The Leader Newspaper 07 August 23 _ Edition 983

Gary Doggett, a popular local businessman, has lost one leg and is in danger of losing the other, after he was crushed between a car and the back of his van by an alleged drunk driver last month.

Married to Carol, Gary, aged 55, from Blue Lagoon in Orihuela Costa, was unloading tools and heavy panes of glass from the back of his van on La Torre Golf Resort, when he was hit from behind by the vehicle. The driver, a Spanish National, was arrested by the Guardia Civil at the scene.

At the time of the accident, Gary, who has been installing glass curtains and windows on the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida, through his company Cristalglide since 2007, was working at a property on the golf resort with his son Jak and an employee Stewart, when he was hit by the vehicle, later also found to be uninsured.

He was rushed to Murcia Hospital where, during an 8-hour operation, his right leg was amputated below the knee. Gary was later told that his left leg was also in a very bad way, but the staff and surgeons were hopeful that it could be saved.

Wife Carol, was ushered into ICU to help wake up Gary following surgery. It was only at that point that she was told the extent of his injuries, as she was merely informed by the staff that he was very lucky to be alive.

The day after surgery, he complained of pains in his chest and shoulder, to be told that all had been checked and it was just bruising from the impact.

On day 3, Gary underwent surgery again. When he woke, he could not breathe.

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He was rushed into x-ray where they found that he had air in his left lung, upper body injuries, including fractured ribs, and a broken scapula! He then had an emergency drain inserted into his lung!

After 13 days, he was transferred to a Valencia Hospital, where he is currently receiving reconstructive surgery on his left leg.

Now, over a month after the accident, multiple scans, xrays and 8 surgeries later, surgeons have just realigned his foot and tibia, initially delayed due to a serious infection within the leg. During the latest surgery, significant damage was also found to the knee, due to 3 ruptured ligaments, meaning that total reconstruction of the knee is now also required, along with surgery to the ankle, which will be carried out at a layer date.

When I spoke to Gary from his hospital bed, he was remarkably buoyant, and particularly complimentary about the medical and other support he has received since the accident, almost 6 weeks ago. He also told me that it would likely be 12 to 18 months before experts will even consider fitting him with a prosthetic leg, after which there will be intensive physiotherapy as he learns how to use it. He will also need to have many more surgeries within the intervening months, including a number of skin grafts on both his stump and left leg. Gary has now been forced to close down his Glass Curtains Business, with Jak and Stewart currently both out of work, all because of a reckless, uninsured drunk driver!

The road to recovery will be long and tough for Gary, not only as a result of his health, but also because of the many financial worries that will undoubtedly lie ahead. His home will need major alterations before he can even think of returning home, he will need a plethora of medical equipment and there will almost certainly be extensive lawyer’s fees as he seeks compensation for his injuries and the loss of his business.

But even now Gary is already pondering his options as he enters the next chapter of his life. "I just want this healing process to be over with so I can get back home, being with my family and friends and doing the things I want to do," he said.

Although both Jak and Stewart have since been interviewed by the police, the Guardia has still been unable to speak to Gary and are unlikely to do so until he returns home, which will most certainly be several weeks. However Social Services have been in touch, as have many of his former military colleagues and The

Royal British Legion. Daughter Chloe has also set up a gofundme page with a target of 45,000 euros of which over 24k has so far been achieved.

In addition, there are currently three community fundraising events being planned for the coming days.

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

OUR LAST GREAT ADVENTURE BEFORE DEMENTIA

Kilimanjaro or Everest base camp

La-di-da,dullsville and samey

Flying up to the moon in a hot air balloon

Oh man,that's so cockamamey

We're moving house,we're not going far

We've purchased a villa in Benijofar

We could have gone on safari

Kissed the Blarney Stone in Cork

Or travelled to China or North Carolina Or dined at the Ritz in New York

But we've bought a new house,I know,its bizzare

We've decided to migrate to Benijofar

It's our last great adventure before dementia

While we still have resilience and steam Excitement,elation with some trepidation

Let's face it,we're living the dream

We're jumping ship,we're off in the car

To start a new life in Benijofar

Kevin Dale

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

The first is at 7pm on this coming Thursday at Hawks Fitness & MMA in Villamartin, where 'Strictly's' Vincent Simone, together with Berta Hawkins, invite you to learn how to Tango. Then on Sunday 13 August, de barra’s Irish Bar, in conjunction with Sliders Bar and Grill, will be holding an afternoon of music starting at 1.30pm.

The event will be hosted by Stevie Spit MBE and will feature artistes from across the area who are all providing their support free of charge. There will also be a Grand Raffle, toward which the response has already been enormous, with an overwhelming number of donations, pledges and prizes received.

The two bars are also organising a Golf Day on 2 September, which will be followed by entertainment at each of the respective venues.

The Tango lesson with Vincent and Berta will cost 15 euro per person. Just turn up prior to the 7pm start time. Information for the golf day is at 0034 711 062 229, and for the fundraiser on Sunday, from Audrey at de barra’s, while the link to the gofundme page is: https://www.gofundme.com/f/gary-doggett.

Please, either support the events shown above, or give whatever you can to the gofundme page to help with the cost of Gary’s long recovery.

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SORT OUT THIS PALM TREE MESS

Street trees in urban areas are important. They provide a human scale to our surroundings and soften the mind numbing linearity of vast expanses of concrete. They clean the air we breathe and provide much appreciated shade.

On an often unconscious level they impact our feelings about a street or neighborhood’s economic status and safety, which is to say its desirability as a place to walk or live.

However, in many parts of the Southern Costa Blanca, there have been reports, in recent weeks, of serious damage to people and property caused by fallen palm trees that have broken under the weight of their fronds or fruit, and whilst we can all accept how wonderful they are to look at when suitably pruned, many would agree that they actually serve no purpose whatsoever, they provide no shade and they forever drop their seeds on anything that lies below.

Standing next to a palm tree unfortunately affords about the same amount of shade as standing next to a telegraph pole They can also be dangerous, dirty and ugly when left untended or only occasionally maintained, and in many areas of the Orihuela Costa this is the situation that many of them are currently in.

Only a few short years ago the palms would be tended twice a year. They would be treated, pruned and sprayed as they presided majestically over our streets. They looked positively regal as they gave a royal Mediterranean welcome to our visitors.

But now, like so much else of the Orihuela Costa, they have been allowed to become overgrown. There are far too many for the local authorities to manage, they are causing damage to our pavements and to our roads and they create a variety of unnecessary hazards, many of which, for an elderly popula-

tion, can be extremely difficult to manoeuvre.

In the roads an thoroughfares of Aguamarina there is a fully mature palm tree situated every 3 metres. Calle Agua, for example, is approximately 300 metres long, but it accommodates approximately 100 trees. This provides the street with almost one tree for every 3 metres of its length.

According to local experts, the recommended spacing interval for this type of tree is between 20 and 30ft. In C/Agua, and many other Orihuela Costa streets, therefore, there are 50 palm trees too many. If this were to be replicated across the coast the result would be a surplus of many thousands of trees, costing many hundreds of thousands of taxpayers euros to be maintained, much of which could so easily be saved or put to other and better uses.

Prior to the Covid outbreak pruning of the trees was carried out twice a year. Now it is rarely more frequently than once every 15 to 18 months, so the trees, and the streets and avenues that they line, look truly shambolic. These days the residents can actually get quite excited when they see the arborist, or ‘tree pruner’, arrive for an occasional visit, but unfortunately they are nowhere near often enough. Over the last decade, there have been numerous accounts of "exploding" palm trees in many parts of the world. Subsequently, the famous trees, which “go up like Roman candles,” have sparked rumours online that they either selfimmolate or combust due to extreme heat. While neither of these speculations are true, many research scientists and fire department officials say that they pose a very real threat regardless – and could make the current fire season even more dangerous in than usual.

SPANISH ELECTIONS BACK IN THE NEWS

The Spanish national elections (remember them?) are likely to lead the news in Spain again for the start of this week, as today, Monday, is the day when all the appeals, recounts, and consolidations will have been resolved, and, as such, the definitive results will be proclaimed and the electoral boards will issue the credentials so that the deputies and senators can appear in Congress and the Senate to be accredited. The parade of the new parliamentarians to do the 'paperwork' is expected from this Thursday, August 10.

The next key date in the calendar is Thursday, August 17, when, at 10am, the Congress and the Senate are constituted simultaneously, each one in its headquarters. It is the day in which the parliamentarians elect the presidents and the Tables of the Chambers and promise or swear the Constitution. They also have to tell the King what’s going on, and perhaps more importantly the different political groups will need to come to some form of agreement of how to govern… Or not!

The government is expected to be in place for the first plenary session in the first week of September. We shall see.

Whilst we’re talking about dates next week, don’t forget that Tuesday 15 August is a holiday. That is also a significant date for the road network.

From Friday this week, the next major traffic monitoring campaign kicks in, codenamed 15 Agosto, which is for the weekend surrounding that holiday.

Traditionally during this middle weekend of the month, many of the holidaymakers who came to the coast for 2 weeks at the start of the month will return home, meeting with those coming to the coast for their final holiday stint. The complication is that the national holiday is on Tuesday, so the whole weekend traffic monitoring event is extended. Staying on the roads, from today and throughout the week, ROADPOL, which is the European Traffic Police Network, are carrying out a surveillance campaign focussing on speed.

