The Leader Newspaper 13 February 23 – Edition 958

The Congress of Deputies last week approved the new Animal Welfare Law that had caused a rift between the government partners of PSOE and Unidas Podemos on account of whether hunting dogs should or should not be included.

During the debate, two elements were voted on, the new Animal Welfare Law itself, approved with 174 votes in favour, 167 against and 7 abstentions, and a change to the Penal Code to strengthen the penalties to some existing laws, with 178 in favour, 165 votes against and 6 abstentions. The explanatory statement of the law states that one in three Spanish homes lives with at least one pet. With this framework in mind, the regulation seeks, among other aims, to combat abandonment, define the obligations of owners, control breeding, and better manage canine colonies.

FROM PAGE ONE

After the approval on Thursday, the bill will now be sent to the Senate, where it will follow the debate procedure in a paper, committee, and plenary session. The Upper House may approve the text as is, amend it, or approve a veto. In the case of the last two cases, the initiative will return to the Congress of Deputies for a final debate before its final approval. One of the key points within the Animal Welfare Law is the tougher penalties for mistreatment. Animal abandonment could cost between 500 and 10,000 euro in a fine, which would increase depending on the circumstances in which it was committed. If considered 'serious', it could be sanctioned with fines of between 10,001 and 50,000 euro, while if it is 'very serious', the sanction would be between 50,001 and 200,000 euro.

To try to reduce uncontrolled breeding and future abandonment, the regulations establish the obligation to sterilise all pets that live outside the interior of the homes.

It is intended to create a list for the identification of companion animals, to establish which animals can live with people and which cannot. A period of 4 years has been approved for roviding the list of which animals are permitted as pets.

One of the recent discussion topics has been whether this would result in animals such as hamsters and rabbits

CHEAPER TRAIN TICKETS TO MADRID FROM MAY

Although the high-speed train service from Alicante to Madrid is already reasonably priced, tickets are set to become even cheaper from May this year.

The low-cost railway company

Ouigo has announced that from

being outlawed. The Government has stated that this list is being worked on, and so the list of prohibited pets is not confirmed, but whatever animal species does make the prohibited list, existing owners will still be able to keep them until their natural death, so long as they register those which do make the list.

Those who wish to obtain a dog, a cat or a ferret will no longer be able to buy them in pet stores. These establishments will be prohibited from accomodating or selling them. Pet shops will have a period of 12 months to comply with this law. The sale of birds, rodents and fish will still be allowed.

The rule also prohibits the breeding of these animals which will only be allowed in the case of registered breeders. It is important to note that whoever wants to have puppies must register with the Companion Animal Breeders Registry. If they do not, they could face a financial penalty of between 500 and 1,000 euro.

Mandatory supervision will be required for all pets, and they cannot be unsupervised for more than three consecutive days. In the case of dogs, they cannot be left alone in a home for longer than 24 hours. In addition, it is prohibited for the animal to live on balconies, basements, terraces, and they cannot be left alone in a car.

“Zero slaughter” means that it is prohibited to end the life of companion

animals without a duly justified cause, such as health reasons. Overcrowding in animal shelters is not a justifiable reason.

Vaccination will be mandatory for all pets to protect them from diseases. One of the most controversial points was the rule that dictates that all people who want to have a dog must take a prior course, while those who already own one will have a period of two years to do so.

Humans aren't the only ones who will have to pass the course. After the approval of the Animal Welfare Law, certain breeds of dogs will no longer be considered dangerous by definition, but rather all dogs must pass an

May, it will offer 28,000 weekly seats on two daily trains.

The company's says that up to 1,018 people can travel on each service, with tickets going on sale before Easter.

Ouigo says that the "attraction" of traveling with the company is that tickets will be from just 9 euro and that this will not only boost tourism between the two cities, but also bring a price reduction

P O E T R Y C O R N E R

You're

You

teardrops

Running down my cheek

At times when we're apart

I'm a lost soul when that happens I don't function quite the same

You see my love you make my world

Without you I am lame

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obedience and behaviour test and those that do not pass must wear a muzzle and be on a short leash, irrespective of breed, until they pass a test following an approved training course.

The use of animals in public shows such as circuses will be prohibited nationally, a measure that has previously been taken by other Spanish cities. Finally, dolphinariums and zoos will be transformed into animal recovery centres.

Regarding the hurdle prior to the votes on whether hunting dogs should be included in the law. Despite the instance by many that they should be, they are excluded.

from other operators. The company has said that the journey will be made with a stop in Albacete.

With tickets starting at 9 euro and free for children up to 3 years old in the arms of an adult and a flat rate of 5 euro up to 14 years old, Ouigo has claimed to have already transported more than 4 million passengers in Spain.

Journalists 600 228 616 office@theleader.info

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Whitney C2023

I stumble through so stupidly I see you everywhere

I cannot cope without you

I'm a fool if your not there

So on this Valentines I bless

The day our eyes first met

That knowing in that instance

That our lives ahead were set

That our love would be eternal

Like the sea that laps the shore

A love to conquer everything

For that is what love's for.

To see your poem published on this page send to: office@theleader.info

‘"What Love's For" (A Valentine poem)’ by David

The bill has stirred controversy as it excludes hunting dogs and other animals used in traditional rural activities, which critics say panders to the country's powerful hunting lobby.

Flood preparation work underway in just 6 out of 27 municipalities

Although it has been a continual problem since urbanisation began, flooding is getting worse in many parts of Spain, the Vega Baja being no exception. Stress and damage caused by some of the most recent weather phenomenon is still raw in many places, and although the Government has pledged funding to try to prepare for the future, so far, only 6 out of the 27 eligible municipalities have started, or in some cases finished, flood preparation works. However, another 12 municipalities have awarded the works and will start them soon.

Of the six municipalities that are advancing with the works, Los Montesinos has already completed the first stage of the three that are planned, with the improvement of the sewerage network, into which 26,029 euro has been invested. It has also awarded two other works for the clearing of rainwater. One in Las Lomas de la Herrada, with an investment of 100,000 euro and another in calle Clavelina, which flows into the Riegos de Levante canal on the bank of the Segura river, with an investment of 120,278 euro.

Other municipalities that have started the works are Benferri, Benijófar, Callosa de Segura, Formentera del Segura and San Isidro. In the case of Benferri, it will see the construction of a pond to collect rainwater to be treated in the municipal sewage treatment plant with an investment of 495,195 euro. In Benijófar, work is being done to adapt and improve the existing regulation pond, improve the water drainage network, and in the Cañada Marsá, with an investment of 400,000 euro. Callosa de Segura is well advanced in the construction of the rainwater collector on Calla Rambla Baja and the repair and restoration of the azarbe de Moncada, with an investment of 721,857 euro.

The sixth and last municipality with advanced works is San Isidro. The construction of a storm tank for the collection of rainwater in the La Granadina industrial estate is in the final phase, with an investment of 273,566 euro. The Council will

execute another work, with the total aid allocated, of 126,495 euro, with the installation of a sanitation network for the collection of rainwater in the avenue Juan Carlos I. Based on the amount received by the Generalitat, taking into account population criteria, land use and flood risk, the Town Halls determined how many projects and needs they could cover. For this reason, 44 projects distributed throughout the 27 municipalities of Vega Baja are being funded. Of these, there are 17 projects that twelve municipalities have awarded the works for. This group includes Albatera, Benejúzar, Daya Nueva, Daya Vieja, Guardamar del Segura, Jacarilla, Los Montesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, Rojales, San Fulgencio, San Isidro and San Miguel de Salinas. Albatera received 400,000 euro, which it will allocate to the work for the construction of a rainwater collector. Benejúzar, with the same amount, will allocate the aid to the expansion of the water evacuation network. Also, Daya Nueva, awarded for 385,761 euro for the installation of a general rainwater collector in the urban area, and Daya Vieja, with 399,984 euro for improvements to the boulevard-gutter.

Guardamar del Segura, with 512,000 euro, will improve the construction of rainwater collectors in calle Lepanto, calle Ausías March, and avenida Mediterráneo,and in Jacarilla, with 408,994 euros. In the case of Pilar de la Horadada, it has five works awarded that it will finance with a total of 400,000 euro in Lo Monte, in Ronda de Levante, on Avenida La Venta, in the regeneration of Rambla de Pilar-extension existing boulevard and devices for monitoring the status of the rainwater network.

Rojales, with this first phase of aid from the Consell, has been awarded the works to improve the drainage of water from the area of Plaza de Los Suizos, Avenida Huelva and Calle Pontevedra and the reform of the La Bernada pumping station and the drive pipe for diversion of flows that affect the urban area through the northern basin. All this with a grant of 464,927 euro. San Fulgencio will spend 391,286 euro building a collector on calle Camino del Convenio.

To this first phase of direct financing at a cost of 16 million, is added the 13.5 million that the Consell approved in October as a second phase.

Warning of deadly processionary caterpillars

Dog owners and walkers have been warned about seasonal Pine Processionary Caterpillars that are on the march. The highly poisonous caterpillars were photographed by Karin Magdalena on a Quesada street, near to the popular

Torrevieja to build 7,490 new homes at La Hoya

The Torrevieja City Council is one step closer to approving the construction of the urbanisation of La Hoya Sector-20 , which will includes 7,490 homes on 1.8 million square meters with a capacity to house 18,000 new residents, an equivalent size to the current population of Rojales. Other than a number of small frontline plots, it is also the last parcel of major developable land that remains in the municipality of Torrevieja. The urbanization is to be built on the land delimited by the CV-905, the La Siesta urbanization, the perimeter of the natural park in the La Mata lagoon, the Quirón Hospital, the International Auditorium, el "camino de las cabras" (the path of the goats), which will become one of the main roads in the urbanization, and the residential areas of Jardín del Mar. Included in the project, which was announced at a press conference on Friday by councillor Federico

A L B A N I A

Alarcón, there will be a pedestrian walkway over the N-332 (275,000 euros) and a bridge next to the IES Mare Nostrum (1,400,000 euros). There is also a forest restoration project next to the natural park valued at 450,000 euros and another flyover in the vicinity of the Quirón Hospital costing a further 650,000 euros. There will also be a commercial area of 103,000 square meters just flanking the CV-905 between the current Jardín del Mar-Doña Inés urbanization and the La Siesta urbanization . Environmental groups such as Amigos de los Humedales del Sur de Alicante have warned of the enormous environmental impact, not only because of its proximity to the natural park, but also because it fails to achieve the current sustainability criteria.

Builders Corpic (Elche), Eurovillas and the Torrevieja developer Grupo TM will shortly begin works on the basic services, roads, lighting and sanitation.

Officers from the National Police have broken up a criminal organisation of Albanian mafia, for crimes of drug trafficking and document falsification, related to their main criminal activity, human trafficking.

The investigation followed a woman, a member of the organisation, to a well-known Business Centre in the city of Murcia, when she was preparing to close an agreement with real estate agents for the rental of homes in coastal areas of Murcia and Alicante.

The criminal organisation located and rented large houses and chalets, providing false documentation, with the aim of installing large "indoor" type marijuana plantations that produced 4 harvests a year, distributing the substances throughout international organisa-

Kidnap was local misunderstanding

Alicante National Police has concluded that the attempted kidnapping of an eight-year-old girl on the Camino Viejo de Bigastro, in Orihuela, last Sunday, was "a neighborhood misunderstanding".

Police sources have stated that "once all the facts have been investigated, it seems that it is due to a neighborhood misunderstanding,” although they failed to give the reason that gave rise to the investigation.

Harry's Bar.

You need to be aware of the Processionary Caterpillar which can be harmful to young children and sometimes fatal to dogs and cats.They drop from their nesting place, abundant in Pine trees.

Truck driver arrested in Orihuela after deadly hit-and-run

The Civil Guard has arrested a 43-year-old truck driver in Orihuela accused of killing a driver in Albacete while changing a wheel on his car on the side of the road, and fleeing.

The man arrested has been charged with reckless homicide and another of leaving the scene of the accident.

The fatal accident occurred on the A-30 highway, in the municipality of Albacete. Within just a few hours theGuardia was able to locate the truck involved and arrest its driver in Orihuela.

