The Leader Newspaper 15 May 23 – Edition 971

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PIOC EXPECTED TO PICK UP SEA PIOC EXPECTED TO PICK UP SEA TS TS ACCORDING TO INDEPENDENT SUR ACCORDING TO INDEPENDENT SUR VEY VEY

Opinion Poll forecasts

PP victory in Orihuela

According to a poll carried out between May 5 and 9, 2023, by Demoscopia y Servicios for the Spanish digital newspaper El Diario, in the Orihuela Municipal elections the Partido Popular (PP) would increase the number of their councillors to 11 while the ruling PSOE would remain at 6.

Ciudadanos would take 3 seats, a loss of 2 councillors from their current 5, Vox would remain at 2, while the Cambiemos/Podemos coalition would also lose 1 seat, holding just 2. However, according to the poll, the surprise entry would be the independentistas from the coast, PIOCOrihuela Costa Independence Party, a party that advocates independence of the Orihuela Costa, which would achieve 1 councillor by obtaining 5.7% of the votes.

So, if the poll is to be believed, once again the forming Orihuela government would need to be made up of a coalition. Following two indecisive legislatures and two mayorsEmilio Bascuñana of the PP and Carolina Gracia of the PSOE - and change of alliances with Ciudadanos acting as the constant, the outcome of the election would force new agreements.

The PP would win the election again with its new leader, José Vegara, and would improve it’s result by increasing from 9 to 11 councillors with 38.9% of the votes, 4.8 points more than what it obtained in 2019. However José Vegara would remain two councillors from an absolute majority, but unlike 2019, this time with the support of the two Vox councilors -13, he would achieve an absolute majority, unless of course, all other parties opposed his appointment as mayor.

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The poll also shows that the PSOE, under the current mayoress, Carolina Gracia, has failed to convince the electorate that it is the party to lead Orihuela in the future, despite 12 months of prominence in the Orihuela mayor's office, and would remain the same, with 6 councillors and 22.7% of the votes, practically the same as it obtained four years ago. Carolina Gracia would need a more challenging alliance to continue as mayor: that of Ciudadanos, Cambiemos Orihuela/Podemos and Vox.

Ciudadanos maintains its representation in the Orihuela City Council, one of the few municipali-

ties in the Valencian Community it will have councillors, but it would drop from 5 to 3 councillors in obtaining 10.8% of the votes, which is a 8.5% less than in 2019. The C’s would lose their ability to influence the government, although there could be a minor role for them in any future coalition.

Cambiemos Orihuela - a coalition that includes Podemos, Izquierda Unida and Compromíswould achieve 10.2% of the votes and 2 councillors, losing one councillor and 3 points of votes compared to 2019. Vox would remain with 2 councillors with 9, 7% of the votes, Orihuela being one of the few municipalities where the polls will not see any increase in the number of councillors, although it will see an increase of 2.8% in the

HELLO DOLLY IS COMING TO TOWN

Studio 32 are thrilled to announce that their upcoming summer show Hello Dolly is in the advanced stage of rehearsals. A joyous, heartwarming and classical musical experience that is set in the 1890s, the show follows Dolly Gallagher Levi, a matchmaker, as she travels to Yonkers, New York, to find a match for the miserly "half-a-millionaire" Horace Vandergelder. Along the way, she sets her own sights on him, while also pairing up several other couples.With a lively and uplifting score by legendary composer Jerry Herman, and a script by Michael Stewart, the show has been entertaining audiences around

the world since its Broadway debut in 1964, starring the incomparable Carol Channing. Some of the most memorable moments of the production is the “It Takes a Woman” song, sung by the formidable Horace Vandergelder character. The song reflects on the role of women in society and their influence on men, created in an enrapturing and funny way that the audience won’t want to miss.

Also the great numbers ‘Ribbons Down my Back’, Before the Parade Passes by’, Hello Dolly’ and the romantic love song ‘It only takes a Moment’ will give you a musical feast to lift your spirits. The

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

“A Sea of desperation”

The sea was like a mill pond

When the dinghy left the shore

It was full of desperate people

Maybe sixty five or more

Women with their children

Men with many hopes and dreams

Fleeing from a country

With dictatorial regimes

Where the gunfire spoke normality

Where your neighbours lost their lives

Each day a case of live or die

Where strong will at least survives

The ocean wide, a channel

To escape if you've the cash

The traffickers an evil brood

Who fleece you in a flash

They do not care if you get through

They don't care if you die

But still you pay them money

As you're desperate to try

No guarantee you all will make

The journey cross the sea

God watches but he can't control

The will that's free to be

So desperation rules the day

The dinghy heaves with weight

Prayers whispered in a foreign tongue

As the waves decide their fate!

The End by David Whitney

Knowledge”

Doctors spend long years at college

Obtaining their specialist knowledge –But to be an MP you don’t need this.

If teaching’s to be your vocation

You spend years to learn education –But to be an MP you don’t need this.

To be in the police or armed forces

You have to attend training courses –But to be an MP you don’t need this.

Musicians spend hours rehearsing

And years are spent picking up nursing –But to be an MP you don’t need this.

Architects have to study for ages

And accountants work out all the wages –But to be an MP you don’t need this.

In every job and profession

You require at least one training session –But to be an MP you don’t need this.

Moral :-

An MP’s sole qualification is receipt of a good nomination, Then, a financial donation or – deposit to Administration, Then he’s ready to ‘govern’ the nation.

Mike Shail

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

share of the vote.

But the one major surprise is the arrival of PIOCOrihuela Costa Independence Party, onto the scene, a party that advocates independence for the Orihuela coast, which would get 1 councillor by obtaining 5.7% of the votes.

Speaking to The Leader, although PIOC welcomed the poll, it’s spokesman told us, “ One seat would certainly be a statement, and an indication to the Orihuela Government that the battle for Independence is now truly on, but if we could achieve 2 seats, it would give us a much more meaningful voice, sending shockwaves across the entire municipality and beyond”.

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show will be directed by the talented Kevin Spicer, with musical direction by Nicole Casey and great choreography by Lindsey Kendall Walker.

The cast includes some of the finest local talents, bringing the charming and memorable characters to life on the stage.Studio32 invites everyone to come and join them for a night of laughter and pure entertainment. Whether you are an avid fan of Broadway classics or experiencing live theatre for the first time, Hello Dolly is an experience you won't want to miss. Don't miss out on a fantastic summer night of music, laughter, and entertainment!

Studio32 Musical Theatre Company’s show, ‘Hello Dolly’ will be performed at the Cardenal Beluga Theatre, San Fulgencio, from Wednesday 31st of May to Saturday 3rd of June.

Any group who book ten or more tickets for the Wednesday or Thursday night performances, will get a 2 euro refund on each ticket on production of their ticket receipt at front of house on the night of the performance. Don’t miss out on this offer. The more tickets they can sell, the more they can give to local charities. Since their inception in 2013 they have contributed over 40,000 euros to local charities. T o book tickets online for our show please visit our website www.studiothirtytwo.org email: tickets@studiothirtytwo.org or call Linda on 679 062 272.

For those of you unsure of how to use our system you can call into The Post Box in Dona Pepa, or Quesada Tech where someone will be on hand to assist you with booking tickets.

You could also come along to one of our rehearsals at Casa Contenta, Rojales, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:30pm and 9:30pm where someone will be available to assist you.

“Commons

Once again Orihuela has been awarded 11Blue Flags that certify the quality of all its beaches, Aguamarina, Barranco Rubio, La Caleta, Cala Capitán, Cala Cerrada, Cala Estaca, Cala Mosca, La Glea, Cala Bosque, Mil Palmeras and Punta Prima, making it the most successful municipality in the Valencian Community and the second in the hole of Spain. The Dehesa de Campoamor Yacht Club was also recognised.

The Mayor of Orihuela, Carolina Gracia, collected the flags, as well as the 2023 Special Mention to the Orihuela Council, for the provision of Information and Environmental Education, in a ceremony held at Casa Villagadea de Altea, chaired by Isaura Navarro Casillas, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, Climate Emergency and Ecological Transition.

The Blue Flag is an international distinction awarded annually by the European Foundation for Environmental Education. These awards recognise the high quality of the water and services on the beaches.

In justifying the 11 blue flags, the mayor said they are “an award that recognises the quality of the water and the beaches. We have also received the 2023 Special Mention in terms of Environmental Information and Education. A recognition that shows the good work that has been carried out by the Department of Beaches, Infrastructures and Road Cleaning, so that once again our beaches are the most awarded in the Valencian Community and the second in Spain".

AVCRLLETTER TO ADEAC - BEACHES FAIL CONDITIONS FOR BLUE FLAGS

Unfortunately, however, according to the Cabo Roig y Lomas Neighborhood Association, AVCRL, many of the beaches are falling short of the requirements necessary to qualify, so the awards are a nonsense.

In a letter sent last week to the Association for

Environmental and Consumer Education, Adeac, custodian of the Blue Flags, AVCRL outlined six mandatory conditions that are not being met, based on the guide that Adeac itself has published and that are required to receive the award, requirements that must be met before 1 July; otherwise, the flags should be withdrawn.

Residents are aware that "the Blue Flags are an excellent tourist attraction for the municipality, which must be preserved." However, "so that the beaches of Orihuela are truly eligible for them, the serious deficiencies that they currently have must be resolved."

