The Leader Newspaper Edition 888

No 888 Monday 11th - Sunday 17th October 2021

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Keeping people safe and informed for over 17 years - The Costa Blanca’s oldest ‘FREE’ English language newspaper

an Fulgencio has launched an information campaign on the municipal Padrón and residency applications.

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The initiative is subsidised with 1,380 euros by the Alicante Provincial Council, offering useful information for all residents

who have doubts about either their Padrón or Residencia.

The Council has launched the campaign about both municipal Padrón and residency applications that is aimed at foreign citizens who are residing in the municipality.

Darren Parmenter, the councillor for

International Relations, said, "the aim of this initiative is to inform and remind people of what the Padrón is and how useful it is, and at the same time to dispel many of the myths that surround it, which can often lead to some reluctance to register".

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Continued from page one PADRON AND RESIDENCIA ADVERTISING SALES

637 227 385 sales@theleader.info PROPERTY

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.

Over the next few days posters and leaflets translated into four languages (Spanish, English, French and German) will be distributed throughout the municipality, and will also be available "both in the municipal buildings of San Fulgencio and in bars, cafes and local businesses in the town and urbanisations, available to any resident who needs them", said Parmenter.

The initiative has been carried out thanks to a grant of

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1,380 euros from the Provincial Council of Alicante.

The councillor recalled that anyone living in Spain for more than three months is obliged to apply for Spanish residency, and also that, registering on the Padrón, "is a declaration to the authorities of a habitual residence, so it may have administrative consequences or tax implications".

Samantha Hull, councillor for Social Services for the urbanisations, has indicated that it is also important for citizens to apply for Spanish residency "in order to appear in the Town Hall's databases, and thus be eli-

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gible for all the services and aid available to those who are official residents".

The leaflet also includes a section clarifying the different registration requirements for citizens with EU and non-EU nationalities, as well as for UK nationals who are protected by the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. The document also includes information on how to apply for Spanish residency.

As of 1 January 2020, San Fulgencio had 8,071 inhabitants registered in the municipal Padrón, more than half of whom are foreign nationals.

Furgocasa, a motorhome rental company based in Casillas, Murcia.

From amongst the many different types of motorhomes that exist, Furgocasa specialises in a very specific type: Large Volume Campervans which are the ideal vehicles for couples, perhaps also accompanied by one or two small children.

Jonathan Knight raised over 1500 euro for the RBL with the help of Furgocasa

Within the Greater Volume range of vans the company also stands for the quality of it’s vehicles and the offers it provides. Compared to other companies with similar activity, the campers are one level above in terms of quality, finish and purchase price.

Furgocasa has been operating since the beginning of 2018.

From the outset, they have done very well. They have had a wonderful reception from the public, social networks are doing very well, so much so, that the business continues to grow with occupancy targets increasing on almost a weekly basis.

One very surprising aspect, however, contrary to what was initially thought, the client base is predominantly Spanish (more than 95%) and for reasons that are unknown, the company has not yet managed to promote itself too well among the British public that are residing in the area, or among the British public, who might want to use this means of transport to travel and stay, when they are visiting Spain.

As such Furgocasa is now involving itself with the Royal British Legion in the area, the first stage of which was the provision of a campervan at significantly reduced costs for the recent Tidworth to

Murcia Charity bike ride by Jonathan Knight.

As well as Campervan rental, which starts at just 80 euros a day, and which can be arranged from a minimum of 3 days, Furgocasa also has a large range of new and used vans for sale at our site that is situated just to the northeast of Murcia.

For more information take a look at either the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/furgocasa/ or the website, in English, which you will find at: www.furgocasa.com/en/

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Monday 11th - Sunday 17th October, 2021

THE BITTERSWEET FAREWELL OF RIBERA SALUD

R

ibera Salud, the private management company that has successfully operated Torrevieja Hospital, says goodbye after 15 years of success, to the uncertain relief of the Valencian Department of Health. However it also leaves the hospital, that it once said was the best in Spain, in a condition that is a long way from that situation.

Ribera has always sought to provide first class quality of care at Torrevieja Hospital.

Tons of obsolete material printers, computers and hospital furniture, have all been sold by weight as scrap metal; the unions – previously defenders of the public-private model as a guarantee of stability- claim that Torrevieja University Hospital is being left in "a state that, at the very best, is disappointing."

This is the image of the last few "unpleasant" weeks for Ribera Salud, that it leaves behind after 15 years of health management in Torrevieja, and nine more years across much of the Vega Baja.

The centre that was adopted by Microsoft in 2010 for the installation of a World Centre of healthcare innovation, which was admired within the money-spinning industry of health tourism, and in whose main hall there are no more awards nominating it as the best hospital in Spain, is now in a depressing condition.

The Hospital, opened by Francisco Camps on 17 October, 2006 was ‘a long-time’ aspiration of the people of Torrevieja and La Vega Baja, as well as the municipalities that were later integrated into the department of health: Pilar de la Horadada, Rojales, Guardamar del Segura, Orihuela Costa, San Fulgencio, San Miguel de Salinas, Los Montesinos, Benijófar and Formentera del Segura.

For more than 20 years previously, the residents of the coastal region had to go to the Hospital Vega Baja for any emergency or treatment. Travelling a minimum distance of 15 kilometres, but often many more, it is not surprising that any survey commissioned

by Ribera on the levels of care at the Torrevieja Hospital always showed an enormous level of satisfaction, certainly to it’s proximity.

Since it was first opened the hospital has always been the jewel in the Ribera Salud crown. 62 million euros was invested in its construction. It didn't matter that it was built on a salt marsh and that it

generated controversy amongst many left wing politicians.

The main argument of the concessionaire and the PP government at the time, champion of the management formula, was that it does not matter if the management is public or private as long as it is not distinguished in the care that patients receive. The formula has subsequently been a reference in the health sector.

The projected population -160,000 residents, according to Riberanever questioned this model, and neither did the unions, which negotiated, year after year, much improved agreements for the staff.

The labour relations of the 1,400 workforce have always been agreeable, a happy arcadia that the concessionaire has always prioritised. Everything has worked with 100% public funding. More than 120 million euros per year has been allocated by the Generalitat, based on the per capita estimate, which has risen from 494 at the beginning of the concession to 795 euros per year, for each of the health cards assigned to the service over the last fifteen years.

And also in that time the concessionaire was able to build an extensive accreditation network, capture more users, more income for the concession, to which was added the medical attention paid to visitors: many thousands of euros charged to the health services of other autonomies and countries.

Ribera, which belongs to the North American health multinational Centene, has had more scope than public health to attract more qualified personnel, specialty physicians, through a system of incentives and remuneration, which attracted many of the doctors that are now going to leave the hospital.

This has made it possible to develop, without many of the constraints of the public administration, programs in which they reduced waiting lists for surgery by operating in the afternoons.

If there is something that Ribera has championed in the health area, it has been first class quality of care: pristine facilities, individual hospitalisation rooms with a bed for a relative, the mobile information system and many other applications and services created exclusively for the care of community residents and thousands of other users.

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THE SHOW WILL GO ON! KING JUAN CARLOS CONSIDERING RETURN When the Actors Community Theatre group (ACTS) began rehearsals for their next production Ladies Day, two years ago, nobody could have imagined what was about to happen to the world in early 2020.

The group was just three weeks away from opening at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio when the axe came down and a strict lockdown was introduced to combat the Covid 19 pandemic.

Like other similar organisations, the ACTS members were prevented from meeting and rehearsals came to a halt. Even when restrictions were eased, it was only possible to have limited get togethers and only in the form of glorified readthroughs with cast members observing distancing rules and sitting at separate tables.

Whilst other drama and entertainment groups were suffering the same problems; added to ACTS predicament, a series of disasters and setbacks followed one after the other.

Firstly two key members of the production team were lost permanently, for personal reasons on the one hand and serious illness on the other.

Then a further series of other misfortunes relating to health were experienced.

One a broken leg following a fall which, because of complications, prevented the actor in question from attending rehearsals for seven weeks; and several other incidents including the necessity for self-isolation by certain members of the cast.

These were followed by the director Colin Bird, receiving phone calls from the UK notifying him that there had been a fire at his and his wife’s property in Suffolk, and the death of a dear friend in Bermuda – neither of which could be followed up on, due to the harsh international travel restrictions.

King Juan Carlos tells friends that he could be back in Spain by Christmas It would return once the Supreme Court Prosecutor files the three investigation proceedings that it has kept open, one of them since the end of 2018 King Juan Carlos, who has been in exile in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) since 3 August last year, is considering a return to Spain once the Supreme Court archives the investigation that is being carried out into his alleged financial irregularities, which, in principle, could be very soon.

He could return before the end of the year, and even as early as next month, as long as the Public Prosecutor concludes its investigations without finding evidence of a crime.

Spanish prosecutors prepare to shelve investigation into the king’s alleged financial irregularities.

The King's father has conveyed his intention to several of his closest associates, although he has not yet decided where he would reside or if it will be permanent or temporary.

Investigations have been ongoing for 18 months, the first of which dealt with the alleged receipt of commission from the awarding of the AVE contract to Saudi Arabia. The second began at the beginning of 2019 and is looking at whether Don

Juan Carlos used an Air Force colonel he trusted as to receive monies that he received from the Mexican businessman Allen Sanginés Krause.

The third from the end of last year deals with capital allegedly hidden in a Jersey bank account.

No ‘festive let up’ for the RBL Concert Band

Then finally the production’s stage manager and her husband announced they would have to return to the UK for much needed specialist medical treatment and would miss the performance dates.

Nobody in the group could have been blamed for thinking that the omens should not be ignored and perhaps the production cancelled. The Gods of Am Dram appeared not to be smiling on ACTS. But the group, responsible for such recent productions as The Play That Goes Wrong and Calendar Girls amongst others, battled on and against all the odds are now proud to announce that the long awaited Ladies Day is being staged from Thursday 28th until Saturday 30th October at Cardenal Belluga, San Fulgencio.

