The Leader Newspaper 06 February 23 – Edition 957

No 957

6th - Sunday 12th February 2023

637 227 385

Keeping people safe and informed for over 19 years - The Costa Blancaís oldest ëFREEíEnglish language newspaper

The Director of the Savier Residential Care Home in Los Dolses, Consuela Lopez, hosted a meeting of Health Care workers, involved groups and associations, on Friday, to discuss the appalling situation of Residential and Welfare Care for the elderly, vulnerable and disabled people of Orihuela Costa.

The gathering was attended by representatives of Plataforma Sanidad 100x100 Publica y de Calidad, The Community Care Association, Caritas, Help at Home Costa Blanca, The Royal British Legion, The Rotary Club Punta Prima and CLARO.

Top of the agenda was a government requirement, the provision of a Day Care Centre for the area, where health care services can be provided to all vulnerable groups, the right of every citizen of SPAIN, thereby enabling each one of us to enjoy a better quality of life.

In welcoming guests, Centre Director, Consuela Lopez, announced that the Savier Residential Care Home would soon be establishing a ‘Day Care Centre’ for anyone who meets the criteria. It will operate every Monday to Friday from 9am till 8pm, at a nominal cost to cover transport, where people can socialise, enjoy 2 meals a day and take part in a variety of activities, to improve their mental health, maybe learn a little Spanish, and make new friends.

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The centre would also provide respite for the many carers who need a break, who are in need of their own space, for their own mental health. She said that groups, including the elderly, people over 65, the vulnerable and frail, as well as anyone with a disability of any age, will have the right to use their facilities.

Antonio Cerdan and Social Worker Maria Hidalga highlighted the many social welfare services available to those who meet the criteria for assistance, including Home help, Meals on Wheels for the disabled, Regional Law of Dependency, Rent Subsidies, Immigration and the Homeless, training for the unemployed and young people, victims of gender violence, as well as a wide range of other activities that MUST all be provided by the Town Hall and Centro Civico. Unfortunately, in Orihuela Costa, this Government service, is currently not operating, but it should be reinstated during March, although no contract has yet been drawn up to provide these services.

At the moment there is only one care worker afforded to provide home support for the entire area of 35,000 plus residents, a situation that is totally unacceptable.

Norah Bond, representing Community Care, said that she is also concerned that a centre for people with Mental

MEDIEVAL MARKET IN ORIHUELA

After a 3-year absence the XXIII edition of Orihuela Medieval was held over the weekend in Orihuela City where visitors were able to enjoy over 300 craft and food stalls and more than 20 trade workshops

Other attractions included knights' jousting tournaments and falconry exhibitions while children were

By Norah Bond

Health issues is not made available, for those who desperately need such support. “We need an ADEIM Centre, the same as Orihuela city where there are currently two Centres operating, in addition to the one in Torrevieja,all of which have qualified and specialist staff. Currently anyone requiring such assistance has to travel to La Mata, Torrevieja, an absolute nonsense. She also highlighted the need of a Centre for people with long term conditions, anyone who has suffered a stroke, Parkinson's, Huntingdon's, Motor Neurone Diseases, Multiple Sclerosis,Alzheimer's and Dementia? Neither is there any assistance for

those who have to deal with Drug abuse, Gambling and Alcoholic abuse, although these services are provided in Orihuela, Bigastro and surrounding districts, all of which have their own treatment Centres.

She spoke of the need for an Englishspeaking coordinator to provide people with information of available help and support.

Sylvia Sakir, from Help at Home Costa Blanca, offered to help raise funds for transport or equipment for the Day Centre, while Director, Consuela Lopez agreed to prepare

https://saviaresidencias.es/

able to take part in activities in the Plaza de la Salud, Carmen, Salvador, Santa Lucía and Rincón Hernandiano.

There were also 25 music, theatre and entertainment companies and six historical recreation companies featured over the weekend.

The city's museums remained open on all three market days from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the María Moliner library hosted an exhibi-

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

The filthy rich have no idea

How the working folk survive

Money is no object

They don't work to stay alive

They have no need for food banks

For hand outs and free health

Expense accounts and mansions

Invested money feeds their wealth

Offshore tax free banking

Making profits so obscene

Not living in the real world

As their world is just a dream

The next meal is no problem

The bills don't summon fear

by David Whitney C2023

The working class should budget

That's just what they always hear

Strikes and protest rallies

Seem to be a futile task

When all they want's a fair wage

That is all they ever ask

But deaf ears do not hear them

And the rich get richer still

Whilst the poor remain in poverty

It seems they always will

If governments don't recognize The problems and take note

The working man will suffer

And the rich will always gloat.

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

more information, as well as offering to give presentations to Associations, once the Day Centre opening date is approved.

SAVIA RESIDENCIAS

The Savier Residential Care Home is situated in Los Dolses along C/Canal de Panama. Although it is managed by the private company Savia Residencias, it occupies a municipal plot, the tradeoff for which is the provision of 68 subsidised places for Orihuela Costa residents, alongside the 52 places that are currently available for private patients.

tion on the figure of "La Armengola" and another on Alfonso X "El Sabio ”. The Cathedral of Orihuela had guided visits, both to the temple and to the tower, and in the patio of the Miguel Hernández House Museum held an exhibition showing the traditional process of washing and bleaching clothes.

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‘UNFAIR WORLD’

Director, Consuela Lopez, announced that the Savier Residential Care Home would soon be establishing a ‘Day Care Centre’

Orihuela Costa residents demand council sets budget for the coast

The Cabo Roig y Lomas Neighbourhood Association has drawn up the ‘Orihuela Costa Neighbourhood Minimum Program’, a 17 page document, that is the result of a consultation among its 300 members, in which they list the critical and priority actions that are necessary to put an end to the historical shortfall of services and infrastructure suffered by the coast.

In total, the document details 110 proposals that the City Council must undertake to solve the serious deficiencies. They warn that "Orihuela Costa needs a comprehensive and urgent plan of investment, for four years, that ensures the implementation of most of the measures proposed in the program, based on the reality of the current deficiencies" .

The document has been prepared on the eve of the municipal elections and, as such, it will be issued to all of the party leaders, so that they can validate the needs of the residents who live on the coast.

The association insist it is necessary that this plan be supported by "solid and credible budgetary values”, and that it be managed by "a credible grouping that is led by someone with the appropriate status".

With a neighbourhood movement that is made up with a number of different associations, which is not common in other areas of the Vega Baja, the result of growing discontent and indignation due to the inadequate investment by the Oriolan administration into one of its main districts, the Coast has claimed for decades that it warrants more investment. In recent months the winds of independence are blowing

once again, emerging under the patronage of the Party for the Independence of Orihuela Costa (PIOC).

The minimum program speaks of "administrative decentralization" through the creation of the Department of the Coast, with a deputy mayor in charge, and who has a team, and the necessary finance, under his control that is sufficient to meet all the needs of Orihuela Costa. This includes the strengthening of Urbanism and Infrastructures and the approval of a specific annual budget for the Coast.

Just as they require each of the parties to specify the economic aspects to carry out such commitments in their electoral programs, the association has also provided an estimate of the income necessary to carry out the improvements in the basic services that the area needs.

They also highlight the budget expenditure per inhabitant in the municipality of Orihuela (average of the last 5 years) is 1,021 euros per resident per year, lower than that of the surrounding municipalities: in Torrevieja it is 1,134 euros (11% more than Orihuela), in Guardamar del Segura 1,149 (13% more) and in Pilar de la Horadada 1,422 (39% more).

The 110 proposals include the preparation of a new General Plan for Sustainable Urban Planning of the municipality, duly regulating the construction of new housing and adapting it to the limitations of water resources and mobility due to the characteristics of the N-332.

They say that the proposals will "return to Orihuela Costa the splendour it had years ago , placing the level of its services and infrastructure at the level of the beauty of its landscapes and wonderful beaches". They want the Orihuela Costa to "no longer be invisible to those who govern the municipality", since "the Coast contributes more than enough to the income of the Orihuela City Council" to achieve all this and more.

In total, the document details 110 proposals

SECOND-HAND CAR PRICES ROCKET

The lack of supply of new vehicles due to the effects of the semiconductor crisis, the long waiting times to receive the vehicles and inflation have caused a move of consumers to the used market.

So much so, that second-hand cars, also due to the scarcity of units available and the high demand, have registered an increase in prices never seen before, surpassing the rises that have occurred in the new passenger car market with an increase in almost 50% for vehicles older than 10 years, this is an average of 2,000 euro more.

According to the employers' association of car dealers (Ganvam), the increase in the prices of used cars exceeds that registered in new cars.

According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for new vehicles rose by 10.4% in 2022. The rise in used cars almost doubles that figure. The causes are the low supply of new products because of logistical problems and a shortage of microchips. This caused delays in deliveries and increased demand for used cars.

Specifically, the price of cars between 10 and 15 years old rose by nearly 32%, from 5,998 euro in 2021 to 7,900 euro in 2022, which translates to an increase of over 2,000 euro.

Although the biggest increase was registered by cars of more than 15%, which appreciated by almost 34% compared to the same period of the previous year, from 2,990 euro in 2021 to

3,990 euro this year , 1,000 euros more.

ìIf we compare the prices with respect to what we saw in 2019, before the coronavirus crisis, we see that used cars have increased in value by practically 33%. And again it is the older vehicles that appreciate the most.

While the cost of living increased by 12% at this time, it is not uncommon for cars over 10 years old to be worth 50 or 60% more," the employers point out.

The lack of new cars on the market due to the impact of the semiconductor crisis and logistical problems has triggered the average age of the Spanish fleet to 14 years despite the aid that the Government has launched to encourage the purchase of electric cars -excluding the rest of thermal engines-.

´If there is something that hinders the rejuvenation of the Spanish mobile fleet, it is the drop in sales of new cars. In addition, the lack of stock caused the offers of pre- owned cars to be diluted. Analysing the registered transactions, it can be seen that 20% fewer cars less than three years old have been sold in 2022 than in 2021î, explain Ganvam sources.

In addition, they point out that ìif we compare them with those registered before the pandemic, they are 40% less. Of 427,508 units (20% of the total market), last year they accounted for 253,903, 13.4%. In zero kilometre cars, less than a year old, less than half are sold than three years ago.

Spain told to speed up vehicle electrification as sales lag

Despite a European Union average of over 20 percent, Spanish sales of electrified vehicles had just a 9.2 percent market share last year as it’s car manufacturers struggle to recover from a pandemic-induced slump. As such, while presenting the group's roadmap for the future, Wayne Griffiths, the head of the lobbying group ANFAC and CEO of Volkswagen Group’s Seat brand, said "We cannot afford to let 2023 go by without taking ambitious decisions. Cosmetic measures are no longer enough."

"Europe is splitting in two, and Spain is

falling further and further behind leading countries" such as Germany and Portugal.”

In 2022, about 78,000 plug-in hybrid and full-electric vehicles were sold in Spain, far below the 120,000 required to meet current emission goals.

Electric vehicles accounted for 9.2 percent of total sales, while the EU average is over 20 percent.

Griffiths said the industry ultimately needed to encourage consumers to make the leap to EVs, though he was aware that their generally high prices, and a still-lacking charging infrastructure for EVs, had put off some potential buyers.