The letter raises the repair of the sinkhole on La Caleta beach which has not yet been completed as the integration of the landscape required by the Generalitat Valenciana has not been carried out.

Another requirement is that the beaches must be clean. However, there is only one tractor to clean the sand on all 11 Oriolan beaches, and "when it breaks down, which happens on a regular basis, the beaches are not cleaned. There must also be adequate and clean toilets, which is currently not the case, neither is there any control of pets on the beaches, despite there being a specific area for them.

The guide also establishes adequate maintenance of the accesses, walkways and parking areas, many of which are in "a poor state of repair".

The Association has criticised the poor condition of the beaches on many occasions and, more recently, the blue trail due to "it’s abandonment" and poor maintenance, especially in the section that runs along the perimeter of La Caleta beach.

Neighbourhood associations and beach bar workers recently demonstrated, demanding the recovery of services and improvements to the beaches, fearing that they would lose the 11 blue flags, but more recently, despite a question raised in plenary to the Councillor for Beaches, Antonio Sánchez, the situation remains largely the same.

CAMPOVERDE OPEN GARDEN DAY 27 MAY

The annual Campoverde Open Garden Day will be returning on May 27th and will give everyone an opportunity to visit some of the interesting gardens in the village of Pinar de Campoverde near the town of Pilar de la Horadada. This not a competition, but a celebration of gardens from the small terraces with pots, to large plots with lawns and orchards and everything else in between.

The overall aim is for local gardeners to share their garden and the joy of gardening with others. So put the date in your diary, May 27th from 11-4pm.

The Open Garden Day organiser, James McAllister said; “There are five gardens in this year’s Open Garden Day and they offer a wide variety of gardens and gardening styles that will intrigue both the experienced gardener and the casual lifestyle gardener”. Each of the gardens offers an opportunity to speak to the garden owner and share the trials, tribulations and triumphs of their garden. As you walk around their garden, they will share their experience and welcome any advice you may bring from your own garden. The gardens are all in the village of Pinar de Campoverde and you can easily visit them all within the day.

3 CALLE OREGANO. This a large mature garden that wraps around the whole house,

where the gardeners Ray and June have developed an easy to maintain garden mainly planted with succulents and cacti. The garden is now maturing and will be of great interest for those of you with a love of succulents. A secondary interest is that Ray is a keen ‘twitcher’ and has some lovely birds (no pun intended) on display.

17 CALLE OREGANO. This is a medium sized garden that has been mainly tiled with intermittent beds of flowers and succulents. The key aspect of this garden is that Paul the gardener specialises in growing thousands of seedlings and cuttings all of which we be available to purchase at Open Garden Day. So, if you want to stock up with plants at a bargain price, then this is a must visit garden. In addition, a range of refreshments will be on sale.

20 CALLE OREGANO. This a must-see small garden that has been shaped by the artistic and gardening talents of the gardener Jolanda. If you have ever wondered how you could create an interesting garden using succulents, cacti and pots, then there is much to take away from this garden. Jolanda will be happy to show you how she created some of her artistic displays in pots.

1 CALLE PERAL. This a large garden that has been developed by the garden blogger James and his infamous wife Cruella. The gar-

den has a range of interesting features including large lawned areas, extensive mixed flowering hedges, gravelled areas with island planting, a dry garden area, a fruit orchard with a variety of trees, water features and a wild wood.

In addition, the composting and potting area will prove interesting to serious gardeners. Refreshments will be available.

17 CALLE MAGNOLIO. This a mature allround large garden that has been developed by the gardener Sue over a number of years.

All of the gardens will be open from 11-4pm and entry is completely free

There is a wide range of mature planting including perennials, annuals, pots, trees, and a lovely large water feature which creates interest both visually and with the sound of flowing water.

All of the gardens will be open from 11-4pm and entry is completely free with ample street parking at all the properties. A small donation to the work of Campoverde Church and its work in the community will be appreciated and there will be a donation tin at each property.

DESALINATION PLANT: For the most part the solar farm is required to reduce the energy cost of producing desalinated water

Contract awarded for La Zenia Car Park School

SOLAR ENERGY FARM PROPOSED FOR TORREVIEJA

The enthusiasm being seen in the solar energy sector is so intense that even in a municipal area like Torrevieja, where there is hardly any land available, a large solar plant project has just been proposed. If authorised, it would be the first such resource located in Torrevieja.

The plot being considered is by the junction of the CV-905 road that connects Torrevieja with Rojales and the CV-945 toward Los Montesinos close to the Natural Park of the Salinas de Torrevieja and La Mata.

The expected power will be 6 MWp, over an area of ??83,000 square meters. It is a project that has to be authorised by the Generalitat Valenciana although it is well below the size where the State would usually assume authorization.

The Torrevieja Council has granted a certificate of urban compatibility. A regulated procedure that states that the land on which the installation is intended is compatible for that use. However, in the document that assesses the landscape impact of the facility, the company barely hints that the plant will be located on the borders the Salinas de La Mata and Torrevieja

Natural Park with only ten metres separating it from the most protected area in the region.

The proposed plots are also adjacent to the location that in 2018 the Torrevieja Council proposed to the Government as the station terminal for the railway line between San Isidro and Torrevieja.

Torrevieja does not have land for solar plants, although it does have thousands of single-family tourist homes that are being fitted with solar panels for self-consumption.

That there is no space for solar plants, half of the municipal area is a natural park and the other half is dedicated to residential and commercial uses, does not mean, however, that Torrevieja does not require this source of energy. It actually needs it rather a lot, particularly as it attempts to reduce the energy cost of producing desalinated water, 80 hectometres a year, that are intended to be expanded to 120, and that are mainly used to provide water to irrigation communities in the agricultural sector of the Region of Murcia. But even this will not scratch the surface as the desalination plant requires a solar power plant with an installed power of 60 MW, ten times more than that proposed in Torrevieja.

LOS DOLSES - ORIHUELA COSTA

Ref: 001562 e425,000

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 new Orihuela Infant/Junior School Number 20 will open it’s doors in time for the next academic year, 20232024, in temporary accommodation, following the awards by the Ministry of Education of a contract for the assembly, rental and disassembly of the prefabricated classrooms to Alquileres Barceló Sáez SL.

The cost of the award is 1.2 million euros with a completion period of two months, meaning that work can now get underway prior to the summer so that it is ready in September.

We are assured that the school is a temporary structure which will operate for at least three years on the municipal plot that is currently used as a parking area for the La Zenia Boulevard shopping centre. It will remain there until the construction of the new school is completed on another plot which is yet to be allocated by the City Council.

The rental contract for the prefabricated buildings has a duration of 36 months with the possibility of extending them for 12 more.

The decision to start the new school year in provisional classrooms is due, according to the Ministry, to the overwhelming need for school places in Orihuela Costa that are necessary because of the sudden increase in the school age population since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The new school will cater for both infants and juniors with an eventual capacity of 450 students at a ratio of 25 students per classroom. There will be a total of 18 classrooms (six for Infants 3-5 years old and 12 for Primary), with all the necessary areas and services. Initially, however, as the prefabricated classrooms can each only accommodate 20 students, the capacity will be just 360 so that the teachers and students can work and learn in more comfortable conditions.

The CEIP Number 20 will allow numbers of children attending the other two schools on the coast to be reduced, the CEIP Los Dolses and the CEIP Playas de Orihuela.

OUTCRY AS HOUSE BUILT IN 1770 DEMOLISHED IN ORIHULA

The Orihuela Council has demolished a house, built approximately 1770 , on calle Trinidad 11, in the historic centre of the city. It’s destruction has generated great controversy among some sectors of Orihuela society that advocate main-

taining a patrimony that is falling apart. “One more example,” many say, of the ignorance and insensitivity of the Council towards an already depleted heritage.

The old part of the city was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1969 due to the num-

ber of monuments, churches and palaces that unite culture, history and tradition and that remind us that it was a city that, historically, had an important strategic and defensive significance. However, since then little has been done to preserve what many refer to as a giant with feet of clay.

José Aix, Town Planning Councillor, explained that the demolition was carried out, due to the inaction of the owners, and in this case to "protect pedestrians from falling masonry," who adds that "his priority is the safety of the people . "

According to the Councillor, he has written on several occasions to the owner to restore

the property. However, Javier Sánchez Portas, director of the Historical Archive, said that the owner was never located, nor do there appear to be any heirs. The last entry in the property register is dated 1953.

"In the middle of the 21st century, we are throwing away an 18th century dwelling as if it seems that we have plenty of heritage," mourns Sánchez Portas, who attributes this type of action to "the insensitivity of the Town Planning councillor, who is also from Heritage, as well as the lack of knowledge of municipal staff and architects". It is, in short, "the result of the contempt that the City Council has towards heritage", he adds.

The building captured by Google Maps in 2018

GARDEN FELIXPRIDE OF MADEIRA!

Searching online for something to read during lockdown, I noticed that Romance was on sale, for as little as £1 in some cases. If only it was always that easy. Science Fiction was on offer for only 99p, the lower price presumably fixed by a realist, who realised romance is always more costly. It's well known that romantics are incurable, and easily persuaded to go the extra mile, or spend the extra penny, except in Scotland. Science fiction must have a dwindling readership nowadays, in the face of scientific facts, some of which you just couldn't make up (or they'd be science fiction.)