DNAtest confirms traces of Alves' semen in victim's body, clothes

DNAtest results have confirmed that semen found on a woman who accused Dani Alves of rape in a Barcelona nightclub match his DNA.

The test also showed that he was a positive match for evidence found on the woman's dress, underwear, and the bathroom floor of the VIParea.

Alves, who was a former player for FC Barcelona, is in custody without bail and has changed his story multiple times.

tion with huge profits, thus financing the main work of the organisation, the trafficking of human beings for sexual exploitation.

The police investigation led to the entry and search of two properties located in Busot and the Orihuela Costa, locating a marijuana planta-

tion in one of them, while the other house was being prepared for the installation of a large plantation.

Five detainees were handed over to the Murcia and Alicante Courts, who ordered the imprisonment of the two main perpetrators.

The sea in the background with the lagoon to the left. The Auditorium is top right.

TORREVIEJA HOSPITAL BOSSES MEET MAYORS

Buckingham Palace reveals official logo for coronation

Buckingham Palace has revealed the official logo for King Charles III's coronation, designed by Sir Jony lye known for his work on Apple's gadgets.

The traditional logo features flowers in the shape of the St Edward's crown and reflects the King's love for nature and the environment.

It includes a rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock, symbols from across the UK..

The management team of the Torrevieja Hospital has met with heads of the town halls that make up the Torrevieja health department, with the aim of sharing the latest measures adopted in key services such as emergencies and hospitalisation, as well as the evolution and state of health care in primary care centres.

After more than a year of often disastrous service following the change in management at the hospital, the team said that the continuous improvement of the situation of the Emergency service is a priority, as well as the reduction of quotas in primary care and the excellence of urgent care in the different continuous care points. The department's

Ongoing Care Points are carrying out important work in the urgent care of patients in the area.

The manager of the Torrevieja Hospital, José Cano, has taken the opportunity to explain to the mayors what the expansion of 20 new hospital beds on the second floor of the centre means.

This now makes it possible to considerably increase the capacity of the ward, improving the comfort of the facilities and relieving the care pressure in the emergency observation area.

In one year, from January 2022 to January 2023, the Torrevieja University Hospital has gone from 245 functional beds (224 for hospitalisation, 15 for ICUs and 6 for neonates) to 274 beds (248 for hospitalisation, 18 for ICUs and 8 of neonates).

During the first months of work of the current management, the improvement of the working conditions of the staff has been a priority.

Thus, the payments and conditions of localised on-calls have been improved, the on-call hours reqiring physical presence have are also being better remunerated as of this month and, proof of this, the continuous care teams have been increased as is the case of La Loma and Pilar de la Horadada.

In addition, work modules have been offered to shorten delays, guaranteeing incentives for the workforce.

In closing, José Cano took stock of the department's surgical activity over the past year. he said that 10,551 operations have been carried out with an outpatient rate of 77.53%.

The meeting is part of the policy of transparency and open doors of the Department's Management.

Liaison with representatives of the general public are highly regarded and essential to continue improving the service provision in the area.

How to apply for 400 euro youth culture voucher for 2023?

The Spanish youth cultural voucher was introduced in 2022 to revitalize the cultural sector.

The voucher is available for those who turn 18 in 2023, with Spanish nationality or legal residency, and can be claimed by providing proof of date of birth and residency status. It provides a direct handout which is loaded onto a virtual prepaid card.

Night train between Barcelona and Amsterdam to open before year-end

The European Commission plans to launch 10 new pilot train projects, including a night train between Barcelona and Amsterdam, which could be in operation by 2023.

Other Spanish routes that have been selected include Lisbon-A Coruna, Lisbon-Madrid, and services connecting Catalonia and southern France.

Spanish banks warn of rise in latest email invoice scam

The Internet Security Office (OSI) has alerted the public about a new email scam that is impersonating two Spanish banks,Santander and BBVA.

The emails contain attachments that appear to be invoices or payment settlements but are actually Trojantype malware that can cause harm to the recipient's computer.

SPAIN GOVT'S DROUGHT MEASURES MAY CAUSE MASSIVE LOSS IN JOBS

Spain's average available water has decreased by 12% since 1980, and projections show that it may decrease further by 14-40% by 2050. The government has introduced a new water management plan, which has caused tensions with the farming community.

The measures, however, threaten the livelihood of thousands of people in the southeast particlularly in the Vega Baja, the regions of Murcia and Almeria

Twenty-one new cars for Torrevieja Health

Pavement dumping in San Luis

By Staff reporter

Residents of San Luis are continuing to dump waste on the ground despite the arrival of new containers.

"I'm angry – following the arrival of three new bins only two days ago, someone has dumped a large full bag of rubbish on the pavement.

"Is this going to be the start of things to come? It will attract rats and vermin - and make it difficult to walk on the pavement, in the Chaparral main road," said Julie Foster.

Despite many concerns, there was some

sympathy with one person saying, "Some people, perhaps those more frail, have difficulty opening these bins.

"Not everyone feels comfortable standing on one leg, in order to push the bar down." Many said it was 'disgusting' and that they knew the dumping of rubbish would continue. Following the issue, Jean Paul Mulero, Director of the Office for International Residents, said in a statement:

In order to be able to deal with the suggestions regarding the installation of new containers in La Siesta, San Luis and El Chaparral, email: torreviejaoari@gmail.com

Don't forget to put your name and contact phone number.

The Torrevieja health department has taken delivery of twenty-one new cars for all its health centres and Home Hospitalisation Unit

The Hospitalisation Unit will see an increase from 6 to 11 vehicles made available for its staff.

The new fleet is justified in the new mobility service contract for the Home Hospitalisation Unit (UHD) and Ongoing Care Points for Primary Care home emergencies. It is made up of twenty-one low-emission hybrid vehicles, eleven for UHD and ten for Primary Care.

The new fleet of vehicles will allow home health care to be carried out starting this week. The Home Hospitalisation Unit of the Torrevieja health department is a service that covers the towns of Torrevieja, Pilar de la Horadada, San Miguel de Salinas, Rojales, San Fulgencio, Los Montesinos, Guardamar del Segura, Torremendo and BenijÛfar, providing Comprehensive healthcare at the patients' homes, which improves the efficiency of resources and the quality of life of patients as they can receive the treatment they need without having to travel to hospital.

LEADER BITES

Spain is fourth best European country for property investment in 2023

It Wouldn't have been Fun Anyway

People often claim they have "just missed out" on something, as if they were striving to attain a specific goal and were narrowly thwarted by the penalty shootout. The reality often turns out to be that they weren't even picked for the team.

Life frequently relegates us to the substitutes' bench, where we have no opportunity to influence the game except by shouting, and feeling we could have done better, given half a chance. And more skilled team-mates. Or fewer skilled team-mates. End of analogy. There are various things I'm glad I didn't experience, because they probably weren't all that much fun. As a young child I was old enough to escape tonsillitis and measles, and as an adult I was sufficiently senior to be vaccinated early for Covid. In my youth I only just missed National Service, having previously avoided two world wars. (Through no fault of my own except my date of birth.)

Long before I obtained gainful employment (ha ha), my life seemed proficient at staying out of trouble. Take the case of Danny the Red and the year of student protests in 1968, which affected many of the universities in Europe. The blissful exception being St Andrews, where the future

king of England later followed in my footsteps, first as a student in my hall of residence and then as a graduate, as was his future queen. I'm surprised they could still find my footsteps three decades later.

Dany le Rouge's red hair and politics didn't prevent him from becoming president of the Green Party in the

European Parliament. Red and Green and purple prose; he was a colourful character, who achieved the rare distinction of being expelled from France, the country of liberty and fraternity, as a revolutionary! A badge of honour equivalent to a Greek adding JBB to his qualifications ('Jailed By the British') or an Indian graduate's

'B.A. (Calcutta, Failed)' which is generally reckoned to be better than a Pass anywhere else.

My luck held out in other ways. I was the beneficiary of a student grant, whereas nowadays I would leave university owing 7 times the amount I paid for my first flat in central Edinburgh. How I wish I owned that flat now.

I fled the Middle East a few days before the first Gulf War began. (All right, I retired two years before, if you want to be literal, but fled sounded more adventurous.) I was spending the night on the east coast of Cyprus when an earthquake demolished my village house on the west coast. I rented in town from then on. I was either a lucky dog or a harbinger of doom.

I've rambled from the point, and it was generous of you to follow. The point being, sometimes just missing out on something is a boon, a positive advantage, when we look back with 20/21 vision. It often turns out that we've staved off something that was just no fun at all, without even being aware that we possessed a stave. What if Covid had come along before Edward Jenner invented vaccination? Would you be reading this now, or burying your face in your hands? Or are you doing that anyway?

Spain has been ranked as the fourth most attractive country in Europe for property investment in 2023, according to a study by global real estate group CBRE.

Ä258m SPENT ON TRAINS THAT DONT FIT THROUGH TUNNELS

Spain spends on trains that donít fit through tunnels Two Spanish transport executives have been fired after a train fiasco that saw the design of 31 trains that were too big for the tunnels on the line where they would run.

The country recently spent Ä258m in designing 31 trains that will now be delayed by several years due to a major design flaw.

The trains were meant to be used in the FEVE line, which runs through Asturias and Cantabria on a line that dates back to the 19th century, and with narrower than the standard 1,435mm (4ft 8.5in), tracks, something that the manufacturer failed to notice in the designs.

The station at Apeadero de Salinas in Asturias

The governmentís infrastructure secretary, Xavier Flores has admitted to knowing about the issue for several months. The trains will now likely arrive in 2026 rather than mid 2024.

Hendrick is a 3.5 month old medium x who is full of fun and energy. He is fully vaccinated/passport/mic rochip.

places from its seventh position in the previous year and is now only behind the UK, Germany and France. The study shows good forecasts for the Spanish real estate sector as well. For

No way like the GAAway...

Jack Brennan is 16 years old. He displays a healthy interest in sporting matters. A Mayoman, Jack plays rugby for Westport, adores Lee Keegan and has been a devout Arsenal fan as far back as any of us can remember.

Jack’s grandad promised that they would attend an Arsenal match together this season -which needless to add, generated gargantuan excitement in the young man. But when tickets didn’t materialise for a home match, there was nothing for it but to settle for sitting in the home section of an Arsenal away match.

And so it came to pass that on Saturday last; Jack, his dad, Conor and me, headed off on an early flight to Liverpool. From there we made our way out to Goodison Park for the 12.30 kick-off between Everton and Arsenal.

Being a Mayo football supporter, Jack is not unaccustomed to things not going to plan on the day. It had fallen to me to break the news that he couldn’t wear his prised Arsenal top, because we were in the ‘home’ section. Not only that, but Jack would have to choke back the shouts for his team and remain mute and stony-faced. Here, word for word, are the agent’s written instructions which accompanied the tickets.

‘DO NOT SUPPORT ARSENAL (AWAY TEAM). PLEASE BE AWARE THAT PEOPLE WITH HOME TICKETS ARE FORBIDDEN IN ANY WAY TO SUPPORT THE AWAY TEAM. WE ARE NOT RESPONSI-

BLE IN ANY WAY FOR ANY COMPLICATION RESULTING FROM IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR: NO CHEERING, DO NOT WEAR ANY JERSEYS, CAPS, SCARVES OR TEAM COLOURS.’

Try and imagine Westmeath supporters going to Longford or Wexford Park and being told they could only wear the maroon or cheer their team in one little coral at a corner flag?!

As it turned out, a few lads around us ‘read’ Jack for what he is, but there was nothing but good natured banter. Most sports fans are fairminded and sound – and none more so than ‘Scousers’. I worked there in another life, where I supported Liverpool and Tranmere Rovers, but also went to cheer for Everton – and all this in between playing a bit of ‘hungover hurling’ with a motley collection called ‘Shamrocks!’

There is undoubtedly great skill on show on a premiership pitch; but other than that – which is what it should be about; there is no other way to put it than to say that soccer is rotten to the core. Even staying with the players for a moment, the amounts of money they and their managers are paid is both absurd and obscene.

Dirty money is what drives English soccer now and has the greatest bearing on which cabinet will rest the trophy at the end of the season.