Because of the problems the average age of the Spanish fleet is now 14 years

ARRIVAL OF ‘THE RABBIT POLICE’ IN SPAIN

Dear Sir/Madam, or what ever we have to say now.

I have just been reading the ridiculous article about the new animal laws coming out in Spain. I cannot believe that children will no longer be able to keep rabbits, hamsters or guinea pigs as pets.

I have never heard of any of these creatures getting out and mauling anyone to death or taking over the planet. They are all prey animals and would soon be killed by feral cats, dogs or foxes if the escaped.

I have never seen a tortoise chasing anyone down the road or any of the mentioned creatures keeping neighbours awake making a noise or crapping on pavements. I do not understand the logic of this. Spain is awash with feral cats and dogs wondering unattended.

Neither have I seen many tortoises, hamsters, guinea pigs or pedigree rabbits rampaging down the streets, snapping at peoples’ heels, causing mayhem. I cannot imagine packs of rabid children’s much-loved pets taking over the world.

I am worried what this could mean to rabbit lovers, will the rabbit police come and try to snatch pets from small children? If you allowed a pet rabbit to escape it wouldn’t last long in the wilds, wild rabbits wouldn’t accept them, and as already stated they are prey animals, and something would surely kill them. There is no way that the majority of the pets listed would live without a human to feed it, so they could not endanger the Spanish wildlife or plants, so where is the logic in this?

Would this law mean that if you already have a pet that is on the list, vets will not be allowed to treat them? Will they not be allowed in pet hotels whilst owners go on holiday?

No more Rabbit shows.

I have been a little flippant but I assure you I am very concerned about this absolutely stupid new law. Rabbits and guinea pigs have always been pets for children, they teach them how to look after something, which is a good thing. Please tell me this is a false story, it must be worrying and upsetting for a lot of people.

Sylvia Gallimore

EDITOR’s RESPONSE:

Firstly, we have to point out that the new Animal Protection Law is entirely framed around protecting the welfare and safety of the animals. So your reference to hamsters mauling people, for example, is not the point of the legislation, as it is not designed expressly to protect the humans.

There are elements such as preventing homeless people from owning dogs. There is no doubt that dogs in this situation are

loved and provide valuable companionship to their humans, but is it in the best interest of the animal to be forced into a state of homelessness? Similarly, the classification of dangerous dogs is considered erroneous, because there are many dogs classed as dangerous who a far from posing any kind of risk, and there are some that do not fall into this category who have been problematic. In most cases, incidents involving dogs can more easily be identified as a human problem, either in the training or care of the animal, sometimes intentional, but not the fault of the animal, to which it is concluded that it is far better to train dog owners of how to care for the animal, then assess them on an individual basis. As you say, “keeping neighbours awake making a noise or crapping on pavements” is a behavioural problem, but at the very core of this issue is the human, not the animal. The same with “rampaging down the streets, snapping at peoples’ heels, causing mayhem”.

The prevention of pregnancy is also an issue nationally, due in part to the large number of animals who are subsequently abandoned, left to fend for themselves, and the huge number of animals awaiting adoption, so something has to be done to solve this problem, for the good of the animals, and also, in some cases, the neighbourhoods sometimes overrun by feral animals, but, again, it is not the fault of the animals.

The selling of animals in pet shops has often been problematic, particularly in an animal welfare point of view, and the same can be said about some breeders, so again, this issue had to be addressed.

There are many other points that can be made that show value to the intention of the law, if we acknowledge the first point in that it is designed for the wellbeing of the animals.

The second point we have to make is that this law is currently going through the process before implementation, and, as such, will undergo many changes before it becomes legislation. That is to say that at this point, nobody can say exactly what the final law will or will not contain.

As an example of this, hunting dogs were first included in the draft, later to be excluded, but campaigners are wanting them included once again. Animal activist groups frequently report that hunting dogs are amongst some of the most abused in the country, and so must be included in the legislation. Most recently, the legislators have given in to pressure from the sector to have them excluded.

Again, to make the point, at this time, nobody knows for sure what will or will not be included, but whilst going through this process now is exactly the time for you to raise your concerns with your local governmental representatives, who, in turn, can pass your feelings through the chain so that it becomes part of the discussion process. ....ED

GOLD VIBRATORS WORTH 80,000 EUROS STOLEN

A theft occurred at Dreamlove, the largest national distributor of erotic toys located in the Carmona Logistics Park in Seville, where seven 24 carot gold and steel vibrators worth 80,000 euros and 25,000 euros were stolen from the company safe.

The men also stole 25,000 euro in cash from a safe after they cut cables plunging the whole area into darkness.

Spain is nearly at prepandemic tourism levels

Spain received 71.6 million tourists in 2022, which is 14.3% less than the number of tourists in 2019, before the pandemic. The recovery of foreign tourism has been steady since May 22. Although the number of tourists is lower than in 2019, their expenditure was 5.3% lower as well. Tourism accounted for 12.6% of Spain's total GDP in 2019, 12.2% in 2021, and 5.8% in 2020.

Barcelona's most expensive apartment sells for over euro40 million

A penthouse apartment located on Barcelona's prestigious Passeig de Gracia has been sold for an impressive 40 million euro to a foreign individual. The 650 square meter duplex is located in the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Residences Building, which was once the headquarters of Deutsche Bank. Passeig de Gracia is one of the city's most famous streets.

Public Health drafts action plan for bird flu outbreak

The Public Health Commission is dealing with a response and action document against avian influenza. The document includes measures such as a double surveillance system and screening to increase the detection of asymptomatic patients.The plan updates the action guide of the Center for the Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies after new cases were confirmed in Spain and Europe last year.

NATIONAL POLICE BOOST FOR ALICANTEELCHE AIRPORT

Alicante Province National Police will be boosted by another 82 places in the next few months, 29 of whom will be allocated to work on the border controls at Alicante-Elche airport.

There will be no additional officers for either Torrevieja or Orihuela but the Elda-Petrer Police Station will be boosted from 151 to 159 officers; Alcoy will go up to 100, an increase of 1; Benidorm will grow by 4 agents and the staff will be made up of 365 police officers; and Denia will go from 121 to 123, an increase of 2.

Thirty new members for Men’s Shed

Pilar Demanding Water

The Pilar de la Horadada Council has installed two giant posters on the balcony of the town hall demanding water, with the messages: “Levante without water will die” and “In the Levante without water there will be desert and unemployment”.

JOSÉ MARÍA PÉREZ,Mayor of the municipality, has said that the decision by the national government to restrict and change the water supply to the area has been made "without listening to the population, without consensus and without attending to technical criteria".

He has also added that It is "the only basin where the ecological flow has increased" and that the decision is obviously due to "political issues."

The mayor has also said that the institutions "have to be there to defend the future of our land and that of our families" and understand that without the Tajo-Segura transfer "there is only desert and unemployment", that "hundreds of thousands of jobs" will be lost, damaging the entire socio-economic fabric of the Levant”; concluding that "if we do not continue fighting, the work of our parents will have been for nothing."

The San Fulgencio Menís Shed held an open day on Saturday 4th February.

In attendance were Stevie Spit and Marty Prior our Patrons, Councillor Sam Hull, sponsors, and members of the local community.

The turnout was above expectations resulting in over thirty new members signing up. The Shed will be open Monday ñ Friday from 10:00hrs ñ 16:00hrs.

Activities that will be taking place include restoration of a pool table, three bicycles and a

punch ball machine. Other projects in the pipeline include making bat boxes and other woodwork items.

The Shed has only come about because of the hard work put in by the committee, councillor Sam Hull and the invaluable cooperation of the San Fulgencio Town Hall.

Abig thank you goes to our Patron Stevie Spit for the fundraising events he organised in aid of the Shed, and to everyone who came along to support them.

Barry Wallis (president)

Barry Wallis (President), Stevie Spit (Patron) Jose Berardi (secretary)

Why Detectives Aren’t Perfect

There was rather a portly TV detective called Frank Cannon, played by the late William Conrad, who used to pursue criminals on foot at such a slow pace that it sometimes appeared he was running backwards.

To the bakery or pie shop, perhaps. When the wrongdoer climbed up some water tower, as they bizarrely often did, Frank would climb up after them, rather than simply wait below until hunger drove them back down.

Clearly they would have sufficient water for a prolonged siege.

Cannon was simply one in a long line of fictional detectives who suffer under some affliction or from some disadvantage or other. J.K. Rowling's Cormoran Strike lost half his left leg in Afghanistan, and could probably be outrun by Frank Cannon. Holmes' addiction is not only to crime but to a seven percent solution of cocaine; Dr Watson himself has a troublesome mobile bullet wound, the result of a Jezail bullet either in the shoulder or the leg, depending on which story you read.

Inspector Morse likes a pint of beer with his crossword, Inspector Rebus likes several pints with his whisky, and Robert B. Parker's wisecracking private eye Spenser all seem to be able to consume vast amounts of alcohol without it affecting their investigative prowess in the leasht, I mean least. And being in a wheelchair didn't slow down Chief Ironside all that much, Frank Cannon please note.

We can only assume that part of the thinking behind the idea of creating flawed detectives is to make them seem more like the rest of us, or those of us who have flaws, anyway, which rules you and me

LEADER BITES

The Defence Minister, Margarita Robles, visited the Cartagena Arsenal and the Navantia Shipyard, in on Monday, to look at the construction of the four S-80 submarines that will be

delivered to the Spanish Navy by the middle of this year.

out, little compliment I think you deserve for reading this far.

In many ways, Charles Willeford's character Hoke Moseley outdoes (if that is the right word under the circumstances) the rest of the bunch.

Chronically depressed, he alienates his family, never has any money, is always prepared to bend the rules, offends his colleagues, never cleans his squalid hotel suite, drives erratically and even manages to lose his false teeth.

Can I resist saying it is no wonder he always looks down in the mouth? He has two teenage daughters and a partner with an unwanted pregnancy. And still he solves cases.

For some strange reason, it is the very imperfections of anti-heroes that make them the characters actors want to play in films, rather than the more bland goodies like Esther Summerson in Bleak House: "I know I am not clever." It is more interesting to read of the actions of Lisbeth Salander or Harley Quinn than it is to watch the boringly predictable nose of Pinocchio.

The laughable thing is that when we are faced with a detective trying to be perfect -- a Hercule Poirot or a Charlie Chan -- we are more likely to scoff at their eating habits or be scathing about their moustaches than to take them seriously. But then who wants to be taken seriously? Not me.

BOMB

Robles said that it is "an essential and fundamental program" for the Spanish Navy which will elevate it to one of the best equipped in the world.

BROADBAND Spain, which is among the leading countries in connectivity in the European Union, subsidised the deployment of broadband with 344 million euro between 2013 and 2020 in more than 40% of Spanish municipalities (3,500), predominantly with the deployment of fibre optic networks, according to a report published by the competitions and markets watchdog, CNMC, last week.

Spain water reserve at 53.1% capacity

The Spanish water reserve is at 51.3 percent of its total capacity. The reservoirs currently store 28,775 cubic hectometres (hm?) of water, increasing in the last week by 242 cubic hectometres (0.4 percent of the current total capacity of the reservoirs).