The Royal Household has always maintained that any decision made by Felipe VI's father only concerns him while Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, said that the Government will "follow the recommendations of the Prosecutor's Office.

'The last eighteen months have been very difficult for many, including the Royal British Legion Concert Band, which has had to cancel the majority of concerts/musical events and rehearsals, but it is hoped that with the onset of Christmas we can return to a more normal way of life.

The band continues to grow and has recruited more musicians in the woodwind and brass sections and recently performed for three nights at the Oasis Restaurant at the Torrevieja branch RBL centenary celebrations.

There are many bookings in the diary the next of which is the poppy appeal launch in Benidorm on Saturday 16th.October.

During that same evening the band will be playing at the RBL Benidorm branch Centenary Gala Dinner in the Marina Hotel.

The following evening the band will play at the Alicante Branch Centenary Ball in the Caseta Nova Hotel, Castalla.

In November it will play at the Torrevieja branch Remembrance services on Thursday 11th and then in Mil Palmeras three days later.

Carol concerts are scheduled for December including the very popular Carols in the Square in Torrevieja on Friday 10th December.

Dates are still to be arranged for further concerts in Zenia Boulevard and in Pilar de la Horadada.

As ever the band continues to look for more musicians to join in the string, woodwind and brass sections.

If you are interested please contact Graham Robinson at email robinsongraham256@googlemail.com or telephone 658 663 846, alternatively come along to one of our rehearsals.

The band rehearses in the basement of the Sophia Wellness Centre, Cabo Roig every Thursday afternoon between 3pm. and 6pm, you will be made very welcome.

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T H WA R T I N G C O R O N AV I R U S I may be mistaken -- you're nodding already -- but I can't help feeling the world has taken a wrong turn at some point. We've all done it, even satnavs aren't perfect, perhaps we would be as well using tom-toms, there's a joke there if you want it.

Human evolution has cut some corners, often to the detriment of the end product, I'm sure Darwin would be nodding now. I'm not a king, for one thing, and since I'm not, I don't really approve of royalty.

If my blood were blue, I'd be afraid of cutting

myself and needing a transfusion. I suppose I could keep a personal supply on deposit in a blood bank, with an overdraft facility of course. Now there's an idea that would give the Merchant of Venice food for thought.

In his 1978 book Manwatching, Desmond Morris studied 'primitive' as opposed to 'civilised' beings (you and I would be in the latter group, the cool apes hanging out by the pool rather than from the branches). He suggests that when violence and physical strength are essential survival requirements, the wrong individuals survive. Future football hooligans prevail, whereas more cerebral folk -- virologists and newspaper journalists are just two examples -- become fewer in number.

So hordes of the wrong sort made it round the first evolutionary corner on the way to civilisation. The rest of us just doodled on the cave walls, biding our time and scuffing our feet.

But our time, it seems, has come, as Randy Newman predicted in song. Or the virologists' time, at least. Brains, not brawn, have won the day, and are thwarting the coronavirus. Not with sticks and stones and spears but with test tubes and 23-gauge needles, our modern medicinal equivalent of 12-gauge shotguns.

Blow that virus away, nurse! I'm definitely a glass-half-full person, don't you think? I certain-

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ly hate to see a glass half empty.

"We must not relax," was the paradoxical advice from my Easy Listening radio station this morning. (The Paradox Cafe in Amsterdam has Jumbo Shrimps on the menu, and claims it is 'usually crowded on nights that aren't busy.')

The virus may have found its way into your postcode, added the disc jockey, whose previous record had been Eve of Destruction by Barry McGuire. There'll be no one to save with the world in a grave. Easy listening indeed.

My postcode, yikes. Does that mean my post-

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man might be a carrier, no pun intended? I'm going to tape up my letter box and repaint my white circle for grocery deliveries further down my path. I can't wait for the day when coronavirus disappears around the corner, beyond invisibility forever. Have I just invented a meaningless figure of speech? It wouldn't be the first meaningless thing I've done. I still have a hula hoop in the attic, next to my ageing portrait.

Let's all wish for a future when sometimes a corona is just a cigar. Or a Mexican beer.

Don't mind if I do, thanks.

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Voices from beyond …

I

flipped a page of the ‘Sunday Independent’ and there was an obituary to a friend I didn’t know had died. Like so many other friends, our regular paths had taken us in different directions in recent years.

Manus O’Riardon was a remarkable man. All I’ll say about him here is that President Michael D Higgins attended his funeral.

Manus paid me a generous compliment during our last conversation in Spain – and his words now mean more than before.

This got me thinking: Many of us have regrets over something we didn’t tell somebody while they were alive, but doesn’t what they did say to us become more profound after the realisation that person can never say a word to us again?

Gorsoon”, he asked. I had, and I handed it over without a word.

After struggling for a few minutes with the unruly hair, the man somehow found his own comb in an inside pocket. He held the two combs up to the light, turned to me and announced; “yours is a better one – so you keep mine!” And that is how I came to own Brendan Behan’s comb. Brendan Behan hadn’t meant a lot to me at that time, but when he died a couple of years later, his words to me took on a new significance.

During the 50s and 60’, Nicky Rackard was the nearest thing to the second coming of Christ, as far as I was concerned. Then in 1971 or ’72, I was at a social event and found myself standing right next to the great man. “My name is Nicky”, he said. My mouth opened and closed, but nothing came out for a while.

The departed person doesn’t have to be a loved one – just someone we admired. In keeping with the memory of what Manus said to me, please let me indulge myself by telling you of a last exchange (even if the only one) I had with some famous people.

Whatever I thought I should have said, it didn’t come out; and what did, made no sense: “I never thought you were as big a man?” I stammered. “We were all big men”, Nicky replied. Yes, Nicky, you were a big man in every sense. In 2000 I sat for a night beside Nicky’s brother, Billy – and I have a signed hurling ball to prove it!

It was the Summer of 1961 when I worked for a couple of months in the Greville Arms Hotel Mullingar. One morning as I was ‘windowlening’ the mirror in the gent’s toilet, the door flew open and a plumpish, scruffy man, with a flurry of black curly hair, barged in. He proceeded to study his own appearance is the gleaming mirror, all the while searching the pockets of a suit-jacket, that seemed to be too big for him. “Have you a comb,

I had only seen Michaela Harte on television. She was interviewed after Tyrone won the 2003 All-Ireland Final, because she had foreseen the victory in a vivid dream. Then one evening I was behind the bar in ‘Paddy’s Point’ and in walked the beautiful Machaela with her parents. I quickly deserted my post, went out and welcomed the Hartes, as gaelge. Turning to Michaela I said; “If you ever dream that Westmeath win the All-Ireland, will

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you please tell me first?” With a twinkle in her eye she replied; “How long would I need to be asleep for?”

Soon afterwards I met Michaela and Micky again in the Croke Park Hotel. I was astonished that she addressed me by my name. “Any dreams lately?” I asked. And after Michaela’s tragic death her reply is engraved in my mind and on my heart forever: “All of my dreams have come true, Bernie ….”

I had the pleasure of meeting the late great Lieutenant-General Dermot Early at a ‘do’ in Kilmainham Gaol. In the course of our conversation, I naturally mentioned his magnificent feats during his football career. Dermot smiled, before relating how he was on duty outside a church in Cavan at the funeral of John Wilson, TD. A man came over and asked; “Are you the great Dermott Early?” “Well, I am Dermott Early – but I’m not so sure about the ‘great’.” “Oh you were a great one”, exclaimed the Cavan man; warming to his task. “You could kick points from anywhere; right boot, left boot, no matter who was marking you, you could send them over.” Then after pausing and thinking for some seconds, the man said; “Mind you, you could kick the wides too!”

I told this story to Dermott Early Jnr and he asked if he could use it at presentations – as he has done many times in the years since the great Dermott’s passing. And those words with me are treasured ever more.

DON’T FORGET Never part without loving words.

They might be your last.

GARDEN FELIX ....... Trumpet Flower Datura blows its own trumpet!

D

atura, or trumpet flower, has bold upright flowers that puts on rapid growth up to 1 metre tall, with flowers up to 9cm in width, fragrant, especially so at night.

Flowers are mostly white - but also come in yellow, purple, lavender and red.

Stems are soft, but erect, and have a grayish green tinge, with lobed leaves that are lightly furred.

Generally an annual, Datura self seeds vigorously and seedlings grow at a furious rate, to adult plants within one season.

Needing very low maintenance, ideally in full sun, fertile soil and regular watering, getting a

Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com *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 either Spanish Solutions or ‘The Leader.’ Call 637 227 385 for info.

little droopy if they do not get enough moisture.

During winter months they can sustain themselves in most climates, with whatever moisture naturally occurs.

Datura plants are easy to grow from seed, inside or outside in a pot, or simply sprinkle the seed direct outside in a sunny location.

Fertilise in Spring with a light flowering plant food high in nitrogen, then follow with a formula higher in phosphorus to promote flowering.

Cut back errant stems as you wish, but otherwise you don’t need to prune.

You may need to stake, if the plant grows too quickly, and has slender stems to hold the flowers upright.

An herbaceous perennial or annual Datura has a deadly reputation, as an ingredient in poisons and love potions.

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ROTARY CLUB DONATE 110 TONNES OF FOOD TO ANIMAL SHELTERS TONKINESE TEMPTRESS

By Andrew Atkinson

Rotary clubs in both Orihuela and Guardamar have benefitted from 110 tonnes of food worth 600,000k for animal shelters, donated in the Vega Baja, to be distributed across Spain.

The Rotary Clubs of Orihuela, Guardamar del Segura and e-Club del Mediterráneo are part of the Rotary SOS Animals project.

