, Benidorm, and also visited Quesada.

Lesley added: "Willie Thorne also got my Spurs shirt signed by Paul Gascoigne. Hopefully he will get well soon. Willie is a true gent."

The GoFundMe campaign €30,000 target has now reached €20,000 in the wake of anonymous €5,000 donation. If you would like to donate go to: www.gofundme.com/f/ willie-thorne-recovery

e look forward to seeing our loyal customers once again just as soon as the government restrictions imposed because of COVID-19 have been removed.

Until then, please keep safe

W

Paul and Dawn

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Number of deaths drops to lowest figure since 18 March

Better, but still no cigar

Mosquito spraying in Torrevieja Four teams will be employed with work getting underway on Monday

A further 143 people died in Spain from coronavirus in the last 24 hours, the lowest recorded since 18 March, taking the official death toll to 26,621 deaths, although that does not include the total figures for the Community of Madrid and Catalonia. The figure is slightly below that of Saturday (179) although the number of new cases is marginally higher at 621 as opposed to 604.

However, 2,214 people preciously suffering from the virus, were discharged from hospital across the country.

Of the deaths reported this Sunday, Madrid recorded 46 and Catalonia 25. The remainder were in Castilla La Mancha (21), País Vasco (15), Castilla y León (12), Comunidad Valenciana (8), Extremadura (3), Andalucía (3), Asturias (2), Baleares (2), La Rioja (2), Navarra (1), Murcia (1), Galicia (1) and Aragón (1). Melilla, Ceuta, Canarias and Cantabria have reported no deaths in the last 24 hours.

The age group where the most deaths have been registered continues to be that of the 70’s with more than 80% of deaths, both in men and women. Of the 621 new infections today - 17 more than yesterday - 151 are in

Alicante Council to reward its Medical staff The Provincial Council of Alicante will be the first administration in Spain to approve a productivity bonus for its medical staff due to the excess of work linked to their response to the coronavirus crisis.

The move is an initiative of it’s presi-

Catalonia and 110 in Castilla y León.

The rest correspond to Castilla La Mancha (65), Valencian Community (52), Basque Country (45), Galicia (37 ), Aragón (25), Andalucía (17), Navarra (13), Canarias (8), La Rioja (8), Baleares (6), Extremadura (5), Cantabria (3), Murcia (2), Asturias (1).

There have been 465 new hospitalisations, of which 123 are in Madrid and 97 in Catalonia.

Community of Valencia The Valencian Community has registered a total of 52 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed through PCR and 10 deaths in the last twenty-four hours (eight confirmed by PCR and two with an epidemiological link), as well as 65 discharges from hospital.

As reported by the Ministry of Health, since

the start of the pandemic a total of 10,713 infections have been confirmed through PCR tests, while the total number of deaths numbers 1,338 with 8,861 people cured.

The number of people hospitalised continues to decrease, which is now 480 (eight less than on Saturday) while ICU entrants, currently stands at 87 (5 less than Saturday).

By provinces, nine positive cases have been confirmed in Castellón, six of them by PCR; 80 in Alicante, 18 of them by PCR; and 75 in Valencia, 28 of them by PCR. To date there have been a total of 1,338 deaths in the Valencian Community: 201 in the province of Castellón, 471 in Alicante and 666 in that of Valencia. There are ten more deaths since the last update (eight confirmed by PCR and two with an epidemiological link).

A Strategic Shock Plan aimed at reducing the current level of mosquitoes in areas of Torrevieja, will get underway on Monday.

Four teams will be employed, two in flooded areas where they will apply larvicidal treatments, one with a heavy duty spray performing adulticide treatments every day of the week from Monday to Friday, and if necessary on Saturdays in the areas detected as problematic, on a scheduled basis and one further team in the urban area, carrying out treatment in the town centre.

dent Carlos Mazón who, with the approval of its Ciudadanos partners, is finalising a budgetary plan to be able to reward its 432 medical personnel with a linear payment of 500 euros per head, however the payment will not be made until the country achieves deescalation.

The measure will cost the provincial corporation 216,000 euros but, beyond that, it has an important political impact. It opens a debate in the Generalitat about the possibility of making a similar payment for the remaining 60,000 employees in the Valencian Community Ministry of Health.

Puig says that he has been ‘stabbed in the back’ by Sánchez The good relationship between the President of the Consell, Ximo Puig, and Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, in recent months has suffered a major setback with the announcement that 14 municipalities of the Valencian Community will not move to Phase 1 of the de-escalation plan.

Puig, who presides over the largest PSOE controlled Community in Spain, describes it as a decision that, from both an economic and a political viewpoint, is a "stab in the back" because of the support and the good outlook that the Valencian Government had conveyed.

The angry reaction of the Minister of Health, Ana Barceló , on Friday night after the news was broken, was endorsed by Puig on social networks, where he stated that he did not share the government’s decision, adding that the Community had met all of the criteria for the entire territory to move to the next stage.

The Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, was asked to respond to Puig’s criticism during his appearance on Saturday, however, he avoided the question, claiming not to have seen the offending 'tweet' and affirming that he could not deal with such things at this time.

Keep safe and we will see you all again when we have beaten the virus. At the moment we are closed until the end of April

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Taking into account the ineptitude shown by the Orihuela City Council in its efforts, particularly those related to the town of Orihuela Costa, and fearing that the opening of the markets will generate more cases of Coronavirus, PIOC issue this press release in the vain hope that these parties (PP, Ciudadanos) who govern Orihuela, do not cause a further disaster.

Now with the coronavirus we believe that the opportunity is now.

The reduction of traffic due to the coronavirus, together with March rains are jointly responsible for the Costa Blanca experiencing its best air quality in 30 years The emission of nitrogen dioxide has decreased 70% in the province during ‘lockdown’.

Home confinement and isolation measures have brought about a significant improvement in air quality across the province of Alicante, mainly due to the large reduction in traffic, the main pollutant, since the crisis began.

Playa Flamenca street market Good time to make the move

We believe it should be moved to the street surrounding the Zenia Boulevard complex and the parking lot in front of Decathlon and Leroy Merlin.

underground parking would suffice. It would be a one-way street market with one row for people to be served and a second channel two metres away for people moving along.

These streets and the parking area belong to Orihuela municipality, not to the shopping complex. We believe that only one side should be used starting by the Chinese Oriental Market, and in one direction. In this way, and by distancing the stalls, customers could be separated according to the new regulations.

We know that the parties governing Orihuela are not going to listen to us, but we live in hope.

Parking on Zenia Boulevard would not be affected since Saturday morning with the

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Costa Blanca enjoys best air quality in 30 years

The Orihuela Costa street market on Saturdays generates a lot of debate and opposition due to its location. Every Saturday, and particularly in the summer, queues of cars, several kilometres long, making it impossible to travel through the streets of Playa Flamenca.

PIOC has been asking for the market to be moved to another location that would create less chaos and make it easier for buyers and sellers to use.

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The PP and Ciudadanos still do not care that the 4,000 young people of Orihuela don’t have a library or a music or language school and yet they have asked that Orihuela be declared a creative literary city.

The Emergency Centre is not going to be

Additionally, during the early part of ‘lockdown’ it frequently rained, so the atmosphere was being continuously cleaned, according to Jorge Olcina, director of the Climatology Laboratory at the University of Alicante.

Data monitored by the Generalitat measurement stations, shows that nitrogen dioxide contamination has fallen by 70% in the last month and is now at a quality not experienced for many years.

built because of the guilty negligence of these parties that do not deserve to govern the beautiful city of Orihuela.

Also significant is the improvement of air quality around Alicante-Elche airport where the cancellation of over 150 daily flights has also had a significant effect.

And they will surely have to close the civic centre as the architect requested in December.

Carlos Arribas, of Ecologistas en Acción, said “this situation should set the benchmark for the future in restricting vehicle access to cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants and, now that the Prime Minister talks about de-escalation, we must start encouraging the use of bicycles, a means of transport that will ensure both reduced emissions and that safety distances are kept.

The PP and Ciudadanos will not listen to us and they will open the current market any way. It has long been a bone of contention, particularly for local residents who are unable to access their properties. That is why we ask the residents of the coast not to go to the market until the rules are clearly defined and can be safely followed.

The Valencian Surveillance and Control Network is made up of 65 monitoring stations across the three provinces,16 of which are in the municipalities of Alicante (seven stations, including those of the Port of Alicante).

We look forward to seeing all of our loyal customers again, once the state of alarm and restrictions put in place by the authorities, due to the coronavirus, are lifted.

In the meantime keep safe and healthy..

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INTRODUCING THE CARDOFAM: OFF-ROAD LEGEND, CHRIS BIRCH Eight-time New Zealand Enduro overall champion, three-time Roof of Africa winner, regular competitor in many the world’s biggest enduro racers and seven-time podium position finisher at Red Romaniacs, it’s fair to say that for many riders, Chris Birch needs no introduction.

As well as having extensive riding experience, Chris’s background as a mechanical engineer gives him the skill to break down the physics of riding to easily understandable chunks, making his offroad riding skill schools popular across the world.

It’s at these schools where he uses Cardo Systems to help communicate with his students.

The reliable Dynamic Mesh Communication connectivity allows up to 15 riders to be connected at one time and the ‘set-and-forget’ functionality of the system means Chris can do just that. Plus, due to the mesh connection, riders can swap and change positions as much as they like, without connectivity being lost – essential at an off-road tuition day.

He explains: “The Cardo units impressed me from day one. As soon as I switched them on, they just worked. What I really liked was the fact there was no messing about connecting and reconnecting once they’d been paired. We just switch them on and ride.

“When using the Cardo units coaching I can give instant feedback to my students. This allows them to progress noticeably faster and with more safety.

Because the Cardo is simple to use and stable, it

adds to the day without causing distraction.”

It’s not just coaching when Chris uses the Cardo Systems PACKTALK Bold unit, his seven-yearold daughter is also a big fan.

“I use it all the time now – whether it’s coaching, riding with friends or riding with my family.

Having the ability to clearly and easily communicate whilst riding makes things so much safer and a lot more fun actually.

“Being able to talk with my daughter Zoe whilst riding has been a game-changer. She is quite new to riding and being able to talk with Dad has given her a huge confidence boost. We can now go places together that we never would have been able to before. Listening to her laughing and playing games as we ride is awesome. She now wants to ride her bike more and won’t ride without the Cardo.”

When not teaching or riding with his daughter, Chris is out riding with friends. The range on the PACKTALK Bold units is up to 1600 metres in perfect conditions, which means everyone can ride at their own pace and still stay connected.