The Segura is at a capacity of 34,1%, J˙car 59,7% and the Ebro 53,1%

Rainfall has affected the Atlantic slope and has been scarce on the Mediterranean slope. The maximum has been produced in Oviedo with 71.2 mm (71.2 l/m2).

30 NEW PETROL STATIONS A YEAR FOR BALLENOIL

Ballenoil, an independent fuel retail company in Spain, closed 2022 with the opening of 30 new petrol stations and now has more than 300 employees to manage the 194 filling stations that they have in Spain, the company has reported. Among the stationed openied, the arrival in new provinces such as Murcia, Burgos, Ourense and £lava, have strengthened competition in these regions "by offering a quality fuel with additives at a lower price".

SA

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He is fully vaccinated/passport/microchip.

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Minister of Defence visits S-80 program in Cartagena Naval Base

Feelings fore and aft on facing forty...

There is something about being forty – in fact, there seems to be an awful lot said about being forty! Much of what is said is totally contradictory: On the one hand, those who haven’t yet reached 40, but are ‘facing’ it, are likely to hear words of encouragement such as, ‘Life begins at 40’. As against this, I remember at the dances back in the day (when dances were dances!) hearing many a fair maiden complaining about ‘oul lads of forty gong dancing!’ It doesn’t seem as if life was beginning for those poor unfortunate single guys who still preferred Mammy’s cooking. One way or another, we shall give you the answer at the end of this article as to whether or not life really begins at 40 – but you will need to wade through a bit of guidance first.

I was reminded of the dilemma of whether or not it’s good to be 40, when a friend wrote me that he would be 40 in a few weeks and this had spurred him on to seeking a career change. The fact is that this talented individual could make a career change at any time, so why then was it the signpost with the big four-O, which triggered his urge to make a move?

If you think about it – or prefer to let me do it on your behalf; it is fair to say that 40 is the half-way mark on life’s expectant hike. The fact that it is only the half way mark should in itself be comforting; because at the turn of the twentieth century your life expectancy at 40 would only have you down for a further 8 years.

Another thing which I read in some motivational jargon said that ‘whatever you are

NEWS IN BRIEF

Spanish cities among top 10 in Europe with most heat-related deaths

According to a study led by ISGlobal, 6 Spanish cities (Barcelona, Malaga, Madrid, Palma, Seville, and Valencia) are among the top 10 in Europe with the highest summertime deaths due to the urban heat island effect, which is when it is hotter in the city than in the outskirts.

going to be, you will be that at forty years of age?’ Now, before we go another inch forward, let us debunk that nonsense right here. The history of business, entertainment, romance, literature and adventure is laced with people who made their first successful breakthrough in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. As one of the Lads is prone to say; ‘why rush the thing, when Mammy still boils the best bacon in the parish!

Pausing for a moment whilst sitting on the 40 milestone, I suppose a bit of reflection is understandable. Friends are recommending supplements for this and that and you have to carry the reading glasses and are dreading the day when you have to wear them all the time. You look in the mirror, count grey ribs of hair and then start scratching your face and neck looking for wrinkles. Your back gives you a bit of bother and the thing in the room isn’t as frequent or as spontaneous as it used to be. Stop it! That’s not what you should be dwelling upon – and just for the record; grey hair does distinguish a man and a woman can definitely be more beautiful at 40 than she was at 20.

Instead of fearing forty, look instead on all the good things it has brought you. Think of what you have learned even since you were 30. You are now more your own man, or woman. You are more confident and selfassured – and those embarrassing blushes of immaturity are no more. In your 40s, you will worry less about what other people might think – but believe me, you are not far off the mark when you won’t give a damn at all. The worries and regrets that used to keep

Spain has the lowest inflation rate in the whole of Europe in January

Eurostat's latest inflation data shows continued moderation in the euro area, reaching 8.5% in January, a drop of seven tenths from December's 9.2%. Spain is among the leading countries in this moderation, with the secondlowest rate of 5.8% in Consumer Price Index (CPI), the same as Luxembourg.

you awake at night are now totally unimportant in your life. You know what your priorities are, you know who you are and what kind of person you want to be. The good news is that a recent review by somebody or other, found that people are happier in their forties than at any time up until then. There may be a bit of a ‘mid-life crisis’ in your later 40s, but just hang tight and ‘this too shall pass.’

So to answer the question, does ‘life begin at forty?’ The answer is, of course it does. But it also begins at every other age and in fact, life begins every day you get up – because this

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.

Spain's agricultural industry improves with production of potato

The Spanish agricultural sector is starting to see some positive signs, particularly in the potato industry. The improvement is driven by factors such as rising prices and increased European interest in Spanish potatoes, which are of high quality and suitable for frying or as a garnish.

day is the first day in the rest of your life. If life were to begin at forty, well then what do you think of those of us facing the clock going around for the second time? You see, it doesn’t matter as long as the engine is still running; or as Jim Bourke might say about an old car, ‘there’s lots of miles in that thing yet!’ There is nothing bad about being 40, or hitting it for the second time round – or even facing into the third 40 year span … just ask ‘Micko’ O’Dwyer!

DON’T

FORGET

People usually feel they reached forty prematurely.

Bernie has published four books; ëIf 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.

AI uncovers unknown play by one of the country's greatest writers

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the archives of Spain's National Library has uncovered a previously unknown play written by Felix Lope de Vega, one of the greatest Spanish authors. The play, "La francesa Laura" (The Frenchwoman Laura), was written a few years before Lope de Vega's death in 1635.

THE LEADER NEWSPAPER WINTER GIVEAWAY CAPTION COMPETITION

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.

Two new novellas from Murcia’s Andrew Rea

This photgraph was taken last week outside the correos office in Playa Flamenca. We can only assume the driver got fed up of waiting in the post office queue. For a chance to win a meal for two people, to the value of e30, in THE NEW

HONG KONG CHINESE RESTAURANT IN CABO ROIG,send your caption by email to: office@theleader.info no later than Thursday 9 February. Winners, and the most amusing captions, will be published in The Leader on 13 February.

This fascinating and remarkable book, Spies and Scoundrels, consists of two highly imaginative novellas.

The first, Time to Say Goodbye, explores how England might look in 2026. Post pandemic with many unresolved problems remaining. Government finances are dire and the country is directionless and unstable. People have gone into voluntary lockdown to avoid the violence on the streets. The scene is set for a change of Government, with a radical plan. A scapegoat group in society is identified and vilified. History does indeed repeat itself.

Death’s Final Wicket is a spy thriller set in London, Oslo, Buenos Aires and Jerusalem.

Bible Codes in the Torah (First five chapters

of the Old Testament), supposedly point to various modern day events such as Hitler, Yasser Arafat and a nuclear war emanating from North Korea. Governments interpret these codes for their own ends. Meanwhile, a new terrorist organization, with its own plan, complicates matters. British Intelligence has the man with the right background to sort through the competing issues.

A.N. Drew is the pen name for Calasparra’s Andrew H Rea, an Anglican chaplain who has previously published his autobiography, Holy Inadequate, under his own name and Sacred Memoirs of a Retired Failure by A.N. Drew, a romantic novel about the challenges of retirement when coupled with bereavement. Andrew has lived in Spain since 2012.

D D II R R E E C C T T O O R R O O F F R R B B L L B B A A N N D D R R E E SSII G G N N SS

David hangs up his baton for the ‘LAST’ time

Former leader of the RBL Concert band in Spain, David Last, who has been directing the band since it’s formation, has decided to hang up his baton.

Speaking exclusively to The Leader Newspaper, David told of the immense enjoyment he has had working with the band and it’s members, as they have developed and gradually expanded in their five years of playing together.

“Now, however, my eyesight is beginning to show signs of deterioration and I am also finding it increasingly difficult to devote the necessary time to the bands’ musical arrangements, so I have decided to take a step back and let someone with a bit more energy take up the baton in my stead.”

Having trained as a musician at the world-famous Kneller Hall, the Royal Military School of Music, David went on to serve with the band of the Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment), formerly the 3rd Regiment of Foot.

He travelled the world as an Army musician, went on to work with groups and bands across Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia, before returning to the UK, where he took up an appointment as Principal with the Lyceum School of Music in Manchester.

David taught and conducted the Manchester Light Orchestra and the Symphonia Youth Band before retiring to the Southern Costa Blanca, with his wife, in 2000.

On arriving in the area David joined the ‘Alpengold Brass Band’, in which he played clarinet. He then moved on to ‘The Phoenix Brass Band’, eventually succeeding Julie Schofield as Musical Director.

He said that he has thoroughly enjoyed his time with the RBL Concert Band, although in recent years, rather too much interference from the hierarchy in the District has made life extremely difficult for both himself and for Band members.

“The District Committee now insists on controlling all our bookings and our finances which, as we are all volunteer musicians, who simply play in the band for fun, now find that the pressures on us are simply too much. I have expressed concerns time and time again, but the burdens placed on the Band are now becoming unacceptable, so it is time for me to move on.”

However, David has no intention of stopping completely. He is determined to remain involved in music locally, with his next ambition being the creation of a string quartet.

“I am currently learning how to play the cello, along with a good friend who has recently bought a violin. We have colleagues who are keen to join with us just as soon as we reach a reasonable standard, so watch this space”!

You can rest assured that this is certainly not the ‘LAST’ time that you have heard from David.

Studio32 Musical Theatre Company Want You

This is an appeal for all men out there of any age to join our group in the ensemble for our forthcoming production of ‘Hello Dolly’.We are also on the lookout for a young male person aged between 18 and 30 for a principal role that is still to be cast.

If you have experience in Musical Theatre in the areas of singing,acting and dancing we would like to hear from you.Even if you don’t have experience in those areas but have the urge to tread the boards,come along to one of our rehearsals and see what we do.

If you think you have what it takes,but have little or no experience in Musical Theatre,then come along and see us at Casa Contenta restaurant, Rojales on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:00pm and 9:30pm.Guidance and coaching will be given for those less experienced.

Also anyone else,male or female of any age are welcome to come along to our rehearsals if you are interested in taking part in the show ensemble, working backstage or have experience working with the production of stage props,lighting and sound.You will be made most welcome.

If you require any further information,contact Linda on 679 062 272 or visit our facebook page at Studio32 Musical Theatre Company.

Our show will be on at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre,San Fulgencio between between Wednesday 31st of May to Saturday 3rd of June.To book tickets visit our website at www.studiothirtytwo.org or call 679 062 272.

David spoke of the immense enjoyment he has had working with the band and it’s members over the last 5 years.

VALENCIA TO OFFER VIRTUAL SIP CARD

People living in the Valencian Community will soon be able to carry their SIP card on their mobile phone.In the coming months,it will no longer be necessary to physically carry thecard to access medical care or prescriptions,but rather it can be integrated into a mobile phone for greater accessibility.

The tender,with a budget of 2 million euros,has been awarded to the company Global Rossetta,a technology company based in Madrid,owned by German fund Aurelius AG.

"The requirement of the contract is to incorporate the SIP

Card onto mobile devices,as is already the case with many other types of cards in daily usage.

The main advantage is the ease of being able to carry the card with you,without taking up space or avoiding it’s the possible loss,with the consequent renewal process," stated a spokesperson from Health.