I was a supporter of Newcastle; and indeed, was invited with a friend into the manager’s (Chris Hughton) lounge the day they won promo-

tion in 2010. But now I cannot shout for them since they sold their soul to Mohammad Bin Salmon of Saudi Arabia.

Same thing with Man City, where Sheik Mansour of the United Arab Emirates buys the success you see on the premiership table. At least there are now finally questions being asked this week, with allegations of more than a hundred illegal activities.

Egyptian Billionaire, Nassif Onsi Sawiris owns Aston Villa and of course Iranian Farhad Moshiri controls the destiny of Everton. That’s how it is at the top, whilst down below, a kid can’t wear the colour he wants to a match. Just pause and reflect on the fact that opposing soccer fans, talking the same talk, looking the same and often with the same accents, would happily kill each other were it not for the protection of segregation. In Glasgow you could get clobbered simply for having an inch of the wrong match programme sticking out of your pocket on the street. Is soccer sick or what?

My son’s father in law was a top soccer player with Glasgow Celtic. Sammy Henderson played at the highest level until a devastating knee injury turned him into an accountant.

I have gone to ‘old firm’ matches with Sam – and you know what they are like. Then I took him to Croke Park for his first ever AllIreland hurling final and he was gobsmacked: Gobsmacked by the

splendour of the stadium and the fact that nobody gets paid. Sam couldn’t believe how the opposing fans mingled, the smiles, the sportsmanship – not to mention the skill and honesty on the field.

On such occasions I feel so proud of what we are – as should every Gael.

It is only fair to mention also the good grace, sportsmanship and fellowship associated with the game of rugby and many other ‘civilised’ sports.

Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com

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

Tickets didn’t materialise for a home match so Jack had to sit in the away end at Everton’s Goodison Park

Hidraqua Promotes Responsible Use of Water to Children

Hidraqua has organised activities to promote the responsible use of water and environmental sustainability open to all, with a special focus on children in Santa Pola and Crevillente. Santa Pola hosted more than 160 first-year primary schoolchildren in a presentation day that kicked off the campaign last week.

TOURIST OFFICE ON THE MOVE

Orihuela Tourist Information Office is being moved to a permanent home which will provide modern, accessible facilities that meet all the expectations of visitors.

It is currently being moved to the town hall where it will have two entrances, one through the Plaza del Carmen and the other through the main door of the Town Hall.

Montesinos Computer Science Conference

A Computer Science presentation took place last week at the IES Remedios Muñoz. Future trends, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing and professional opportunities were all discussed.

"It was an excellent initiative by the teaching staff," Mayor Butron told The Leader.

As for Jack … well, Arsenal lost and so everybody around us was happy and smiling.

We walked a mile in silence, and then Jack flicked off the nice shirt his mammy had ironed for him. Underneath the shirt my grandson had on his Arsenal top and with that he stuck out his chest - with just a hint of defiance!

Don’t Forget

A smile is the same in all languages.

Ever a Man Sufferedí, ëThe Best of Bernieí, ëThe Teamí, and ëJust Between Ourselvesí.

Bernieís books are available at half price, on sale from either Spanish Solutions or ëThe Leader.íCall 637 227 385 for info.

NEW DOG PARK FOR ROJALES

A new dog park has opened in Rojales and Ciudad Quesada with 1,700 metres of dedicated off-lead fun at the northern end of La Marquesa Golf course, adjacent to the Jardinería Gerais Garden Centre.

The area is shaded, with security fencing, benches for owners, along with exercise and training equipment for dogs.

Elche’s Blanca Paloma to represent Spain at Eurovision

Many of us first saw Blanca Paloma last year in the first edition of the Benidorm Fest when her entry to the Eurovision eliminator was a song entitled ' Secret of Water'. Finishing in fifth position was deemed enough to bring her back this year for a second attempt, an attempt that brought her even more success in achieving glory at the Benidorm festival, and being chosen as the new representative of Spain in Eurovision.

The 34-year-old woman from Elche will travel to Liverpool, venue of the 2023 edition of the European festival, in May where she will perform her lullaby on stage before all of Europe.

Anthony Molloy to be Paddys Day Grand Marshall

This year’s St Patrick Day Parade will take place on Friday the 17th march at 15.30. The committee are working hard to make it the best parade ever.

Anthony Molloy, former Captain of the Donegal team who won the All Ireland in 1992, will be parade Marshall. We are delighted that he has agreed to come and as he is also a member of Donegal County

The song, that she co-wrote with José Pablo Polo, and which she is hoping will bring success to Spain, is 'Eaea' which, as she explains, is “a love story that transcends death”. “It is a tribute to my roots and a celebration of the legacy of love and knowledge that is passed down from generation to generation through a lullaby, that mixes flamenco with electronic music.

Blanco said that the song is a tribute not only to her grandmother, Carmen de ella, who died without seeing her sing, but also to all the women in her family who inspired her to dedicate herself to her true vocation: music.

Council we hope that all the local councillors will attend the parade this year.

A number of fund raising events are taking place; our thanks to Smiling Jacks for the bowling events, to Milos and McCaffertys who have each organised golf classic, the Trinity bar for the charity walk and O’Riordans for the race night, which will take place on the 15th of March, the same evening that Anthony Molloy is arriving so he will be in attendance.

Without these bars doing the fundraising the parade would not be able to go ahead.

The Committee would be delighted if other bars and restaurants would also organise fundraising. If interested please contact the above bars or Gerry Carroll who is the Treasurer or email briankiernan100@gmail.com.

Anyone interested in putting in float or acts should WhatsApp 0034 634 390 463 or email briankiernan100@gmail.com

DETACHED VILLA WITH PRIVATE POOL

Totally refurbished 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, villa with large southfacing terrace.

Airconditioning and heating, all new windows, completely insulated. Underbuild with 2 additional rooms. Garage and access to seperate garden area, part of which is used for bed and breakfast.

THE LEADER NEWSPAPER WINTER GIVEAWAY CAPTION COMPETITION

Thanks to all those who entered the Caption Competition. A difficult decision but the team in the office have awarded the prize of a meal for two people at The New Hong Kong Restaurant to Heather Hamilton for her caption “You’re still not near enough to the postbox!”

A voucher will be on it’s way very shortly with the prize.

Other captions of note worth featuring include:

“Gives a new meaning to Fly-drive” (Jill Purves), “Rover the edge” Karen Nutbrown, “White cliffs of Rover” Richard Lindlow, “I thought it was an up

and over garage door” Roy Johnston, “These underground car parks aren’t easy to access”. John McGregor, and “I knew I shouldn’t have trusted the wife to park the car”. Blame Julie Friend for that one.

Blanca Paloma, winner of the Benidorm Fest 2023 with Eaea

Arts & Culture & More carnivals next weekend

The Carnival season in Torrevieja has been on for a few weeks now, getting close to the end, but other towns around the area are also joining in on the fun, organising their own carnival celebrations.

On Thursday 16 February, there will be various road closures around Elche, as many mini-Carnivals are held, mostly aimed at the children of the city.

Orihuela will have a Carnival parade on Friday 17 February, starting at 6:00 p.m., with several music and dance academies taking part in the parade which will tour the centre of the city, from calle Alfonso XIII to avenida Teodomiro, next to the Gabriel Miró roundabout.

On the same day, Torrevieja will host the Children’s Carnival, starting at 5:30 p.m. The full Torrevieja Carnival schedule is available on the website, theleader.info.

Also, on Friday, San Pedro del Pinatar will kick off their Carnival, with a grand gala at 9:30 p.m., including the presentation of the Carnival mask. Aspecial tent has been erected on the esplanade at Lo Pagan.

In San Miguel de Salinas on Saturday 18 February, starting at 5:30 p.m., Carnival will be celebrated in the Plaza de la Libertad, with a costume contest, children's work-

DICK FINDS ROMANCE IN THE VALLEY

shops, face painting, and many surprises yet to be announced.

Earlier on Saturday, starting from 11:00 a.m., San Pedro del Pinatar will dedicate the day to children, with various activities, the highlight of which is likely to be either the children’s parade, which starts at 1:00 p.m. in the Plaza de Constitucion, or the animal Carnival that starts at 5:00 p.m. in the same place.

Los Montesinos adds to the fun on Saturday also, with dancing, fancy dress, and chocolate in the Plaza Sagrado Corazón, starting at 5:00 p.m.

Back in Torrevieja, Saturday is one of the most important parade dates in the Carnival calendar, with the night parade taking to the streets, starting at 6:00 p.m.

On Sunday 19 February, the fun will be in Pilar de la Horadada, around the main street and Church Square, with, from 11:00 a.m., the grand parade, to the plaza de Iglesia, and from 12:00, a costume party with children's entertainment and DJ session with Tardeo.

In San Pedro del Pinatar, a grand Carnival culmination event will take place at Lo Pagan from 5:00 p.m., with their grand parade involving 2,000 performers.

Albatera Launches it’s Activities Calendar

Evelin Berná, Councillor for Youth in the Albatera Council, has presented the first youth activity to be carried out from the 2023 calendar of activities, an Origami workshop.

"The last workshop was very well received so we have decided to bring it back. All the young peoplewill be able to enjoy and learn about origami", she said.

The workshop will be held on Saturday, February 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Casa de Cultura Miguel Hernández. Those young people who want to carry out the activity must register through the email juventud@albatera.org, or in person at the Youth Information Centre.

Sonrisas Harmony welcomes 11 new members

DIVAs – the Drama group from the Hondón Valley are performing a Panto in March.

Dick Whittington by Peter Denyer is being performed on Friday evening 3rd March and Saturday afternoon 4th.

Tickets are now available but the Saturday matinee is very popular so in order to avoid disappointment, please reserve your tickets now.

We look forward to meeting new friends for a very enjoyable and entertaining Panto.

If you love to sing and you havenít joined Sonrisas Harmony, you are missing out. This multinational ACappella Chorus was formed last year, with 21 members. They have now grown in number and status.

After performing to packed out audiences over the Christmas period, Sonrisas Harmony have increased by an astounding 11 new members.

Their American born Musical Director Valerie Lynch said ì it is an honour to stand in front of this wonderful bunch of

ladies each week, the sound of their beautiful voices and the energy they bring to rehearsal is so uplifting ì.

Many of the ladies have never sung in any formal chorus before. One new member said ì I was so nervous walking into the rehearsal room, I didnít know what to expect having only sung in the shower. I should not have worried; I was made so welcome and now I feel part of the Sonrisas Family.î Another commented ì It is great how we get to sing and have an additional social group tooî, jokingly

adding ìyou have to come if only for the occasional home-made cakesî.

In April Sonrisas Harmony have been asked to take part in the opening show to one of the biggest events on the European ACappella singing calendar in Calpe. Chorus groups will come from all over the world to take part.

May 2023 of course brings the celebration of King Charles lll coronation, Sonrisas Harmony have a very special event planned and places will be limited. To know more, you can follow them on their social media page.

Join us at rehearsal any Tuesday 10.30 ñ 13.30 AEstribor Restaurant function room next to the arches, just off the AP7 junction: Los Alcazares Norte.

Search Facebook or find us at: www.sonrisasharmony.es

Councillor for Youth, Evelin Berná

ALICANTE PASSPORT CONTROL ONLY ACCEPTING TIE CARDS AS PROOF OF RESIDENCY

Dear Editor,

The system at Alicante Airport Passport control would appear to have changed again in that the National Police Officers who are manning the passport desks are refusing to accept the small green residency cards from travelling Brits as proof of residency.

Last week, on both leaving and returning to Spain, the officer manning the desk directed me to a notice displayed on the passport booth.

He told me that with effect 1 February, anyone who is not in possession of a TIE will have his or her passport stamped. As a regu-

lar traveller I am therefore concerned that the authorities could stop me from entering the country at a future date.

Name withheld

E DITOR COM M E NT:

I raised the matter with the British Embassy in Madrid who were quick to respond in confirming that having their passport stamped will not affect the entry rights of anyone who is in possession of Spanish Residency:

A British Embassy spokesperson said: “Even if you are protected by the Withdrawal Agreement, border guards may stamp your passport when you enter or exit your country of residence. The European Commission has said that this does not serve any real purpose, but it is a matter for individual member states

to decide. The important thing to know is that a passport stamp does not affect your rights in Spain.

