The Leader Newspaper 26 February 2024 – Edition 1012

McCafferty’s Golf Society, led by its hardworking committee, have raised a staggering 4247 euro in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser golf outing.

The annual fundraiser took place on February 13th at the famous Roda Golf Course, with a 100 participants. There was an abundance of prizes for those who played on the day.

All funds raised are in aid of the 11th Cabo Roig St. Patrick’s Day Parade to be held on 17 March at 3pm.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade came to a halt in 2019 due to Covid and made a welcome return in 2023 for the delayed 10 year anniversary.

This family-friendly event offers entertainment, live music, specialised food and much, much more. People are expected travel from the 4 corners of the world, bringing in thousands of tourists to the area.

Many thanks to the staff of McCafferty’s of Cabo Roig and its Golf Society Committee and all who supported the annual McCafferty’s Golf Society Fundraiser this year.

The

to

Niall

photograph shows, left

right,

Burns, Ger Flanagan, proprietors of O’Riordans and Smiling Jacks, Marina Herron (McCafferty’s of Cabo Roig Bar Manager), Jimmy Kiernan & Dan Courtney (McCafferty’s Golf Society Captain)

ELECTIONS TO ORIHUELA COSTA DISTRICT BOARDS

Orihuela Costa is divided into two municipal districts, X and XI. Each has a District Board, which is made up of individuals who are elected by residents and by registered associations, their objectives being consultation, information, and liaison with municipal management, yet another layer of bureaucracy between the people and the Orihuela Council.

Quite what they are able to achieve is a mystery. I am still trying hard to recall any tangible

DISTRICT X AREAS

benefits resulting from previous District Boards. Nevertheless, the two boards will each comprise of 6 representatives elected by local residents and a further 7 who are nominated by locally registered associations.

The election to the boards will be held on Thursday 29 February with voting taking pace from 9am to 5pm.

For both District X and X1 the Polling Station is located in the Centro Civico, Alameda del Mar. In order to cast your vote you must be a resident, registered on the padron and take along with you either your ID Card, DNI, NIE, or Passport.

DISTRICT X CANDIDATES SEEKING

ELECTION ARE: Miguel Angel Cordoba

Vega, Román Jimenez Gil, Fermin González

Rodríguez, Peter Daniel Houghton, Priscilla Samantha Cromie, Jolanta Houghton, Luke Anthony Houghton, M.ª Pilar Gomez Magán, Santiago Perez Lázaro and Rosa Elena

Carcamo Collatti

DISTRICT X1 CANDIDATES ARE: Jose

Manuel Gonzalez Bautista, Luis Manuel Carcedo Moya, Huberto Canovas Martínez, Juan Ignacio Gomez Ene, Juan Carlos Diez

Requena, Elisio Soares Silva, Oscar Diaz

Angulo, Matias Enrique Moreno Schmidt, Silvia

Esteve Franco, Nuria Lopez Gómez, Edna Ruiz

Soliño, Benedicto Jose Moratalla Parra

DISTRICT XI AREAS

‘BUCKET’

I fancied a 'Digestive'

As I'd made a cup of tea

But the packet wouldn't open

Which began to challenge me

I refused to use the scissors

As I thought my nails enough

But the packet failed to open

As the wrappings were too tough

I spent too many minutes

As my fingers tried and tried

So long in fact I noticed that

My tea had almost dried

What use a pack of biscuits

If you're unable to get in it

What I should have done

Is take the pack

And promptly go and bin it

But a temper tantrum took me

And the pack flew out my hand

It shattered two glass ornaments

That I knew were worth a grand

With glass all scattered on the floor

And nothing on my feet

The biscuit's still unopened Seemed to mock me in defeat

David Whitney c2023

I fetched a brush and dustpan

Dodging glass upon the floor

I was at a stage of temper

I had never known before

I stamped upon the biscuits

Still the packet was intact

The contents now a pack of crumbs

Not a whole one left in fact

My feet I found were bleeding

So I hobbled to a chair

And put two plasters on my toes

All thankfully still there

The tea now cold I thought

A can of lager would be good

I took a can from out the fridge

But I should have understood

That dropping the pack when purchased

Stirred the contents in the tin

So when I pulled the metal ring I was drenched right to the skin

I resigned myself to failure

As I grabbed a mop and bucket

There was only two things I could say

So I sighed and just said "Whatever rhymes with bucket?"

DEVASTATING FIRE UNITES A CITY IN MOURNING

Valencia is still in a state of shock following the devastating fire that burned down two tower blocks on Avenida Maestro Serrano Avenue in just a matter of minutes and left, according to figures released on Sunday, ten people dead, including two babies.

As a sign of mourning,on Saturday,the Town Hall Square hosted a silent rally to remember the victims and pay tribute to the caretaker of this residential area,a hero who put his own life in danger as he attempted to save his neighbours.

Within tragedy,heroes always emerge who unwittingly become part of the story.This is the case of Julián,(see inset above),the janitor of one of the two burned out buildings,who was key to saving the lives of many of the building's residents.Ten perished in the fire,but many others managed to get out in time because Julián was responsible for alerting them of the smoke and flames.

" I went up one of the staircases and warned people," he said in the Valencia City Hall square following the minute of silence,held on Saturday afternoon in memory of victims of the fire.

He did not hesitate for a moment to run up the stairs and knock on the doors of many of the residents.“I went up floor by floor,”he explains." I was knocking on the doors and telling people to get out of the building.I think I got up to the twelfth floor,although I don't remember much because of what was going on.It was just the smoke and flames that made me stop.”

“The firefighters arrived and took charge,they would no longer let me go into the building," he said.It was then that Julián took shelter in the patio area,in case the Emergency teams needed help,although the smoke was getting worse all the time.

His feat has earned him the recognition and,of course, the thanks,of many of the building's residents and,also, his family." Many have thanked me," he said,although the greatest thanks came from an "older lady" whom he helped get out of her apartment and,also,from "a man in a wheelchair," who he managed to get out of the building alive.

In an extraordinary plenary session held on Saturday the mayor of València,María José Catalá,thanked all the municipal political groups for “the unity and strength”that members of his Council has displayed.

Following the minute of silence held after the extraordinary plenary session and in front of the doors of the town hall,as a sign of mourning for the victims of the fire, Catalá highlighted “the attitude,help and support of all the spokespersons who provided such invaluable efforts.

He also proposed a motion conveying “all our gratitude to the State Security Forces and Bodies,to the firefighters, to the police,to the SAUS of the City Council,to all those who have worked in the last 48 hours without rest,risking their own lives and giving everything.”

The event was also attended by the president of the Generalitat,Carlos Mazón,the president of the Partido Popular,Alberto Nuñez Feijóo ,MEP Esteban González Pons ,and the Archbishop of Valencia,Enrique Benavent, in addition to representatives of other institutions such as Les Corts,the Provincial Council of Valencia and Alicante and the City Councils of Castellón and Alicante.

In other parts of the Valencian Community,displays of affection towards the city of Valencia have also been shown in their minutes of silence that have been held both on Friday and Saturday.

Without a doubt,Valencian society has shown it’s unity following one of the worst tragedies it has endured in recent years.

DID KREMLIN ORDER ASSASSINATION OF RUSSIAN DEFECTOR?

The Security Services in Spain suspects that the Kremlin ordered gangsters to kill the Russian defecting pilot. Whilst they have expressed concern over the killing of the deserter in Villajoyosa, they stopped short of pointing the finger at the Kremlin’s security services, as the government awaits the forensic report.

Precedents of contract crimes in Europe point to Moscow and suggest that the assassination was not carried out by secret service agents, but rather by subcontracted hitmen who might be living in Spain.

The same sources believe that the subcontracted hitmen may not have left Spanish territory, and that this may not be their first deadly mission carried out in this country.

Since before the outbreak of the current invasion of Ukraine, "the Russians have blurred the lines between intelligence services and organized crime." Today, depending on their objective, they often prefer to outsource much of their dirty work," explains one of the sources, and this explanation is confirmed by another, this one from the diplomatic corps, who points out how Russian gangsters are also used by Moscow as informants in the countries where they are established.

Russian and pro-Russian media in Western Europe began to spread the word on the 19th February that the mysterious Ukrainian shot dead was, in fact, the Russian captain and helicopter pilot Maxim Kuzminov, the same man who last August carried out the most notorious defection of the war: he took his aircraft, an MI8, across the battlefront to a base in Khakiv (Kharkov), where he surrendered, before handing over the helicopter and military intelligence documentation.

Shortly after his surrender to Ukraine and following regular television appearances explaining his opposition to the war, the 28-year-old

Russian Kuzminov was given the new identity of Ihor Sevchenko, a 33-year-old fictional Dombasian Ukrainian, from Donetsk, according to the new documentation that was provided to him by the Kiev government. With his new passport he entered Spain last October... ending up in an area with a large Russian presence.

The desertion of Captain Kuzminov also cost the lives of two other helicopter crew members, who were both shot dead by Ukrainian forces because they refused to surrender, and that, fuelled by the pain of their Russian families, led the Kremlin to announce on national television in September that Kuzminov was "walking dead."

The pace and organisation of the broadcasting of the murder and the true identity of the victim have been closely followed by Spain State Security authorities, starting on February 19 in social media accounts, pseudo-newspapers and blogs in the pro-Russian European orbit.

Some of the sources consulted see a possible precedent for the Alicante crime in that of Lloretde Mar. In the town on the Costa Brava, the magnate Serguei Protosenya, leader of the Russian gas giant Novatek, who was murdered in April 2022. His body was found hanging from a railing of his villa. In the same house, his wife and a 16-year-old daughter were also hacked to death.

Sources from the Mossos d'Esquadra confirm that they are considering gender violence and subsequent suicide as the main avenue of investigation, but they have not ruled out the actions of hitmen.

On the same day, another leader of the Russian gas industry, Vladislav Avayev, leader of Gazprombank, a friend of Protosenya, was found dead in Moscow... also along with his wife and daughter, all from bullets shot from a pistol that the dead man was holding in his hands.

Russian helicopter pilot Maxim Kuzminov, who carried out the most notorious defection of the war:

66% OF SURVEYED DRIVERS WOULDN’T CONSIDER BUYING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Around two-thirds of non-EV drivers say they will still not be switching to an electric car any time soon. A recent survey conducted by Refused Car Finance shows a number of customers said they would not consider buying an electric car as their next vehicle.