One other app that is currently being considered for development by the Ministry of Health will offer users health advice that can be tailored to their own particular medical situation,with the ultimate goal of preventing further illness or disease.

La Loma Medical Centre Strengthens 24-Hour Emergency Cover

The Torrevieja Health Department has made a significant organisational effort to strengthen and promote the 24-hour emergency care available at the La Loma health centre in Torrevieja.

During the worst period of emergency care being provided at Torrevieja hospital after the revision from private to public management, the health department were trying to encourage patients to use La Loma instead, so as to try to ease the burden on the hospital’s emergency department.

The continual care point of La Loma, Punto de Atención Continuada, or PAC, has had both a doctor and a nurse added to their rota, going from two to three doctors and two to three nurses responsible for urgent care.

The greater physical presence of professionals is possible thanks to the efforts of the department's doctors and nurses, and the increase in on-call guarantees the interconnection of the centres and the networking of the teams, the department states.

The new additions make it possible to offer better urgent care to patients and

their families, reduce delays in care and favour a better approach to the patient. Manager, José Cano, valued the "important contractual effort that is being made." In this sense, he pointed out that "it is not an easy task to find doctors at a time like this", so they work"on a longterm project that allows us tobe attractive to attract new professionals".

La Loma health centre in Torrevieja now has 3 doctors and 3 nurses for emergency care

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 956

QUICK

ACROSS: 1

Corporation; 9 Old; 10 Extensive; 11 Feels; 13 Rebuild; 14 Refuse; 16

Detail; 18 Lacquer; 19

Overt; 20 Skinflint; 21 Rue; 22 Deadly enemy.

DOWN: 2 Odd; 3 Press;

4 Retire; 5 Tenable; 6 Originate; 7 Comfortless;

8 Send a letter; 12 Effective; 15 Stuffed; 17 Brainy; 19 Often; 21 Rim.

CR CR YPTIC YPTIC

ACROSS ACROSS

4.Sideways (7)

8.Fated (6)

9.Surround (7)

10.Scope (6)

11.Powerless (6)

12.Ignominious (8)

18.Overcome (8)

20.Subtract (6)

21.Skill (6)

22.Submissive (7)

23.Downright (6)

24.Set up (7)

CAN YOU MASTER THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE?

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

Solution on Page 23

DOWN DOWN

1.Opposed (7)

2.Depict (7)

3.Sitting (6)

5.Uncommon (8)

6.At sea (6)

7.Fortress (6)

13.Celebration (8)

14.Figure (7)

15.Law (7)

16.Win back (6)

17.Beginning (6)

19.Scant (6)

ACROSS: ACROSS: 1 Proper place; 9 Tip; 10 Insensate; 11 Maple; 13 Against; 14 Desert; 16 Morass; 18 Amiable; 19 Salon; 20 Editorial; 21 Cue; 22 Stand a round.

DOWN: DOWN: 2 Rip; 3 Pride; 4 Rascal; 5 Long ago; 6 Chain mail; 7 Stamp dealer; 8 Rent asunder; 12 Pessimist; 15 Rub down; 17 Retina; 19 Salvo; 21 Can.

4.Current numbering for the bill (7)

8.Host got upset about graduate being a doubter (6)

9.Babyhood is as imagined (7)

10.Firm reprimand for sailor (6)

11.Join up in silent revolution (6)

12.Somebody watching the old boy with the waiter (8)

18.Unnecessary sharp instrument on ship (8)

20.Egghead is into jazz and needlework (6)

21.The collision was the doing of a mischievous child (6)

22.Somehow detains as substitute (7)

23.Six join true organisation for moral goodness (6)

24.Fair old wild state (7)

DOWN DOWN

1.Do smart turns help aspiring performers achieve it? (7)

2.100 being tried out in competition (7)

3.E.g. warn disturbed composer (6)

5.The opposite of talk (8)

6.Profound adviser has nothing to clear out (6)

7.The most discriminating insect perhaps (6)

13.Sentinel protecting vehicle in the front line (8)

14.Net play resulting in forfeit (7)

15.There's a new big plant (3-4)

16.Partly backing plan revision in spring (6)

17.Male who can never lose? (6)

19.Kill mother for her estate (6)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 23)

1. From the mid to late 1970s, the so called 'videotape format war' was waged between which two industry standards? For an extra point, which format did both Phillips and Grundig introduce in 1979 as a 3rd combatant in this so called 'war'?

2. What kind of mean 'Cobra' can reach speeds of up to 185 mph (298 km/h)?

3. Which clever fictional character has an older brother named Mycroft?

4. The Roger Federer of the 1920s was William Tilden. What was his nickname?

5. How many active users do online dating providers expect to be servicing worldwide by the end of 2023.

6. The Osmonds made their first television appearance on which mans show in 1962?

7. Toronto is the 5th most populated city in North America. Plus or minus 5, what percentage of its inhabitants were born outside of Canada?

8. In film, what was the Big Lebowski's favorite drink?

9. The following words are found in which sweet love song? "She wrecked the car and she was sad, and so afraid that I'd be mad, but what the heck"

10. In Australia, what is Whoop Whoop Land?

11. An unmanned 1986 European Space Agency mission was named after which famous

Renaissance artist? a. Donatello, b. Titian, c. Giotto, d. da Vinci

12. Which river "chills the body but not the soul"?

13. The following are found on the covers of which famous albums? a. Abruised banana, b. Battersea Power Station, c. Moydrum Castle, Athlone Ireland

14. Brickfielder, Halny, Santa Ana, Hamsin and Harmattan are all examples of what?

15. One of the most beautiful women in the world in the 1940s and 50s was Hollywood actress Ava Gardner. She was married three times. Two of her husbands were Academy Award winners. Can you name them?

16. Which unit of measurement is equal to just under 31 million million kilometres (19 million million miles)?

17. What is the better known name for 'Oflag IV-C', a home away from home for "incorrigible" Allied officers in WWII?

18. The following words are from which song that topped the music charts in the UK, Canada, South Africa, Jamaica, Holland, Germany and Sweden in 1969? "I don't want to end up like Bonnie and Clyde"

19. Although no one will ever know for certain, George Mallory and Andrew Irvine may have been the first two men to have accomplished which towering feat in 1924?

20. Which 6 letter word which literally means 'drummer' describes a social outcast?

ACROSS ACROSS

MABS in San Javier have moved to bigger and better premises.

MABS is now based at CALLE ROMA 2, SAN JAVIER, 30730 (Tel No. 968 191 300), where we will be stocking more furniture such as sofas, dining tables and beds. There will also be more electrical equipment and lots of bric-a-brac, clothes, shoes, handbags, jewellery etc.

MABS was formed on 7 June 1999 by five ladies from the Javea/Marina Alta area of Spain who had all experienced and beaten breast cancer. The group name, MABS, stands for Marina Alta Breast Cancer Support.

At the time there was absolutely no support available to foreigners who had received the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer.

It was clear that there was a need for a support group that could support everyone regardless of the form of cancer they were fighting and MABS CANCER SUPPORT GROUP was born.

Late 2017 we became MABS Cancer Support Fundación with a significant step up in status which allows us to have assets making it possible for us to purchase a property in Camposol which was adapted into our Respite Home in Spring 2018. Although MABS is a registered charity, it does not receive any local or government funding and all the work undertaken is paid for from our shops, fundraising efforts and donations. A vast amount has been spent on medical equipment. MABS can provide wheelchairs, hospital beds,

ripple mattresses, walking aids, bathing equipment, toilet aids etc. We can also help with Drivers and Translators for hospital appointments etc.

If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with cancer and in need of support, come into our Centre/Shop and register.

If you have spare time, we would be grateful of more

volunteers. We need van drivers, shop volunteers, stock sorters, admin staff and patient drivers.

MABS in Costa Calida work in 3 areas; San Javier, Mazarron/ Totana and Calasparra.

Our name may have changed over the years but our mission remains the same; to care, comfort and counsel people affected by cancer.

Los Angeles to host First Pride event

The LGBT+ Costa Calida/Blanca group and Torrevieja Alternative Events are planning to host the first Pride event in Torrevieja on Saturday 3 June.

It will be hosted at the Los Angeles bar in Torrevieja. It will start in the afternoon at 1400 hrs with live music acts, DJs, Drag bingo and food and drink available from the venue.

The afternoon is a family event and everyone regardless of their orientation will be welcome. The evening will continue with more first class live singers and Drag acts and DJs. We are currently seeking individuals or companies to sponsor the event, this could be a simple donation OR, having a stall on the day selling your products and services, the stalls will only cost €25.

All sponsors will have their name or company logo on our promotional materials and our website (currently under construction). Moving forward, links will be created on our webpage to sponsors for future advertising for them.

There are limited stalls available so please make contact soonest, we also seek any artists such as face painters, magicians, balloon artists. Contact Kerry - kcb1969@icloud.com OR Marc - marc.archer@me.com

MABS new premises in San Javier.

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.

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 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. The Feb meeting will be followed by an N332 brief on vehicle low emission zones. Call Jean on: 630 28 08 99.

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 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 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

Unique find on Benidorm’s history

A British family staying at Rosaleda hotel in 50s-60s that enjoyed bathing on Poniente beach has been caught on camera. Andrew Atkinson reports.

Dutch businessman Wim Kuipers has donated 86 photographs of Benidorm between 1959-62 taken by a British tourist.

He came across them in an album whilst he was looking for material on the historical heritage of Torremolinos and El Ejido.

Kuipers, who has been researching the historical heritage of both Andalusian municipalities for more than four decades, has made a unique find on the history of Benidorm in the late 50s1960s, as seen through the eyes of an English tourist.

In his eagerness to document the tourist history of the two municipalities, he acquired an album containing 86 photographs of a British family's vacation in the Spanish Mediterranean.

"Among the pages in the album he located several sheets of images captured in Benidorm in a period between 1959 and 1962," said the Councillor for Historical Heritage, Ana Pellicer.

The Dutch businessman was fascinated by the photographs that fate had casually placed in his hands.

In them you can see some of a personal nature and others of landscapes and places in Benidorm.

"We know that this British family was staying at the Rosaleda hotel and that during their stay they toured the municipal food market that ran along Calle’s Martínez Oriola and Costera del Barco. They enjoyed bathing on the Poniente beach and they often walked down Calle’s Tomás Ortuño and Carreró dels Gats and visited the port. Determined that they should not fall into oblivion, Wim Kuipers contacted the Benidorm Archive to offer the material to them, a generous gesture that stems from his vocation of safeguarding heritage.

"This collection provides unpublished images of Benidorm that show the evolution of our city in recent decades and help us to know a little more of our recent past", said Pellicer.

In addition to the undoubted informative value, this donation contains a story of chance and altruism, which also deserves to be told.

Kuipers donation is not the first of significant historical value. It is added to the one donated at the holidays in Benidorm at the end of the 50s, as well as the enormous donation made by Cristina Boissiè

The material donated by Wim Kuipers will soon be made available to the general public, once the launch of the new management and consultation programme for the Archive is complete.

