The Leader Newspaper 10 July 23 - Edition 979

Orihuela Council is preparing a request that it will submit to UNESCO, proposing that the traditional irrigation system, that supplies water to many of the smallholders and farmers around the city, be declared a World Heritage Site.

This was announced on Friday by the mayor Pepe Vegara, during a visit to the refurbishment works that are currently being carried out at the twin waterwheels, Moquita and Pando, in the rural district of Las Norias, said to be the jewel of Orihuela's thousand-year-old orchard.

The mayor visited the site, along with the councillors of Historical Heritage and Agriculture, Matías Ruiz and Noelia Grao, and the Water Judge of the Private Court of Orihuela, José Bernabé.

Vegara said that "we must value everything that makes up our traditional irrigation system because it is an ancient system that, even after many hundreds of years, still provides us with the most efficient use of water."

The mayor said that he considered the waterwheels "a unique work in Spain that we have to protect and to publicise", because "this environment is part of our culture, our history and our DNA. Water is part of our way of living.”

He stressed the importance of this rehabilitation project that began in 2017, when the City Council had to sign an agreement with the Private Water Court by which the rights of the waterwheels were ceded for 30 years.

The Councillor for Historical Heritage, Matías Ruiz, said that the twin waterwheels constitute "a unique asset". The objective, he continued, is "to create a link with the environment and with the city of Orihuela.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE

“We also want to promote a route that will use water as a common thread, where we can provide the walker or the cyclist with points of interest as they pass through the gardens and along the river, that will make it more attractive to visit these places".

In addition, he said that "it will all go hand in hand to ensure that our history of traditional irrigation becomes a World Heritage Site", while thanking the work of the Association of Friends of the Moquita and Pando Twin Ferris Wheels, which has been carrying out activities for years in order to publicise the waterwheels with guided tours for schoolchildren, book presentations and exhibitions. Ruiz also wants to build a Visitors Centre on the site of the twin waterwheels which have their roots dating back to the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries

"They are the only example of double waterwheels that survive in the country," explained Pedro Valero, president of the association Friends of the twin Ferris wheels Moquita and Pando. "We are fortunate still to have them, thanks to the efforts of many farmers over hundreds of years," he added. Therefore, he insisted, we must maintain and celebrate this "jewel of the millenary irrigation of Orihuela".

Domestic Tourism Boost for Guardamar

Spain remains one of the most visited countries among European travellers and the interest of Asians and Australians is growing, according to a ‘Booking’ study, which points to Barcelona as one of the destinations that generates the greatest interest among international travellers, but for the domestic market, Guardamar del Segura is amongst the most sought-after locations. Searches for destinations to travel to this summer have skyrocketed, in what is anticipated to be one

of the summers with the highest occupancy levels after the pandemic.

Spain leads the ranking of the most sought-after regions worldwide, occupying half of the positions, with Andalusia in first position, followed by Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, the Valencian Community and also the Canary Islands. Beach destinations continue to be the favourites for Spanish travellers, just like visiting the capitals.

Benidorm continues to lead the ranking and Madrid rises to second position with notable growth in searches of 64.16%. It is followed by other coastal cities such as Salou, Málaga and Peñíscola.

O E T R Y C O R N E R

by David Whitney C2023

According to Booking data, Spaniards are travelling this summer 2023 to places like Retamar, Guardamar del Segura, Comarruga, Córdoba and A Coruña, which have increased their searches by 184.63%, 143.6%, 96.2%, 83.94% and 76.34%, respectively.

Regarding the international locations most sought after by the Spanish traveling community, the great European capitals such as Rome, London and Paris continue to lead the ranking, while Vienna, Marrakech and Prague are the cities that have improved their position the most, with a jump of 36, 33 and 30 positions, respectively.

ADVERTISING SALES

637 227 385 sales@theleader.info

PROPERTY

637 227 385

E-mail office@theleader.info

Website www.theleader.info

Journalists 600 228 616 office@theleader.info

The Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader, its publishers, members of staff and its agents do not accept responsibility for claims by advertisers nor can it be held responsible for any errors in advertisements which are reproduced from poor artwork, low quality electronic data or inadequate instructions for text or other layout features. Further no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by an error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of any advertisement, although all advertisements produced are checked prior to insertion. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for more than ONE incorrect insertion and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement. E&OE. NO PARTOF THIS NEWSPAPER MAYBE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENTOF THE PUBLISHERS.

We don't need regulations

We don't abide by rules

We're the government of people

Who we take to be all fools

We partied in the lockdown

Well we needed to have fun

We got some booze, us lawless blues Our lock down had begun

We danced and drank, and drank some more

Whilst you lot stayed inside You couldn't meet with family

Too bad some of them died

We had a real ole knees up

We ripped the rules apart

Well rules are not our thing you see

But you must all take heart

Keep far away from others

Wear masks that is a must Get vaccinated right away

Our directions you must trust

But we'll be rather busy

The party's in full swing

The karaoke blasts out loud

And someone starts to sing

We cuddle and cavort around

We're drunk but that's Okay

We've loads of drink yet to consume

And tomorrow's on it's

Don't

“Life’s a bitch”

NEW ORIHUELA GOVERNMENT TAKES STOCK

The mayor of Orihuela, Pepe Vegara, and his deputy, Manuel Mestre, appeared before the media on Thursday to take stock of their first fifteen days of government.