I was intrigued by the idea of Fantasy for sale, how broad a church would that be, and would it include San Marino winning the World Cup? Or any cup. How to Lose Weight by Eating Chocolate? Selected Whiskies that Promote Good Health? A person can dream, can't he? I would settle for just one Health Whisky -- as long as it was Famous Grouse, I wouldn't grumble as I gazed into my crystal goblet.

It has already been established that future books dealing with the pandemic can no longer be called Year of the Plague. At the very least, that title must be altered to The Plague Years, not too difficult for typesetters to reconfigure, I imagine,

LOOKING FOR CHEAP ROMANCE?

unless they've been at the health whisky.

Under Literature on Sale, what caught my eye was 'Reluctantly Home' -- did that refer to the Lockdown or the Freedom, the past or the future, I wondered? Reading the blurb: "Dealing with the past -- and finally facing the future", I saw that I was right.

I'm guessing "You should get out more," will no longer be the punchline for a joke.

A schoolchild once informed me that he always judged a book by its cover because this often meant he didn't have to read its contents. He proved his claim to me by referring to one of the books on the syl-

labus. "Treasure Island," he said. "It's about treasure on an island." He may have mistaken my slumped head for a nod of acquiescence .

And yet that child's claim has eventually come true to a certain extent. I would still draw the line at A Tale of Two Cities (since neither is named in the title) but when I look at the cover of Batman v Superman, I feel I already know the essential features of the plot. Both protagonists mentioned in the title, you see, and that 'v' suggests there may be trouble ahead.

"The person who has not pleasure in a good novel," said Jane Austen, "must be intolera-

bly stupid." Jane never minced her words. Her first six novels were published without her name on the cover (she could have learned a thing or two from Stephen King, if he had been alive then) and earned her a mere £631 before tax, grr.

The rewards of selling romance have risen considerably since then, so perhaps we should have snapped up those £1 bargains while we could. It's a well-known fact that prices rise steeply once pandemics subside. Booksellers, alas, have no romance in their souls, especially not at reduced prices, and their favourite music is "ka-ching!"

Apopular sight, Pride of Madeira - Echium candicans - is perfect for adding a touch of drama to your garden!

As with all echiums, its flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, well known for attracting bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators into your garden. They are a short lived perennial, typically grown as a biennial, with tall spikes of intense blue blooms, borne on strong branching stems, blooming from April through to August.

In mild regions, it can grow into a small tree, that will readily self seed, or you can take cuttings. Sow seeds in May, through to July, or plant out cuttings April and May. They grow best in well-draining soil in a sheltered site, that has full sun.

Take care when handling, as the sap can cause skin irritation and is toxic to cats and dogs.

A touch of drama!

Orihuela Prostitution and Exploitation Ordinance Approved

Orihuela has approved an ordinance for the Abolition of Prostitution and Sexual Exploitation,in order to promote the eradication of prostitution and other forms of sexual exploitation,protecting the rights of victims.

The Regional Government approved measures allowing municipalities to take action, and Orihuela is the latest to introduce measures,to defend and protect women victims of prostitution and sexual exploitation,and to guarantee coexistence so that all citizens can freely exercise their rights.

TORREVIEJA TOWN HALL WORST FOR CYBERSECURITY

Torrevieja council is one of the worst in the region for cybersecurity protection with only Alicante and Benidorm considered to be doing enough.

This is according to the Audit Office who say in their latest cybersecurity indices that since the pevious security audit town halls have only partially

addressed the recommendations. The average maturity index is 52.4%, and nearly all remain "insufficient" in reaching the 80% threshold required by the ENS.

Neighbouring Orihuela is a little closer to the magical figure, reaching 69%.

SPAIN RECEIVE 13.7M INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS IN FIRST QUARTER

Spain was visited by 13.7 million international tourists in the first 3 months of the year, 41.2% more than in the same period in 2022. In the 3 months as a whole, the total spending by tourists was 17.201 billion euros, an increase of 44.7% compared to the same quarter last year, according to data published the INE.

In March, 5.3 million visitors arrived in Spain (an increase of 30% compared to March 2022), who spent a total of 6.657 billion euros, 31.1% more than a year ago.

The Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Héctor Gómez, said that this data is proof that "2023 is being

an extraordinary year for tourism, not only quantitatively, but also qualitatively, with higher spending and longer stays".

REGION SUFFERS 2 EARTHQUAKES WITHIN JUST 7 HOURS

On Wednesday morning,according to the National Geographic Institute,the Torrevieja coastline registered an earthquake measuring 2.6 degrees of magnitude on the Richter scale, the second registered in the province in recent hours.

The first occurred this morning at 2:23 a.m.

southwest of Crevillent.

The earthquake occurred at 9:51 a.m.off the coast of Torrevieja,with the epicenter located 4 kilometers deep.

This seismic movement,greater than 1.5 degrees,is the 39th registered this year in the province of Alicante and the fifth off the coast of Torrevieja.

The previous quakes occurred on March 23, when there were 3 earthquakes,and again on March 27.

ONE OF THE GREAT MYSTERIES OF OUR TIME..”

There is a saying regularly kicked around Casa Comaskey Ö well actually, the truth is that the so called saying, is used only by me and in a certain whimpering tone when I cannot find something I left in its rightful place.

ëOne of the great mysteries of our timeí, I sling accusingly in the direction of the only other permanent occupier of the building. Most often at this stage I remember where I left it and retrieve the object to the sound of ëno great mystery to me!í

I have a list of other ëgreat mysteries of our timeí, if you would like me to share them with you. We are not talking here about the Bermuda Triangle, the Lough Ness Monster, or Bigfoot. Instead, I wonder if you might be able to help me with the little great mysteries of our time.

I have never seen grass as scarce as this year on May-Day. Fertile, fertilised fields and cattle still indoors because ënot a blade of grass for them to eat.íFair enough, I hear you holler ñ just one of those years with bad Spring growth.

Now for the great little mystery of our time: How come a fleece of grass will grow on the other side of the hedge along the road? Just poor, dirty ground and you could feed a cow to the hundred metres of roadside grass Ö Same thing with the

NEWS IN BRIEF

lawn, never ëodious bad growthíon that bit of ground

On the calmest day, you try to light a match and as soon as it sparks, a gust of wind will put it out. You wait for the next lull in the breeze, strike your match and out she blows again. Keep going and your last match will break near the head as you strike the box. Any time we are out for a meal or at a function, Mrs Youcantbeserious has only to say, ëdonít get a stain on that tieíÖ and sure as soot, the tip of the tie will find a resting spot in my soup.

I try to show my good manners by not curving my head too near the dinner plate, but as soon as my minder utters, ëwatch you donít drop gravy on that white shirtí, and the next forkful will shed half its load somewhere around the chin. My toast and marmalade will always hit the ground marmalade side down!

Coming back for a moment to losing stuff around the house. You search high and low before reluctantly accepting that the item will never be found. Off you go to the shop and buy a replacement. As soon as you break the seal on the new purchase, what do you find right under your nose? Right ñ so it has happened to you too!

If there is one person in town you just never want to bump into. Surely

THREE-YEAR-OLD GIRL DIES IN TORREVIEJA

A three-year-old girl has died in Torrevieja, after she fell from an 8th floor balcony.

Two emergency ambulances were sent to the scene, including a paramedic SAMU unit, and on arrival the team performed advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the girl. The medical crew transferred the girl to Torrevieja Hospital but, sadly, she was pronounced dead on arrival.

it has to be one of the great mysteries of our time that no matter how often your change your time or routine, every corner you turn you are looking into the face of the one you try to avoid!

I am a great sleeper ñ in fact, I can sleep at will Ö except when I have to be up early the next morning! There are two parts to this mystery: The first is that if I have to be up at 0330, (as I had to catch an early morning flight last week) and I go to bed at 22.00, tired Ö instead of sleeping, I will toss and turn for the next four hours.

The second part of this one of the greatest mysteries of all time is how come I can fall into a deep sleep just before the alarm goes off?

And speaking of that flight out from Dublin Airport, I am going to conclude with a sour great mystery of our time. First of all, I have to say that Dublin Airport, including security check times, rates up there among the best in the world, but last Friday morning I witnessed a big ëbut.í

At 0530 the crowds going through security were seldom greater. In front of us was a nice young couple with two children. The children were well behaved and their parents very accomplished at what they were doing. Alittle blonde, curly-haired girl of around 2 was viewing every-

SUPERHEROES, NEW LOOKS INAUGURATED IN ELCHE

"Superheroes, new looks was inaugurated in Elche, with 18 works of both paintings and textiles, 1x1m works, the iconography of which is superheroes.

Elche based artist Angel Castaño said, "It took each artist out of their comfort zone, applying a new concept in some cases, and a great deal of time in others."

"Our thanks to Marga Antón, Gertrud Gómez, and Elche City Council, for this initiative”..

thing in wonderment. She held her teddy tightly Ö the one constant comfort for the child. But then the security officer said the teddy had to go with the bags on the belt. They took the teddy and the child became hysterical. It got worse when the family bags, including Teddy, were randomly taken in for manual checking.

Echo & The Bunnymen to Play "Visorfest" in Murcia

Some of the most iconic British bands of the 80's will come together with other international performers for the “Visorfest” festival set to take place in Murcia on 22 and 23 September.