10,665 km trip from Argentina to Spain emotional and tearful meeting

A PLANNED reunion in Spain – after more than 40 yearsbetween Dona Pepa based musician Esteban Fernandez and his former band colleague and best friend Kiki Guinart, was shattered, after Kiki tragically died of cancer in Argentina. In a two-part tearful and heart-warming interview Kiki's son Lucas, and his wife Mariana, who travelled 10,665 km to meet Esteban for the first time, talk exclusively to The Leader.

"To meet Esteban now, following the death of my father, has been very emotional," said Lucas. Coming soon - don’t miss another Leader EXCLUSIVE.

The Long Wait.........!

Sometimes the simplest object or action will create untold difficulties and so it was when I went to a hardware shop to buy a few things. Before the uproar about plastic bags and the waste they create, although I make it very clear that banning them, or reducing the use of plastic, was the right thing to do, on this occasion it was to my undoing as normally the store would have issued me with one to take away with the few items I had bought.

Although I had the car key in my pocket, the car, by design, was self-locking, although my wife was sitting inside, but the doors were stubbornly sealed and could not be opened from the inside.

With two hands full of various small items, I had a problem opening the door; with one finger it would have been easy, but to delve into my pocket for the key was not possible. So, putting one item on the roof with the free hand, I managed to get into the vehicle.

We drove the short distance to the next shop, where I remembered the item on the roof was my wallet. I sprinted back to the spot we had come from but no sign of the article. Instantly, Jean was informing Sabadell Bank of the loss of my credit card, which was in the wallet, and they promptly cancelled it. At the same time this conversation was taking place, ëmessengeríon the phone tingled and I was told that my wallet had been found.

Too late, the card had been cancelled and we were told that a new card would be sent to our home address. They also made the point that the pin number would be the same.

Panic over and we could relax, I went and met the person who had found my wallet and, as we had other cash cards, despite the unfortunate event, we could get on with life with no problems. Little did we know that was just the beginning!

While waiting for the card to arrive I would like to refer to another story. I have, from time to time, referred to the famous, or if you like infamous, banking system. I say

Peregrina - star shaped flowers all year round!

system because it is not a service. I have just recently read a report that in the UK the multinational Lloyds Bank, and its spin offs, are dividing customers into two groups, profit makers and those that cost the company money to provide a banking facility. If you are in the latter cluster, then the level of service is going to be reduced so that they can offer better assistance to the profit makers. However, they do not say how they are going to reduce a service, which one could argue is non-existent. Back to the replacement card. Weeks were to pass, and the card never arrived so a visit to a branch of the bank was called for.

But first, it was with great excitement that about ten years before this event, Sabadell Bank opened a branch in our village; there had never been a full-blown banking facility before. To demonstrate why that was exciting, the post office only opens for thirty minutes a day, five days a week, as it is a small community.

We had opened the bank account in their La Zenia branch, because, originally, it was a branch of Lloyds Bank prior to the change, we were happily told at the local provision, because of the computer links, we would now be able to use the same banking facilities there. And so it was until three summers ago, when the Sabadell Bank closed the service including branches in other villages.

Leaving home and going over the mountain we joined the motorway (Autopista) and made our way to Quesada and the branch of the bank there. It is a about forty miles return trip.

I should think most people with a banking facility have had a dying experience, while they have waited in a queue to be served at a till ñ this was no different. Whilst standing and waiting it is an opportunity to study the architecture and the delightful dÈcor. Without a doubt the organised waiting is deliberate, they want you to be peeved off about visiting as they donít want you there, and the sooner they can stop you going the quicker they can close the facility, if you can call it a facility, otherwise why would they have signs glaring at you, as you stand in line, stating that ëto save time you should use the machine outside the doorí.

We visited this branch on three occasions, which added up to a total of one- and threequarter hours of waiting to be served. Although there were two tills available, only one

was open. There were four people sitting at computer terminals to the rear, they could have been playing Spider as they didnít seem that busy. When I requested that they help to shorten the queue of twelve people, they were not prepared to do so.

On one occasion we were asked why we had gone all that way ñ Jean quickly responded, ëbecause you have closed all the other branches.í Yes, three times we have travelled! The first to be told the card had not been ordered. The second time we were told it was there, but it wasnít. The third time a big clapping of hands, it had arrived. But when we tried to use it at a supermarket some days later, it was refused.

We eventually drove to our original outlet of Sabadellís Bank at la Zenia, about a sixty mile return journey. After waiting for about ten minutes a delightful lady punched a few keys into her keyboard and ëhey prestoífour months since I had mislaid it, it was functioning again. Take care.

The plant has a rounded form and can grow up to 15 ft tall, with a 10 ft spread.

It is not particularly demanding on position or soil type, provided it's well draining. Adult plants can also tolerate periods of drought.

In winter it is good to leave the soil to dry out almost completely before watering again.

Peregrina usually grows with several slender trunks, but it can also be pruned into to a single trunk.

Their leaves add lots of interest to your garden, as they are bronze when young and brownish on the undersides. They are also variable in shape, from oval, fiddle shaped, or they may have three sharp pointed lobes.

Flowers range in colour, from scarlet red, coral pink or vermilion, with many clusters at branch ends.

Its fruit is rounded, which will split open when ripe to shed it's seeds.

Note: All parts are toxic if ingested and it's milky sap may cause skin irritation and rashes from contact.

Jatropha integerrima - common names Peregrina or Spicy Jatropha - is an evergreen shrub or small tree, with glossy leaves that has clusters of star shaped flowers almost all year round.

KO CUP QUARTER FINALS

CK1 Ladybirds 2(3) - 7(9) CK1 Lads

CC´s Bees 7(10) - 1(2) Danny´s Bar

Mind the Gap 7(9) - 3El Capitan

Milo´s5 - 7CC´s Flyers

AUXILIARY CUP QUARTER FINALS

Angel´s Delights 0(1) - 7(11)Leeson St Trotters

Hub Hyenas7(8) - 3(4)Fallen Angels

PDepot Queens7(8) - 3(4)Hub Hellraisers

Freakie Taverners 4 - 8 Tipsy Toppers

180´S: Dougie Adkins (Flyers), James Brown (MtG), Ben Kernahan (El Cap), Suso Madrid (Flyers), Jay Wilkinson (Hyenas)

171: John Boden (Freakie Taverners)

Now down to the last four in both Cup competitions, the semi's and finals will feature on the 1st and 8th June respectively, venues to be advised. Once again the Matt Smith television production team will oversee the draw to be conducted mid May. Details in due course.

Ladies and Mens Pairs entries are due immediately to Simone de Lacy at the Tipsy Toad. Each team secretary has the appropriate entry form for both competitions on 23rd February at (Tipsy Toad) and 2nd March (New Tavern - Freakies) respectively.

Fixtures for the 2nd half of the season will be completed and distributed in February prior to the 3 division split on 9th March. Each division plays for a 12 point match. Division 3 will play one leg per discipline. Division 2 will play one leg each triple, one leg each pair, best of three each single. Division 1 will play, one leg each triple, best of three each pair, best of three each single.

K.O. CUP QUARTER FINALS

C.C.'s Bees v Dannys Bar

Dannys opened with a Paul Robinson D4, promptly losing the following 5 prior to the half time break. Steady scoring and clinical finishing the gap between both sides. Liam Lumb 95,D2 got the all important 7th leg and ticket into the semi's. The best from Bees came in the 8th from Dave Rowlinson who completed his 501 on D12, after 140,140,97 for POTM.

Danny's John Giggs fired in 140,100 in a losing pair, Mike Parry meriting POTM for an 11th leg victory with 140,80,D17.

C.K.1 Ladybirds v C.K.1 Lads

The luck, or bad luck of the draw ensured a semi final place for CK 1, in this case the Lads.

The "visitors" strolled to a 0-5 lead through Steve M. Dalton, Steve Mullen, Terry David and Kevin Wood (2) one a tasty 75 finish. Sue Christie preventing the half time "whitewash".

Mullen 100,99 retrieved Lads advantage in the 1st singles, Dons Ralph D10, saving the match against a free scoring POTM - David. M.Dalton securing the match and cup progress on D10.

Christie earned her POTM with a 102,93,115, D1 performance in the final leg.

Milos v C.C. Flyers

This match was finely poised at 5 apiece, before Chelsea Campbell 60 out and Matt Smith D1 sealed Milos fate. Flyers were 2-4 ahead at the break via a Dougie Adkins "double" D10, and a 60 finish that also included a 180. Smith and Suso Madrid providing the other two.

Raul Rocamora and Alex Alcazar replying for Milos. Cain Garcia finding plenty of trebles.

Javi de Gea 140,D16, Rocamora 100,99,95,D1 and Garcia D20, opponent Madrid posting a 180, getting the hosts to 5 legs, Flyers Adkins 138, D2, making it all square with 2 to go. POTM - AngelAdkins.

Mind the Gap v El Capitan Cup holders Gap brushed aside a strong visiting El Caps side, to remain favourites to retain the Cup. Gap banged in 10 three figure scores in the 1st half, to enjoy a 4-2 lead.

Doubles from Gordon Cowan, Che Liam, Sam Salt and James Brown the latter adding 3 x140. Caps response, outs from Ed and Arold K, and scores of 94,121.138 plus a 180 from the in form Ben Kernahan, not enough.

Singles victories from Darren Sanderson and Cowan gave the hosts a 6-2 advantage, Vycka Bobinas 100,140,D8, postponing the inevitable over Carlos Escansiano 95,98,123. Victory fell to Paul Moody 100,100,99,D20.

Kernahan had the misfortune to face Brown who banged in his own 180 and 81 out, the evening concluded with a Salt demo 3x80+,100,140, 56 out. POTM - Brown - Kernahan.

AUXILIARY CUP QUARTER FINALS

Angel Delights v Leeson St. Trotters

Trotters raced to a 0-6 half time lead, the writing on the wall for Delights, Sharon Williams 100,121,79 scores to no avail.

Winnie Mackay's team talk in the break worked wonders as Henni Oortwijn 97,80, D7 posted the hosts 1st point.

Ken Skinner 95,140, D7 got Trotters over the line, his winning double making it 3 for the evening. Ron Chadwick's 4x80+, 119,133 meriting a POTM award, Steve Tilly aiding and abetting with 97,2x100,135 and an 82 out on the Bull. OortwijnAngels - POTM.

Pint Depot Queens v Hub Hellraisers

Queens tasted victory for the 1st time this season, in a real nail biter, Ali Wands claiming her sides plaudits with an 11th leg victory over Joy Gorman. At 3 all, the match could have gone either way, finishes from Queens, POTM Lorraine Cox, twice and Rachel Broadhead were matched by Carol Rowland, twice and Gorman.

Queens Broadhead D4, Cox D16 and an outstanding singles win over POTM Rowland, from Marie Cummins, got Queens to within a whisker of victory.

That was delayed by Raisers Ali Scammell, only for Wands to land the 7th and winning leg over Gorman, who had earlier top scored with 130.

Freakie Taverners v Tipsy Toad Toppers

Graham Solomans put in a decent shift for Toppers this week 4x100,125,135 and 3 outs, all on D1, not sure what's wrong with the other 19 Graham.

By Paul Durrant

That performance meriting a POTM award, John Boden earning Taverners equivalent with 2 winning doubles and a 171 (3xT19) his prefered treble, in a losing pair to Solomans and skip Barry Schofield. Current man in form Phil de Lacy hit 125 and D4 for the match, well supported by a sound Lee Maiden effort of 4x80+, 100,123,140.