Vegara explained that he has commissioned an audit in each council department to establish it’s state and, as he anticipated "we have found a City Council worse than we expected so we are working tirelessly to address, all the problems that need an urgent solution”.

In the area of Education, the mayor made reference to the summer school that "was tendered late, so that it cannot be put into operation until August."

Regarding the building of the third school on the coast, Vegara said that when he came to the government no plot had been chosen for its construction. “The government team has since confirmed that it will be built behind the Los Dolses Shopping Centre. At this time, we are trying to ensure that classes can start, at the latest, in October”.

He also referred to the situation in which the workers at the Early Care Centre and the La Murada Infant School found themselves, to whom salaries and extraordinary payments were still owed. He has urgently summoned the Board of Directors of Uryula to regularize the financial situation and, initially, pay the June payroll and the extraordinary payments.

He said that an urgent solution is being sought for the management of the maintenance of green areas in districts before he went on to speak of the dismantling of the old tourist office. In addition, "the work del Palacio de Rubalcava has major problems as the prices necessary to continue working had not been agreed with the construction company”.

Along with this, the redevelopment works in the historic centre have not started, even with the specifications and all the documentation prepared, a situation that also occurs with the works of the Plaza de la Salud, for which the projects have still not been drawn up.

He referred the future Sports City which is still just a project with the site to be selected and a number of reports yet to be completed.

Vegara also announced that the 2023 budgets are being prepared along with those for next year in order to approve them as soon as possible.

ORIHUELA COSTA

The deputy mayor and councillor for the Coast, Manuel Mestre, took over the floor stating that, of the five most important contracts relevant to the

Orihuela Costa, all of them "had expired or were in a bad situation", due to what he described as the "administrative chaos" on the coast.

He stressed that "there are many things that must be done urgently” one of which has been to update the budget management of the rescue service on Oriolan beaches. "We did not have a large enough budget but, with the help of the controller and other areas, we have been able to reach the budgeted amount so that the service will continue to function throughout the entire summer campaign."

He then made reference to the contract for the beach bars, which is pending, after the previous contract expired. “There is currently no way to manage a new award of the beach bars”, Mestre pointed out, while adding that “an emergency solution is being sought, which could see the installation of “food trucks” or bars on some beaches”.

He confirmed that the public toilets on the beaches will come into operation in the coming days. This service was provided by the company that was operating the beach bars, so that this year they had not been available because that service was not in operation.

"The toilets are going to be received today, Thursday, and the cleaning service is now being processed," he explained. In addition, he added that "we have slightly different ideas for next season, such as distributing the contract for the beach bars among several bidders to make the award easier." Finally, he confirmed that he had met with several Orihuela Costa neighborhood associations: “They have spoken of their problems in detail. I have even toured the streets with AVCRL looking at the problems in many of the neighbourhoods. Some issues can be dealt with quickly and others will take longer, but we will do our best to accommodate your needs as they are all very valid re quests."

The Mayor with General Mestre, in the white jacket.

NATO SUMMIT TO DOMINATE HEADLINES THIS WEEK

On Monday, the EU Energy Ministers will be meeting in Valladolid, Spain, where they will advance the reform of the wholesale electricity market.

That´s pretty much the highlight of the start of the week as far as Spain is concerned, as things do tend to go quieter as we head through the summer, as a result, there´s not a lot of activity in the markets to start the week.

Although we do have the IEE “Business freedom in Spain - Economic Freedom Index 2023” to look forward to.

In the Eurozone, the Sentix Index for June is published on Monday, along with the US Wholesale Inventories for May and the Chinese CPI and PPI for June, which will be the main focus for investors.

Spain and Europe come together for the first major meeting of the General Affairs Council of the EU since Spain took over the Presidency. Spain will present the priorities of its mandate. Euro banknotes will be under the microscope, possibly quite literally, as the European Central Bank details the next steps for the redesign of euro banknotes.

On Tuesday, His Majesty King Filipe will be in San Javier, specifically at the General Air Academy where he will attend a commissioning ceremony for cadets.

In the UK, Joe Biden will be in London on Monday meeting with Rishi Sunak, the fourth time in as many months, although the first with Sunak facing a possible leadership confidence vote (yes, another one! Oh, and Suella Braverman is one of the contenders).

Biden is also scheduled to meet with King Charles for the first time since he was crowned (Charles, not Biden), with climate change expected to be one of the topics to be discussed, as both King Charles, and President Biden are known for their environmentally conscious attitudes (ignore the part about flying), unlike Sunak, who is facing increasing criticism for his lack of green commitment.

Both Sunak and Biden will be in Vilnius on Tuesday for the NATO Summit, where Ukraine is top of the agenda, which might prove fortuitous once again for Sunak, along with more talk

about “small boats” from the UK Government this week, despite the failing of their policy and the massive surge since Brexit removed many of the tools the UK had to deal with the problem, as the state of the UK will be highlighted once again this week, and the boats and Ukraine always serve as a distraction.