Consumers who did not already own an EV were asked whether they would consider an electric car in the future and a vast majority of these surveyed individuals said they would

not. Electric cars are heavily promoted to be better for the environment, cheaper to run and improve fuel efficiency but the survey suggests these incentives are not enough for UK drivers to make the switch.

The main concerns for this group of drivers were the cost of buying an EV, the mileage capacity of EVs and the availability of charging points.

When buying a brand-new EV, the cost to buy can be higher than other models as they use

newer, more expensive technology and also are produced in smaller numbers.

Consumers do however have the ability to spread the cost of an EV with finance (if they are eligible) or there are many second-hand EVs on the market to take advantage of too. 61% of drivers surveyed were concerned about the electric range of EVs and whether they would spend more time recharging their vehicle than driving it. When asked what they thought the average mileage capacity would

be for an electric car in 2024, 40% said between 181 and 240 miles, which happens to be pretty accurate. In 2024, the average mileage of an EV is around 211 miles but can be make/model dependent.

Drivers were also worried about the lack of electric car charging points across the UK and not being able to reach a charger before their mileage ran out. Currently, there are over 53,000 charging points available in the UK, but many drivers are still not convinced it is enough.

To help encourage more drivers to adopt an EV and reach their 2025 Net Zero target, the UK government aims to have 300,000 charging points in place by 2030.

Out of the customers surveyed who already owned an EV, 66.7% of those said they were happy with their electric car purchase and petrol and diesel options making no sense to them anymore. In their opinion, the biggest selling point of their EV are low running costs, zero emissions and a better driving experience.

The purpose of this survey conducted by the bad credit car finance broker, Refused Car Finance, was to get an idea of how drivers currently feel about buying and owning electric cars.

The 2035 petrol and diesel car ban is still a while off, but it's inevitable drivers will have to invest in an electric car at some point in the future.

But is it best to buy now and get ahead of the game? This research suggests some UK drivers are still not yet ready to adopt a zero-emission vehicle.

Arson concerns following Playa Flamenca fire

An outbreak of fire was reported last Wednesday in Playa Flamenca, close to the local shopping centre, which has sparked local concerns over potential arson.

According to the Facebook Group ‘Crime Watch Orihuela Costa’ the incident, which saw flames rapidly spreading through a barranco, has left the community concerned, with suspicions pointing towards a group of British teenagers seen in the vicinity shortly before the fire started.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities yet to determine whether it was a deliberate act of arson or an accidental outbreak, possibly from carelessly discarded cigarettes. A witness reported seeing the teenagers, approximately 15 years old, in the barranco, moments before the smoke was observed.

The fire department responded promptly, while police officials closed the road in both directions to manage the situation. The dry pine needles in the canyon fuelled the fire, creating a 10-metre-wide wall of flames. Thanks to the swift action of the fire services, a much more serious incident was averted.

The teenagers believed to be involved in the incident managed to leave the area unidentified, with one described as wearing a blue jacket and having short blonde hair. This marks the third such fire incident in the area in recent weeks, raising serious concerns about it being targeted arson.

Additionally, the surrounding nature reserve has been littered with rubbish, attributed to gatherings of local youth in the evenings as well as visitors to a nearby cannabis social club, although this was swiftly rejected by one local resi-

80 VOLUNTEERS CLEAN UP THE SEGURA RIVERBED IN ROJALES

Last Sunday, nearly 100,000 square metres of pathways were cleaned of plastic containers and other rubbish by volunteers.

This environmental event, organised by the Rojales council, was aimed at raising awareness around the river as well as clearing the surrounding refuse with about 80 people taking part.

The waste was removed from the Segura Riverbed, roads, paths and adjacent bushes along more than 3,500 linear metres, from the fairgrounds to the Segura River bridge. During the activity, supermarket trollies, bicycles, clothing and hundreds of plastic containers were collected.

The Councilor for the Environment, Tatiana de Gea, said, “It was an important event that raised local awareness of the problems that are generated by plastics, in the environment.”

dent. The accumulation of refuse not only poses environmental concerns but also increases the risk of fire, further endangering the local ecosystem and the safety of the community. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or the individuals involved to come forward. The community is also called upon to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as efforts intensify to prevent future incidents and safeguard Playa Flamenca's environmental and residential areas.

The councillor confirmed that this type of activity to improve the environment will continue in other parts of the municipality, "we are already receiving proposals from members of the public to repeat this initiative in other places in the town.

We will look at them all, and we will continue with these types of actions trying to involve citizens even more.”

Once the event was over, a lunch was organised with sandwiches and fruit.

CAMPOAMOR RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT EXPELLED

The Campoamor neighbourhood association has appointed a new board of directors, under the presidency of Santiago Gorostiza, but its formation has been anything but usual. The previous president, Juan Gómez, and his partner (also a member) have been expelled after alleged "irregularities" were found with their management.

On July 28, according to a spokesperson for the current board, Gómez illegally expelled four members of the association, two of them were members of the board and a third served as the secretary.

The association called an extraordinary general meeting in December which the pair attended electronically, with the meeting resulting in their expulsion and the appointment of Gorostiza (until then vice president) as the new president. The board accused the pair of "retaining sensitive documentation," as well as the control of the association's social media accounts. On February 7, the Board published a post on the association's Facebook account, in which the members were informed of the changes in the Board and the reason behind them.

However, the post was deleted by Gómez and his partner, who have since refused to hand over the account passwords which they have retained for themselves.

The complaint has now been passed to the Civil Guard.

Looking across the Marina to Campoamor

Courtesy Facebook Group ‘Crime Watch Orihuela Costa’

TORREVIEJA DESALINATION PLANT SOLAR PARK HALTED

The San Miguel de Salinas Council has unwrapped its strategy to try to paralyze the installation of a massive solar park that is intended to provide energy to the Torrevieja desalination plant on agricultural land in its municipal area.

At the extraordinary plenary session held on Friday,all political groups have agreed to suspend the processing and

granting of licenses for land parcelling, construction and demolition on nondevelopable land related to renewable energies.

The suspension has a maximum duration of two years,during which time the Council must undertake a reform of the urban planning that determines which areas of non-developable land are entitled to special protection due to their

environmental,cultural,agrological or landscape value.

In addition,the leaders of all municipal political groups will meet next week with the subdelegate of the Government in Alicante,Juan Antonio Nieves,and with directors of the state company Acuamed,responsible for the new plant. The project was announced last week by Prime Minister,Pedro Sánchez,during a visit to the Torrevieja desalination plant,the one with the highest production in Europe.The planned solar park will reduce the cost of a cubic metre of water 4 cents,a fairly limited reduction taking into account that the production

cost is between 0.60 and 1 euro per cubic metre.The plant has a current electrical energy spend of 50 million euros per year.

Friends of Sierra Escalona and Friends of the Southern Alicante Wetlands (AHSA) have both said that they will also present objections to the project, when it goes on public display,because it represents,in their opinion,an "excessive" occupation of land with high agricultural capacity that will also divide the ecological corridor between the Sierra Escalona protected landscape and the Lagunas de Torrevieja and La Mata Natural Parks.

In red, the planned surface of the solar plant for the desalination plant. In yellow the urban area of San Miguel. In lilac, land already approved for another solar plant.

TRYING TO KEEP IT CLEAN

One or two of the Gorls weren’t overly enamoured with some of the recent offerings from this corner of your paper. ‘You are sailing a bit close to the wind’, Sabrina commentedscolding me with her eyes as she spoke. ‘I am not really surprised at what he writes’, added Verona. I presumed this to be a compliment until one of them went on; ‘however, I am surprised at your editor allowing such dirt to be printed.’ In enthusiastically agreeing that responsibility for any lowering of good taste in YCBS should rest squarely on the editor’s desk, my cowardly endeavour to shift the blame misfired and we all left separately.

‘Clean up your act’, was the parting shot from the last Gorl to leave.

And so, dear readers, (those of you still on board!) we have decided to write a clean column this week - by way of a balancing act. This being so, could one write about anything cleaner than soap, I ask you.

Did any of the Lads ever imagine they would have to read about soap in this column? Did this writer ever envisage doing an article on soap? ‘No’ is the answer to both questions.

On a recent visit to Marseille, my wife and I found ourselves standing outside a museum. Mrs Youcantbeserious loves museums –because that is what education does to people. This museum was very different from most of those austere

buildings housing curious old stuff. This one was very different; a ‘soap museum.’ Nothing but soap in all shapes and sizes along with the machines that pressed and moulded the soaps over hundreds of years. The tour of this small museum turned out to be quite enthralling. It is amazing what you can learn about something we use in every-

day life, without ever giving the object a second thought.

The museum is run by the granddaughter of one of the leading soap manufacturers based in the city. Marseille was once the soap capital of the world and at that time, one out of every two workers in Marseille worked in a soap factory.

The lady we spoke to had such enthusiasm and a love for what she does, that it made the visit even more enjoyable. We learned how one machine crushed the raw soap with a granite rolling mill that has remained the same for a hundred years. Then, using a mixer, the different ingredients such as essential oils, perfumes, lavender flowers, etc., are incorporated into the soap composition. The product obtained is put into a ‘plodder’ to compact it. Finally, the soap bar is cut manually, stamped or moulded. Soaps can be personalised here for weddings, business events, and so on.

Next door to the museum is a soap shop, selling nothing but soaps in every shape and size. Hundreds of different shaped soaps, and with hundreds of differing scents.

Away from Marseille, there are written recipes for soap, dating back nearly 5,000 years. Variations from places like Egypt, Rome and ancient Greece.

Soap likely originated as a by-product of a long ago cookhouse: Meat roasting over a fire and blobs of fat dropping into ashes. The result was a chemical reaction that created a slippery substance that was found to be great for shifting dirt off the skin and allowing it to be washed away.

Nothing much changed over thousands of years and the American soap industry got started because of bacon and candles.

Modern soap makers – at least those working in small artisanal operations, still use the same tech-

niques. The saponification process yields a thick slurry. As it solidifies, fat neutralises the caustic lye. ‘After 48 hours, you’ve got soap’ says Natalie Wong of Vancouver ‘Pep Soap’, which offers both vegetable and animal fat based bars.

The bar of soap you so rigorously scrub your hands with multiple times a day, is probably the most ancient consumer product you will use.

One of the first soaps to gain national distribution was ‘Procter & Gamble’s Ivory’. It was introduced to compete with ‘Spanish Castile Soap’, around 1870.