“Having us all linked together and able to easily communicate makes the whole ride flow better than when we don’t wear the units. They mean that we don’t have to stop to check on each other and when we roll into town we’ve already decided where we are going for lunch.”

coaching by visiting www.chrisbirch.co.nz.

You can find Chris on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, and find out more about his off-road

Join the conversation and the #CardoFam on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

#RACEAGAINSTCOVID DUCATI LAUNCHES FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT POLICLINICO DI S.ORSOLA IN BOLOGNA

An international fundraising appeal to finance the rehabilitation programs that the S. Orsola general hospital of Bologna has developed for patients in post Covid-19 convalescence Funding starts at € 100,000: members of the Ducati board have begun donations to which are added those of employees. The amount collected was then doubled by the company The campaign brings together the entire Ducati community, from official Ducati Clubs to dealers, riders, suppliers and partners, in order to achieve an important goal by June 2020 Ducati launches #raceagainstCovid, a fundraiser organized by the Borgo Panigale company in favour of the Policlinico di S.Orsola of Bologna, an excellence of the territory as well as one of the largest hospitals in Italy. In this way, Ducati wishes to contribute to the fight against Covid-19, and it does so with the approach that most distinguishes the company - that of great challenges, forming a team, sharing a goal and looking to the future.

For this reason, Ducati has rallied together its entire family - employees of the Bologna headquarters and its subsidiaries throughout the world, DOC, dealers, suppliers, partners, rid-

ers and enthusiasts - to offer concrete support to those who work every day in the front line to protect the health of citizens.

Making your contribution to the fundraising is simple: for those wishing to donate by credit card, just go to the dedicated page of the GoFundMe platform (of which a mobile app is also available) The donations are received directly by the University Hospital of Bologna Policlinico di S. Orsola.

The goal is to collect, by June 2020, the necessary funds to finance instrumentation, research and staff of the Policlinico di S.Orsola of Bologna dedicated to the exclusive care of patients in post Covid-19 convalescence.

"Even on those who recover, Covid-19 often leaves a significant aftermath on organs and systems that it has attacked with its harsh action.

Lungs, heart, circulatory system, kidneys, brain are the preferred targets of the virus. Impairments of lung, cardiac and renal function occur, the risk of thrombosis remains and there may also be neurological residues. To monitor these patients, treat them and follow their rehabilitation, dedicated multidisciplinary areas have been set up with cardiologists, neurologists, nephrologists, pneumologists, physiatrists and infectious disease specialists.

For these patients, even complex rehabilitation programs are proposed that require dedicated personnel and specific equipment such as, for example, telemedicine tools for remote patient control,

robots for patient rehabilitation at home, ultrasound, echocardiographs, electro-stimulators of respiratory muscles and instruments that measure their strength and train them, traditional active and passive exercise bicycles (for patients with respiratory problems forced in bed)", declared Chiara Gibertoni, General Manager of the Policlinico di S.Orsola.

Ducati has always been an active part of its territory, which is characterized internationally for the Motor Valley of ‘masterpieces’ on two and four wheels, but also for its excellent medical facilities.

The Emilia-Romagna Region has become a national hub for the treatment of Covid-19. The same Ducatisti from all over the world are extremely close to this land which has always been the location for the factory where the red bikes of Borgo Panigale come from.

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ON A WING AND A PRAYER 'Recovery: We don’t know'. Public health: 'We don’t know' - Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade - By Andrew Atkinson Tim Alderslade, Airlines UK chief executive, has briefed Parliament’s Transport Select Committee about the scale of the coronavirus COVID-19 has had on the industry.

Tim with Minister for Transport, Grant Schapps

At a time when passengers are holding out - awaiting for the return of commercial flights - including to Alicante-Elche and Corvera airports, Alderslade pulled no punches, when saying: "We don’t know when this will be lifted.

"We don’t know about the recovery - we

Spain in talks with Berlin as owners set to return?

By Andrew Atkinson

"I've been open two weeks and had big business in Germany, everything is going fine," Gabriela, proprietor of Gold Veit, in Albstadt-Ebingen, exclusively told The Leader on May 4.

German purchased second-home property owners on the Costas are amongst the largest, with the Balearic Islands the largest national community of second-home owners.

“It's an issue we're going to be approaching, given the significant number of Germans who live in, or own property, in Spain,” said Spain's Transport Minister Ábalos.

With Spain easing movement restrictions, in phases 0 to 4, in the wake of the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, Germany too eased legislation in April.

Germany had 158,758 confirmed coronavirus cases and 6,126 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University (April 28).

Germany’s coronavirus infection rate had reportedly edged up, prompting the head of the country’s infectious diseases institute to urge people to stay at home as much as possible amid a relaxation of lockdown measures.

Germany’s virus reproduction rate, called the “R” rate or value, is now at 1.0 in Germany, according

don’t know what the public health stipulations will look like."

Underlining the coronavirus lockdown situation, Alderslade said: "Until we know - we can’t fly again."

With the airline industry continuing to lose millions in revenue - on a daily basis - Alderslade said: “I want to get across to you the scale of this disaster - it has never been this hard - demand has completely stopped."

In his briefing to Members of Parliament, Alderslade reiterated the news announced by Ryanair, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, on redundancies of staff, including pilots.

Virgin Atlantic announced 3,000 plus redundancies on May 5. British Airways have announced redundancies, of up to 12,000 employees. And Ryanair have announced redundancies too.

Millions of workers within the airline industry

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have signed up to the UK Government’s coronavirus job retention scheme - furloughed.

“We are going to need an extension of the furlough scheme - retained until September or October, " said Alderslade.

Heathrow Airport chief executive John HollandKaye also told MPs: “We need the government to say it has a plan - decisions on tens of thousands of jobs will be made - in the next few weeks.”

Thousands of holidaymakers are eager to board planes, once again, awaiting relevant governments decisions to allow commercial flights to return following lockdown.

In a stark warning, Alderslade said: "It will probably take two to three years to get back to normal.

"We are going to have a much smaller, leaner aviation sector - for the next few years - and probably see lower frequencies and lower capacity, for some time."

AVA calls for more police in rural areas after upturn in robberies

Spain's transport minister José Luis Ábalos is holding talks with counterparts in Berlin - with the potential outcome of second-home property owners, many on the Costa Blanca and Costa Colida, returning to Spain from Germany this month.

Germany took its first steps to return work on April 20, reported by The Leader, with shops in some regions opening up for the first time in a month, with a declaration COVID-19 pandemic was under control.

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The Valencian Association of Farmers (AVA-ASAJA) has said that some people are taking advantage of their walks through the Huerta de Valencia, due to the de-escalation of the Covid-19, to go onto the fields and commit both theft and damage to the crops, as a result of which they are demanding a greater police presence in these rural areas.

The Association spokesman

to Lothar Wieler, the president of the Robert Koch Institute, having risen from 0.7.

The Canary Islands easing on lockdown rules, has led to the government saying it has greater public health problems, linked to obesity, cardiovascular disorders, high blood pressure and diabetes, than COVID-19.

David Webster from Santa Cruz, Tenerife, told The Leader: "I had my two hour walk around the village. I wanted some fresh fish from the catch - but it wasn't possible - due to a massive queue, from 10am."

With borders, ports and airports closed, apart from repatriation and medical/health supplies, talks surrounding legislation, with the health and safety of travelling to Spain, are ongoing.

"I miss Spain so much. I have such fantastic friends there and I hope to see you soon," said Gabriela, who visits Los Montesinos annually, speaking on the possibility of easing travel restrictions.

Orihuela appoints four new Local Police officers Four new police agents, three temporary and one permanent, have joined the Orihuela Local Police Unit in the last week.

They were welcomed to the force by the Chief Inspector of the Local Police in Orihuela, José María Pomares and two local councillors.

"With the addition of these 4 agents, plus the 10 temporary agents who joined in early April, the numbers of Local Police have been significantly reinforced, thus fulfilling one of the objectives that the council agree last year” said Councillor Boné.

also called for the public to be in avoiding any increase in damage to the fields "that a minority is causing on seasonal crops, mainly onions, pumpkins and potatoes, a circumstance that" aggravates the difficult situation that thousands of farmers are going through."

The organisation warns of small thefts, especially in the rows closest to the roads, and of footprints and damage by both people and animals that

force farmers to undertake additional repair work.

The president of AVA-ASAJA, Cristóbal Aguado, said that "the fields are private property that we all must respect". "Even more so during the Covid-19 crisis, which has once again highlighted the essential importance of agriculture and the need to guarantee both a decent return and social recognition for farmers," he said.

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Community President Ayuso warns of riots in Madrid

Death of 'Billy the Kid', Head of the Francoist Political Police

MADRID President warns of riots.

Former National Police Commissioner Antonio González Pacheco (Cáceres, 1946), known as "Billy el Niño", has died at the San Francisco de Asís Clinic as a result of a multi-organ failure caused by the coronavirus.

González Pacheco joined the National Police Force during the Franco dictatorship and became the right hand man of Commissar Roberto Conesa in the Political-Social Brigade.

From 1977, in the middle of the Transition process, he became an inspector of the Superior Police Corps and was transferred to the new Central Information Brigade, after the disappearance of the Political-Social Brigade.

Since 2018, Podemos and the Association for the Recovery of Historical Memory, have pressured the Government to withdraw the police merit medal, awarded to him in 1977.

The Spanish political left considered González Pacheco as the icon of the Francoist repressive

Leader of the Communist Party appointed vice-chair of Coronavirus Commission Enrique Santiago, leader of the Communist Party, has been elected vice president of the Reconstruction Commission.

Vox had their proposal for a secret vote vetoed allowing the leader of the Communist Party and deputy of Unidas Podemos, Enrique Santiago to be elected as the vice chairman of the Reconstruction Committee.

The session started angrily with the refusal of the president of the Congress, Meritxell Batet, to allow the secret vote in the election of the committee members, a request made by PP and Vox. The PSOE president made an interpretation of the voting Regulations saying that it could not be a secret vote, something that was not accepted by the fourth vice president of Congress and Vox deputy, Ignacio Gil Lazarus.

Faced with Batet's refusal, spokesman Iván Espinosa de los Monteros announced that Vox would not participate in the vote.

Following the vote the members of the new

apparatus and accused him of torture.

Last February, with the Social Communist Government at the controls of Spain, the Congress Table approved the publication of the 'Billy the Kid' medal award file. However, he continued to reject the publication of his “service record”, despite the fact that, United Podemos supported him.