On Tuesday, the Office of National Statistics

will report on wages and employment, and the Bank of England will publish their biannual report on the stability of the UK’s financial sector on Wednesday.

The monthly GDP estimate and the OBR’s fiscal risks and sustainability report will see the light of day on Thursday, and the ONS will report on the impact of the rising cost of living to round the week off on Friday.

Sunak and Biden will meet in London on Monday before the pair fly off to the NATO summit in Vilnius on Tuesday

RESIDENTS ASK THE CITY COUNCIL TO ANALYSE DAILY SPILLS ONTO BEACH

Users of Cala La Mosca, next to Cala de las Estacas, in Orihuela Costa, have criticised the " deplorable state" of the sand, where spillage of unknown origin can be seen on a daily basis.

According to reports, the beach cleaning services take away the sand to cover these spills that reappear and even run into the sea. Many residents say that it is sewage – with a strong smell of urine –and even point out that the beach should not be open to the public in it’s current state.

Some say that there has been a problem since broken pipes appeared during the 2019 and they ask the City

Council to analyse these discharges. This was one of the points made by members of the Cabo Roig and Lomas Association, on Monday afternoon, with the councillor of the Coast, Manuel Mestre, who toured around the area looking at many of the main problems following the meeting that he held on Thursday with the association.

They have asked him to introduce an urgent shock plan before the summer season, in efforts to redress the abandonment suffered by the coast due to the lack of services and the increase in population.

In Playa Flamenca, they also examined the poor state of the promenade railings, which, according to residents, puts the safety of pedestrians at risk.

I WENTON HOLIDAY TO SANTA POLAAND ALL I GOTWASTHIS LOUSY SALMONELLA!

Eight people, three of them minors, have been hospitalised in Elche and Navarra, affected by a salmonella outbreak that originated last Thursday in Santa Pola. Due to the outbreak, Public Health has already ordered the closure of the establishment where it originated. Of those admitted, the Ministry of Health has

reported that four of them are in the General Hospital of Elche, although all are progressing satisfactorily and another eight people have already been discharged throughout the morning on Monday.

The Ministry has clarified that four patients have moved to Navarra after also being affected by salmonella,

although they have not specified any more information about their state of health. Public Health insist that they are working to find out the causes of this outbreak. The number of people affected amounts to at least 25, all of them, initially, with mild symptoms.

ZENIA BOULEVARD CELEBRATES MORE THAN 40 EVENTS DURING

JULY

Mondays are for dancing; on Tuesdays, magic shows; on Wednesdays, water games; on Thursdays, DJ sessions as the sun goes down and on Fridays, music

Every Saturday of the month, shoppers can attend classical dance shows, acrobatic and musical shows or ballet

On Sundays, families can take the little children to many different shows arranged especially for them.

Zenia Boulevard has just announced its activities program for the month of July, with an activity on every day of the week.

On Mondays there will be dance activities, Tuesdays you can enjoy magic shows, Wednesdays are dedicated fun and water games for the children, and Thursdays with DJ sessions while the sun goes down.

On Fridays, through different shows, a tribute will be paid to Spanish pop, the Gipsy Kings, Cuban music and the soundtracks of great movies.

Every Saturday of the month, there will be classical dance shows, acrobatic and musical shows or ballet, and to end the week, every Sunday, families will be able to take the children to different shows designed especially for them, such as the Vacaciones en el Mar theatre, the story of Cleopatra and the Pirate March. You could also win a prize: children will be able to win numerous gifts by answering environmental questions in La Roulette de Zimbo y Peludo.

DRUGS SEIZED FROM BRITISH BOAT UNLOADING IN SANTA POLA

Officers from the Guardia Civil, in a joint operation with the National Police, have seized almost 5,000 kilograms of hashish arranged in 126 bales just as they were being unloaded in the Alicante port of Santa Pola.

Four people have been arrested for their alleged involvement, three of whom were caught red-handed.

The investigation began thanks to the constant exchange of information in the fight against

drug trafficking, the result of which was a tip about the possible arrival on the Alicante coast of a boat with a large amount of hashish from the African continent.

The information was confirmed when the agents sighted a "GO FAST" type vessel with four engines sailing at a speed of 52 knots and which was apparently loaded with bales. This led to joint surveillance between the Guardia Civil and the National Police in the area of the Santa Pola marina in order to

cover all accesses to detect possible drug unloading movements.

While the agents were in the area, they saw a van with its rear doors open reversing toward a recreational boat, where people were unloading. When the agents approached, all of them tried to flee, three of them being arrested at the scene. One of the detainees revealed the existence of a second van prepared to load the rest of the drug, which the agents then seized.

A total of 74 bales of hashish of about 38 kilograms each were found in the back of the van they used to unload the drugs. In that same vehicle, the agents also found a ban-

dolier with documentation of a fourth person who was identified as one of those who fled. The following day, this fourth individual appeared at the Guardia Civil headquarters in a town in Castellón, and the agents arrested him for an alleged crime against public health. The boat was a British-flagged yacht-type recreational vessel that remained in custody until the corresponding entry and search authorisation was granted.