This is a Europe-wide campaign, although it may differ from country to country. Either way, because we know that you, our loyal reader, always observes the speed limit, it won’t affect you, but you can tell your less than compliant friends to slow down!

In the UK on Monday, football might be a

distraction from the woes, as the Lionesses take on Nigeria in the knockout stages. It’s also World Lion Day on Thursday, incidentally. Meanwhile, the UK government is expected to turn its attention towards immigration, with a series of announcements on the matter (again), and they expect the first inmates (sorry, we did it again), asylum seekers to board the Bibby Stockholm, but yes, we (and they) said the same thing last week. Tuesday is an important day for the young folk of Scotland, as exam results begin to be announced.

Prince Harry will be in the news no doubt (remember him?) as he is travelling to Tokyo and Singapore.

On the subject of the environment, warn the birds that on Saturday, it’s the Glorious Twelfth, shooting season in other words, and keep your eyes on the sky at night (in places) as the Perseid meteor shower peaks.

And, as a final environmental note, for those in the UK enjoying the weather, you might be interested to know that on Thursday the British Red Cross publishes it’s report on heatwaves.

It’s also afternoon tea week in the UK, so make sure you stock up on cakes and cucumber sandwich paraphernalia to join in wherever you are!

ROADPOL will be carrying out a surveillance campaign focussing on speed this week.

MANUEL MESTRE - ‘MAN ON A MISSION’

The new councillor for the coast, General Manuel Mestre, Vox, knows all too well the difficult task that lies ahead, if he is to resolve the problems that cross his desk on almost a daily basis, but as a former military man, unlike many of his predecessors, his is not one who will shirk those responsibilities.

Born in Almería in 1952, Mestre is a former Air Force Lieutenant General. In addition to being head of the Canary Islands Air Command, he was the Chief of Staff of the Portuguese NATO Joint Command (Joint Command Lisbon) and in 2013 he was appointed Chief of Personnel Command, a position he held until his transfer to the reserve in 2015. Mestre also holds a master's degree in international relations which he completed at University in the United States. A resident of the Oriolan village of La Murada, he became involved in local politics shortly after his retirement from the military, and now, as the leader of Vox and the Orihuela Costa Councillor for the Coast, he works from an office on the 1st floor of the Playa Flamenca Town Hall. He told The Leader that this gives him the opportunity of being the man ‘on the spot’ rather than, like many

of his predecessors, trying to run the coast from Orihuela city, 35 km away.

“There are many problems on the coast that I will work hard to fix” he said during one of his regular tours of inspection last Friday. On that occasion, accompanied by Antonio, the President of Punta la Glea, and his assessor Hector Mateo,

2023 DOG MICROCHIP CAMPAIGN IN PILAR

The Councilor for Animal Protection has launched the campaign for the implantation of microchips, passports and rabies vaccine in dogs for another year. This municipal campaign began on July 31 and will end on September 31, 2023, or when the finance runs out.

he was walking along the Aguamarina Paseo, picking out actions that need his attention.

“Many people in the area feel that they have not been listened to by politicians in the past, but give me time and you can be assured that Hector and I will work hard to change that”, he said.

GUARDIA CIVIL PATROL BOAT ADDED TO FLOATING MUSEUM

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and Colonel Miguel Salom Clotetin of the Guardia C Civil Maritime Service, signed the certificate of delivery for the Río Almanzora, a high-altitude p patrol boat presented to Torrevieja Council as an exhibit in the Torrevieja floating museum

The s ship was built in 2003 with dimensions of 30 metres length, 5 90 metres width, 3 40 metres in depth a and 1 50 metres draft

Colonel José Hernández Mosquera, of the Alicante Command, explained that they are especially excited that the patrol boat is located in Torrevieja due to the presence of the Guarrdia Civil in the town Hernández saidout that it is a good way to value the work that the ship has d done, as well as a great showcase of the work that the Guardia Civil does at sea every day "It is a way for the people to recognise our work," said the colonel

At the moment, the ship is being sealed d for maintenance and provided with all the pertinent

documentation, with the expectation of having g everything ready before the end of the year

The Councilor, Elisabet Marcos, explained that the objective of this campaign is "to support the residents of Pilar de la Horadada who care for a pet by offering them reduced prices thanks to the Council subsidy". The prices, applying the aid discount, are as follows: microchip implantation: e22, Passport issue: 10 euros, anti-rabies vaccination: e10. Marcos offered her thanks to all the veterinary clinics supporting the campaign including: El Pilar Veterinary Clinic, Sureste Veterinary Clinic, Pelo-Pico-Pata Veterinary Clinic and Moby Dick Veterinary Clinic.

To claim the discount, the individual must request the authorisation through the electronic headquarters or in person at the Citizen Attention Service (SAC) of the town council. The prior application form for the discount can be found on the municipal website (www.pilardelahoradada.org). If you have any questions, you can contact the councillor by email sanidadanimal@pilardelahoradada.org.

OUT AND ABOUT - Manuel Mestre flanked by the President of Punto la Glea, Antonio, and his assessor Hector

JUST 4,910 BRITISH RESIDE NTS IN TORREVIEJA

Torrevieja town hall has published their latest census figures, which show that citizens from Ukraine, with 6,939 registered residents, continue for the second consecutive year to be those with the greatest presence in the municipality, ahead of Russia (5,540) and the United Kingdom (4,910), which have historically been the most numerous in Torrevieja.

According to the latest official annual figures from the Institute of National Statistics (INE), on 1 January 2022, there were 4,722 resi-

dents in Torrevieja from the United Kingdom, whereas 10 years ago, on 1 January 2013, the figure was 13,172, and 20 years ago, in 2003, 9.135. The total population for those same dates was 83,547, 105,205, and 77,943, respectively.

In just seven months, from January to July 2023, a total of 1,168 Ukrainians have been registered in the city, mainly due to the Russian invasion in their country, which began in February 2022. It should be noted that the majority of these people are consid-

ered “temporary” residents, pending the end of the conflict and a return to their homeland.

The city of Torrevieja currently has a total of 96,905 inhabitants registered in its census, according to the statistical data on population and evolution of the Municipal Register of the City Council, of which 51.9% are of Spanish origin (50,268), while 48.1% (46,637) are residents from a total of 122 countries across five continents.

As significant data, the growth of registered people throughout this year stands out, a total of 5,174 since January 2023, the date on which 91,731 registered inhabitants were counted. At this rate, it is expected that by

Historically the most numerous, but now the number of Brits lags behind those from Ukraine and Russia

the end of this year the figure of 100,000 registered in the city can be reached, although the figure would decline if those Ukrainians are able to return home.

Obtaining more than 100,000 residents would once again elevate the town to the status it once held, subsequently also increasing the funding per capita received from the central government.

The number of men registered in the Torrevieja census amounts to 47,128 (48.63%), while 49,777 (51.37%) are women, having counted to date in 2023 a greater number of registered women than men.

AMARYLLIS - A CHRISTMAS CRACKER!

YOU LOOK STRANGELY UNFAMILIAR

Afinancial expert once told me arithmetic is the only part of the banking system that can't lie. He clearly never tried to withdraw money from my Instant Access account by going into a bank and asking for it. Or at least, I hope he didn't. Maybe he had better luck than I did, he was an expert after all, although I couldn't help noticing he didn't seem particularly wealthy. Perhaps other parts of the banking system had lied to him.

"You can have up to 5 Access accounts," the posters in my local branch advised me, "and name each one to help you save for different things." In my case that would mean accounts called Sausages, Charcoal, Petrol, Matches, Wooden Skewers, and Metal Tongs. And before you point out those are 6 things, the petrol is for my car. Otherwise -- whoosh! -- what a barbecue that would be.

How well do we know people nowadays?

Well enough to lend them large amounts of folding stuff? For a modern bank manager to ever meet the people to whom he is lending money is about as likely as him knowing the person who signed the banknotes.

In the larger world it hasn't helped that we have hardly been at large in recent times, sequestered at home, our interaction limited to nodding acquaintances on sparsely populated pavements, rubbing elbows with very few of our fellow travellers, especially not the bolshie ones who didn't give us a wide berth.

Pandemics -- stop me if you've heard this before -- engender a variety of alienation that is quite different from our ordinary everyday feelings of anomie, estrangement, isolation, existential angst, detachment, withdrawal, disengagement, emotional

nullism, and my analyst has only been practising for a few weeks. Probably why he still refers to himself rather grandly as a "psycho analyst."

When wearing masks, people spoke with their eyes as much as speaking through their mouths or talking through their hats. Masks don't smudge mascara, even if they do fog up spectacles.

Pedestrians also voted with their feet when you narrowly avoided a collision on sharp corners and they danced away from you -- a quick two-step rather than a slow waltz. (The Hesitation Waltz, if you've retired to Spain you may be old enough to remember that.)

Mentioning sunshine reminds me of the definition of a banker as someone who

lends you an umbrella when the sun is shining and asks for it back when it starts to rain. Often they even want two umbrellas back, plus galoshes.