Already confirmed are OMD, Echo & The Bunnymen, Inspiral Carpets, Suede and The Primitives, along with the Australian band, The Church, Nada Surf from New York, and Spanish pop-indie band Mercromina.

If I walk through with a penny in my pocket, or forget to take off my belt, the scanner will cop it. It is therefore one of the great mysteries of our time that this child wasnít allowed take her teddy through in her arms.

DON’T FORGET

A necessity is the luxury you see in the home of a neighbour.

Time to Say Goodbye to your Favourite Orihuela Costa Pothole (maybe)

Mayor Carolina Gracia, confirmed that work will start this week on repairing roads in the municipality, including many on the Orihuela Costa, so if you have a favourite pothole, you might want to say goodbye.

Gracia said "Many have been pending for years, even before DANA," however with a contract of just 48,380 euro (IVA included), the repairs won’t go very far.

PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

LANGUAGE & CULTURE BARRIERS

Do you hate queueing and then get to the front only to realise that you are not being understood, and that you cannot quite formulate what it is you need to say?

This morning I had to go to the bank where I waited 45 minutes for my turn.

for me. And today it makes me think of His omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence and as well as all of that; His compassion, compassion for each one of us. And I am in awe all over again.

Where every person matters, but God matters most!

Being served was a gentleman who was getting more stressed by the minute as he tried to convey his need in total frustration to the teller who did not quite understand his problem, though he did his best to explain.

His wife, bless her, was also becoming agitated because she clearly understood the barriers and that it would take some time to sort out; it was not a simple matter.

When in a different country with a different language, it´s often a good idea to either practise what you need to say or to take an interpreter.

Language barriers can cause problems. But it´s not just language is it? It´s also about culture, customs, and attitudes. We so often expect people to know what we mean, know what we are talking about. When interacting with different cultures, a lack of understanding can sometimes seem like a giant chasm. Even common words & phrases can mean something different, here in Spain and elsewhere.

This morning, this all made me wonder at God´s patience with all of us. Think about the tower of Babel – oh what a clatter we must all make! And yet… God knows each of us, He hears us, He sees our lives and our hearts, He knows our struggles and meets our needs (not always our wants, but generally our needs!) He knows us by name, each one of us. This in itself is a concept of awe, wonder, praise and gratitude

I praise and thank Him for what and who He is – to me, to you, to all who seek Him.

When talking to God we do not need to practice our words or have an interpreter, we can simply speak from our hearts. Clear and articulate or muddled and messy, it matters not. Sincerity is the key to our communication with Him and Jeremiah 33:3 is His phone number!

PILAR

C/Canalejas 3,Pilar de la Horadada. Email: phil.molloypccc@gmail.com English Service at 11am every Sunday. Info at: pilarchurch.com

Warmest and driest April since records began

The month was extremely warm, with average temperatures around 14.9 C, a value that is 3.0 C above the average for this month (reference period: 1991-2020 ) .

The maximum daily temperatures in April were on average 4.7 C above the normal value, while the minimums were 1.3 C above the average, resulting in a daily thermal oscillation 3.4 C higher than the normal for the month. In thirty main stations across the community, the average temperature for the month was the highest for an April since records began.

The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), has published its climate report for the month of April 2023 in which it states that last month was the warmest April since the beginning of itís records in 1961.

The month of April was also extremely dry in terms of rainfall, with an average rainfall value over mainland Spain of 14.2 mm, a value that represents 22% of the normal value for the month and the driest April since 1961.

Lake Pedrera

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH.

An image that defines the value of our biodiversity,a pod of about ten dolphins was captured on Wednesday swimming close to the mouth of the Port of Torrevieja. The photo was taken by Julio Jesús Añel and shared on the MeteOrihuela twitter by the geographer Pedro José Gómez.

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS

Week 970

QUICK QUICK

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

DOWN: DOWN: 2 Sea; 3 Ruche; 4 Geyser; 5 Similar; 6 Archipelago; 7 Roundhead; 10 Trepidation; 11 Pipe dream; 14 Solicit; 16 Adonis; 19 Syria; 21 Urn.

CR CR YPTIC YPTIC

ACROSS: 1 Overspend;

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS ACROSS

1.Insolvent (8)

5.Notion (4)

9.Unaccompanied (4)

10.Summit (8)

11.Perhaps (5)

12.Function (7)

13.Impotence (13)

18.Faith (8)

19.Applaud (4)

20.Superficial (7)

21.Crowbar (5)

22.Sediment (4)

23.Stress (8)

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 21

DOWN DOWN

2.Tropical fruit (7)

3.Maim (7)

4.Military captive (8,2,3)

6.Die (7)

7.Eternal (7)

8.Deduces (6)

13.Examination (7)

14.Health (7)

15.Feast (6)

16.Kernel (7)

17.Stutter (7)

8 Ill; 9 Definitions; 11 Contact; 12 Adult; 13 Ratify; 15 Dampen; 17 Leeds; 18 Octopod; 20 Ace of Hearts; 22 Nod; 23 Spectator.

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

ACROSS ACROSS

1.Fighting idleness (8)

5.Girl gives help to miners' leader (4)

9.Stupefy by returning what the shells contain? (4)

10.Industrial action can be impressive (8)

11.Bush that gives the garden a sweep? (5)

12.Tea-tins produced with due ceremony (2,5)

13.Assembles lens in complete innocence (13)

18.Completely eject one side (8)

19.Money-making plant? (4)

20.Encourage to listen to half a score (7)

21.Old address for males in the Middle East? (5)

22.She is in fear, it appears (4)

23.Fairy hut was destroyed (8)

DOWN DOWN

2.Such a note can't be forced (7)

3.Agree with 100 performing well (7)

4.Remote possibility not within the bounds of luck? (7,6)

6.Put life into a team in disarray (7)

7.Ameasure of heat generated by academic success? (7)

8.Fail to meet American woman, colloquially speaking (6)

13.One of the family gets redhead into trouble (7)

14.Draw an abstainer with damaged cart (7)

15.Is six set in order (6)

16.Anaesthetics in the Bible? (7)

17.Frank is one in awful screen production (7)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 21)

1. What is the capital of Finland?

2. What is the name of Bridget Jones' baby in the third Bridget Jones film?

3. At the time of writing (April 2023) how many episodes of The Simpsons are there?

4. Which five colours make up the Olympic rings?

5. In which decade was Madonna born?

6. What is the most sold flavour of Walker's crisps?

7. What's the biggest animal in the world?

8. Put the following Kardashian-Jenners in order of age, oldest to youngest: Khloe, Kylie, Rob, Kourtney, Kendall, Kim, Kris

9. How many times has Andy Murray won Wimbledon playing singles?

10. Which country is brie cheese originally from?

11. In what franchise would you find the character Katniss Everdeen?

12. What does Hakuna Matata mean?

13. What is the capital of Iceland?

14. Who came second in the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2019?

15. What year did Margaret Thatcher die?

16. What does IPA stand for?

17. Who painted the Mona Lisa?

18. Which planet is closest to the sun?

19. What was Queen Elizabeth II's surname?

20. Who plays Delboy Trotter in Only Fools And Horses?

21. What is the largest country in the world?

22. Which fashion designer reportedly had a relationship with Winston Churchill?

23. How many valves does the heart have?

24. What is the name of the school in Sex Education?

25. In Harry Potter, what is the name of The Weasley's house?

26. Put these Tom Hanks films in chronological order: Catch Me If You Can, Forrest Gump, The Terminal, Bridge Of Spies

27. Typically, what four ingredients go into a cosmopolitan cocktail?

28. Who has been the First Minister of Wales since December 2018?

29. Which city had the first ever fashion week?

30. What nut is in the middle of a Ferrero Rocher?

31. What does LGBTQ stand for?

21. What did Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams collectively create?

33. To a single decimal point, many kilometers in a mile?

34. Who is the highest spiritual leader of Tibet?

35. What month was Prince George born?

DON’T DRIVE DISTRACTED

Driving should command full and uninterrupted attention at all times. Distractions of many forms diminish that attention, all too often, with deadly consequences. Let´s be clear, distractions come in many forms, from using a mobile phone, to simply listening to the radio, or engaging in a conversation.

A distraction might even be lighting a cigarette or taking a drink. The consequences are that distracted driving causes one in three fatal incidents in Spain.

In the last decade, distractions have caused 238,000 incidents with victims, more than 30,000 serious injuries and 6,200 deaths. And although the number of incidents caused by distractions has been reduced by 58%, its lethality has increased by 52%.

A report by the Fundación Línea Directa also includes speed as a compounding factor in the increase in mortality during episodes of distraction. Since 2019, fines for speeding have increased by 26%.

Distractions decrease alertness while driving

and increase the risk of having an incident. According to the DGT, using a mobile phone at the wheel multiplies the risk of having an incident by four and sending a WhatsApp multiplies it by 23.

More than 13 million motorists (48%) admit to using a mobile phone regularly while driving and 600,000 confess to being 'addicts'. Proof that it is widely used is that in the last five years more than 500,000 fines have been imposed for driving while talking on a mobile.