The agents found inside a total of 52 bundles (two on the deck, three on the bottom and 47 in the cabins), four high-end mobile phones, a satellite phone, two sets of keys and documentation.

EVERYONE LIKES A BARGAIN PITTOSPORUM

For economy of language, it would be hard to beat a market trader in Beirut trying to sell me a briefcase with the words, "It's an openand-shut case, Effendi."

Without further ado, he demonstrated that it was indeed capable of performing both functions. Perhaps he felt that mentioning the fake gold hinges and faux-leather handle might detract from the allure of its company logo -- Gucci spelled with one 'c'. "Does it play a tune when you open it?" I thought of asking, but I knew the answer to that already, and one never likes to make fun of anyone in Lebanon. "Gunfire is Lebanese for 'please queue up,' wrote the humorist P.J. O'Rourke, or at least I think he was joking; that quote comes from a book called Holidays in Hell.

Everyone likes a bargain, except perhaps the person who is offering it. I remember an old jingle to the effect that "everyone loves a sale except a sailor, who has often set sail before the sale begins." In my yearly letter to Santa I have often suggested postponing Xmas for a few days to take advantage of the January sales, but he was evidently too busy to reply.

I am as keen to strike a good deal as the next man, especially if the next man is J. Paul

SA SA T ANIMAL T ANIMAL RESCUE RESCUE

Getty, who used to charge visitors for phone calls made in his mansion. I could never imagine being so mean -indeed, I offer my house guests rooms at reduced rates during the low season, assuming they are close friends. The late Martin Amis went one better than a bargain, when he made a wager with the owner of an Indian restaurant, telling him, "If you can make a curry that is so hot I can't eat it, I'll pay for it." Steam was still coming out of his ears years later, but his wallet remained unaffected.

I am frequently offended by the false bargains offered by

Pretty white flowers - delicious orange blossom-like perfume!

Duque is a very sweet 3.5 year old, weighing 8.5 kilos. For more info contact 966710047 (leave a message) or info@satanimalrescue.com or WhatsApp 688 792 515

modern advertising, you know the sort I mean. "Save 400 euros by buying this new phone for 2,000 euros." Arithmetic was never my strong point, but after spending 2,000 euros, I would no longer have any savings left in my piggy bank, never mind the 400 I was promised. Can I sue for false advertising? I think we both know the answer to that: I couldn't afford it.

I'm fairly sure that in the wake of our costly pandemic there won't be many inexpensive bargains to be had. Covid-19 will be an all-purpose excuse

for making people's lives even more impoverished. I once saw the Canadian comedian Rich Little on BBC television proving that he could do 'bargain basement' impressions of famous people using only a single word. Gary Cooper was a laconic 'Yep' (or 'Nope') and Clark Gable a growled 'Scarlett.'

As single-word utterances for the present day, I think my choice is 'vaccination.' Now that's what I would call a bargain. Better even than my Guci briefcase, not that I still have it. The handle fell off.

Pittosporum tobira is seriously drought, heat and salt spray tolerant, and very amenable to a dry climate, giving a structure and much needed shade to your garden.

It will be happy, planted in full sun to heavy shade, with a wide range of soil pH; however, it does prefer well-drained soils.

This tough, durable shrub withstands severe pruning and can be shaped into a tree, as it has a beautiful trunk, or can be used for hedges.

Agreat evergreen plant, that has pretty white flowers and the most delicious orange blossom-like perfume, in April-May.

The sticky red autumn berries do germinate quickly, when fallen, but are very easy to remove, if unwanted.

It can be subject, from time to time, to scale insects which can easily be wiped or hosed off.

Pilar de la Horadada Health Centre expands its X-Ray service

Following the arrival of another member of staff the X-Ray Service at Pilarís Medical Centre will now be available during the afternoonís and evenings.

From Monday to Friday the service will remain open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. without interruption. The councillor for Health also confirmed that the centre will soon receive "a new X-ray machine that will significantly reduce trips to Torrevieja Hospitalî.

CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF SPAIN

SPECSAVERS ÓPTICAS’ Summer Photography

Competition offers prizes of a 100 Amazon voucher and a pair of designer sunglasses for the best photo

On Monday the 3rd of July, Specsavers Ópticas launched a Summer Photography Competition to find an image which captures the essence of Spain. In doing so, they hope to shine a spotlight on all the wonderful aspects of Spain and find out what images encapsulate its very best elements. They are asking local residents on the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Mallorca, to send in beautiful photographs to be in with a chance of winning a 100 Amazon voucher and a pair of designer sunglasses.

Lisa James from Specsavers Ópticas in Guardamar comments, “Spain is such a stunning and diverse country, with incredible natural beauty, a vibrant culture of arts, music and dance and of course incredible food. This summer we are asking keen photographers living close to our stores to show us, through an image, what makes Spain so special to them. We are very excited to see these fantastic images and celebrate the talented photographers on the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Mallorca, where our nine stores are located. The person who takes the best picture and best explains why this is the essence of Spain to them, will be rewarded with a 100 Amazon voucher and a pair of designer sunglasses worth up to 159.”