I was sitting fighting thirst under a tilted beach umbrella when an elderly lady put me in the shade of her parasol, and asked, "Don't I know you from somewhere? Or do you just have one of those faces?" I wondered if she was about to produce a series of Interpol identikit photographs, but before I could stop looking furtive, she added, "Oh, no, I realise now that you are someone else." Strangely, I wasn't wearing a mask during this brief encounter. Alienation, you see. Uncertainty, confusion, insecurity. I am someone else. My psychoanalyst will be pleased. He's cured me.

HIPPEASTRUM - commonly known as Amaryllisare normally a house plant, very popular in the runup to Christmas, with many colour forms and single or double flowerheads.

They will happily grow outdoors here in the warm climate of the Costa Blanca and bloom, year-after-year. Hippeastrum is a tender bulb that should flower about six to eight weeks after planting

Plant in the ground in a well lit spot, that is shaded from the scorching sun, from October to January, with 2/3 of the bulb showing above ground surface. Water sparingly, until new leaves develop, and start watering regularly. Do not let the compost dry out, but avoid excess water.

After flowering, cut down spent flower spikes to the base, but keep the leaves on the plant.

In late September stop feeding and reduce watering, so that the plant becomes semi dormant, then cut the remaining old leaves to 10cm from the neck of the bulb. Replace the top 2.5-5cm of compost around the plant.

If you grown them in pots they need re-potting every 2 or 3 years, after flowering in January to March. You can propagate by seed, or from bulb offsets. However, seed raised can take up to six years to reach maturity to flower, which will usually differ from the parent plant.

Propagation by offsets will produce a flowering bulb in three to four years, which will be identical to the parent plant.

Simply separate the offsets from the main bulb in January to March and pot up in individual pots, or directly in the ground, in free-draining soil. If placed outdoors watch out for slugs and snails.

Lithuanian Drug and Arms Sales Network dismantled in Vega Baja

Almost 30 arrests in Orihuela Costa, Torrevieja, San Miguel de Salinas along with the seizure of e562,000 and almost 300 kilos of narcotics

The Civil Guard and the National Police in Vega Baja and in the province of Valencia have dismantled an organisation made up mostly of Lithuanians that was engaged in the importation and distribution of drugs and the sale of firearms on the black market. In the operation, 29 people have been arrested and nearly 300 kilos of cocaine, heroin and hashish have been seized.

The investigation began in August 2022, when the first drug smuggling was detected in Albacete. The agents intercepted a vehicle with two occupants on the A-31, who were arrested when they found a package containing one-kilogram of cocaine in the boot.

The investigators identified the gang that was structured into two well-differentiated branches with strong ties to each other.

Last November, during the surveillance of a property used by the gang in Bétera (Valencia), two people, both unrelated to the organisation, were arrested for stealing drugs from another criminal organization.

The agents were then able to arrest two more people, seizing 108 grams of cocaine, 280 MDMA pills, 195 kilos of hashish, 74 methamphetamine pills and 60 x 9mm cartridges.

Also in November, nine house searches were carried out in the towns of La Eliana, Godelleta, Gandia, Tavernes de la Valldigna, Picanya and in Valencia, where 11 people of Spanish and Colombian nationality were arrested, seizing more than half a million euros, 90 kg of cocaine, four kg of heroin, four firearms, nine high-end vehicles. With the bulk of the organization dismantled, a second phase was then implemented with nine house searches in Orihuela Costa, Torrevieja and San Miguel de Salinas. Twelve members of the organization, all of Lithuanian nationality, were arrested for drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms and for belonging to a criminal organization. The police seized two 9 mm firearms with the serial number erased, a blank weapon, four beacons, e17,000 in cash, a farm of 100 marijuana plants, and five high-end vehicles together with a motorcycle and various mobile devices.

Among the detainees, one is considered a HVT (high value target) by Europol, two Europol agents from which have travelled and actively participated in the searches. Another of the gang has a European Arrest Warrant issued by Lithuania, where he was sentenced to six years in prison. This operation was carried out jointly by agents of the UCO (ECO Levante) of the Civil Guard and Udyco Murcia of the National Police.

TORREVIEJA COUNCILLOR EXPECTED WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE TO BE "MUCH BETTER"

enormously through recycling.The blue containers are for paper and cardboard. The yellow containers are for plastic and metal,"she wrote,“particularly during these days of high tourist population when many bags of waste end up on the roads by the side of the bins.”

The mayor,Eduardo Dolón,has also mentioned deficiencies in recent months,stating that the result of the agreement is not exactly what was expected.

The contract between the City Council and the multinational company Acciona was confirmed 12 months ago for a period of 15 years.The municipal budget pays the company just over 2 million euros per month for waste collection,street cleaning and coastal cleaning,25 million euros per year.

In a post on Facebook,the councillor for foreign residents in Torrevieja, Gitte Lund Thomsen,has said that she expected the new multi million euro waste collection service to be much better. In addressing international residents,she said that foreigners can help to improve the system enormously,particularly through recycling.

She reminded her followers that they can make the municipal service much simpler and more effective: "In spite of everything, as a resident of Torrevieja,you can help us

In making her appeal to foreign residents, Lund,who has been a councillor since 2019,and who is very active in social networks,said that "much remains to be done," a statement,she feels,that other members of the government team also share.

The mayor pointed out that her comments are purely personal and addressed to those EU citizens,especially Swedes, Norwegians,Finns and Danes,who have a deep-rooted recycling culture and,in no way are they intended to interfere in the work of the government team.

Many recycling containers have recently been replaced

‘SHE HAS A NOSE FOR THESE SORT OF THINGS!’

Mrs Youcantbeserious is a remarkable woman. Those of you blessed to know her will confirm that we could write a column every week for a whole year, talking about nothing else but her many fine qualities and talents.

This week I would like to highlight one such talent and just write about my wife’s nose. I have often said to her that she should have been a dog … but I wouldn’t like to say that here; so I’ll just say instead that she could get a job as a ‘sniffer’ at Dublin airport. No illegal drugs would get past her, no matter how well concealed. No bundle of used banknotes, counterfeit cigarettes, or fake designer clothes would ever darken our country again. Years ago when a lot of my friends smoked and I might give somebody a lift home from a meeting or match; the first ceist fired at me before I got a welcome home kiss would be; ‘who did you have in the car – I can smell cigarettes.’ But Lord look down on me if any passenger was a woman wearing perfume. The trick for me was, that after I said my prayers and before I rolled into bed, I had to get the name in before I was asked! We are talking here, Lads, about the greatest nose of all time.

Some would claim that Mrs Youcantbeserious has a proneness for ‘turning up her nose’ when she doesn’t like someone or something. As we are dealing only with facts here, I have to say that I have never seen a curl on her pretty little nose.

All of the above got me to thinking as to how important is the nose for all of us – and it barely ever gets a mention. It’s all about the heart, the brain, the mouth, the muscles, the hair – and the poor little nose; one of the

most useful parts of our body, hardly ever features in discussion. In fact, it gets a lot of bad press with regard to starting arguments; ‘he poked his nose into what was none of his business!’

I can think of few things worse than losing your sense of smell – as did happen to many people as a result of Covid.

The aroma of cooking, or freshly baked bread can transport you thousands of miles and years back in time. And yes, as well as invoking pleasant memories, can cause you to contract with past grief. Smells can evoke all manner of memories. Coming back briefly … and before then moving quickly on; that aforementioned perfume will always remind you of the first person (‘person’ is a good word here, Lads) you met wearing it. Again, isn’t it strange how little attention the nose gets in comparison to the eyes and ears? Even in the animal world, scent can play a bigger part in the art of survival than either sight or sound.

Anytime I come across the smell of chalk, I am immediately transported to my first day in schools, when Mrs McCormack gave me a stick of white chalk and a tuppeny jotter. That strong smell of chalk was an ever part of my first teacher. The burning of incense during funerals or benediction always triggers memories of my Sunday morning serving mass in Killulagh church.

As a coffee addict, there is no more inviting aroma for me than that of freshly brewing coffee. We don’t burn turf anymore, but I have fond memories of that smoky smell whenever I arrived home from abroad in the long ago. There is a strong connection between smell and mood and so, I tell you, I certainly value my nose …

I remember hearing somebody say on the radio that significant improvement can be accomplished with Alzheimer patients through regular and mindful exposure to smells. Familiar smells may enhance cognition or delay decline. The memories that are regained through scent vastly surpass the other senses. Music is of course the other remarkable miracle worker with people who have lost their memory.

Did you know that there is an awful ammonia-like smell off used bank notes stored in an airtight container? It is pure rotten … but I loved it! When I owned the pub in Spain, we had a floor safe where the rolls of notes were dropped periodically. When I lifted the lid

after a couple of days this atrocious smell would nearly knock you out. Strangely, this awful smell didn’t sit well with Mrs Youcantbeserious. I always claimed that the sweetest smell, other than good silage, was what escaped from this enclosed hole in the ground. She hated both smells equally, but I would still chance my luck following her to bed reeking of those two smells, than one faint, teeny weenie whiff of a strange perfume!

DON’T FORGET

Some husbands are living proof that a wife can take a joke.