We are aware that some UK Nationals have been questioned about their green residency certificate at border control and we are raising this with the relevant authorities. The green certificate remains a valid document to prove your residence and Withdrawal Agreement rights in Spain. However, both we and the Spanish Government strongly encourage those who have not done so already to exchange it for the biometric TIE, which is more easily recognised and will simplify administrative processes and border crossings.”

THE HOMELESS AND THEIR PETS

This is the first time in my 67 years that I have ever written to a newspaper Editor, but I was a bit perturbed reading the Editor's reply to last week's letter about the new Pet Laws coming into force and I would like to express my opinion on the section about dogs being taken away from homeless people. Dogs are pack animals and they bond with their owners more strongly than most humans would expect.

Once a dog has bonded with their owner, they will stay loyal to the end of their lives. If you take a dog away from their owner and put it in a pound, that dog will pine very deeply for its loss.

You will be putting it into an environment where it is just "one more dog" and despite the efforts of caring volunteers, will never be as happy as it would ever be if it had been left with its owner. A dog does not care whether it lives in a palace or a cardboard box, as long as it is with their own human, they are happy.

The homeless people I have seen with dogs treat them better than a lot of people who have a generous roof over their heads, treat theirs.

If you think that a dog would be better off in a pound than with its owner, then you know nothing about dog pyschology. The welfare of the animal comes first - yes, but be sure you are doing the right thing.

The most callous thing about your statement is the inference that it is fine that people are forced to live in the streets, but not their dogs. I have been told that people choose to be homeless - I find this very hard to believe, but in a world that is growing increasingly more heartless and dismissive, it is a sad fact that more and more people are finding themselves in these circumstances and even sadder that nobody seems to care about this.

Graeme Park

E DITOR COM M E NT: Dear Graeme,

Firstly, we need to make one thing clear regarding your response to our reply to the letter last week. That is, we were referring specifically to the welfare of the animals. Your allegation of “inference that it is fine that people are forced to live in the streets” is utterly baffling. At no point did we even sug-

gest that. In fact, The Leader has always been a strong advocate for raising awareness of the plight of homeless people, from highlighting issues such as, for example, the large church in Torrevieja which stands empty and locked up, whilst homeless people surround it outside, unable to get shelter.

The support we give to homeless charities, to food banks, which also benefit the homeless, our collections of food over the years. We can go on, but you are welcome to search through the archives on theleader.info and see for yourself.

You also say that, “I have been told that people choose to be homeless”. This is utter nonsense. Nobody chooses to be homeless. Whoever told you this, ought to do a little more research.

The second point we have to clear up is that you are raising concerns about, “dogs being taken away from homeless people”. Again, quite where you got this from is baffling, so it is not mentioned in the response we published, nor is it mentioned in any of the previous articles we have written about this Law. Nobody has ever suggested that the removal of animals would take place, from anybody. There is of course the exception in the case the animal is at risk, but that applies now. What is included in the legislation was the ability to prevent dogs being used for the purpose of begging.

Begging is of course another contentious issue we have spoken about in the past, but as we are dealing specifically with animal protection, that is the element that was included in this law.

The final point we have to make, which again, we made in the reply, but to expand on that a little, is that we don´t make the laws, we simply report them.

In this case, it is likely now to be too late, but if you do take exception to proposed laws, you should raise them with your political representatives.

Again, it highlights the importance of registering to vote (not nationally), and then getting involved in your local political field.

THE NEGLECTED ORIHUELA COSTA

This morning I phoned up and spoke to Kevin. I said how impressed I was that the run down state of the Orihuela Costa and it’s infrastructure were being highlighted by The Leader. It is sad to see this once beautiful area neglected.

So imagine my pleasure when the next edition also carried a plea for the area’s restoration and upgrade.

Even better, the proposals mentioned in the article would bring pride, pleasure and enjoyment to the people who live, work, holiday or visit the area.

Well done The Leader. Let us hope that by reading your articles others will be inspired to add their words and voice to make it happen.

Janice Johnson

Letters for this page should be sent by email to: office@theleader.info

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 957

QUICK

ACROSS: ACROSS: 4 Askance; 8 Doomed; 9 Enclose; 10 Extent; 11 Unable; 12 Shameful; 18 Surmount; 20 Deduct; 21 Talent; 22 Passive; 23 Arrant; 24 Install.

DOWN: 1 Adverse; 2 Portray; 3 Seance; 5 Singular; 6 Afloat; 7 Castle; 13 Festival; 14 Numeral; 15 Statute; 16 Regain; 17 Outset; 19 Meagre.

CR CR YPTIC YPTIC

ACROSS ACROSS

1.Cantankerous (5-7)

7.Brush (5)

8.Double (5)

9.Wrath (3)

10.Strict (9)

11.Bury (6)

12.Fiddle (6)

15.Subordinate (9)

17.Fire residue (3)

18.Find out (5)

19.Evade (5)

21.Endless (12)

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

1.Importantly (12)

2.Bishopric (3)

3.Bulletin (6)

4.Strength (9)

5.Banish (5)

6.Place of worship (7-5)

7.Perspire (5)

10.Likeness (9)

13.Depart (5)

14.Haphazard (6)

16.Shackle (5)

20.Row (3)

ACROSS: ACROSS: 4 Account; 8 Thomas; 9 Infancy; 10 Rating; 11 Enlist; 12 Observer; 18 Needless; 20 Sewing; 21 Impact; 22 Instead; 23 Virtue; 24 Florida.

DOWN: DOWN:1 Stardom; 2 Contest; 3 Wagner; 5 Converse; 6 Oracle; 7 Nicest; 13 Vanguard; 14 Penalty; 15 Ash-tree; 16 Vernal; 17 Victor; 19 Domain.

1.The craft required by one employed on the river! (12)

7.The point at which energy is available (5)

8.Don't interfere with holiday period (5)

9.In a month I threatened to strike (3)

10.Would such a railway system be futile? (9)

11.Newspaper article about wine (6)

12.It's cut down before it's cut up (6)

15.He's debauched enough to involve the tribe in a row (9)

17.Avessel used for carrying loads (3)

18.Before the end of the display, who's dreadfully ostentatious? (5)

19.Is old, maybe, but not infirm (5)

21.The genuine place for a second share-out (12)

DOWN DOWN

1.Does this reflect the elements? (7-5)

2.Go by boat and fall out (3)

3.Scared by a loud onslaught (6)

4.Agem of a game (9)

5.Cross I put a value on (5)

6.With which one eats sweets (12)

7.Tolerate what election candidates do (3,2)

10.Picture showing a shaft of light in the doorway (9)

13.The directors sound disinterested ... (5)

14.... as if the company could be a complete failure (6)

16.Shows disapproval, we hear, of strong drink (5)

20.Almost bound to be agricultural land (3)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 23)

1. Columbus first discovered the 'New World' on the 12th of October 1492. The land they first stepped on is called what today?

2. The title of which recent monster film was apparently the US military code name for New York City during the cold war?

3. The original meaning of the word sinister, derived from the Latin sinestra, was not evil. What did sinister mean? Clue if needed, the wrong answer is right.

4. What was the full official title of Queen Elizabeth II in Britain between the 20th November 1947 and the 6th February 1952?

5. Complete each of the following song titles with something to eat: (one word only needed). a. Life is a, b. Rock, c. 30,000, d. Savoy, e. When you come to the end of your

6. Actress Liv Tyler didn't learn the true identity of her biological father until age nine. Until that time she was told she was the daughter of which rock star, famous for his song I saw the light?

7. Which Oscar winning actress, famous for her film line "Divine decadence darling", was Freddy Mercury's stage role model?

8. What did all of the following have in common? Claudius Ceasar, Dudley Moore, Mother Theresa, Josef Goebbels and Lord Byron

9. Which now retired, youthful looking player has scored the most goals (7) while coming on as a substitute in Champions League football?

10. With 81.9 million foreign tourists in 2007, which country is ranked as the first tourist destina-

tion in the world?

11. "Samhain", literally means "end of summer" and is a Gaelic language word. What is it's direct English equivalent?

12. Who's managerial career took off when he became the manager of AS Monaco, winning the league in a year later, the national cup three years after that and signed high-calibre players such as Glenn Hoddle, George Weah and J¸rgen Klinsmann?

13. Churchill called it the "largest capitulation" in British history after 80,000 British led troops surrendered to the enemy. In which tiny country did this take place?

14. Trick-or-treating, also known as guising, is an activity for children on Halloween in which they proceed from house to house in costumes, asking for treats such as candy with the question, "Trick or treat?". In which country did it originate?

15. Which Hollywood 'golden boy', who won a best actor Oscar for his role as a POW, was best man at Ronald and Nancy Reagan's wedding?

16. Why does the Hogget Decanter have a knob on its round base?

17. Plus or minus five years, in which year was the Suez Canal first opened to shipping?

18. How did the Montgolfiere brothers rise to fame in the late 18th century?

19. Which organisation was created by Justin Berkmann under the concept "100% sound system first, lights second, design third (in that order); the reverse of everyone else's idea"?

20. Puff Daddy, Mozart, Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal, baseball legend Carl Ripken Jr., professional poker player Stu Ungar, film character Raymond Babbit and Dr. Spencer Reid from the TV series Criminal Minds have all had or claim to have which ability?

ACROSS ACROSS

ALICANTE FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVE IN TURKEY

By Andrew Atkinson

A contingent of Alicante firefighters have travelled to Turkey following the earthquake to hit both Turkey and Syria on February 6.

Spain’s Ministry of Defence has provided equipment, with a contingent of firefighters commissioned to undertake rescue tasks in Turkey.

Alicante Rescue unit member Sergio Perez and his dog Titán were one of the first to arrive in Turkey to collaborate with the NGO Girecan.

The EU is sending euro3.5m - £3.1m - in aid to Syria, currently subject to sanctions by the bloc, after Damascus officially requested assistance. The EU is also sending an initial euro3m in aid to Turkey.

Speaking in Hatay province, close to the epicentre of the quakes, Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said the number of people confirmed dead in Turkey had increased to almost 20,000, on Friday.

Syrian officials and a rescue group in rebel-held north-west Syria said the death toll there has reached 3,377, with the combined deaths just under 23,000.

The president also condemned criticism of the government’s rescue effort, reports citing the country as 'slow and inadequate'.

“This is a time for unity, solidarity. In a period like this, I cannot stomach people conducting negative campaigns for political interest,” said Erdogan.

"It is not possible to be prepared for such a disaster," he added.

The World Health Organisation is sending expert teams and special flights with medical supplies to Turkey and Syria, director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the media.

The WHO will send a high-level delegation to co-ordinate its response, along with three flights with medical supplies.

"The health needs are tremendous," Dr Iman Shankiti, the organisation's representative for Syria said.

Separately, a leading United Nations official called on Syria's

government to facilitate aid access to rebel-held areas in the north-west, warning relief stocks would soon be depleted.

“Put politics aside and let us do our humanitarian work,” the UN’s resident Syria coordinator El-Mostafa Benlamlih said in an interview with AFP, warning: “We can’t afford to wait and negotiate. By the time we negotiate, it's done, it's finished.”

Alicante firefighters travelled to Turkey following the earthquake Sergio Perez and Titán are bottom right.

The Church of JESUS CHRISTof Latter-Day Saints in Torrevieja meet at 10.00 each Sunday in their chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. All Welcome. Phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 659 016 733

La Siesta Evangelical Church, Torrevieja, a friendly, English-speaking church. We hold services at 11.15am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month (and the 5th when there is one). For more info see our website at: www. lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org

Join us at the SALTCHURCH Sundays at 10.30 am. We are a friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship. Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, PolÌgono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. We look forward to meeting you. www.Saltchurchspain.

Facebook SaltChurchSpain

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Los Montesinos - La Herrada

2 double bed/fitted wardrobes, bath/shower. South facing ground floor bungalow apartment, DialPrix Supermarket 2 mins away. Private tiled garden, double glazed Patio, Seperate kitchen, Galleria.

Close to all amenities - 35 min Alicante Airport, Priced to sell at E79,995

Tel: +34 634 383 099.Tel: +44 776 230 3798. Tel: +44 770 234 0744.

The Meetings of the Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch are held at 7 for 7.30 pm on the 3rd Thursday of every month at the Olympia Pool Bar in Mil Palmeras. Everyone is welcome incl non members. OrihuelaCosta.secretary @rbl. community

to join our Home Visiting Team to visit a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. 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

International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, TorreviejaEvangelical 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 ñ Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. www.icatorrevieja.org

The Car of the Month at AUTOMOVILES CRESPO is a 2016 Ford Grand C-Max Trend+ Diesel which is priced at just 17,500 euro. Come along to our large showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. See page7. We can assure you of the biggest and best in the area for price, choice and quality.

ENGLISH SPOKEN

The RBLTorrevieja BranchMeets 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

Phoenix Friends Torrevieja

This new friendship club, replacing Phoenix Solos, meets on Monday mornings, at 11.00am, for drinks and conversation, on the terrace at Reflections Bar /Rte, C/Aviles, San Luis Lakeside. Regular activities will include games nights, ten-pin bowling, petanca, and meeting up, but on an informal basis. The group is open to singles and couples. For further information, Phone Kitty 622 180 500 Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50ís. We need volunteer Drivers and people

Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 5pm at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanisation, Torrevieja. For more info contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Mike Cockman 670 224 822 The RAFACosta Blanca RMG replaces the RAFACosta 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 RAFAand the RMG is via the RAFAwebsite rafa.org.uk.

Pilar Christian Community Church

" Where every person matters butGodmatters most!

CLEAR VISION. I wear glasses and boy do they get mucky and dusty on a daily basis. Sometimes I´m forever cleaning them and other times, I just don´t even notice and carry on with my day.

Are we like that with God? Do we think as we get older “I must do something about finding out the truth about God” or do we just bumble along and hope all will turn out okay and we´ll all get into heaven? Not bother to clear our line of vision and try to see the truth of the matter? ARE there any conditions for getting into heaven? to spending eternity with God?

Somebody said to me the other day that they believed they would go to heaven and be with God when they died. And I asked them “if you knocked at a complete stranger´s door, would you expect to be let in?” Most especially if you deliberately and purposely didn´t have, or want to have, anything to do with that person – even turned your back on them!

WHY would you assume that that person would warmly open their door and welcome you in?

Jesus Himself tells us that "I am the way and the truth and the life.No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) So, do you know Jesus and about the amazing thing He did for us: you, me, each of us? Many people are ready to write it all off as myth BUT, why not find out the truth for yourself?

Research, investigate, talk to someone.

In this month of February this year we have 3 Calendar events, the 1st being Valentine´s Day on the 14th.

Of course “God is Love and the one who lives in love lives in God and God lives in Him.” Go on – you sang that didn´t you!

For those in love Valentine´s Day is a fantastic day; for others it can be a day of untold loneliness and heartache. We thank God that He IS Love and that He never changes, is never moody, never moves the boundaries and loves us unconditionally. Our God is a constant.

The 2nd date in February is the 21st which is Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day. Will you clear out and use up all the sweet things in your cupboards? Most of us have far too many sweet things in our cupboards to use up in one day…

This is all in preparation for the start of Lent which is the 40 days leading up to Easter – not really about bunnies and chocolate eggs at all - but about the enormity of what Jesus did for Mankind.

More about this in March & April… But in the meantime, perhaps we might all take a closer look at where we see ourselves at the end of our days and what exactly is our hope for Eternity. How is your vison of Eternity - clear - or needing some dusting and attention?

Date for Diary: From Thursday 2nd March from 12:00 –13:00 Pat Jarnet, a qualified & experienced Fitness & Dance Trainer will do Movement to Music classes at PCCC for those

of us who want more limber muscles & joints, to be able to breathe with more ease, to have fun and get some gentle – or not so gentle if you´re fit & active – exercise. 5 per class. She will cater for mobility limitations, chairs available to sit on or lean on!

SOUND ADVICE.

By John McGregor

ëSo, John. Youíre about to change direction in your life and career?

ëYes, Fiona. Iíve just left the Royal Air Force and Iím looking for a fresh challenge.í

ëOK. Well, actually here at the Job Centre weíre pioneering a new way of trying to help people re-settle in their lives. We want you to take some tests, but our way might surprise you. I am going to give you a booklet and ñ a pin! Not a pen, but a pin. If you work through steadily, with your initial thoughts only please, donít dwell over the four multiple choice answers - just put a pin prick in the box next to the answer that suits you best. Then you can have a break and a cup of tea while I have a look at your answers ñ OK, John?í

And thatís how I came to be interviewed in the Nottingham Job Centre back in 1972, aged 23. I had just finished a frisky, funny, five years as an aircraft radio mechanic, seen a fair bit of the world, made some great mates and had a ball.

But all good things must come to an end and I had decided that long term the Air Force and its quirky way of life, so different to civilian life was not for me. The RAF, bless ëem had tried to advise me to go into ësafeíjobs: banking, teaching, the Civil Service. Indeed I had been offered a teacherís training course, but I declined it: both my sisters were teachers and it just didnít appeal, and neither did the others options mentioned.

Lately I had seen that the Probation Office were looking for people to train - now that certainly seemed more interesting. Oh, and dear old Dad was an Area Sales Manager for the East Midlands for a toiletries and medicines manufacturer. He had told me his company would shortly be looking for new young inexperienced people to train up: hmm...

So while getting a short term job in Players, the famous Nottingham fag factory to earn some necessary short-

term money while I changed career, I mentioned my quandary at the Job Centre and was invited along to this somewhat strange interview. My young Scottish interviewer, Fiona certainly came over as knowing her stuff.

When I opened the booklet there was a mass of written questions, all with four possible answers - like ëDo you get on with your parents/authorityí, ëDo you like to work on your owní, or ëDo you like working with your handsíetc. For some nosey reason I picked up the heavy document several pages thick and could see that it opened up. Having a naughty peek I noticed there were graphs behind where some dots I had made linked up, and some did not. Very interesting.

From memory it took me about an hour to finish all the questions.

Fiona came in with a welcome cup of tea and took my answer sheet away. After thirty minutes she came back and we started to talk.

She asked me to describe the type of work I had been doing in the Air Force - if I had liked it, what aspects did I dislike etc, and then she turned to the future, asking if I had any ideas. When I told her about my becoming a Probation Officer she frowned

and explained: ëJohn, that worries me. Your ëblack boxíchanging aircraft work is straightforward, with an end result. But being a Probation Officer involves working with problematical people who have disobeyed the law.

People have an awfully nasty habit of going back to their old ways, often when you and others think they are getting better, and the job can be very frustrating. Iím not sure from the answers you have given that The Probation Service may be the right move for you, John. What other interests have you?í

While discussing the other options available I mentioned becoming a company salesman, and Fiona brightened up. ëHow strange you should say that, Johní. I told her about my father, and she nodded enthusiastically. ëYou see your profile shows you that that would be an ideal position given your abilities and temperament. Your personality would seem ideal and that is actually one of this systemís recommendations for youí. And do you know what? The following week I answered an advertisement for ëFledgling Marketeersíin the Daily Telegraph for my Dadís company, and soon after joined five other young men fresh

Society garlic - tubular flowers clustered into umbels of 20 flowers

from college on a two-week training course at the companyís head office at Slough in Berkshire. I started as a junior salesman, immediately adored the job, and relished the challenges along the way. After several successful years ëon the roadíI started to steadily climb the greasy pole of sales management, before eventually leaving eleven years later to join another company. I worked for four different companies over the next 25 years, staying happily in that profession until taking a welldeserved early retirement and coming to live in Spain in 1998, aged 49.

Then what? Retirement can be boring while still so young. Well, I started writing, firstly in newspapers and magazines, published a book or three and achieved my degree in English at the Open University in 2013 - and during this lively period a sort-of sales opportunity came up, this time selling advertising space in a monthly magazine. It was a dirty job, but someone had to do it ñ actually, I loved it, and it came naturally. So looking back fifty-odd years ago, the couple of hours I spent at the Nottingham Job Centre in 1972 was time exceedingly well spent ñ why donít they do that now? It certainly set me on the right path for a decent career in life which I loved and helped me get to early retirement in Spain. Cheers Fiona, lassieyou got it bang on!

Tulbaghia Violacea - commonly known as the Society Garlic - is perfect for borders, pots and ground cover that flower for a long period over the summer months.

This is a popular garden plant that is useful for difficult hot corners of the garden, as it will tolerate prolonged drought, flourishing with regular watering.

It's also ideal for coastal gardens, since it tolerates sea breeze very well.

A fast growing, bulbous plant that grows from fat, tuberous roots which spread to form clumps of plants to a height of 0.5m.

Its leaves are long and narrow, slightly fleshy and smell strongly of garlic when bruised.

Its tubular flowers are pinkish mauve in colour, clustered into umbels of up to 20 flowers, held above the leaves on a tall flower stalk.

The fruit when ripe will split to release the flattened, hard black seeds to self propagate in Spring, or you can divide any larger clumps.

It seldom falls prey to pests and diseases, however, slugs and snails can cause considerable damage to the foliage.

ADVERTISINGHOTLINE 637 227 385

RESULTS FOR 9 FEBRUARY WEEK 16

El Capitan8-4Freakie Taverners

Fallen Angels0-12Mind The Gap

Pint Depot Queens4-8Tipsy Toad Tiaras

Domino´s Desp5-7Danny´s Bar

Ck1 Lads6-6CC´s Bees

Leeson St Trotters0-12Hub Hyenas

CC´s Flyers9-3Ck1 Ladybirds

Hub Hellraisers8-4Angel Delights

Tipsy Toppers6-6Milo´s

League Table P Pts Legs

Mind The Gap1632174

Hub Hyenas1630153

El Capitan1627139

Tipsy Toad Toppers1624129

CC´s Bees1624122

CC's Flyers1623124

Leeson St Trotters1618101

Ck1 Lads1617105

Milo´s161698

Danny's Bar161693

Freakie Taverners161487

Fallen Angels161383

Ck1 Ladybirds161071

Domino's Desp’dos16865

Tipsy Toad Tiaras16862

Hub Hellraisers16544

Angel Delights16343

Pint Depot Queens16032

MOST 180´S: Dave Rowlinson CC`s Bees x 4. THIS

WEEK 180’S: Mark Ellis - Hub Hyenas, Gordon

Cowan - Mind The Gap, Andres Llamazares - El Capitan, Dariio Sierra - Hub Hyenas

HIGHEST FINISH TO DATE: 154 - Mario GarciaFreakies. THIS WEEK: Gordon Cowan-Mind The Gap 123, 19-T18-Bull. Dougie Adkins - CC´s Flyers 102, T20-6-D18.

FALLEN ANGELS V MIND THE GAP

Gordon Cowan must be devoting far more time to darts practise than his beloved music these days as his contribution this week shows. A 123 out on the Bull, 3x100,121,140,180, quite outstanding, oh and by the way a POTM accolade. Also helping out Cowan were Che Liam 4x100, James Brown, 4x100 and Darren Sanderson 100,119,123.

Unsurprisingly after that barrage, Angels were not at their best. They did however welcome back after a recent holiday to Tony Spiers who top scored with 100,125 as did Steve Godwyn nominated for POTM. Mike Tierney and Graham White also putting in good shifts.

LEESON ST TROTTERS V HUB HYENAS

Hyenas repaid the Trotters warm hospitality with a thumping at the Street, the visitors achieving their best performance for weeks. Usual Trotter suspects Amanda Skinner 3x100, and Yvonne Rouffignac 120,140, showing the way, but Mike Fellows meriting POTM with 100,123 and numerous 80+'s. lt wasn't the best from the hosts, but they will figure for honours as the 2nd half beckons.

Excellent efforts from Hyenas Dario Sierra 2x100,121,180 and Mark Ellis 3x140,100,180, gave skipper Rouffignac a headache to determine POTM, the accolade eventually given to Ellis.

83, D7) and Lorraine Cox (84, 126, D5) but the same three Tiaras struck again with Simpson (2010), Crane (D5) and finally a 4 out of 4 for POTM Pat Schofield on D3 in the final leg.

DOMINOS DESPERADOS V DANNYS BAR

Plenty of scores in this encounter, Dannys not claiming both points until the penultimate leg, won by Bob Smith on the Bull for an 84 out. Graham Eagles 130, D16 and Ray Hayes 125, D8 found the outer circle for Doms in the 1st half, Paul Robinson D12, Jan Norbury D7, Smith D12 and Steve Lumb D18, the other four. Three figure scores from Dannys Simon Todd, Lesley Lumb, John Giggs and Jean Randall.

Three Doms victories from Paul Chick, Akash Panchal and Dave Oates not enough as Dannys claimed the remaining singles via Steve Collins, Steve Lumb 139,D10 and Smith's Bull out. POTMEagles - Smith.

EL CAPITAN V FREAKIE TAVERNERS

By Paul Durrant

halves, although if l were a Topper l would be a little disappointed after leading 6-4 with 2 to go. The 11th and 12th legs retrieved to rescue a Milos point from Alex Alcazar and Rory Byrne D10.

Toppers were outgunned in the 1st half scorewise, Javi de Gea 3x100, 2x90+, and Cain Garcia 2x100, with Fabian managing 2 outs, one on a Bull. The rolls reversed in the 2nd half with all six Toppers finding plenty of trebles, the best of which came from leg winners Andy Rutter D4, Graham Solomans D18 and Andy Gildea D4 ensuring a point. POTM - Rutter - Fabian.

CC FLYERS V CK 1 LADYBIRDS

Flyers claimed all 3 triples, with finishes from Charles Pritchett D2 and two from Dougie Adkins on D20 and D16, plus 100 and 121. John McKay made it 4-0 before the Birds responded with a Sharon O'Rourke 134, Dons Ralph D15 and Kirsty Green D1 for 4-2.

Dons 117,95 added a third on D5, for POTM only for it to be their last point of the game. Flyers finding the outer ring in the next 5, Chelsea Campbell hitting the 7th leg, Adkins earning POTM with a T20, S6, D18 (102) finish in the 11th.

HUB HELLRAISERS V ANGELS DELIGHTS

CK 1 LADS V CC BEES

Bees just outscored the Lads overall, but the result was shared points. Steve M. Dalton, Lads, and Reg Christopher Bees merited their POTM awards scorewise, Dalton claiming bragging rights by narrowly beating Christopher in the singles. Bees were 3-1 up through both Pauls, Tollafield and Christopher, plus a Liam Daly 125,D12. Lads replying from Bill Leaves, Kevin Wood 125 and Paul Green 140.

Liam Daly 137,D14 nudged Bees ahead, Dalton and Steve Mullen 140, D14 giving Lads a 5-4 lead. Tollafield D12 made it all square, Terry David D3, taking Lads closer to the tape and 6-5. Against the throw skipper Liam Lumb overcome Leaves on D16 for shared points.

PINT DEPOT QUEENS V TIPSY TOAD TIARAS

Queen´s POTM Debbie Wright (D2) opened the account for their highnesses despite a valiant effort from Sharon Crane (105) and Lisa Ivill (83). Tiaras outshone the crowns thereafter for the next 5 legs with Pat Schofield scooping three wins (2 -D2, D3 and 8-D5), Tracey Simpson obliging with her own 2-darter (80, 90, T7-D13) and Sharon supplying the 5th (83, 4-D2). The Royals fought back hard after the break, QD with (99, D5), Marie Cummings (92,

A creditable Freakies showing this week against a strong Caps with home advantage. The visitors wins via Ernie Wills, Mario Garcia, Annette Dobson and John Boden, Sharon Frain deserving POTM with the most high scores.

lt was a good all round Gap performance Arold and Ed Klimonis, Marcos Lopez and Ben Kernahan 2x100 providing the 1st half outs. Andres Liamazares "supporting" with 100,125,2x140.

Kernahan 121,Bull nailed the 6th leg, "Limmo" finding D16 for the match after hitting a 137 and 180 for a deserved POTM award.

TIPSY TOAD TOPPERS V MILOS

Shared spoils all round in this one, 3 apiece in both

Raisers tasted victory for the 1st time since early October, opponents the Delights failing to capitalise on better scoring in the opening six, the half time score 5-1. Carol Peace, skipper Cheryl McGlynn and Sue Spiers with 3 outs, Henni Oortwijn replying for Delights.

Nikki Dean on D2, made it 5-2, Spiers ensuring the draw on D10 (her 4th out) for POTM, Ali Scammell taking out D10 for both points. Christine Hutchinson and Oortwijn POTM reducing the deficit for the visitors. Linda Davies wrapping up the match for Raisers.

POTM - Gordon, Steve

Mark, Mike, Dario

Henni and Sue, POTM

Andres, POTM

Monte Mar Bowls Club

Sponsored by The Pub, Gran Alacant Insurances, Dialprix,The Belfry,Sunrise Builders, The Chippy and Dunbar

MONTE MAR MATADORS - At home to the Quesada Rubies we had a very good result winning on three rinks well done Sheila Roberts, Sue Bounds skip Phil Goble, Gina Hindle, Chris Harding skip Joan Harding, Lynne Armitage, Steve Hindle skip KeithYoung.

Shots Matadors 107 – 73 Rubies, Pts Matadors 8 – 4 Rubies

MONTE MAR MATADORS - Away to the Conquistadores we finally had a good result at Vistabella winning on three rinks and drawing on one well done Colin Bedford, Steve Hindle skip Phil Goble, Sheila Roberts, Les Bounds skip Keith Young, Sue Bounds, Barry Watson skip Ronnie Cairns and the drawing rink Lynne Armitage, Steve Leatherland skip Cindy Bedford. Well done everyone!!!

Shots Matadors 96 – 68 Conquistadores, Pts Matadors 9 – 3 Conquistadores

For info 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.`

SOUTH SOUTH ALIC ALICANTE WINTER ANTE WINTER TRIPLES TRIPLES

MOND MONDAAY 6 Y 6 FEBRUAR FEBRUARY Y - WEEK 14 - WEEK 14

ENTERPRISE DIVISION ENTERPRISE DIVISION

San Miguel Dolphins 107 (8)Quesada Pearls 67 (4)

Country Bowls Flamingos 90 (9)Emerald Isle Titans 80 (3)

La Marina Pathfinders 59 (0)Vbella Albatrosses 95 (12)

Greenlands Maples (P)San Luis Klingons (P)

La Siesta Apollos Bye

Country Bowls Club -

Agreat week for our 4 teams playing in the LLB winter leagues on Monday and Friday with all teams winning in their respective leagues.

On Monday the Flamingos entertained Emerald Isle Titans needing to get a result to maintain their mid table league position. The result was excellent with a 9-3 advantage, shots 90-80, winning rinks were Sylvia Rennie, Gary Ponsford, George Burrage 19-12, Jayne Storey, Derek Lewis, Kevin Storey 22-14, Brenda Jiggins, Derek Jiggins, Graham Richardson 22-11,

The Seahawks made the trip over to El Rancho where many teams fail to master the slick pace of the green, but they did on

10 February

the day and came away with a great result winning on all rinks, points 12 to 0, shots 109-66, Winning rinks Sheila Whitehall, Phil Newham, Peter Robins 16-14, Sue Hudson, Del Gunning, Dean Webb 17-16, Michael Jordan, Della Wailes, Steve Wailes 30-12, Liz Mildon, Nick Mildon, Peter Whitehall 21-12, Barry Evans, Geoff Eggleton, Darren Reynolds 25-12

On Friday in the Southern League the Geckos entertained Greenlands Cedars looking to gain valuable points to keep in touch with the top of the league and again produced an excellent result winning 10-2 points and 106-63 shots. Winning rinks were Carole Donellan, Darren Reynolds, Gary Ponsford 28-12, Sheena Mallet, Trish Dix, Graham Richardson 19-11,

Sheila Whitehall, John Jukes, Ray Robson 19-10, Barry Evans, Clive Hoyal, John Mallet 23-7

The Panthers made the trip to La Siesta to play the Silvers and completed a successful week for the club gaining another 120 result, shots 103-68. Winning rinks were Ben Noke, Dave Belton, Jim Rennie 2310, Liz Mildon, Nick Mildon, Dean Webb 22-13, Jayne Storey, Della Wailes, Steve Wailes 21-13, Brenda Jiggins, Sue Hudson, Derek Jiggins 19-15, Sylvia Rennie, Peter Robins, George Burrage 1817.

New members and guests are always made welcome at the only club in Murcia region competing in the Levante Lawn Bowls Leagues, why not come along to one of our roll up mornings on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday at 10 am.

San Luis Bowls Club

South Alicante League, Voyager Div. (C) Monday 6th February; Trekkers had a good morning at home v San Miguel Stingrays, 8 points- 4, 91 shots -65.

P P W W D D L L Dif Dif ff Pts Pts

Vistabella Albatrosses123722118594

Greenlands Maples *123512414385

Emerald Isle Titans1333329685

San Miguel Dolphins13341309983

Country Bowls Flamingos 13314305878

Quesada Pearls 123012914077

San Luis Klingons * * 1124229-3555

La Marina Pathfinders *1223235-23650

La Siesta Apollos 1220040-36044

* 2) deducted forfailing to field a full side

** 5) deducted forfailing to field full sides

DISCOVERY DIVISION DISCOVERY DIVISION

Quesada Diamonds 108 (10)Em Isle Neptunes 68 (2)

Vistabella Drivers 77 (4)La Marina Explorers 78 (8)

El Rancho Pintos 66 (0)C Bowls Seahawks 109 (12)

Greenlands Chestnuts 104 (8)La Siesta Pioneers 61 (4)

San Miguel Orcas Bye

LA SIESTA BOWLS

(Members Run Club) by Alan Carr

Division (B) The Blues at home played La Marina Seagulls, which resulted with wins on two rinks. The winning teams were; Ramsay Sinclair, Martin Harley & Karen Kirk (23-16). John Taylor, Harold Charleton & Jim Gracie (1816) and the game ended 4-8 (Shots 84-99).

Winners: Tricia Reilly, Dee Hoey, Pat Reilly 25-16, Stuart Wilson, Bill Webb, Dave Webb 30-6. Unfortunately San Miguel were unable to field a full team, thereby giving away 10 shots & 2 points. Enterprise Div. (A); the Klingons were away in the afternoon, at Greenlands v Maples. The weather forecast was not very good but we started promptly and the rain drops began soon afterwards. By the time we had started on the 2nd end it was raining heavily so the bowls were slowing rapidly and making tracks on the green. As we started the 3rd end it was agreed by both Captains that the game should be abandoned and replayed on another, hopefully drier day; Saturday 11th.

Southern League (Div A) on Friday 10th both the Lions and (Div C) the Tigers had a BYE.

P W W D D L Dif Dif ff Pts

La Marina Explorers 13361284791

Country Bowls Seahawks13361286087

Vistabella Drivers *13323305581

Quesada Diamonds*12332255280

Greenlands Chestnuts12320285778

Emerald Isle Neptunes* 13311336275

San Miguel Orcas*12273303465

La Siesta Pioneers1227033-17360

El Rancho Pintos1219338-19447

* 2) deducted forfailing to field a full side

VOYAGER DIVISION VOYAGER DIVISION

Monte MarMatadors 107 (8)Quesada Rubies 73 (4)

La Siesta Sputniks 86 (6)Greenlands Beech 97 (6)

San Luis Trekkers 91 (8)San Mig Stingrays ** 65 (4)

Emerald Isle Moonrakers 71 (5)Vistabella Eagles 91 (7)

Quesada Rubies113821528396

San Luis Trekkers113202315982

Monte MarMatadors113042114378

Greenlands Beech *1127127-967

Vistabella Eagles *1125327-4463

La Siesta Sputnicks1121331-20351

Emerald Isle Moonrakers #1121529-130 48

San Miguel Stingrays **1116237-19931

* 2) deducted forfailing to field a full side ** 5) deducted forfailing to field a full side on 2 Occasions # 3) deducted forreporting infringements

The Golds afternoon home game were El Rancho Mustangs which we won convincingly on all of the rinks to collect the full 12 points (Shots 108-65). Well done; Mags Haines, Dereck Barker & John Skipper (25-9). Pat Moore Irene & Dave Laverick (25-15). Ken Stringfellow, Stan Dibble & Alan Mawer (19-11). Ann & Robert Heath with Ros Stockell (21-16). Gordon Patton, Judy Carroll & Ken Barber (18-14).

Division (C) The Silvers travelled to San Miguel for their afternoon game against the Commanches, it was a nice day out but we were unable to pick up any points, hopefully a better result next week. (Shots 37-133).

Enterprise No Game for the Apollos this week.

Discovery The Pioneers spent their morning at Greenland’s playing the Chestnuts which resulted with wins on two rinks by; Gordon Paton, Pauline & Lyndon Johnson (13-10). Mags Haines, Dereck Barker & John Skipper (1716). Result 4-8 (Shots 61-104).

Voyager A home game for the Sputniks playing Greenland’s Beech which saw three of our rinks win really well but we lost out on collecting the points for the overall (Shots 86-97).

The winning teams were; Jim Gwyn, Maggie & Steve Gray (29-14). Brian Elkington, Jean & Dave Giddings (25-15). Leslie & Wayne Howlett with David Whitworth (16-13). Result 6-6.

Interested in joining La Siesta members run bowls club, there is always something going on with events being arranged by the social secretary to suit all members.

George´s Chicken and Egg, every Wednesday 1.30 for 2pm, with Mike & Grahams roll up every Saturday 930 for 950 am. Just pop in or call the President George 865772498 or the Captain Wendy 633 068 399 who will be pleased to give you any further information you may require.

On Wednesday 8th the first of the Club Championship Finals was held. The mixed Fours was fought out between; Margaret Morrison, Jane & Stewart Hamill, Neil Morrison and; Kath Reid, Sandra Burrows, Scott Malden, Ian Kenyon, with Ian’s team coming out as winners. Competition organiser, Keith, reports: “a good game played in trying conditions finished with Ian Kenyon’s quartet winning by 5 shots after 18 ends. The spectators that braved the cold were very supportive of both teams.”

Because of some players being involved in more than one event, the Finals will be played on Wednesday mornings over the next few weeks; Ladies’ & Men’s pairs (15th Feb), mixed pairs (22nd Feb), mixed triples (1st March), finishing with the Ladies’ & Men’s Singles (8th March).

If you want to find out more about San Luis BC, come along to Oasis SL & talk to members; we’re a friendly bunch! or take part in the chicken drive on Saturdays (10:00/10:30) or contact Club Captain, June Jones for more information: keithjones81@hotmail.com

Sheila Cammack

P W W D D L Dif Dif ff Pts

San Luis Mixed Fours winners: Ian Kenyon, Sandra Burrows, Kath Reid & Scott Malden.

San Miguel BowlsW/E10th February 2023 - Barry Jones

On Monday San Miguel has two teams in action, San Miguel Dolphins were home to Quesada Pearls, winning 8 - 4, 107 shots to 67. The best winning triple were Jan Farmer, Lynn Greenland and Gail Willshire 37 shots to 5. San Miguel Stingrays were away to San Luis Trekkers losing 8 - 4, 91 shots to 65. Unfortunately, the Stingrays failed to field a full team, (one player short). The best winning triple were Gunnie Sigurdar, Adam Ingram and Rab Harvey 23 shots to 9.

EL RANCHO BOWLS CLUB

On Monday the Pintos played host to Country Bowls Seahawks, at times it was bitterly cold, chilling the bones and providing an excuse for missed shots, but I did enjoy the morning’s company, perhaps that should be enough for a day in February. The Seahawks went away with all the points and were worthy winners, we did however lose two rinks by just one and two shots. On Wednesday our winter league team were at home to Greenlands Gladiators and played well taking one rink to Gladiators two. Bill Johnston, Frances Johnston, Diane Yates and Keith Longshaw 15-29. Sheila Cox, Pam Harris, Brian Harris and Mike Cox 25-13. Sheila Millward, Ron Greenstreet, Judy Foley and Jim Eastwood 4-35.

Friday found the Mustangs entertaining Emerald Isle Claymores, in a match that was close all round with only a 3 shot deficit in the overall shots all rinks were close, but alas the Claymores took the rinks by 3 to 2. A splendid morning’s bowls. Chris Ziepe, Pam Harris and John Ziepe 18-21. Frances Johnston, Barbara Jones and Geoff Jones 13-15. Sheila Cox, Brian Harris and Mike Cox 18-12. Peter Blackburn, Malc Sykes and Diane Yates 19-13. Debbie Ham, Ron Greenstreet and Adrian Ham 14-24. Bowlers of all levels are welcome at El Rancho, for further membership information contact Sheila Cox at micksheilacox@gmail.com.

Emerald Isle Bowls Club

Titans started the week playing away at Country Bowls Flamingos and it proved a difficult game with home team winning 3-9 Aggregate of 80-90. N Davis

N Prior D Gerrard 26-10 S Verity G Odell Jul Pering drew 17-17.

Neptunes were at Quesada Diamonds, beaten 2-10

Aggregate of 68-108, M Oakley M Ellis J Pooley 27-11

Moonrakers entertained Vistabella Eagles at home and a tight game seen the visitors winning 5-7 Aggregate 71-91, E Shepherd J McGregor B Smith 21-17, I Fay

J Ball K John 14-13, R Howitt M Peaper C Wren 15-15

Cavaliers played against La Marina Sharks at home and they had a great win by 12-0 Aggregate of 138 ñ 63, N Davis I Grimshaw D Gerrard 50-9, N Prior M

Dyer AM Gerrard 26-11 PHeaney G Odell B

Kavanagh 27-13,D Jones M Odell C Lindgren 19-15

S Verity Jo Pering Juian Pering 16-15

Claymores were at El Rancho Mustangs and came away with a fine 8-4 victory, Aggregate of 85-82 M

Raine M Stricht J Loughran 24-14, M Riley G Inwood

R Pollock 21-18 M Oakley C Wilson M Ellis 15-13

Outlaws played against Greenlands Elms and had a fine 1002 win, Aggregate of 96-72 R Howitt M

Peaper C Leigh 26-11, I Fay J Holmyard AFay 20-10, J Forrest D Clark TUpham 20-11, M Nash J Ball K John 20-14

SAPS Sat at 13-15 for 2 hours of bowling. Coaching Bowls & Shoesfor 5 EUROS and bar is open.

ELWYN MORRIS

On Wednesday in the Winter League, San Miguel were away to Vistabella, winning 8 - 0, 55 shots to 44. The best winning rink were Margaret Patterson, Jan Farmer, Fred Willshire and Gail Willshire 21 shots to 12.

On Friday morning San Miguel Apaches were home to Greenland Oaks, where they shared the points 6 - 6, 82 shots to 84. Best winning triple were Mick Rogers, Anita Brown and Shiela Booth 24 - 14.

On Friday afternoon San Miguel Navajos were away to La Siesta Blue, where they had a bad day at the office, losing 120, 54 shots to 109.

A reminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays

QBC ROUNDUP

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, by appointment ONLY. To book, please call Dave or Lynn Greenland on +34 667 207 508.

We welcome all bowlers who would like to join San Miguel B.C. as we are a unique clubwe 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

By Steve Hibberd

Twas a mixed bag of results for all involved in league bowling at QBC last week. But, before we get to the nitty gritty, I must apologise to Andy Reid, for it was he and not Trevor Voisey, who skipped the triumphant club championship rinks side (they don't even look alike for god's sake!) recently. Anyway, back to league business, where Pearls travelled to San Miguel for their South Alicante div 1 match. Although G Phillips, M France, Jason P (17-13) plus C Brazier, T Morgan, P Morgan (18-10) were successful, the team went down 4-8. In div 2, Diamonds faired a lot better in their home match against Emerald Isles Neptunes.

These 4 winning rinks, ensured that an excellent 10-2 victory was the outcome - K Gordon, D Collings, T Voisey 26-6. A Bowen, B Elliott, G Skinner 24-9. D Benson, P Farrell, A Benson 25-15. G Kershaw, P Bottle, D Conlon 22-11. High flying Rubies suffered a slight blip over at Monte Mar, against the Matadors. They went down 4-8, but these 2 rinks did manage to salvage some reward for their efforts - T Brinton, F Houbrecht, P Bradbury 16-14. C Bowles, D Gould, A Reid 25-13. Fast forward to Friday's southern league, where top of the table Swallows visited Vistabella to play the Lanzadores (?). A superior shots difference, ensured that a satisfactory 7 points to 5, was the final outcome. Well done - M & C Highland, P Morgan 21-10. G Carnell, V Campbell, F Roberts 15-15. T Morgan, C Dye, M Ward 18-12.

LAMARINABOWLS

Monday 6th and the Explorers were away to Vistabella Drivers, and had a great morning coming away with a win of 8-4. Although the shot difference could not have been closer at 78-77 in our favour. Our winning trips were Janet Parsons, Jim Reeves & Alex Whyte 22-11, Margaret McLaughlin, Mike Smith & Margaret Finlayson 17-14 and Barbara Forshaw, Kath Manning & Tom Spencer 17-11.

Our Pathfinders were at home to Vistabella Ateam, the Albatrosses where the shot difference worked against us, two trips were 14-15 (so close) and the shot difference was

In div 2, Swans maintained pole position, following a hard fought 8-4 home victory over La Siesta Golds. Get in there - C Bowles, D Gould, K Bowles 17-12. G Kershaw, P Farrell, A Benson 25-6. L Armstrong, P Bottle, T Voisey 19-18.

Also in div 2, Swifts ventured to nearby La Marina, where they came to a bit of a sticky end against Seagulls. T Brinton, D Collings, P Bradbury 21-16 plus I Everett, V Slater, D Riley 15-15, were the scoring rinks, as the team went down 3-9.

59-95 against us, so we ended up with nil points.

Before the Friday's games results the league tables have been published, our Sharks are 7th with 54 points, the Leaders on 99 and the bottom team 22. Our Seagulls are 6th on 71 points, the leaders on 89, and the bottom team on 26.

The Birds are flying every week now and the current table is

1 - Puffins, 2 - Sparrows, 3 - Magpies, 4Eagles, 5 - Swans, 6 - Robins. Our Leading Puffins consist of John Rae, Janet Parsons, Trevor Hancock & Tom Spencer.

Friday's games and the Seagulls done well at home against Quesada Swifts, to help improve their league position 9-3, our winning trips being Audrey Birch, Norman Ship, & Garth Slater 25-16, Paul & Jean Tregoing with Alan Birch 21-13, and Les & David Joynes with Len Daniels 18-10, and our drawn side was Trevor Hancock, John Morgan and Alex Morrice 15-15 giving us a shot difference of 96-75.

Unfortunately, our Sharks trip to the Emerald Isle was not so promising as they came away with 0 points against what proved to be a very strong opposition.

Dave Hadaway

Vistabella Bowls Club 11th February with Brian Zelin

Monday 6th February,Vistabella Albatrosses Division A, were Away to La Marina Pathfinders,Winning on all 5 Rinks,Martin Foulcer,Barbara Brown,Brian Zelin 25-5, Lynne Bishop,Carol Thorpe,Gary Thorpe 15-14,Geraldine Fisher,Arthur Brown,Gordon Fisher 21-14,Olwyn Ratcliffe, Stuart Allman,Brian Dunn 15-14,Mo Foulcer,Maggie Furness,Eric Bishop 19-12,Shots 95-59.Points 12-0.

Vistabella Drivers Division B,were at Home to La Marina Explorers,Winning on 2 Rinks and just missing out on the Shots,Alan Whitley,Jeff Neve,Alice Howe 15-13,Ron Smith, Sue Wilson,Derek Stevenson 26-7,Shots 77-78.Points 4-8.

Vistabella Eagles Division C,were at Home to Emerald Isle Moonrakers,Winning on 2 Rinks and Drawing on 1 Rink plus the Shots,Avril Kendall,Peter Westwood,Sheila Westwood 27-6,Rosemarie Savage,Ken Savage,Keith Black

19-15,Julia Clarke,John Ridley,Paul Durham 15-15,Shots 91-71.Points 7-5.

Wednesday 8th February,Vistabella in the Winter League were at Home to San Miguel,A total disaster,Losing on all Rinks.Shots 44-55.Points 0-8.

Friday 10th February,Vistabella Lanzadores Division A,were at Home to Quesada Swallows,Winning on 2 Rinks and Drawing on 1 Rink,and just missing out on the Shots,Sue Kemp,Mo Foulcer,Brian Zelin 17-13,Lynne Bishop,Carol Thorpe,Gary Thorpe 20-9,Geraldine Fisher,Barbara Brown, Gordon Fisher 15-15,74-76 Pts 5-7.

Vistabella Conquistadors Division C,were at Home to MonteMar Matadors,Winning and Drawing on 2 Rinks, Rosemarie Savage,Ken Savage,Keith Black 14-14,Peter Cadwell,John Ridley,Paul Durham 22-13,Shots 68-96.Pts 3-9.

Dave Gould, Kim Bowles, Chris Bowles & Andy Reid

TDLO PAIRS

CHAMPIONSHIPS

40 ladies came out in the cold to double up for the title of TDLO pairs champions this season which was held at The Friendly Bar in the Citrus Centre.

Landlord Simon Lumb always supports our events and looks after the ladies with table reservations, several dartboards and plenty of food.

As the evening wore on we were down to four pairs left in the Semi Finals, Bliss Wright (3x100, 140) and Chelsea Campbell (100, 140, 177) faced teammates Amanda Skinner (100, 131, 124) and Yvonne Rouffignac (100, 121, 140) for a Gap Girlz Derby.

Meanwhile San Miguelites Mitch Halliday (123) and Sharon Frain (116, 121, 108) faced

the Friendly Barís Alison Webster and Helen Bushell (105).

Some superb darts from all players eventually came down to who could nail the outer ring first. To that end, Bliss and Chelsea were magnanimous in defeat and supported veterans Amanda and Yvonne as the vied for victory against Sharon and Mitch- a formidable and decorated duo. Alas for the Primadonnas Pair, the GGís were first past the post and entered the winners enclosure for the spoils.

Top right: Winners Mitch Halliday, Sharon Frain (Runners-Up) & Yvonne and Amanda

Bottom right: Semi-finalist: Bliss and Chelsea (Gap Girlz) and Helen Bushell and Alison Webster (Friendly Chicas)

LA MARINA GOLF SOCIETY

9.2.23 – A cold and dull morning greeted the members of the La Marina Golf Society for their annual Captain versus Vice Captain’s team challenge trophy and this week’s venue was at the award-winning Las Colinas golf course.

28 players split into two teams headed by Captain Iain Lyall and Vice-Captain Bill Allen and battle soon commenced. Afterwards the members all met back at the La Marina Sports Complex for after-game refreshments and a well-deserved pint. After all the scores were scrutinised and calculated by the handicap secretary, he declared the Captain’s team the victors with

Lo Crispin Golf Society at Font Del Llop

276 pts and they were all awarded their prizes’ by the Vice Captain, and in the true spirit of the game the Captain handed the runners up their prizes too, so it was a winwin day for all concerned.

We also had four players winning nearest the pin who were, for hole 4 Charlotte Tranberg, hole 7 Gordon McLagan, hole 10 Kicki Modin and hole 14 Lesley Cullen. The two’s pot was won by Gordon having putt for a 2 on hole 7 and 10 and Lesley on hole 14. Iain and Bill would like to thank all the members who played for making it such an enjoyable day.

Smiling Jack’s Golf Society

Welcome and thank you all for supporting Smiling Jack's Golf Society.

A great turn out as usual which we really appreciate. What a well turned out, excellent condition, course at the lovely Roda golf resort. A big thank you to Roda for looking after us today.

A special thank you goes out to our Julie for some excellent food which she started preparing at 7am this morning. Thanks also to Al, Lisa and Ritchie for looking after us this afternoon.

After a poor weather forecast we stayed dry with a piercing wind followed by some sunshine.

Now for the scores

Nearest the pin on 7 was Thomas Burke.

Nearest the pin on 11 was tiny Isaacs, Nearest the pin in two on 15 was Brian Emslie. In second place with a very good 35 points was Cheryl Isaac, well done you, almost there

Cheryl

Our winner playing off 8 with 37 points was Brian Emslie, great scoring for such a low hand-

icap, well done Brian.

The Ger has once again donated a free round of golf from Smiling Jack's as a raffle prize. The winner was Kevin Quinn. The winner of the famous blue Johnny was Phil Ball. Our next outing will be 9th March at the beautiful Altaona, formerly Mosa Trajectum.

Once again thank you for supporting Smiling Jack's El Presidente

Fortunately the forecasted rain did not materialise, so 22 members and guests 'teed it up' in an Individual Stableford competition, our 3rd. of the year. Although it was cold, playing conditions were good. The course was largely in good condition, as were the greens. Following the game, as usual we returned to the Lo Crispin Tavern, where the helpful and friendly staff supplied us with welcome Tapas, and the day's prizes were distributed.

In view of the comparatively small number of competitors on the day, it was decided that there would be no Divisional prizes. Instead only the four players with the highest scores would receive them. These were :

1st. Place - Andy Quinn 33 pts off 10 (on count back)

2nd. Place - Mike Ellson 33 pts off 25

3rd. Place - Alan Haslop 32 pts off 26 (on count back)

4th. Place - Steve Price 32 pts 22

N.T. P. on Par 3s

Hole 3 - Ray Brown

Hol 8 - Mike Ellson

Hole 16 - Andy Quinn

Hole 17 - Alan Haslop

Because nobody managed to achieve a 2, the 'pot' will be rolled over to the next game at Altorreal on 22nd.

February. Finally, Mike Ellson's day finished on a 'high', as he won the Free Game Draw.

Steve Harrington.

Membership and Handicap Secretary.

DOUR AND UNEVENTFUL BUT AN ENCOURAGING POINT FOR THADER

Coming on the back of last week’s poor performance at home to Murada, there was much work to do for CD

Thader as they took the short journey north along the AP7 for Sunday’s visit to 8th placed Catral, last year’s promoted winners of Regional Group 8.

At de Catral..........0

CD Thader ...........0

However, with both teams sitting in the middle third of the table and, even at this early stage of the season, playing for little more than pride and prestige, the game, rather predictably, was always going to be a dour and rather uneventful affair.

The first period in particular saw all the football taking place in midfield with neither keeper seriously troubled during the entire half. What might have been had Juan got a ‘nailed on’ penalty 18 minutes into the game is anybody’s guess, but it would surely have spurred both teams on to providing rather more action than we were seeing.

An error by keeper Amine just prior to the interval presented Catral with their best opportunity of the half, but with the goal at his mercy Nery could only direct his head wide, however, if bookings had been the determining factor, as the teams slouched off at half time, the home side were in the ascendency, leading by 3 cards to 1.

The hosts re-emerged after the break with intent but failed to find a cutting final pass before the hour, with Thader demonstrating why they are so hard to beat. But as the game wore on, neither side gave us much to cheer, although there were chances at both ends of the field.

Thader’s only chance of note fell to Fran, who saw his volley blocked by a last-ditch tackle after Rafa’s low delivery from the right on 65 minutes.

Catral's leading scorer Sandro then wasted a clear opportunity to break the deadlock midway through the second half as he miscued wide with the goal gaping, after Nery’s pullback, but it was a superb save from Amine on 80 minutes that really earned Thader their 0-0 draw, again from the lively Sandro. And the final score of cards, well there were 10 in total, all yellow, in a count that seemed fairly equal.

Next weekend Thader are at home to the league leaders, Callosa Deportivo, a game in which they will be determined to impress. Although we are told the kick off will be at 11.30 am on Sunday you would be wise to visit the CD Thader facebook page in the middle of the week where confirmation and details will be posted.

Carp-R-Us Winter League

Round 9 of the Carp-R-Us Winter League was fished on the Rio Segura at Jacarilla.Rain during the days before the match had left the river high and running fast and dirty but with slack areas in most swims and the level dropping slowly, some decent sport was anticipated.

However, this proved not to be the case as the fish were just not willing to cooperate and six of the ten fishing failed to catch.The match was won by Steve Fell with 1.16kg, second was Terry Screen with 0.32kg, third was Paul Burton with 0.28kg and fourth Tony Flett with 0.22kg.

The day before the club held its annual presentation meal.This was held at Giovanni’s in Almoradí

SC Torrevieja CF B celebrate after win against Orihuela.

Torry 'B' beat high flying Orihuela

SC Torrevieja CF B defeated high flying

Orihuela Deportivo CF 1-0 in the Valencia 2nd Regional Group 16 on Saturday.

Torry, who sit 12th in the table, bagged an important three points following a goal by Jerry in the second half, with Orihuela remaining in third place.

Torry's squad: Maxi, Marcus, Mussa, Sebastian

SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION

Elche Dream CF A beat CF Atletico Algorfa

4-1 in the Valencia 1st Reg Gp 8 on Saturday. CD

fine form.

Monte took the lead after 4 minutes, through prolific goalscorer Pato.

QUIZ FROM PAGE 14:

Rundgren.7.Liza Minelli (from the film Cabaret).8.A club foot.9.Ole Gunnar Solskjar (The baby-faced assassin).10.France (second was Spain with 58.5 million and the United States with 51.1 million, coming a close third).11.November.

12.Arsène Wenger (most successful manager in the history of Arsenal in terms of trophies and is also the club's longest-serving manager in terms of matches played).13.Singapore (Feb 1942)

80,000 British, Indian and Australian troops surrendered to the Japanese.14.The United Kingdom, surprisingly, even mentioned in Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona.15.William Holden. 16.It can't be put down therefore no one can hog it, hence the name.It has to be passed around the table.The Hogget decanter was traditionally used for 'passing the port'.17.1869.18.Hot air ballons.They are credited with inventing the hot air balloon.19.Ministry of Sound (London nightclub & now a record label).20.A photographic memory.(eidetic memory)

Girona increased Monte's lead on 16 minutes, with Pato netting a penalty after 26 minutes to go 3-0 ahead at half-time.

Rafal reduced the scoreline to 3-1, when netting on 65 minutes. Monte go fourth following the victory.

Pinoso CF A remain top of the table on 45 points after gaining a 2-1 away win at CFE IlLicitana Raval.

SC Torrevieja sit in second place going into

Taverners whitewash

Mixed Spice

Full Monte Azul defeated Cab Buddies 6-5 in division two of the Costa Blanca Independent Pool League.

League leaders The Taverners defeated Mixed Spice 10-0 with Gary Jones, Paul Fox,

where members enjoyed excellent meal and were well cared for by the owner, John.The pictures show Willy Moons being presented with one of his three trophies by club president Roy Dainty, and the winner of the Murcia Cup, Alan Smith, receiving his trophy from Vinnie Smith.

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

Sunday's fixtures.

Results 1st Regional G8: UD La Coca-Aspense A 2-2 Racing San Miguel; CF Rafal 1-3 CD Montesinos; CD Cox 2-1 Aspe UD A; Elche Dream CF A 4-1 CF Atletico Algorfa; CFE IlLicitana Raval 1-2 Pinoso CF A.

2nd Regional G16: SC Torrevieja CF B 1-0 CF Popular Orihuela; CD Horadada A 1-4 Sp Saladar; Santa Pola CF B 1-2 CD Benijofar.

Garry Hibbert, Jeff Ford, Paul Jones, David Burpitt, Christine Cook and John Cook racking up wins.

The Pine Nuts suffered a 8-2 defeat against visitors The Young Boys in division one. The Excellence returned a 6-4 away win at The Rancheros, with Super Beer Monsters edging a 6-5 win against The Almoradians.

1.Bahamas, 2.Cloverfield, 3.Left, 4.Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh (before then she was 'Her Royal Highness The Princess Elizabeth'.In Jersey and Guernsey she was the 'Duke of Normandy').5.a.minestrone (10cc), b.lobster (B-52s), c.bananas (Harry Chapin), d.truffle (Beatles), e. lollipop (Max Bygraves).6.Todd

C, Junior, Sergio H, Diaz, Esteban, Jonny, Jerry, Marcus, Diogo, Son Chancy, Marvin, Alu.

Montesinos travelled to CF Rafal on the back of a 1-1 draw against SC Torrevieja, continuing their