The survey tells us that 76% of drivers, three out of four, admit to driving distracted with some frequency and 1.5% (1.5 million) almost always. It also concludes that distractions are reduced as we get older and those over 65 are the ones who are most attentive: up to ten times more than young people between 18 and 29 years of age. Drivers attribute these distractions to the advancement of technology (81%), the rise of mobile phones in society (57%) and daily stress (43%). But, on the other hand, when they are asked directly why they are distract-

More than 13 million motorists (48%) admit to using a mobile phone regularly while driving

ed, the answers are different. 80% state that they are distracted by the 'voyeur effect' when an incident occurs, 79% by looking at the landscape or some landmark of interest, 72% by getting lost in their own thoughts, 52% by using the integrated GPS or in the mobile and 34% for reading WhatsApps or emails on the smartphone.

They also highlight distractions such as recording themselves with their mobile

phones (13%), interacting on social networks (11%) and even putting on makeup (7%).

Since the last modification of the Road Safety Law, using a mobile phone manually is considered a serious offence and is punishable by a 200-euro fine and 6 less points on the driver's licence.

Connecting headphones/audio headphones or devices that affect attention is also a serious infraction that entails a fine of up to 200 euro and the withdrawal of 3 points.

The Church of JESUS

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

Join us at the 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

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 2021 Ford Focus ST-Line

X Petrol Automatic which is priced at just 25,500 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

Los Alc·zares Digital Camera Club. Interested in photography? We invite you to come and join us at our twice monthly meetings. Please contact coordinatorladcc@ gmail.com or see http://www.los-alcazarescamera.club/ for details.

THE COMMUNITYCARE

ASSN (CCA) is a charity that caters for residents of Orihuela Costa of all ages and nationalities. It facilitates the provision of fair and adequate social facilities for all, including the disabled and special needs.

Its drop-in social centre, at the Centro Civico Alameda Del Mar, is open twice a week for a programme of Englishspeaking activities, support and advice, with the support of Orihuela council.

Anyone wanting to join C.C.A. social activities, learn Spanish, have fun and games, just pop along where you will be welcomed by volunteers. We are open between 2pm6pm. Mondays and Wednesdays. Registration between 1.30pm and 2pm with Eva or Norah who can be found in the Cafe area. E: oc.communitycare@gmail.com

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 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

Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 5pm at the Lakeview bar/restaurant, Quesada. For more info contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Steve Hemingfield 0n Mob/Whats 711 011 373 The RAFACosta Blanca RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the RAFAand the RMG is via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk.

Dolón relies on appeal of large projects

In the PP manifesto announced by the Torrevieja mayor, Eduardo Dolón, on Friday the focus centred year again on initiatives that also featured 4 years ago in the 2019 campaign. They included such projects as the restoration of the Eras de la Sal, the reform of the Los Locos and La Libertad promenades and a commitment to the tourist exploitation of the salt mines

“Putting Torrevieja first", is a guarantee of the continuity of many of the initiatives, according to Dolón, who, together with Rosario Martínez Chazarra, number 2 on the electoral list and local party secretary, presented their proposals with the objective of "continuing to advance and transform Torrevieja to continue attracting well-being, quality of life and the generation of employment in a city that is increasingly more enjoyable and accessible. Dolón' said that during this mandate, Torrevieja has recovered "the illusion and joy" as well as the "social, economic and institutional recovery" of the city. And he expressly asks voters not to "place Torrevieja in the hands of another new political experiment", alluding to the left-wing minority government that managed the city between 2015 and 2019.

He spoke of the "strategic" projects, such as the remodelling of the new port on Paseo de la Libertad, Las Eras de la Sal , the remodelling of Paseo de Los Locos, the recovery of La Plasa, and the "project to turn the salt flats into a tourist and health resource."

Many of the projects were paralysed by the pandemic, but they have not been forgotten

“TORREVIEJA AS YOU IMAGINE IT”

and they will soon be moving once again. In the presentation, a video included some of the most outstanding proposals, "the result of more than 500 Torrevejenses who joined in the work commissions carried out in recent months."

Among other initiatives, the construction of the Colegio Amanecer, as well as the award of the new Colegio Inmaculada. There is also the port remodelling project, as well as his commitment to establish a railway connection for Torrevieja. He said that he would fight tirelessly so that improvements to the N-332 become a reality."

He also wants to ensure that health "returns to be a reference at the national level and a guarantee for everybody", although there was no mention about whether he will fight to recover the indirect management model through a health company.

In all the manifesto contains some 1,500 proposals but only the abbreviated version of approximately 250 initiatives has been published.

PPrally attracts over 400 in Pilar despite rain

The leader of SueÒa Torrevieja presented his plans to transform Torrevieja under the identity, ìTorrevieja as you Imagine itî, with projects to be introduced from 1 July. During the presentation, in which Samper introduced the team to transform Torrevieja he said that "my main objective is to make Torrevieja a livelier, happier and more modern city. Torrevieja and each and every one of its residents do not deserve more unfulfilled promises of a PPgovernment".

He added, "I am very proud of the brave men and women who join me on this path to be mayor of Torrevieja, men and women committed to the social, cultural and educational fabric of our city and who want to make it a much better city".

Along with Rodolfo Carmona, Melina Camacho, Jaime Aniorte and Alicia BernabÈ, Samper explained the main investment projects:

Remodelling of the Station Park with the creation of more than 40,000m2 of green areas, playgrounds and underground parking Pedestrianisation of the centre, opening the

streets to families, commerce and hospitality and the creation of more than 1,000 new parking spaces

Creation of five storm tanks to end flooding Widening of the N-332 as it passes through Torrevieja to end traffic jams and delays.

He also outlined other proposals to improve public services, a plan for the revitalisation of La Mata, social proposals aimed at improving the quality of life of our seniors, our people with different abilities, as well as the LGTBIQ + collective, with the proposal to develop a Comprehensive Diversity Plan.

For Samper "the project of SueÒa Torrevieja is the only local and independent project that looks exclusively at the residents of Torrevieja, without ties or impositions of others".

He ended with a clear message "in these elections there are only two options: either PP, and more of the unfulfilled promises we have seen during these four years, or residents who want a solid alternative and a social and modern Torrevieja, united in the venture that represents SueÒa Torrevieja".

Torrevieja Deserves More!

to give a 180 degree turn to the Torrevieja city model.

It was the turn of the Partido Popular in Pilar de la Horadada on Saturday evening as José María Pérez Sánchez introduced the team responsible for implementing the electoral program over the next 4 years.

Under the slogan #CuentoContigo, José María promised a multipurpose building in Torre de la Horadada, a Multi adventure park in Pinar de Campoverde, and an increase in the budget for grants/scholarships at all educational levels. He spoke of improvements for the intercity bus service, an overnight parking area for motorhomes, new bike lanes connecting the interior with the coast, more security cameras and improved sports facilities, even on the beach.

Marina Sáez, No2 on the PP list, said that the party will govern using "objective criteria and with transparency in all their actions, clear priorities without violating private interest, and always working for the people of Pilar”.

No3, Ángel Albaladejo announced that "Pilar de la Horadada is again in fashion" because

residents of Campoamor and Mojón de San Pedro want to come and live in the town, wondering if it is because "suppliers have their invoices settled in 11 days, and the banks pay the council about 200,000 euros a year for fixed-term interest. He also noted that the Popular Party has distributed a little over 4 million euros in consumer bonds to more than 200 businesses.

José María told the gathering that many of the major demands in the town have been resolved, such as security cameras, ambulances in Pinar de Campoverde and Torre de la Horadada, and air conditioners in all schools. He said that the party will not promise the earth because it does not have "a magic wand" but party members commit to working tirelessly "to improve the lives of all Pilareños."

He concluded by saying that the "only pact he has signed is with the people" and that he will work "with both his head and heart."

"For everything that matters" and "Torrevieja deserves more" are the slogans for the Los Verdes 2023 election campaign in Torrevieja.

Last week the green party presented their brochures, posters, merchandise and electoral slogans.

We have opted to promote the new candidates as our images of the campaign, as well as adapting the traditional green and yellow colours that have given identity to Los Verdes de Torrevieja since its creation, they say in a statement.

In addition, the "Torrevieja 2030" project has been made public, with which the party intends

ìFaced with toasts to the sun, virtual mega models, pharaonic projects and a return to a city model that has expired, Los Verdes have made a new proposal that is committed to the well-being of peopleî explained the campaign manager and candidate for Corts Valencianas, Tamara MartÌnez LidÛn.

The campaign slogan is "Torrevieja deserves more", since, in the words of Tamara MartÌnez ìThis city is very used to settling for an out-ofdate model and it must be rethought, for this reason we introduce the idea that Torrevieja deserves more, not only from our politicians, but also from the people, to aspire to that change in a city model that will turn it into a modern, friendly, sustainable city, well prepared for the 21st centuryî.

The motto of the regional campaign will be "For everything that matters", since "we are tired of appealing to flags, anthems and symbolic themes in the campaign to avoid talking about what really matters, which is having a good waste collection, quality public services, aid for access to housing and everything that is not talked about but that really worries the publicî concluded LidÛn.

Why the Local Elections are important to you!

In the 2019 municipal elections

Orihuela Costa failed to elect any representatives, the effects of which have been disastrous for the area, as the coast continues to be starved of the most basic of essential services that are considered fundamental to Spanish life. This is despite the area having a population far greater than that of the City of Orihuela. The reason is quite simple; when it comes to locally elected representatives, the Pedanias consistently return

many of their own residents as Councillors. This situation has resulted in pedanias with populations as low as 2 or 3,000 receiving far superior public services, and a much larger proportion of the budget, at the cost of Orihuela Costa, POP33,000, despite their limited populations.