Beneficiaries include Orihuela shelter and re-homing facility Asoka, with 6,000 kg of cat and dog food donated.

President of the Rotary Club Orihuela, Ángel Barrientos, said: "The donation could not come at a better time following a rise in the the number of abandoned or neglected animals over the last six months, leaving shelters overwhelmed.

"The fantastic gift will benefit thousands of animals for several months."

Studio32 Musical Theatre Company are pleased to announce that rehearsals for our next production are well in advance and promises to be a fantastic show.

Rehearsals for this show started way back in January 2020, but due to COVID everything came to a halt.

Shelters that will receive a share of the food have been selected by the Rotarians.

Rotary clubs in Orihuela and Guardamar benefit from 110 tonnes of food worth 600,000 euro for animal shelters, donated in Vega Baja Urgent requests for help can be made, provided supplies are still available, by sending a message through the Rotary SOS Animals Facebook page.

Alicante's Department of Animal Health and Protection report the Covid pandemic has lead to a rise in animal abandonment.

339 cats, dogs, horses and birds were rescued during January-July 2021 in the city.

Torrevieja U3A Craft Fair

Although the dates have changed tickets for this show bought in 2020 are still valid for THE DAY SHOWN ON THE TICKET.

The department reported a rise in adoptions, with 203 having found a new home.

Lorca company Alpha Spirit has donated the food. Castillo Trans company is providing the logistics to distribute across Spain.

The cost of a table to show your goods will be only 5.

Book early in order to ensure your place at the Fair.

Torrevieja U3A will be holding its first ever dedicated Craft Fair on Wednesday 10th November.

Anybody wishing to exhibit, or requiring further information, should contact the Social team on torreviejau3asocialteam@gmail.com.

The fair will be open to visitors from 1100 until 1500 thus giving exhibitors plenty of time to arrive beforehand and set up their stalls and for visitors to browse at their leisure. It will be held in the grounds of the Los Angeles Restaurant in Torrevieja.

All profits from the table hire will be donated to the Torrevieja U3A Presidents charity which is the local branch of the Stroke Association.

Food and drink will be available on site from the restaurant facilities so why not come along and have a good day out.

Should anybody require more information about Torrevieja U3A, or wish to join the association, then there will be members circulating at the fair who will be able to assist.

The fair will be open to all and sundry. You do not need to be a member of the U3A to be able to take part.

Alternatively, you can visit our website torreviejau3a.org where you can find out all that we have to offer.

One of the main storylines is the love affair between US Marine officer Lt Joe Cable and a young Tonkinese native girl Liat.

Lt Cable is torn between his life back home in the US and what his life could be if he marries Liat. Lt Cable is played by Philip Wilson and Liat is played by Paige Charleton. (Both pictured) The show which will be staged at San Fulgencio’s Cardenal Belluga Theatre, Wednesday 24th to Saturday 27th of November with the performances starting at 7:30pm.

Reserved seating tickets are now on sale, priced at 10 euros and can be obtained by emailing: tickets@studiothirtytwo.org or by calling Philip on 602 617 848.

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BONSORS ARE BACK FROM ‘OZ’ FOR GOOD Valencian Mixed Pairs Champions, Lisa and Peter Bonsor

In late 2019 with the onset of Covid things went terribly backwards and Corrimal returned to the Red. With the compliance of the board, I once again turned to “Warilla” to discuss the possibility of an Amalgamation, Corrimal had no money but plenty of assets as they owned the entire property valued at AUD$ 3.5 million.

The deal went through and everything was going great. Corrimal had received a $1 million injection of cash from Warilla and enjoyed a much-needed facelift and complete re-brand.

Lisa and I had 3 years left in our long-term plan which was to save as much money as we could then return to Spain to enjoy retirement.

The family were settled and working with both grandchildren doing well at school.

What could go wrong? Brexit and the floods of 2019, our property in Spain was flooded and we needed to update to T.I.E. our aim to return in 2020 and get this all sorted was thwarted by Covid the only way we could leave Australia was to confirm we would never return!

The recently held Valencians We decided to go back to playing bowls, re-joining Greenlands

Big decision 4, we must provide proof of house sale, copies of waybills to show our belongings were being shipped, surrender notices of our residency and copies of our resignation letters to our employers.

This whole upheaval was to say the least traumatic and costly. Once again, our plan changed due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

The story started as you probably know with me representing Spain in the 2008 and 2009 World Cup at Warilla Bowling Club in NSW Australia.

After winning a Bronze Medal in 2009, I was offered full time employment at a smaller bowling club 20 minutes down the road “Towradgi Park Bowls & Recreation Club” A beautiful club right on the Pacific Ocean.

Big decision number 1 Lisa and I sold our successful bar “Fairwayz” in Dolores and made the long trip to live in Australia. Followed two months later by our son Matt.

My Employment was as a Bowls Co-ordinator which basically meant “Professional Bowler”. I was “Paid to Play” the great game that I had played for 32 years.

The rest of my time was taken up organising all aspects of the Clubs Bowling activities so basically, I was responsible for every position on the committee which isn’t easy but the money was good! Then 3 years later the dream came to a sudden halt.

Big decision 2, we returned to Spain after the birth of our first grandchild “Silesia” Whilst back we devised a long-term plan which was to enjoy the early years of our granddaughter then return to Australia to complete our visa conditions and become permanent residents in Oz. We purchased another Bar “Café uno” in Catral and once again ran a successful business.

In 2015 as per the plan we returned to Oz and whilst competing in the World Champion of Champions in Brisbane, unbelievably I was offered another 3 Year contract with Towradgi.

During this second term as Bowls Coordinator, news travelled from Spain that we were once again going to be grandparents a grandson “Elian”! The plan changed again and we made Big decision 3 to relocate the rest of our family into a small mansion (8 bedrooms) in Australia.

Another 2 years passed and with some poor management decisions Towradgi began to struggle financially and my contract was not to be renewed.

At that time, I went back to the original good guys “Warilla” and through their General Manager Phillip Kipp, I landed a contract at “Corrimal Bowling Club” who were a struggling little club that could not afford managers and professional bowlers.

Phillip was instrumental in talks with the board and sold the idea that with my business skills from running bars / restaurants in Spain that I would be able to be “Secretary Manager” and “Bowls Coordinator” two for the price of one so to speak. Corrimal was one of the oldest and proudest clubs in the “Illawarra” and was the only club never to have been relegated from Top Grade Bowls.

After just over 12 months, Corrimal was completely turned around and making a small profit.

Our transition back to the “Spanish” way of life however did not take long, we lived with our good friend Peta Rhodes who had sadly just lost her husband Harry 4 days prior to our return.

Whilst with Peta we worked tirelessly on our villa repairing flood damage.

Recently we decided to go back to playing bowls and re-joined Greenlands Bowling club.

With their impressive renovations, a new carpet (due Dec 2021) and second to none facilities.

Lisa and I felt Greenlands was the “club on the up”.

Since arriving there we have seen new player recruitment and enjoyed the atmosphere which has a positive buzz with members looking forward to share success in the upcoming new season.

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 887

ACROSS 4.

Bulky (7) 8.

Yearly (6) 9.

Courteous (7) 10. Grumble (6) 11. False (6) 12. Steadfast (8) 18. Recover (8) 20. Zodiac sign (6) 21. Hydrophobia (6) 22. Forbear (7) 23. Vex (6) 24. Communication (7) CAN YOU MASTER THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE? Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

Solution on Page 23

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

5.

6.

7.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

19.

Gaunt (7) Approve (7) Scamp (6) Well-off (8) Sailors’ song (6) Bravery (6) Rebellion (8) Give joy (7) Pudding (7) Ebb (6) High cloud (6) Motive (6)

QUICK ACROSS: 1 Asparagus; 8 Rio; 9 Cataclysmic; 11 Precede; 12 Laird; 13 Priest; 15 Breeze; 17 Drawl; 18 Discard; 20 Incongruous; 22 Ado; 23 Testament.

DOWN: 2 Sea; 3 Ruche; 4 Geyser; 5 Similar; 6 Archipelago; 7 Roundhead; 10 Trepidation; 11 Pipe dream; 14 Solicit; 16 Adonis; 19 Syria; 21 Urn. CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Overspend; 8 Ill; 9 Definitions; 11 Contact; 12 Adult; 13 Ratify; 15 Dampen; 17 Leeds; 18 Octopod; 20 Ace of Hearts; 22 Nod; 23 Spectator.

DOWN: 2 Vie; 3 Sonia; 4 Estate; 5 Diorama; 6 Tissue paper; 7 Glistened; 10 Find the lady; 11 Carolling; 14 Fastens; 16 Toffee; 19 Theft; 21 Two.

ACROSS 4. Wizard security device for a national emergency, perhaps (7) 8. Listen out and follow the recruiting officer’s plea (6) 9. Made a pretence a reality? (7) 10. Editorial chief (6) 11. Worker is shy about a humble dwelling (6) 12. Almost a hit with the girl next door (4,4) 18. Dwelling for the people, in principle (8) 20. If one returns a casual hug that will do (6) 21. I’m given a role to communicate (6) 22. They tell how to write endless bad verse, perhaps (7) 23. Take in fun, we hear (6) 24. Still a variety of sausage (7)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. Name the two honourees with the initials D. D. who have a star for excellence in recording (music) on The Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2. Pizza Margherita is closely associated with which city?

3. The water in which lake was formed with tears?

4. There are almost 1.6 billion Muslims in the world. Name the top five countries with the highest amount of Muslims.

5. Which famous law student was struck by lightning whilst at university in 1505, something that he saw as an act of God and persuaded him to later become a monk?

6. A word to describe someone or something that is 'brobdingnagian'.

7. What was the name of the Beatles debut album in 1963?

8. In which cathedral is the Petersglocke, the world's largest church bell? a: Cologne, Germany, b: St. Peters, Vatican City, c: Canterbury, England, d: Durham, England, e: Ulm, Germany 9. What are the two South American OPEC countries?