Over the period of his service 'Billy the Kid' was awarded four medals that increased his pension by 50%.

Commission will be Patxi López, as president, Enrique Santiago (Unidas Podemos) and Guillermo Mariscal (PP) as vice-presidents, and María Luz Martínez Seijo (PSOE) and Isabel Borrego (PP) as secretaries.

According to parliamentary sources, PP and Vox requested a secret vote because the PSOE did not have guaranteed support for the candidacy of Patxi López to head the commission.

The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has argued that if “uninformed measures" are taken when reopening the hospitality industry, there may be more than a million unemployed in the region by the end of the year, which "would lead to riots."

Ayuso was quite clear in her words to the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, during the eighth videoconference held last weekend between the Government and regional presidents.

She said that she had no doubts there would be problems of public and social order with so many people out of work.

Ayuso also asked that a return to education be considered at all levels, at least 15 days before the end of the school year. "We have to try to get stu-

dents back to class before the end of the current term and the end of their current courses, whilst being flexible and sensitive to the situation when it comes to their evaluation," she said in a statement, placing special emphasis on the need to address this matter for the older students, from ESO and Bachillerato.

She requested that the return to classrooms of the students in their final year of Secondary and Baccalaureate (A level) education is made compulsory and not voluntary.

She also warned that there will be more than 45,000 students in the Madrid region will remain unexamined because plans have still not been made. These are adults and students who want to access artistic or sports education.

10

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Now why didn’t I think of that mistake…!

To my knowledge there have been only two men born on this earth who never admitted making a mistake. One was raised in the town of Nazareth, while the other was born and reared in Westmeath and happened to be my father.

But making a mistake is not a bad thing when we learn from the experience and persevere with what we set out to do. “Sticking to it is genius – I’ve failed my way to success”, said the great inventor Thomas Edison.

One of life’s great pleasures is to make a mistake which turns out to be a better way or to benefit more from the error. I once attended Galway Races with my then boss and his father-in-law. We got the customary hot tip from the guy-in-theknow-who-didn’t and all three of us rushed in to get our bet on number eleven, but John, a wee bit deaf, backed number seven, which won in a canter and paid 50/1 on the tote!

We all hate the idea of screwing up and embarrassing ourselves in front of everybody, but unless you somehow manage not to do anything ever again, you will mess up, somewhere, sometime, somehow. I am all for mistakes, because if you make enough of them you will hit on ones that turn out better than what you were looking for. I think it is called serendipity when you get it right by making mistakes.

Christopher Columbus is the prime example when he set out for Asia and found America. In a previous column we wrote about Alexander Fleming who saved countless lives when he discovered penicillin by accident.

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An English pharmacist named John Walker tried to clean a wooden stick he had been using to mix chemicals in 1826. He scraped the stick on a stone and jumped with surprise when it burst into flames and the friction match was invented.

So, don’t be afraid of making that mistake: It is not true that “the less you do the less mistakes you make” because doing little is the real mistake.

Doers make the most mistakes but they also achieve the most. Louise Pasteur said; “Where observation is concerned, chance favours the prepared mind”, or in the words of James Joyce; “Mistakes are the portals for discovery.” We learn from every mistake and it is up to each of us as to what we do with that mistake.

A simple mistake you might say, as was also the invention of bubble-gum (personally I regret that “mistake.”) by Walter Diener, an accountant with a chewing-gum company; or what about Edouard Benedictus, a French chemist, who dropped a glass container on the floor: He stooped to pick up the pieces of glass but found but found the pieces stuck together as the glass contained liquid plastic and that is how safety glass was invented.

Some of the world’s greatest discoveries, like this column for example, have come about by accident.

Janey Mac, I wonder does anyone in the newsroom refer to me as an editor’s mistake…??

Innkeeper, Ruth Wakefield was baking buns one day in the 1930’s using an old recipe. She cut up a chocolate bar and dropped the chunks into the batter, expecting them to melt. Instead what she got were chocolate cookies and Ruth’s mistake became the most famous cookies of all time.

Rubber got its name when Joseph Priestly discov-

Don’t Forget.

A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them and strong enough to correct them.

Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com

Mistakes can often make us stronger ered that a wad of it was good for “rubbing out” pencil mistakes on paper.

Rubber had a variety of uses but the problem was that it was too soft (bit like myself!) melted if it got hot and broke up when it got too cold. It wasn’t until Charles Goodyear accidently dropped a blob of rubber and sulphur on a hot stove that rubber as we know it today came into being – all

Only 20% of shops reopened last Monday, 5 0% of hairdressers and 3% of hotels ACCORDING TO THE PRESIDENT OF ATA, Lorenzo Amor, only 20% of local businesses entitled to do so re-opened their doors on Monday within phase zero of the Government's de-escalation plan, in addition to 50% of hairdressing salons and just 3% of hospitality establishments, "Uncertainty and very little hope,” is still what

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because a man was clumsy!

A hundred years ago Tea-bags were invented by accident when a New York tea merchant sent out small sachets of tea samples to his customers.

Coco Cola was the result of another delicious accident: In 1886 a pharmacist named John Pemberton cooked up medicinal syrup in a large brass kettle slung over an open fire, stirring it with an oar. He figured he had created a fine health tonic for people who were tired, nervous, or even suffering from sore gums. John’s concoction didn’t make it as a medicine and it took it a long time to catch on as a beverage. He spent $74 on advertising in his first year, but only sold $50 worth of coke. Today John’s mistake sells a billion drinks a day – some strike for us blunderers!

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*Author, entrepreneur and newspaper columnist, Bernie Comaskey, now spends most of his time on a farm in Ireland; but he retains his strong links with the Costa Blanca.

Bernie has published four books; ‘If Ever a Man Suffered’, ‘The Best of Bernie’, ‘The Team’, and ‘Just Between Ourselves’. Bernie’s books are available at half price, on sale from ‘The Leader.’ Call 637 227 385 for info.

Of the hairdessers that opened , most were only for reduced hours.

many business owners are feeling after more than 50 closed days," said the president of the organization ATA, the Association of Autonomous Workers of the Comunidad Valenciana Throughout this week, according to Amor, these percentages will rise to 40% in the case of retail trade, to 70% of hairdressers and salons but there

will be hardly any increase in the case of the hospitality industry.

"The problem, as usual, is that the regulations have been released on Sunday, at the last minute, which was far too late to allow business owners to make necessary arrangements," said Amor.

Therefore, businesses who do not have PPE or material necessary for opening and safeguarding their own health security and that of their staff and

their clients, will not open until they have it.

"Many businesses will be adapting their premises to open in the coming days, others have told us that they will wait until the 11th, and many others say that as they anticipate very little trade in these early weeks they are not going to make the investment in sanitary equipment right now as the cost would be much higher than what they would expect in income, " he concluded.

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TROPICAL NIGHTS They usually occur during the summer months, not in early May. Alicante, Elche, Vega Baja registers night-time temperatures more typical of late June.

It looks like the summer is with us although I’m betting that most of us who are able to relax are enjoying those lazy summer days. But not so much the summer nights with the region already registering temperatures that are more typical of late June.

During the day the temperatures are now reaching 30º + in many parts of the Vega Baja, up to 31º inland where people are not able to enjoy a coastal

breeze.

According to Jorge Olcina, director of the Climatology Laboratory and the author of study with Samuel Biener, due to the warming of the Mediterranean, the effect of the urban heat island and climate change, a very significant increase has been taking place in the last couple of decades leading to tropical and even steamy, or equatorial nights, where temperatures can reach 25º or more.

exceptional, but in recent years they have become more frequent, particularly on the Mediterranean coast.

In the province of Alicante, such nights have now become common in Elche, Alicante, Torrevieja, Benidorm and Dénia.

Not quite that hot just yet, but on Monday and Tuesday nights the temperatures didn’t drop below 19 degrees throughout the entire night.

Another very important factor that determines the minimum is the sea temperature. At the peak of the summer months, it ranges between 28-30º in the bay of Alicante, especially in the area between the Postiguet and Aguamarga beaches.

Up to 1980, steamy nights in the Mediterranean and on the coast were

“When the temperature of sea

SANXENXO REDESIGNS ITS BEACH TO WELCOME HOLIDAYMAKERS

The mayor has presented his plan to send a message of optimism to tourists The sandy area will be divided into 780 ninesquare-meter plots to guarantee the safety distances established by the health authorities The division will force the capacity to be reduced: but up to 2,340 people can still enjoy the beach, which is 75% of its maximum capacity The plots cannot be reserved and there will be staff from the city council controlling access to the sandy area.

Those who want to enjoy a little piece of beach in Sanxenxo this summer will have to get up early. No more throwing the towels over sunbeds.

The coronavirus requires maintaining a social distance and therefore bathers will have to sunbathe inside grids. They are each ninesquare-meter plots and perfectly delimited with wooden stakes and coloured ropes.

This is the plan that this municipality of Pontevedra has proposed so that its most emblematic beach, Silgar, continues to be a benchmark for holidaymakers.

The mayor says that in order to guarantee safety, the sandy area will be divided into 780 plots, each with a capacity for two people.

"Each grid measures nine square meters.

Therefore, we are above the average area suggested by experts, who say that there must be four square metres per person, "said the councillor on Wednesday.

The system will not prevent more than two members of the same family from enjoying a day at the beach. City council personnel will be in charge of organising access and, if necessary, they will be able to rearrange the grids

according to the number of members of the family unit. "The ropes can be released and we will be able to join together three or four grids, as long as they are for people who live together," said the mayor.

NO RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE ‘First come, first served’ will be the law that governs allocation this summer in Sanxenxo, so the plots cannot be previously reserved. The capacity with this new system, according to the town hall, will range between 1,560 and 2,340 people, which means between 50% and 75% of the capacity compared to previous summers.

"Last year, without any stakes or divisions, up to 3,500 people could gather to sunbathe," the mayor said in his presentation of the system.

SILGAR BEACH IS THE URBAN BEACH OF THE MUNICIPALITY There will be a strip between the sea and the first line of grids, which will be a walk and play area for children. "It will be a minimum of seven meters wide at high tide, exceeding thirty meters at low tide," he explained.

The beach will also have four six-metre wide perpendicular accesses that will go from the promenade wall to the first line of the beach.

And every two lines of grids there will be parallel corridors three metres wide to facilitate the entry and exit of bathers.