Hub Hyenas v Fallen Angels

Billy Dolling D10, got Angels off to a flyer, it however turned out to be their only win in the 1st half.

Jay Wilkinson finding 3 winning doubles, one a 64 out, the remaining two courtesy of Pete Spence 135, D20 and recently out of retirement John Eyre D10.

James Mackay a 74 out and Mr reliable Graham White 100,D10 reduced the deficit to 5-3 after the 1st 2 singles, the next a Wilkinson special 180,100,100,but closing on D1, versus Dolling. Spence added 2 more tons to 3 hit earlier plus a 67 out to claim the tie. Eyresey nailed the 12th with a 92 out. POTM - Wilkinson - Steve Godwin winning Angels 3rd singles.

Graham and John

POTMJay and Steve

180’s & POTM for Ben and James

Sue and Terry, POTM

Vistabella Bowls Club

Monday 30th January, Albatrosses Division A were at Home to San Luis Klingons, Winning on only 2 Rinks, Sue Kemp, Barbara Brown, Brian Zelin 19-11, Lynne Bishop, Carol Thorpe, Gary Thorpe 21-10, Shots 86-87. Pts 4-8.

Vistabella Drivers Division B, were Away to Emerald Isle Neptune's, Winning on 2 Rinks, John Goddard, Brian Gilham, Brian Pointon 18-15, Steve Wilson, Sue Wilson, Derek Stephenson 17-15, Shots 67-96. Points 4-8.

Eagles home to Monte Mar Matadors, Winning 4 Rinks & Shots, Peter Westwood, David Bruce, Sheila Westwood 2019, Maureen Slater, Alan Gordon, Freddie Willey 21-17, Jill Wyatt, Roy Widgery, Mike Wyatt 20-13, Rosemarie Savage, Ken Savage, Keith Black 34-8, Shots 117-80. Points 10-2.

Wednesday 1st February, Vistabella in the Winter League, were Away to Greenlands Warriors, Winning on 2 Rinks, Geraldine Fisher, Barbara Brown, Paul Parkes, Gordon Fisher 24-19, Freddie Willey, Alice Howe, Carol Thorpe, Gary Thorpe 15-13, Shots 53-55. Points 4-4.

Friday 3rd February, Vistabella Picadors Division B, were Away to San Miguel Navajos, losing on all Rinks, A day to forget, Shots 63-109. Points 0-12.

Conquistadors were Away to Emerald Isle Outlaws, Winning on 4 Rinks & Shots, Avril Kendall, Roy Widgery, Mark Matthewman 16-12, Rosemarie Savage, Ken Savage, Keith Black 24-13, Maureen Slater, Alan Gordon, Freddie Willey 28-14, Julia Clarke, John Ridley, Paul Durham 20-16, Shots 102-70. Points 10-2. By Brian Zelin

SOUTHERN LE SOUTHERN LEAAGUE GUE

FRID FRIDAAY 3 FEBRUAR Y 3 FEBRUARY Y

DIVISION DIVISION A A

GreenlandsCedars87(2)SanLuisLions(10)99

QuesadaSwallows106(11)SanMiguelApaches(1)59

LaMarinaSharks79(4)CBowlsGeckos(8)84

GreenlandsOaks91(8)EmIsleCavaliers(4)79

P PWWDDLLDifDifffPts Pts

QuesadaSwallows123732022399

GreenlandsOaks123442214890

SanLuisLions12382205390

CountryBowlsGeckos12286267279

VistabellaLanzadores11321223776

EmeraldIsleCavaliers12283291169

LaMarinaSharks1123230-10154

SanMiguelApaches1116336-16143

GreenlandsCedars1111242-28222

DIVISION B DIVISION B

LaSiestaGolds108(12)ElRanchoMustangs(0)65

LaSiestaBlues84(4)LaMarinaSeagulls(8)99

EmIsleClaymores85(6)QuesadaSwans(6)77

SanMiguelNavajos109(12)VistabellaPicadors(0)63

P PWWDDLLDifDifffPts Pts

QuesadaSwans123612313889

QuesadaSwifts113222115982

SanMiguelNavajos113322017678

LaSiestaGolds1231128-2175

EmeraldIsleClaymores112822511772

LaMarinaSeagulls11283242471

VistabellaPicadors1225035-10260

LaSiestaBlues1224135-3754

ElRanchoMustangs1216242-45436

DIVISION C DIVISION C

SanLuisTigers99(10)GreenlandsElms(2)61

SanMCommanches133(12)LaSiestaSilvers(0)37

EmIsleOutlaws70(2)VbConquistadores(10)102

P PWWDDLLDifDifffPts Pts

SanLuisTigers113322015784

SanMiguelCommanches113122211877

CountryBowlsPanthers92801715172

MontemarMatadors10262227767

EmeraldIsleOutlaws1022325-8153

LaSiestaSilvers1017429-21941

VistabellaConquistadors1019229-8239

GreenlandsElms916128-12132

San Miguel Bowls Club - 3 February

On Monday all three teams were in action. San Miguel Dolphins were home to Emerald Isle Titans, winning 8 - 4, 86 -77. The best winning triple were Jan Farmer, Gail Willshire and Lynn Greenland 21 -9. The two remaining teams were away, San Miguel Orcas played Country Bowls Seahawks, losing 3 - 9, 78 to 107. Best winning triple were Brian Mundell, David Homer and Frank Scotthern, 26 -17. San Miguel Stingrays played Greenland Beech, also losing 3 - 9, 84 -94. The best winning triple were Gestur Saemund, Ian Hope and Jack Jackson, 17 -14.

On Wednesday in the Winter League, San Miguel were home to Javea, where they had a good day at the office taking all 8 points 63 -35. On the winning rink were

Allen Patterson, Don Darby, Alan Campbell and Mike Douglas 26 -9.

On Friday all three teams were in action, The two home teams both had outstanding wins of 12 -0.

San Miguel Navajos were at home to Vistabella Picadors, winning 12 - 0, 10963. Best winning triple were Ann Young, Pete Masters and Mike Douglas 24 -11.

On Friday afternoon San Miguel Comanches were home to La Siesta Silvers, winning 12 - 0, 133 -37. The best winning triple were Dee Warren, Dave Homer and Alan Campbell 32 - 5.

San Miguel Apaches were away to Quesada Swallows, losing 11 - 1, 106 -59. The triple who won the point were Allan Patterson, Don Darby and Gail Willshire

Greenlands Bowls by Chis Dewar

On Monday The Maples visited la Siesta and in a very good game came away with a very creditable 10 -2 and 107 -71 victory. The best winning rink was S. Bosworth, M. Jukes and Andy Miles. The Chestnuts had a bye.

The Beech entertained San Miguel and turned in a first class performance winning 9-3 and 107-71. with the best winning rink B. Farrington, B Hayes and R. Farrington which, considering he was not feeling well, showed great club spirit.

The Winter league featured a great match between the Warriors and Vistabella, who drew the points 4 -4, and warriors winning the shots by 1 shot, 55 - 54 well done everyone. Best rink L. Hier, B. Ewart P. Houghton and R. Cordell.

The Gladiators entertained Monte Mar and in a one sided match came away with a 8 -0 and a 89 -28 victory cementing their position at the top of the league. The Monte Mar players never gave up and are to be applauded for their effort. P. Rhodes, Carole Stobbart L. Bonsor and D. Morrison.

Friday saw The Oaks in action against a strong Emerald Isle team and were again in good form winning the points by 8 - 4 and the shots 91 --79, best rink D. Donovan, D. Perryman and L. Bonsor, The Cedars entertained San Louis going down 2 -10 and 87 -99. Some of the games were very closely fought but we were just on the wrong side today. Best rink J. Kocsis, D. Rae and Tony Hodges. Onwards and upwards.

The Elms also had a tough day going down 2 -10 and 61-99 against a strong San Louis team. Best rink C. Taylor, T. Hucknall and Stuart Horton, great effort.

If you enjoy a mix of competitive and fun bowling in a friendly environment at a wonderful venue, why not give one of us a call? Coaching available either groups or individual, by fully qualified coaches. Equipment available.

Pete Bonsor (Captain) 711 02 08 46

Keith Stobbart (President) 693 06 53 55

Chris Dewar Match Secretary 698 418 987

Also we have Joes roll up every Saturday morning 10.00 for 10.30, entry fee 1 euro. FANTASTIC PRIZES, non members are welcome and pay a green fee of 6 euros. Food and drink available after. Just turn up before 10am.

Areminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays 1.30pm for 2.00pmÄ5 for an afternoonís 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

ByBarryJones

San Luis BC by Sheila Cammack

This week has been a really good one for San Luis Bowls Club players. On Thursday 2nd we faced Quesada in the semi-final of the Premier 20 Knockout Tournament. Because of the different format and different elements, the overall result can go down to the last shot in either place and our players certainly did not give up. Winning 9 points-7, 156 shots-133.

At home San Luis had some really close nip & tuck matches Singles: Neil Morrison 20-21, pairs: Kath Reid & Ian Kenyon 19-19, Triples: Neil & Sandra Burrows, Scott Malden 24-8, Rinks: Giuseppe Galelli, Ralph Jones, Derrick Cooper, Dave Webb 22-24. Result 3 points-5, 85 shots-72.

Away at Quesada, San Luis had a great result, Singles: Bill Webb 21-16, Pairs: June & Keith Jones 1320, Triples: Dee Hoey, Caroline & John Smyth 19-10, Rinks: Jane Hamill, Tricia & Pat Reilly, Stewart Hamill 18-15. Result 6 points-2, 71 shots -61.

South Alicante League, Enterprise Div. (A) Monday 30th January; Klingons were away in the afternoon, at Vistabella. Fortunately for us the Albatross was a symbol of good luck as we had an excellent result against the league leaders; 8 points-4, 87 shots-76. Winners: Sheila Cammack, Vic Mahomet, Neil Morrison 17-15, Neil & Sandra Burrows, Scott Malden 18-11, Mary Lockley, Caroline Smyth, Ian Kenyon 31-10.

Voyager Div. (C) Trekkers had a tough morning at home v Quesada Rubies, 2 points- 10, 79 shots -101.

Winners: Bill Webb, John Bagnall, Dave Webb 22-16. Southern League (Div A) on Friday 3rd our Lions had a very good result away v Greenlands Cedars, 10 points-87, 99 shots-87. Winners: Margaret Morrison, Mary Lockley, Neil Morrison 23-16, Giuseppe Galelli, June & Keith Jones 35-8, Kath Reid, Caroline Smyth, Ian Kenyon 20-19, Neil & Sandra Burrows, Scott Malden 14-12.

Southern League (Div C) the Tigers also had a very good result, home v Greenlands Elms, 10 points-2, 99 shots-61. Winners: Kevin McKenna, Sheila Cammack, Vic Mahomet 21-9, Jane Hamill, Cas Blay, Stewart Hamill 24-9, Chris Jackson, Ngaio and Peter Baldwin 20-12, Dave Notely, Barbara Louis, Barry White 20-15.

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 info: keithjones81@hotmail.com

La Marina Bowls Club Roundup with Dave Hadaway

Only 1 game on Monday, the Pathfinders had a bye so as last week's report was written but not published, I would like to start with that if you don't mind.

Monday 23rd and another full day's bowling. The Pathfinders at home in the morning and the Explorers away to Country Bowls in the afternoon.

We start with the Pathfinders who were at home against San Miguel Dolphins and got a very satisfactory 6 all draw. The shots were very close at 78-82, so a home win was not so very far away.

Our 2 winning trips were, Trevor Hancock, Dave McGaw and John Rae with a narrow 18-17, and Dave & Lesley Joynes

EL RANCHO BOWLS CLUB

On Monday afternoon the Pintos were at La Siesta taking on their Pioneers, rather less cold than the earlier start, though still chilly at the shaded end. The Pintos had a splendid match, taking 4 rinks against Pioneers 1, a very good away result and the losing rink only lost on the final end.

Chris Ziepe, Dave Haynes and John Ziepe 25-11. Dave Baker, Sheila Cox and Judy Foley 32-14. Ria Dukker, Malc Sykes and Diane Yates 20-11. Tony Abbott, Sheila Millward and Jim Eastwood 13-18. Ann Abbott, Dolly Ford and Marion Haynes 22-21.

Wednesday found our winter league team at Bonalba, where they took one of the three rinks, a good effort for an away fixture.

Sheila Milward, Ron Greenstreet, Diane Yates and Jim Eastwood 5-31. Ria Dukker, Lesley Day, Judy Foley and Bob Day 25-7. Sheila Cox, Pam Harris, Brian Harris and Mike Cox 9-19.

On Friday the Mustangs were at La Siesta playing Their Golds and were unlucky to come away without a point, but it’s only a game, just enjoy the occasion. Bowlers of all levels are welcome at El Rancho, for further membership information contact Sheila Cox at micksheilacox@gmail.com.

Emerald Isle Bowls Club

by Elwyn Morris

The Titans started the week away at San Miguel Dolphins and they lost 4-8, Aggregate of 77-86, D Jones S Marks R Marks 19-9, PHeaney S Elvin C Lindgren 19-16

Neptunes played at home against Vistabella Drivers and got a good win 8-4 Aggregate of 76-67, M Oakley

M Ellis J Pooley 29-8, C Thomas B Fenty PWillicott 23-11, S Johnson B Eldred K Jolliffe 14-13

Moonrakers played at home against La Siesta

Sputniks and they slipped to a defeat by -8 Aggregate of 79-82, M Nash AFay TUpham 23-7, J Nash G

Digby AForrest 20-18

Cavaliers played at Greenlands Oaks and got beaten 4-8 Aggregate of 79-91, N Davis I Grimshaw D Gerrard 29-9 S Verity K Jolliffe J Pering 22-15

Claymores were at home against Quesada Swans and finished up all square at 6-6 Aggregate 85-77 E Morris R Pollock J Loughran 19-9, M Oakley M Ellis J Pooley 21-13

Outlaws were at home against Vistabella Conquistadors and got beaten2-10 Aggregate of 70102 M Nash D Clark J Ball 15-14, Remember SAPS on Sat at 13-15

with Len Daniels who won 21-14.

Last week I said that afternoon games were not necessary our favourites, but the results seem to prove differently, our Explorers travelled down to Country Bowls Seahawks, and came away with a very respectable 8-4 win.

Our 3 winning trips were Steve Wright, Cliff Rawlinson, & Tom Spenser 20-11, Janet Parsons, Margaret MacLaughlin and Mike Stone 14-11, and Barbara Forshaw, Carol Smith and Alex Whyte 25-6, with a overall shots win of 89-75.

Monday 30th and our Explorers were at home to Quesada Diamonds, and gave a Magnificent 10-2 win, the shots difference was 108-74, and our top trip was Kath Manning, Wendy Latham and Peter Parsons 32-6.

Wednesday 1st February and it must be spring because our

QBC ROUNDUP

By Steve Hibberd

QBC held their club championships over weekend of 28/29 Jan, when the winners were - Mens singles - M Ward. Ladies singlesI Everett. Mens pairs - J Prokopowycz, C Brazier. Ladies pairs - I Everett, A Linley. Mixed pairs - C Dye, T Morgan. Mixed tripsC Dye, T Morgan, T Voisey. Mixed rinks - C Bowles, K Bowles, D Gould, T Voisey. Well done everyone, and best of luck for the forthcoming Champions of Champions tournament. Also played last week, was the semi-final of the LLB Premier 20 cup against San Luis. Unfortunately, QBC ended up losing 5-7, with the following disciplines scoring the points - HOME. PairsC Brazier, J Prokopowycz 20-13. AWAY. Singles - T Morgan 2120. Pairs - I Everett, M Ward - 19-19. Rinks - M & C Highland, P Farrell, T Voisey 24-22.

In the South Alicante league, Pearls had a very good 9-3 home victory against Country Bowls. Here's the successful rinks - M Highland, C Dye, C Highland 18-18. G Phillips, M France, Jason

LASIESTABOWLS

(Members Run Club) by Alan Carr Division (B) The Blues were away playing Quesada Swifts which resulted with wins on two rinks by; Kathleen & Noel Morrisroe with Derek Biggs (22-8). Ramsay Sinclair, Martin Harley & Karen Kirk (19-17). Result 4-8 (Shots 80-90).

The Golds were hosted by La Marina Seagulls who won three rinks but could not stop; Pat Moore, Stan Dibble & Alan Mawer (22-12) from claiming two points for a win, with Skip Lyndon Johnstons team holding out for a draw making the end result 3-9 (Shots 80-101).

Division (C) Ahome game for The Silvers who welcomed Greenland’s Elms, a couple of rinks suffered heavy defeats, but one rink

Birds have returned, but more about that next week.

Friday 3rd and the Seagulls were away at La Siesta to play their Blues which turned out to be white day for us. We came away winning 8-4 with a overall shot difference in our favour of 99-84, it was nice to welcome back Irene Mangun after a long lay off where she skipped Dave & Lesley Joynes to a 27-19 victory.

Our other winners were Margaret Sadler, Trevor Stemp and Garth Slater 22-9, and Paul Tregoing, Trevor Hancock & Alex Maurice 18-15.

Meanwhile our Sharks were at home to Country Bowls, Ghekos and lost 4-8 although with a shot difference of just 5, (79-84), it could have gone either way, our 2 winning trips were, Anne Stone, Jim Reeves, Alex Whyte 26-9 and Barbara Foresaw, Marlyn Fryatt and Cliff Rawlinson 22-16.

P 18-17. H Olsen, T Morgan, C Brazier 20-12. G Carnell, V Campbell, F Roberts 21-18. Diamonds meanwhile, came unstuck on their visit to La Marina. Losing 2-10, only C Skinner, P Farrell, G Skinner 26-18, came away with a victory. Rubies were also away, but they returned from San Luis with a well deserved 10-2 victory over Trekkers. Well done - T Brinton, F Houbrecht, A Reid 27-13. J Cleal, M Holmes, D Gould 17-14. S Johnston, B & L Miller 23-17. L Armstrong, D Riley, B Armstrong 18-13. Onto Friday's Southern league, and once again it was a very good day for QBC teams. Swallows had a superb 11-1 home victory over San Miguel Apaches, to maintain their lead at the top of div 1. Well done to - G Phillips, M & C Highland 18-15. C Brazier, M France, Jason P 29-3. G Carnell, V Campbell, F Roberts 15-15. B Trinder, C & K Lowry 18-16. T Morgan, C Dye, M Ward 26-10. Finally, Swans played their div 2 match away at Emerald Isles, and they too stayed top, with a 6-6 draw against Claymores. Here's the winning rinks - C Bowles, D Gould, K Bowles 17-15. L Armstrong, A Linley, B Armstrong 18-16. H Olsen, P Bottle, T Voisey 20-14.

just lost out by one shot for a draw, two good wins on the others by; Lesley & Wayne Howlett with David Whitworth (2310). Pat Maldon, Jim Gwynn & Steve Gray (16-10). The game ended 4-8 (67-94).

Enterprise The Apollos welcomed Greenland’s Maples to La Siesta where one rink dropped five shots on the last end to lose by one, other than that we managed to win quite comfortable on the only winning rink by; Mike Inns, Wendy & Alan Ralph (25-11). The game ended 2-10 (71-107).

Discovery The Pioneers played host to El Rancho Pintos for their afternoon which saw us lose on four rinks but managed to salvage two points from a win by; Irene Laverick, Stan Dibble & Alan Mawer (1813). Lost 2-10 (Shots 75-112).

Voyager The Sputniks travelled to Emerald

Isle for their afternoon game against the Moonrakers, which resulted in wins on three rinks together with the overall (Shots 82-79) to win 8-4. The winning teams were; Lesley & Wayne Howlett with David Whitworth (21-8). June Whitworth, Peter Ayres & Graham Doel (19-15). Pat Malden, Maggie & Steve Gray (17-13).

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 633068399 who will be pleased to give you any further information you may require.

Three wins for Charo in U16 Euro Championships

Torrevieja’s Charo completed her three matches in the European Championships with a 100% record of wins.After beating the French and Polish number 1’s she claimed her 3rd success with a 7-5,1-6,6-3,victory against Leoni Rabl from Austria.

Meritxell Teixido also beat the Austrian number 2,Kim Kuehbaue,r 6-4,7-5,and in the doubles she had success with Marina Gatell in a 4-0,4-2 win over Rabl and Messenlechner. With their 3-0 success over Austria,Spain finished third in the group and in 9th position overall in the European Championship ‘Winter Cup.’

On her return to Spain at the weekend,there was no let-up for Charo as she was straight into the Valencian Open.The young Torrevejense was in fine form,progressing to the final where the 14-year-old beat the No1 seed,Spain number 12 and world ranked 270,Ángela Fita,in 2 straight sets,7-6,6-1.

Torrevieja’s Charo is the Valencian Open Champion

FOUNDERSFORMATWEEK7-31JANUARY2023

Friendly Temps7 - 14Gap Girlz

Tipsy Tigers12 - 10Ladybirds

Primadonnas9 - 14Friendly Chicas

Wacky Allsorts13 - 8Dolly Mixtures

LEAGUETABLE PForAg

Ladybirds79064

Gap Girlz68741

Tipsy Tigers78375

Primadonnas78072

Friendly Temps76783

Friendly Chicas55974

Wacky Allsorts75588

Dolly Mixtures54569

HOTDARTS: Bliss Wright (GG) 140 x 3

PLAYER 5-YEAR BAN AND JAIL AFTER REFEREE KNIFE THREAT

By Andrew Atkinson

fields of the islands," the Balearic Federation added.

100, Chelsea Campbell (GG) 140 x 2, 100, Eileen Askew (TT) 140, 121, Kirsty Green (LB) 129, Yvonne Rouffignac (GG) 125, 105, 100, Julie Hallett (FC) 122, 100, Diane Dane (PD) 121, 100, Sue Cam (LB) 121, Mitch Halliday (PD) 121, Julie Thompson (FT) 121, Ellie Attwood (FT) 120, Jane Kelly (GG) 120, Helen Bushell (FC) 119, Sharon O¥Rourke (LB) 119, Chris Greenwood (WA)117, Margaret Boden (WA) 112, Veronica Hughes (WA) 106, 100, Groa Bryndis (PD) 105, 100, Diane Burns (DM) 100 x 2 ,Gail Murray (GG) 100, Pat Woods (DM) 100

HIGHESTCHECK-OUTS: Jane Kelly (GG) 120, Lisa Ivill (TT) 77

This week, Gap Girlz Jane Kelly equals teammate Bliss Wright on the highest check-out so far this season, scooping a 120.