JELLYFISH - YOU CAN KEEP ONE STEP AHEAD WITH THE APP

Many people enjoy a day at the beach, but so do many of the creatures who call the sea home, including jellyfish, although humans don´t always like to see these creatures in their natural habitat, but the good news is there´s an app that reports their positions in real time.

The increase in the appearance of jellyfish has been blamed on a number of different reasons, including the rising temperature of the sea, a subsequent displacement of natural predators, and overfishing, all of which a

caused by humans, but humans at the Polytechnic University of Valencia have developed the MedusApp which is a jellyfish map of Spain, so that you can avoid interaction, and leave them alone.

There is a website, medusapp.net, which offers links to the iOS and Android apps, or you can search direct, and features a map of Spain with beaches shown and a colour code whereas green dots indicate the areas or beaches that are free of jellyfish. If there is a notice without colour, it

means that jellyfish have been found in that area and they are not stinging. In the case of those that itch, they are differentiated as follows:

Yellow - Mildly stinging jellyfish

Orange - Stinging Jellyfish

Red - Very stinging jellyfish

The warning system allows you to filter the jellyfish map by dates. In this way, the areas of greatest risk or in which there are usually more registered cases can be detected. As the app features user generated content, you can also submit your own reports if you see a jellyfish you would like to share.

Survey shows Ireland as Europe’s Loneliest Country

The survey reports that more than 20 per cent of respondents reported feeling lonely most or all of the time

Irish people are experiencing the highest levels of loneliness within the European Union, a recent study has revealed.

The study conducted by Alone, a national organization that enables

older people to age at home, points out that in Ireland, more than 20 per cent of respondents reported feeling lonely most or all of the time, which is notably higher than the European average of 13 per cent, SchengenVisaInfo.com

reports.

Data provided by the same source also shows that the lowest levels of loneliness were found in Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and the Netherlands, all of which reported levels below ten per cent.

As of the first quarter of 2023, Alone’s figures indicate that many older people newly reaching out to the organisation have been facing social isolation.

As a result, 36 per cent of these individuals had not engaged in social activities for more than a month, and a concerning nine per cent had not participated in social activities for over a year.

“The new numbers from this EUwide survey do not come as a surprise to us ALONE. We know from our numbers that loneliness consistently ranks as Alone’s number one support issue, and it severely impacts our physical and mental health,” Alone CEO Seán Moynihan stated.

Moynihan also emphasised that the government had previously committed to developing an Action Plan to address loneliness through three distinct strategies:

At the same time, he stressed the urgency of the situation urging the Department of Health to allocate resources and expedite the development of the action plan to combat loneliness across all age groups.

According to him, it is essential to mention the provision of funds in the 2024 Budget to finally provide the long-awaited action plan and implement specialised interventions to address and alleviate loneliness in the community.

Moreover, Moynihan called on the Department of Health to collaborate with Alone and the members of the Loneliness Taskforce to address the challenge of loneliness comprehensively and effectively.

The issue of loneliness extends beyond the EU and is also prevalent in the United States. Thus, a survey conducted by Alone in November and December 2022 revealed that over 17 per cent of American adults reported feeling lonely.

Based on the survey, the highest levels of loneliness are observed among specific demographic groups. Young adults under 30 experience loneliness more, with 24 per cent feeling lonely. In addition, individuals from lower-income households earning less than $24,000 per year face a more significant burden of loneliness, with 27 per cent reporting similar feelings.

Arts & Culture &

Tom Jones, El tigre de Gales, defies the passage of time in Alicante

Proving that age is just a number, 83-year-old global star Tom Jones, stunned a capacity audience in Alicante Bullring on Tuesday night, a packed house that was reluctant to say goodbye to one of the most important musical sensations of recent decades.

The wait to see the Welsh icon ended when Sir Tom asked his audience if they were ready for the show, to which they responded with a resounding "yes."

The lights were dimmed, and thunderous applause greeted the artist who, with his powerful voice full of nuances, sang 'I'm Growing Old', marking the beginning of a night full of magic and surprises.

He proved to be in top form and, what is more important, he immediately connected with his audience. With a radiant smile and his famous moves, he made everyone in the audience feel part of an intimate performance, as if he were singing directly to them.

His repertoire was a perfect mix of his greatest hits from decades past along with a number of his more recent songs. Classics like 'If I only knew' and 'Kiss' unleashed euphoria among the audience many of whom were on their feet dancing and singing along with their idol.

But the greatest excitement was unleashed with songs like It's not unusual, Delilah and, of course, Sex bomb, going back to 1999, during which no one was able to sit still. Apowerful voice and an undeniable charisma saw the public in complete surrender.

Considered an icon of British pop, ëThe Welsh Tigerí is living through a second youth, conquering the new generations while showing the whole world that he hasn't lost an iota of his vocal power.

The artist has consolidated his place in music history as one of the great idols of our times, becoming one of those versatile artists who doesn't care what he sings, be it pop, rock, country, soul or gospel. Any style sounds good with his tireless spirit.

He is a living legend who in the 60s and 70s was a sex symbol of the time and who now treasures more than

LIVE THEATRE AT CAMPOAMOR YACHT CLUB

On Friday 11th August, at the Campoamor Yacht Club, the Campoamor Theatre, will present the play El Crédito (The Credit) by the prestigious Spanish playwright Jordi Galcerán.

The play has been premiered in both Madrid and Barcelona to great acclaim. It is being staged by the Elche theatre company SaharaTeatre.

It is a good opportunity for the residents and tourists of Orihuela Costa to see quality theatre in the area. Critics have said of the play "Well constructed and perfect in its dramatic architecture, the comedy El Crédito is Jordi Galcerán in his purest form: funny lines and repartee, colloquial writing, hilarious situations, characters with depth, unexpected twists and a wellhoned plot.

The play starts with a man who tries,

honestly, to get a bank manager to grant him a small loan which is absolutely necessary for him to continue with his life. He has no guarantees or properties, only his "word of honour.” The branch manager's refusal places the two of them in a very delicate and hilarious situation. As usual with this author, each twist of the plot is a surprise which keeps us on the edge of our seat until the end.

thirty albums having been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for his major contribution to the music industry.

The display of lights and visual effects throughout the concert

further enhanced the experience with Jones finally bringing his 2 hour show to a conclusion as he thanked the audience with a few words of Spanish. He also had words of gratitude

for his band, who "have been fellow travellers for many years", stating that he will not be parting from them anytime soon as he hopes that "he will be performing for many more years to come".

ORIHUELA COSTA ‘NIGHTS OF CULTURE’ IN PLAYA FLAMENCA

The Department of Culture has programmed "Nights of Culture", which will bring different activities to Orihuela Costa during the month of August. This was announced on Tuesday by the, Gonzalo Montoya, who explained that all of the events will take place at 9:30 p.m. on the Explanada de Playa Flamenca, with free admission.

The children's play “The Little Mermaid”, directed by Pedro Llaudes from Orihuela, will be performed on Thursday August 10.

For the following two weeks, the company East End Producciones will present the work "Paris" on August 17 and, on the 24th, a theatrical concert entitled "Music and poetry for the soul", by the Symphony Orchestra, and dedicated to the poetry of Miguel Hernández.

"It is about celebrating the work of our universal poet, through the performing arts together with the lively culture of Orihuela and its coastline during the month of August", said Montoya.

Music, theatre and Children’s Entertainment in Orihuela Costa during August

Friends, Romans, Cartageneros …

With the arrival of August, the eighth month of the calendar whose name derives from its dedication to Emperor Augustus, the Roman Theatre of Cartagena, promoted by the emperor himself, increases its activity with a number of events and themed visits in collaboration with Cartagena Puerto of Cultures.

Every day visitors will be able to enjoy a story, all the information and purchase of tickets for which is available at: puertodeculturas.cartagena.es

The Roman Theatre in summer is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will also be a special opening on the August long weekend on both Monday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Tuesday, August 15 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The tour begins with the museum, the entrance of which is located in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento in front of the Palacio Consistoria. It will involve a journey through time that culminates with the unexpected appearance of the imposing stands of the Roman Theatre.

This summer you can also enjoy the temporary exhibition XV Anniversary of the Museo Teatro Romano de Cartagena. The exhibition is divided into three thematic blocks, which are displayed through texts and photographs; the evolution of the excavation works of the theatre, the fifteen years of life in the museum after its inauguration and the current intervention project with Next Generation funds in the western portico of the Roman theatre.

The Roman Theatre also complements its activity in August with a good number of routes and themed visits in collaboration with Cartagena Puerto de Culturas

On Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m., the guided tour IN CLEOPATRA'S FOOTSTEPS

On this guided tour, the influence of Egypt in Carthago Nova will be displayed through the enigmatic character Cleopatra Selene, who, following the cult of the goddess Isis, will follow in the footsteps of the Treasures of Egypt exhibition in the Augusteum, in the Forum of the colony, surrounded by temples and places

of power to finish at the Roman Theatre.

In the afternoon at 6:00 p.m. a virtual visit to the Roman Theatre of Cartagena: NEW EXPERIENCES. The guided visit to the Museum of the Roman Theatre of Cartagena with virtual reality that will allow you to immerse yourself, through virtual glasses, in the old building.

You will be able to view the theatre in 360 degrees as it was in its time and fly over it.

On Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. the family activity A FABLE THEATRE. The participants will be able to learn through a dynamic visit, how fables and ancient plays have come down to us. How the books were kept and how the theatrical performances were.

Visitors will be immersed in a time tunnel by Augustus who founded the first public libraries in Rome, and will go to the Roman theatre, where they will participate in a comedy by Plautus.

On Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. THE CARTAGENA PANORÁMICA GUIDED TOUR. A route where you go up to the highest point of the city by the panoramic elevator, until you reach the Castillo de la Concepción, where you can see the natural port, protagonist of the city's history, reaching the Roman Theatre and the route will end with a ride on the tourist bus that will take you to one of the most beautiful coves in the Mediterranean.

With tour by panoramic elevator, Concepción Castle, Roman Theatre and tourist bus.

On Saturdays at 11:00, Lucrezia, a citizen of Carthago Nova. THEATRICAL ROUTE A route that reveals the daily life of Lucrecia Prima in ancient Carthago Nova, visiting the main monuments of the city, from her family home, the domus de la Fortuna, continuing through the forum, the sanctuary of Isis, taking a relaxed bath in the baths or attending the theatre with her husband.

On Saturdays at 9 pm are the nocturnal and dramatized visits.

AULAEUM, THE CURTAIN DOWN.

Dramatized visit. The great Roman architect Vitruvio will offer his vision of the theatre with him you will enjoy a nocturnal visit to the most emblematic work promoted by Augustus in the old Carthago Nova.

The end of the trip culminates with the unexpected appearance of the imposing stands of the Roman Theatre in the light of the moon, there the encounter with the classical theatre by the hand of Plautus. Saturdays August 5 and 19.

THEATRE UNDER THE MOONLIGHT.

The visitor will make a nocturnal visit to the most emblematic work promoted by Augusto in the old Carthago Nova. The trip allows you to experience first-hand, in a relaxed and

exclusive environment, a tour that begins at the Roman Theatre museum led by a guide, with a small group of people, discovering the keys to Roman civilization, to end in the archaeological jewel of the Roman Theatre under the moonlight. Saturdays August 12 and 26.

More information on the phone 968 50 00 93 or 968 50 48 02 Tickets can be purchased online at puertodeculturas.cartagena.es

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 982

QUICK QUICK

ACROSS: 1 Gift; 8 Repertoire; 9 Juvenile; 10 Tome; 12 Stifle; 14 Deadly; 15 Dagger; 17 Dither; 18 Pelt; 19 Doctrine; 21 Conviction; 22 Dump.

DOWN: DOWN: 2 Illustrate; 3 True; 4 Sprite; 5 Friend; 6 Contrast; 7 Cede; 11 Millennium; 13 Fugitive; 16 Reduce; 17 Deceit; 18 Pace; 20 Rind.

CRYPTIC YPTIC

ACROSS ACROSS

4.Skill (7)

8.Visual (6)

9.Swell (7)

10.Pact (6)

11.Empty (6)

12.Glaring (8)

18.Strife (8)

20.Disfigure (6)

21.Lay (6)

22.Assortment (7)

23.Deed (6) 24.Full (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 22

DOWN DOWN

1.Strengthen (7)

2.Digital (7)

3.Affair (6)

5.Cheer (8)

6.Small (6)

7.Sinew (6)

13.Forefather (8)

14.Criminal (7)

15.Pupil (7)

16.Remember (6)

17.Slender (6)

19.Utter failure (6)

ACROSS: ACROSS: 1 Drum; 8 Illfeeling; 9 Agitator; 10 Bass; 12 Pariah; 14 Yeoman; 15 Status; 17 Beside; 18 Prim; 19 Teaparty; 21 Post office; 22 Will.

DOWN: DOWN: 2 Ring-master; 3 Mint; 4 Clutch; 5 Nearly; 6 Slyboots; 7 Ages; 11 Standstill; 13 Intimate; 16 Set off; 17 Brazil; 18 Pope; 20 Anew.

ACROSS ACROSS

4.Unruly lads can cause this (7)

8.Editor unfortunately caused a disturbance (6)

9.Divorce? (7)

10.Train one in the changing Yorkshire city (6)

11.The fast animal Coe runs around a great deal (6)

12.Anumber of handouts? (8)

18.Clothing from Al's lover (8)

20.Sappers have an opportunity to go back (6)

21.Boat set in motion (6)

22.Sword that might harm a girl (7)

23.When there's a lack of water (6)

24.Poison, i.e. candy concoction (7)

DOWN DOWN

1.Precede a problem with red tape (7)

2.Tedium in the bedroom? (7)

3.Arugby match is not odd in a ship (6)

5.Pet - a cold one perhaps (8)

6.Denial about being arrested (6)

7.It has to be weighed before leaving (6)

13.Struggled in San Diego (8)

14.Defame most of the islanders (7)

15.Asnake has to stop on the road surface (7)

16.The second-in-command has an obligation to carry a record (6)

17.Material found in slum settlement (6)

19.Logic concerning a boy (6)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 22)

1. Which 2 time Oscar winner for Best Actor is mentioned in songs from Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Elton John, Robbie Williams, David Bowie and Madonna? a. Marlon Brando, b. Robert De Niro, c. Gary Cooper, d. Spencer Tracy

2. What are the three so called 'ABC islands' in the Caribbean that belong to the Netherlands?

3. The following movie quote is from which 1991 film? "Face it girls, I'm older and I have more insurance."

4. Which vegetable is one of the main ingredients in cassoulet, a traditional stew from the south of France?

5. Which famous Ferrari sports car is named after a coastal city in the USA?

6. What is the three letter Japanese word for a sash or belt used to secure traditional mens or womens garments?

7. In which films would one find the following dogs? a. a chihuahau named Mojo, b. a pug named Frank

8. In particle physics, which one of the following is a subcomponent of a quark? a. treon b. freon c. kreon d. preon

9. What is the longest river named after a Scottish explorer?

10. The following lyrics are all from songs with the word "Hot" somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song? a. I got a fever of one hundred and three, b. Who's that knockin on my door, it's got to be a quarter to four, c. Well she's my woman of gold and she's not

very old, A-ha, d. Sittin here eatin my heart out waitin, waitin for some lover to come, e. Now they're calling for their guns, about to spoil the rude boys fun, but rude boys never give up

11. The name of which branch of mathematics stems from the Arabic word meaning "completion" or "restoring"?

12. Which famous 19th century woman was nicknamed the 'Lady of the lamp'?

13. Which four countries in the world that begin with the letter "B" are the most populated?

14. A vertebrate is an animal with a backbone. With an average length of 7.7 millimetres (0.30 in), a member of which of the following groups is the smallest vertebrate in the world? a. mouse b. turtle c. frog d. bird

15. Which US state is also the name of a province in northern France?

16. Which hit song from 1962 featured 'the man of a thousand voices', Warner Brothers cartoon legend Mel Blanc?

17. How many letters are there in the Swedish alphabet? a. 23 b. 26 c. 29 d. 33

18. The name of which US national park means "they are killers" and refers to the native indians who once inhabited the valley? a. Shenandoah, b. Yosemite, c. Sequoia

19. Which famous musician was one of the founders of the film production company HandMade Films?

20. Which Sir is the only British entertainer to have won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy and Tony award? a. Sir Paul McCartney b. Sir Sean Connery c. Sir Elton John d. Sir John Gielgud

THE HEROIC HERCULES

From my vantage point in the air I looked down at the advancing Lockheed C130 Hercules as it approached the aircraft carrier. Surely, I thought, that huge transport aircraft is not going to attempt to land on the deck? But yes, the Herc lined up and prepared to land - my heart was in my mouth.

The pilot put the plane down immediately at the beginning of the very short runway.

She bounced once gently before the colossal thrust of full reverse was immediately applied and the massive airplane safely screeched to a stop with full brakes on, with what seemed only a little runway to spare – phew!

´And if you think that was scary, watch this´ said the corporal running the film we were watching. To my amazement, from the same angle presumably shot from a helicopter hovering near the carrier the Herc re-appeared at the edge of the runway with all four engines roaring away but not moving, presumably with the brakes full on.

Suddenly the tail dropped, the nose lifted a little as the plane moved forward, slowly at first then with increasing pace hurtling along the short runway towards the edge.

No chance, I thought, she'll just go straight over into the sea. But I was wrong and although the Hercules seemed to dip a little as she swept over the edge of the carrier she picked up like a giant silver bird and steadily gained height.

All I can say is that I'm glad I wasn't aboard at the time... This was the mighty Lockheed C130 Hercules and we were just being introduced. You may have seen on the news recently that the Royal Air Force´s workhorse for the last fifty seven years has finally been withdrawn after wonderful service all over the world. I had the privilege of getting close and working on the Herc soon after they were introduced to the RAF in 1966.

The Hercules was not the biggest workhorse in the RAF at the time, there were gigantic aircraft like Galaxies at RAF Fairford, where you could hold a dance in the hold with a stage at one end, although these were huge lumbering affairs. But for middle-sized loads like a small truck or two, 300 paratroopers, God knows how many boxes of whatever supplies, the Herc had no equal for fast, safe delivery around the world, coupled with an enormous fuel capacity to fly over oceans.