When I was a boy, I thought there were only three kinds of soap; ‘carbolic’, ‘Lifebuoy’ and ‘Palmolive’. In those days, the then Radio Eireann, ran 15 minute sponsored programmes between 08.00 and 09.00 on weekdays. One such sponsored radio programme was hosted by Palmolive soap. The opening and closing slogan to the programme was; “Keep that school-girl complexion.” The girls I remember from Johnstown N.S were all lovely girls. But … and I don’t know how to say this; but either they weren’t listening, used some other brand of soap … or, Palmolive lied!

It’s Ok … I used it – and it didn’t work for me either!

DON’T FORGET

Folks would enjoy us much more, if we gave as much thought to our own behaviour as we do to our neighbour’s.

Orihuela’s picture postcard shield destroyed due to lack of maintenance.

It is one of the most photographed images in Orihuela,the quintessential symbol of the city,and yet the council have clearly let it deteriorate to such an extent that it needs to be completely replaced.

Following the canalization of the Segura,it was decided to decorate the city's weir with the Orihuela insignia, the shield and the four bars of the Crown of Aragon.It was first installed at the beginning of the 90s and lasted until 2017 when it was replaced following a change in design initiated by the former mayor Emilio Bascuñana (PP-Cs) and the former councillor of Infrastructure,Juan Ignacio LópezBas.

Now,however,just seven years later,it is clear that the materials used were not the best and the placement of the lower part of the shield next to the weir spillway was not a very good idea either.

The latter has caused the shield to become completely distorted,so much so that the poor Oriol has been left without legs,and without the branch on which it should be standing.

Maybe putting a painted shield on what was previously the natural bed of a river wasn't a very good idea either. But it is clear that the humidity and the strong currents are not the best ways in which to preserve this work of urban art.

Carrying out any work in the river weir,as in any other part of the public hydraulic domain,requires authorisation from the Segura Hydrographic Confederation (CHS).In this case, authorizations are usually dealt with very quickly since the maintenance of the urban sections of the river is the responsibility of the town councils. In recent months,there have been many cleanups that have been carried out in this part of the urban riverbed of the Segura in Orihuela,so it is anticipated that if the council has a mind to do so,and of course if it can find the funding to finance the project,the authorisation should be completely straightforward.

SAN FULGENCIO COUNCIL HIT WITH 2.6 MILLION EURO BILL

The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by San Fulgencio Council,who must now pay compensation of 2.6 million euro to a developer that it authorised to build a residential complex during the ‘brick boom’of the 2000’s,despite the fact that the land on which they built, according to the urban planning regulations,was intended for sports and nonresidential use.

The company started eight apartment blocks although it ultimately only completed three.Another five were left halfbuilt,which how they still remain.

The administrative decision was declared null and void by a court in 2015, which condemned the public officials involved for crimes of prevarication and against territorial planning.

Trinidad Martínez,the socialist mayor who authorized the project,was sentenced to 17 months in prison,along with councillors José Mora and Mariano Martí who got sentences of 16 and 8 months respectively.

In addition,three municipal staff who validated the planning permission with their reports,were each sentenced to 4 months in prison.

It was based on those 2015 convictions by the courts that the Developer Rivati requested compensation from the San Fulgencio Council for damages for not being able to complete the 13.7 million euros residential complex.

The real estate company went to the Contentious-Administrative Court to demand the right to be compensated.In 2020 it lost its case but then appealed to the Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community,which upheld the requested claim,although reducing it to 2.6 million.

The new council team decided to submit its own appeal before the Supreme Court to defend the municipal interests "of the town and its people," according to the mayor,José María Ballester (PP).

Last Tuesday,however,they learned that the Supreme Court had rejected the appeal and as such the Council now has to pay the 2.6 million euro,which is approximately 30% of the current budget.

Mayor Ballester has said that he will pass on its amount "to those who were initially responsible."It is fair that they, and not the people of San Fulgencio,are the ones who pay for the damage caused.”

The residential complex which was built on land intended for sport use

Maria’scancerjourneytodate

This final instalment of my journey through cancer brings us right up to date, from where it all started 30 years ago.

Just when you think cancer has finished with you it can sneak up anytime and that's why Early Detection is so important for us all, catch it early and your chances of survival improve drastically.

Once again, I have Early Detection to thank for identifying my latest cancer attack. I had been having breathing difficulties and a very annoying cough for a few weeks so went to see my GP because of my concerns, as both my mother and sister lost their fight to lung cancer after having similar symptoms. She sent me for an x-ray but wasn´t happy with it so then sent me for a CT scan, which showed a very small mass in my right lung.

The hospital consultant did a biopsy and decided I needed surgery to remove it, so once again I had a battle with cancer and after what I had already been through I wasn´t about to lose this one.

RECOGNITION OF DEDICATION & SERVICE TO RNA

Februaryís meeting of the Royal Naval Association Torrevieja Branch (RNATB) was memorable for several reasons and a very proud time for all the Shipmates (S/Mís) to show their ethos and core values of Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism, Comradeship by awarding special RNATB certificates to some dedicated and longstanding S/Mís.

20 Years Membership - The Chairman, S/M Tony Jenkins, presented on behalf of all the branch S/Mís a special recognition of a RNATB Gold Certificate to S/M Margaret Forshaw BEM for her 20 years longevity and support to the branch, while she received a rapturous round of applause from the S/Mís.

This award was doubly worthy, because not only was she and her late husband, John Forshaw, early founding members of the branch, but she also served on the Committee for several years in the capacity of Secretary.

10 Years Membership - The Chairman also awarded a RNATB Bronze Certificate to S/M Bryan Dalton who, even though in Royal Navy language (Jack speak) is a ësprogícompared to Margarets tenure, has nevertheless amassed a signifi-

cant 10-year membership of the RNATB.

Importantly most of his time as a member of the branch has been in the capacity of the RNATB Standard Bearer, carried out masterfully and stoically. He received a well-deserved round of applause.

These special recognitions were in addition to the normal events of a monthly branch meeting, which included such things as: Ex RN Ditty ñ This is where a short resumÈ from a retired RN personnel about their time in service is presented and this

month we were treated to an amusing anecdote by Jo (Joanna) Rich, who was a ìJenny Wrenî (WREN ñ Womanís Royal Naval Service; which has been fully assimilated into the Royal Navy. Hence ëJackíand ëJennyíare now one and the same) for which she received a rapturous round of applause from the S/Mís.

Tot Time, is where all S/Mís receive a tot of rum, and in some cases some less potent alcohol, to make toasts to different events that take place before our next meeting and this month they included;

The surgery was carried at on January 17th 2024 almost 30 years to the date of my first battle with this heinous disease began.

They removed the tumour using microsurgery between the ribs, the recovery was very painful, but they doubled the dose of my morphine to help control it.

The recovery went quite well apart from the staples becoming infected, but that was cleared up with antibiotics, and once cleared the staples were all removed, that was a massive relief. All we had to do now was wait for the pathology report on the tumour they removed.

This is probably the worst part, the waiting, wondering if I was to have chemotherapy again or any radiotherapy. I received a phone call from the hospital on Thursday 15th February telling me “You must come to the oncologist tomorrow”, that set the alarm bells ringing, the urgency of it!

The next day at the oncologist we had the most fantastic news, they had got it all and I didn´t need any further treatment other than a six monthly CT scan! What a relief. Carl and I were so worried that neither of us told the other that neither of us slept the previous night. We were so excited we just wanted to tell everybody and share our fabulous news.

We have some absolutely fabulous friends here in Spain who have supported us through this journey and want to thank you all.

Surely this is now the end to my cancer journey.

Valentines ñ We admired our secretly loved ones with the toast ìour loved onesî.

The Day of the Dragon ñ no not your partner, but St Davids Day, and therefore the toast was to Wales and all those who hail form there ñ ìyaki daî.

King Charles III - We also wished our monarch a speedy recovery, with the toast ñ ìLong Live the Kingî.

S/Mís Birthdays ñ This is always the last item to receive a toast, however this month there was an added special recognition as our S/M Michael White is due to experiencing his 22nd birthday when it falls on the 29th February; the youngest oldie in our group!!!!

Schoolie Session - Continuing with the education of Non RN S/Mís in the RNATB on the vagaries, usage and history of ëJack & Jenny Speakí, our Schoolie, S/M Graham Shelton gave his usual entertaining and enlightening rendition and this time it was on the word ëDhobeyíand all the connotations there of: such as ëDhobey Crusherí- Arather fiendish laundry machine on board HM Ships which was apparently designed to rip off the buttons of Jackís shirts and then fire them through his socks!!!!! This leaves the question of what will next monthís meeting bring?

Maria Wilson continues with the final part of her battle against cancer.

Top: Tony & Margaret with, below, Bryan & Jo

TORREVIEJALAUNCHES "MOTOCACA" SERVICE

Acciona, the waste collection and urban cleaning company in Torrevieja, has launched the “motocaca” service. Whilst the name may be amusing to many, the vehicle, which travels on average seventy kilometres, specialises in the daily collection of dog excrement that pet owners leave on public roads throughout the municipality.

The operator vacuums up about 30 droppings a day, although it is an amount that has been decreasing day on day.

The daily routes of this service focus on the seafront of Torrevieja, and also on roads and public areas and squares, including the centre of La Mata

The work is carried out by a company operator who rides a 125 cc motorcycle, which is not electric - a fuel engine is much better to cover considerable distances required on a daily.

PARK OF NATIONS TREES REPLANTED.

Torrevieja has replanted 24 trees, which for the previous 30 years have been located on the pavements around the Park of Nations.

The trees are now in a green area with palm trees and grass meadow, located on C/ Efrén Gutiérrez Mateo, bordering la Via Verde

In addition to retaining these trees of notable

The service was previously used in the early 2000’s

The invention of the "motocaca" is not new.

The fleet had one of these vehicles at the beginning of the 2000’s in the previous garbage collection contract, but they were rarely operational. The current machines are much more powerful, practical and, above all, effective.

size, the council has been able to influence the landscape of the area by using these specimens that will be able to develop in all their splendour and lushness, thus increasing the mass of greenery in the municipal area.

In so doing, Torrevieja will not only preserve its heritage, but will also enhance the quality of its green areas and its surroundings.

The 24 transplanted trees will complement the redevelopment works of one of the city's main roads, Ronda César Cánovas Girada, which began on December 18.

SPANGLES - MORE THAN A THURSDAY “Hello”

Do you know why we call ourselves Spangles? Because when we got together in 2004, some of us were SPANish and some of us were inGLES! Clever, eh?

Weíre proud to be celebrating 20 years of singing together this year.

We have told you that weíre all friends who are always there for each other, who donít just rehearse together on a Thursday and are a shoulder lean on ñ BUTTHERE IS MORE!!