With their plan Sanxenxo sends a message of optimism to its residents and its visitors. "This summer, if the health authorities and the Government allow it, you will still be able to enjoy the beach. Fewer people, yes, but they will be safer”, he commented.

Sanxenxo, in north western Spain, has 17,500 inhabitants, a population that multiplies by three each summer.

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water is so high, it transmits heat and humidity to the air above (the breeze does not cool, in fact quite the contrary), but also to the areas closest to the sea.

In addition, during the summer, low clouds usually appear between sunset and sunrise, especially over the sea, which then manage to penetrate a few hundred metres onto the land, so that in those areas affected by the cloud screen higher night temperatures are recorded, according to Jorge Olcina.

“We can see that the climate is not the same as it was two or three decades ago. And it begins to worry us,” he

11

says, “because it can affect our economy, our health, our territory. There are many indications, all verified by scientific data, that indicate that something is changing. The average temperature in the province has risen 0.6º since 1980, particularly during the night”.

The warming of the Mediterranean Sea over the last two decades, off the coast of the province of Alicante, is the most obvious manifestation of climate change and the most important problem. “As for the extension of the summers, in Alicante, they are likely to get even warmer in the coming years,” he said.

I n re c e n t y e a r s ‘steamy nights’ have b e c o m e m o re f requent, particularly on the Mediterranean coast.

14

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 813

ACROSS 1.

Clear (6) 4.

Interfere (6) 9.

Surrounding (13) 10. Hang (7) 11. Eagle's nest (5) 12. Merriment (5) 14. Slacken (5) 18. Tremor (5) 19. Mix (7) 21. Characteristic (13) 22. Occupant (6) 23. Tacky (6) 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 Page 23

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

5.

6.

7.

8.

13.

15.

16.

17.

20.

Bosom (6) Inquiry (13) Crowd (5) Mean (7) Fatherly (13) Alleviation (6) Insinuating (5) Treachery (7) Jet (6) Small cake (5) Discern (6) Earn (5)

QUICK ACROSS: 1 Slaughter; 8 Van; 9 Responsible; 11 Diocese; 12 Idler; 13 Cattle; 15 Chaste; 17 Miner; 18 Imagine; 20 Overwrought; 22 Sou; 23 Termagant.

DOWN: 2 Lie; 3 Globe; 4 Tassel; 5 Rubbish; 6 Everlasting; 7 Intervene; 10 Spontaneous; 11 Decompose; 14 Largest; 16 Viewer; 19 Aroma; 21 Hen. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Confirmed; 8 Bid; 9 Glassy stare; 11 Making a; 12 Gorge; 13 Crowds; 15 States; 17 Islet; 18 Heinous; 20 Doubtlessly; 22 Sag; 23 Spokesmen.

DOWN: 2 Owl; 3 Ibsen; 4 Mishap; 5 Draught; 6 Aberrations; 7 Addresses; 10 Acknowledge; 11 Machinist; 14 Detours; 16 Ghetto; 19 Irene; 21 Lee.

ACROSS 1. Fruit for mother and child (6) 4. With which one can count a hundred in a coach (6) 9. Venture to head for the water (4,3,6) 10. Men seen around the Spanish shrines (7) 11. She could be No. 1 Daughter of Tantalus (5) 12. See 3 Down.

14. Guys will secure these accommodation units (5) 18. It's a problem for one ready to appear in the picture (5) 19. The sweet content of various courses (7) 21. Charge that's been blown-up (8,5) 22. Threaten to go out to a place of social degradation (6) 23. Loud tales inaccurately describing a celebration (6)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. Before they were called Giraffes, how were they known in English?

2. Which cartoon character used the catch phrase "you're despicable"?

3. What is the syrup drained from raw sugar called?

4. In the film Jaws Capt. Quint explains why he had a tattoo removed.

What name did he have removed?

5. What is the radiation belt that surrounds the earth called?

6. What distinguishes the Perry Mason story "The case of the terrified typist" from the others?

7. Measured in tonnes per year, which four countries in the world harvest the most hops?

8. The Federal Bureau of Investigation's motto is three words. It too begins with the letters F B and I. What is the motto?

9. Lita Roza became the first British woman with a number 1 hit in the UK chart in 1953. What was the title of this question song usually associated with an American singer?

10. American Art - a: For paintings of the coast of which American state is Winslow Homer best known? b: Which American architect is celebrated in a song by Simon and Garfunkel? c: The first group of American

DOWN 1. Become aloof from the cad, maybe (6) 2. What inefficient builders constructing an army canteen do!

(4,1,4,2,2) 3, and 12Ac. The position of the substitute magistrate is (2,3,5) 5. See 15 Down.

6. Does his act consist of doing the twist? (13) 7. In the holidays we'd entered the country (6) 8. Some of the lovers expound it (5) 13. Show anxiety about horse slaughter (7) 15 and 5Dn. Financial position in early part of the year that carries some weight! (6-7) 16. Almost put a value on noodles (5) 17. Not all of the price realised for grain (6) 20. Wood put back in someone's pocket (5)

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 3 ) landscape painters was named after a river, which? Was it a: Hudson, b: Missouri or c: Mississippi? d: Which American artist was shot by Valerie Soliuas?

11. The highest tides in the world are located in which bay? For an extra point, the 2nd highest tides in the world are located near which US city?

12. The character Kilgore Trout appears in several books written by which American cult author?

13. Whose name, apart from the astronauts', is on the Apollo 11 moon plaque?

14. We give you one line from a famous song from the year 1986 and you have to provide the name of the song and the artist. a: Er war ein Punker und er lebte in der groĂ&#x;en Stadt. Es war Wien, war Vienna. b: Your lights are on, but you're not home. c: She reaches in, and grabs right hold of your heart. d: You could have a steam train if you'd just lay down your tracks. e: We're leaving together, But still it's farewell 15. Name the four Iowa class US Navy battleships in WW II. 16. Of which country was King Zog head of state from 1928 until 1939?

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“Roman Miliary” found in Dehesa de Campoamor

The Roman miliary dates from the IIIIV centuries AD. The Councilor for Historical Heritage, Rafael Almagro, spoke on Thursday about the recent discovery of a Roman miliary in Dehesa de Campoamor, in the bed of the River Nacimiento.

It was found in January, but it was not until this month that it was placed in the Orihuela Regional Archaeological Museum.

The milestone was unearthed following the heavy rains and floods at the beginning of the year.

Municipal archaeologist, Emilio Diz, said that it had been buried since ancient times and was a very important find.

Almagro said that this will be the second emblematic piece from the Roman period which has found its way to the museum, “and which will complement the items that we already have from Prehistory, such as the" Orihuela Idol ", the “Hebraic Stele” from the Middle Ages “Islamic graves” and the 12th century piece of “Painted skirting board from the Orihuela castle” The piece has already been documented by a professor at the University of Alicante, D. Juan Manuel Abascal Palazón, who is a specialist in Latin epigraphy. "Important documentation work has now been carried out, such as photographing, tracing the inscription on acetate and creating a negative 3D model by applying cellulose sheets

onto the piece," said Emilio Diz. A miliary or milestone, word from the Latin miliarium, is a cylindrical, oval or parallelepiped column that was placed on the edge of Roman roads to indicate the distances every thousand passus (Roman double steps) that is, every Roman mile, which is equivalent to a distance of approximately 1480 metres.

This particular piece is made of limestone, height 143mm with a diameter of 37/39 cm. It is said to be from the III-IV centuries AD. The inscription is heavily eroded due to the action of the waters and sands of the Río Nacimiento.

There is one other local miliary which was found in the San Ginés estate, and which is currently preserved in the Pilar de la Horadada museum. Which confirms that the "Via Augusta" passed through the area. This was well used Roman road that ran along the Mediterranean coast from the Pyrenees to Gades (Cádiz), passing through Carthago Nova (Cartagena) and Corduba (Córdoba).

Ancient sources describe this great route, the longest road that crossed the Iberian Peninsula in Roman times. The Orihuela region was an obligatory point of passage on the journey from Ilici to Cartago Nova, with the Thiar mansion, an official stop, maintained by the government.

NESTS OF PLOVERS APPEAR ON LA MATA BEACH Several nests of 'black-backed plovers' (Charadrius alexandrinus), a 'vulnerable' bird in the Valencian Community, have appeared on the beach of La Mata de Torrevieja.

The municipal biologist, Juan Antonio Pujol, said that the numbers of this nesting of a bird have reduce by more than 75 percent in the last 30 years, mainly due to the occupation of the dunes and beaches by humans.

However the peace and calm that the beaches have enjoyed for almost two months has caused, in his words, "males and females to start incubating once again."

"There are even some that have hatched in the sands and you can see the little chickens, with their parents, running around the area," added Pujol.

The Department of Environment and Beaches have now issued orders to suspend the cleaning of

beaches in this section and the situation has been notified to the Local Police, Civil Protection and Civil Guard.

Likewise, several entrances to La Mata beach will be closed from el Molino del Agua, the Water Mill, leaving only the entrances that do not affect the nesting area open.

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Torrevieja and La Mata cemeteries reopen their doors The municipal cemeteries of Torrevieja and La Mata, which have been closed during the period of the state of alarm, will reopen their doors again on Monday, May 11, coinciding with the start of Phase 1 of the de-escalation.

However, people who want to visit the Torrevieja cemetery must make an appointment, although this will not be the case in La Mata cemetery.

In Torrevieja appointments will be every hour for small groups of families, to guarantee hygiene and sanitary measures can be maintained.

The appointments can be made from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. by calling 687 520 966.

Visits to the grounds of the La Mata district cemetery may be made on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, without prior appointment, as no crowds of people are foreseen.

The councillor, Sandra Sánchez, said that all people who visit the cemetery must scrupulously comply with the recommendations issued by the health authorities on safety and prevention measures.

Appointments need to be made to visit Torrevieja

Mercadona extend opening hours Starting on Monday 11 May, the supermarket chain will open one more hour a day.

Mercadona supermarkets have extended their opening hours from next Monday, May 11, when it is expected that large parts of the province will enter into phase 1 of de-escalation.

The new opening hours extend the service that was being provided in supermarkets by one hour. The stores will now open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the country.

The decision comes a few days after the company

introduced a four-day workday established in order to promote rest and family reconciliation.

In addition, from Thursday, May 14, Mercadona will start selling non-reusable hygienic face masks.

16

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Car Sales The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2016 Ford Kuga petrol which is on Special Offer priced at just 16,900 euro. Come along to our showroom in Elche and see our vast range of used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers.

The biggest and best for price, choice and quality.