By John McGregor

PILAR’S LAS VILLAS BEACH REOPENS TO BATHERS AFTER 24 HOURS

Personally, I often flew over some as ground crew, although I have to say they were very uncomfortable, especially when enduring a flight in excess of 13 hours to cross the Atlantic - but we visited some great places and their safety record is first class.

For ground crew they were good aircraft to work on requiring maintenance, yes, but not unpleasant or difficult to work on – like some. I was a radio mechanic so relatively simple black box changing was my forte.

To do my job meant taking away the steps leading from the main hold up to the flight deck where you were roundly cursed by the other trades as they struggled to get up and down without the ladder.

Underneath there was a tunnel accessible on your hands and knees where on either side the units that made-up the radio and radar systems were situated. Most of the systems were comprised of either three, four or five black metal boxes and any malfunction was almost always to be found within one of the boxes.

We kept spare ones in our stores up on the airfield so when a ´snag´ was reported by the aircrew simple elimination of these in turn usually cured the fault and the aircraft was serviceable again in a very short time.

That was first line servicing which I did happily for four years on the Hercs: simple but very effective in keeping the aircraft flying as easily and quickly as possible. That and other basic aircraft handling duties made up my job in the RAF and I loved it, making friends and travelling around the world.

All good things come to an end, I left in 1972 but carrying the stories in my head for years in 2008 I wrote a book* about my adventures which led to a reunion in 2012 with many old friends

from those great days. My greatest friend in life and I organized it together and recently we celebrated ten years of reunions although we missed one in 2020 due to Covid.

Sadly my great friend passed away in 2019, he is very much missed by us all.

At this year´s May reunion I was amazed to be given a framed picture of one of our original Hercules XV 179 **which was signed by all my old colleagues who come every year to our reunion.

We had 36 oldies this year, and yes, inevitably some are no longer with us, but we still enjoy each other´s company very much, relieving those great days in the UK and abroad, in uniform and out. The heroic Hercules plays a great part in the stories.

*John´s books ´Fairy Tales of an SAC´ and the 2015 sequel ´Fairy Tales Come True´ are available on Amazon.

** Tragically XV 179 was shot down by insurgents in Iraq in 2005, killing all nine crew.

On Wednesday afternoon the GVA informed the Pilar de la Horadada Council that Playa de Las Villas could be reopened for bathers following its closure, some 24 hours earlier, due to its contamination of and unknown residual origin. The General Directorate of Water of the Generalitat Valenciana reported that the levels are adequate once again, and that the quality of the water is suitable for bathing.

Current legislation on the quality of bathing water requires closing the area until the analytical results of "the samplings carried out are consistent with a quality of water" that is suitable for bathing, as clarified by the Pilareño City Council. Which is what happened at noon on Wednesday. Municipal sources have ruled out that the source of contamination originates from the sanitation network, which has been corroborated by the management company, Acciona. The same sources have also confirmed that there is no evidence whatsoever that it could be derived from the underwater outfall that the Murcia Region Sanitation body has about three kilometers from the coast. The most probable option, they say, is the contamination by the discharges from recreational boats or sailboats.

Episodes of beach closures for short-term bathing in the province due to fecal contamination are occurring relatively frequently this summer. They have already been eight closures in less than a month.

Last week sections of the Guardamar del Segura coast were closed, as was Alicante in San Gabriel, Agua Amarga and Urbanova in Santa Pola and two other beaches in Xàbia on the Marina Alta coast. Sections of Cala Mosca and Cala Estaca in Orihuela Costa were also close off as a result of traces of fecal water from a boulevard which was evident to the naked eye.

A ‘Lossie’ flypast prior to retirement

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

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

Facebook SaltChurchSpain

International Christian Assembly, Calle Beniajan 14, Torrevieja -Evangelical Church. Sunday Service 11

a.m.; - Contact 966 799 273 / 660 127 276. Evangelical non-denominational church. www.icatorrevieja.org

The Car of the Month at AUTOMOVILES CRESPO is a very attractive 2019 Ford Ecosport ST-Line Petrol which is priced at just 17,900 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 choice of new and used cars in the area for price, choice and quality.

ENGLISH SPOKEN

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

COMMUNITYCARE ASSOCIATION (CCA) Open to residents of Orihuela Costa over 60 years of age. Located at the Centro Civico Alameda del Mar. Open 3 times a week for a programme of English speaking activities, support, information and advice with the support of Orihuela Council. Anyone wanting to join CCAsocial activities can pop along.

Open 2pm -6pm Mondays and Thursdays, Wednesday 2pm - 5pm. You can register between 1pm & 2pm on those days, in the Cafe area where you will find Eva or Norah. email:

communitycare@gmail.com

RAGS CLUB (previously Friendship Centre). Every Tuesday Lunchtime, From a Bun to a Banquet. At Graceys - upstairs La Zenia park in Lidl Carpark. COME AND PLAYRUMMIKUB.

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50ís. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Home Visiting Team to visit a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. Call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887. Or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es

Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the

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

Business Opportunity: LOOKING FOR Silent Business Partner for small Private Care Home. Invest 10K and get 20K back in 14 months. 747 438 225 (4)

Law Services: PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR, Solicitor, Debt Collections, Bad Tenants. 747 438 225 (4)

FREE

CLASSIFIED ADS

If you have items that are WANTED or FOR SALE, ANNOUNCEMENTS, NOTICES and suchlike, advertise them, to a maximum of 35 words, FREE OF CHARGE, on this page.

SEND BY EMAIL TO: office@theleader.info

SWING AND NOSTALGIA AT URB LA MARINA

Following on from last year's success a 1920s-style Arts and Crafts fair will be organized again in the Marina urbanization of San Fulgencio.On 18,19 and 20 of August they will create a nostalgic atmosphere with live music and a lot of swing,and all the participants will be dressed according to the Roaring Twenties fashion. The fair will be set up in the Parque de Puentes on Calle Francisco de Quevedo and is aimed at a family audience, with many activities for children,workshops and craft demonstrations.The Red Velvets will perform songs in the style of The Andrews Sisters and a team from The Nest Swing will invite you to participate in their swing sessions.A juggler will close the fair every night with a fire show.

A blacksmith will set up his forge and other craftsmen will be working at their stalls.There will be a wide choice of arts and crafts: pottery,carved wood,lamps made of pumpkins,paintings,glass bowls and plates,fairies and

elves,handmade incense and soaps,recycled cardboard purses,fabrics and jewelry in such diverse materials as glass,macramé,leather,clay and ceramics.And,since they are all true craftsmen,they will bring their tools and can take on special orders if you can't find what you're looking for.

The San Fulgencio City Council has asked Amata to organize the fair again this year.This association of artisans was founded in 1998 and celebrates its 25th anniversary with a contest of unique pieces,made by the participants. The pieces in the contest will be exhibited at the stalls of the corresponding artisans and the public can vote for the piece they like best.

For the little ones there will be workshops,soap bubble shows and board games.The fair opens on 18,19 and 20 August from 6:00 pm till midnight or later.The full programme,photos from last year's fair and directions to the fair are at https://www.puebloartesano.es/sanfulgencio.

CAN YOU HELP THE ‘MOVERS AND SHAKERS?’

The Association of Movers and Shakers is a registered charity offering friendship and support to people who suffer from Ataxia, Huntington’s Disease, Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease - our Members. The number of Members befriended by the Association is increasing!

All our work is undertaken by volunteers and we are now looking for a volunteer to assist our Liaison Officer as the first point of contact to sufferers or carers getting in touch us. We would like to hear from you if: you can speak both English and Spanish, have experience in caring – either as a carer for a friend or a family member or professionally, you are able maintain an empathic approach to people and their families affected by one of the diseases mentioned above, you are willing to learn and to work within the Aims and

Objectives of the Association.

If you are interested, you are welcome to contact our President Marion Smith on (+34) 711 008 250 or by email at: marion.smith@amsc b.org.es. All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence. For further information about The Association, visit our website at: www.amscb.org,es

The image shows member Kathleen Kerr in her new wheelchair, funded by the Movers & Shakers Association

FOOTBALL THE FAMOUS GAME!

The end of stadiums!

Avery sad story reported recently, which in my mind demonstrates the selfishness and self-interest that seems to dominate today’s society, where a wife is taken to court for harassment for continuously telephoning her husband who is with friends watching a football match, between Chelsea and Manchester City.

The football match, it would appear, was more important than his wife of thirty years. Surely if you are receiving constant calls from the person you have elected to live with, they are more important than watching a game that will soon come to an end and be a memory.

The lady in question, Joanne Healey 59, from Merseyside, it is said to like a drink, then in my opinion she needed support and comfort, not a court case where she is penalised with one hundred hours of community service and a monetary fine for constantly interrupting her husband’s game.

It is reported that the one hundred- and twenty-year-old Chelsea Football Club wishes to spend two billion pounds to increase its Stamford Bridge Stadium capacity, of fortyone thousand, by fifty percent to total sixty thousand.

In doing so, it is ravaging the lives of pensioners and war veterans who are furious for being forced out of their homes in Fulham, West London.

The Club wishes to buy, for the expansion of its facilities, the land and their homes from the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation, which was formed after the First World War for the disabled, and which is adjacent to the clubs’ premises.