The ladies at La Zenia hauled in some impressive scores, Miss Wright with another ëBlisteringíperformance with no less than three 140¥s and a ton, outdoing her bestie, Chelsea Campbell, by an extra 140. The Tigers enjoyed a close and friendly match against the Ladybird league toppers, and got back into winning ways by clinching the match, courtesy of Eileen Askew¥s 2-0 win in the final singles.

The Friendly Chicas had a good win against home team Primadonnas and the Wacky Allsorts are seeing some luck having moved to their new venue at Jessie¥s Bar.

Next week let¥s see what the ladies can do in the Pairs Competition at the Friendly Bar?

The incident occurred during the Collerense v Rotlet third division fixture in the Air Europa league.

The act led to referees in the Baleares calling for action to bring attention to threats of violence against their sport.

The case against the unnamed player, who pulled out a knife and threatened the referee in 2021, the second incident involving the player who carried out a similar action in 2019, ended with a court appearance in 2023. The player, who acknowledged the sentence for threatening the referee with a knife, has reached an agreement, both with the Public Prosecutor and with the private prosecution, exercised by the legal services of the FFIB (Federació de Futbol de les Illes Balears).

A FFIB statement said: "Since he was not someone with a federal license, he could not be sanctioned by the FFIB, but he did decide at the time to appear in the judicial process that was initiated as a private accusation. "The individual was detained by the police and is a repeat offender.

"The FFIB will always fight for the protection of the refereeing collective and to eradicate verbal and physical violence on the football

Request for Police intervention refused History of threats to referees in Spain included one referee, who said: "I could see halfway through the match that things were heating up. It was a derby.

"I asked the local police to intervene, but they refused, saying it was a job for the Mossos' the Catalan regional police force. "When the game ended, a player kicked me in the head."

Over 20,000 football fixtures are played in Spain's regional lower and amateur leagues every weekend.

A state commission was set up to investigate violence, racism, homophobia and intolerance in sport following 115 attacks during the 2015-16 season, a 47% rise from the previous year.

Cases of a referee having had two teeth broken, after a player hit him, led to a two years ban. Referees have been pushed, spat on, and insulted: "You get used to it,” said a referee in the Basque Country's Primera Regional league.

One referee said he parks his car away from football grounds at village matches, in case players or fans came looking for him after the game: “They will attack you or damage your car,” he said.

He said that on one occasion, a player almost

ran him over after a game: “He came to a stop a metre from me and my assistants as we were crossing the road. I reported him, but my assistants weren't accepted as witnesses. I think he was fined euro 30,” he said. And it's not just in the senior leagues that referees see red.

Parents watching their children play often set a bad example - both in Spain and the UK. One official has called for zero tolerance: “There are junior leagues where the referee will stop the game if a parent starts screaming insults from the sidelines. I think that is a good idea.”

Kids 'war'

Juan Antonio Álvarez, a referee for almost three decades in the Cadiz area, said football has always been high risk for referees: “In one game I overheard a coach telling the kids that this was ‘war’. It's no surprise that they subsequently insulted the referee." Although a plethora of referee incidents are reported, thousands of fixtures are played without any incidents.

Women's football has made big strides during the last decade with the success of The Three Lionesses winning the Euro 2022 champi-

onship.

Marta Galego (centre) had a fan ejected after he told her to ‘go do the dishes’.

Also, women are officiating in more fixtures, both as referees and assistants.

Go do the Dishes

Marta Galego, a referee in the Catalan soccer federation, recalled she stopped a match after a supporter told her to 'go do the dishes.' The offender was escorted out of the stadium to applause. Galego was following the guidelines of the Catalan federation's ‘Zero insults in the stands’ policy which allows referees to stop matches, if fans refuse to moderate their language.

The number of female referees in England is up by 72% from 2016 and the FA now has over 2,000 women officiating across all levels. Amy Fearn has been refereeing from the age of 14, becoming the first woman to referee a football league match after the initial referee was injured.

Fearn was also the first woman to officiate an FA Cup main draw match.

Sian Massey-Ellis has been a Premier league assistant/4th official since 2010. Massey-Ellis also ran the line at the 2007 women's world cup and 2009 women's European championships.

Afootball player has been given a one-year jail sentence and a fiveyear ban - after pulling a KNIFE to threaten a referee.

Gap Girlz Jane Kelly 120 check-out

POOR PERFORMANCE ENDS IN COMPREHENSIVE DEFEAT FOR THADER

Having won over at Murada back at the end of September last year, Thader must have fancied their chances of a double.

At half time, it looked anyone's game, but by the final whistle, the better team had won.

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

CD Murada ..........3

Mid table Thader looked good in their previous match, a narrow 1-0 victory at Novelda, and were surely optimistic that a decent run could be continued.

In fact, Thader very nearly took the lead inside the first minute. A cross from the left was headed by a Murada defender against the inside of his own crossbar, but luckily for the visitors, the ball was scrambled away to safety.

On 13 mins, Amine produced a good save to deny Lizou giving Murada the lead. Pedro Juan must have thought he'd scored on 19 mins, but an eagle-eyed linesman cut short his celebrations, for what looked like a legitimate decision.

Fran appeared to be nudged off the ball when through on goal inside Murada's penalty area on 19 mins, but unfortunately, he failed to impress the referee.

Lizou was causing Thader's defence no end of problems, and on 31 mins he came very close to scoring, but his shot across goal shaved the far post. Amine was called into action again

on 40 mins, this time using his legs to divert a goal bound effort by Murada's striker Dani.

The second half was brought to life on 62 mins, courtesy of a speculative shot from the half way line by Veray.

He noticed Amine off his line, and although Thader's custodian made a valiant effort, he could not prevent the wind assisted ball looping under his crossbar.

From then on, Thader gradually lost their discipline, culminating in a number of needless bookings, which will eventually lead to suspensions.

On as a sub only minutes earlier, Jony was guilty of a foul just inside his own penalty area, and although Amine saved Toni's spot kick, Lizou was on hand to slam home the rebound.

Worse was to follow on 85 mins, when from a right wing cross, Moroccan Amine fumbled the ball into the path of Tranche, who made no mistake from less than 1 yard out.

Next weekend, Thader are away at Catral, for another Preferente league match. Please visit CD Thader facebook page for further details.

Check the CDThader Facebook page for match details.

Pinoso keep pressure on Torry in title race

Pinoso CF A kept up the pressure on SC Torrevieja CF in the race for the Valencia 1st Regional Group 8 title following a 1-0 win against Sporting Dolores CF on Saturday.

Mario netted the only goal that lead to jubilant scenes in the dressing room with the victory seeing them top the table on 42 points going into Sunday's fixtures.

Second place Torry (39 points) faced sixth

Carp-R-Us report

Thursday 2nd February saw Carp-R-Us returning to the El Bosquet complex, fishing pegs 17 to 40. Upon arrival the air temperature was showing -2oC and a low cold mist hung over the complex. It did not bode well, especially as these pegs had not been producing many fish during any of the recent matches.We could only hope.Fortunately, the Sun did come out as the day progressed.

Dave Hutchinson drew the lucky peg 26 which not only gave him a 10 but saw him on the favoured peg.He hadn’t a feeder rod with him which most favour on this peg.Instead, he fished pole and

maggot for 8 carp and a total weight of 6.12 kgs to come out overall winner.

Alan Smith on peg 37 fished very fine using maggot and punched bread to winkle out a few small mullet, then a carp later on, for 3.22 Kgs and winner of his section.Ken Willcock on peg 22 was the final section winner with 2.40kgs on pole and pellet.

There were 4 dry nets.Next Wednesday, the Club will be holding its 2022 trophy awards with lunch at Giovanni’s in Almoradi.Then on the Thursday return to the Rio Segura at Bigastro / Jacarilla. 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.

placed CD Montesinos in a local derby on Sunday. *Match report and photos online on Monday.

Sporting San Fulgencio A sit in third place on 37 points, with UE Crevillente FB A fourth on 37 points, following a 3-1 win against CF Rafal on Saturday.

Aspe UD A are fifth on 36 points after a narrow 1-0 victory against Alguena CF.

CD Cox defeated Atletico Algorfa away 2-1, to

SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION QUIZ FROM PAGE 14:

1.Betamax and VHS.(VHS was the victor) extra point Video 2000 or V2000, 2.AC Shelby Cobra, 3.Sherlock Holmes, 4.'Big Bill' Tilden, 5.441 million active users, 6. Andy Williams.The Andy Williams Show, 7.In 2021 it was 51%, 8.White Russian, 9.Honey (I miss you). Bobby Goldsboro, 10.The middle of nowhere.11.c. Giotto, 12.The river Jordan.From the song Michael Row The Boat Ashore."River Jordan is chilly and cold, hallelujah, chills the body but not the soul".13.a.The Velvet Underground & Nico (The Velvet Underground), b.Animals (Pink Floyd) c.The Unforgettable Fire (U2). 14.Winds.15.Mickey Rooney and Frank Sinatra.16. Parsec (parallax of one arcsecond).17.Colditz Castle. Oflag is an abbreviation for Offiziers lager or officers camp.18.Israelites (Desmond Dekker and the Aces) "Shirt them a tear up trousers are gone I don't want to end up like Bonnie and Clyde, poor me, the Israelite" 19.Reach the summit of Mt Everest.20.Pariah.

Mario netted the only goal for Pinoso

notch up three points to put them into 11th. Elche Dream CF A took a point away at CFE Il-Licitana Raval in a 1-1 draw, with Raval (24) eighth, and Elche (23) ninth.

RESULTS: 1st Regional G8. Pinoso CF A 1-0

Cab Buddies defeat

Mixed Spice in bid to move off bottom

Bottom club Cab Buddies defeated Mixed Spice away 7-3 in division 2 of the Costa Blanca Independent Pool League. Michael Howe, Richard Wood, Martin Burke, Allan Boyden, and Luke Preece chalked up wins for the victors in a bid to pull away from the foot of the table.

Second placed The Dream Team gained a

Sporting Dolores CF A . Aspe UD A 1-0 Alguena CF. CF Atletico Algorfa 1-2 CD Cox. CFE Il-Licitana Raval 1-1 Elche Dream CF A. 2nd Regional Group16: Callosa Deportivo CF B 0-0 Atletico Benejuzar A.

comfortable 8-2 away win against The Jokers, with Craig Lambert, Gary Dack, Steve Grundy, and Kevin Williams racking up wins. League leaders The Excellence returned a 82 win against The Almoradians in division 1; The Shakers returned a 6-4 away win at Super Beer Monsters.

Second place The Young Boys returned a 64 home win against The Rancheros, with John Smyth, Mick Margerum, Pete Cleaver, Stan West and David Stevens chalking up wins.