Social and Clubs Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch meet on the third Tuesday of each month at the Olympia Pool Bar and Restaurant in Mil Palmeras.

Everyone is welcome. Call Jean for info on: 630 28 08 99.

Meetings are currently postponed during the current crisis.

Royal British Legion, Torrevieja Branch - Meet the second Friday of the month at Casa Ventura, San Luis starting at 7.00 p.m.

New members are always welcome. You do not have to be exservices. For more information contact:- gill.burden20@gmail.com Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50’s. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Residential Home Visiting Team. to visit people in a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. If you think you can help call into our centre at C/Paganini

s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887.

Or you can email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es Almoradi Meal Club. If do you fancy a meal out and meeting new friends, come and join our English speaking club. We have twice monthly meals at various restaurants in and around Almoradi. For info go to FaceBook or contact me at davedanie@gmail.com.

Badminton in Pilar de la Horadada.

Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs.

10-12.30 pm. Call John on 634 658 506 ...currently postponed Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 1700 (5pm) at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanisation, Torrevieja. For more information please contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 966716274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 966 92 1966. ...currently postponed Royal Air Force Association Costa

Blanca Branch. The branch meets at Restaurant El Nacional, Punta Prima, on N332, on the third Tuesday of the month at 2.30 pm. You do not have to be an ex-member of the RAF to join this friendly Association. For further info please contact the Chairman on 634 368 833 or the welfare officer on 615 048 892. www.rafa.org.uk/costa-blanca HAH CB need you to help us help those in need in their own homes, short or long term medical conditions of all ages and nationalities.

Contact our head office on 965 328 794 or email: charitycentre helpathomecb@gmail.com.

Curious about the work of Samaritans in Spain? Have a few hours a week to help with the charity shop, fundraising or admin? Come and join us for a chat at our Centre in the Punta Marina Shopping Centre.

Volunteers are unpaid but expenses are met. Email: spainsamsrecruits@outlook.com The Orihuela Costa Drop In Centre is in C/Cipres, Lomas de Cabo Roig, where we can offer you a full range of activities Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Info available at: oc.communitycare@gmail.com

Churches and Services La Siesta Evangelical Church hold services each Sunday.

Our 11.15am Services are held every 2nd and 4th Sunday in the month (and on the 5th Sunday, if this applies.) On the 1st and 3rd Sunday’s our Services are at 9.30 am. Our choir sings at our 11.15

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am Services and there is also a Sunday School, Stepping Stones, on these Sundays. For info see www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) in Torrevieja meet at 10.00 each Sunday in their chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. All Welcome. You can phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 667 533 597..

International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja - Evangelical nondenominational church. Sunday service 11a.m.; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11a.m. Church Bible Study: Thursday 1.30p.m. House groups in Torrevieja, La Siesta – Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. Phone: 966 799 273 / 966 752 543 / 617 215 463.

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Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies - and bats - feed on hibiscus sweet nectar HIBISCUS, a native to warm temperate sub-tropical and tropical regions throughout the world, are an easy way to make your garden have that relaxing, exotic, 'paradise look' and feel.

Hibiscus colourful, blousey flowers, range from white to pink, red, orange, peach, yellow or purple - attracting a plethora of nature into your garden.

Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies - and it is deemed bats - feed on the

hibiscus sweet nectar.

Hibiscus plants grown in containers allows you to easily move them around, to the optimal location within your garden, depending on the season.

Hibiscus needs a minimum six hours of sunshine in order to flower, along with warm, between 16c-32c, in humid conditions and good soil drainage.

During flowering, hibiscus require large amounts of water, especially here in the warm temperate weather on the Costa Blanca, thus water daily, along with a weekly feed of potassium fertiliser.

Once the weather cools, your hibiscus will need much less water, as too much will kill them. Only water, when the soil is dry to the touch.

The hibiscus has long been used by many cultures as a remedy for several conditions. The Egyptians used hibiscus tea, to lower body temperature, treat heart and nerve diseases, and as a diuretic to increase urine production.

In Africa, hibiscus tea was used to treat constipation, cancer, liver disease, and cold symptoms.

Recent research has found the hibiscus is packed with antioxidants that can help fight bacteria. It may also help lower blood pressure, boost liver health and be an aid for weight loss.

GARDEN FELIX Los Montesinos. We look forward to seeing all our loyal customers again, once the imposed movement put in place by the authorities, due to the coronavirus, is lifted. Keep safe. Felix, Garden Felix.

Growing HIBISCUS is an eay way to add tropical flair to your garden. You will be rewarded with many years of lively flowers.

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17

Praise for Montesinos Mayor Butron Praise for Montesinos Mayor Butron - echoed by the people - in COVID-19 Quote: '2020 is a special year for all Montesinos, celebrating 30 years as an Independent town. Preparations to celebrate but coronavirus COVID-19 came. But, we will celebrate, later' - Mayor Butron.

Petrol stations notify hundreds of bankruptcies The government’s obligation for them to stay open has seen Petrol stations across Spain notify hundreds of bankruptcies.

Petrol station owners have criticised the Ministry of Ecological Transition for their decision to maintain opening hours during the state of alarm.

Despite the fact that demand for fuel has plummeted by 90% since the public was confined to their homes, owners of service stations say they cannot understand why the government has not amended the ministerial order published on April 11, which set new hours for the sector in order to guarantee supply.

"It is devastating to see that the people who are making the decisions display an absolute ignorance of the sector, since they have introduced absolutely ridiculous limitations, by forcing thousands of service stations to maintain the same opening hours they had before the declaration of the state of alarm.

This requirement is as unfair as it is disproportionate”, according to the Spanish Confederation of Service Station Entrepreneurs (Ceees).

The employers said that during the period in which the opening hours were reduced, there was not a single problem with lack of supplies in Spain, “despite the fact that we were forced to keep the schedule we had up to 13 March, before the state of alarm was declared.”

Jorge de Benito, President of Ceees, said that 99% of the sector’s requests have been ignored, “condemning hundreds of SMEs to bankruptcy with the Ministry’s arrogant and maximalist attitude in penalising those businesses which, due to environmental responsibility and commitment, offer in their service stations alternative fuels such as gas, despite the extremely low demand”.

De Benito said that just four out of ten petrol stations currently have the freedom to set their own hours despite the outstanding reduction in mobility due to confinement measures.

“This is further proof of the government's lack of knowledge about a sector that, illogically, is hyperregulated. As businessmen, we have amply demonstrated that our responsibility and dedication to service are more than sufficient to guarantee supply.

We put ourselves at the government's disposal to help it devise a consensual, real and realistic strategy that guarantees supply, and they let us down time and again” the statement said.

By Andrew Atkinson Exclusive “The people of Los Montesinos encourage us to continue working – and we will do so. I am glad to have such good friends and neighbours thank you very much”. The words of Mayor Jose Manuel Butron.

Mayor Butron has been praised for the work and safeguarding of the people of the Vega Baja hamlet town and urbanisation La Herrada, during the coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown.

The Mayor, Ayuntamiento de Los Montesinos and Policia Local de Los Montesinos have been active, since government legislation lockdown on March 14.

Disinfection spraying has been undertaken on numerous occasions, with face masks provided by the council, of which Mayor Butron has been active in delivering personally, along with staff members.

With bars and restaurants closed during the coronavirus outset, legislation eased on May 4, following home delivery service, during lockdown.

Graham Stephen, proprietor of The Oasis bar and Restaurant in La Herrada, stepped forward in thanking Mayor Butron.

"We at Team Oasis are extremely grateful and appreciate the help, encouragement and assistance in continuing with the home delivery service," Graham told The Leader.

"The home cooked meal service is for the residents - many locals who haven't seen anyone during lockdown.

"They look forward to the hot meal delivery observing the social distance and all safety guidelines.

Mayor Butron distribution of 10 electronic tablets.

"La Herrada is a large family community, who look after their friends and neighbours," said Graham.

"Mayor Butron has made sure everything is in order - during an exceptionally busy time - with legislation workloads to undertake," said Graham, whose thanks were echoed by a plethora of people who applauded the Mayor.

Mayor Butron told The Leader: "I thank everyone very much. I have a great team of people working, so that everything turns out well.

"2020 is a special year for all Montesinos - as we celebrate 30 years as an Independent town.

"We had many activities prepared to celebrate it - but the coronavirus COVID-19 circumstances have changed the schedule. But we will celebrate it, at a later date - as it deserves."

Mayor Butron added: "The words of the people of Los Montesinos encourage us to continue working - we will do so.

"I am glad to have such good friends and neighbours - thank you very much."

Mayor Butron and his team have worked round the clock, taking in duties, including overlooking

MY BOY LOLLIPOP

By Andrew Atkinson Jamaican singer Millie Small has died at the age of 73 after suffering a stroke.

Star Millie was most famous for her hit single My Boy Lollipop, which reached number two in both the US and the UK in 1964.

Born Millicent Small in Clarendon, south Jamaica, she was one of seven brothers and five sisters, raised on the sugar plantation where her father was an overseer.

The founder of Island Records, Chris Blackwell, confirmed her death in a London hospital saying "She was a very sweet person, really special."

drinking water facilities, asphalt and painting work undertaken, at a budget of 59,620.80, of which 80% is funded by the Diputation de Alicante and 20% by the Ayuntamiento de Los Montesinos.

Electronic tablets have been donated by Vega Fibra, Gofiber, Telecoro and Flexa, to facilitate communication and school support during the health crisis.

"We have already delivered the tablets to 10 families in the Municipality and our gratitude is given for this valuable and generous contribution," said Mayor Butron.

May 4 saw Los Montesinos undertake disinfection spraying once again throughout the town, along with the students of the Municipal School of Music of Los Montesinos offered online auditions in liaison with the Ayuntamiento.

THE OASIS BAR & RESTAURANT La Herrada, Los Montesinos. Graham Stephen, Proprietor, and staff, look forward to seeing their loyal customers again, once the coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown is lifted.

StaySafe: StayHome. Tel: 645 409 436 / +44 77138 5537.

18

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And we still did not have a doorbell.

It seemed a bit pointless having all this new equipment if it was useless, so I went back to the computer and into various web sites that sell phones and ordered a low cost one.

Days drifted by and eventually the phone arrived.

Great excitement, I put the item on charge and waited for the little blue light to come on to say it was fully charged and ready to go.

“We will reach out and explore the mysteries of science and harness the power of technology and innovation. We will realise the opportunities of the digital world.......but I just need to get my bell working first!”

A true Story of the horror of trying to join the digital world.

At first it seemed a simple problem, the front doorbell, which after years of excellent service had finally ceased to function.

While considering the replacement and pondering on getting something different I saw an advertisement for a unit with a camera which showed you who was there, also you could speak to them through your mobile phone without answering the door.

What a grand idea I thought, looking through the instructions of how it worked I learned it was through the Wi Fi system … well we had one of those, so I ordered this new type of bell. But first I had to find one which was waterproof.

It was not until the unit arrived I discovered we did not have a Wi Fi signal at the front gate.

Although disappointing it did not seem too much of a problem as I had seen extensions advertised that would increase the range.

After further research I bought a little black box with two aerials sticking out of the top and I felt certain it was what I needed.

By now it was weeks later, and we still did not have a doorbell that worked.

On social media at this time appeared an advertisement, I felt it was especially aimed at me for it was from the PC Doctor.

So, I got in touch and explained my problem. Sometime later he arrived,

and he understood the situation.

It was obvious he knew what he was doing, as with one look at the new device he opened his laptop and after his fingers had flashed across a few of the keys the mechanism with two aerials was up and running and we had Wi Fi at the front gate.

I thought the next step would be easy, could he connect the phone to the new bell. His face lit up in a big smile “No!” I had the wrong type of phone and it was not possible.

I just had to sit down and grin to myself wondering what now? So far, I had bought a camera doorbell which did not work and would have been cheaper if I had just replaced the old system.

With the screen displaying the bright phones logo I held it in my hand. The instructions said to push the third button down on the side to turn it on. This I did … nothing. And Again, and again, and again. Nothing, no response at all. It did not work.

With still no bell on the front gate and we were managing quite well without one, I was starting to wonder if we needed one.

However, no use having a useless phone and as the SIM card was different, I could not go back to using the old one. So, it went back from whence it had come and we were pleased to receive a refund.

The replacement arrived about ten days later and it worked. But how do you get it to respond to the doorbell, no matter how many times I pushed the bell push although it went ding dong, as if Avon was calling there was no reaction on the phone.

The PC Doctor came round once more and although he was not delighted with

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the cheap phone I had bought, after using his expertise and some technology, my new phone was connected to the front gate with a stunning full colour picture of it and when someone presses the push button, my phone rings as if there is an incoming call, and we can see who it is and talk to them. Marvellous.

Nevertheless, fate had other plans and did not like this new system in our midst, on day three while the phone was in my pocket the screen cracked and shattered. The suppliers were happy to refund the money again. So on the advice of PC Doc I ordered a more expensive mobile.

I selected the phone I wanted from the vast display. Sent it to ‘check out’ and confirmed the order. Then a similar display came up and asked if I wanted to confirm my order?

I was surprised as that had not happened before and after studying the screen I was convinced it was asking me to confirm the purchase of the phone. Of course, I did, and said ‘Yes’.

What I had actually done was ordered another phone.

Two months or more after this saga started and nearly three hundred Euros lighter two phones arrived.

PC Doc came here with his normal big smile and set to work and now one of them is connected to the front gate, the other with the supplier’s agreement is being returned in the unopened package.

At last the video bell was working and no matter where we were in the World we could talk to and see a visitor at the gate.

However, entering the digital world did not last long because, someone stole our ‘ding dong’ device which in all its glory had been screwed to the front gate post. Now just two screw holes to show where it had been fixed.

ARE YOU FINDING EVERYDAY LIFE HARD? We want to reach out to people during the Coronavirus outbreak to people who may be selfisolating.

Maybe you can't quite put your finger on it, but you’re not feeling okay.

You might be feeling tired more often, be feeling emotional, and you might not want to do the things that you usually enjoy.

Struggling to cope with everyday life doesn’t look or feel the same in everyone. We can’t generalise about how it'll make you feel or act.

You don’t have to feel suicidal to get in touch.

Only 1 person in 5 who calls Samaritans says that they feel suicidal. So, if you are feeling anxious, alone, depressed then give us a call.

Signs to look out for • Lacking energy or feeling tired • Feeling exhausted all the time • Experiencing 'brain fog', find it hard to

think clearly Finding it hard to concentrate Feeling restless and agitated Feeling tearful, wanting to cry all the time • Not wanting to talk to or be with peo ple • Not wanting to do things you usually enjoy • Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings • Finding it hard to cope with everyday things and tasks • Experiencing 'burn out' Even if you don’t see what you’re feeling on this list, please still get in touch.

And if you do think these symptoms sound like you, or someone you know, please still get in touch on: • • •

Phone 900 525 100 Email pat@samaritansinspain.com Or Send a Message to 634 325 906 to organise a WhatsApp call

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and they have certain roles.

Lead, Second and Skip.

Without going in too deeply in this take, the Lead’s role is to start the game, if after winning the toss, and then at each “end” by delivering the jack at his turn.

If you are a beginner you will get instructions by the Skip as to how long or short he needs it or generally he will move and position himself along the centre line to the length he wants you to bowl.

So you deliver the jack as near to him

The rules cover this and there are limits, basically if the jack comes to rest less than 2metres from the end “T” it is placed on the centre line at that distance, or if between the end “T” and the ditch it is placed on the “T”. However if it comes to rest outside of the rink boundaries , into the end ditch, or short of the 23 metre mark then it has been delivered incorrectly. Note: as mentioned in previous takes here is where the 23 metres becomes important. This distance of course is from the mat so if it cannot be judged or agreed upon by the skips it has to be measured. This is where guide marks come in, so it then becomes sense, as to why they are there and helps when it comes to judging distance. It is much more difficult and time consuming if none are used as in most grass rinks.

So what happens if you have “screwed up.” Well the opposite lead takes control and re delivers the jack, they can re-position the mat and deliver the jack at their preferred distance which will work to their advantage.

What if they incorrectly deliver the jack? then rule 10.2 comes into force . “ If a player improperly delivers the jack, the opposing player must place the mat as described in law 6.1.1 and re deliver the jack , making sure that it is centred, but the opposing player must not play first”. If the jack is still improperly delivered then Rule 6.3 comes into force “If the jack is improperly delivered once by each player in an end, it must not be delivered again in that end. Instead it must

Spanish Swimming Fed asks for pools to be re-opened The RFEN has asked the Government to reconsider its position not to include the opening of swimming pools for its athletes as part of phase 1.

"Swimming is recognised as an activity that is highly recommended for the health of the population. It is also essential for federated sport and for the survival of clubs with swimming sections.

But its non-appearance in the list of

19

Still no date for return of LaLiga

M o n t e s t a n ’ s t a ke O N B OW L S .

Where were we?

Right you were about to deliver the jack. Before we go any further perhaps we should go a little into team play. Play is carried out in either: Singles, Doubles, Triples or Rinks and for the purpose of this take we will take the most popular for match play and which you will find most of the clubs involve themselves.

In the Valencia region there a number of leagues and divisions playing Triples : In Triples you have 3 players

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Although it is still a draft, the protocol for the return of LaLiga has been widely reported on in the Spanish press with some interesting conditions.

Based on that of the German Bundesliga all players will undergo a PCR test 48 hours before any match. If infected they will not be able to play.

as you can. Don’t just chuck it down and hope for the best, take your time and try

Each team will travel to matches on two buses, so as to maintain safety distances. Once they arrive at the ground all will be given a temperature check and they will then go direct to the hanging room without making contact with anyone else.

Changing facilities will be divided into 3 areas, a green area that includes all those who will be required to enter the field of play to a maximum of

94 people (46 players, coaches, doctors, physiotherapists, the referee etc.). Then there is the blue area for those who will occupy the stands also a maximum of 94 people. The third area is for those who will be used on the external areas of the stadium, a maximum of 32 people.

When asked about a date for the return of LaLiga, the president Javier Tebas, was still non-committal, not want to give a specific date although it is understood that the 28th June is the very latest if the season is to be properly completed.

He did suggest that he would like it to be midJune although he said that "I do not want to give dates because they must be authorised by Health."

He added that clubs will require between 4 and 5 weeks of preparation for their return to competition.

and deliver it along the centre line it’s important that you try and keep as near to the centre line as possible. It takes a bit of practise, as well getting your length right too.

be centred with the nearest point of the jack to the mat line being 2 metres from the ditch, and the mat must be placed as described in law 6.1.1 by the first player to play. It will not go down well with the rest of the players and skips, as a lot of time will be lost, especially if you are playing in the morning and another match must follow yours.

So you can see that practising delivery of the jack is just as important as bowling. The lead is important and the delivery and positioning of the jack is pivotal to the start of the game as well as the lead’s playing and positioning of his/her bowls. We will cover that next week. Here are a couple of examples of a good delivery action.

Bye for now!

Vistabella Bowls Club is sponsored by: Venture Fleet Services, TV Choice, Oneway Services, Serenity Insurance, Carpet Heaven. The Winter league is sponsored by Laguna Tavern Entre Naranjos How about coming and have a go at bowling we would be pleased to see you. We can arrange a free session and lesson . You could get hooked it’s a fabulous game and a very sociable one you’ll meet lots of new friends.

Also bowlers are most welcome, we have a brand new green and are looking for new members.

Please contact: Club Captain - David Jenkins pacadasu@yahoo.com or Charlie Watkins charlieatpathways@yahoo.co.uk.

facilities that can be used in phase 1 is a complete mystery,” according to a statement from swimming’s governing body.

Municipal pools will continue to be closed to swimmers for the time being as will the high-performance centres of León, Sierra Nevada, Madrid and Barcelona, which the Spanish team usually attend during their training gatherings.

It was planned that swimmers would go to the CAR of Sant Cugat to resume training in the coming few days. This option has now been set aside so swimmers must continue to wait to resume preparation, both in high-performance centres and in municipal pools.

Bundesliga back this weekend The Bundesliga returns on Saturday May 16, only another few days before Germany’s top division becomes the first of Europe's big leagues to return, after San Marino became the pioneer.

Germany, with many restrictions and security, has produced a congested schedule, although less than that of LaLiga, so that everything returns to the point that it was at on day 26.

Under protocol and with empty stadiums, Bayern Munich will want to secure the title, leading by just four points from Borussia Dortmund, with Leipzig and Monchengladbach closely behind.

Movistar TV will offer the vast majority of the

games played over the first weekend: MATCHDAY 26 (May 16-18) Borussia Dortmund-Schalke (Sat, May 16, 15.30 #LET'S GO) Hoffenheim-Hertha (Sat, May 16, 3:30 p.m.)