10. Which of the following countries does not have a bird on its flag? a: Egypt, b: Mexico, c: Brazil, d: Dominican Republic 11. Name the city or town in which each of the following ships were built? a. QE II, b. Titanic, c. Bismark, d. Queen Mary II, e. HMS Dreadnought.

DOWN 1. Refuse to go down? (7) 2. Its days are numbered (7) 3. The respect in which going up meets the point (6) 5. It’s criminal to take a couple of fools in (8) 6. A trail that winds, there may be a catch in it (6) 7. First form (6) 13. Sacked, no doubt! (2,3,3) 14. Put off by act that included a song (7) 15. No unwritten law (7) 16. A poem’s positive points (6) 17. Office desk? (6) 19. I hesitate to claim such valuable fur (6)

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 3 ) 12. Along which two streets is the Hollywood Walk of Fame found?

13. Who wrote the Nancy Sinatra hit songs 'These boots are made for walking', 'Summerwine' and 'Sugartown'?

14. What are the four most populated cities in the world that end with the letter 'i'?

15. The following words are from songs with the name of a city in the song title. Name the song? a. Tell her to make me a cambric shirt, b. Ain't no angel gonna greet me, it's just you and I my friend, c. These vagabond shoes, d. A nuclear error but I have no fear, e. Strobe lights beam create dreams, walls move minds do too, 16. Which country is Brie Cheese originally from.

17. Arnold George 'Gerry' Dorsey had countless hit songs in both the UK and the US in the 1960s and 70s. What was his amusing stage name?

18. The 'James Caird', now a museum piece, was one of three lifeboat size whalers which helped save the entire crew of which man's chilling expedition?

19. In which country are bulgogi and dak galbi toppings on a pizza?

20. The Italian patriot Vincenzo Peruggia made headlines around the world after walking away with which elderly lady on Monday the 21st of August 1911?

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Drone Pilot Project saves six lives

By Andrew Atkinson Minister of Justice and Interior, Gabriela Bravo, defended the effectiveness of Drones to prevent drownings amid saving six lives during the summer.

"The deployment of the drones of the Generalitat has saved six lives in direct rescue actions and in all probability, has avoided the risk for many more thanks to the work of surveillance," said Minister of Justice and Interior, Gabriela Bravo.

The drones of the Agència Valenciana de Seguretat i Resposta a les Emergències de la Generalitat saved six lives from 851 flights spanning over 2,137 kilometers of coastline.

These drones were deployed on the beaches of Cullera, Gandia, Alboraya, Dénia, Xàbia,

Benidorm, Guardamar del Segura, Burriana, Peñíscola and Oropesa undergoing 152 hours of flight.

Of the flights, more than half were surveillance - 447 - with another 198 carried out to check the state of the sea in order to complete the meteorological predictions.

83 participated in different kinds of emergencies, while an additional six were decisive in carrying out rescues from 36 carried out on demand by other institutions or agencies.

"Despite lives being saved up until August 31, there have been 33 drownings to regret in the Valencian Community, most of them on beaches," said Bravo.

"The saving of these six lives fully justifies the investment that has been carried out," she

added.

The Minister of the Interior of the Consell also highlighted the Stop Drowning campaign: "This is to raise public awareness about reckless behaviours that can lead to death since, in most cases, the fatal outcome could have been avoided with responsible behavior," she said.

The pilot project was launched by the Valencian Agency for Security and Emergency Response to support surveillance and rescue efforts in 10 municipalities with drones.

"From now on we are going to evaluate in detail the results obtained through the use of these unmanned ships to study their possible implementation in all coastal municipalities of the Valencian Community next summer", said Bravo.

SAT ANIMAL RESCUE

Cllr Alejandro Espi with the Queens and ladies of the Patron Saint Festivities of Los Montesinos 2021

Demonstration of a drone at the start of the trial.

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En route from Cartagena to London

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POPPY APPEAL LAUNCH This year’s Poppy Appeal Launch in District North Spain will take place in Benidorm next Saturday 16th October 2021. After the RBL was forced to hold a reduced ceremony behind closed doors last October because of COVID, they are delighted that restrictions have now relaxed sufficiently so that they can return to the format of previous years.

Tesco transport fruit and vegetables from Spain

By Andrew Atkinson Spain is to supply Britain's biggest retailer Tesco to expand its use of a train service to take goods into the UK - which will help cut emissions and protect deliveries during the truck drivers' shortage, it’s CEO told Reuters.

CEO Ken Murphy said in an interview that the last three months had been quite challenging.

The group has also started using a chilled rail service from Cartagena to bring fruit and vegetables into the UK from Spain, helping to cut the number of trucks it has on roads and guarantee deliveries.

From 65,000 containers a year on rail, Tesco has an ambition to increase that to 90,000 containers by November or December.

"We're one of the few if not the only grocery retailer in the UK that uses rail extensively," said Murphy.

"That helped us during the HGV challenges we've had during the summer. To put it into context, by shipping 65,000 containers by rail, we save about 22 million road miles a year," he said.

Britain has been hit by an acute shortage of truck drivers during 2021 - with some retailers and oil companies warning that they were struggling to maintain full services.

Many leading companies are under pressure to cut emissions targets, with Tesco setting out plans to do so.

CEO Murphy said: "Despite the challenges, Tesco had done a fantastic job of getting food into stores, while not allowing food waste to increase."

There will be a Parade of Standards from both The Royal British Legion’s Branches in Spain and other Ex-Service Associations. The Standards will step off from Calle Castellon at 12.00 noon and move along the seafront boardwalk, Paseo de Levante, led once again by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums. Meanwhile the audience waiting for the main ceremony at the Rincon de Loix will be entertained by The Royal British Legion Concert Band, Spain.

The main ceremony will begin at approximately 12.15 and last about 30 minutes. This year, the principal guests are: Don Antonio Perez, Mayor of Benidorm; Mr Joe Falzon, National Vice Chairman of The Royal British Legion and Captain Ian Clarke RN, British Defence Attaché, Madrid.

While Branches work tirelessly throughout the year to raise much-needed funds for the Poppy Appeal, the vast majority of the money raised comes from the Poppy Appeal. Last year, the RBL managed to raise an amazing €75,000 + locally, despite the COVID lockdown. This formed an important part of the almost €641,000 raised overseas. More importantly, this money stays here in Spain to support local Beneficiaries’ needs.

In the last 6 months the Legion has provided support to over 200 cases. Some of these simply need a telephone buddy or home visitor; others’ needs are best met by onward referrals to the local Spanish Social Services or other organisations and charities, known as “signposting”; while many needed more concrete support in terms of financial help, sometimes ongoing support for the more complex cases they support.

In the last 3 months to the start of September alone, RBL has provided financial aid in excess

of €23,500, covering everything from Immediate Hardship Grants, to utility bills and rent, to mobility and hearing aids, to building works.

The money raised here in Spain stays in Spain, supporting veterans and their dependants.

Please help by giving whatever you can afford to the Poppy Appeal this Remembrancetide and join us in Benidorm for the Poppy Appeal Launch if you can – every cent you donate goes to supporting those in need.

UP-UP-AND-AWAY! Bumper boost as 180,000 visitors set to arrive at Alicante-Elche Airport With the Summer holidays a distant memory scheduled flights at Alicante-Elche Airport are set to give the Costa Blanca a major boost with the arrival of 180,000 people during October 8-12.

Alicante-Elche Airport has 1,229 flights scheduled during October 812 with 180,000 tourists - passenger numbers mirroring 2019, being the best tourist year long-weekend on the Costa Blanca.

The 1,229 flights represent 85% of the flights in the same period in October 2019, of 1,500 flights.

Airport operator AENA forecast October 2021 to be the busiest since the coronovirus pandemic outbreak in March 2020, with the average occupancy of flights increasing to 70%, higher than mid-summer.

The tourists' numbers boost comes on the back of the Hotels' sector reporting during Covid-19 100m losses, with 5,000 workers on ERTE and 65 hotels closing during the pandemic.

In the Valencian Community there are 65 hotels in Benidorm, Calp, Dénia, L’Alfàs del Pi, Gandía, Guardamar, Xàbia, Peñíscola, Alicante, Torrevieja and Vinaroz.

In 2019 the Costa Blanca tourism sector recorded their best year in history.

In the same five-day window in October 2020 a paltry 511 flights arrived at the airport, amid the coronovirus pandemic.

Of the 180,000 passengers arriving at Alicante-Elche during October 8-12, thousands boarded 296 scheduled flights on October 9.

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REFLEXOLOGY…WHAT IS IT?

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PAGE 17

Please contact Christine for an appointment who is a qualified therapist in many different therapies since 1998 and lives in La Marina.

REFLEXOLOGY - is the application of specific pressure to reflex points in the hands and feet.

Christine Quinlan is a Reflexology Practitioner and also a qualified teacher so whether you would like to experience a wonderful treatment or be interested in learning to train in Reflexology, then please get in contact.

Reflexology is believed to be the result of stimulating and revitalising energy flow. Energy is basis of all life and a vital factor in healing.

BODY HARMONY also offers treatments in Bowen Technique, Hopi Ear Candling, Indian Head Massage, and Angelic Reiki and Angel workshops.

Reflexology is a gentle art, fascinating science and extremely effective form of therapeutic foot massage that has carved an impressive niche in the field of Complimentary Medicine.

For any further information, contact Christine on 966 795 103 Email.... bodyharmony@tinyworld.co.uk.

Reflexology is a holistic healing technique- the term “holistic” is derived from the Greek “holos” meaning “whole” and the aim is to treat the individual in mind, body and spirit, working on the whole person by inducing a state of balance and harmony.

Website www.bodyharmonytherapies.co.uk impulses to the brain than the hands, but this does not diminish the response to treatments through the hands.