Politically, certainly in the eyes of our Orihuela based leaders, the Orihuela Costa simply doesnít exist, except as a source of income, but to a large part the fault is our own.

In the 2019 municipal elections, of the 7,300 registered voters on the coast only 2,300 actually turned out to vote. That is why the town of Orihuela Costa is in such a lamentable situation.

The public spending, solely in the hands of Orihuela politicians, is allocated to Orihuela City and itís pedanias, very much to the detriment of the residents living in Orihuela Costa, who must shoulder the burden of their finances.

Without sufficient representation this situation will unfortunately continue which is why those who are able to do so must begin to appreciate that is only by casting your vote for PIOC that we will achieve Councillors on the coast who will fight to improve the situation for residents of Orihuela Costa, therefore we appeal to you all, individuals, associations, groups and businesses to join with us, all intent on achieving that one common goal.

P.I.O.C. The party for the Orihuela Costa

Pepe Vegara meets with Orihuela Costa Residents

The Leader Newspaper joined with the Asociación de vecinos Cabo Roig y Lomas-Orihuela Costa (AVCRL) and invited guests, on Wednesday, at a meeting with the PP candidate for mayor of Orihuela, Pepe Vegara. The gathering was held at La Galería de la Mirada restaurant and was attended by approximately 20 members of the local community.

A number of questions were put to the PP leader, answers to which are summarised below:

1. MUNICIPAL BUDGET: Approval of the budget is matter of the utmost urgency and following the approval of a transition budget for 2023, the PP will immediately start work on the 2024 budget.

If the municipality is to climb out of the hole it is currently in, the 2018 income figure of 80 million euros is insufficient so he will increase income by a relevant amount and provide better management of subsidies and remainders, which he believes is a figure much higher than the 15 million euros that the mayoress expressed in a recent plenary session.

2. COUNCILLOR FOR THE COAST: The coast will receive it’s own budget and will have and the freedom to make it’s own decisions. Two dedicated representatives will be appointed, Raúl Fernández, who is on the PP list at No 11, and who will have the collabora-

Transforming the left of the Vega Baja

Esquerra Unida and Podemos took centre stage on the promenade of Los Náufragos in Torrevieja last week where they confirmed that they will be fighting the municipal election together in 7 municipalities; Torrevieja, Orihuela, Pilar de la Horadada, Callosa de Segura, Albatera, Los Montesinos and Redován, and in some of these municipalities they also share a project with other organizations such as Podemos, Los Verdes, Vecinos por el Pilar, Alternativa Republicana or Compromís . In 4 other municipalities Esquerra Unida/Izquierda Unida will compete alone; Almoradí, San Miguel de Salinas, Guardamar del Segura and Bigastro. The event was attended by Héctor

Illueca, second vice president and candidate for the Generalitat Valenciana, and Rosa Pérez, councillor and coordinator of Esquerra Unida.

Llueca said that "we present ourselves in Vega Baja as the only progressive on the left, our objective is to work to benefit the majority of the working population and promote social justice, in the same way that we have developed courageous policies confronting the powerful in the Valencian and National governments”.

The lists reflect an effort for unity that did not occur in 2019, to the point that in the case of Orihuela they are also joining with Cambiemos and Compromís.

PP will turn La Caleta into a "beach for the whole year", with activities such as the "Winter beach".

tion of Antonio Cerdán (CLARO party, listed at No 14).

3. LOCAL WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN: A municipal public company will be established, promoting selective collection, the control of illegal dumping, the collection of garden wastes, the establishment of an eco-park on the coast and other improvements.

4. MAINTENANCE OF THE ROADS: A study will be carried out to establishthe needs, an economic valuation and a master plan for at least 8 years, which will be managed by the department of the coast. At the same time, the PP will improve management of the road maintenance contract so that it has the necessary materials to repair existing potholes.

5. PEDESTRIAN WIDENING OF THE BRIDGE OVER THE AP7: if the amount of the guarantee (1.2 million euros) continues to be blocked, Vegara made a commitment to include it in the first budgets. He announced that, in the coming days, he will confirm in writing, completion before the end of the next term (May 2027).

6. EXPROPRIATIONS: the Aguamarina promenade: It cannot be opened this summer due to lack of time. A PP council will continue processing the expropriation file, currently in progress, and will make the necessary budget allocation in the first budgets to be approved for full payment of the agreed price.

The expropriation of the access road to the IES Playa Flamenca is more complex, as the expropriation file has not yet been opened and requires full approval in the General Urban Plan (PGOU).

7. BEACHES: He expressed his utmost concern about the urgent tender for the beach bar service and the installation of toilets, the lack of which is jeopardising the award of the blue flags. He believes that a wooden ramp accessible for people with reduced mobility can be installed on the beach of La Caleta (Cabo Roig) instead of an elevator. The recovery of the Aguamarina beach cliff is not a municipal responsibility, but they will urge the appropriate agency to carry out the work. The

8. RAMBLA RÍO NACIMIENTO-PLAYA DE LA GLEA: he recognises that the isolation of Dehesa de Campoamor due to the state of the Avenida de las Adelfas road is a serious problem, to which a definitive solution must be found. The option of channeling the boulevard, as in Pilar de la Horadada, is more complex in our case, as it is an action that involves other agencies (Coasts and the Confederation), outside the municipal powers. However, he undertakes to carry out a serious study with all the possible options and to urge the affected administrations to carry it out, providing the corresponding financing.

9. MARKETS: the need was raised for the Orihuela markets to evolve into benchmark markets in the area, improving quality, variety, cleanliness, etc., to which Vegara confirmed that the Department of Markets will work in close contact with trader representatives to get the best results.

10. COALITIONS: Asked about the council options with regard to future coalitions (Ciudadanos and Vox), Vegara said that he does not foresee any other scenario than obtaining 13 or more councillors and governing in an absolute majority.

Finally, Pepe Vegara stated that he wants to turn Orihuela Costa into a place where people want to come, and not where they want to leave. And that he wants to do so by presiding over a strong, stable government with management capacity, drawing up a future management plan for 4, 8 and 12 years.

Ramon Fuste

CAROLINA GRACIA FOR AN UNSTOPPABLE ORIHUELA

Accompanied by her electoral team, party activists and supporters, the Mayor of Orihuela and candidate for re-election, Carolina Gracia, got her electoral campaign underway with the traditional pasting of posters at the socialist headquarters in Orihuela.

She told her followers, "on May 28 there will be a choice between our proposals for an unstoppable Orihuela or a return to the time of leaders of the PP going through the courts”. She said that she felt "very happy to be together with so many people full of determination", adding that "we are going to work to achieve a majority that allows us to carry through our policies so that we can create a

better Orihuela”.

“We have shown in this year of government that we have the policies to carry Orihuela forward. Where before there was stagnation, now we can make positive decisions, and as we look ahead to the next four years in government, we know that we have the candidates ready to meet the needs of Orihuela”.

“In these next 15 days, we are going to make sure that Orihuela cannot return to the time of cronyism, and that the city is no longer on everyone's lips due to the judicial problems of the leaders of the PP. We must put that period behind us and on May 28 we have a great opportunity to do so”.

CAMBIEMOS “ADD TO ADVANCE”

The Cambiemos manifesto for Orihuela contains 300 proposals that are divided into four main categories: Municipality and urban area; heritage, culture and history; social rights and municipal services; Town Hall efficiency and order.

Entitled "Add to advance towards a better Orihuela". "Some are very concrete and very specific measures that only require political will, others are measures that will require a longer period," according to Carlos Bernabé, the Cambiemos councillor and candidate for mayor of Orihuela.

In addition, he said that "these proposals are both realistic and life changing. We keep in mind the Orihuela we inherited in order to move towards the Orihuela we want to have".

He regrets "that the program is very similar to that of 2019, due to the paralysis and lack of progress caused by the coalition Governments of PP/C's and C's/PSOE".

Bernabé outlined the four funda-

VOX will deliver the needs of Orihuela

Vox Orihuela presented its candidacy for the municipal elections last Saturday in a packed Casino, where attendees had the opportunity to listen to the party's proposals to revitalise Orihuela.

mental principles that structure the program: Protecting the territory and changing the urban model; protection of Heritage, Culture and History; advances in social rights and municipal public services and, finally, moving towards a more efficient, orderly and decentralised City Council.

The local formation has presented it as its vision which is built on the basis of the experience gained over many years as well as by listening to the public for the collection of proposals in markets and other areas in the city.

The candidate for mayor, Manuel Mestre, was supported by the spokesperson for the Valencian Parliament, Ana Vega, and the member of the Spanish Parliament, JosÈ MarÌa Figaredo. Salvador Ruso from Torrevieja, and Aurora Rodil from Elche, were also in the hall. Ana Vega spoke about the party's main concerns, insecurity, illegal occupation, families and indoctrination in the

classroom. The VOX spokeswoman in the Valencian Parliament, said that Vox is the party that represents the only possible alternative to the sectarian policies of the left and that it seeks to ensure the well-being of the public, instead of political interests.