Leipzig-Freiburg (Sat, May 16, 3.30pm Movistar Champions League) Augsburg-Wolfsburg (Sat, May 16, 3:30 p.m.)

Fortuna Dusseldorf-Paderborn (Sat, May 16, 3:30 p.m.)

Eintracht Frankfurt-Borussia M'gladbach (Sat, May 16, 6.30pm Movistar Champions League) Cologne-Mainz (Sun, May 17, 15:00 Movistar Champions League) Union Berlin-Bayern Munich (Sun, May 17, 18:00 Movistar Champions League) Werder Bremen-Bayer Leverkusen (Mon, May 18 8:30 PM Movistar Champions League)

FISH OUT OF WATER Andrew Atkinson talks to Masters Swimmer with Club Natacion Torrevieja Vicki Connolly, surrounding the government's legislation to allow professional and registered swimmers enter the sea under the easing of restrictions in the wake of COVID-19.

"I hope my wetsuit still fits me - I am literally a fish out of water!," quipped Vicki, from Los Montesinos, who still cannot enter the sea, due to the 1km travel legislation. Coming soon another LEADER EXCLUSIVE.

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Monday 11th - Sunday 17th May, 2020

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We look forward to seeing all our loyal customers again, once the imposed restrictions put in place by the authorities, due to the coronavirus, are lifted. Keep safe.

Vivienne Shepherd Quesada Fitness Gym.

Former Rojales resident Rosemary le Messurier

Gone Fishin From Guardamar to Guernsey to Gambia THE committee of Carp-R-Us report the 2020 Spring series was abandoned, due to the coronavirus enforced confinement.

include hunting and fishing as a sport.

Their Angling Secretary will be looking at the match schedule, following the government's Phase 2 Intermediate easing of restrictions, expected to

It is recorded as a Sports Association in both Rojales and Valencia, resulting in the Club being able to join both the Valencian and Murcian Fishing

Carp-R-Us Angling and Social Club of Rojales is a registered Angling Association in Spain.

Federations.

This week I caught up with former Rojales resident Rosemary le Messurier, who managed to do a spot of fishing in Guernsey in the Channel Islands during the coronavirus outbreak.

"I go fishing for a few hours, from dawn," said Rosemary, who returned to Guernsey a few years ago after over a decade in Spain.

"I was the hunter-gatherer, with a bream of 1lb 6.5oz - and a spider crab," said Rosemary, who formerly fished at Guardamar.

Rosemary who has fished from a boat, down the River Gambia, and who once hooked a deadly poisonous sea snake, said: "Unfortunately I haven't been able to keep busy with fishing, because of the lockdown."

Guernsey went into lockdown on March 25, and the population were only allowed two hours for exercise each day, which included walking, cycling or swimming.

Due to no new cases of the virus in late April recreational fishing from land was added for family members, but not groups. Fishing from a boat is still banned.

"It was the first weekend that we had been able to fish in two months, prior

to the lockdown the weather was too bad," said Rosemary.

Regarded as an acceptable exercise during the coronavirus lockdown period, the Guernsey tradition is collecting ormers, a shellfish also known as European abalone. "These are akin to Australian abalone and locals love them - I haven't acquired the taste.

"They cling to rocks and there are only a limited number of times they can be got, between January and April each year, when the tide is at its lowest," said Rosemary, whose interest in fishing began in her early teens, during family holidays to south Devon.

"Living in South London at that time, fishing was limited to holidays, but my brother found he enjoyed the laid back style of freshwater fishing, and still goes to this day.

"I was lucky that my first husband preferred sea fishing. When we married we moved from South London to Maidstone, Kent, and spent weekend nights on the beach, near the Dungeness Power Station, Romney Marsh, Kent.

"More often than not, we returned home empty handed - when we did have a catch it would be a small codling," she said.

Rosemary, who cast her return love of

GOLF COURSES TO RE-OPEN Here on the Costa’s golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.

Buggies will be single occupancy (some courses may allow spouses to share a buggy if the co-habit and have isolated together).

If you use your own trolley disinfect it before and after the game.

Arrive at the course ready to play as changing rooms will be closed.

Don’t congregate in groups at the course.

No hugs, high fives, kisses and handshakes.

Maintain social distancing during the game

Golf Courses to RE-OPEN! The Spanish Golf Federation, Golf Directors Association and other key members of the golf industry have been in contact with the Spanish Government and subject to the final instructions being granted it looks like golf, with restrictions (security protocol) will start again in Spain as from Monday the 11th May 2020.

The standard security protocol is as follows: Golfers can only travel to and play golf courses in the province in which they live.

Respect the measures in place at the course.

Make reservation through an agent or on-line.

Payment to be made on-line.

We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.

The deals shown in the table are some of the best currently available to you.

Course Alenda Altorreal Bonalba Don Cayo (Altea)

Price €64 €55 €40 €41

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Comments Green Fee TBC Green Fee TBC Green Fee (single buggy €28) Green Fee TBC

Play ready golf and keep your place on the courses as groups can’t be called through.

Don’t touch fountains, benches, toilets and ball cleaners around the course.

No rakes will be available but use feet to leave the bunker in the best condition for those following.

fishing in 1987, said: "It's rare when we don't bring home something. Bream or Pollack, and in the summer months, mackerel, turbot and bass - but it's very rare to hook a spider crab."

Mike Probert talks Golf In assn with Costa Blanca Green Fee Svcs

Don’t clean your clubs at the course.

It is highly recommended that you go straight from the golf course to your car and then home.

It is highly likely that the final approval to allow golf to re-start may not be received until the 9th or 10th of May 2020 and some courses may not be ready to re-open but the following appears to be the situation for courses that have replied to questions about reopening:

Play will be permitted in four balls.

Go direct to the tee 5 minutes before your start time.

Rare spider crab caught by Rosemary in Guernsey

Alicante Province Bonalba and El Plantio are ready to open but Alicante will remain closed Font Del Llop likely to open on the 18th May 2020.

Vistabella and Villamartin are ready to open but La Finca and Las Ramblas will remain closed.

Murcia Province

Don’t touch the flag which must remain in the hole and allow gimmies within a standard putter grip length.

El Valle is ready to open but Alhama, La Torre and Hecienda Riquelme will remain closed.

Holes will be fitted with a devise to stop the ball falling to the bottom of the hole.

Hacienda del Alamo, Mar Menor and Saurines are ready to open.

El Plantio El Valle Font Del Llop Hacienda Del Alamo La Manga Courses La Marquesa La Sella La Serena Las Colinas Lo Romero Mar Menor

New Sierra Golf €36 Green Fee TBC Puig Campana €49 Green Fee TBC Roda €60 Green Fee TBC Saurines €35 Green Fee (single buggy €15) Villamartin €69 Green Fee TBC Villaitana Poniente €67 Green Fee (single buggy incl) TBC Vistabella €60 Green Fee TBC *Some courses may allow shared buggies for couples that have selfisolated in the same accommodation. Ask for more details.

€60 €59 €59 €35 n/a €60 €40 €52 €60 €50 €35

Green Fee TBC Green Fee (single buggy €20) Green Fee TBC Green Fee (single buggy €15) Resort Closed Until 16th June 2020 Green Fee TBC Green Fee (single buggy €35) Green Fee TBC Green Fee (9-2pm -single buggy €30) Green Fee (single buggy €36) Green Fee (single buggy €15)

Roda will probably open on the 18th May 2020.

For Bookings and info Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting reference LEADER or on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931

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Racing Prizemoney significantly impacted

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) chief Nick Rust said “Our equine and human athletes would be ready to go within a week of any decision.”

Racing could be set to return in May as some trainers pressed their cause on the back of racing continuing behind closed doors in Australia and Hong Kong.

By Andrew Atkinson

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) chief Nick Rust has spoken about a return, following the lockdown that was put in place on March 17.

"We don't want to make the case ahead of public opinion. We're saying we're ready when you're ready, when the public health advice is ready," said Rust.

"The conditions are different in different places. People cite Hong Kong, that's government-owned and all the horses are stabled right next to the racecourses," said Rust.

"They're able to make the case of continuing the economic activity. We have to try harder to make the case.

British Racing awaits nod to return in May "But we don't have Premier League footballers training for six weeks in our sport - our equine and human athletes are ready to go within a week to help bring live sport back,'' said Rust, in a BBC interview.

Rust said approximately 12,000 racehorses in Britain have remained in exercise throughout the lockdown but stable staff must adhere to social distancing rules and minimise the risk of spreading the virus.

Some staff within racing have been furloughed, while staff who remain active are doing so under strict observation and social distancing regulations.

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Dates in late May have been muted for a return and Rust said: "Our industry employs 20,000 people in rural economies.

"Most of them just earning a basic living. Of course we want some revenue to start flowing to make sure they're looked after and they're not a burden on the national purse.

"We have to keep working away with government - and try to ensure we can bring racing back - when it's safe to do so."

If racing does return it will be behind closed doors, under government guidelines.

The Resumption of Racing group have contacted racecourses to submit expressions of interest to stage fixtures following meetings postponements.

"To help trainers plan, during the next week we will be developing a provisional programme for the first seven days of racing following resumption, whatever the resumption date.

"We will then subsequently publish the rest of the provisional programme up until the end of June.

"This will be as close as possible to the original programme for the period, which means we will be looking to stage roughly the same number of races by type, class and distance.

"Ahead of this, we will issue a fixture cancellation notice for all fixtures that were originally scheduled to take place during May and June.

"This simply reflects the fact that we will be publishing a new provisional programme and does not seek to pre-empt or pre-judge any government decisions around lockdown or resumption."

Racing in Britain came to a halt on March 17.

A return is awaited upon approval from the government and that of meeting public health guidelines.

The Resumption of Racing group consists representatives from the BHA, the Horsemen’s Group, the Racecourse Association and the Levy Board (HBLB).

"In normal circumstances, racecourses provide approximately half of prize-money, but with betting shops, which drive media rights income, closed and no crowds, their contributions will be significantly impacted," said the group.

"Every effort will be made to keep prize money as high as possible, but reductions below recent levels are inevitable," they added.

Concerns for Irish racing as 29 June date for return confirmed

Horse Racing Ireland CEO Brian Kavanagh feels the industry can safely resume earlier County Cork born trainer Denis

the wake of racing continuing to be in

Irish trainers John Oxx and Gordon Elliot have also aired concerns of the economic and employment ramifcations of a delayed return date for racing.

lockdown due to COVID-19.