We arrange lunches, cocktails, retreats where we can get to know each other; and we are happy to sing at any function: birthdays, weddings, funerals, charity fundraisers and even quite random events:

We travelled to Nerja and sang for a bride as she was getting ready on the morning of her wedding - a romantic surprise from the bridegroom.

We sang in a restaurant for a ladyís 80th birthday. We have sung at funerals: for an Irish family, of course we had to sing ëDanny Boyí!

We sing at local charity events: for example MABS and Pink Ladies (who raise money for cancer screening).

We loved singing with an American chorus in a beautiful church in Valencia.

We have performed at some fabulous venues Ö. in Harrogate, Cork and at many Spanish barbershop conventions.

It doesnít end there. That may be some of the things

weíve done, but there is our future too! We will be singing with Caprice Choir in two concerts in JalÛn on Wednesday. March 20th (7.30pm at Centro Social, XalÛ) and Calpe on Saturday, March 23rd (4.00pm at Gran Hotel Sol).

We raise funds with concerts, and we are famous for our Afternoon Teas which are always a sell-out. We are planning one in May this year.

We are traveling again tooÖ..busy preparing to take part in a music festival in Prague in November 2024. We will get to sing in lots of beautiful venues and enjoy the city. We loved taking part in an online festival with our friends there, during the pandemic and weíre so looking forward to being there and meeting everyone in person.

So, what will we sing at all our 2024 events? We aways aim to choose songs that we enjoy singing and we know will entertain our audience and give everyone the ëfeel goodífactor. We sing anything from Leadbelly to the iconic Cups song from ëPitch Perfectíand weíre working on some fabulous, new songs.

Spangles is a ladiesía cappella chorus, singing in four part harmony. They rehearse every Thursday, from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm at Centro Municipal Las Claras, Calle Helena, Los Narejos, Los Alc·zares and visitors are always welcome. If youíd 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

DO YOU LIKE TO SING?

Every Thursday evening Crescendo International Choir rehearses and we welcome new members. No previous

experience required.

We rehearse at Rincon de Miguel restaurant in Los Montesinos between 17:30 to 19:45 every Thursday.

For more details, see crescendo-choir.com.

You can also follow the group on Facebook at Crescendo Choir. If you have other questions, email info@crescendo-choir.com.

PLAYING ON WITH ‘ACTS’ IN BENIJOFAR

ACTS (Amateur Community theatre) are back with their rescheduled production of ‘Play On ‘. This is one Play you will want to see! It is a great laugh and gives you an insight in what us poor amateur groups potentially face. Yes, it is a play within a play.

Following the antics of an amateur theatre group rehearsing to first night performance. What could possibly go wrong with temperamental backstage crew, a manic director, diva actors and a playwright weird and wonderful. Put your imagination to work and you will probably be right. Even better come to this hilarious production. Spot the mistakes, laugh at the misfortunes and guess the result. We would love to see our loyal followers and new ones to. We value your support.

Proceeds are donated to local and other charities so It’s a win win for all. There will be a raffle each night and beverages by donation. If you fancy a meal, Benijofar has a number of restaurants to visit before the show.

Venue: Benijofar Cultural Centre, Dates 21st 22nd & 23rd March, Tickets 10 Euros each, Start 7.30pm

Available from: The Post Box Dona Pepa, MaJiK Mobiles Benijofar, The Post Room Benijofar, The Card Place Benimar, Quentin’s Algorfa, The Post Shop Villamartin, or you can reserve your tickets by what’s app Tel 672 544 026

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ACROSS ACROSS

6.Obtain (7)

7.Milk container (5)

9.Courageous (5)

10.25% (7)

12.Fraternity (11)

14.Face (11)

18.With an oblique glance (7)

19.Disease (5)

21.Leg joint (5)

22.Blot out (7)

DOWN DOWN

1.Contempt (5)

2.Tremble (6)

3.Anger (3)

4.Place of worship (6)

5.Liberty (7)

8.Burial ceremony (7)

11.Extend (7)

13.Agreement (7)

15.Almost (6)

16.Coterie (6)

17.Breathing organs (5)

20.Chopper (3)

ANSWERS

QUICK QUICK

ACROSS: ACROSS: 6 Strange; 7 Jewel; 9 Stiff; 10 Flatter; 12 Ill-mannered; 14 Controversy; 18 Stamina; 19 Adage; 21 Greet; 22 Shatter.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 State; 2 Lawful; 3 Age; 4 Seethe; 5 Referee; 8 Blunder; 11 Impound; 13 Posture; 15 Temper; 16 Sedate; 17 Agree; 20 Shy.

CRYPTIC YPTIC

ACROSS: 6 Caravan; 7 Cello; 9 Booby; 10 Stretch; 12 Betting shop;

14 Trying times; 18 Rampant; 19 Stall; 21 Quail; 22 Box-tree.

ACROSS ACROSS

6.Eroding badly, being neglected (7)

7.Bat I'm using to get boundary (5)

9.List of digits? (5)

DOWN DOWN

1.Aman is representative (5)

2.Deciphering my code can produce an amusing spectacle (6)

3.Man of knowledge (3)

APOLOGIES FOR LAST WEEKS ERROR

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Wagon; 2 Gamble; 3 Gag; 4 Recess; 5 Elector; 8 Stencil; 11 Staging; 13 Break up; 15 Impair; 16 Estate; 17 Blues; 20 Ton. Fill

10.Having been cut, adheres badly (7)

12.My true story about an excursion (7,4)

14.Alittle dance by Chopin? (6,5)

18.Late examination (7)

19.Fight a dealer in stolen goods (5)

21.Man flying kite on top of hill (5)

22.The remainder live around the bend (7)

4.Apolitician has to do something to make an impression (6)

5.It's horrible to conceal love for us (7)

8.Sort of underwear for man joining the Marines (7)

11.Non-believer at robbery (7)

13.Records lasting less than an hour? (7)

15.Say you boast about submarines (1-5)

16.The South is the subject of a dissertation (6)

17.Boy finding science unfashionable (5)

20.Established group? (3)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers

on page 19)

Solution

1. Which epic 1980 movie starring Kris Kristofferson apparently drove the film studio United Artists into financial ruin?

2. Which two Scottish bands had a number one hit single in the US Hot 100 charts during the 1970s?

3. In which capital city is the tallest freestanding structure in Europe?

4. The name of which soup translated means "to boil" and "to simmer"?

5. The names of which two national airlines translated both mean "air fleet"?

6. A 2011 number one hit song in the US (number 3 in the UK) and a 1982 film that won four Oscars.

7. The Crysknife is made from the tooth of a dead what?

8. Who received a posthumous Tony award in 1983 for his contribution to the musical Cats?

9. In MASH, what was Major Charles Winchester the III's middle name?

10. The Tex Mex name for which meat dish means "little strips" or "little belts" of meat?

11. After the Beatles song Yesterday, which Bosa Nova song is believed

to be the second most recorded pop song in history?

12. Patty Hearst is perhaps one of the best known examples of which syndrome?

13. Name the films in which actor Tim Roth played each of the following roles? a. Pumpkin, b. Vincent van Gogh, c. Governor George Wallace, d. Mr. Orange, e. Archibald Cunningham

14. Nuuk excluded, what is the most northerly capital city in the world?

15. Which American music icon has an acoustic guitar named "Trigger"?

16. In literature, which notorious Captain's last words were "Bad form!"?

17. Which popular breakfast dish was the working title for the Beatles song Yesterday?

18. Who played the role of Django in the 1966 spaghetti western 'Django'?

19. Located in Germany, what was the tallest building in the world between the years 1880-1884?

20. What does a riddler (or a remueur) turn for a living?

Shining a light on the work of Guardamar Rotary Club

Francisco Jurado was named President of the Guardamar Rotary Club in July 2023. He and his team are currently working on their first big event of 2024 –their annual Classic Car Rally, which will take place on the 23rd of March in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento Guardamar.

Fransico has been involved with the Rotary Club for over nine years and this is his second time stepping up to take on the role as President, where he leads the club, managing the annual events, training sessions and community actions.

‘We raised over 2,000 euro for End Polio Now, as well as raising awareness of the disease, and further funds from World Polio Day in October. We are now working on a mentorship, training and work experience programme for the IES Les Dunes students and on organizing the classic car rally in March.’

SERVICE ABOVE SELF

Francisco is also the store director of three Specsavers Ópticas branches, in Guardamar, Torrevieja and La Zenia. He explains, ‘I strongly believe in the motto ‘Service Above Self’ and the importance of helping

our community. Being a Rotarian is the best way to offer my experience, time, and energy back into my community and support the people in our area who really need help.’

Guardamar’s Rotary Club raises funds for a number of local charities, as well as supporting and developing initiatives for the community. They regularly support the Red Cross, IES Les Dunes secondary school in Guardamar, the local food bank and Cáritas.

They fundraise through events and collections in association with local businesses. For example, Specsavers Ópticas collects funds in all three of Francisco’s stores. ‘It’s very important to me that my business can also support the Rotary Club through fundraising and practical support. Specsavers is committed to playing a positive role in the communities where they operate, and this is a great way to do that. It is also a positive experience for my staff to help the charity through fundraising and at events.’

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN 2024

On the 23rd of March the Rotary Club Guardamar del Segura and the Guardamar Town Hall are holding

their 12th Classic Car Show. Taking place at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento Guardamar, visitors can enjoy the sight of over 100 classic cars and motorbikes in one place, as well as live music, dance performances and an enormous paella. Follow them on Facebook @rotary.guardamar for more info as it is announced. They are also working hard on a new project to support students at the IES Les Dunes high school in Guardamar through training and professional development. This will make it easier for the students to find jobs when they leave school. Francisco explains, ‘We know that one of the biggest concerns of the young people in our community is finding jobs. So, we are launching a mentorship programme for students who are completing their vocational training programmes in hospitality, catering, admin and gardening.

We will be arranging talks by local business owners and employers in the school to motivate them and offer practical advice to help them prepare for entering the workplace. We will be creating a Rotary Guardamar Achievement Award, to celebrate the best pupil at the

school. Finally, we are in the process of finding internship opportunities to help them gain work experience.’ If any local business owner or entrepreneur would like to give a talk, or offer internships for these students, please contact the Rotary Club by emailing

rotaryguardamar2203@gmail.com.

Donations for the Rotary Club can be dropped into the three Specsavers Ópticas stores that Francisco owns, in Guardamar, Torrevieja and La Zenia. Find your nearest store at www.specsavers.es

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 SALT CHURCH Sundays at 10.30 am. We are a friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship. Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, 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 Focus ST-Line Hybrid at just 21,900 euro. Come along to our large showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and

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: oc.communitycare@gmail.com

10K and get 20K back in 14 months. Call 747 438 225

CONSTRUCTION AND GENERALBUILDING. For all building works large or small, phone 604 152 124 for quotes. We also specialise in pool leaks and repairs. (1012)

used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. See page 7. 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

AGE CONCERN BEREAVEMENTGROUP.

Have you lost somebody close to you? Are you finding life difficult after a bereavement? Come along and chat to other people in the same situation. Starting on October 10th, then every Tuesday from 2-4pm at the Age Concern Centre, Calle Paganini, La Siesta, Torrevieja. 96 678 6887. Everyone is welcome.

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

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

LOOKING FOR Silent

Business Partner for small Private Care Home. Invest

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

Used Keter plastic garden shed in green. Top opening and dismantled for collection with original manual. Approx sizes L142cm x W75cm x H 110cm. Cost new 239 Euro now 50 Euro Torre de la Horadada Tel 966 183717

DISTRIBUTOR WANTED

The Leader is looking for a distributor for a six week period, about 4 hours each Monday morning, from 18th March. The round will cover La Marina/Quesada area. Applicants must have own transport.

TEL: 637 227 385 OR EMAIL TO: office@theleader.info

Last week we spoke specifically about what happens if your vehicle fails the ITV test, but there are other statuses that we need to know, as your vehicle might not be a complete failure.

When you take your vehicle for the ITV test, the result will be one of three options, favorable, desfavorable, or negativa (favourable, unfavourable or negative), and although we all hope for a favourable pass, it is important to know the implications of the other results, and what we have to do about it.

FAVORABLE

If the ITV result is “favorable”, it is possible to continue driving safely and without the need to return until the next test is due. However, sometimes, when the Technical Inspection is favorable, some slight defects may have been detected. In this case, the owner of the vehicle must repair them as soon as possible, although it will not be necessary to return to the ITV station to submit the car to a new technical inspection.

The equivalent to this in the UK MOT system would be a PASS.

WHAT DIFFERENT RESULTS OF AN ITV TEST MEAN

The result will be one of three options, favorable, desfavorable, or negativa (favourable, unfavourable or negative)

DESFAVORABLE

If the report received from the ITV test shows that the technical inspection is “desfavorable”, this means that our vehicle has serious defects that put our safety and that of other road users at risk.

Consequently, we will only be able to drive the vehicle to a workshop to repair the faults and return to the station to carry out a new inspection. The time that we have to correct the defects of our car is 2 months and we must return to the ITV station to verify that the detected defects have already been corrected within that time.

Remember though, we are only allowed to drive to the workshop and back to the test centre in this case.

Although it cannot be directly related to the UK MOT system, a similar standard here would be a PASS with MINOR defects.

As a general rule, this second inspection is free if it is done within 2 months. If this is not the case, and we go to the ITV after that time, the vehicle will have to be inspected again, and we must pay again.

NEGATIVA

The technical inspection with a negative result, “negativa”, or what we would call the equivalent of a fail, for its part, is due to the fact that at least one defect is considered very serious because it constitutes a direct and immediate risk to road safety, or has an impact on the environment. In this case, the vehicle is no longer permitted to drive on public roads.

The equivalent to this in the UK MOT system would be a FAIL.

If this situation occurs, as we mentioned last week, we cannot even drive away from the test centre, and must contract a tow truck (grua) to transfer the vehicle to the workshop to be repaired.

Once again, we have a period of 2 months to carry out the repairs and return to the test centre, but remember that the vehicle cannot be driven until the test has been completed successfully, and so not only must the tow truck take the vehicle from the test centre to the workshop, it must also be used to take the car back for the subsequent, and hopefully successful, inspection.

PLAYERS PLEASE!

By John McGregor

Iloved it at John Player and Sons for the sheer difference to anything I’d ever experienced in the forces and the pure pleasure of people-watching: everyday working-class characters from the tough city I had grown up in.

I hadn’t seen this side of life while at school and then going straight into the RAF at seventeen. Now I had left and was applying for different jobs, but to earn some money I went to the ´Labour Exchange’ in Nottingham and was given a position helping to load lorries with cigarettes all day, for deliveries all over the UK.

The classic Sixties book and film ‘Saturday Night and Sunday Morning’ summed it all up perfectly, Alan Sillitoe brilliantly capturing the mood and behaviour of people, and his snapshots of factory life were spot on. He wrote about another great Nottingham insti-

tution, the pushbike manufacturing factory, Raleigh, but the same attitudes, disciplines and people were perfectly prevalent at Players.

My mentor was an older chap called Arthur who had worked at Players all his life. He quietly explained the daily situations that arose, like the blistering verbal attack the shop steward endured as he risked crossing the loading bay from my strident colleagues who were very unhappy with the new overtime rates.

The poor man tried to put the management’s view that the rates were in line with the industry, only to be sworn violently at and threatened with expulsion at the next opportunity.

Another huge fiasco kicked off as the annual bonus was announced. It seemed many peo-

ple based their life on the payment and such items as holidays, schooling costs and transport aspects were key issues.

This day I noticed everyone seemed to be in a rage, and on consulting the oracle Arthur told me that the annual payment would be approximately seventy pounds, per person which seemed a fortune to me.

Alas, the rumour had been that it would be over one hundred pounds in line with the previous year – oh dear.

Friday afternoons were best for entertainment, as everyone went to the pub at lunchtime. In our four strong gang, we each bought a round so four pints in sixty minutes were a challenge, but after my lively years in the services I managed OK.

George, the West Indian, was a wonderful character. Every round he had a different drink, and his varied tastes were amazingly unpredictable.

A bottled Guinness could be followed by a Cherry B, then maybe a gin and tonic, washed down by a pint of mild or a port and lemon. He then laughed and joked his happy way through the afternoon singing Calypsos and dancing, he was an excellent entertainer.

The job of loading the huge lorries could be very boring, so I used to try to calculate the value of the load, about £50,000 then for a container of Players Number Six, the biggest and best-selling fag of the day.

The drivers and their mates were great fun, always with a never-ending supply of the latest jokes.

The ancient Players’ factories were in narrow streets, built when traffic was much lighter and big artics hadn’t been invented, so reversing into the loading bays from the streets was very tricky.

One lunchtime a reckless mate rashly bet his driver six pints he couldn’t do it in one. With an audience of about fifty, leaning out of his cab at right angles but still somehow operating the pedals, and literally with a couple of inches to spare the driver made it in one to huge cheers and his mate’s disgusted admiration as they headed for the pub. Being casual labour I got frisked by security at least twice a week. At one minute to five everyone would be twitching in the corridors leading to the big doors, clutching their

clocking in-and-out cards.

As the big clock clicked time there was a scrum to punch your card, but as everyone surged for the door, someone – often me - was somehow, without violence lifted bodily off their feet by two burly uniformed men and transported into a tiny office and told, firmly but kindly to turn out their pockets.

Stealing was a sackable offence but I’m sure it went on. In the factories you just picked a fag up from the line and lit it, no-one said anything apparently, although out on the loading bays that wasn’t possible, which suited me anyway as the fresher air was definitely preferable. I kept hearing the name ‘Clinton Arms’ and one day asked Arthur. He chuckled.

‘It’s a grotty pub in town: they’ve got topless barmaids there - so they say, I’ve never been.’ My future father–in-law Mike came to stay one night, and suggested I show him some Nottingham hospitality, so I said we’d go into the city centre.

I found the Clinton Arms and parked nearby: Arthur was right, the pub was a bit rough, and perhaps understandably busy. Normally Mike and I would quibble to claim the right to buy the first round, but this time I let him go first into the pub.

As luck would have it, a barmaid was just about to start her shift and came past us as we walked in. She was short, plumpish, quite attractive and was wearing a fashionable bright yellow tank top and matching mini-skirt. She ducked down under the serving hatch, and swivelled round to face us.

With both hands she suddenly jerked the tank top down and as two large white breasts popped out, she smiled sweetly at my totallyunprepared father-in-law and asked him what he wanted to drink.

To watch him trying to stammer out ‘Two pints of lager’ was just the funniest thing: he never forgot the experience and often brought it up in conversation.

In the last week I was at Players, all the permanent staff were bussed over to a new modern development area of Nottingham called Clifton. They were shown a huge new state-of-the-art cigarette-manufacturing plant called ‘Horizon’ which was almost complete, and in a few months everything and everyone would be moved there and the old Lenton sweatshops would be closed forever.

I really loved my time there, though, it was all so funny and memorable, and I was quite sad when I had to say goodbye to everyone, especially my ‘uncle’ Arthur.

Soon after that I left my beloved Nottingham home for ever to start a new career and lifebut I never forgot my one and only taste of factory life and the fun I’d had there: Player power!

My mentor was an older chap called Arthur who had worked at Players all his life.

JAYDEN IS A BOXER IN A HURRY

Jayden, in blue, has 100% success from his first seven fights.

The latest starlet to come out of Orihuela Costa’s Underworld amateur boxing programme, is 15 year-old Jayden Sambor who has announced himself as one to watch in 2024 with an impressive run which has seen him win everyone of his 7 junior fights.

Jayden, (68kg), is the son of the club owner Lloyd (Sam), who first established Underworld 14 years ago in an effort to keep youngsters off the streets. Since that time Sam has put thousands of euros of his own money into the club, “every cent of which was absolutely worth it,” he told The Leader, especially now that he can see his son beginning to develop into a fine young athlete.

Given Jayden’s success at youth level, this talented welterweight will be one to watch out for in the coming years, with his eyes, even at this early stage, firmly set on a professional career. What’s particularly scary for the rest of the division is that, at only 15 years of age, this is just the beginning for Jayden and there’s still plenty of room for him to develop in the Division before he has to step up.

With boxing and combative fire in his blood, he has been around the sport since he could crawl, joining the amateur ranks just as soon as he was able.

With his pedigree and bloodline, big things are expected from the talented youngster who can

certainly punch his weight.

While Jayden builds his fitness at Underworld with his father, ‘The Ring’ in Torrevieja is where he goes for quality boxing training and sparring, where Louis Furlong, a former member of the Ireland coaching staff and an important part of the success enjoyed by Wexford Boxing Club in bygone years, looks after the young man’s technical education.