Whilst these negotiations are going on, in the West of the United States, the writers and filmmakers in Hollywood are on strike, seeking guarantees that their incomes will not be affected by the development of ‘AI’, which I understand, and so do they, is a system that could imitate their work genre making them redundant.

I am sure Chelsea has thought this through, how long before clubs will have virtual games using this technology, where footballers will be pensioned off, large stadiums will be giant white elephants from the past, decaying while analyses are taking place to find a use for them.

To be more explicit people are basically lazy, if that was not true then the washing would still be being done on a scrubbing board.

PERCY’S RAMBLINGS

Sheffield at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre.

Parents complained and raised concerns over a transgender pool official who was walking through the teenage girls changing rooms causing the youngsters who were getting changed to feel uncomfortable.

The swimming authorities brought a stop to the walk through by making it a changing room for swimmers only.

I know very little about Ann Coombes, but it appears to me a sixty-five-year-old he/she who has some form of need to visit female changing rooms needs serious help. Take care.

www.facebook.com/percy chattey books

TORREVIEJA HOSPITAL ISSUES 30 TABLETS TO MONITOR PATIENTS

Nintendo produced ‘W i i ’ , a DVD which allowed two people to play competitive sports games using the TV as a monitor.

The programme exists today for the ‘AI’ technology to be brought into your own living space where it will be possible, for a fee, to run your own virtual team, in a pretend stadium, and have exciting competitive games with your neighbours, in the luxury of your own environment.

This way of playing football will be exhilarating to watch as an actual game, and of course far cheaper to produce than a real match...

LET’S GO BY TRAIN!

A special occasion and it is party time in Bristol, and for two of the couples to attend, one pair going by train from Essex the other two flying in from Alicante.

Logic would say the couple going the furthest would be paying more than the other. However, the opposite was true by more than double – that is right one hundred and sixty Euros against three hundred and forty pounds which converts to about three hundred and eighty of the European currency.

Network Rail is a limited company owned by the Government, which incidentally has changed its name four-time times since 2004.

It is a subsidiary which is responsible for the infrastructure of the railways, its income is derived from the companies operating freight and passenger services on its facility.

One would think as the owners of the rail lines their employees would use the structure when travelling on company business. However, it is reported, last year, because of

cost, company staff did not go by rail, instead they purchased more than two thousand six hundred tickets to travel by air, 985 were for flights in the UK and 1622 for international journeys, that is equal to 32 visits abroad every week.

I know nothing about organising a railway but cannot but wonder why its staff needed to go abroad so many times on company business, or were they jollies, (that is being nasty) but it is obvious they do not have a clue of how to reduce the cost of operating the rail lines. Maybe, one problem is the boss of Paddington Station, Michelle Handforth, lives in Aberdeen and is entitled, at company expense, to travel backwards and forwards by plane. It’s just not possible to make that up!

UNCOMFORTABLE:

Transgender people are frequently in the news, and forgive me for being a little boring with this article. It is similar to other events where a male pretends/wants to be in the opposite sex or perhaps just view them and wanders into female changing rooms for this purpose.

Ann Coombes, 65, was previously in the news when she made a fuss and called an employee of a hotel ‘transphobic’ and other inappropriate names, also saying she needed to be educated to accept transgender ways, all because the operative would not pass over the keys to Coombes, for the female changing rooms.

More recently the sixty-five-year-old volunteered as an official at the British Summer Swimming Championships, being held in

Torrevieja Hospital has issued 30 tablets which will be displayed at the foot of a bed to assist with the monitoring of patiients. They will allow better monitoring of ulcers, burns and wounds, as they make it possible to attach images providing added value to care. Not only is the lesion explained in detail, but it's photo is added to the patient's history for medical staff to see, bringing a highly positive effect to patient safety

The starting point is the identification bracelet worn by the patient. Once the nurse scans the code, she accesses the patient's info and, from thereon, records each of the care procedures she carries out.

In this way she is not required to enter the data later in the patient's clinical history through a computer, saving time and, above all, it is safer because there is no confusion. The module has a practical, intuitive and easy-to-use interface. With one click at the foot of the bed, the nursing team can obtain all the treatment information related to the patient, avoiding unnecessary travel and allowing direct communication with the pharmacy service, which also has access to part of this interface to be able to digitally review the incidents reflected by the nursing staff, as well as managing the medication needs of each patient.

JOLLY

In the last of this summer driving dos and don’ts for this year, we have to touch on another common occurrence regarding clothing, having spoke about flip flops last week, and whereas we are generally speaking about men, it doesn’t exclude women, the matter of driving topless.

Again, as we explained last week regarding flip flops, the law does not expressly prohibit driving topless, but as the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) explains, it is a very dangerous act and can be dangerous when driving, and therefore, can result in a fine.

The código de circulación, the laws relating to driving, explains in articles 3.1, 17.1 and 18.1 that any action that prevents safe driving for both the driver and the other occupants of the vehicle must be sanctioned. That is why both practices of inappropriate footwear and not wearing a shirt can result in a fine.

According to the DGT, driving without a shirt is dangerous, since it could cause injuries if the seat belt is activated, as the seat belt will be in direct contact with the skin.

Driving topless can result in horrific glass injuries in the event of a collision and can even result in sunburn.

In addition to making driving difficult, it can be a major mishap for the driver in the event of a breakdown or accident.

This is also reported frequently by the Guardia Civil on their Twitter account, where they point out, “Driving with flip-flops or without a shirt can condition your freedom of movement and affect safety .... and do you know that it is punishable?”

The sanction can vary depending on the

interpretation of the officer and the risk that they perceive you have put yourself in.

If your actions are considered minor, and not very dangerous, you could face a fine of 80 euro, but if the officer considers that the risk being assumed is greater, you can face a fine of up to 200 euro and the withdrawal of three points on the driving licence. In the same way that driving without a shirt can carry a penalty, doing it with flip-flops can have the same result.

Remember also that you must maintain the correct posture when driving, or when travelling as a passenger, which is why, although it may be tempting, as we have explained throughout this series, which you can look back on through previous editions or on the website, putting your arm out of the window, or if a vehicle occupant puts their feet up on the dashboard, which is an extremely stupid thing to do as the injuries in the event of a collision would be catastrophic, not being secure in the vehicle, whether that is you, your passengers, goods, or animals, and not being properly dressed, can all result in a fine.

A CHANCE TO SING WITH SPANGLES THIS CHRISTMAS!

Spangles Ladies’ Harmony Chorus is offering women the chance to sing with them this Christmas. They start practising Christmas songs during the summer break, in readiness for their return to rehearsals on 7 September.

“We are always very busy during the festive season and we want to give people the best performances possible, so we start work early every year; we’re used to singing Christmas songs in the pool!” said Chorus Manager Lyn Baines.

So, what do you need to do to join in the Christmas performances? After a simple voice test to check which part you’re best suited to, you will be given teach tracks and music to

start learning your part. You will join in chorus rehearsals each week to work on the song with the rest of the chorus, with your section leader by your side, every step of the way. There’s no cost involved and every member will be supporting you throughout the process. If you like the experience, you could become a full-time chorus member.

To sign up, just send an email to info@spangleschorus.com or check their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SpanglesChorus –what have you got to lose?

Spangles rehearse every Thursday, from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm at Centro Municipal Las Claras, Calle Helena, Los Narejos, Los Alcázares and you are certainly welcome to visit – no appointment necessary!

If you’d like to book the chorus for an event or you are thinking about joining them, you can find out more on their website: www.spangleschorus.com or email. info@spangleschorus.com

GREEN LIGHT FOR ORGANIC WASTE PLANT IN PILAR DE LAHORADADA

The Generalitat Valenciana has approved the composting plant requested by the Public Company for Wastewater Sanitation of the Valencian Community (EPSAR), to treat 20,000 tons of organic waste per year from Pilar de La Horadada, 12,000 from Torrevieja, 4,600 from Orihuela Costa, 3,100 from Pilar and 300 from San Miguel de Salinas as well as 9,000 tons of garden waste per year to produce agricultural fertilizer.

The project, together with the Pilar Wastewater Treatment Plant (EDAR), is located 85 meters from the Lagunas de Lo Monte Municipal Natural Park and less than 500 metres from the Sierra Escalona Protected Natural Landscape, an area that already houses numerous ecological, environmental and landscape elements, "to the point of constituting one of the most significant environmental sites in the Valencian Community", according to the Generalitat.

It is about 200 metres from the natural area protected by the Natura 2000 network, a dispersal area for young Bonelli's eagle and golden eagle, the short-toed eagle and the eagle owl as well as mammals such as the wild cat and the badger.

Despite being on protected land, and objections from a number of environmental groups, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural

Development has given the go-ahead to the plant.

The project dates back to 2010 when the EPSAR, which is in charge of managing most of the purification plants in the Valencian Community, began to process the environmental impact assessment, which was approved two years later. The procedure subsequently expired and a new one was commissioned in 2021.

The model is based on agricultural recovery as a final destination, either by applying it directly to the ground or by subjecting it to a prior composting treatment. It is a clear example of a circular economy, is socially accepted compared to other alternatives, contributes wealth to degraded soils in our environment and is economically the most efficient and sustainable.