The Irish Government confirmed horse

Coakley believes that horses in Ireland may be moved to the UK or France - in

racing is not set to resume, until June 29.

The Government have a five-phase plan to ease lockdown restrictions.

Following the news hopes of a return behind closed doors on May 18, under Phase 1 towards lifting public health restrictions, have been dashed.

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed horse and greyhound racing falls under Phase 3, due to come into force on June 29.

The first Classic races of the Irish racing season are to be re-arranged. The 2,000 Guineas, 1,000 Guineas and the Irish Derby, with Horse Racing Ireland hoping to run the Classics in early June. The Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup will also be re-scheduled.

In a statement, Horse Racing Ireland intimated it remains hopeful racing will resume behind closed doors, before June 29.

Referencing comments made by the

Taoiseach in the Dáil, HRI said it would accept an invitation from sectors of the economy wishing to have restrictions earlier than scheduled.

CEO Brian Kavanagh said HRI feels the industry can safely resume sooner, rather than later, and will continue to engage with Government on that basis.

"Constructive engagement had taken place with government in the past week," said Kavanagh.

Phase 2 talks between HRI and Government officials for a June 8 return are expected.

"It would be impractical for ordinary stables, as anybody returning home to Ireland would be obliged to quarantine for 14 days," said Coakley.

Former jockey turned trainer Coakley, based at Keeper's Stables, West Isley, Newbury, said: "Bigger stables could manage - by having staff based in UK. The bigger danger for trainers here is

horses being moved to be trained in UK or France."

Coakley was talking on Twitter, in response to the government in Ireland confirming that racing will not take place before June 29, under present plans.

After the lockdown of racing in March it was touted it could possibly return on May 18, but another month extension has lead to fears horses trained in Ireland could be moved.

As reported racing in Britain has been aired of a return soon by The Resumption Of Racing Group, who will next meet on May 11, in response to the UK PM Boris Johnson's expected statement on May 10, with the current lockdown restrictions in place expected to be eased. Racing is set to resume behind closed doors in Germany, France and the UK this month.

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The 2020 world snooker championship postponement at The Crucible this year, due to COVID-19, led to former world champion Alex Higgins friend, Hugh Hourican, fondly looking back on visits to his bar.

Chief sports editor ANDREW ATKINSON reports.

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Alex 'Hurricane' Higgins cue - and the red ribbon "Alex said 'I’ll make enough money to cover me, until I see you next Saturday'.

"I USED to mind Alex's cue when he came to Dublin, he always had a red ribbon tied around it," owner of the Boar's Head, Dublin, Hugh Hourican told The Leader.

Speaking exclusively to The Leader, Hugh said: "I used to drop Alex to the train station, when he was heading down the country.

"He used to say if he wasn’t a snooker player he’d be a pro golfer. Alex was a golfer too - he loved golf."

When I met him the following Saturday, he told me that he didn’t play well - and Jimmy White was broke. Saturday became Wednesday".

Higgins, 61, was found dead in bed at his Belfast flat on June 24, 2010. His funeral was held at St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, on August 2, and he was buried in Carnmoney Cemetery in Newtownabbey, County Antrim "Alex visited The Boar's Head just a few weeks before he passed away.

Belfast born legend Higgins, the Peoples Champion, known as 'The Hurricane', won the world championship in 1972 and 1982.

"He was always popping in, saying 'can you mind my cue behind the bar Hugh' - then left", recalled Hugh.

"Once I dropped him at the train station to play in a tournament in Killarney, as was Jimmy White.

"When Alex arrived people couldn't believe it was him. But it was somewhere where he could visit.

A port, knowing he had a place of safety. A haven," said Hugh.

"Alex said 'I’ll make enough money to cover me, until I see you next Saturday'.

"When I met him the following Saturday, he told me that he didn’t play well - and Jimmy White was broke. Saturday became Wednesday," said Hugh.

Hugh, who left New York, where he was employed as a bartender, and his wife Ann a waitress, returned to Dublin having bought The Boar's Head, via public auction in 1994.

Recalling memoirs as the death of Higgins' tenth anniversary nears, Hugh said: "Alex loved to see his children Jordan and Lauren, following the split from his wife Lynn.

"I always enjoyed Alex's company. I have nothing only good things to say about him," said Hugh.

"Alex would chat to me about his kids and the barring order - but they use to see him on the quiet."

Hugh Hourican looks back fondly on visits to his Dublin bar by ‘Hurricane Higgins.’

*If I knew You Were Coming I'd Have Baked a Cake - The Alex Higgins story by Andrew Atkinson. Pre-order a copy £10 (+P&P) details email: lancashiremedia@gmail.com

Could Bale team up with Beckham in Miami Paul McDonagh, the sporting director of MLS club Inter Miami, remained coy on reports linking them with a move for La Liga stars Arturo Vidal and Gareth Bale.

Barcelona midfielder Vidal is said to have a transfer valuation of between 15m and 20m euro. He has started just 13 matches across all competitions for the Blaugrana despite scoring in six different matches in La Liga to date. However, the Chilean midfielder is said to be keen to play more first team football so a move away from Barcelona seems likely.

His agent Fernando Felicevich is said to be keen to arrange a transfer and among other clubs currently being touted for his

signature is Inter Milan. The Milanese giants also signed the agent’s client and fellow Chile international Alexis Sanchez recently so they would be likely to start favourites in any transfer race.

The Chilean also looked set to join Inter in the summer of 2018 until Barcelona swooped to sign him from Bayern Munich, while he previously thrived under Antonio Conte at Juventus.

Gareth Bale remained at Madrid beyond the January transfer window despite reports linking him with a return to Spurs, while a transfer to China collapsed last summer.

But the likely problems surrounding any move would be

the recurring issue of Bale’s wage packet, said to be in the region of £350,000 per week, so unless the Welshman would be prepared to take a cut, which he has stated he refuses to do, any move this time

round would be extremely difficult.

His current wage is four times higher than former Madrid player, Chicharito Hernández, who is currently the best paid player in the league.

According to ESPN, Inter Miami sporting director Paul McDonagh, said of Bale: “He’s an exceptional player.”

“But we get linked with so many players and as opportunities and players are presented

to us, we just continue to address them. Some of them are just rumours.

Some of them are interesting, but they may not line up with our goals or financial valuation.”

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23

Spanish Football abandons relegation Apart from La Liga and Division One, there will be no relegation in Spanish football A decision on promotion playoffs is still pending

Orihuela will both remain in Segunda B despite occupying relegation positions.

Non-professional football in Spain, considered to be from Segunda B downwards, has been cancelled for this season, with a decision on what will happen to the promotion playoffs to the Segunda Division and Segunda B yet to be taken.

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales announced his decision to the presidents of the territorial federations on Wednesday just before the decision was endorsed by the Board of Directors, who then met on Thursday morning, to make the decision to end the non-professional season official.

What is certain is that there will be no relegation in and these divisions, which could now end up seeing 100 teams spread across five groups in Segunda B. As such the Alicante clubs, Hercules and

The project for the creation of a new division, Segunda Pro, will now be postponed until the 2021/22 season, when a new category of two divisions from the Segunda B will be formed.

Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)

If the health authorities allow it, the promotion playoffs for Segunda B, the Tercera Division and remaining leagues will go ahead, but "in an express format", except for youth categories where the season is ended without any promo-

New dates for La Vuelta

Djokovic trained with Malaga tennis player Carlos Gómez Herrera

Djokovic sparks controversy in Marbella Novak Djokovic, who is spending quarantine in Marbella with his family, has skipped government lockdown measures to resume training.

The Serb practiced with a colleague on a clay court at the Puente Romano hotel Novak Djokovic sparked controversy on Monday by returning to training, taking advantage of government permission for professional athletes to carry out some training activities in phase 0. However, the Balkan has ignored the measures imposed by playing tennis against an opponent after which he then posted the controversial video on his Instagram account.

Djokovic trained with Malaga tennis player Carlos Gómez Herrera, something that is not allowed in phase 0 of the de-escalation.

But it doesn’t stop there, since both are seen playing on a clay court at the Puente Romano Tennis Club, and the rules clearly say that the tennis courts must remain closed until the implementation of phase 1, which, in principle, will begin next Monday on May 11 .

The Balkan was clearly enjoying himself, playing with a phone in his hands and simultaneously recording a video.

“How good this point. Do you like to run, Carlos? I am very happy with your movements. I'm happy to play on clay, well, for the moment, and I have the phone in my hands. I do not recommend it though,” he recorded on Instagram in a jocular tone.

It was the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET) itself that specified that in phase 0 of de-escalation "the training of any group on a tennis court is not authorised", so Djokovic has ignored the measures imposed by the Government at least twice, it is believed.

Official: La Vuelta will be held from October 20 to November 8 The first stage will be in the Basque Country for the first time in almost five decades.

SUDUKO SOLUTION Fr om page 14

It is now official: the next running of the Vuelta a España will be held between October 20 and November 8. The Tour of Spain, which has removed the Netherlands stages due to coronavirus, will get underway in Irún. It will have 18 stages, the first will be in the Basque Country for the first time in almost 50 years.

The 75th edition of the Tour of Spain had to change its starting dates following a change of dates to August for the Tour de France. With la Grande Boucle disputed between the 29 of August and the 20 of September, el Giro and la Vuelta were both left behind with no option other than to change their dates.

The Giro, which takes place between October 3 and 25, will now overlap a week with the 2020 Tour of Spain.

TRIVEA QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 14: 1. Camelopard (Giraffa camelopardalis - from its early Roman name, where it was described as having characteristics of both a camel and a leopard). 2. Daffy Duck. 3. Molasses. 4.

USS Indianapolis. 5. Van Allen Belt. 6. Perry Mason loses! 7.

Germany, USA, China and the Czech Rep. 8. Fidelity Bravery Integrity. 9. How much is that doggie in the window? (Usually associated with Patti Page). 10. Answers - a: Maine, b: Frank Lloyd Wright (The song was "So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright" on

their 1970 album Bridge over Troubled Water), c: a: The Hudson - Hudson River School, d: Andy Warhol. 11. Bay of Fundy, NS Canada. for the extra point, near Anchorage Alaska. 12. Kurt Vonnegut. 13. Richard Nixon's. 14. Answers: a: Rock Me Amadeus – Falco, b: Addicted to Love - Robert Palmer, c: Invisible Touch – Genesis. d: Sledgehammer Peter Gabriel. e: The Final Countdown – Europe. 15.

Missouri, Wisconsin, New Jersey and Iowa. 16. Albania.

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