The competition is open until the 1st of September and photographs can be submitted on social media by tagging @SpecsaversOpticas on Facebook and @specsaversspain on Instagram, sending photos via Messenger or via email to spain.marketing@specsavers.com

A jury formed of three Specsavers Ópticas store directors will

judge the entries and shortlist the top five entries. These will then be posted on social media and the image with the most likes and comments will be declared the overall winner. Competition is open to residents of the provinces of Alicante and Malaga and the island of Mallorca and you must be aged 18 and above. The competition closes on Friday 1st September 2023.

Terms and conditions apply, which can be found at www.specsavers.es/sorteo

“YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT.....”

There is something I am not quite getting here. Isn’t this Ireland - the emerald isle of green pastures, benign climate and fertile ground; where we pride ourselves on the volume of clean, healthy and nutritious food we produce?

Don’t we grow twenty times more food than we can eat ourselves? Hasn’t Ireland been named as the top country for security of food in the entire world? Won’t Ireland be forever associated with the potato – the humble spud? Would it therefore not surprise you to learn that Ireland imports more than 70,000 tons of potatoes in a year?

I came across CSO figures for 2017 showing our food imports and to me, it provides serious food for thought. We promote our grassfed beef and naturally produced dairy products. But how come then that 80 per cent of animal feed is imported? Does this figure not take a bit of the gloss off the green scene? Some food imports are even harder to figure out. I am no gardener, but even as a kid going to primary school, I used grow lettuce. Is there anything in the world easier to grow than lettuce? 15,000 tons of lettuce takes an awful lot of salad cream to cover, but that’s what we import into this country every year. Bananas I can understand, because we are not a banana republic and tropical fruits don’t grow here. Most of the bananas imported come from Costa Rica and we eat a staggering 100,000 tons in a year. But onions? Here we have another vegetable I grew from onion sets during my school days … easy peasy. I just cannot believe that we import around 50,000 tons of onions into this country. What’s going on at all …? And don’t forget the negative effect that this food transportation is having on the environment.

‘We are what we eat’, they tell us, so why don’t we eat more of what we grow in our own ground? Some of this has to do with how vegetables look on a supermarket shelf. A good old floury Irish spud may have harmless but unsightly scabs on the skin; and all carrots don’t grow straight down like you see in the picture.

About 30 per cent of good food is thrown away. But shouldn’t the quality of the food be the first thing a shopper might look for? I had what looked like new potatoes for my dinner today and I don’t know where they were grown. Not so terribly long ago, almost every household had its own little garden. There is nothing more satisfying or better for children if you get them involved.

South Africa is a long way to haul foodstuffs to Ireland – and there is every excuse for importing the stuff we cannot grow – but it should stop there. Worryingly, there is an ever-decreasing number of commercial vegetable growers operating here.

Up until the end of the last century most inhabitants of the Globe, had as their daily diet what they sourced locally. Different people all over the world, depended on local food to survive and there is some mighty contrasts in food menus, depending on which country you find yourself. It makes a lot of sense for us to return to that modem – and not be so hung up in Ireland with our zucchini and artichoke!

Eating seasonal local food has always been an essential – as well as exciting ingredient for most cultures since the beginning of time. It’s time to take another look at the garden – and maybe even to keeping a few hens!

Like many other rural households, we killed a pig at home when I was a kid. No part of the

pig was wasted. Once, when I was about ten years old, I got the job at one such killing of holding the basin to catch the blood after the pig’s throat was slit.

The rest of my work entailed keeping the blood stirred with a wooden spoon until it cooled. This was for my mother to make black pudding. Unfortunately, I got bored and abandoned my post too soon. The blood congealed and there were no black puddings that year.

Some of you reading this may be horrified that I can write in such gory detail of the pig-

killing. Others will be even more fearful that their children might happen to come across this article. But that’s how it was … and I wonder which is better; that the children of today are totally screened from this sort of story; as they engage in killing virtual humans on the computer: Or were we all the better for being part of the real life and death reality? Time will tell …

DON’T FORGET

What to eat in this hot weather is a problem to some people, but what to eat in all kinds of weather is the problem for many more.

ALICANTE COASTAL ROADWORKS TO CAUSE CHAOS FOR NEXT 3 MONTHS

DO STAY AWAY from Alicante for the next three months unless you are prepared to spend hours in traffic jams.

With the closure of the roads along the entire coastline,thousands of drivers are suffering from monumental traffic jams in many different parts of the city.

Juan Bautista Lafora and Jaime II,are the most affected roads.

It is also more than difficult to travel through the centre of Alicante,where Benito Pérez Galdós,Alfonso el Sabio and Avenida de la Estación are in permanent gridlock,bringing traffic to a standstill in the vicinity of the Renfe station,where two excessively busy roads converge.

The four alternative routes proposed by the City Council to avoid traffic jams are not sufficient at all.

Totally banning vehicles from the coastline,in a tourist city like Alicante,is having significant consequences for traffic at the start of July.

The works on the Canalejas-Marvá axis are expected to continue until the end of the year,according to the current plan,while those on the coastline on Paseo de los Mártires,next to the Explanada,have an estimated completion date of 4th of September.

In the case of the Plaza de Canalejas,it is estimated that it will open to traffic provisionally on August 16. Meanwhile the city council apologise for the disruption but continue to justify their decision to carry out the roadworks during the summer by saying,"It is the time of the year that has the least incidence in the traffic and the people of Alicante,and will enable us to finish the works in the shortest possible time.”

Five fire crews and three command units attended a fire at a Mercadona dry food Warehouse at around 7pm on Wednesday night on the l'Oliveral industrial estate in Riba-roja del Turia in Valencia. The fire created a large column of black smoke, visible several kilometres away, the causes of which are still unknown. Company sources say that the alarm systems "were activated immediately and have worked correctly." The entire workforce has been evacuated, "so there has been no personal injury to any of the staff," they explain.

The mayor of Riba-roja, Robert Raga, added that there have been no injuries and the control of the firefighters has been total. In addition, he explained that the smoke that has been unleashed by the virulent fire "is not toxic.

The president of Mercadona, Juan Roig, also attended the outskirts of the burned factory to

check the situation along with the mayor. In the logistics centre there are 14 warehouses, of which four are "dry". It is one of these units where the outbreak occurred on Wednesday evening. The facility, according to the company, was empty at the time of the fire; It contained only pallets, since the stock had been distributed in the morning.

Mercadona's logistics network consists of 16 operational logistics blocks, two satellite warehouses and two regulatory warehouses. From there, it supplies the more than 1,600 supermarkets it has both in Spain and Portugal, led by a team of 10,700 staff.

This is the second mayor fire suffered by the company in recent years. In 2018, a spectacular fire also devastated the Mercadona bakery. It started around midnight in an oven and from there spread to the rest of the facilities destroying 30,000 m2 in the Campo Aníbal industrial estate, in the municipality of Puçol.

PARTIDO POPULAR CONFIRMS BENIDORM MAYOR AS PRESIDENT OF ALICANTE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL

Toni Pérez will be the next president of the Diputación de Alicante. The provincial board of directors, at the meeting held on Thursday afternoon, endorsed the Benidorm Mayor as the successor to Carlos Mazón at the head of the provincial institution.

Mazón said that Pérez is "the best president for the Diputación de Alicante and the president who should take my place". The meeting also ratified the names of the 16 provincial deputies

that will make up the PP group in the Diputación in the new mandate.

"I am very happy and very satisfied with the decision that the board has taken. Toni Pérez is the president that the province deserves, as I assume the Presidency of the Generalitat Valenciana, "said Carlos Mazón, who had presided over the last ordinary plenary session of the provincial Corporation, before his resignation next Wednesday.

12th Edition of Pilar Painting Contest

In this twelfth edition,the prizes went to the work of Alfredo López Rodríguez who received 2,000 euros and first prize,Pedro José Sánchez Marín with 1,200 euros and second prize,Paco Rojas García third prize and 800 euros; followed by Rafael Terrés Martínez and María José Muñoz Arias who received 400 and 300 euros respectively.

The Councilor for Culture,Darío Quesada,thanked Caja Rural Central for sponsoring the prizes,and stating that " we have had having had more

than twenty entries from Catalonia, Valencia,Murcia and Andalusia with paintings that represent the splendours of our people”.

The jury was made up of the councillor himself,as well as the Mayor,Laureano Pérez,representative of the Caja Rural Central,plus a number of drawing teachers and painters.

The thirteenth edition will be held on Saturday,July 6 next year.

SPIRALLING HOUSE PRICES

I was very interested to read the seemingly bitter article in last week's Leader by Tony Mayes.

Tony appears to blame Conservative Party greed and buy to let landlords for lack of sufficient housing and spiralling house prices and rents.

Being involved in the house building industry, I largely disagree with tony. In fact, many landlords are now selling their properties in the UK because of spiralling mortgage interest rates squeezing any profit on letting.

In my opinion, the reason behind high rents and house purchase costs is simply a rapidly increasing UK population creating demand inflation. In the past year, there was a 620,00 nett increase in UK population mainly due to immigration from Asia and Africa. This level of immigration has steadily risen over recent years, resulting in the equivalent of a new Birmingham being required every two years in housing and associated infrastructure requirements. This clearly is unsustainable in the UK and an impossibility for the construction industry.

In consequence of this seemingly endless population growth due to immigration, more and more people will find it impossible to obtain a home of their own and homelessness will continue to increase. The entire situation in the UK is quite disastrous.

Frank Emm by email

APPRECIATION FOR XIMO PUIG FROM ORIHUELA CATHEDRAL

The President of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has received a number of gifts from the dean of the Orihuela Cathedral, JosÈ Antonio Gea, in appreciation for the financial support pro-

Tony Mayes responds.....

"I cannot agree more with Frank Emm, immigration into the UK has been far too high, but I did not want to focus on that because it could then be conceived as a racist rant. But which party has been in power for the past 13 years? Tories could and should have put the brake on, but have been fast asleep on the job...and enjoying the huge rise in property prices."

E SCOOTER MAYHEM

I read, with interest, the conflicting response to my previous letter. I would question one particular part of the response to my points which is: How can the authorities allow and even condone youngsters under the age of 16 to go riding on the roads on e scooters? The law clearly states riders are to be 16 years old or over?

I live close to the school by the Banana Tree and it is quite normal at the end of school sessions, to see youngsters well under 16 years old charging out into the road with no consideration to those pupils that are walking and without checking that it is safe to do so. Obviously the sellers and or hirers of these vehicles are only interested in making a profit, regardless of the problems they are inflicting on everybody else

Barry Weston by email

vided by the Generalitat toward the restoration of one of Orihuelaís most valuable treasures, the Cathedral organ.

The Dean presented the President with the reproduction of the historic coat of arms of Pere IVel CerimoniÛs and the symbol of the Oriolan seo, as well as a miniature replica of one of the pipes of the baroque organ.

The organ was built by Nicol·s Salanova and MartÌn Userralde in 1733.

Temperatures expected to rise during the week

Although we are getting used to summers with high temperatures, AEMET is now warning that we are likely to remember the summer of 2023 because of a series of even greater heat waves, more intense than that experienced last year.

In a video released on Friday they warn that we are facing figures that we may never see again. After a spring of high temperatures without rain, the month of June began with rain ‘aplenty’. The weather seemed to have gone crazy with the rainiest start to the summer of recent years.

They have now launched two heat alerts, the first in which figures will rise above 44º, which will hit us in the next few days, could make history, given the mass of warm air that is expected to arrive.

The abnormal circulation will see the heat remain stagnant, causing an even greater sensation of high temperatures. The figures will start to be abnormally high from today, plunging us into a hellish week.

The heat will be with us both during the day and at night. Tropical nights in which temperatures reach 25º can make it difficult to sleep.

AEMET warns that from Tuesday a large part of the country will be above 35º.

However, the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida will be spared the even higher temperatures that are expected in Andalusia, which will be above 40º in a large part of the region.

They warn that paying attention to the most vulnerable, children and the elderly is essential, hydrating them correctly and avoiding going outside during the central hours of the day.

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS

Week 978

QUICK QUICK

ACROSS: 7 Idler; 8 Cleanse; 9 Trouble; 10 Odour; 12 Obsequious; 15 Freebooter; 18 Smash; 19 Extreme; 21 Discord; 22 Antic.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Fisticuffs; 2 Allow; 3 Grab; 4 Scheme; 5 Resolute; 6 Unbosom; 11 Resilience; 13 Babyhood; 14 Because; 16 Overdo; 17 Petty; 20 Tear.

CRYPTIC YPTIC

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS ACROSS

1.Throe (4)

8.Container (10)

2.Warning (10)

3.Grille (4)

4.Writer (6)

5.Oral (6)

6.Tangible (8)

7.Eager (4)

11.Extensive (10)

13.Immensity (8)

16.Revoke (6)

17.Expert (6)

18.Passionate (4)

20.Worry (4)

ACROSS: ACROSS: 7 Loose; 8 Look-out; 9 Fine leg; 10 Needs; 12 All the rage; 15 In good time; 18 Glove; 19 Rooster; 21 Bellows; 22 Round.

DOWN: 1 Ill-feeling; 2 Wound; 3 Bell; 4 Slight; 5 Moonbeam; 6 Foreman; 11 Sleigh-ride; 13 Loosebox; 14 Ignoble; 16 Thrush; 17 Stout; 20 Ogre.

CAN YOU MASTER THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE?

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

Solution on Page 22

1.Railway company that is producing cheese (4)

8.It's said to be a suitable look at information (10)

9.Don't undercook a tart (8)

10.Structure seen after the first of the month (4)

12.Afable has one, however unprincipled (6)

14.Anumber said to be able to get a bird (6)

15.Barrister's underpants? (6)

17.Reach a junction with Tina Turner (6)

18.Mistake for a cricketer (4)

19.Possibly names Ron as a Viking (8)

21.Showing a girl spreading out (10)

22.More than six balls? (4)

DOWN DOWN

2.Unsettled Real Madrid winger? (3,7)

3.Record points for fencing (4)

4.Prosper by getting a peg on the left (2,4)

5.Old rogue has to travel around (6)

6.Water in a bit of weedkiller (8)

7.Do only the impetuous get such a skin complaint? (4)

11.Generous to give the cleaner a list (10)

13.Musical instrument for soldiers at Dieppe, perhaps (4,4)

16.Grains Alfred gets on a shoe (6)

17.Skilful commercial about a trio (6)

18.Associate with a team (4)

20.Therefore the monster returns (4)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 22)

1. What are the two most populated countries in the world with just one single time zone?

2. What was the movie poster tag line for the 1998 film Godzilla? (three words)

3. Which US company, with headquarters in Atlanta, is the largest private employer in Africa?

4. The first live television coverage of some selected FIFA World Cup matches took place in which year? a. 1938, b. 1954, c. 1958, d. 1962

5. Built in 26 AD and meaning "temple to all gods", what is the oldest Christian church in Rome?

6. "Spicks and Specks" was the first hit song from which super group that went on to sell more than 120 million records over four decades?