CD THADER FIXTURE LIST AND PRESEASON FRIENDLIES ANNOUNCED

It doesn't seem that long ago that Thader ended their Preferente season away at Villena,but now they have recouped and they are ready to do it akll over again.

Five pre-season friendlies have been announced,starting with a home match at the Moi Gomez stadium next Saturday, 12 August,against Elche based Kelme FC.

Next up will be another home fixture,this time the opposition will be the National 3rd Division side Elche Ilicitano on Saturday 19th August,kicking off at 8pm

On Wednesday 23rd August,ko 8.45 pm,Benferri CF will be the visitors for the third and final home friendly.

A trip to newly promoted San Fulgencio will follow,on Tuesday 29th August,ko 8.30pm,and then,on 1st September,kicking off at 8.30 pm,CD Almoradi will play host to the men from Rojales in the final warm up match before the new season commences.

REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR THE 2024 TORREVIEJA HALF MARATHON AND 5K RACES

The XXXVII edition of the Torrevieja Half Marathon and 5K road races will take place on Sunday, 25 February, 2024, starting at 9:30 a.m., Both races are again included in the national calendar of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation and will be held on an approved course.

Registration is now open and can be found on the website www. mediomaratontorrevieja.es.

Competitors may enter until 11.59 pm on Thursday, February 22, 2024 or until the number reaches 2,000 runners in the half marathon and 1,000 runners registered in the 5K test. For more information and details we recommend consulting the competition regulations.

The race is being organised by the Torrevieja Athletics Club with the collaboration of Torrevieja’s Department of Sports.

All change for Levante Bowls Leagues

Following the retirements of long time organisers Keith and June Jones together with Arthur and Barbara Brown,the new league administrators are as follows:

Secretary: Kevin Storey,Tel: +44 7976075905,email kevin.storey@sky.com

Southern League: Dave Morrison,Tel: +44 7805027510,email dmorrison5214@outlook.com

South Alicante League (winter): John O'Brien,Tel: 600001661,email jeobrien@hotmail.co.uk

South Alicante League (summer): Ray Robson,Tel: 711089364,email raymondrobson@aol.com

The newly formed Community League will feature a number of teams that will be fairly new to Thader.

CD Olimpic,CF Tavernes,CD Denia,CD Javea,CF Calpe and L'Olleria CF have all played previously in different Preferente league groups,but they will now compete alongside the likes of Thader,plus another 8 teams from last season's Preferente Division Group IV.

The season itself kicks off with a trip to Santa Pola on Sunday 10 September.This will be followed by a home fixture against CD Olimpic on Sunday 17th September.

A home match against Callosa on Sunday 17 December will the be last match in 2023,before the Christmas break. The season ends on Sunday 19th May 2024 when L'Olleria CF will be visiting the Moi Gomez stadium in Rojales.

QUESADA BOWLS CLUB

SPONSORED BY SPANISH LIFE PROPERTIES

Suzi Cooper writes .... Over the last 4 weeks Monday evenings have been the Quesada v San Luis friendlies. These proved to very competitive and enjoyable despite the heat.

Week 1 – was 5 points to 9 but with shots equal. George Carnell, Peter Rees & Fred Roberts 19-6 and John Cleal, Richard Lewin & Suzi Cooper 10-6.

Week 2 – it was 10 points to 6 points. George Kershaw, Peter Rees, Michael Sumner 18-11, Carl Evans, Violet Campbell, Fred Roberts 16-5, Tina Brinton, Peter Bradbury, Brenda Rees 11-6, Sandra Heath, Dave Collings, Andy Reid 19-5 Week 3 – 3 points to 11. Tina Brinton(replaced by Ann Linley), Dave Collings & Steve Hibberd 14-8, John Cleal, Richard Lewin, Mark France 7-7

At this stage we were 18-26 points down & -19 shots. Week 4 and the team came good. Winning 13-3 to take the series 31 to 29 and plus 28 shots. John Cleal, Carl Evans, Andy Reid 16-3, Sandra Heath, Dave Collings, Steve Hibberd 21-6, George Carnell, Allen Bowen, Mark France 15-7, Jackie Hughes, Violet Campbell, Michsel Sumner 12-11 (scoring 4 shots on the final end), Terry Morgan, Claire Dye, Suzi Cooper 13-11 (scoring 3 shots on the final end) and Max Holmes, Richard Lewin & Peter Bradbury 9-9 winning the final end for the draw.

Meanwhile on Wednesday evenings a stalwart few have been playing the Come & Go league sponsored by Spanish Life Properties.

There are currently 7 players who have played the minimum 5 qualifying games. John Cleal, Dave Collings, Richard Lewin, Terry Morgan, Andy Reid, Michael Sumner & Pixie Turner. Other players can join them next week. Could be an exciting finish.

Dates for your diaries – 9th September – Open Forum, 27th September – President v Captain challenge.

ELCHE AND ALCORCON STALEMATE AT PINATAR ARENA

Just 300 people turned up to the Pinatar Arena last Wednesday to see these two Segunda A teams fight out a goalless draw just ten days before the start of their respective league campaigns. Newly promoted Alcorcon. From the Madrid region, have added just one signing to their playing squad during the closed season with Artola the only new face. The franjiverdes, meanwhile, had three new signings on show in the starting eleven, San Román, Álex Martín and Aleix Febas.

Elche CF................0 AD Alcorcon..........0

Jesús Ruiz doing well to save a point-blank effort from Josan.

After the break, Beccacece fielded a side much more akin to the eleven likely to start in the League with the entry of the Argentine Boyé, Ponce and Lautaro, keeping the midfield trio and the central defenders, and it was a much better performance from the side in green. The only Alcorcon opportunities came from set pieces, with Elche’s final chance a free kick that sailed over ‘The Potters’ (yes that

The first half was dominated by Elche’s possession and the Alcorcon defence, although the only real opportunity fell to the Madrid outfit when an Elche mistake allowed Javi Lara to sneak in with just San Román to beat, but the Benidorm goalkeeper was on his game, snuffing out Lara’s weak attempt. Elche's best efforts came from the right, and they too had just one meaningful effort with

GOLD MEDALS FOR DRACO KWAN DE TAEKWONDO LOS MONTESINOS

By Andrew Atkinson

The Draco Kwan de Taekwondo club of Los Montesinos ended the 2022-23 season with three simultaneous championships, and a plethora of gold medal awards.

"The Club achieved incredible results in the three championships, to put the final icing on the cake in just its second season.

"Total medals won were 6 gold; 2 silver and 3 Bronze Medals," said a ,spokesperson.

In the IV Benidorm Open the club Men's Benjamin Combat Category Jose Muñoz Roca won bronze. Male Alevín Category (5th) classified Ander Manjón Martínez. Men's Benjamin Poomsae Category (5th)

Mario Rojo Andreu; Jose Muñoz Roca. Category Alevin Male Poomsae, (5th) José Manuel Pérez Carmona; Jose Rojo Andreu. Female Cadet Category Poomsae (5th) Jasmina Garwin Ylinen. Category Para-TKD (Adapted Taekwondo) Male Poomsae, Ricardo Villalba Scharen. Senior Category 2 Male Poomsae Francisco Manogil Andreu. Master Category 2 Female Poomsae, Mari Carmen Bernabé Tabernero.

"In the second competition, the Jocs Esportius Final of the Valencian Taekwondo Community was for only the best of the season, with a gold in the Men's Benjamin Combat Category for Jose Munoz Roca.

"The final of the Valencian Community League was the third competition, in which only the best are entered.

"In the Female Cadet Category Poomsae, bronze went to Jasmina Garwin Ylinen. In the Master Category 2 Female Poomsae Mari Carmen Bernabé Tabernero, won silver.

"The Senior Category 2 Male Poomsae saw gold for Francisco Manogil Andreu. The Men's Para-TKD Poomsae Category gold was won by Ricardo Villalba Scharen," added the spokesperson.

QUIZ FROM PAGE 14:

1.Answer a.Marlon Brando (Bruce Springsteen 'It's hard to be a saint in the city', NeilYoung 'Pocahontas', Elton John 'Goodbye Marlon Brando', Robbie Williams 'Advertising Space', David Bowie 'China Girl', Madonna 'Vogue') 2.Three answers. Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, 3.Fried Green Tomatoes, 4.Beans (white haricot beans), 5. Daytona, 6.Obi, 7.a.Transformers, b.Men In Black, 8.Answer d.preon.9.Mackenzie (including tributaries, 4,241 km).10.a.Hot Blooded (Foreigner), b.Hot Legs (Rod Stewart), c.Hot Love (T Rex), d.Hot Stuff (Donna Sommer), e.Too Hot (The Specials), 11.Algebra, 12.Florence Nightingale (as a nurse she did many rounds at night carrying a lamp), 13.Four answers.In order;Brazil (193 mill), Bangladesh (152 mill), Burkina Faso (15 mill) and Belgium (11 mill).14. Answer c.frog (paedophryne amauensis, a species of frog found in Papua New Guinea), 15.Maine, 16.Speedy Gonzales (Pat Boone), 17.Answer c.29, 18.Answer b,Yosemite, 19.George Harrison, 20. Answer d.Sir John Gielgud

SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION