No 907 Monday 21st - Sunday 27th February 2022
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Keeping people safe and informed for over 18 years - The Costa Blanca’s oldest ‘FREE’ English language newspaper
TORREVIEJA is one of the four main cities on the peninsula that, despite having more than 80,000 inhabitants and even quintupling it's population in the summer, does not have a rail connection: neither AVE high speed, nor Cercanías commuter, nor metro nor tram.
WAITING FOR A TRAIN FOR 52 YEARS
These Mediterranean towns share the same grievance with National Government, that their large populations, both during the summer and the winter, are not served by any sort type of rail connection, despite the profitability that the service would have. Torrevieja did have a passenger train until 1970 when, due to poor profitability, the branch connecting it with the line between Murcia and Alicante was suspended. The freight line that collected salt from the salt flats also
stopped operating in 1986 and the tracks were soon dismantled. That route ran parallel to the natural park of Las Lagunas de la Mata, a route that could no longer be used because today it would not be able to achieve the necessary environmental permits. In the event of a new connection, a new station would also be necessary (the old one was attached to the lagoon), although this is neither the only nor the most important problem. The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón (PP), has again confirmed that a study has already been carried out, with the participation of the municipalities of Torrevieja, Orihuela and the University of Alicante (UA), that includes three alternatives for a new route, in a project that would cost around 270 million euros.
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FROM PAGE ONE Waiting for the Torrevieja train ADVERTISING SALES
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For Dolón, the most "viable" route would be parallel to the route of the Mediterranean motorway (AP-7) in what is known as an AVE Lanzadera, a medium distance service, that would run partly on high-speed rails and partly on conventional rails, and which would link the city with the OrihuelaMiguel Hernández AVE station and Madrid. However, the Minister of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility of the Generalitat, the socialist Arcadi España, explained that the train to Torrevieja has a high "constructive complexity" because the Vega Baja is one of the most flood-prone areas. It is also a region of high seismic risk with a scattered population. He said that the Generalitat has started a study to determine the "most viable" route for the train into Torrevieja, which, in the opinion of Dolón, is the
"most important municipality in Spain in terms of residential tourism, and which cites the UA study, forecasting that 1.2 million passengers would use the service each year.
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The last passenger train arrived in Torrevieja on 12 January 1970. Many said that the closure was only provisional
The works to open the line into Torrevieja were carried out in a hurry. It was finally opened on May 12, 1884 with Prime Minster, Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, in attendance. However that first trip did not go too well, because the train derailed at Los Montesinos. Fortunately there were no serious injuries, but a van had to be sent to pick up the politicians and other dignitaries to take them to the station. Last year the mayors of Torrevieja and Orihuela held a telematic meeting with the Minister to promote the project at which they both expressed its importance for the economic and tourist development of the region, which will
link the Intermodal and high-speed sta-
Pinatar and San Javier.
tion of Orihuela with with Torrevieja /
The cost of the project is estimated at 277.6 million euro, the amount of which is divided into infrastructure, superstructure, expropriations and Bigastro-Jacarilla, San Miguel and Torrevieja-Orihuela Costa stations.
Orihuela Costa and that will serve not only these two municipalities but also the entire coastline of Guardamar, Pilar de la Horadada and even the north of the Murcia region in San Pedro del
Brits now want to stay in Europe as UE calls for second vote Following publication of a report by the EU Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Affairs last week, calling for a second BREXIT referendum, London based talkRadio has sparked hundreds of reactions after sharing a poll on the suggestion – and getting an answer it didn’t anticipate.
The parliamentary statement said, "[The Committee] believes that, given the nature of the decision to leave the Union and its fundamental impacts on citizens of the departing Member State, the holding of a referendum to confirm the final decision to leave can be an important democratic safeguard.
The radio station asked followers to say how they would vote if there was another referendum “tomorrow” on the UK’s European Union membership – and, at the time of writing, of over 150,000 votes cast, 75.4 per cent said they would vote Remain, versus only 24.6 per cent voting to Leave.
"It considers that the confirmation of this final choice by its citizens is also crucial in case negotiations of a withdrawal agreement fail to conclude, provoking a no-deal scenario.
At last week's EU meeting, MEPs received the report suggesting that,
at the time of the referendum in 2016, Britons did not have all the necessary information on the implications of leaving the EU in order to make a balanced decision.
The report is now suggesting that a second vote takes place in order to provide a demographic safeguard on the final decision of the UK to leave the European Union.
"It considers that all possible steps should be taken during this process to avoid disinformation, foreign interference and funding irregularities."
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THE COST OF ELCHE’S 3 MURDERS – FREE AT 21 WITH NO CRIMINAL RECORD he cost to his freedom following the murder of both parents and his ten-year-old brother is just five years of internment and three years of supervised release. The young boy from Elche, who turns 16 in a few days time, will be free at the age of 21 with no criminal record.
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triple murder continues.
The minor, who has confessed to the murder of his parents and his brother, will be prevented by the law, however, from inheriting the family's possessions
José Rabadán, known as the ‘Katana Murderer’ after the Japanese sword that he used in the crime, was sentenced to six years of imprisonment and another two of probation for killing his parents and sister in Murcia on April 1, 2000.
The sentence is the maximum that a juvenile court can pass on the adolescent for a crime that has shocked the province and has once again raised the old controversies about the Minors' Law in Spain. If a person over 18 years of age had committed the same crimes, the sentence imposed would be life imprisonment. In the case of minors, at the age of 21 they are freed without any form of criminal record, in order to facilitate their social rehabilitation. On Sunday it was a week since a court ordered the internment of the 15-year-old boy, who confessed to having killed his parents and his 10-year-old brother with a shotgun. As he admitted in his statement to the police, on Tuesday, February 8, he first shot his mother while she was sitting on a sofa after an argument over his school grades. Next, he killed his ten-year-old brother who ran into the room alerted by the sound of gunfire. And finally, he waited for four hours for his father to return from work to greet him also with the shotgun. He then dragged the bodies to an adjacent shed and returned to the house where he continued to play video games for three days. It was only when other family members arrived at the house to find out why they had not heard from their relatives, that the true scale of his crimes came to light. Since last Sunday, he has been hospitalised in a juvenile detention centre in Valencia, while the judicial investigation of the
The triple parricide in Elche is not the first such case to occur locally. In 1994, Cyril Jaquet was sentenced to only two years in prison for killing his parents in Benijófar. He was 15 years old at the time.
These are similar sentences to those that the minor now detained in Elche is expected to face, if he is convicted. In a few days he will be 16 years of age. The Spanish press is reporting that he will be released when he is 21, so the time he will spend in internment would be five years. The Law of the Minor (La Ley del Menor) in Spain does not so much seek to punish the perpetrator of a crime, as to re-educate him and reintroduce him into society. This same legislative procedure also provides that once the convicted individual reaches the age of 18, he can spend the remainder of his sentence in an adult prison, although that would appear to have been ruled out in this case. However, once the sentence has been served, he would then have to spend a maximum of three years on probation, a period during which the offender is subject to special supervision so that he is able to obtain the necessary skills for his social re-integration. According to the forecasts from the Juvenile Prosecutor's Office, the investigation will not take very long. Sources from the Benalúa Palace of Justice, where the juvenile courts are located, indicate that the case could be tried and sentenced within three months. At this time, the investigating officers are awaiting the analysis of all the samples collected at the crime scene.
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More than half of over 60’s support testing of older drivers every 5 years Research commissioned by the UK’s leading independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has revealed that older motorists are more willing to prove how safe they actually are on the roads than perhaps first thought. Indeed, of more than 3,000 motorists aged over 60 surveyed, over half (55%) agreed with the statement that senior drivers should be retested every five years after their licence renewal. Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research of IAM RoadSmart, commented: “Far be it from being driven off the road, our research shows that many older drivers are confident in their driving and happy for their health and driving skills to be periodically tested to determine that they are still up to scratch.”
may impact their driving habits and general health more than usual. In cases where there is any doubt, older drivers should temporarily put the brakes on getting in the driver’s seat.” Nearly half (46%) of drivers surveyed were in support of a flexible licensing system which might, for example, restrict drivers to only using local roads or driving in daylight hours.
In fact, many older drivers are willing to conduct such tests independently, with nearly two-thirds of respondents (65%) claiming that if there was a DIY kit available to test their driving fitness, they would use it.
On this, Neil added: “Flexible licences are already used in some countries, including the USA and Australia. In these places, following an official assessment, older drivers can continue behind the wheel, but in a restricted area, type of road, or time of day.
Neil remarked: “With the extended backlog of patients waiting to see a GP, we would encourage older drivers to independently monitor behaviours or health patterns which
“IAM RoadSmart supports a flexible driving licence pilot project in the UK to test whether this approach would allow some older drivers to maintain their mobility and
still reach local services. This would maintain their quality of life as well as reduce the cost to society of bringing services to them.” Neil concluded: “The fact that over half of older drivers are willing to undergo extra driving checks bodes well for the policy changes we advocate. These include an immediate review of driver licensing, offering mature drivers reviews on prescription and a
joint education campaign to help drivers start to plan for their future mobility needs. With everyone moving in the same direction, we can drive down accidents on the road, making Britain’s roads an even safer place to be.” For more information about IAM RoadSmart, which helps to improve driving and riding skills through courses and coaching, visit www.iamroadsmart.com.
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San Fulgencio has recently taken on two new construction workers through the ECOVID employment programme which enables the recruitment of people over 30 years of age who are unemployed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Department of Commerce of Torrevieja town hall, in collaboration with the Association of Small and Medium-sized Merchants (APYMECO), has announced the campaign " El comercio se viste de Carnaval", which began on Wednesday and will end on 6 March, with the objective of encouraging sales in local businesses.
This has been possible thanks to a LABORA grant from the Regional Ministry of Sustainable Economy and the European Social Fund (ESF) of the Valencian Community.
To do this, for purchases equal to or greater than 25, the customer will be able to enter a draw for a 50 voucher, provided that the purchase is made in one of the shops participating in the campaign.
The result of the contest will be announced on Monday 7 March. The businesses taking part in the campaign will have the decoration of a carnival costume and an competition sticker in the window.
GETTING MOBILE Last Thursday, February 17, the second course "Learn to use your mobile" aimed at older people began. The course, which brings together 30 students is divided into two groups, and will be held for two months on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Pedro Lorca Home for the Third Age. Professor José Cases will teach students basic concepts of mobile phones, social networks, creating profiles, as well as uploading photos, writing texts and making appointments.
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Government employment grant for San Fulgencio
Torrevieja Shops Supporting Carnival
The Councillor for Commerce, Rosario Martínez, said that in order to take part in the draw, once the customer has made the purchase in one of the designated shops, they must fill out a registration form and deposit, together with the purchase ticket, in the Ocupación de Vía Pública y Comercio office located in the La Plasa market.
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The Orihuela Costa plant
TORREVIEJA AND PILAR TO TAKE WASTEWATER FROM O. COSTA Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada have authorised the Generalitat Sanitation group EPSAR to divert wastewater from Orihuela Costa to their respective treatment plants. This diversion will take place at times when the treatment facility on the Orihuela coast collapses, a situation repeated every summer during the tourist high season and during heavy rains. It is one of the measures to improve the Orihuela Costa treatment plant and the pumping stations along the 16 kilometres of the Orihuela coastline, costing more than six million euros (6,663,110 euros, work for which is currently out for tender. The approval of both municipalities, is extraordinary for two reasons: Firstly, because the periods of greater demand for water and the treatment of sewage both coincide with those of Orihuela Costa. Secondly the Pilar de la Horadada plant has problems treating the water it receives in August and in
the case of the Torrevieja plant, one of the largest in the Community, and which was expanded in 2007, the problem is that the Treated water reservoirs in the summer months sometimes lack the capacity to store all the flow that is destined for agricultural irrigation and golf courses. The deficiencies in the treatment of wastewater in the Orihuela Costa area and its transfer to the current Orihuela treatment plant are very serious. In recent years the pumps have collapsed several times in the middle of the summer season, letting hundreds of cubic meters of sewage escape, which end up channelled by gravity through the streets and boulevards that cross the entire area. In many cases these flows have ended up on the main beaches, particularly that at La Zenia, which have to be closed and which often attract critical international reporting when this happens.
BRITISH CAR IN FATAL CRASH
A woman has died when her car overturned in Crevillente, as reported by the Emergency Information and Coordination Centre (CICU). The incident took place on Friday morning, at around 8 am, when a vehicle overturned on the Parque del Hondo road. Specifically, as reported by the Fire Department, the car, with Britlish registration, left the road and ended up in a ditch, turned upside down. A SAMU paramedic ambulance travelled to the scene, whose medical team could only confirm the death of a woman.
The aim of this programme is to provide incentives for the hiring of unemployed people, within the framework of the Avalem Experiencia Programme, with the aim of providing work, experience and sustaining economic activity. The Councillor for Employment and Training, Ana Mª Villena, explained that "the grant amounts to a total of 30,348 euros, and has allowed the employment of two staff on a one-year contract". Their main function of both employees will be maintenance and repair work in the municipality.
Data shows that Orihuela is a safe city The mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana, chaired the monthly meeting of the local security board on Monday which was attended by a number of councillors along with representatives of the National Police, Guardia Civil and Policia Local. The conclusion of the meeting was that " Orihuela is a safe city, a statement confirmed by the data". The figures show that nationally, criminal offenses are 1.46 per 1,000 inhabitants/daywhile the average in Orihuela is 0.49, which is one third of those in the rest of the country. The daily operational activity, also per 1,000 inhabitants, at a national level is 2.75 actions per day, while in Orihuela it is 8.5 actions per 1,000 inhabitants/day.
Big drop in electricity prices The average price of electricity in the wholesale market will fell 25.2% on Saturday compared to Friday, standing below 140 euro per megawatt hour (MWh), its lowest level so far in February. The average price of the 'pool' was 137.76 euro/MWh, some 46.5 euro less than the 184.26 euro/MWh on Friday, marking the lowest level since 9 January, according to data published by the Iberian Energy Market Operator (OMIE). Compared to just a year ago, the price in the 'pool' for Saturday was 518.6% higher, that is, a little more than six times more expensive, than the 22.27 euro/MWh of February 19, 2021.
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DRESSING UP FOR THE THEATRE Established almost 10 years ago in 2013, Studio 32 Musical Theatre Company, are set to present their latest show 'Guys And Dolls' at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio in May. To get a flavour of the preparation involved, the Leader was invited to take a behind the scenes at the costumes and props departments. "A crepe Evening dress made in India 60 years ago, valued at £100, will be just one of the dresses to be worn in Guys And Dolls," Susan
Zillah Wilson, Studio 32 Artistic Director, told The Leader.
ty shops,with many of the costumes donated by former Theatre group Rascals in 2020.
Andy Kirkwood, Press Officer, pulled out a bowler hat, from a plethora of items in the costumes room, saying: "The London made fine fur felt, hand-made bowler hat was donated after being used at Masonic evenings, it's valued at over £200."
An RCMP, Canadian Mounted Police Uniform, century old original tailcoats, and costumes formerly worn by a magician, are under the umbrella at Studio 32.
Rails of dresses and menswear as well as lots of dinner suits are amongst items donated by chari-
Wardrobe supervisor Nicole Vallins is the artistic talent: "Nicole can make anything - you have to have a good imagination," said Susan, formerly a professional singer, dancer and actress, who has worked alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, Sid James, Sir Lawrence Olivier, Anthony Andrews and Bradley Walsh. Susan, who has also appeared in Keeping Up Appearances, Brideshead Revisited, The Bill, Grange Hill, Eastenders, and Casualty, said: "We can dress more or less every musical, having international and national dresses and costumes, including Chinese, Japanese, Indian, German, and uniforms from the Army and Navy, some original and quite old." Studio 32 have raised funds approaching E40,000 for charities, including Alzheimer support, the homeless, a music school in San Fulgencio and the Red Cross, also helping those affected by the DANA storm in 2019. Guys And Dolls follows the recent show ‘South Pacific’, staged in November 2021, having been postponed four times, due to Covid-19.
By Andrew Atkinson The company, who have performed the musicals Oklahoma, Fiddler On The Roof, Mack And Mabel, Chicago and Anything Goes, are still looking for actors, singers, dancers and backstage assistants. "We need more men for Guys And Dolls as chorus men and crap shooters. Also a small props co-ordinator is still required," said Susan. Guys And Dolls runs during May 18, 19, 20 and 21. Further details can be found at: www.studiothirtytwo.org. Email: info@studiothirtytwo.org. Telephone Andy Kirkwood: 636 020 547.
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Valuable Roman Amphora found in Santa Pola home The Guardia Civil has seized a Dressel 7-11 type high-imperial amphora, probably dated to the 1st century AD, from a private home in Santa Pola. The ceramic piece is apparently in perfect condition. The Santa Pola Judicial Police (ETPJ) recovered the piece of high archaeological value by chance, while it was carrying out another investigation. The agents noticed the amphora in the house and, considering the possibility that it had a great ancestral value, they took it into possession in order to confirm its authenticity and provenance. The occupant collaborated at all times with the investigating saying that he was unaware of its existence, much less, that it had archae olog ical interest.
mined the origin of the historical piece, as a High Imperial amphora of the Dressel 7-11 type. The Sea Museum officially notified the archaeological find to the Territorial Directorate of Culture of Alicante, a territorial body of the Ministry of Education, Culture in charge of ruling on the definitive deposit of the piece in the museum. The Guardia Civil pointed out that archaeological pieces, such as objects that make up the Historical Heritage, are considered to be public domain assets, owned by the Administration. For this reason, any discovery or possession must be reported.
The artefact was handed over to the Santa Pola Sea Museum for the expert analysis which deter-
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CELEBRATING CREVILLENTE’S CARNIVAL From Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 of February, yhe Youth Centre in Crevillente will host a number of different activities for children between 6 and 12 years of age such as the search for a pirate treasure, a workshop to make masks, with costumes and dances, to explain the origin of the Carnival, all organised and devised by the students of the Employment Workshop. The Councillor for Youth, Ana Vanessa Mas, said “the involvement of the students will mean face-to-face activities, with all the corresponding security measures, after so many months of the pandemic”. On Wednesday the mask workshop will be organised using recycled materials, children can develop their creativity to make carnival masks while on Thursday the activity will combine stories, puppets, songs and even a playlet
explaining the origin of the Carnival party The Carnival celebration will close on Friday 25 at the Youth Centre with the activity "Let's look for the pirate treasure", in which children will have to
find the pirate treasure. In addition to these afternoon activities, from 5 to 6pm, the Youth Centre will have a photocall to take pictures with different elements of the Carnival.
Catral Carnival Parade
launchers, shows, hot chocolate, theatrical performances,
On Saturday 26th February, Catral will host their carnival
The parade will start at 6p.m. at Parque de la Purísima in the
parade, GRAN DESFILE DE CARNAVAL, featuring fire
town.
music, and many other surprises.
DISTRICT AWARDS FOR ORIHUELA COSTA RBL He spoke of Jean’s excellent management of branch administration and her efforts to keep people informed and aware during the Covid lockdown, while of Malcolm, he highlighted the fact that because of his dedication, the branch accounts are now probably amongst the best kept in Spain. Presentations over, the branch was then entertained by the Costa Blanca Morris Dancers. Following an explanation of the origins and folklore of Morris Dancing the group gave an excellent demonstration of their skills, using the traditional bell pads and sticks, after which they invited members of the RBL to provide a rather ‘less than excelAt the February meeting of the Orihuela Costa and District RBL members were delighted to welcome the new chairman of Spain District North, Jack Kemp, who was visiting the branch for the first time since taking office.
lent’ demonstration of their own. The group performs at local charity and public events across the Costa Blanca.
In his short address he congratulated the Poppy Appeal organiser Eddie Coleman and his team for raising the magnificent sum of 32,000 euro, far more than any other branch in Spain. He spoke of his long-time admiration of the branch, highlighting especially the extensive social activities that were planned for the current year. The main purpose of his visit, however, was the presentation of two District Chairman’s ‘Certificate’s of Appreciation’ to Secretary Jean Heald and Treasurer Malcolm Cavendish, for their outstanding service over many years to the branch and the Royal British Legion.
Email: costablancamorrisdancers@yahoo.com for information
They are currently looking for new members and for bookings. More information by email at: costablancamorrisdancers@yahoo.com The Orihuela Costa Branch of the RBL meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras starting at 7.30 pm. You do not need a military background to join or to join in with any of the branch social gatherings which can be found at: http://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/orihuela-costa
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WHY THE LOCAL ELECTIONS ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU on the coast. They would make a huge difference to the amenities that we desperately need.
he consequences of many NonSpanish EU residents failing to vote in local government elections are nowhere more evident than in Orihuela Costa.
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There are currently a number of organisations in Orihuela Costa working to achieve much of that described above, all with the common goal of electing coastal representatives to the council.
Over recent years the area has failed to return any Councillors. The effects of this have been disastrous as the coast continues to be without most of the essential services considered fundamental to Spanish life, despite the population of 33,227 residents, virtually equal to the City of Orihuela.
Therefore, this appeal is an olive branch to all those associations, groups and businesses, to come and work with us for that common goal.
When it comes to locally elected representatives, the small villages surrounding Orihuela return more Councillors than the whole of the coastal region. This situation has resulted in most having far more public services than the coast, despite their meagre populations. The main reason why Orihuela Costa has so few public services and amenities, is that, politically, it doesn’t really exist in the eyes of Orihuela council, who treat it as a seaside resort for tourists, not a town where permanent residents live. In the 2019 local election, of 7,300 registered voters, only 2,100 actually turned out to cast their ballot. That is why Orihuela Costa does not have representatives working for the residents living on the coast. Consequently, most
Despite this demonstration in 2018 there is still no footbridge over the AP7 public spending goes to Orihuela City and it’s surrounding villages, to the detriment of Costa residents who must shoulder the burden of municipal finance. Without sufficient Councillors representing this large population, the needs of the very diverse cultures have been marginalised, ignored and completely neglected. Unfortunately, the number of people not registered on the Padron, who permanently live on the
coast, is still far too high, resulting in the loss of approximately 15 million euros from central and regional Governments, funding that would add considerably to providing the services we need. Furthermore, if those people did register on the Padron and exercise their right to vote, there would be the opportunity to elect our own councillors, to support and improve the services
Man fined 11,110 euros for abandoning seven cats The fine is said to be a record imposed by the Local Police in Torrevieja
The cats were owned by the tenant of the apartment who had died five days earlier. The Norwegian man was attempting to clear out the apartment prior to reletting it and putting it onto the rental market.
The PIOC believe that by acting together we could achieve at least 3 Councillors. The objectives are not the ideal of independence but those of building the bridge over the AP7, a 2nd Health Centre, a Cultural Centre, Cemetery, Day Care Centre to accommodate Dementia / Alzheimers support, along with Mental Health and Disability issues, a Mother’s & Toddlers Group and a much needed Youth Club, essentially, the objectives published by AVOCA. The important thing right now is to improve the lives of the residents by working as one for the good and benefit of the Orihuela Costa. By running together as a single, combined, unit we could reverse many of the cuts that we have suffered in recent years as we work to ensure that future municipal governments are more responsive to the needs and concerns of the Orihuela Costa.
Alcampo Boost for Local Suppliers
He had already emptied the house of furniture and was attempting to dispose of the animals as expeditiously as possible. Several neighbours watched the proceedings in astonishment as he cornered a cat with a broom - and pushed it onto the street below, an operation that he repeated with two other cats. The local policemen were able to find one of the cats which they confirmed was suffering from injuries to it’s head and nose.
Torrevieja Local Police have imposed a record fine of 11,110 euros on a man of Norwegian nationality for animal abuse after he abandoned seven cats on the street. He threw three of them from a first floor balcony while he caused injuries to another by kicking it, to make it run away. It happened on 18 January in Calle San Emigdio, a central part the town, with the local police alerted to the incident by neighbours.
FIRE EVACUATION IN TORREVIEJA EMERGENCY services evacuated people following a house fire located on the ground floor of Calle Moriones in Torrevieja. Fire broke out in the kitchen, which led to very high flames and smoke. Firefighters evacuated four people from the upper floor of the appt.
On approaching the perpetrator of the animal mistreatment, the man did not respond, claiming that he didn’t understand what the agents wanted. He has subsequently been fined 1000 euros for each of five cases of not having measures to prevent the animals from escaping and a further 6,050 euros for proven animal abuse of one of the cats. After several days of searching five of the cats have been recovered and placed in the municipal animal shelter.
The two ground floor tenants were already out of danger when the emergency services arrival comprising of a command unit and a heavy urban fire engine, led by a sergeant, a corporal and four firefighters. Torrevieja local police intervened and cut off traffic on the affected section of the street, while the fire was extinguished. No injuries were reported.
The Alcampo chain of supermarkets and hypermarkets has boosted the local economy by purchasing goods valued at 200 million euro in 2021 from 450 Valencian suppliers. In addition to the products the Alcampo stores have made purchases worth more than 10 million euro from small local suppliers of items adapted to the tastes of Valencian consumers. The comany gives as an example the purchase of fish in the fish markets of the Valencian coast, such as Santa Pola, and it works together with packers, small industrialists and farmers, developing joint projects such as the marketing of Mollar de Elche pomegranates and artichokes from the Vega Baja. Alcampo began its journey in the Valencian Community in 1985, the year in which it opened its Alboraya hypermarket in Valencia. It now has 6 stores in the Community, including the Zenia Boulevard. They have one store in the province of Castellón, two in Valencia and three in Alicante. In total, these six centres currently employ more than 1,100 people.
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This column has just hit on an inspired idea as to how to restore the place of the eulogy in church. We could each write our own? Now wouldn’t that be an interesting development and make it well worth going in good time to funerals - and not timing to arrive as the coffin is coming out the back door?
‘If
you don’t go to a man’s funeral, how can you expect him to come to yours’, a pub philosopher once told me with great earnestness. I left it at that!