Already during his fledgling career Jayden has boxed in Germany and Portugal so, even at this stage, between registration, sport-specific equipment, and travelling, he is beginning to find the sport quite expensive.

As such Jayden is already looking for local sponsorship that can help him to defray his costs, so if you are able to help in any way, please make contact with his father, Sam, on 627 177 511.

Meanwhile, talks are underway between Sam, the local boxing fraternity and The Emerald Isle for a night of boxing at the La Florida venue. Details are still to be finalised but I understand that interested parties are looking at an evening event in mid May with boxing and kickboxing matches already being scheduled in. Watch this space for more information as it becomes available.

Underworld Gymnasium and Boxing Club is located just off the N332, by the side of Costa Cars, directly underneath the Mapfre offices. The club is open to all on Monday and

Wednesday evening from 5-8pm, whether you just want to improve your fitness, keep yourself in shape or pick up the gloves under Sam’s guidance and supervision.

The gym is aimed at boys and girls over 12-years of age, and adults, costing just 5 euro a session, which includes and boxing training and personal fitness coaching from Sam, who can be contacted on 627 177 511 or 966 844 453.

QUIZ FROM P 14:

1.Heaven's Gate, 2.Bay City Rollers (Saturday Night) and The Average White Band (Pick Up The Pieces).3.Moscow (Ostankino Tower).4.Bouillabaisse.5. Aer Lingus and Aeroflot.6.E.T.(Katy Perry).7.Sandworm (Dune).8.T S Eliot. 9.Emerson.10.Fajitas.11.The Girl From Ipanema.12.Stockholm Syndrome. 13.a.Pulp Fiction, b.Vincent and Theo, c.Selma, d.Reservoir Dogs, e.Rob Roy. 14.Reykjavik.15.Willie Nelson.16.Capt. Hook.17.Scrambled Eggs.18.Franco Nero.19.Cologne Cathedral.20. Champagne bottles

SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION

SAN MIGUELBOWLS With Barry

Jones

Monday saw the leagues finish for the Stingrays and Marlins. The Stingrays were away to San Luis Romulans where they came away with 2 points, 76 shots to 113. The winning trio were Val Tuohy, Adam Ingram and Mick Rogers with a score of 25 - 14. The Stingrays finished mid table in the Voyager division.

The Marlins also travelled to San Luis to play the Vulcans and gained 4 points, 68 shots to 100. The best win came from Colin Fowler, Richard Lewis and Ron Peters 18 - 17.

The Dolphins welcomed Vistabellaís Albatrosses to San Miguel and were able to seal a win 8 - 4, 97 shots to 76. The best win came from Sandi Hannan, Jim Taylor and Dori Svanbergsson with a huge score of 30 - 7.

The Orcas were also in action at home facing Country Bowls Seahawks. Agreat result for the Orcas, winning 12 - 0. 104 shots to 60. The best score came from Linda Douglas, Tom Dalgleish and Eddie Cowan 26 - 9. With just two matches left the Orcas are in 3rd place, but with a real chance of topping the Discovery Division.

On Wednesday, at home to San Luis where they won 82, 83 shots to 52. This result takes them to second in the league. Best winning rink were Anita Brown, Steve Parr, Dori Svanbergsson and Steve Cantley 28 - 11.

On Friday morning The Cherokees were home to Emerald Isle Outlaws where they drew 6 - 6, 85 shots to 87. Best winning triple were Dave Sceal, John Bolton and Dan Darby 20 - 11.

SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB with

As the winter season leagues gradually come to an end, it is great that our newly created teams have survived and generally thrived in spite of illness, medical and other appointments, which sometimes left us with no reserves or, worse, not a full team – well done to all.

SOUTH ALICANTE LEAGUE: MONDAY 19TH

SL TREKKERS had an unsettled afternoon match; although they had ALREADY WON THE VOYAGER LEAGUE, ahead of the CB Ravens, the Ravens had some home revenge limiting Trekkers to 4 points-8, shots- 69-92.

Sheila Cammack

Winners: Joy & Brian Gardiner, Jean Cooper 23-11, Chris Jackson, Ralph Jones, Vic Mahomet 17-16.

SL ROMULANS HOME V SM STINGRAYS, had a great result; taking 10 points-2, 113 shots- 76, which MOVED THEM UP TO 3RD POSITION IN THE VOYAGER LEAGUE, ahead of the Stingrays.

Winners: Catherine & Noel Morrisroe, Barbara Louis 22-9, Judy Carroll, Gordon Paton, Dave Blackie 18-13, Ngaio Baldwin, Les Shannon, Peter Ayres 23-18, Mags Haines, Derrick Cooper, John Skipper 34-11.

EMERALD ISLE BOWLS CLUB

The Emerald Isle Bowls club wish to send our Condolences to Seamus and the Moran Family following their recent loss of Paul, R.I.P Paul Titans began the week at Quesada Diamonds where they got a great 10-2 Aggregate of 119-70 win: M Oakley G Wallis B Kavanagh 33-8, N Davis S Marks R Marks 27-15, P Heaney S Elvin D Mooney 25-13, D Jones M Ellis M Hartley 17-10

Moonrakers played at Greenland Beech, and they got a very good draw 6-6 with an Aggregate of 100-78; D Clark J Holmyard A Forrest 32-8, M Nash J Ball C Wren 30-7

Emperors played Greenlands on Wed in Winter League at home and in a very

EL RANCHO BOWLS

Monday’s match for the Raiders at Emerald Isle was postponed due to unavailability of the venue,it will now be played next Tuesday aft.

On Wednesday the Rowdies were at Bonalba,playing a strong Bonalba team,but as usual they put their hearts into the match and enjoyed the occasion as always.They came away with one of the four rinks,not a bad result for an away game.

Bill Johnston,Diane Yates,Derek Barker and Jim Eastwood 5-34.

Sheila Cox,Rose Passmore,Pam Harris and Mike Cox 17-12.Chris Ziepe,Ann Taylor,John Ziepe and Bob Taylor 12-16.Ria Dukker,

The Navajos were away to San Luis Lions where they lost 2 - 10, 64 shots to 120, the winning triple were Stan North, Jack Jackson and Frank Scotthern 18 - 16.

On Friday afternoon the Apaches were home to Emerald Isle Cavaliers losing 4 - 8, 81 shots to 83. The best winning triple were Anita Brown, Mary Whitelock and Ron Nairey 23 - 13.

The Commanches were away to San Luis Leopards, also losing 4 - 8, 68 shots to 103, best winning triple were our Icelandic trio, Gunnie Sigurdardottir, Kari Hilmarsson and Gestur Saenundsson 22 - 14.

Areminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays 1.30pm for 2.00pm - e5 for an afternoonís bowling with shoes and bowls available to borrow.

SL VULCANS HOME V SM MARLINS had a good result; 8 points-4, 100 shots-68, although, unfortunately, they had to play with a team short.

Winners: Molly Russell, Ron Reid, Mike Wyatt 21-6, Sue Kenyon, John Bagnall, Derek Biggs 2413, Lesley Howlett, Jim Gwynn, David Whitworth 38-11.

SL KLINGONS didn’t have the best of mornings away v Quesada Pearls; points 4-8, shots 70-97. Winners: Mike Veale, Caroline & John Smyth 17-16, Neil & Sandra Burrows, Dave Webb 18-15.

WINTER LEAGUE: WEDNESDAY 21ST

SAN LUIS had a tough match away v San Miguel; 2 points-8, 52 shots-83. Winners: Mike Veale, Trish Reilly, Florence Murphy, Dave Webb 19-18.

SOUTHERN LEAGUE: FRIDAY 23RD,

SL LIONS were at home to SM Navajos and had a much better morning, finishing 10 points-2, 120 shots- 64. Winners: Dee Hoey, Neil Morrison, Scott Malden 26-6, Kath Reid, June & Keith Jones 26-18, Mike Veale, Caroline & John Smyth 19-13, Neil & Sandra Burrows, Dave Webb 33-9.

SL LEOPARDS HOME TO SM COMANCHES, had another good result 8 points-4, 103 shots68. Winners: Ngaio Baldwin, Les Shannon, Peter Ayres 19-11, Catherine & Noel Morrisroe, Barbara Louis 35-5, Judy Carroll, Gordon Paton, Dave Blackie 21-10.

SL TIGERS: BYE. SL PUMAS: BYE.

If you want to find out more; come & try out our OPEN roll ups on Saturday (9:30/10:00) & the Chicken/egg comp on Wednesday (1:30/2:00). Make new friends and have Fun!!

close game they went down 4-6 Aggregate of 64-67: S Verity N Davis I Grimshaw M Dyer 22-16, D Jones N Prior M Ellis C Lindgren 17-12

Cavaliers played at San Miguel Apaches, and they Had a good win 8-4, Aggregate of 83-81: P Heaney P Willicott M Hartley 21-11, M Oakley S Marks R Marks 21-13, N Davis M Ellis C Lindgren 16-14

Claymores were at home to Greenlands Cedars, and they were beaten 2-10

Aggregate of 75-90 V Cameron J Sayer B Fenty 22-9

Outlaws played away against San Miguel Cherokees and got a very good 6-6

Aggregate of 87-85 M Peaper K John E Sheard 33-10, J Renshaw I Wren S

Renshaw 20-16

SAPS as usual on Saturdays at 13-30. ELWYN MORRIS

Lesley Day,Judy Foley and Henry Ryder10-28.

Friday morning found the Mustangs playing host to Quesada Swans, a lovely morning where the still conditions turned into a stiff breeze, making the bowls tricky.But we enjoyed the challenge that the changing wind brought us,made trickier by the fast mat.

The Mustangs took four of the five rinks and the overall shots,but most rinks were close in play.Ann Abbott,Tony Abbott and Keith Longshaw 15-13.Chris Ziepe,Trevor Witcher and Marion Haynes 2415.Sheila Cox,Mags Higgins and Mike Cox 15-24.Mick Higgins, Pam Harris and John Ziepe 22-16.Ann Taylor,Malc Sykes and Henry Ryder 26-15.

GREENLANDS B.C.

With Pearl Houghton

The Beech opponents were The Emerald Isle and by all accounts proved to be a very interesting game with both teams sharing the points 6 to 6. So well done on a good result.

The CHESTNUTS versus Quesada was a very good result for Greenlands proving to strong on the day for their opponents running out12 to nil. CONGRATULATIONs on a great result and keeps us in the hunt in the league Let's keep this going now.

The Maples travelled to Country Bowls, and it proved to be a tough game for them only managed to get 2 points to 10 so not a good day for them must try harder.