When JosÈ MarÌa Figaredo took the floor he vehemently criticized not only the economic corruption but also the moral corruption that Spanish politics currently supports. He encouraged party members "not to lower their heads or ears", but to fight for a long-term project that values the history, traditions and values of Spaniards as a nation. Manuel Mestre closed the event with a speech in which he outlined the specific needs of Orihuela, amongst which he highlighted Vox's intention to demonstrate that honesty and good management are the basis and success of all politics, especially at the local level.

WILLEY TAKES VICTORY IN LINEA DIRECTA NATIONAL MEN’S SINGLES

On Friday morning the semi finals took place with the weather trying to intervene. Luckily the forecast heavy rain didn’t materialise and matches ran to schedule.

Dave Morrison beat Dave Webb in one semi, while Freddie Willey beat Peter Morgan in the other. With the weather still looking threatening the final was moved forward by an hour.

Freddie Willey against Dave Morrison in what was a superb match with brilliant bowling from both players. Freddie who played well all week held his nerve to win the first set and draw the second and become Spanish National Champion 2023.

BY SUZI COOPER

The National Mens Singles competition started on Tuesday 9th May. It was held at Quesada Bowls Club & the weather until the last morning was bright & sunny.

22 players entered and were in 2 groups of 6 and 2 groups of 5. Play started with round robin in each section. Each game consisted of 2 sets of 9 ends plus a 3 end tie break if it was 1 set each.

At the end of the round robin play the top 2 in each group progressed to the quarter finals on Thursday afternoon.

Each group winner played again a second place player from another group.

Dave Webb of San Luis played against Alan Bannister of Vistabella. Dave won on the tie break.

Pete Bonsor of Greenlands played against Richard (Freddie) Willey of Vistabella. Freddie won the tie break.

Dave Morrison of Greenlands played Harald Olsen of Quesada. Dave won on the tie break.

Scott Malden of San Luis played Peter Morgan of Quesada. Peter won on the tie break.

President Bob Donnelly thanked all players who entered, the umpires and the markers who between them marked a total of 57 matches in 4 days. Thanks went to sponsors Linea Directa and Suzi Cooper, Competition Secretary, for the planning & scheduling before the event and overseeing the tournament in progress.

Finally he thanked The Club Quesada for keeping everyone fed & watered, the Members & committee of Quesada Bowls Club for giving up their green for the duration and finally all the spectators who came along to watch over the 4 days.

TDLO Player of the Year Competition

The finale of the season, the Player of the Year competition, was held at The New Tavern, San Miguel. Two players from each of the 8 teams were selected by virtue of their season´s performance in the league singles games, ideally having won the majority of their games throughout. For some players this was a 100% record!

The format was a preliminary round robin of four players on each of the four dartboards, every player getting 3 games of 501, best of 3. The winner from each board would be the player with the most legs out of a possible total of 6, earning themselves a place in the semi-finals.

BOARD 1: Bliss Wright (6) Gap Girlz, Monique Edelenbos (4) Friendly Temps, Simone De Lacy (3) Tipsy Tigers, Chris Greenwood (2) Wacky

Allsorts

BOARD 2: Mitch Halliday (6), Primadonnas, Alison Webster (5) Friendly Chicas, Lisa Ivill (2) Tipsy Tigers, Lin Cousins (2) Friendly Chicas

BOARD 3: Yvonne Rouffignac (5+2) Gap Girlz, Diane Dane (5+1) Primadonnas, Donna Ralph (5+0) Ck1 Ladybirds, Lesley Justice (0) Dolly Mixtures

BOARD 4: Sue Christie (6) Ck1 Ladybirds, Diane Burns (5) Dolly Mixtures, Sue Wade (5) Friendly Temps, Jane Barns (0) Wacky Allsorts

In the 501, best of 5 Semi Finals, Bliss beat Mitch 3-0 in a match that didn´t really show either of form, Bliss hitting just one ton. The 2nd Semi-final between Yvonne and Sue

Christie was a lot more entertaining and Yvonne Rouffignac, with a 180 under her belt in the prelims, clocked up a triple D19 max (171) plus a ton and took 3 legs (T14-D16, D16, 20-D20) the last leg competed in just 20 darts. The all Gap Girlz Final: Bliss Wright 1-3 Yvonne

Rouffignac

Thanks to Kim York-Fickling and her team for the organising the fantastic raffle, the volunteer chalkers, organisers and the New Tavern. A fab night was had by all!

Finalist and winner. Bliss and Yvonne

Semi finalists. Sue and Mitch

Yvonne, Simone, Sue C, Lisa, Bliss, Mitch, Donna, Diane D, Alison, Sue W, Monique, Lesley, Diane B, Lin. (Jane and Chris not present)

Finalist Dave Morrison with National Champion ‘Freddie’ Willey

Finalists from Quesada BC

The moment of victory

THADER FALL SHORT OF VICTORY IN MUST WIN MATCH

Needing to beat Santa Pola in this penultimate Preferente match of the season to qualify for next season's revamped league, Thader were forced to settle for a draw in this local derby fixture.

CD Thader ...........2

A scheme inviting locals to sample football in Rojales free of charge, saw a bumper crowd inside Moi Gomez stadium on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Santa Pola ...........2

At start of play, Thader sat some 5 points behind Santa Pola in 9th place, knowing that it was win or bust if the coveted 8th place was to be achieved. Both teams formed a guard of honour, as Thader's league winning youth team were presented to the crowd. When Rosquin looked set to pull the trigger on 8 mins, it seemed odds on that the hosts would take an early lead. Through on goal, with just the keeper to beat, he had to score, and surely would have, had he not been unfairly hauled down.

Unbelievably, the referee waved play on, as thoughts of 'here we go again', went through my mind. To rub salt into the wound, Santa Pola then proceeded to take the lead some 5 mins later. Sloppy defensive play, resulted in a cross from the left, finding an unmarked Andrei at the far post. He then proceeded to

nonchalantly side foot home into an empty net from close range, as an uphill struggle got even harder.

Then, from the very next attack with 15 mins on the clock, a cross from the right found the same man, in the same place, with the same result.

If there was any consolation, it was that there was still loads of time to rectify the damage done, and it didn't take long before the men in blue and white stripes pulled a goal back. Berni picked up a loose ball inside the penalty area on 20 mins, spectacularly executing a neat chip over a sea of players into the back of the net. The next piece of injustice, in this fast and furious encounter, fell to Santa Pola. Once again, it was Andrei, in the thick of everything, who was involved. Through on goal, with just Thader keeper Chema to beat, he appeared to have his legs taken from him, but incredibly, yet again, nothing was given!

First Quino, then Pedro Juan, had fierce shots well saved by Santa Pola keeper Angel, who at full stretch kept his side in the driving seat. Thader captain Lloyd could only watch, when his 40th min long range free kick narrowly missed the target, then in first half stoppage time, only an offside flag denied Quino celebrating an equalising goal.

Costa Blanca Independent Pool League Cup

Costa Blanca Independent Pool League Cup win-

ners The Dream Team (Principles) ran out convincing winners against Plate winners Full Monte Azul (Pines B).

The 2023 Doubles and Single Finals will take place on May 17, followed by the presentation for winners and runners-up, sponsored Guardian Security.

Different half, same story, as Thader applied relentless pressure on their opponent's goal, which at times led a charmed life. Within quick succession, Ruben had a goal bound effort well saved, before a netbuster long range shot by Fran required another brilliant save by Angel, who breathed a sigh of relief as the rebound was headed agonisingly wide of the target.

Thader's big no 9 then struck a beauty which rattled the underside of the bar, before bouncing to safety. A penalty was eventually award-

SAD FAREWELL FROM CARP-R-US FOR ‘MR FIXIT’

Monday 8th May we said goodbye to Terry `Mr Fixit¥ Screen, 79 who sadly passed away the previous week. Terry was a founder member of Carp-R-Us and other local fishing clubs and was well known to many outside of the clubs.

He was instrumental in establishing angling on the southern Costa Blanca including helping to create new venues that everyone could enjoy.

He had time for everyone and would often regale you with tales of his fishing exploits both back in England and here in Spain. He was a fount of knowledge and a dab hand at fixing all sorts of broken fishing tackle. He will be sorely missed not only by his family but by the whole of the fishing community

ed on 73 mins, following a foul on Pascual, from which Lloyd converted in his normal confident manner. With time running out, a Pedro Juan header was well saved, then only what appeared to be a push on Thader sub Jony, prevented him heading into an open goal, as a goal kick and not a penalty was awarded.

It could have been worse deep in stoppage time, had Chema not pulled off a brave close range save, to deny the visitors recording what could only be described as daylight robbery.

For the final match of the season, Thader must travel to Villena on either 20 or 21 May. Check out CD Thader facebook page for details.

One of Spain's top female football stars Marta Peñalver has returned home after playing in Italy.

In Leader Exclusive interviews, former Spain International Marta talks to Andrew Atkinson, about her future and ambitions to play in England, along with her painting hobby away from football.

COMING SOON - ONLY IN THE LEADER NEWSPAPER.

QUIZ FROM PAGE 14: Helsinki, 2.William, 3.745, 4.Black, green, blue, yellow and red.5.The 1950s (1958), 6.Cheese and Onion, 7.The blue whale, 8.Oldest to youngest:Kris, 67, Kourtney, 43, Kim, 42, Khloe, 38, Rob, 35, Kendall, 27, Kylie, 25, 9.Twice - in 2013 against Novak Djokovic and in 2016 against Milos Raonic, 10.France, 11.The Hunger Games, 12.No worries, 13. Reykjavík, 14.Netherlands, 15.2013, on the 8th April, 16.Indian Pale Ale.17. Leonardo da Vinci, 18.Mercury, 19. Windsor.Her full name is Elizabeth

Alexandra Mary Windsor, 20.David Jason, 21.Russia, 22.Coco Chanel, 23. Four - the mitral, tricuspid, aortic and pulmonic valves, 24.Moordale High, 25.The Burrow, 26.Forrest Gump (1994), Catch Me IfYou Can (2002), The Terminal (2004), Bridge Of Spies (2015), 27.Fresh lime juice, vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec/cointreau/orange liqueur, 28.Mark Drakeford, 29.New York, in 1943, 30. Hazelnut, 31.Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (or queer), 32.Twitter, 33.1.6km, 34.The Dalai Lama.35.July

SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION

RESULTS 11 MAY WEEK 8

DIVISION 1

Mind the Gap8-4Hub Hyenas

El Capitan6-6Tipsy Toad Toppers

CC´s Bees4-8CC´s Flyers

DIVISION 2

Leeson St Trotters7-5Milo´s

Freakie Taverners7-5Danny´s Bar

CK1 Lads7-5Fallen Angels

DIVISION 3

Angel Delights6-6Ck1 Ladybirds

Hub Hellraisers9-3Pint Depot Queens

Tipsy Toad Tiaras6-6Domino´s Desp’dos

LEAGUE TABLES

DIVISION 1 P Pts Legs

Mind The Gap81466

Hub Hyenas81055

El Capitan8847

Tipsy Toad Toppers8845

CC's Flyers8743

CC’s Bees8128

DIVISION 2

Leeson Street Trotters81359

Ck1 Lads81154

Milo´s8949

Freakie Taverners8641

Fallen Angels8544

Danny's Bar8441

DIVISION 3

Ck1 Ladybirds81566

Tipsy Toad Tiaras81154

Angel Delights7741

Domino's Desperados7641

Hub Hellraisers8540

Pint Depot Queens8233

180´S: Mark Ellis (8),Hub Hyenas x2, Edmundas Klimonis (6) El Capitan, Vycka Bobinas El Capitan, James Brown Mind The Gap

HIGHEST CHECK OUTS: Paul Moody Mind The Gap

155, T20-T19-D19, Matt Smith CC’s Flyers 90, T18D18

DIVISION 1

MIND THE GAP V HUB HYENAS

This match had it all, top draw scoring, finishing and half time yummy Cornish Pasties, fries and baked beans. Wow!!! 180's from James Brown and 2 from Mark Ellis (taking his season's total to 8) plus a league best finish of 155 from Paul Moody in his singles versus Jay Wilkinson, the Hub star sitting on a double in the opening singles.

And a total of 65 tons (or more) plus 59 scores of

80+, Gap edging the tons total 34 to 31. Hyenas got back into the game at 5-4, Gap just too strong in the remaining 3 singles, Brown guaranteeing the points.

Top outs from Carlos Escansiano T17,D12, Wilkinson, T17,S16,D8, Alan Havelock, T16,D16.

"Top Tonners" Sam Salt 9, Wilkinson 9, Brown 8, Ellis 8. An excellent table topping clash, POTMBrown - Ellis.

C.C.BEES V

C.C.FLYERS

Flyers took an early 1-2 lead, despite scores of 83,121,140 from Reg Christopher and 85,99,140 from Liam Lumb. Charles Pritchett and Matt Smith hitting the outer ring for Flyers.

The pairs went in the same direction for 2-4 at half time, B's Paul Christopher and Bruce Admiral getting the better of 3 ton Jesus Madrid and 140,121, Doug Adkins.

Pritchett made it 2-5, prior to Reg C. overcoming Adkins 140,100, with 2 fine finishes of 60 and 87. Smith gained the draw for Flyers in a belter with Lumb, Smith pulling out the stops in a 3 legger, with outs of 86, on Bull and 90, plus 4x100,140. Both players earning POTM. Suso Madrid got Flyers over the line and 2 points with a 0-2 victory over Admiral.

EL CAPITAN V TIPSY TOAD TOPPERS

Ed Klimonis banged in his 6th maxi of the season in the 1st triple and still ended up with Trotters Andy Rutter outing on D4.

The visitors added 2 more via Rutter and Paddy Winterbourne for an early 0-3 advantage. Rutter added 2 more doubles and 100,125,140, with Lee Maiden for 0-4. The remaining 1st half legs went to Caps for 2-4.

Rutter got the better of Andres Liamazares 1-2, the

Trotter hitting 3x140,100, for 2-5. Ed K pulled one back for Caps, opponent Maiden forcing a 3rd leg with a tasty 108 out. Toady, John Rodford got the visitors to 6 legs with 3x100,140, in 3 legs over a free scoring Vycka Bobinas 2x100,134,140,180.

Caps needed all 3 remaining singles for the draw and acheived the task via Arold K. Chris Logan 125,140 and Ben Kernahan 3x100,140. POTMLiamazares - Rodford.

DIVISION 2

LEESON ST. TROTTERS V MILOS

The hosts enjoyed a healthy half time lead courtesy of some impressive darts from Mark Farmer 100,135,140 and 2 doubles, Mike Fellows and Ken Skinner providing the other 2. Milos Javi de Gea and Rory Byrne regularly finding T20's.

Yvonne Rouffignac 140,100 narrowly beat Sam James 121,100 for 5-2, Cain Garcia 100,125, impressive over Ken S. 0-2. Farmer 2X140,100 guaranteed the draw over de Gea 2x95,140, leaving Barry Shingler to gain the 7th leg and points fo Trotters.

Angel Gallardo and Fabian Alcarez added 2 more Milo victories. POTM - Farmer - de Gea.

C.K 1 LADS V FALLEN ANGELS

A win and a draw from their last 2 matches will ensure a creditable 2nd spot for the Lads. This match was poised at 3 apiece prior to the singles, the Lads outscoring Angels but nevertheless all square, with 6 to play.

Angels went ahead in the 2nd half, Graham White nailing D16 for a 1-2 victory over Kevin Wood in a high scoring tussle. Les Adams 3x140 and Steve M. Dalton 3x100, reversed the trend for 5-4, James Mackay 2x100,126 and a very nice 89 out levelled the score at 5-5.

John Crabbe and Terry David secured the 11th and 12th legs for 2 points. POTM - Dalton -White.

FREAKIE TAVERNERS V DANNYS BAR

Doubles from Sharon Frain, Ernie Willis and Noel Kenny from Freakies, were equal to outs from Simon Todd,Steve Lumb and Bob Smith for 3 each at the break. Bryan Livsey 140,100.

POTM - Livsey 100,125 nudged Freakies ahead, followed by a 2-1 victory from Mitch Halliday 133 for 5-3. Simon Perryman put in a POTM performance against Willis in his 0-2 win.

Annette Dobson found D2 twice for at least a draw. Smith got Dannys to 6-5 with 2x140,D8 in the 3rd leg over Mario Garcia 2x100,140. Frain made it 2 points for Freakies in a high scoring encounter with Steve Lumb.

DIVISION 3

TIPSY TOAD TIARAS V DOMINOS DESPERADOS

The Dom´s arrived short of a player but bringing some stalwarts along for the ride. POTM Paul Chick opened with a 140, 98 which rattled the Tiaras until captain Pat Schofield (100) responded, but Dominatrix Chris Oates (D2) got the first point for her team.

By Paul Durrant

Captain Steve Harding doubled it (92, D20) but Tiaras got the 3rd Courtesy of Pat (10-D5). LIsa Ivill (81, 127, D1) packed a punch and evened things up only to be overtaken again by Chick (D2), Tracey Simpson (80,D4) obliging for the hosts for 3-3.

Thereafter it went tit for tat, Steve (125, D3), Simone de Lacy (115, 1-D4), Chick (95, D8), Schofield (D2), Dennis Rhodes (D2) and finally Sharon Crane (D3). A close match and a great night.

ANGELS DELIGHTS V C.K.1 LADYBIRDS

Birds lost their 100% record to a 12th leg match saver from a Steph Knowles D10, points shared. She didn't however take the POTM award that went to Sharon Williams who consistently found T20 and nailed 3 winning legs.

Kirsty Green matched Williams' game shots with 3 of her own, the 3rd ensuring a draw, for Birds POTM. Top score for Birds, Gina Woods with 133 and for Angels, a Williams 121.

HUB HELLRAISERS V PINT DEPOT QUEENS

Queens failed to repeat last weeks' winning ways, but still managed good winning performances from Lorraine Cox, Maggie Morgan and POTM Debbie Wright.

Sue Spiers did much of the damage for Raisers, nailing 3 outs, but it was Lesley Dolling who claimed the match winning double and 2 points for Raisers.

Rachel Lee added 2 more outers, Skipper Cheryl McGlynn plenty of trebles and her teams 8th leg. After the match, Raisers said a fond farewell to Fred their weekly chalker. POTM - Spiers.

Paul (155) and James

Last game of the season for ‘Fred the Chalker’.