Can you imagine the tension-filled anticipation as the priest on the altar broke the seal of the envelope and started to read? The high level of expectation sending a current throughout the church: Those in the yard pushing and shoving to get close enough to hear the priest. Such feelings of apprehension in the first four pews as the rest of the congregation folded their arms and awaited the main event with bated breath. Would it be more honest?
We might have lost much of our old ways and traditions during the boom years, but to our great credit we are still good funeral goers in Ireland. I have attended funerals where there were no family left, and yet the neighbours all turn out along with the friends of the departed to pay their respects and say their farewell.
I am not a fan of the eulogy given by a lay person during the funeral service in the church. A couple of such burlesqued speeches spring to my mind. Neither am I enamoured by the modern practice of giving rounds of applause instead of respectful silence. At a handful of funerals over the years, I have partaken of the collective cringe in the church, brought on by how the deceased was being portrayed from the altar. I have looked around for familiar faces, just to reassure myself that I was at the right funeral. In fairness; the word ‘eulogy’ translates from the Greek to ‘good words’, so perhaps that means that only good words can be spoken and never mind the truth. I have found myself listening to rambling accounts of a person’s life that were … shall we say, sort of selective – and that would be putting it mildly.
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than death’!
All is not well in speaking well of the dead
Sometimes in graveyards a few words are spoken by someone after the prayers are said - often by a family member, a colleague or a close friend: This is a farewell tribute which is usually deserved and can be a comfort to those left behind. It is a fitting end to the day’s ritual when executed in good taste.
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The actual person, with his human flaws and weaknesses was replaced by a paragon of virtue, wit (especially wit!) and just about unrecognisable to those of us who came along to pay our respects to the man or woman we knew and liked as they really were in life. Speaking of the dead is the only time when the opposite of truth is not necessarily a lie; because we are told we cannot speak ill of the dead. Oh, but the eulogy really pushes this premise to its extremity with the greatest platform for phoney speak. Sometimes the stretching proves too much for everyone involved. I love the story told by my favourite columnist, Billy Keane, of the obnoxious individual who died in Listowel and nobody could be found who would come up with a good word to say about him. The uncomfortable situation was rescued from the gloom when an old geezer sitting in the corner spoke up with the words. ‘The brother was worse’! Eulogies in church detract from the solemn and sacred nature of the liturgy – especially the recent
GARDEN FELIX - Cornflowers Cornflowers from late Spring into Autumn attract bees and butterflies Cornflowers - commonly known as Bachelor's Buttons - are extremely beautiful, colourful hardy annuals that look great in any flower border, beds, patios and containers in a sunny position. Flowering from late spring right into autumn they make excellent cut flowers and attract bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. Blue is the most common colour, but they are also available in white, red, pink and purple. Cornflowers grow and flower best in sunny fertile soil, which holds plenty of moisture, that doesn’t dry out or become waterlogged. You can easily cultivate cornflowers from seeds or buy young plants. Sow seeds outdoors, from March to May, which will produce flowers from June to September.
trend where the speaker feels the necessity to entertain the crowd to a few laughs. Naturally, only ‘good words’ are expected and it becomes so easy to idealize the dead when they are no further threat to the living. The fellow who would steal the cross off an ass’s back becomes a ‘likeable rogue’. The woman with a bit of a reputation is now ‘the fun loving life of the party’. ‘He lived life on the edge’, is coded for you couldn’t trust him as far as you could throw him. My old friend Pat Burke, advised me more than once; ‘Some day they will all be saying nice things about you and me – but the only problem is that we will have to die first’! Or as the man said; ‘Nothing improves one’s reputation more 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.
Surely the answer is yes and wouldn’t it be fascinating to hear what the deceased thought of themselves? The more I think about it, the more I am convinced this is the start of yet another brilliant innovation originating from ‘You Can’t Be Serious’. Some of you will be thinking already of writing beautiful prose and leaving wise words to be remembered in your name. My own eulogy will be simple – and sure I might as well tell you all now. The last four words you will ever hear from me will be. ‘The brother was worse’! DON’T FORGET Everyone should fear death until he has something that will live on after his death. 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.
You can also sow during August and September, which will flower slightly earlier in the following year. Sow seeds thinly in moist soil, where you want the plants to flower, at a depth of 13cm, covering the seeds lightly with soil. Water the soil during dry periods. Thin out seedlings in stages to 15-23cm apart, when they’re large enough to handle. Young plants can be planted out in spring in welldrained sandy soil. Simply dig over the planting area, incorporating lots of organic matter, especially if the soil is heavy clay or light. Place the rootball in the planting hole and adjust the planting depth, so that the crown of leaves is at soil level. Apply a general plant food over the soil, around the plants, and water in well. Water plants, whenever necessary, to keep the soil or compost moist during spring and summer, as this will prolong flowering. Applying a balanced liquid plant food every couple of weeks in the growing season, will encourage more, bigger and better flowers.
Dead-head plants regularly, to prolong their flowering period well into autumn.
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PAGE 11
PSOE DEMAND ACTION OVER AGUAMARINA ROCKFALLS
The Local Police often move people away from the beach because of the dangers he Socialist Group has again asked the Orihuela Council to take urgent action due to the risk of falling rocks from the Aguamarina cliffs, which could fall onto and cause serious injury to unsuspecting bathers below.
T
It is simply a repeat of the demands that they made on the council late last summer
when they asked for sections of the sea front area to be fenced off in the face of possible landslides. They also want the erection of appropriate signage warning of the dangers. Last year, they said, the local police had to evacuate the area several times because of the danger to bathers. The PSOE further criticised the Orihuela council asking for
publication of the geo technical report following the studies that have been carried out. Their spokesman, Councillor Luis Quesada, said that “we still do not know if it was finally completed and what the results are. Despite of the council’s promises, nothing along the coastline has been done and everything remains the same”.
Eagle owl rescued by hunting society Eagle owls are being born in nests throughout the mountains in the Bajo Segura. A young injured female Eagle owl was found in the Vega Baja region of Albatera in 2021. The owl, with a 2 metre wingspan, was injured after flying into a fence and was res-
cued by a member of the Albatera Partridge Hunting Society and handed over to the police.
This is a story of Mufi, the 12 year old companion of Esperanza, a lovely Spanish lady of 82 years young.
He was handed into Torrevieja Municipal Albergue on 8th February where, luckily for Mufi, a few keen eyed volunteers who had been following his story on FB. The family came to the Shelter
If you are looking for a new companion why not consider five year old Shona, a small, fun and very loving youg dog. For more info please call: 966 71 0047 and leave a message) or email us at: info@satanimalrescue.com. You can also look at our website www.satanimalrescue.com
Improvements to San Fulgencio Bike Lanes
Mufti goes home He was a window cat who never went out – just loved to sit and watch. He disappeared from home on 22nd December with the whole family and friends desperately trying to find him.
SAT ANIMAL RESCUE
Town Planning councillor, Francisco Molero
San Fulgencio Town Council has started work on the repair and improvement of Avenida de El Convenio, which includes the construction of an extension to the existing cycle lane.
and found, yes, this was their Mufi. He is now home with his happy mum who said ¨Mufi is a miracle. I thought he was dead after being lost so long¨. Happy ending. For any further information about the Shelter call 670 027 853 or FB Concejalía De Protección Animal De Torrevieja
The councillor for Town Planning, Francisco Molero, said "the Town Council has considered it necessary to upgrade this entrance road to the urbanisation area, which is currently in poor condition. It will help improve road safety for both vehicles and the many people who go out walking in the area". The main work consists of the creation of a cycle lane in both directions that will run parallel to the pavement, for approximately one kilometre in length. The new cycle lane will connect with the existing CV-860, which links the town centre with the urbanisation area. Molero added that the work will include repairing the pavements
that run parallel to the road to make them wider and allow two people to cycle. In addition, potholes will also be repaired. The total cost of the work is 47,707 euros, to be paid for from the municipal budget, and the work is expected to be completed by the end of February.
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1958 - Perry Como was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Magic Moments' the second No.1 in a row for writers Burt Bacharach and Hal David. It stayed at No.1 for eight weeks. 1964 - Three classic British singles were released, The Rolling Stones 'Not Fade Away', The Hollies 'Just One Look', and Billy J Kramer's 'Little Children'. 1965 - The first full day of filming took place for The Beatle’s movie ‘Help! ‘with the group riding bicycles on location near London Airport, England.
The Beatles during filming
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and spending a total of 41 weeks at No.1. 1977 - The Jam signed to Polydor Records UK for £6,000. They went on to have 18 consecutive Top 40 singles in the UK, from their debut in 1977 to their break-up in December 1982, including four No.1 hits 1978 - The Police appeared in a Wrigley's Chewing Gum commercial for US TV, the band dyed their hair blonde for the appearance. 1980 – U2 appeared at The Moonlight Club, at The Railway Hotel in London, tickets cost £2.
Frank’s final performance
Yet to Come'. 2000 - The engagement ring Sex Pistol Sid Vicious gave to his girlfriend Nancy Spungen went on sale for auction at £1,500. Sid bought the ring from Camden market in 1977. Also on sale was a pair of John Lennon's jeans for £2,250.
1969 - Peter Sarstedt started a four week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Where Do You Go To My Lovely?' Some say the song was written about the Italian star Sophia Loren, but Peter Sarstedt has stated he wrote the song about a girl he fell madly in love with in Vienna in 1965, who later died in a hotel fire. 1970 - Simon and Garfunkel went to No.1 on the UK chart with ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’. The album went on to stay on the chart for over 300 weeks, returning to the top of the charts on eight separate occasions
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1995 - At a private party for 1,200 select guests on the closing night of the Frank Sinatra Desert Classic golf tournament, Frank Sinatra sang before a live audience for the very last time. His closing song was 'The Best is
2001 - Robbie Williams was attacked and thrown from the stage during a concert in Stuttgart, Germany after a man got onto the stage and pushed Williams into the security pit. The attacker was arrested and taken to a secure psychiatric clinic. 2002 - Two middle-aged women spent the first of eight nights sleeping in a car outside Bournemouth
International Centre to make sure they were first in the queue for when tickets to Cliff Richard's forthcoming concert went on sale. 2003 - The News Of The World reported that Michael Jackson had undergone scores of painful operations to strip his body of black skin until he appeared white and that surgeons at a Santa Monica clinic eventually refused him any more treatment. An insider told the paper that Jackson had been anaesthetized on a weekly basis to have his skin peeled and bleached. 2004 - Mud singer Les Gray died of a heart attack, whilst fighting throat cancer, aged 57.
Cruz Azul FUNdraiser a Huge Success Cruz Azul Murcia’s recent event at Le Petit Bistrot in Los Alcázares raised an amazing 784 ! “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses, and the public, during what are still tough times for everyone” said Cruz Azul President, Lyn Baines. Organised by the owners of Le Petit Bistrot, Anne and Grainne, and aided by Jilly and Marsha, prizes were donated by customers, friends, and local businesses such as - Pearl’s Plaice - Rocco’s - The Post Room - The Penny Farthing - Tipsy Thistle – Boochies - Something Special - No. 6 by Genoa - Fun & Games African Adventure Alexandra’s Hair & Nails. Spangles Ladies’ Harmony Chorus entertained supporters during the intervals and many enjoyed Grainne’s famous Irish Stew. Back in May 2013, Spain was suffering a deep financial crisis, with people losing their jobs and their homes.
This led to an increase in abandoned pets because people could not afford vet fees if their pets needed treatment. This was the catalyst for Lyn Baines and Sue Thomason to do something about that, so they created Cruz Azul Murcia to help pet owners on low incomes with vet fees in order they continued to care for their animals. The aim is to promote responsible pet ownership. Cruz Azul has since expanded into other areas, such as managing cat colonies and emergency treatment for injured and abandoned animals. Cruz Azul work closely with a cat charity in Torre Pacheco and another in Sucina. Both are doing some remarkable work to keep down the cat population in a manageable way. The Sucina project is a prime example to show that trapping, neutering and returning the cats does work. They started seven years ago, against considerable opposition, but
their perseverance has really paid off; they haven’t had any new kittens or cats for 18 months and everyone in the village is now on board with the scheme. Cruz Azul opened their donation centre in San Javier to help raise funds to support the work they do and they are ever-grateful to the small band of volunteers, headed up by Lesley Taylor, who work tirelessly to ensure a pleasant shopping experience for all of their customers and to everyone who donates goods to sell. Sadly, Cruz Azul lost a founder member, Sue Thomason, in July 2017, but they know that she would be very proud of them. Cruz Azul is planning another fundraiser at the Tataki Restaurant in Los Alcázares on Monday, 28 March - a ‘Quiz & Curry’ from 2.30 pm. Places are limited, so email info@cruzazulmurcia.com if you would like to reserve tickets.
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PAGE 13
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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ANSWERS Week 906
ACROSS 6.
Scurry (7)
7.
Content (5)
9.
Nose (5)
10.
Cheer (7)
12.
Unrepentant (11)
14.
Youth (11)
18.
Anarchic (7)
19.
Characteristic (5)
21.
Propeller (5)
22.
Laden (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. 4. 5. 8. 11. 13. 15. 16. 17. 20.
Fragrance (5) Exempt (6) Damp (3) Barbarian (6) Pacify (7) Sparkle (7) Own (7) Progress (7) Sprawled (6) Travelling show (6) Supple (5) Snoop (3)
QUICK ACROSS: 1 Spectacles; 7 Leave; 8 Milksop; 10 Sanction; 11 Zero; 13 Ignore; 15 Corner; 17 Iota; 18 Kilogram; 21 Darling; 22 Inane; 23 Playwright. DOWN: 1 Spain; 2 Electors; 3 Tom-tom; 4 Colt; 5 Eastern; 6 Classified; 9 Programmer; 12 Motoring; 14 Natural; 16 Singer; 19 React; 20 Tiny. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Court of law; 7 Tried; 8 Poetess; 10 Sheerest; 11 Pair; 13 Renege; 15 Misery; 17 Tart; 18 Aircraft; 21 Hearing; 22 Upset; 23 Dead centre. DOWN: 1 Chile; 2 Under age; 3 Typist; 4 Fred; 5 Average; 6 At a stretch; 9 Sorry state; 12 Discount; 14 Narrate; 16 Single; 19 Aisle; 20 Kind.
ACROSS 6. It’s a struggle to study before the examination (7) 7.
Current cause of amnesia upsets Ethel (5)
9.
Board to make progress (3,2)
10. Badges allowed among the members (7) 12. What is withheld from the booking (11) 14. In wigs, these could show importance (11) 18. Sending in an account for advertising (7) 19. They happen when people buy strong drink in a ship (5) 21. Sieved food is not contaminated before starting to eat (5) 22. They take part in raids and in scraps (7)
L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. When Britain's last surviving World War 1 veteran Harry Patch died in 2017 aged 111, he requested that which famous Pete Seeger song be sung at his funeral? 2. On the flag of which US state is the Union Flag of the United Kingdom (Union Jack) found? 3. What everyday lightweight household object has been illegal to buy or sell in the European Union since September 2009 (Clue: we all have them in our houses)? 4. Which city became capital of West-Germany in 1949? 5. Which bruising 19th century athlete and international celebrity was the first American to earn one million dollars in sport? 6. Which activity is practiced 'over and over' in all of the following films? Seven letters - Vertical Limit, The Beach, King Ralph, Master and Commander, The Dish and Syriana. 7. In gastronomy, the name of which popular dish stems from the Portuguese words for 'wine and garlic'? 8. Which prolific songwriter wrote Manfred Mann's hit song Mighty Quinn or Quinn the Eskimo? 9. Which popular fictional film character's name means 'fox'? 10. How many countries still carry out the death penalty in 2022. 11. Measured in kilometres from the nearest human being, who was the most isolated person in history for a few hours in the summer of 1969? 12. Complete the names of the following famous or infamous ships. a.
DOWN 1. It’s baser to appear threatening (5) 2. A serious illness for an oarsman (6) 3. Something added on one Greek letter (3) 4. To laze in this way, you need a fan! (6) 5. Piece of furniture that now has been refashioned (7) 8 & 17Dn. Could they be trials of golfers? ability? (7,5) 11. Disturbing the game, but being victorious (7) 13. It’s dreadfully boring outside (7) 15. Kind of slave working in the kitchen? (6) 16. Mixed drink - the last of the vermouth in ginger (6) 17. See 8 Dn. 20. Blade used for decapitating a pig (3)
( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 3 ) Amoco, b. Admiral Graf, c. Exxon, d. HMS Compass, e. Rainbow, f. Edmund, g. Achille, h. Torrey 13. The horse Khartoum plays a very deciding role in which Oscar-winning film? 14. The following are the initials of film titles that deal with the theme of comatose. Can you name the film? a. W Y W S, - b. G B L, - c. R O F, - d. S B, - e. 28 D L, - f. F Y, - g. K B 15. What is both the name of a small island and a bitter orange liquor? 16. During World War II Lyudmila Pavlichenko became the first Soviet citizen to be received by a US President while visiting the White House. In Canada she was greeted by thousands of people at the main railway station in Toronto. She was quite a popular figure; even Woody Guthrie wrote a song about her. How did she shoot to fame during the war? 17. The following words are from songs with a colour in the song title. Can you name the song? a. Sleep pretty darling do not cry, b. If Adolf Hitler flew in today they'd send a limousine, c. I'll wait in this place where the sun never shines, d. Mississippi in the middle of a dry spell, e. West from far away stays for a day. 18. Which William was nominated 12 times for the best director Oscar? 19. In which cities are the following museums located? a. Eremitage, b. Uffizien, c. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum, d. Smithsonian Institute 20. Robbie Williams had a hit with the song 'Road to Mandalay'. In which country is Mandalay?
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PAGE 15
I WON’T DANCE, DON’T ASK ME
I
t was a young woman who started it. She began to dance 'fervently' in a street in Strasbourg in France, and before anyone knew it, a group of other young women had joined in. In what came to be known as the Dance Epidemic, or Dancing Plague, of 1518, up to 400 people took to dancing for days. It must at times have resembled a modern televised danceathon, although I'm more than 85% certain television hadn't been invented yet. This outbreak of unexplained cavorting lasted for such a long time that doctors eventually intervened, and a troupe of afflicted performers was sent hobbling to hospitals, where presumably their feet were treated for exhaustion. Line
dancing will do that to your tootsies, take it from a man who still has a rhinestone cowboy outfit in his wardrobe. It had all happened once before, when thousands danced uncontrollably, in Europe and Africa, in the 14th century. It was then known as St Vitus' Dance, and if it hadn't killed thousands of people in Germany and Madagascar, Vitus might have retained his reputation as the merry patron saint of dancers and entertainers. He was also said to protect against oversleeping, which would be useful after a long spell of boogying in a nightclub, followed by an early start in the operating theatre next day. Although I'm at least 20% sure that nightclubs
A plague in the middle ages caused people to dance themselves to death. came into existence much later. What caused these outbreaks involving otherwise normal townsfolk? And was there a treatment, or a cure? Opinions vary, the way opinions often do. Once upon a time, the lightningfast footwork of the Italian tarantella dance was the symptom of a terrifying malady thought to be caused by a tarantula bite. 'Tarantism' was a psychological illness characterized by an extreme impulse to dance, roughly the equivalent of 3 pints of strong lager and 2 pina coladas. Although amounts, like opinions, could differ. And what was the treatment? The prescription was music, of all things, although the only lyric I can think of, that might have helped, is "I won't dance, don't ask me!" But I'm almost
100% convinced this was before Fred Astaire met Ginger Rogers. And of course, one bite from a spider or a snake couldn't make a whole town or village dance, but an alternative theory exists, as alternative theories frequently do. It has been suggested dancing mania was caused by a fungus called ergot, which can be ingested by eating bread. What a vile slander on the staff of life! I much prefer another possibility, that dancing epidemics were brought on by the extreme stress of living in the Middle Ages. The only question thrown up by that explanation -manic dancing caused by the taxing times you live in -- is this: why aren't we all dancing like dervishes right now?
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Shots fired killing and wounding over 200 people Part 2 of Rojales based Mary Ivy Nell's Exclusive interview with Andrew Atkinson continues about being caught up in the Iran revolution in 1978.
That Smiling Face
By Andrew Atkinson
With the grinning face of a Jack Russell, she looked at us from the other side of the wire, behind the dozen or so other dogs in the pen. She then ran around at the back of them in the small paddock and hid behind one of the kennels. Her little face appeared, and looking at us she gave a little yelp, as if to say come and play. Then she chased around before hiding again, and once more with eyes a glistening she reappeared to give another little yelp. She was saying she had decided. She had stayed long enough with the others in that pen, liking the look of us, it was about time to leave, and she was making it very clear that was her intention. With our hearts pounding, we wished we could take them all, but that cheeky little face showering us with love won the day for her. After filling out a few documents this soft brown and black fur coat joined us. Just over ten years the little lady has been with us now. Hovar, the dog people in the Hondon Valley, told us they knew very little about her previous life, so we never got to know her real age as she had been saved from the wild where she had been wandering around. My guess, as she had been well trained, is that somebody must have dumped her on the side of the road and driven off. She has been a lovely little friend, great company, as she would jump on the settee and sit between us to enjoy television, Bargain Hunt was her favourite. Other times she would just jump on our lap for a cuddle when least expecting it. Our little lady did not bark for attention, she trained us. She would sit in front of me and nod her head in the direction of her needs, it took a little while, but I understood eventually. Then a little while ago there was a necessity to call the vet as our little lady was poorly. It was heartbreaking to see her slowly declining.
Quote: 'November 5, violence erupted once more in the capital. Police and armed troops seal off roads, to try to contain mobs smashing and burning embassies, banks, hotels, cinemas and restaurants' MY husband and I stood on our roof and watched the procession pass by, while army helicopters circled low overhead, monitoring the scene, reflected Mary. "Armed troops were very much in evidence, but the day passed peacefully. "Four days later, on the 8th September, the scene in Jalleh Square was altogether different. "This had been chosen as the next rallying point for a further demonstration and when troops moved in to disperse the crowds with teargas, things got out of hand. "Shots were fired into the demonstrators, killing and wounding an estimated 200 people. Now, where she used to lie and play, there is just an empty space.
Flag Flying It is now obvious that the ‘woke’ brigade is well entrenched in Government, why else would there be a rainbow flag, representing the LGBT group, flying over the headquarters of the MI6 building. Surely it should be the Union colours? It is my view and others, that the world we live in is being changed, and it has been happening for a long time. Many of those who see life differently are now well entrenched in positions of authority. For instance, someone must have authorised teachers to preside over a political lesson requiring their nine years old pupils to write an essay on ‘Partygate’ and the happenings at ten Downing Street. This followed another occasion at a different school, where children as young as four were given lessons on transgender. It was in the summer of the year two thousand and twenty that I wrote about a movement to change the wording of ‘Rule Britannia’ at the BBC’s ‘Last Night of the Proms.’ After strong pressure it did not happen, and one, well certainly myself, had the feeling that such inappropriate forces were disappearing and common sense would survive.
The departure of these odd groups did not happen, and now, the control of events and free speech is reaching epic proportions. A Christian doctor, David Mackereth, who had been in practice for 28 years, was sacked from the DWP (Department of Works and Pensions) because when he was asked, - just asked - if he could call a six foot tall transwoman with a beard ‘Madam’ he said he could not, and would refer to them by their biological sex, not their pronoun. After failing to receive compensation at two enquiries he is now taking his case to the High Court. No doubt, not everyone will agree with me, but I wish him well at the hearing.
Pensions The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, for the past two or three years, has had people calling for her P45 – if there is still such a thing. I would think that now she is smiling, no more problems trying to sort the London Police Force out, as with her half a millionpound pension fund and an income from it, she will be making more than the Prime Minister earns. My wife and I, with an annual state pension of six thousand pounds, would have to live for another twenty five years to match one year of her income.
How is it that in the rest of Europe pensioners have an income they can live on? Most of us are very happy to go away for a weekend and sit on a beach and take in the sun, but then there are a few who can go up in a rocket propelled cabin to see how close they can get to the golden orb circling the world, at a cost which would make Commissioner Dick’s pension look like pocket change. I refer to Mr Jeff Bezos, he who likes everything big, and has achieved that in the Amazon Conglomerate he has built from scratch. Whilst he travels around the world visiting all the best places with girlfriend on arm, he is having an enormous yacht built in a wharf near Rotterdam. This vessel has the largest mast – three of them. I know nothing about building boats; however, I would have thought that one would have it constructed somewhere where you don’t have to dismantle a historic bridge to get it to the sea. This celebrated crossing is to be dismantled, something about which the authorities are not too happy. Just wondering for Bezos, if that is ‘a bridge too far.’ Take care. www,facebook.com/percy chattey ‘The Black Venus’ a thrilling story available from Amazon and Kindle
"Martial Law was declared a few hours later for a period of six months - life changed for everyone overnight. "Although our social life was limited by the curfew, it's surprising how quickly one adapts to new situations. "Even the succession of strikes and the heavy censorship was accepted as part of our daily lives.
Demonstrations became part of our everyday lives "Information Bulletins were issued from the American and British Embassies and we tuned in daily to the World Service of the BBC for additional news. "On the morning of the 5th November, violence erupted once again in the capital. "Police and armed troops began to seal off roads, to try to contain the mobs who were systematically smashing and burning embassies, banks, hotels, cinemas and restaurants. "From the third floor office where I worked, we could see columns of black smoke in every direction. "No one was quite sure what was happening in Tehran, and conflicting reports were coming in from our head office nearer the city centre. "But by 3 pm it was decided that we should try to travel home, although the Iranian bus drivers were unwilling to be seen driving foreigners anywhere that day. "Our apartment was a ten minute walk away and I was extremely relieved to arrive safely without incident. "An hour later, that same road was a mass of broken glass as five banks and two small restaurants were smashed" *Part 3 of a Leader Exclusive continues next week.