The Gladiators travelled to Emerald Isle this week and had a really tough game against strong opponents but stuck to it and came away with a 6 to 4 victory so very well done everyone.

MONTE MAR BOWLS

Sponsored by The Pub, Gran Alacant Insurances, Dialprix, The Belfry, Skippers, La Piedra, Santara Resort, The Reiki Room.

WINTER SABA LEAGUE

Monte Mar Matadors v El Rancho Raiders

Away at El Rancho on a very windy morning we only managed to win on two rinks. Well done to Steve Leatherland, Steve Hindle skip Keith Young 22 – 10, Colin Bedford, Cindy Bedford skip John Hunt 16 – 15. Shots Matadors 75 – 96 Raiders. Points Matadors 4 – 8 Raiders.

SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Monte Mar Matadors v Greenlands Elms

At home to Greenlands Elms we had a very good result winning on four rinks and drawing on one well done to the winning rinks, Lynne Armitage, Les Bounds skip Phil Goble 18 – 12, Gina Hindle, Steve Hindle skip Keith Young 30 – 8, Colin Bedford, Cindy Bedford skip Neil Crawford 30 – 8, Julia Hamilton, Ian Hamilton skip Barry Watson 18 – 16 and the drawing rink Tony Kershaw, Paul Dodd skip Dave Eades.

Shots Matadors 109 – 55 Elms. Points Matadors 11 – 1 Elms.

For info about Monte Mar Bowls & Social Club go to www.montmarbowls.com. We are also on Facebook.

TREKKERS- Winners of the South Alicante Voyager League

VISTABELLA HIT BY ILLNESS AND ABSENCES

SOUTH ALICANTE ENTERPRISE

DIVISION

San Miguel Dolphins v Vistabella Albatrosses

Two winning rinks for Vistabella which were Alice Howe, Derek Howe & Maggie Furness 19-11plus Hilary James, Freddie Willey & Alan Bannister 25-11.

Overall scores 97pts to 76pts in favour of San Miguel. San Miguel winning 8-4.

SOUTH ALICANTE DISCOVERY

DIVISION

Vistabella Drivers - bye WINTER LEAGUE

Quesada v Vistabella

Playing one of the in form teams in the league, difficult game for Vistabella. Missing some of our top players.

One good winning rink for Dave Bruce, John Ridley, Arthur Brown & Maggie Furness 23-8.

Two very close rinks going to Quesada.

Overall scores 84pts to 71pts very close. Quesada winning 8-2.

Many thanks to some our C squad coming in at the last minute and having a go in a very strong league. Great effort.

La Marina Bowls Club

with Dave Hadaway

No Monday league game to report this week due to a bye,there is just one on Friday but it did give the internal competitions a chance to play the men's singles semi-finals.

I saw both of them and what a privilege that turned out to be,real TV stuff and credit to all 4 bowlers and if this is a window to the finals I cannot wait.

First to play were Len Daniels and Garth Slater and this really was a game of two and fro over 22 ends,it was only decided on the end when Garth managed a 2 to win 21-19.

The second game Alex Whyte and Mike Stone was even closer if that was possible with Alex winning the 26th end to win 21-20.I thank the 4 of you very

LLB SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION B

Vistabella Picadors v Quesada Swifts

A much better performance today with good wins for John Goddard, Don Conlon & Paul Durham 20-14,Alice Howe, Freddie Willey & Arthur Brown 34-10,Olwyn Ratcliffe, Stuart Allman & Brian Dunn 25-5, Dave Bruce, Mo. Foulcer & Sheila Westwood 22-16 plus Denise Howell, Derek Howe & Del Stevenson 16-14.

Overall scores 117pts to 59pts going to Vistabella. Well done Visyabella on a comfortable win 12-0.

LLB SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION C

Country Bowls cubs v Vistabella Conquistadors Vistabella missing a team this week due to ilnesses etc.

So hard game for us against a very strong Country bowls team Overall scores 96pts to 55pts to Country bowls, giving them a 12-0 win.

Club contact: richardwilley321@gmail.com, TEL: 698925932

much for the entertainment and I must say you were a credit to the club with such a high standard of bowling.

Friday 23/2 and we were away to Quesada and came away losing 8 – 4, our winning trips were Jan Parsons, Mike Stone & Barry Roberts 19-17 and Lesley & Dave Joynes with Garth Slater 24-9,and just a mention to Anne Stone, Norman Ship and John Rae who lost by that odd shot 14-15,the overall shot difference was 85-94.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind all members that we have a open forum on 27th February at 13.30,this is your club and we welcome input from you all on how to move the club forward or any other items you wish to discuss. Also look out your bits and bobs in preparation for the Tabletop Sale on 9th March,(donations can be left at the back of the club house).

BY FREDDIE WILLEY

Vistabella gave a good account at Quesada despite missing a number of players

FEBRUAR FEBRUAR Y Y

PRIZE A A T CEL T CEL TS TS

Lo Crispin Golf Society at Villamartin

On the 21st. February 32 members and guests competed in an Individual Stableford competition at Villamartin. The weather was good, with generally only a gentle breeze to contend with.

As usual the course was in good condition and the mostly fast greens made for tricky putting.

At the Lo Crispin Tavern where most of the competitors gathered after the game, we were supplied with Tapas as usual and the day's prizes were distributed.

GOLD DIVISION

1st Place - Rod Pullen 26 pts off 20

2nd Place - Ian Stuart 25 pts off 15

3rd Place - Steve Price 24 pts off 19

BRONZE FOR CHARO IN EURO JUNIORS

Charo Esquiva, of Torrevieja Tennis Club, has finished as a bronze medalist as a member of the Spanish Tennis team in the European Under-16 Championship

The team beat Germany 2-1 in the bronze match of the European under-16 national championship “Winter Cup” in Brest in France

Having lost the first singles match Charo needed to win her tie to square the match, which she did, beating the German number one Mariela Tham by 6-4, 4-6, 6-2

The tie went to a deciding doubles match where Charo and Carla Vázquez beat Michelle Khomich and Emily Eigelsbach, achieving a victory for Spain by 6-4, 5-7, 10-5

CARP-R-US REPORT

Round 8 of the Carp-R-Us Winter Series was fished on Edens 2 and 3. On arrival the river looked in excellent condition and with the temperatures expected to rise to and unseasonal 27 C, good sport was expected.

In the end though, the fishing was patchy with some decent weights and a number of not so decent weights.

On Eden 3, it was the battle of the Tonys with Tony Felstead just edging out Tony

SILVER DIVISION

1st Place - Frank Hanrahan 35 pts off 27

2nd Place - Ray Pownall 26 pts off 29 (on count back)

3rd Place - Ronnie Speirs 26 pts off 30 (on count back)

N.T.P. on Par 3s: Hole 6 - Gordon Wilson, Hole 9 - Gordon Wilson, Hole 13 - Jerry Baker, Hole 17 - Richard Brady

The 2s 'pot' was claimed by Bill Croft, as he was the only player to achieve a 2 on the day. The Prize for best score by a guest and those playing for Handicap was won by James Bolton with 24 pts off 26. The Free Game Draw was won by Steve Harrington. Finally, our next game is at Altorreal on the 6th March, when we will be playing four our 1st 'Major' of the year, the Claret Jug.

Steve Harrington (Membership Secretary)

Flett. Tony Felstead had 9.50kg from peg 4 (downstream end peg) on maggot feeder while Tony Flett had 9.46kg from peg two on feeder and maggot.

Third and fourth were on Eden 2, where Paul Burton had 8.14kg from peg 8 using pole feeder and maggot and Trevor Morrey had 4.64kg on the adjacent peg again using pole feeder with corn or maggot.

Further info about the club go to the website http://www.carp-r-us.weebly.com or on the Facebook page Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blanca

Last week we celebrated our monthly prize giving and championship day for February. The course is in superb condition, particularly at this time of the year, well done Miguel and the team.

Again, many thanks to Juan, Karolina, Peppa, Michael and Jose for the smooth running of the competition. Thanks to Gloria, Marijose, for our lovely rolls. Fina and Duly do a great job looking after the clubhouse. Camillus and his team make our day run so efficiently, well done Terry, Philip, Henry, and Alan.

A special mention to our Captain Dave Stockton for appearing for the presentation after his recent medical urgency. You are looking very well Dave, and we expect you back playing very shortly.

The monthly prize winners were, Crystal Cat. I, Stuart Bulling 36, Bob Smith 35, and

James Imrie 35. Cat. II, Carmel McShea 41, Hep Kinnear 38, and Steve Formby 37. Medal competition. Cat. I, Bob Smith 72 and Andrew Currie 74. Cat. II, William Thomson 66, and Pat Coyne 68. Cat. III, Abraham Numeijer 71, and Steve Formby 71.

Results on the day, NTP’s Ida Jensen, Denis McCormack, Frank Considine, Stuart Tosh, Nick Shaw and John O’Brien. Cat. III, Sheila Coyne 37, Holly Thomson 37 and Niall Murray 35. Cat. II, Wernfried Stuhlpfarer 38, Thomas Warren 36 and Peter Dunne 35. Cat. I, Pauvla Serakova 38, James Imrie 37 and Denis McCormack 35.

The gross was won by Michael Stott with 33 points. Second overall went to James Hayes 42 points. Our winner with 42 points also but winning on lowest handicap Andrew Currie.

LA MARINA GS AT COLINAS

This week the members of the La Marina Golf Society met at Las Colinas golf course to compete for the Toldos4Sun Trophy, who were the day’s sponsors. The weather was great, and the course was in excellent Championship condition. However, for some the greens were as tricky as ever.

In first place with a score of 37 pts was Dave Freeman, in second place with 36 pts and on count back was Charlotte Tranberg with Alan Craig taking third place.

The “nearest the pin” winners were Sue Saunders for hole 5, Frank Cullen for hole 7, Iain Lyall for hole 10, and Roy Harris for hole 14. Dave Freeman also won the day’s 2’s pot on hole 14. All the members met back at the La Marina Sports Complex where club Captain Bill Stobo presented the day's winners with their prizes. The owner of Toldos4Sun Rafal Marciniak’s wife Maria was also on hand to present the Toldos4Sun Trophy. Well done to all of the day’s winners.

TORREVIEJA DARTS LADIES ORGANISATION

TDLO League Format Week 9, Tuesday 20th Feb

Four thumping home wins sees half the league into triple figures on leg points and a shake up for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. There is all still very much to play for in the remaining 6 matches.

Ladybirds15 - 6Primadonnas

Gap Girlz17 - 4Wacky Allsorts

Friendly Temps14 - 9Tipsy Tigers

Dolly Mixtures14 - 8Friendly Chicas

LEAGUE TABLEPFA

Gap Girlz911164

Friendly's Temps910786

Primadonnas910592

Ladybirds910392

Tipsy Tigers997106

Macklin's DMixt992102

Friendly's Chicas976111

Wacky Allsorts976114

Hot Darts League Format Week 9

Claire Lumb (GG)140, 120, Yvonne Rouffignac (GG) 133 x2, Lesley Eagles (TT) 133, Mitch Halliday (PD) 133, Gena Wood (LB) 125, 112, Simone de Lacy (TT) 125, Julie Hallett (FC) 124, Pat Schofield (TT)124, Chelsea Campbell (GG) 123, 100, Ann Wharton (FT) 123, 100, Jane Barnes (WA) 121, Nina Mander James (TT) 117, 103, Lorraine Veale (DM) 117, Ellie Attwood (FT) 114, Diane Burns (DM) 103, 100, Gloria Gage (PD) 103, Lin Cousins (FC) 101, Sharon Marshall (GG) 100, Dons Ralph (LB) 100, Bliss Wright (Gg) 100

Photo left to right - winner Dave Freeman, Maria Marciniak, Captain, Bill Stobo.

Charo holding the trophy

LEAGUE RESULTS 22 FEBRUARY

DIVISION 1

Domino's Doms8-4Hub Hyenas

Mind The Gap4-8Tipsy Toad Toppers

Ck1 Lads5-7El Capitan

Freakie Taverners6-6CC's Bees

Milo's7-5Leeson St Trotters

DIVISION 2

Fallen Angels4-8Fire Station

Pint Depot Queens3-9Danny's Bar

Illy's Oldies10-2Ck1 Ladybirds

Tipsy Toad Tiaras5-7Domino's Desps

Hub Hellraisers8-4Tasty Taverners

LEAGUE TABLES

DIVISION 1PPtslegs

Domino's Domignomes1426116

Tipsy Toad Toppers1423124

Mind The Gap1423120

El Capitan1419106

Hub Hyenas1418106

CC's Bees141484

Leeson Street Trotters14660

Ck1 Lads14654

Milo's14542

Freakie Taverners14129

DIVISION 2

Fire Station1426129

Danny's Bar1425111

Illy's Oldies1421108

Domino's Desperados141890

Fallen Angels141794

Ck1 Ladybirds141183

Tipsy Toad Tiaras14969

Hub Hellraisers14958

Tasty Taverners14665

Pint Depot Queens14034

MOST 180’S: Mark Ellis x6, James Brown x5, Andres Liamazares x5, Pete Spencer x4, Ricardo Perez x4

180's THIS WEEK: Mark Ellis x2, James Brown x2, Craig Mccarthy, Andres Liamazares, Liam Lumb, Billy Dolling

HIGH FINISH THIS WEEK: Dave Askew 100, Darren Hurcombe 98

HIGHEST FINISH TO DATE: Dave Askew 160

MATCH REPORTS

DIVISION 1

MIND THE GAP V TIPSY TOAD TOPPERS

Toppers move into 2nd place on leg difference over Gap, after this fine away victory.It's not often Gap are out gunned in the tons department, but they were this time out, 35 to the visitors, 25 to the hosts.

Gap did however find 3x180, two from James Brown, the other from Craig McCarthy.Top finishes came from Dave Askew 100 and 76, Graham Solomans 76 and a 68 from Brown.

The 7th leg and 1st singles were a joy to watch, Brown losing the 1st leg to an Askew D18, then winning the next 2 to include 2x180,140 and a 68 out for the 3rd.

Askew's 5 straight tons on this occasion insufficient. The 4th singles were nearly as good.Paul Moody's effort of 3x100,125,140, 2x85+ and the 1st leg, not quite good enough as Solomans banged in 2x100,125,140, 3x85+ and D4 in the 3rd.

The match was perfectly poised at 4-5, when Toppers reeled off the remaining 3 via Solomans, Wayne Houson and John Rodford.Gap POTM

Darren Sanderson, Toppers Dave Askew

DOMINOS DOMIGNOMES V HUB HYENAS

Gnomes were at full strength for this tussle, well nearly, the missing sharpshooter Ricky Perez, sidelined with a painful toe.Both sides were evenly matched in the 1st half, Suso Madrid opening the hosts account with a 75 out.Olly Walker D4 making it 2-0, prior to Dave Rowlinson reducing the deficit with a 53 finish.

The scores were reversed in the pairs for 3-3 at half time Mark Ellis and Rowlinson overcoming Nigel Justice and Matt Smith 1-2, Ellis managing a 180, his partner finishing on D20 for a 17 dart 601 (ave.106). Twenty six tons or more in the 1st half.

Mark Farmer produced a POTM shift against Jay Wilkinson 121,2x140 his 2nd leg in 17 darts. Walker made it 5-3 on D2, Ellis getting the better of Madrid in 3 legs, the Hub star hitting his 2nd maximum and a 17-dart leg. That was to be the visitors sole 2nd half win, Dava Wharton taking his side to 6-4, Smith producing 2x100,140 for the win and points.POTM - Farmer - Ellis.

C.K.1 LADS V EL CAPITAN

Caps didn't win this one until the final 12th leg of the evening.Moises Bujan somehow getting the better of a prolific Paul Green100,115,160, 4x80+, in 3 legs.It was 3-3 midway, Steve Dalton contributing 4 tons as did Kevin Wood, Caps Liam Lumb 123,140,180 and 2 outs, Ed Klimonis 100,120,135 and Andres Liamazares 4x100, 2x140.

POTM Liama 100,180 and a 78 out made it 3-4, Ed K, 3X100,140 extending Caps advantage to 3-5, Arold K.overcoming a 17 dart Dalton 1st leg to win 1-2, the Lad scoring 3x100,2x140.Two Lads wins followed from Darren Hurcombe and the larger-than-life Terry David, to include an 82 out for 5-6, Bujan spoiling Lads evening.Dalton - POTM.

FREAKIE TAVERNERS V C.C. BEES

Paul Christopher was Bees darting cornerstone this week, a fine 1st half scoring performance of 2x100,140,3x85+ kept Bees in the race, Mitch Halliday reciprocating for Freakies with numerous scores and 3 outs.

The hosts claimed the 1st 3 singles, Halliday ensuring a draw in 3 legs over Richie McSweeney and receiving Freakies POTM.Defeat looming for Bees, their remaining 3 players Reg Christopher, Paul Tollafield and Paul C.got their act together winning all 3 for the draw, Paul C.hitting 2X100,125,135 for POTM.

MILOS V LEESON ST. TROTTERS

Trotters took an early 1-2 advantage via Kain Hickman D8 and Barry Shingler's D5, Raul Rocamora 2x100, Mervyn Borwick a 51 out. Milos won all 3 pairs for a 4-2 half time lead, despite a fine Billy Dolling effort in the 1st, 100,132,180. Javier de Gea taking out 44 and 60.Borwick adding a host of 80+'s, a ton and both doubles in the 6th. Alex Nikolov got the better of Borwick in the7th despite the Milos POTM scoring 5x100 and a 121. De Gea won two straight for 5-3, POTM Dolling increasing his ton total in a 0-2 win over Rocamora for 5-4.Gallardo ensured a Milos point, leaving Antonio Lara to get the hosts over the line and 2 points.

DIVISION 2

FALLEN ANGELS V FIRE STATION

All square at half time, before Station flexed their throwing arms, reeling off the 1st five singles, Luke Monks taking out D10 for both points, to keep the

visitors top of the table.

Tony Spiers was Angels 12th leg winner finding D18, but Andy Forrest was the hosts POTM with 3 outs, 2 tons and 5x80+.Tim Goodacre merited Station's POTM scoring 100,133 and a nice 66 singles out.

PINT DEPOT QUEENS V DANNYS BAR

Dannys remain hot on the heels of league leaders Station after their visit to the Queens residence.The hosts "outs" came from Maggie Morgan (2) and Lorraine Cox, but the consistent scoring of Marie Cummins won her sides POTM.

Dannys won 5 of the 6 available 1st half legs, John Giggs outstanding for the visitors.Bob Smith, back from his recent bout of "Lurgy", got his side to 6 and a point, Steve Lumb battering Cummins with 100,137,90 and out for the match, points and POTM.

ILLIES OLDIES V C.K.1 LADYBIRDS

Sandra Crabbes POTM performance of 2x100,134, 95,85 and a last leg victory proved fruitless as Birds struggled to find their usual form.Dons Ralph was the visitors other singles leg winner.

Craig Miller gained Oldies 7th leg win, points and a POTM award for his efforts.Alan Fleming 125,140 couldn't add to his earlier double conversion, in his losing singles to Ralph.Oldies look assured of 3rd place as they open a 4-point gap over Angels.

HUB HELLRAISERS V TASTY TAVERNERS

Lesley Dolling converted each of the 4 games she played, into winning doubles, meriting her POTM accolade.Cheryl McGlynn top scored with 117, Carol Peace the match winner on D19 in the penultimate leg.

Tasties however, won the Tons battle, scoring over twice as many as their opponents, the best coming via Mandy Woods 102,111,121.Tasty Maria Ross won the opening singles with a fine performance that gained her a POTM.Winnie Mackay another ton scorer and winning her sides 4th leg.

TIPSY TOAD TIARAS V DOMINOS DESPERADOS

A close game but definitely one of two halves.

Despos took all but one of the multi-player games in the first half, POTM Paul Chick secured a triples and pairs win (85, D1, 81, D10) with the support of wife Angie.Colin Kernahan started well (100, 98, D1) and scraped a victory (85, D7) in the singles from Lesley Eagle (100).

Kath Wallbanks did her fair share, bringing home 2 legs (triples D4, singles D10) the latter of which was the all-important 7th in a best of 12.Captain Michael Langan donating 98, D7.Tiara POTM Wendy Hayward (85, D9-D5) the only sparkler for Tiaras before the Sarnies.

The Tiaras came into their own in the solo endeavours, and overall, out-scored Despos 4:2 on tons, most of which came in the singles.Pat Schofield (108, D10) doubled the Tiara Tally, then Sharon Crane (12-D3), Wendy (80, D1) and Simone de Lacy (138, D1) took the last 3 singles to make it a more respectable 5 - 7 home defeat.

Dave &Mark, 17 dart 601

POTM - Mark