The reflex foot massage is a specific pressure technique which works on precise reflex points on the feet, based on the premise that reflex areas on the feet correspond with all body parts.

The clients will take more of an interest when we are working because they can see what you are doing and this can be a good thing as it gets the client more involved in the treatment and helps them to learn more about the body reflexes.

As a holistic therapy, reflexology aims to treat the body as a whole and endeavours to get to the root cause of disease and treat this, not the symptom. It can also be considered the equivalent of a Body tune up – As you can’t trade your body in for a new one, it makes sense to treat the one you have well!

There are many instances where working with the hands is more appropriate than the feet- where there is infection, injury, amputation and when the feet are too sensitive.

In choosing to work in conjunction with the feet, hand reflexology can enhance the treatment.

The reflexologist doesn’t heal only the body, we can help to balance all the body systems, stimulating an underactive one, calming an overactive one.

FOOTCARE

Every organ, structure and system of the body is mirrored in the feet and hands.

It pays to take care of your feet. A bit of time and attention will not only keep your feet looking good, but will have further health benefits.

They are connected through a system of energy zones within the body which become blocked or congested, causing the body to function less effectively.

Reflexologists seek to relax tension and direct the free flow of energy throughout the body, thus encouraging normalisation of bodily functions and its capacity for self-healing. Best results are obtained by working the feet.

WHO CAN IT HELP? This therapy is suitable for most people of all age groups, from babies to old age. It should not be regarded as a cure-all but

Every part of the body, including your organs, is matched by a corresponding reflex point on your hands most conditions can respond to treatment. These include muscular tension, back problems, migraine, insomnia, arthritis, emotional problems, menstrual and menopausal problems, asthma and others.

People with progressive disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis can also get benefit. Reflexology treatment has great preventative value because imbalances can be detected and corrected at an early stage. It is not just for those with obvious health problems- an occasional treatment is a pleasant way of maintaining health and well-being

As every part of the feet represents a part of the body, the relevance of treating feet with care and kindness is obvious!! Primary importance is good hygiene. Foot hygiene focuses on washing feet thoroughly every day to remove dead skin and eliminate bacteria.

An average foot gives off about ? cup of moisture a day- the skin becomes soft and soggy, making it easier for friction to cause blisters, for chemicals to leak from shoes and cause dermatitis, and for athletes foot and other forms of fungi to take hold.

Frequent washing will help combat the perspiration which cause smelly feet. Regular washing and careful drying will prevent cracks developing.

A pumice stone and creams help soften hard areas. Problems such as corns, verrucas and athletes foot should be attended to, and a chiropodist consulted for persistent problems.

Feet should also be kept warm and comfortable at all timesrapid change in temperatures have adverse effect on the reflex and related organs.

HAND REFLEXOLOGY

REFLEXOLOGY SHOES

This is a holistic therapy which balances the whole body - the physical, mental and spiritual. The Egyptians gave hand reflexology the same importance as the feet and it is very useful for self-treatment as well.

These shoes have “quills” which massage the foot and stimulate the reflexes and meridians while walking. This must not be used as a replacement for Reflexology, but it is beneficial in that they promote lymphatic drainage and circulation to the feet.

Working with a client’s hands is very different from working with their feet. Hand-to-hand contact is much more personal. It links people in every day life- when we shake or hold hands, when we put a hand on someone’s shoulder to offer reassurance- it’s a warm greeting.

All our experiences in life are represented on our hands- the way we have developed and how we deal with life experiences. The feet may have stronger nerve

They should be used in moderation as overuse can overstimulate reflexes and cause discomfort. The same can be said for other aids such as “innersoles” which also should not be over used. They are all effective for health maintenance but not for treating specific problems.

If you feel that it is time to destress, or you have a muscular problem that needs to be dealt with in a wonderful relaxing way or you feel out of balance, then let Body Harmony treat you in an holistic way with a Reflexology treatment and allow yourself an hour of true relaxation and feel the difference.

PAGE 18

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association supports the welfare needs of ex-members of the RAF and their dependents.

We also provide a social hub for members by organising monthly events. To fund Welfare we raise money through the Wings Appeal.

New members are very welcome. To find out more contact Chairman Tony at tony.elaine.cuenta@gmail.com For Welfare contact Bill or Pauline on 0034 634 38 99 83 or email rafacbpresident2@gmail.com.

For general information on RAFA visit www.rafa.org.uk.

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. www.icatorrevieja.org

CAR SALES The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2019 Ford Focus Active Automatic which is on Special Offer priced at just 22,500 euro.

Come along to our showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. The biggest and best for price, choice and quality. ENGLISH SPOKEN

CHURCHES AND SERVICES La Siesta Evangelical Church, Torrevieja is a friendly, English-speaking church. We currently hold services at 11.15am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month (and the 5th Sunday when there is one). For more info about our church, please see our website at www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org For info see www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org Join us at the SALT CHURCH Sundays at 10.30 am. We are a friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship. Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, Polígono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los

HELEN...

Montesinos. We are a lively, friendly church and look forward to meeting you. (Covid19 aware. www.Saltchurchspain.

Facebook SaltChurchSpain 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.

Phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 648 914 347 International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday service 11a.m.; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and

SOCIAL AND CLUBS The next meeting of the Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch will be held at 7 for 7.30 pm on Thursday 21 Oct at the Olympia Pool Bar in Mil Palmeras. Everyone welcome, incl non members. Call Jean for info on: 630 28 08 99.

The Royal British Legion, Torrevieja Branch - Meets at the Oasis, formerly the Casa Ventura, San Luis on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6.30 pm for 7pm start. New members are always welcome. You do not have to be ex-services.

For more info please contact:gill.burden20@gmail.com

637 227 385

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 email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es 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 966 71 6274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 966 92 1966.

Royal Air Force Association Costa Blanca Branch.The

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 e:charitycentrehelpathomecb @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

office@theleader.info

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PAGE 19

CHURCH OF ENGLAND CELEBRATES HARVEST

A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE

T

o be able to travel on the open road and watch the miles slip past, your only commitment is to your own timetable. That is freedom with total control of oneself, which has become a very popular holiday.

There was a time when Italy, to encourage tourism, issued petrol coupons which one could buy from the AA in London and no doubt elsewhere, which were free of the high taxation on road fuel, on the highways and byways of that wonderful country.

Each coupon made it very clear on the reverse, in several languages, that no extra money should be paid for fuel when using the value of the ticket.

It is about seven hundred miles from London to the Lakes in Northern Italy and well worth the journey.

And so it was, we were staying in a

tickets for the fuel we needed and gave them to a young boy, who had run out of the snack bar. He pumped the fuel into the car, and we were ready to move on.

Holding his hand out he then asked for more money. I refused pointing to the wording on the rear of the coupon. He took no notice of it and continued with his quest for more cash. This was surely wrong as we had never had to pay anything more on other fill ups.

After my continued refusal It did not take very long for a Police (Carabinieri) car to arrive, they bundled me in the back and after a little while I was thrown into a prison cell for refusing to pay for the petrol. That is ‘diligence’ dealing with the law as they saw it.

Following that treatment, I paid the extra cost - but I got my own back by selling the remaining tickets to the people we were staying with, and afterwards refuelling in

these two serving officers were having sex in a Police car. The car had been bugged because their seniors had been suspicious of the two.

They were able to listen to the conversation in the car and whilst the pair ignored a 4.17am call from the station to attend a hospital to deal with two victims of a serious assault outside a nightclub, they heard him saying 'aww, let's just get naked', At the time, they were parked up 15 minutes away having sex.?

The report does not say what the middle aged couple had been taking to create such amour at that time in the morning.

Perhaps they are now marketing it as they are both out of a job resigning before the disciplinary committee was able to investigate the events It is a pity that the same diligence with the investigation was not followed when an active Police officer, Wayne Couzens, used his posi-

tion as a ‘so-called Police officer’ to apprehend a woman for the sole purpose of doing her harm, in total disregard of the badge he carried.

No one in command previously thought it was strange when he was swapping vile racist, sexist and homophobic ‘WhatsApp’ messages with his colleagues, he even had a slang name of ‘The Racist.’ If he had been investigated at that stage they would have saved a family incalculable grief.

The Church of England Chaplaincy of Ss Peter and Paul, Torrevieja celebrated its Harvest Festival on Sunday 3rd October at La Siesta Church.

Members of the congregation brought gifts of non-perishable food items which were blessed at the end of the Mass and then taken to Reach Out in Torrevieja.

Father Richard A. Seabrook SSC, the Church of England Priest, said: We had a very happy Sunday morning singing favourite harvest hymns and praising God for the gift of food we receive.

The congregation were very generous in their food collection which we placed around the altar.

How is it, that a great country, which deals in honesty at every level can be brought to such a low?

In my opinion it is because that honesty has been coupled with caring and kindness. Nothing wrong with that unless kindness blurs the picture between right and wrong.

We read frequently of people who have committed serious crimes being let off with a virtual slap on the wrist.

The leader of any organisation knows the importance of morale within the group - without it, discord and lack of commitment. That is exactly what the British public are seeing in a police force not fit for purpose – it’s Officers standing around waiting for instructions instead of doing what they are employed to do, in protecting the populace against misbehaviour.

And again it is my opinion, but I feel that many leaders should change their attitude, before we disappear in a barrage of misbehaviour, thieving and murder, by dismissing the ‘woke’ methods they use to govern and return to a time of using old attitudes and leadership, which served the country well for hundreds of years.

Liz Shouksmith, one of the members of the congregation, also works for Reach Out in Torrevieja. “Liz has had a long association with Reach Out and we are aware of the great need in Torrevieja so Liz´s enthusiasm for Reach Out really inspired a great response,” said Father Seabrook.

Facebook.com/ percy chattey On Amazon and Kindle for thrilling novels type in ‘Series percy chattey’ for short stories type in ‘Series flat overlooking the waters of Lake Maggiore, very close to the borders with Switzerland, where, incidentally, fuel costs were a lot lower, not a problem as we had the coupons free of tax.

Lake Como at that time was more popular for tourists than the place where we were staying so in anticipation, we made our way there.

The gauge on the dash was telling me it was getting serious, and we needed to find a supplier to fill the tank.

Switzerland, the neighbouring country.

“The Pandemic has further underlined the great need in our local communities. People so easily forget the struggles of those who live all around us. That need is real indeed,” continued Father Seabrook.

After the church service, members of the congregation enjoyed lunch together in El Chaparral.

There is this lady who is in her late thirties, married with two children – Molly Edwards, is also a Sergeant in the Police force, a responsible occupation.

Richard Patton, who is thirty nine, is also married with two children; he is a constable in the same unit as Molly.

We came down a winding road into a quaint small hamlet and there on the side of the road, next to a café was a petrol pump, literally on the pavement, nothing else.

Their attitude and a lack of discipline to their duties sums up the problem with the British Law enforcement agency, which has been reduced to nothing more than a social influence of care, with little effort to carry out the real duties required.

I produced the required number of

The reason I say that, is because

Father Seabrook concluded “After eighteen months we are finally beginning to go back to what we could do before the Pandemic. We are so grateful for our church life especially now we can have our times of fellowship again.”

spectacular event in Cuevas del Rodeo de Rojales 'Surround You' saw a plethora of people in attendance that featured itineraries of the different Caves, an exhibition of the Sala Mengolero and an acclaimed and very well received performance by Paco Escudero and Fraskito with their 'Me Queda La Palabra', a tribute to Miguel Hernández.

A

The Church of England has services at La Siesta Church, Calle Granados on 1st and 3rd Sundays at 1130 and the Saturdays before 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays of the month at 1700. For more information call 693 932 438 or go to @anglicantorrevieja on Facebook.

“We are always pleased to see returning and new friends,” said Father Seabrook.

PAGE 20

Monday 11th - Sunday 17th October, 2021

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Focus this week is on Alison Scammell, the former U.K. family lawyer, now involved in the P.J's Rentacar business husband Trevor runs.

Married for 18 years this November, the couple have been involved in P.J's since 2013 and are constantly busy, particularly in the summer, renting out their 16 vehicles, to business and holiday makers alike. The " Flat Fee, No Hidden Extras " policy, plus their personal airport/hotel transfer arrangement suits their many clients.

Ali lives in the Pau 8, Villa Martin region, a healthy walk to the Plaza and the Hellraisers darts team, Trevor opting for the Wee Rock.

Born in Salisbury, she's a real Bristolian, supporting City F.C. whilst, Trevor, bless him supports lowly Rovers. Ali enjoys a decent command of Spanish, plus basic French and German, very useful for P.J.'s, but useless at the Punjabi Palace, ordering a favourite curry.

A day away from the office would entail a lie

THURSDAY 7 OCTOBER MATCH RESULTS WEEK 3 Ale House Lads Tipsy Toad Toppers Domino's Desperados Boris' Bears Danny's Bar Mind The Gap Hub Hellraisers Freakie Taverners

LEAGUE TABLE Mind the Gap Hub Hyenas Freakie Taverners El Capitan Tipsy Toad Toppers Ale House Lads Danny's Bar Boris' Bears CC's Flyers Milos Wee Rock Horrors Hub Hellraisers Tipsy Toad Tiaras Pint Depot Queens Ale House Totties Domino's Desperados

11-1 4-8 2-10 11-1 2-10 8-4 4-8 12-0

Pint Depot Queens Hub Hyenas Milos Wee Rock Horrors El Capitan CC's Flyers Tipsy Toad Tiaras Ale House Totties

P Pts Legs 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

6 6 6 5 4 4 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 0 0 0

32 30 27 28 23 22 21 22 16 16 14 11 10 6 5 3

HIGHEST CHECK-OUTS John Eyre (T20,S20,D20) 120. James Brown (19,T19,D19) 114.

Dario Sierra (15-20-Bull) 85

180’S Dale McGuiness, Ale House Lads, 23/09, Darren Sanderson, Mind the Gap 30/9.

Andreas Llamares, El Capitan, 07/10, Bob Deamer, Milos, 07/10

strong Toppers side entertained the Hyenas, both enjoying an early unbeaten record. Although the hosts were without their new signing Wayne Houson, the visitors anticipated a draw and point would still be a decent result.

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The Hub trio of Alan Havelock, Bob Taylor and Alex Nikolov 100, posted the first point, only for an in form Toad threesome of Lee Maiden, 4 x 100,D20, D1, Andy Gildea and Andy Rutter, 100, 125, taking the remaining two triples legs.

Somehow Paul Durrant D12 and Mark Ellis, levelled for 2-2 playing Rutter and Paddy Winterbourne 100, Hubbers Taylor and Nikolov regaining the lead, despite a 110, from Hugh Galloway. Gildea and Maiden trounced a luckless Simon Williams and Cyril Harrison, Maiden relentless, 80, 134, 100, 140, plus D16, deserving his recently acquired "Ton Machine" tag.

Even sharpshooter Graham Solomons 4 x 80+, 100,135, couldn't muster a point for the Horrors, their lone victory coming from Andy Forrest 100, in the 12th and last leg for the Rocks’ MOTM. Bear, Ken Skinner, helped himself to a couple of finishes, one a nice S19,S18, D20 out, well supported by good performances from Skipper Yvonne Rouffignac, and old timer Ron Chadwick. Wee Rockers Billy Dolling and Tony Spiers, figuring prominently, the latter hitting 100, 120 in his singles defeat to Lumb.

Ale House Totties, suffered their third defeat, visiting the Freakie Taverners in San Miguel, unfortunately failing to gain a leg. Sue Collins did her upmost to rally the Totties troops, top scoring with 131, Andrea Kelly "aiding and abetting" The final score could well have been different, three of the Freakies victories closing on D1. Still as my old mucker Bobby George still maintains " scoring for show, doubles for dough ".

Never a truer word said. Dave Wills helped himself to three winning doubles, to include a 2 dart 54 out, whilst Ernie Willis added a D13, plus 140,135. lt was however Mitch Halliday to merit the MOTM award, Sue Collins earning the Totties.

Danny's Bar suffered their first defeat this term at the hands of current champions El Capitan. Danny's two victories coming in the triples via Karen Collins and a 12th leg win courtesy of Steve Franklin over the very capable Aroldas Klimonis. lt didn't however earn him the MOTM that went to Lesley Lumb. For the

At 3 apiece the Hub's expectations of the draw looked promising, particularly after some delicious half time " fayre ".

Unexpectedly, Hyenas reeled off the first four singles to reach a winning 7 leg score via Nikolov 100, Durrant 99,94, Havelock and Ellis 2 x 140, D4, overcoming the excellent Maiden 100, both players deserving their MOTM accolades.

Galloway 100,100,81 D4 made it 4 for the hosts against Harrison 115,95, Taylor just edging out Gildea on D20 for a 48 result.

An inspiring performance from Liam Lumb was the backbone of a Bears walloping of the visiting Horrors, even though the Wee Rock gained more " tons "than the hosts. Lumb's 6 x 80+, 140 plus two " outs "earned him the Bears MOTM.

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Ali and Trevor Scammell in, a couple of hours on the beach, plus the all important, mandatory Gin n Tonic.

Her ideal dinner guests include, Whitney Houston, Freddie Mercury and Princess Diana. Plenty of gossip and sleaze there then.

Son Jack and wife Abbie recently added Maggie to the family, now 8 weeks old and looking forward to Spains sunshine. ln the meantime Trevor's entering his better half into the National " Glamorous Grannie " comp. which she will surely win.

Caps, Andres Liamazares banged in 2 x 100, 123, 140, 180 for a welldeserved MOTM, His singles victory over Bob Smith, a real cracker Dominoes are finding it hard going at present, losing their opening three matches, this time to a very good and improving Milos. Ray Hayes 3 x 100, not contributing to the Doms two winning legs from Paul Chick D7 and Liz Minto 110, D20, also gaining a MOTM. Consistent high scoring from the visitors, particularly from Chelsea Campbell 4 x 80+, 100, 135 and D10, D20 plus Raul Rocamora 6 x 80+, to include a very nice 105 out earning him a deserved MOTM. Bob Dreamer whacked in a maxi in his singles versus Hayes.

Just a single winning leg this week from the Queens, via Lorraine Cox over Jimmy Gray, the Ale House Lads taking the remaining eleven, lan Phillips finishing three legs on D10, D16 and D6 for MOTM. Debbie Wright once again won the MOTM for the royal ones, with consistent trebles and a 103 high.

Gap maintain their top spot, after a close fought encounter with C.C.'s. Gap were three up following the triples, adding one of the pairs, C.C.'s taking the other two, Kevin Procter D10 and league sponsor Matt Smith D20 making it 4-2 at half time. Darren Sanderson enjoyed a nice 78 out after 99, 140, Smith 100,140, D20, overcoming a lively James Brown, who had earlier taken out 114 on the 19's.

Tiaras now have two match points! They reciprocated the away barrage the Hyenas unleashed on their Tipsy Topper boys by asserting an unrelenting volley over the Hub Hellraisers on their territory.

Declining the reserved table in the corner, the Tiaras happily nestled around a table with full view of the board, their drinks, darts, purses and fags precariously balanced but miraculously making way for wraps chips and cupcakes when the need arose.

Tiara Sharon Marshall must also have had her Weetabix, clocking up a pair of 97’s in the first Triple which then assisted by Pat Schofield’s 96 enabled Simone de Lacy to chalk up the allimportant first leg on D8. Sue Spiers equalised for the Hellraisers on D1 but from there on in the Tiaras kept increasing the lead.

Highest score of the night came from Lesley Eagles (108, and D17, D9) but most consistent high scoring was from MOTM Lisa Ivill who also got two outs D8, D2.

Tiaras and Hellraisers

Ali Scammell’s D7 against Sharon (100), Lesley Dolling’s 100 and Ann Taylor’s D16 in the last pairs gave good account of themselves but the brightest stars to shine for the Hellraisers was MOTM Sue Spiers who opened with a 105 in the final singles against Pat (100) never taking her foot off the pedal and closing out on D8 to round up a very enjoyable night.

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PAGE 21

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POPPY APPEAL ON TOP perfect with the excellent meal provided by the host club following the game.

The Gran Alacant & La Marina Legionnaires Bowls Team made their first visit to Bonalba Bowls Club and were left wondering why it had taken so long to visit such a lovely venue.

The Legionnaires were given a great welcome to their fantastic venue and it's a place we all would like to return to anytime they would have us back.

And the Gran Alicante & La Marina Legionnaires are looking forward to Bonalba BC coming down to visit us in the New Year where we hope we can give the same warm welcome received at Bonalba.

The sun as is mostly the case here in Spain was shining and a great game was enjoyed by all the bowlers & watching guests. The day was made

While the honours were even in the match the one outstanding winner on the day was the Poppy Appeal. Thanks to the efforts of the TRBL

branch ladies who as always did an outstanding job, and the generosity of Bonalba BC. We raised 202 euros for our chosen charity the

Poppy Appeal. On Behalf of the branch and the Legionnaires Bowls team Many Thanks to everyone for their support on the day

San Miguel Bowls Club

La Marina Bowls Club

Week ending 9th October 2021

Saturday 2nd October saw the commencement of inter club competitions with the 20/20 against El Cid.

On Monday San Miguel held an internal competition, The President’s Team v The Club Captain’s Team. An enjoyable morning bowls was had by all, the Club Captain’s Team came out on top winning 67 shots to 39.

This competition comprises of 10 members at home and 10 members playing away simultaneously, the disciplines are rinks (4), trips (3), pairs (2) singles (1), 10 members in all gaining points for individual scores with extra points for overall score.

Alan Campbell, Club President (Red), presenting the trophy to Club Captain Dave Greenland (White)

Unfortunately we only won 2 at home and 1 away. Giving a score of 3 games to 5, so that overall shots were close but not required.

This Thursday saw the return of San Miguel Ladies annual competition against Emerald Isle Ladies at Emerald Isle.

It was also the start of a competition between the men from both Clubs at San Miguel. A great afternoon was had by all with San Miguel winning both competitions.

Monday night saw the return of our quiz season under the banner of Trevor Hancock, this started with a capacity of over 60 entries, so if you are looking for November my advice would be to book early. Thanks Trevor for a great evening.

San Miguel presented a cup (one of Cyril Medley’s) for the Men’s’ Competition, to be called the Cyril Medley trophy in memory of Cyril who was the first member from SMBC to die from COVID. An excellent meal followed at Emerald Isle. Next year the Ladies will play at SMBC and the Men at Emerald Isle, with a meal afterwards at SMBC. On Friday San Miguel held the final pre-season friendly game between the Boxers and the Bulldogs, with the boxers winning by 118 shots to 91 shots.

A reminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays 1.30pm for 2.00pm - €5 for an afternoon’s bowling with shoes and bowls

Lastly the resorts for Wednesday Barclays Properties League are: Tiger v Lions

2-6

available to borrow. Due to the popularity of the Wasps, first time bowlers are asked to attend an initial coaching session on Tuesday afternoons, starting at 1.45pm.

Seals v Bears

2-6

Pandas v Monkeys

4–4

Lambs v Collies

6-2

For further information on San Miguel Bowls Club please contact the Club Secretary, Barry Jones on 602 504 905. Or the Club President, Alan Campbell on 606 676 118.

Dolphins v Koalas

0-8

Olympic medalist at Spanish junior Taekwando Championships

With the Bears and Monkeys both winning there is now only 4 points between the bottom 4 teams,Tigers 32, Seals 30, Monkeys 30, Bears 28, this makes for a very exciting league both top and bottom.

Do come along and watch and join us for a excellent meal after the game, 3 courses with wine for only 10 €.

By Andrew Atkinson

I do feel that this Wednesday's home made Lasagne was the best I have ever tasted.

Olympic medalist Madrid born star Adriana Cerezo, silver at the Tokyo Games, attended the Spanish junior and pre-cadet Taekwando Championships in Cartagena at the Palacio de los Deportes.

Toldeo Taekwando Club representatives of Catalunya, duo Marcos Aguilar u16 and Marti Navas U15s both won Gold medals.

Speaking to The Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader from Los Narejos 4* Hotel in Los Alcázares, Marcus said: "On behalf of myself and Marti we are very proud of both being first in our categories, representing Toldeo Taekwando Club Catalunya."

Spanish junior champion Carla Rebollo Clemente and Irene Ferriols Barroso also competed in Cartagena, along with Saúl Moreno Fuentes

Dietician for Sporting San Fulgencio Valencia 1st Regional Group 9 CF Sporting San Fulgencio have appointed Raquel Santacruz as dietician-nutritionist who will collaborate in advising on sports nutrition with personalised plans during the 2021-22 season.

Experienced influential player Fernando Torrent, Matias Ruiz and Raul López have renewed contracts at the club.

"Fernando is an invaluable example for all the young players on our team with his involvement and great quality, giving us a continuous

These keep the league order the same as last week, but with the Koalas second place narrowing the gap to 3 points.

Dave Hadaway

and Rafael Llorente Sánchez under the helm of Taekwando Technical director Kim Man Young, based at Los Alcázares, prior Championship that attracted 1,000 participants.

"We have references from most of the territorial federations, who have told us that the students are almost overwhelmed by the increase in the number of girls and boys who want to practice Taekwando," said President of the Federation Jesús Castellanos.

performance of a high level.

"Matías Ruiz is a future and promising player in attack with good break-away and dangerous skills.

"As a good athlete, he presents a great physical condition that allows him to go back and forth on the field of play.

"Raúl López is a man of more than remarkable trajectory in defence that ensures performance, standing out for his great speed.

"Very important in the defensive facet of the team," said a club spokesperson.

Emerald Isle Bowls Club Thursday saw the Inaugural Emerald Isle Men’s v San Miguel Men’s clash at San Miguel and the outcome was a home victory by 3.5 to 2.5, aggregate 91-85. Sounds as though it was a great game well done all At the same time the Ladies played their Annual game at the Isle with the result being a 211 win for the visitors.

On Saturday The Emerald Isle played Country Bowls at the Isle in the Annual John Rimmer Memorial game. I can still see those Yellow Bowls trundling down the rink now, great player and a lovely man.

The club are preparing for the season ahead with league games starting on 11th. Good Luck to all players, have a great season SAPS is in full swing again now so come along on Saturday afternoon at 1.15, two hours with Bowls and Shoes supplied if needed, and coaching is available for learners if needed.

Bar open as well……or simply come and join the club and play at this championship venue.

ELWYN MORRIS

PAGE 22

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Mike Probert talks Golf H

ere 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.

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 prices currently available to you: Course Alenda Alicante Altorreal Bonalba Campoamor

Price €150 €100 €120 €135 €158

Comments Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy (from 1pm) Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy

Monday 11th - Sunday 17th October, 2021

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‘AUTUMN PRICES’ We are still experiencing good weather with lots of sunshine and high temperatures but in terms of golf prices Autumn is very much with us until the end of November 2021.

All golf courses here in Spain operate seasonal pricing policy where prices vary during the year and the period of time between the 1st October to 30th November is high season when green fee prices are at their highest.

A

We even had to turn down 6 players as we couldnt get extra tees.

The layout of the course was cery good but the greens were in very poor condition, not what you expect when paying top prices for golf.

pension which is why many residents join local golf societies so that they can still play for around €55 including a buggy, meal and prizes as the prices are really targeted at the tourist golfer.

Cheap golf is very difficult to find and the courses are usually full with 5 hour rounds as a result.

This is very much a difficult period of time for residents living on a Don Cayo (Altea) El Plantio El Valle Font Del Llop Hacienda Del Alamo La Finca La Marquesa La Sella La Serena La Torre Las Colinas Las Ramblas Lorca

Lo Romero €214 Two Green Fees & Buggy Mar Menor €60 Single Green Fee New Sierra Golf €82 Two Green Fees & Buggy Puig Campana €124 Two Green Fees & Buggy Roda €180 Two Green Fees & Buggy Saurines €60 Single Green Fee Villaitana Levante €97 Single Green Fee Villaitana Poniente €67 Single Green Fee Villamartin €180 Two Green Fees & Buggy Vistabella €159 Two Green Fees & Buggy For Bookings and info Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting reference LEADER or on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931

€120 €100 €61 €153 €60 €214 €150 €130 €134 €61 €120 €164 €100

Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy (from 1pm) Single Green Fee Two Green Fees & Buggy Single Green Fee Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy Single Green Fee Single Green Fee Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees & Buggy

were moved. Thank you Nick.

We had some great scores and some not so good.

very good turn out for smiling jacks golf this week at Campoamor golf club. New guests were welcome and a great day of golf was had.

office@theleader.info

However there are still some deals to de done and agents such as Costa Blanca Green Fee Services are here to help golfers find the best prices and tee times available without making too much damage to the credit card.

Smiling Jack’s Golf Society Followed by the naked chef presidential BBQ

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In second place with 39 points was Chris Tate who wins a new handicap of 16.

Todays winner with 42 points was Enda Curtane, well done on your new handicap, also of 16.

Nearest the pin on number 6 was Ger Hogan while on 17 it was Ann Walker. Nearest the pin in two on number 2 was Chris Boddington.

There were some great banter going on around the course abd laughtercould be heard around tge whole course.

After the presentations it was time for the PRESIDENTIAL NAKED CHEF BBQ which went down really well with most people returning for more.

A big shout out goes to Nick Williams from Casas Costa Blanca South who stepped in to help out when the goal posts

Another great day was had by all and we look forward to the next outing at Riquelme on thursday 4th November

LEE BARBER MEMORIAL TROPHY Busters Golf Society October 2021 Our venue for this month was at an old favourite of ours, Alto Real golf course, we teed off just before 11:00 in perfect weather conditions.

Altorreal has recently relayed their greens but they were all ready to play on, today the tees were well back making the course more difficult, after having a coffee then paying in we were all ready to go, the sun was shining what more could we want.

After our game we returned to our sponsors bar Little Leias in Quesada for a few beers and sandwiches that Ian had laid on for us, onto our presentation Nearest the pins were on the fifth hole our new member Nick Monks the eighth was taken by Liam Clarke, and the seventeenth being won by Rob Ashman. All received a bottle

of wine.

We had three players sharing the two’s pot they were Phil Harris, Liam Clarke, and Peter List. Peter also won our soccer card by selecting Middlesbrough.

In third place losing on countback was Joe Sheehan who also received a bottle of wine, Joe lost to Phil Harris who had a better back nine and took home bottles of red and white wine, but our winner on the day was Andy Rawlings receiving a bottle of Vodka and having his name added to our shield. Also his name has been added in our hall of fame on the society web site.

If you are interested in joining our small friendly society (it's free ) please contact me at bustersgolfsociety@hotmail.co m stating your phone number, and handicap.

Barry Grinsell secretary

LA MARINA GOLF SOCIETY Carp-R-Us

with 3.53kg caught using feeder and a variety of different hook baits.

Carp-R-Us fished Round 5 of its Autumn Series on the River Segura near the CV91 road bridge (Eden 2).

Third was Tony Flett with 2.48kg using pole and corn and fourth was Ann Fowles with 1,55kg caught using the method feeder and pellet, the first time shed tried the method.

Water levels in this stretch remain quite low, and during the match dropped another 15 to 20cms.

This makes fishing challenging but interesting.

Winner on the day, fishing one of the new downstream pegs, was Ken Wilcock with 6.08kg caught on feeder and bread.

Second was his travelling mate, Roy Buttress

Catch of the day goes to Jeremy Fardoe who had the biggest crab yet seen, a good 20 to 25cm across and it should be remembered this is over two kilometers from the sea.

Further information about the club can be found at www.carp-r-us.weebly.com or on Facebook page Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blanca.

7th October 2021- Font Del Llop was the venue for today's game for the Members of the La Marina Golf Society.

The Golf Course was in its usual excellent condition and the greens were running true, which made for a great day of golf.

The winner of the Gold Division with 34 points, was Alan Janes.

The Silver Division had two players with 38 points, Louvain Smith and Frank Cullen, on countback Frank Cullen, won the Silver Division.

Nearest the pin winners were, hole 3 Lesley Cullen, hole 8 Sarah McCabe, hole 12 Steve Warner, and hole 16 Sarah McCabe.

The twos pot was a rollover and shared by, Alan Janes, Elspeth Craig, Lesley Cullen, and Sarah Mc Cabe with a double share.

A big thank you to Helena and Nicky at the La Marina Sports Complex for our after-match refreshments, much appreciated.

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PAGE 23

BARCA’ WIPE OFF THEIR EURO 1.5 BILLION DEBT 'El Curubito', from '8tv' in Spain, report a company from Dubai has offered Barca to buy the entirety of their debt

By Andrew Atkinson

is when I learned they wanted me to go," said Emerson.

FC Barcelona have received a £1.2bn offer to stabilise the Catalan club and write-off their substantial debt.

Emerson explained that Barcelona's financial crisis was the reason he was pushed out of the door.

'El Curubito', from '8tv' in Spain, report a company from Dubai has offered Barca to buy the entirety of their debt with euro 1.5billion (£1.2bn).

"The directors were all there, telling me the club's situation wasn't good, that they were going through a difficult moment and that it was best to accept the offer," he said.

The report claims that the conditions of the offer would be very positive for Barcelona, as it would allow them complete moratorium for two years, and could be extended to 12 years.

"I repeated that I wanted to stay - because it was my dream to play for Barcelona. I knew I could succeed there if I was at my best.

If Barcelona were to accept the approach, they would receive the £1.2bn immediately, stabilising the club.

La Liga giants Barca sold star Lionel Messi to Paris Saint Germain in the summer, as financial issues at the club ensured that under league rules, they couldn't afford to re-sign the Argentina ace.

In an attempt to lower the wage bill, Barca off-loaded Antione Griezmann in a return to Atletico Madrid.

Brazilian international Emerson Royal joined Spurs in a 25m move.

Barca President Joan Laporta publicly announced that the club are undergoing a huge rebuild to save it.

Emerson had signed for Barca in June after the club activated a clause to recall him from a Real Betis loan for 9 million.

In a twist Spurs offered 25m for the right-back, and Barca called him into the training ground and explained that they were going to let him go, despite his desire to remain.

Brazilian international Emerson Royal joined Spurs in a euro 25m move.

"But I'm not stupid and we reached a moment where I realised they were telling me I was going whatever happened," added Emerson.

President Joan Laporta revealed earlier this summer that Barca's gross debt had risen to 1.35 billion, while the club spent the transfer window trying to reduce the wage bill, with Messi and Griezmann among players to exit.

After Messi's departure in August, salaries reportedly still accounted for around 95% of Barca's revenue, with La Liga's fair play rules demanding they get that down to around 70%.

Emerson's departure reduced their wage bill, and also brought in a transfer fee, which helped to increase the club's spending limit on salaries with La Liga.

Miralem Pjanic also left Barca with the midfielder joining Turkish side Besiktas on loan.

Besiktas will pay a percentage of Pjanic's salary.

"I thought the club wanted me to stay. I started against Getafe then, the next day I started to see a mountain of things coming out.

Ilaix Moriba and Rey Manaj also left, joining Junior Firpo and Konrad de la Fuente, who moved in the transfer window.

"That Tottenham were talking with Barcelona, that it was almost done. I didn't know anything. The club called me to the training ground - that

Barca signed Memphis Depay, Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia on free transfers, with Yusuf Demir and Luuk de Jong joining on loan.

MARTA BACK IN TRAINING San Javier born Marta Penalver is in training ahead of the 202122 season in Italy at Citta di Falconara.

Late goal puts Bigastro through to Round Two of La Nostra Cup Bigastro CF beat CFP Orihuela Deportiva 2-1 in the La Nostra Cup on Saturday - with a late winner to move into the next round.

500 supporters turned up for the Cup tie, with Bigastro netting in the dying stages.

In the first half Bigastro CF were awarded a penalty, only to fire the spot kick high over the bar. After a goalless first half Bigastro CF netted at the re-start, only for the referee to chalk-off the goal.

Bigastro CF broke the deadlock when taking the lead, only for Orihuela equalising from the penalty spot. With the clock ticking towards the final whistle, Bigastro popped up to net the winner to the rapturous applaud of the home fans.

Earlier in the week another good crowd saw CD Torrevieja SC put paid to the hopes of Guardamar Soccer by 3-0 with a brace from Gonzalo León and a goal by Liam.

Torrevieja feel that they have a very real chance of going on to win the inaugural

Bigastro CF celebrating their win

edition of the newly formed Copa Comunitat Mediterranea La Nostra Cup. In earlier rounds AD El Perello A hit a record 19 goals in a 19-1 away win at Sueca United FC. Elche Sporting A and Real Club Ilicitiano drew 1-1. Sporting Saladar went out of the competition after suffering a 2-1 home defeat against Formentera CF. CF Atletico La Romana also went out in the eliminators after a 3-2 home defeat against Monovar Atletico A. Elche Dream CF A drew 2-2 against Club Costa City A. Atletico Callosa thumped Atletico Crevilente 5-1; CD Playas de Campello went through after defeating CF Monnegrede 3-2 in a fivegoal thriller.

UE Crevilente FB A defeated CF Inter Santa Pola 4-1. CD Altet defeated Athletic Club Torrellano B 3-0. The Warriors Burnham suffered a 3-0 home defeat against Racing de San Gabriel.

"The more you enrich, study and innovate your workouts, the more you will get out of them," said Marta.

Marta, awarded as one of the top players in Italy last season, said: "I did an alternative session using suspension training functional training modality in which I worked both the gestures and the muscles in particular.

"Without a doubt, one of the richest workouts out there."

TRIVEA QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 14: 1. Doris Day and Duran Duran, 2.

Naples, 3. Swan Lake, 4. Indonesia (209 million), Pakistan (176 million), India (167 million), Bangladesh (134 million) and Nigeria (78. million) - 2016 estimate. 5. Martin Luther. 6. Gigantic. (large, huge etc) From Johathan Swift's book Gulliver's Travels. The inhabitants of Brobdingnag were giants. 7. Please Please Me. 8. a: Cologne, Germany. 9.

Venezuela and Ecuador. 10. c: Brazil.

11. a. Clydebank, b. Belfast, c. Hamburg,

d. Saint Nazaire, f. Portsmouth. 12.

Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.

13. Lee Hazlewood. 14. Shanghai, Mumbai, Karachi and Delhi. 15. a.

Scarborough Fair (Simon and Garfunkel), b. Streets of Philadelphia (Bruce Springsteen), c. New York New York (Frank Sinatra), d. London Calling (The Clash), e. San Francisco Nights (Eric Burdon). 16. France. 17. Engelbert Humperdinck.

18.

Sir Ernest Shackleton. 19. South Korea. 20. The Mona Lisa. Peruggia stole the painting from the Louvre.

SUDUKO SOLUTION From From page 14

PAGE 24

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