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THE FAMILY MEDICINE CHEST For most minor ailments, the family medicine chest is the first port of call. Stock it with a chosen number of herbal remedies and you’ll find yourself coping effectively with any minor medical crisis that happens along.
O
ver the years I have got to know herbs that can deal with cuts and grazes, bumps and lumps, colds, sore throats and flu, burns and scalds, aches and pains, hangovers and upset tummies, viral infections, earache and toothache. In my experience, they are just as effective as the alternatives and, as some of them are marvellous multitaskers, I find they often work out cheaper too.
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gles; as a healing disinfectant for cuts, grazes and small infections, such as those in newly pierced ears; and as a remedy for toothache and gum infections (soak a small swab of cotton wool with it, and place next to the infected tooth or gum, keeping it there for several hours). The ointment, smeared on a plaster, stops the pain of a cut or infected sore, treats wounds of any kind, calms the agony of piles, and soothes reddened baby bottoms.
HERE’S AN IDEA FOR YOU ........ Collywobbles after that curry
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PAGE 17
stroked gently into sprained or strained muscles or fractured joints. It's a rapid healer of both flesh and bone because of its power to boost cell-proliferation. Like arnica, it's not to be taken internally.
Aloe vera
soning? Bad case of the
Every home should have a tube of aloe vera gel: it's marvellous first aid for bums, scalds, sunburn and itchy or irritated skin. It can even help cool the agonising inflammation of shingles.
runs? I keep on hand a
Mullein
Swiss-made extract of the
If there are children in the house, keep a little dropper bottle of mullein oil. It has for centuries been a popular country cure for earache, usually combined with garlic. Dropper it into the affected ear at the first symptom of heat and pain.
dinner? Touch of food poi-
little yellow-flowered wild plant tormentil, which has exceptional binding powers in the gut. Relief is usually fast - though if disagreeable symptoms persist, see a doctor.
Lavender The essential oil of lavender is another herbal multitasker. I dab it neat on mosquito bites and it works as a repellent, too. I add 8-10 drops to a warm bath to help me feel calm and relaxed, apply it neat to minor burns or scalds once I've cooled them with cold water, and put 1-3 drops on the pillow of a baby, restless toddler or insomniac adult to encourage sleep.
Arnica
Marigold If I could take just one herbal remedy to a desert island, it would have to be the amazing marigold, often called calendula, one of nature's premier healers. It soothes pain, counters inflammation, speeds healing.
Propolis Cold sore? You can already feel it tingling in your upper lip. Zap it with a couple of drops of the tincture of propolis, a sticky resin manufactured by bees and used in the construction of their hives. Propolis is a specialist in mouth problems. Apply it neat, with a cotton-wool bud, to mouth ulcers; it will tingle for a moment. Add 8-10 drops to a little warm water and gargle several times daily to see off a sore throat.
Blends In our family we also swear by a French blend of essential oils in a base of tincture of ginger, formulated by Dr Valnet, the founding father of modem aromatherapy. This pale golden aromatic lotion is a magical calmer of aches and pains when gently massaged into aching muscles, stressed backs or tired joints. Another great Valnet formula combines essential oils that work to sort out respiratory problems. Containing pine, mint and lavender among others, it smells like a walk through a pine forest.
I use the tincture, diluted, as a comforting lotion for burns and scalds; to heal over acne pustules which the sufferer couldn't resist picking open; as a comforting wash for the pain of shin-
Arnica gel is powerful stuff for bruises and swelling, muscular aches and pains, and the stiff sore joints of arthritis. In a clinical trial, a Swiss-made arnica gel proved itself an antiinflammatory as effective as ibuprofen when applied to swollen arthritic joints. (Don't apply it to cut, irritated or broken skin, though.)
Comfrey Comfrey cream, ointment or oil is marvellous first aid for cuts and messy grazes. It also helps prevent nasty bruising after a fall, and should be
PAGE 18
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Monday 21st - Sunday 27th February 2022
International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday service 11a.m.; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11a.m. Church Bible Study: Thursday 1.30p.m. House groups in Torrevieja, La Siesta – Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. Phone: 966 799 273 / 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. www.icatorrevieja.org
CAR SALES
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 Montesinos. We are a lively, friendly church and look forward to meeting you. (Covidaware. 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
The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2019 Ford Focus ST_Line Auto which is on Special Offer priced at just 19,500 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
MUSICIANS WANTED Come Join The Band' The Royal British Legion Concert Band Spain is looking for a second violin player of any nationality to join our growing group of musicians. Please contact Graham Robinson at email by phone on 658 663 846 or by email at: robinsongraham256@ googlemail.com
SOCIAL AND CLUBS The February Meeting of the Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch will be held at 7 for 7.30 pm on Thursday 17 Feb at the Olympia Pool Bar in Mil
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Palmeras. Everyone welcome, incl non members. Call Jean for info on: 630 28 08 99. The RBL 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 info please contact:Torrevieja.secretary@rbl. community 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 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 Margaret Forshaw on 966 92 1966. Royal Air Force Association Costa Blanca Registered Members Group: The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG replaces the RAFA Costa Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the RAFA and the RMG is via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk.
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Tel:0044 800 018 2361. 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
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Monday 21st - Sunday 27th February 2022
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DIVISION ONE
Denise Green gave her season's best in the 2nd with 4 x 70+ scores and D7 first dart. Taverner Mitch Halliday (92, D9) brought it 3 apiece before the mustard chicken interval. T'was 3 apiece in the singles too, starting with a nice 81, 81, D20 from Princess Elizabeth Cowan.
ALE HOUSE LADS V TIPSY TOAD TOPPERS Andy Gildea's 140,95 not enough as Dario Sierra's 95, 100 and Andre Wing's D8 gave the Lads an early lead, soon negated as Toppers replied by taking the next 3. Hugh Galloway D4, Paddy Winterbourne D8 and Phil de Lacy D2 finding the outer ring. Thomas Harrison reduced the deficit on D12, with lan Philips 140 and Graham White D20 levelling against a powerful Gildea, Maiden duo. Surprisingly all singles went 2 zip, Gildea taking the 1st with some steady scoring. Harrison and Wing gave the Lads a 5-4 advantage, the former both legs on D3. How did that occur Thomas? Earning a further MOTM, Maiden made it 5 apiece with 4x100, 126 and a D16 to close. Both sides would probably have taken the draw at this point, but White narrowly overcome Winterbourne, leaving Sierra to claim the plaudits and MOTM both legs on D10.
MIND THE GAP V EL CAPITAN No one asked to predict the outcome of this one would have claimed a prize. Just 2 legs were the Caps spoils after an outstanding Gap effort, where they remain unbeaten. Gordon Cowan opened the hosts account on D20, Sam Salt 140, Caps response quite amazing, Andres Lliamazares 140, Chris Logan 100, 180 then Lliama closing on 156. 3rd member, Olly Walker presumably buying a round. The next 4 went Gap's way, James Brown, 100,121,140, D18,D9, Bliss Wright 100,D10, Salt 140, D12, the Caps unable to convert some decent scoring. Cowan and Carlos Escansiano both won 3 leg singles, the latter the 7th winning leg. Logan edged out Wright 1-2 to complete Caps evening tally. Paul Moody's 2-0 win over Lliama made it 8 for the Gap, before Brown enjoyed a 2nd leg 180 and a D18,D18, 72 out over Vycka Bobinas. Salt 2x140, 121,100 taking 2 of the 3 against a high scoring Ed Klimonis. MOTM - Brown Lliama.
MILOS V DANNYS BAR Milos raced to a first half 5-1 lead, then had to wait until the 12th leg to determine victory, courtesy of a Samuel James win over Steve Hodgett that included a very nice 165 set up shot. James also converted his pairs leg with Raul Rocamora on D8. Paul Raffell taking Dannys lone win in the first half.
MATCH RESULTS FOR 17 FEBRUARY SECOND HALF OF SEASON - WEEK 2 DIVISION 1 Hub Hyenas Alehouse Lads Milo's Mind The Gap
9-3 7-5 7-5 10-2
CC's Tipsy Toad Toppers Danny's Bar El Capitan
DIVISION 2 Tipsy Toad Tiaras Pint Depot Queens Domino's Desperados Angel Delights
6-6 5-7 7-5 1-11
Freakie Taverners Hub Hellraisers Boris' Bears Wee Rock Horrors
HIGH CHECK-OUTS Season Highest Olly Walker (T20-T20-D20) El Capitan 160 Andres Llamazares (T20-T20-D18) El Capitan156 180's/171's James Brown (2) Mind The Gap Chris Logan El Capitan Pat Schofield (171) Tipsy Toad Tiaras D2 for 3-2 Rodford, 100, D20 and Ellis125,105 ensuring a 2 leg advantage at the break, Charles Pritchett contributing a 121. Rodford guaranteed his side a point with a 2-0 victory over Sam Farrow, that included 4x100 and a 140. Fitzsimmons made it 7-2 in a 3 leg tussle with Jesus M. 100,140. Ellis 3x100, 2x140 took the valuable scalp of Smith in another 3 legger. Taylor needed an 80 out for the 3rd leg against a lively Pritchett. Suso M. rounding off the evening with 100,140 an 84 and 58 out against a below par Alan Havelock. MOTM Ellis - Suso M.
Alan Walker added a 2nd win for the visitors to open the 2nd half, to include 3x100. Rocamora made it 6 for the hosts with a MOTM performance. Dannys then made a game of it, winning the following 3, via Steve Lumb 1-2, John Giggs 1-2 and Jack Reilly 0-2. James wrapped up the match, Walker - MOTM.
DIVISION 1 Mind The Gap Hub Hyenas Milo's Alehouse Lads El Capitan Cc's Flyers Tipsy Toad Toppers Danny's Bar
P 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Pts 4 4 2 2 2 2 0 0
Legs 21 17 12 11 11 10 8 6
P 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Pts 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 0
Legs 20 14 13 14 11 9 8 8
DIVISION 2 Wee Rock Horrors Freakie Taverners Domino's Desperados Boris' Bears Hub Hellraisers Tipsy Toad Tiaras Angel Delights Pint Depot Queens
DIVISION 2 PINT DEPOT QUEENS V HUB HELLRAISERS Marie Cummins was the sole Royal point earner in the 1st half, Carol Rowland, Lesley Dolling, Jo Burns and Sue Spiers ( 2 ) the five for Raisers. Skipper McGlynn rightly placed Spiers on first, successfully claiming the point and MOTM. Cummins and Rachel Broadhead pulled the score back to 3-6 and a glimmer of the draw. Not so as Dolling found D5 for both points, Vi Turner and Maggie Morgan increasing Queens total legs to 5, all of which on D1. Practise night Wednesday ladies. MOTM - Cummins.
The Freakie ladies Debbie de Grys, Mitch (8-D4) and Sharon Frain (87, D7) scored the points for the opposition and de Lacy contributing (97, D1) for the hosts. At 5-6, it all came down to a brilliant last game from Schofield (100, 7-16-D8) and Livesy (95, 100, 91) to bring it to a close on a draw- the very best way to finish the night.
ANGEL DELIGHTS V WEE ROCK HORRORS Horrors sampled the newly refurbished Los Dolses Angel's Bar to enjoy their excellent throw and promptly battered them ( very unfriendly ). Only Nikki Dean and Sharon Williams found scores of note. Graham Solomans nailed 3 of the 1st half doubles, Andy Forrest 2x100, D6. Solomans found D13, his 4th of the night, to win the match, Billy Dolling 100, 52 out and Forrest 121 D20, aiding and abetting. Williams prevented a whitewash with an impressive 140,133,D4 out and MOTM, Forrest awarded Horrors.
DOMINOS DESPOS V BORIS BEARS At 0-3 up Bears looked good for 2 points. Liam Lumb, Ken Skinner and Ron Chadwick 129, D11 providing. Doms roared back to level via Ron Chadwick, Ben Kernaham and Ash Panchal, the Skinners tons worthless. Liz Minto 134,and a 65 out made it 4-3, Kernaham 100, D18, nudging Doms closer to victory. Lumb pulled a leg back on D5 only for Hayes 100 and the double to go 6-4 up. Barry Shingler D20, forced the match to the 12th, where Panchal 121,D16, claimed victory. MOTM - Kernaham - Lumb.
TIPSY TOAD TIARAS V FREAKIE TAVERNERS Darts nights like this is what it's all about in Division 2:- Both teams fielded 9+ players and everyone got at least 2 games. Freakies feilded 6 ladies and 4 men, and looked to be the favourites, based on the league position and previous result. They took the first triples courtesy of Groa Bryndis' D17 despite a phenomenal 171 from MOTM Pat Schofield, who bent the wrong side of the wire of D5.
HUB HYENAS V C.C.'S FLYERS Hub opened strongly, enjoying success in all three triples, Bob Taylor D16, Dylan Fitzsimmons D4 and Mark Ellis 100, D2, doing the damage. John Rodford adding a couple of tons. No outs from C.C.'s but plenty of scores, Matt Smith, 100,140, Jesus Madrid 100,140, Suso Madrid 140,100. Smith got Flyers off the mark with a further ton and D12, Suso M. finding
PAGE 19
MOTM Mark Ellis and Suso Madrid
Good scoring from Tiaras Sharon Crane (132), de Lacy (83) and Rhianna Marshall (94, 72, D4) evened things up but MOTM Bryan Livesy's 18-T18-D2 gave the visitors the edge after the triples. Schofield continued in excellent form in the pairs (85, 83, 79, D10) and
Welshman Gerwyn Price delivered the goods in Belfast this week, not only winning the new format, but managing two 9 dart finishes in the process. The 1st playing Michael van Gerwen in the semi, the 2nd playing James Wade in the final. His 3 winning averages, 108.5, 108.9 and a lowly 105.3. The victory moves him into 2nd place behind Jonny Clayton for the £ 275,000 1st prize.The 4th of 16 weekly competitions moves to Westpoint, Exeter this Thursday.
PAGE 20
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Monday 21st - Sunday 27th February 2022
San Luis Bowls Club by Sheila Cammack Today, after weeks of needing multi layers + gloves to keep fingers moving, we were enjoying a beautiful, calm, sunny morning (& wondering whether to unpack the shorts over the weekend). In the meantime Storm Eunice was lashing the UK with high winds, rain & snow in places. We are lucky to be here & able to enjoy playing bowls in the company of friends. Monday 14th South Alicante League: Enterprise Div. A the Klingons home v Quesada Pearls won 2 games & drew 2, shots 75-52, a great result 8 points-2. Winners: Margaret Morrison, Bill Webb, Neil Morrison 12-12, Giuseppe Galelli, June & Keith Jones 24-12, Jane Hamill, Sheila Cammack, Stewart Hamill 20-9, Pat Reilly, Tricia Reilly, Vic Mahomet 19-19. The Trekkers away v Emerald Isle
Moonrakers had another really close match: 4points-6 & shots 69-71. Winners: Dee Hoey, Ralph Jones, Lyndon Johnson 23-21, Pauline Johnson, Stuart Wilson, Steve Penfold 16-14. Wednesday 16th Winter League match; we struggled through the traffic hold ups on the motorway to arrive at Bonalba. The battle started on the green and it was truly challenging. Although we did fight back, unfortunately some of us never quite got to grips with it, finishing 2points-8, shots 52-73. Winners: Giuseppe Galelli, Bill Webb, Pam Lockett, Scott Malden 17-16. However, before we travelled home again we enjoyed the home-made soup & rolls and the hospitality of the Bonalba team. It’s great to travel & meet up with old & new friends; that’s part of the enjoyment of playing Winter League, even if the
scoreboard doesn’t look quite so good! Friday 18th Southern League Div A. Lions were at home to San Miguel Bulldogs, who certainly put up a good fight. The battle for shots was so close, going right to the last end of the match: 66-62, 8 points-2. Winners: Sheila Cooper, Tony Campbell, Scott Malden 17-15, Giuseppe Galelli, June & Keith Jones 18-12, Jane Hamill, Sheila Cammack, Stewart Hamill 19-15. Div B. Tigers away at Vistabella had a very tough morning v Picadors, 2points-8, 46shots-70. Well done to winners: Ian Ross, Dee Hoey, Bob Bromley 17-10. We welcome new members wishing to commit to joining by end of August, before the start of the winter season. Reminder: 2-day OPEN MIXED TRIPLES TOURNAMENT 8th & 9th April. Entries to Keith Jones: keithjones81@hotmail.com
SOUTH ALICANTE WINTER TRIPLES Week 15 - Monday 14th February
Quesada Bowls Club
ENTERPRISE DIVISION
WITH STEVE HIBBERD
Vistabella Albatrosses 81 (6) San Miguel Alsations 105 (10) La Siesta Apollos 68 (3) Emerald Isle Titans 58 (4) San Luis Klingons 75 (8)
Vistabella Albatrosses Quesada Pearls Emerald Isle Titans San Luis Klingons San Miguel Beagles Greenlands Maples La Siesta Apollos San Miguel Alsations Greenlands Sycamores El Rancho Pintos
P 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
San Miguel Beagles 59 (4) El Rancho Pintos 46 (0) Greenlands Sycamores 69 (7) Greenlands Maples 73 (6) Quesada Pearls 52 (2) W 39 37 33 34 29 31 28 26 18 15
D 1 2 3 2 5 0 1 1 3 2
L 20 21 24 24 26 29 31 33 39 43
Diff Diff 246 374 172 59 32 107 -88 -171 -280 -451
Pts 103 98 89 85 84 78 69 60 47 37
DISCOVERY DIVISION La Marina Pathfinders 89 (10) Country Bowls Flamingos 76 (5) Quesada Diamonds 44 (2) Vistabella Drivers 75 (4) Emerald Isle Moonrakers 71 (6)
San Miguel Dalmations 78 (0) La Marina Explorers 66 (5) Emerald Isle Neptunes 80 (8) La Siesta Pioneers 66 (6) San Luis Trekkers 69 (4)
P W D L Country Bowls Flamingos 15 45 4 11 Quesada Diamonds* 15 36 1 23 La Marina Pathfinders 15 33 3 24 La Marina Explorers 15 31 3 26 Vistabella Drivers * 15 30 1 29 San Miguel Dalmations 15 27 3 30 Emerald Isle Neptunes 15 27 1 32 La Siesta Pioneers 15 24 3 33 San Luis Trekkers 15 20 2 38 Emerald Isle Moonrakers 15 16 1 43 * 2) deducted for failing to field a full side
Diff Diff 319 174 113 165 -8 28 -40 -51 -271 -429
Pts 122 89 89 85 77 71 67 61 48 37
VOYAGER DIVISION Greenlands Chestnuts 78 (8) La Siesta Sputniks 52 (3) Quesada Rubies 82 (8)
El Rancho Raiders 51 (2) Vistabella Eagles * 57 (7) Country Bowls Seahawks 56 (2)
P W D L Diff Diff Greenlands Chestnuts 11 32 2 10 315 86 Country Bowls Seahawks 10 23 1 16 75 Quesada Rubies 10 23 0 17 86 58 Vistabella Eagles * 10 19 2 19 1 50 La Siesta Sputnicks 10 15 3 22 -121 37 El Rancho Raiders 10 12 1 27 -135 29 Vistabella Buggies ** 9 11 1 24 -221 20 * 2) deducted for failing to field a full side ** 5) deducted for failing to field a full side
Pts 63
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Pearls came a bit of a cropper at San Luis last Monday, when they were beaten 8-2 by Klingons. These 2 sets of trips earned their side the points - B Trinder, G Kershaw, P Morgan 19-19. S Barnes, A Linley, D Barnes 12-12. An identical scoreline befell Diamonds in their home match against Emerald Isles Neptunes. Well done to this winning rink
La Siesta Bowls ... By Alan Carr Division (A) The Blues away game to El Rancho hosted by the Mustangs saw us win on two rinks and missing out on the other two by just one shot each, winners being; Judy Carroll, John Taylor & Dave Blackie (23-13). Ann & Jim Taylor with Les Bedford (21-11). Result 6-4 (Shots 77-59). Division (B) For the Golds afternoon game they welcomed the Crusaders who travelled from La Manga which resulted in La Siesta winning convincingly on all rinks, the teams were; Tony & Val Dalton with Alan Mawer (31-9). Irene Laverick, Mike Inns & John Skipper (27-9). Alan Carr, Wendy & Alan Ralph (25-12). Pat Moore, Bill & Sue Jordan (21-13). Won 10-0 (Shots 104-43). Enterprise The Apollos played host to Greenland’s Sycamores for their afternoon game, which saw all of the rinks finish very close indeed and this is reflected by the overall (Shots 6869), but were only able to secure one win by; Norman Adcroft, Martin Harley, & Karen Kirk (25-22) with Skip Brian Pocock’s team collecting a further point for a draw with the game ending 3-7. Discovery The Pioneers travelled to Vistabella for their game against the Drivers which resulted with wins on
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El Rancho Bowls Club Monday morning found the Pintos playing the Alsations at San Miguel and although there was a couple of close matches, we managed to come away without a point, but we had fun and enjoyed the company. Meanwhile the Raiders were at Greenlands against the Chestnuts, not an easy venue to play, but they did come away with one rink and a close run second. Dolly Ford, Dave Haynes and Marion Haynes 8-21. Val Ryder, Ron Greenstreet and Judy Foley 17-22. Sue Ziepe, Debbie Ham and Steve Ziepe 17-11. Barbara Jones, Adrian Ham and Geoff Jones 9-24. On Friday morning the Broncos played La Siesta Silvers at home and although they didn’t take a point, two of the rinks were within 3 shots, a reasonable effort. The Mustangs were at Country Bowls playing the Geckos and had a tough match, but came away with one rink. Pam Harris, Ann Taylor and John Ziepe 9-17. John Richards, Diane Yates and Mike Cox 15-22. Brian Harris, Ngaio Baldwin and Pete Baldwin 9-30. Sheila Cox, Malc Sykes and Henry Ryder 22-12. Bowlers of all levels are welcome at El Rancho, for further membership information contact Sheila Cox at micksheilacox@gmail.com
- A Bowen, B Elliott, T Voisey 13-12.
Brazier, P Morgan, J Prokopowycz 19-14.
Our 3rd team in the South Alicante league, recorded an impressive 8-2 victory at home to Country Bowls Seahawks, thanks to these 3 rinks - I Everett, M Sumner, P Bradbury 19-11. T Brinton, R Lewin, J Brinton 23-10. M Lamberton/B Miller, H Olsen, D Patrick 31-10.
G Phillips, M & C Highland 15-15.
In Friday's southern league, Swallows came unstuck at near neighbours Greenlands. Up against the Oaks, one winning & one drawing rink earned their side 3 points, and here they are - C
Elliott, K Bowles 24-13. C Bowles, P
Members Run Club
three rinks, teams were; Alan Carr, Wendy & Alan Ralph (24-15). Tony Dalton, Derek Barker & John Skipper (18-14). Irene Laverick, Val Dalton & Alan Mawer (18-14). The home side won the remaining rink quite comfortable giving them 2 points plus the overall (Shots 66-75) result 6-4. Voyager The Sputniks home game was Vistabella Eagles who arrived with a team short, the play on the remaining three rinks resulted with the visitors winning on two rinks but found that Skip Giddings team were not going to give in that easy and settled for a draw. Result 3-7 (Shots 5257). Winter League La Siesta were hosted by the Emerald Isle who needed a win to stay on top. For a good part of the match, we were leading on most rinks, until the hosts applied the pressure to win on three rinks but were not able to get their head in front on the remaining rink won by; Alan Carr, Pat Moore, Tony & Val Dalton (17-13). Lost 2-8 (Shots 5672). Interested in joining La Siesta Bowls Club. If so call the President George 865772498 or the Captain Wendy 633068399 who will give you further information.
But, in B div, Swans amassed a maximum 10 points from their home match against La Manga Crusaders. Get in there - G Kershaw, P & B Rees 21-21. S & D Barnes, T Voisey 21-14. A Bowen, B Farrell, B Armstrong 41-9. Sadly, Swift were not in flight, due to an enforced grounding!!
SAN MIGUEL BOWLS - Gail Willshire On Monday San Miguel Alsatians were at home against El Rancho Pintos and had a great win 10 - 0, 105 shots to 46. The highest winning triple were Val Hignett, Derek Farmer & Ed Cowan 41 – 6. San Miguel Beagles were away to Vistabella Albatrosses where they managed to gain 4 points, with the shots 59 – 81. Two teams won 16 -15: Lee Sinclair, Gail Willshire & Fred Willshire and Mary Whitelock, Carol Broomfield & Mary Dyer. Meanwhile, San Miguel Dalmatians were away to La Marina Pathfinders. All the matches were close, but the Dalmatians could not come away with any points, shots 78 – 89 On Friday San Miguel Bulldogs were away to San Luis. Again, all the matches were close but only one team managed a win - Margaret Patterson, Alan Campbell & Steve Cantley, 20 - 12. The overall shots were 62 – 66. Finally, this week, San Miguel Boxers were at home against Emerald Isle Outlaws and secured a wonderful 10 – 0 victory, 102 shots to 43. All rinks deserve a mention, but the highest winners were Anne Young, Derek Farmer & Eddie Cowan, 32:7. A polite reminder to all bowlers, whilst COVID restrictions remain all bowlers (including visiting teams) must carry a valid COVID passport plus I.D. Also, a reminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays 1.30pm for 2.00pm - 5 for an afternoon’s bowling with shoes and bowls 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. We welcome all bowlers who would like to join San Miguel B.C. as we are a unique club - we only pay owner fees and a club fee and NO LEAGUE RINK FEES. For further information on San Miguel B.C please contact club secretary Barry Jones on 602 504 905 or club president Alan Campbell on 606 676 118
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PAGE 21
GREENLANDS BOWLS CLUB SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB With Dave Webb
El Rancho Raiders. Final scores were - total shots for 78, total shots against - 51, Points for 8, points against - 2.
In the Enterprise division, the Sycamores were away to La Siesta Apollos. After a very tight game the results were as follows - Total shots for - 69, total shots against - 68. Points for - 7, points against - 3.
In the Winter League The Green Machine rolls onwards with a terrific win at home against a very good opposing team from BBC. Final scores were - Total shots for - 79, total shots against - 52. Points for - 10, points against - 0.
The Maples were away to Emerald Isle Titans. Final scores on the doors - total shots for - 73, total shots against - 58. Points 6 - 2. The chestnuts also came home winners in their match against
In the Southern League Div B, the Cedars were away to Emerald Isle Claymores. Final
EMERALD ISE BOWLS CLUB
by Elwyn Morris
Titans opened the week with a home game against Greenlands Maples, and they slipped to a 4-6 Aggregate of 58-73 defeat. L Ponsford G Ponsford J Pooley 16-13, S Verity JO Pering R Marks 13-12 Neptunes were at Quesada Diamonds and had a fine 8-2 Aggregate of 8044 win. G Dyer S Johnson I Grimshaw 29-9, M Ellis E Morris M Odell 23-8, B Taylor B Smith P Heaney 16-14 Moonrakers played at home to San Luis Trekkers and had a great 6-4 Aggregate of 71-69 win, R Adams M Willicott A Fay 18-14, K Alderson S Adams G Smith 18-16
scores were = total shots for 98, total shots against - 47. Points 10 - 0. In the southern League A Division, the Oaks were at home to Quesada Swallows. Final scores were - Points For 7, Points against - 3. In the Southern league, Division C, The Elms were at home to Country Bowls Panthers. Final scores were total shots for - 61, total shots against - 80. Points for - 2, points against - 8.
BY BRIAN ZELIN
Points 7-3.
Monday 14th February, Vistabella Albatrosses Division A, were at Home to San Miguel Beagles, Winning on 2 Rinks, Plus the Shots, only losing the other 2 Rinks by 1 Shot on each Rink. Sue Kemp, Tony French, Brian Zelin 2817, Lynne Bishop, Carol Thorpe, Gary Thorpe 23-10, Shots 81-59. Points 6-4.
Friday 18th February, Vistabella Lanzadores Division A, were Away to Emerald Isle Cavaliers, Winning and Drawing on 2 Rinks. Lynne Bishop, Sue Kemp, Brian Zelin 18-14, Kath Reid, Martin Foulcer, Ian Kenyon 16-16, Shots 59-71 Points 3-7.
Vistabella Drivers Division B, Were at Home to La Siesta Pioneers, Winning on just 1 Rink, but Winning the Shots, Frank Barclay, Barry Tarling, Stuart Allman 32-6, Shots 75-66. Points 4-6. Vistabella Eagles Division C, were Away to La Siesta Sputniks, Winning on 2 Rinks and Drawing on 1 Rink. Hillary James, Keith Black, Alan Bannister 17-13, Rosemarie Savage, Ken Savage, Alice Howe 22-11, Sharon Louise, Denise Howell, Derek Howe 18-18, Shots 57-52.
Emerald Isle played at home in Winter League on Wed against La Siesta and won 8-2 Aggregate of 72-56
When it's tight at the top and you need the points you can't do better than a maximum score, that's exactly what the Pathfinders on Monday 14th at home to San Miguel Dalmatians, it was a close game at the shot difference of just 11 shots shows. 89-78 – well done just what the Doctor ordered. The Explorers however had to travel down south to meet the League leaders, Country Bowls, any result would have been good, but to get a draw by winning 2 rinks and drawing 1 and only losing the shot difference by 10 was excellent keeping them
Torrevieja Darts Ladies Org League Format Week 6 Ladybirds 6-3 Friendly Temps Friendly Chicas 2-7 Gap Girlz Dolly Mixtures 2-7 Tipsy Tigers Primadonnas 3-6 Racing Toast LEAGUE TABLE Gap Girlz Tipsy Tigers Friendly's Chicas Friendly's Temps Ladybirds Macklin's DM Primadonnas Racing Toast
P 6 6 6 6 5 6 6 5
Pts 52 34 33 30 29 20 20 12
Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club CHICKEN RUN - As usual the monthly chicken run was well attended. At the end of the first nine ends we held a spider which was won by Ian Hamilton. The chickens were won by Lynne Armitage and Colin Bedford. Eggs were won by Pam and Steve.
Claymores were at home against Greenlands Cedars and lost 0-10. Aggregate of 43-98 Outlaws played San Miguel Boxer and were beaten 0-10, Aggregate 43-102
LA MARINA ROUNDUP WITH DAVE HADAWAY will in touch with the leaders. Friday 18th and it was a beautiful day, my first day of the year watching in just a t-shirt and what a week for our home teams. The Seagulls followed up on the Pathfinders win with a 10-0 victory over La Siesta Golds and a shot difference of +37, and the Sharks followed up on the Explorers result with a 8-2 win away at La Siesta Blues losing on just 1 trip. And that was only by 5 shots. Well done everybody 4 excellent results.
Carp-R-Us Carp-R-Us had a good turnout for round eight of the Winter/Spring series held at the El Bosquet complex. Temperatures in the mid-twenties with light winds were predicted so the match was fished in possibly the best conditions of the year so far.
Vistabella Conquistadors Division C, were Away to Country Bowls Cubs, a very close match. Pete Caldwell, Denise Howell, Steve Baxter 20-11, Hillary James, Keith Black, Alan Bannister 2119, Shots 69-69. Points 5-5.
Sponsored by The Pub, Gran Alacant Insurances, Dialprix, The Belfry and Sunrise Builders.
Cavaliers played at home on Friday against Vistabella Lanzadores in top of the table clash and Emerald Isle came out winners 7-3 Aggregate of 72-59. P Coffey Jo Pering Julian Pering 22-10, N Prior D Jones C Lindgren 19-15, A M Gerrard C Smyth J Smyth drew 16-16 all
Emerald Isle played the Highjackers on Tuesday and won 5 trips to 1
Vistabella Picadors Division B, were at Home to San Luis Tigers, Winning on 3 Rinks, Frank Barclay, Brian Pointon, Stuart Allman 19-12, Olwyn Radcliffe, John Goddard, Brian Dunn 1310, Alan Whitely, Freddie Willey, Paul Durham 28-7, Shots 70-46. Points 8-2.
Thanks to Howie who donated the chickens and of course Ian and Julia Hamilton who donated the eggs. A big thank you to all that took part and helped to support the club. ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST - On Sunday 13th February as promised Elvis returned to perform at the Alonai. Once again it was well attended Elvis was excellent!!! everyone had a great afternoon. The food was delicious the wine flowed, thank you to the ladies of the social club for organising a wonderful afternoon. CLUB COMPETITIONS - The club competitions are coming to a close. The ladies and men’s single finals take place on Saturday 19th February. After the single finals the presentation of the winners will take part at the club followed by a buffet at the Pub. For further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website www.montemarbowls.com or email us at info@montemarbowls.com. We are also on Facebook.
However, apart from the pegs in the new section, which the club was using for the first time, and the high number pegs, fishing was tough, although everyone caught. Alan Smith ran out a clear winner fishing pole and feeder with maggot to catch 13.92kg from peg 15. Second, on the same section, was Nick Bastock who had 11.22kg from peg 11 using pole and maggot.
Colino is a former Spanish rhythmic gymnastic champion
Third was Steve Fell who caught plenty of mullet using pole with bread and some bonus carp on pellet to weigh in 9.41kg from peg 39. Fourth from peg 37 was the returning Dave Hutchinson with 8.25kg caught on pole and maggot/bread from peg 37. For more information, visit our website www.carp-r-us.weebly.com
Four Jennifer Colino gymnasts selected by Valencian Federation Torrevieja’s Jennifer Colino Gymnastics Club continues with its success as four of it’s gymnasts them have been selected by the Valencian Federation to be part of the regional and elite squad of Rhythmic Gymnastics for 2022.
Hot Darts: Ann Wharton (FT) 152, 114, Chelsea Campbell (GG) 140, 112, 100, Bliss Wright (GG) 140, 125, Mitch Halliday (PD) 135, 121, 101, Lisa Ivill (TT) 131, Donna Ralph (LB) 130, Shirley Stephenson (RT) 127, 104, Sharon O'Rourke (LB) 126, 117, Alison Webster (FC) 126, 100, Karen Christopher (FC) 125, Pat Schofield (TT) 123, 121, Amanda Skinner (GG) 123, 100, Simone de Lacy (TT) 120, Ann Bartlett (FT) 114, Helen Bushell ((FC) 106, 102, Margaret Boden (RT) 102, Sandra Crabbe (LB), Sharon Crane (TT), Sharon Frain (PD), Sharon Marshall (TT), Julie Hallett (FC) 100
They are Miley Martínez, Alisa Zatsepilina, Claudia Ticehurst, and Lucía García Oñate.
Highest Check-out: Marion Scott Denness (GG) 78, Amanda Skinner (GG) 78
The club that bears her name finished last season on a high, achieving great results at the national level, 11 medals in total, of which seven were gold, three silver and one bronze.
Least Darts: Bliss Wright (GG) 20
The coach herself, Jennifer Colino, has also been chosen as a senior instructor following on from her successful career and the great results obtained by her gymnasts during the last season. Colino is a former Spanish rhythmic gymnast who competed in the national rhythmic gymnastics team for many years, was a former champion of Spain,
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McCaffertys Golf Society St. Patrick's Day Fundraiser. Well...the big day has come and gone .... and boy oh boy was it an outstanding success or what...!!!!! 80 golfers teed the ball up at La Finca Golf Club on Tue, in a Texas Scramble competition, which by it's very nature, is a fun event type format, and this set the tone for the day.
Here on the Costa’s golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
TROUBLE SHOTS The old statement that we drive for show but putt for dough may not be exactly true for all standards of golfer but for sure how you play from 60 yards in to the pin determines how well or badly you score on the golf course. How many times have you seen people hit the ball all over the place only to finish with a better score than you because they could chip and putt? Alternatively how damaging is it to hit the ball out of the middle of the club the entire round only to miss-hit shots on and around the green? The mental impact of this type of play is significant on your level of confidence and it puts stress on your long game as you feel that you MUST hits fairways and greens. There are normally basic reasons for poor shot making in and around the greens and below are a number of techniques that you can employ to eliminate or reduce poor shots of this type: Fluffed Chip This is usually caused by quitting on the shot and can usually be eliminated by ensuring that your hand are ahead of the ball at address and to keep them that way through the swing and ‘feel’ as if the grip keeps moving forward through impact and beyond.
4th placed Team Fitzy’s
So finally, this St. Patrick's Day Parade fundraiser was jus the most outstanding success, and to all involved in it...well done. The Winners were. 1st. Team McCaffrey. Barney. Mairtin Hernon Adrian Sheedy and Pat Brennan. 2nd. Team Brown. Andy Brown Ida Jensen Keith Crossan David de Braunche. 3rd Team Apache Pizza. Niall Murray Denis McCormack Ian McCormack Eddie Stapleton. 4th. Team Fitzy's. Martin Fitzpatrick Kevin Fitzpatrick Terry Fitzgerald and Paul "Fitz" Cullen.?
The wee early hours were reached, after a mother and father of singsongs, led by the one and only Jerry Early, who travelled all the way from Arranmore island with his lovely wife Pat for the occasion. As with most singsongs, several dark horses emerged from the shadows, to keep the craic goin mighty, and plenty laughs also along the way, for good measure but the loudest cheer of all was
Mike Probert talks Golf
Gold Division: 1st - Ian Woodley – 45 points, 2nd – Graham Mason – 36 points
reserved for wee Marina....so a big heartfelt thanks Marina for your "party piece"..????
A delicious curry was served by two lovely ladies Verona and Deirdre and prepared by the one and only Kieran"Gordon Ramsay" Fenton, who came out of his self imposed retirement, to further enhance our day..Thanks Kieran.
In assn with Sapphire Properties and Costa Blanca Green Fee Services)
The weather was superb for February and the course in good condition.
Back at McCaffertys bar, the noise level went up several notches as the post mortems, sad stories and finger wagging began.,..
A raffle was held for some luvly prizes in the bar and was so magnificently supported that another record was set which is unlikely to ever e, was collected, so a million be repeated..a whopping return of 690e thanks to everyone who supported this..You were so very generous. On this occasion, we have our most generous sponsors to thank also, and to Altoana golf n country club, Pearse McMurray Resident Golf Professional at Vistabella golf and the Kiernan family of Trinity Coffee Dock, Cabo Roig.
Sapphire GS @ Vistabella
For this month’s meeting the Sapphire Golf Society and a group of 29 players visited the established course at Vistabella taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.
Scoring was very impressive on the day, with a plethora of teams only being separated by the merest of margins. The first shot of the day was taken at 08.40 by Barney McCaffrey's shrewdly assembled team, and they returned a very impressive bogey free 5 under par total of 61.5 to pip the rest of the field by a narrow margin....and in doing so, claimed first prize on one of the best days in our society, for a very long time.
Barney's team of, himself Mairtin o Hernon Adrian Sheedy and wily old gunslinger himself Pat Brennan, were sitting smuggly in the corner with little grins on their faces and rightly so, coz the were first off, first back to the bar and first past the post, n very worthy winners on the day.
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The "Jameson" themed raffle winners were. 1. Paul o Shea. 2 .Jackie Whyte. 3. Mairtin Hernon. 4 . Mick & Ann Ahern. 5. John & Michelle Costello. 6. John o Connell. 7. Denis Ryan. 8. Kevin Fitzpatrick. 10.Bob & Mgt Kemp. 11.Su Reidy. 12 Mick the Grip.. Thanks also to Milos and o Riordan's bar for their sponsorship on the day. And finally finally, big John Saunders is recovering well after his close shave on d 17th green...as he was putting out, a scud missile of a ball from d 17th tee went whizzing past his head by about a foot..and for once big John was absolutely speechless..suffice to say a certain gentleman from Limerick was in apologetic mode for a large part of the evening..clue... he's married t wee Deirdre...????
The Thin This finger stinging shot is cause by the leading edge of the club making contact too high up the ball and is usually cause by the player ‘scooping’ at the ball and again can be corrected by ensuring that the hands stay ahead of the club head through impact with a slight descending blow therefore squeezing the ball between clubface and turf. Duffed Bunker Shot This is again usually cause by quitting on the shot and taking too much sand. The aim is to lift the ball out of the bunker on a wedge of sand with the clubface not actually making contact with the ball. One good practise drill is to draw two parallel lines in front of and behind the practise balls approx 4” apart and when you swing down at the ball try to enter the sand with the club head on the line behind the ball and exit the sand at the point where the line is in front of the ball. When you play on the course you should simply ‘imagine’ the lines in your mind and attempt to enter and exit the sand at these points. Duffed 60-yard Bunker Shot Without doubt this is probably one of the hardest shots in golf because the amount of sand that you take with the ball is minimal and the club head is travelling at a faster speed. When you are faced with this type of shot on the course step out of the bunker and take a couple of practise swings then re-enter the bunker and attempt to repeat the practise swing for real. To assist the process you should put slightly more weight on your front foot to encourage a steeper angle of attack to obtain a ball then sand strike. There will be significant advantages to your golf game if you can improve this area of your game BUT it requires practise and sometimes you will have to sacrifice playing time for practise time.
Silver Division: 1st – Gordon Thursfield – 39 points, 2nd – Morten Kristensen – 36 points Bronze Division: 1st – Barry
Los Crispin GS On 16th. February 30 members and 1 guest competed in an Individual Stableford Competition at El Plantio.The weather was good, although a little breezy at times. The fairways were very threadbare in places, but the 'pick and place' rule ensured that a bit of grass could be found to play from ! The variable speeds on most greens ensured that good putting was not easy. The day's prizes were distributed following the game at the Lo Crispin Tavern, as usual. Gold Division: 1st. Place - Andy Quinn with 33 pts. 2nd. Place Mark Baker with 26 pts. 3rd.
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Dexter - 33 points, 2nd – Paul Fairbairn - 31 points Nearest the Pins – Sodergren, Prockter and Tierney. Football Card - Woodley We returned to Edina’s Bar and Grill bar, which is located at Dona Pepa, Quesada for the presentation and we give our thanks for their support and that of our sponsor Sapphire Properties. Our next fixture is the interim game at Vistabella on the 2nd March 2022 followed by the society day at New Sierra Golf on the 16th March and the bounce game at La Serena on 30th March. Report by Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or see us at www.costa-blanca-greenfees.com. place - Richard Brady with 25 pts. Silver Division: 1st. Place - Jamie Ellis with 36 pts. ( It was also his 12th. birthday and the Society gave him a few golf balls as a present), 2nd Place - Janet Candlin with 33 pts. 3rd. Plce Andrew Mattey with 32 pts. N. T. P. on Par 3s: Hole 7 - Omer Kouer, Hole 9 - Padraig O'Brien, Hole 14 - Steve Price, Hole 18 Nobody managed to reach or stay on the 'green' The 2s 'Pot' will roll over to the next game at Font Del Llop on 2nd. March, as nobody was able to achieve a 2 on the day. Finally, the Free Game Draw was won by Jon Osborne.
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 Price Comments Alenda €150 Two Green Fees & Buggy Alicante €100 Two Green Fees & Buggy (1.04pm) Altorreal €120 Two Green Fees & Buggy Bonalba €110 Two Green Fees & Buggy Campoamor €138 Two Green Fees & Buggy Don Cayo (Altea) €110 Two Green Fees & Buggy El Plantio €100 Two Green Fees & Buggy (1.04pm) El Valle €61 Single Green Fee Font Del Llop €158 Two Green Fees & Buggy Hacienda Del Alamo €57 Single Green Fee La Finca €125 Two Green Fees & Buggy (1pm) La Marquesa €64 Single Green Fee La Serena €100 Two Green Fees & Buggy (1.08 pm) La Torre €44 Single Green Fee (1pm) Las Colinas €62 Single Green Fee (1pm) Las Ramblas €97 Two Green Fees & Buggy (1pm) Lorca €78 Two Green Fees & Buggy Lo Romero €65 Single Green Fee (2pm) Mar Menor €60 Single Green Fee New Sierra Golf €82 Two Green Fees & Buggy Puig Campana €98 Two Green Fees & Buggy Roda €115 Two Green Fees & Buggy (1.06pm) Saurines €57 Single Green Fee Villaitana Levante €80 Single Green Fee Villaitana Poniente €58 Single Green Fee Villamartin €115 Two Green Fees & Buggy (1pm) Vistabella €130 Two Green Fees & Buggy (2.30pm) For Bookings/info Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting reference LEADER or tel on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931
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QUINO BRACE EARNS THADER BRAGGING RIGHTS IN LOCAL DERBY into the new half for Quino to break the deadlock. Thader´s deadly goal poacher was on hand to head home a rebound from close range. A glorious Javi assist on the hour mark found Quino in acres of space, resulting in him planting a low shot into the far corner of the goal. This goal put last season´s top goal scorer on 7 for the season, once again leading the pack.
CD Thader ............3 CD Almoradi ........1
T
hader secured a double over their closest rivals in this pulsating local derby against Almoradi. In front of a decent sized crowd at Moi Gomez stadium, Thader extended their unbeaten run to 7 matches, thereby maintaining their hold on 5th position in Preferente division group 5. It was the visitors who created the better chances in the opening stages of the first half, although both sides were guilty of some slack passing throughout a goalless 45 mins. Quino found himself in space inside the box on 9 mins, but being off balance, his shot flew wide of the mark. Almoradi celebrations were cut short on 11 mins, for the headed effort by Rulo was correctly disallowed for offside. Apart from a couple of bookings (Dani Lucas plus an opponent), there
really was nothing to shout about for the first half hour. Then on 32 mins, from a quickly taken free kick, Saul forced Chema to pull off a worldly save in order to keep Thader´s goal intact. An audacious overhead kick by Dani Lucas just missed the target on 36 mins, then on 43 mins, Chema made a superb diving save to deny Almoradi´s Confi from scoring. The previous weekend saw me at Fratton Park, where a game that was goalless at half time, finished 4-0 to Pompey. It had all the hall marks of this match, as my prediction for a repeat score line proved to be not a million miles away. It took 8 mins
The goals put last season´s top goal scorer, Quino, on 7 for the season, once again leading the pack. Img courtesy CD Thader
Pascual had to be alert to get in a last ditch tackle, in order to deny Almoradi scoring a certain goal. Only the keepers outstretched legs prevented Quino notching a hat trick, before he was taken off to be replaced by Jony. It didn´t take long for Jony to get into the action, for twice in a matter of minutes he should have scored.
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Having shot straight at the keeper, his next opportunity arrived via a low cross from fellow substitute Berni, from which he failed to get a touch in front of an open goal. You just knew that these missed chances would be punished, and they were! Route one from defence found Almoradi substitute Tono unmarked, he then made no mistake by beating Chema at his near post. It was end to end stuff, for no sooner had the dust settled, than Jony popped up to finish off a well worked move to restore the hosts 2 goal advantage. Even then, Chema saved his team mates blushes, by pulling off yet another top drawer save on 88 mins. In extra time, both Dani Lucas and Javi came close to emulating the 4-goal feast that I´d seen a week earlier on the Hampshire coast. Next weekend, Thader must travel to Elche where they will play Illicitana Raval, as they attempt to record yet another double. The day and kick off time won’t be announced until midweek but, as always, the details will be published on the CD Thader Facebook page.
CD Benijofar shock 1-0 win against CF Rafal CD Benijofar sit in twelfth spot on 17 points, in the Valencia 1st Regional Group 9 after bagging a shock 10 win against fifth place CF Rafal, on 25 points on Saturday. CD Montesinos defeated eleventh place Sporting Dolores CF 1-0 to go sixth, on 24 points. Monovar Atletico A sit in third place in the Valencia 2nd Regional G16 on 36 points after defeating Callosa Deportiva CF B away 3-2, with joint leaders Guardamar and UE Crevilente on 44 points playing on Sunday. Sporting Saladar defeated FB Redován CF 1-0, Formentera CF drop to fifth on 30 points after losing 3-1 away at Atletico Benejuzar A. In a bottom end of the table fixture CF Inter Santa Pola
and Elche Dream CF B took a point each in a 2-2 draw. Athletic Club Torrellano B moved up to fourth place after defeating Bigastro CF 1-0. *Sunday's results will be online at www.theleader.info
Wales and Ireland bow out of Pinatar Cup in semi finals Belgium and Russia will meet in the final of the Costa Cálida Pinatar Cup on Tuesday after hard fought victories against Wales and Ireland on Saturday. The Belgian team had to resort to penalties to overcome Wales, the revelation of the championship. Wales were impressive in a competitive 0-0 draw but misses by Charlie Estcourt, Lily Woodham and Angharad James saw them beaten 3-1 on penalties. They can be pleased with their display, however, at a blustery Arena as they held
Action from Ireland and Russia the tournament's top-ranked team. Wales manager Gemma Grainger said after the match: "I thought it was an unbelievable performance, it is really building belief in this group.”
TRIVEA QUIZ FROM PAGE 14: 1. Where Have All The Flowers Gone, 2. Hawaii, 3. Traditional (non-energy saving) light bulbs, 4. Bonn, 5. John L Sullivan, 6. Cricket, 7. Vindaloo, 8. Bob Dylan, 9. Zorro, 10. Of the 55 countries that still retain the death penalty, some significant ones include Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South
Ireland, meanwhile, went out to Russia where an early goal proved to be the difference as a much-changed Republic of Ireland lost 1-0 to Russia in La Manga. Ireland will be disappointed with the result, but manager Vera Pauw can pick out many positives and now knows that she can call on numerous players for the remainder of the FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying campaign should they be needed. Next up for Ireland and Wales is a thirdplace play-off on Tuesday, also at La Manga. In the consolation draw Scotland returned to winning ways after beating Slovakia 20 and will play for fifth place with Hungary who beat Poland 1-0. The final of the Costa Cálida Pinatar Cup will be played next Tuesday, February 22 at 8:30 p.m. at Pinatar Arena.
Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and the United States. 11. Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins. Collins was at times 5,456 km (3,400 miles) from his colleagues Armstrong and Aldrin, 12. a. Amoco Cadiz, b. Admiral Graf Spee, c. Exxon Valdez, d. HMS Compass Rose, e. Rainbow Warrior, f. Edmund Fitzgerald, g. Achille Lauro, h. Torrey Canyon. 13. The Godfather. 14. a. While You Were Sleeping, b.
Monte stalwart set for coaching role after 24 years By Andrew Atkinson EXCLUSIVE CD Montesinos stalwart Joni Lorente Hurtado - Macca - is in his 24th year at the Valencia 1st Regional Group 9 football club. "I have been at CD Montesinos since I was aged seven," midfielder Joni, 31, told The Leader. During those two-decades-plus Joni has seen new managers come and go at the Los Montesinos, Vega Baja based club. "There has been many coaches that I have played under, with Luis Chazarra the longest and a big influence. But I remember all the coaches," said Joni. Looking back on his career, he reflected: "My best years in football were between the ages of 15 and 22. "The biggest disappointment was when we were relegated from the 1st Regional, drop-
Good Bye Lenin, c. Reversal of Fortune, d. Sleeping Beauty, e. 28 Days Later, f. Forever Young, g. Kill Bill. 15. Curacao. 16. As a sniper. 17. a. Golden Slumbers (Beatles), b. White man in Hammersmith Palais (The Clash), c. White Room (Cream), d. Black Velvet (Alannah Myles), e. Golden Brown (Stranglers), 18. William Wyler. 19. a. St. Petersburg, b. Florence, c. Cleveland, d. Washington. 20. Burma (now Myanmar).
ping down into the 2nd Regional." Joni added: "This season has been very rare, due to Covid-19. But we have very good players and a great squad, one of the best I remember at CD Montesinos." The club saw the departure of first team coach during the 2021-22 season, in a campaign that has seen Monte in the bottom and top half of the table. "The aim is to finish this season and then become a coach of young children at CD Montesinos," revealed Joni, set to hang up his playing boots.
SUDUKO SOLUTION From Page Page 14
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