7. Which famous American film director was given the nickname 'Bloody Sam'?

8. The name for which kind of television personality stems from the Sanskrit word for "learned"?

9. Which famous woman's last recorded words were "KHAQQ calling Itasca. We must be on you but cannot see you. Gas is running low.".

10. The following lyrics are all from songs with the word "Day" or "Days" somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song?

a. Oh my name is Jock Stewart, I'm a canny gun man, and a roving young fellow I've been. b. I bless the light, bless the light that lights on you believe me. c. Good morning mister sunshine, you brighten up my day, I see you every morning, out-

side the restaurant. d. I will meet you later in somebody's office, I'll talk but you won't listen, I know your answer already

11. What are the names of the only four countries (territories excluded) in the world with just one syllable? One point for each correct answer. (Wales, and Laos (which can be pronounced with 1 or 2 syllables) are excluded here)

12. Pardon my French but which European country is known in France as "Les Pays-Bas"?

13. Who wrote each of the following books about WWII? a. The Longest Day. b. Inside the Third Reich. c. Eye of the Needle. d. Slaughterhouse-Five

14. Which early Italian renaissance painter was one of the first artists to use perspective, could draw a perfect circle with his free hand and had a European Space Agency spacecraft named after him?

15. Which famous American actor and Academy Award winner for both Best Director and Best Producer was mayor of Carmel by the Sea California between 1986 and 1988?

16. Which actor has been awarded a record 10 Golden Raspberry Awards?

17. What are the two most populated cities in Cuba?

18. Xerox contains the Greek root 'xer'. What does it mean? a. fast b. double c. flat d. dry

19. Which city located outside of Europe was the capital of Portugal between 1815 and 1821?

20. Which rhyme and or song were the first words recorded on a gramophone?

ACROSS ACROSS

MA MA C’S MANTRA C’S MANTRA

Dear Lord and Father of Mankind….. oh still small voice of calm. Well, that’s my mantra I’ve had to call on again of late to take me through another ‘different’ phase of my life.

Those of you who’ve kindly followed my Prostate Cancer medical history of the last few years will recall last year’s six month’s chemotherapy which was a challenging time - but it finished in July and as predicted it took some months to recover. But by the New Year with the all-important PSA pegged back to reasonable levels I began to feel better in myself and by spring was optimistically looking forward to the

summer.

We went to the UK for our usual two weeks in May and I enjoyed our annual RAF reunion. Last year I had lost all my hair and my face was swollen so my old friends were very complimentary after their surprise last time. We saw most of the family and had a great time.

Back to reality: at Torry Hospital, my alternative home over the last eight years, the lovely oncologist noted the PSA was rising again (it always does) now at 2.4 and she decreed a new scan was required - nothing new there! Although still on the wonderful Spanish National Health these scans are now done at the all singing QUIRON hospital. Here I met a new band of professionals, very nice but very businesslike. The scan revealed one of my two lymph nodes - down there -

is enlarged but not the other. So a new form of targeted radiotherapy is necessary to hopefully zap the larger offender. The downside is these scans must be done with a full bladder for protection - OK with a bit of planning but if the system is running late ‘things’can be a tad difficult to manage. I had had some radiotherapy back in 2017 so I knew the ropes. The actual scan isn’t tooo bad, about 15 - 20 minutes so by the time I’ve sung my therapeutic hymn slowly to myself under ‘Big Bertha’ as I call the huge rotating machine, it’s well on the way to relief of a urinary nature.

However, I was a little taken aback after the first session to find out there would be 25 in total - every weekday night at 21.30 for five weeks… Prior to all this everything had been going so well I thought ??.

Ah well, there’s plenty worse than me. At this rate I should be finished by the end of July with plenty of summer left (present advice is to keep the affected area away from the sun). As I always say I’m a lucky boy, thanks for reading if you got this far!

Apanee Torrevieja visit Santiago de Compostella

APANEE Torrevieja visited The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostella, this month. "It was a visit full of emotions, camaraderie, sacrifice, and it required a lot of effort, which has left us all with many unique and unforgettable moments," said a spokesperson from Apanee Torrevieja.

By Andrew Atkinson

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

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

Facebook SaltChurchSpain

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

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

The Car of the Month at AUTOMOVILES CRESPO is a 2021 Ford Focus ST-Line X Petrol Automatic which is priced at just 25,500 euro. Come along to our large showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. See page7. We can assure you of the biggest and best in the area for price, choice and quality.

ENGLISH SPOKEN

COMMUNITYCARE ASSOCIATION (CCA) is an Association that caters for residents of Orihuela Costa over 60 years of age. It facilitates the provision of fair and adequate social facilities for everyone. It is located at the Centro Civico Alameda del Mar. Open 3 times a week for a programme of English speaking activities, support, information and advice with the support of Orihuela Council. Anyone wanting to join CCAsocial activities, learn Spanish, to paint, watercolours or acrylics can pop along where you will be welcomed by volunteers. We are open between 2pm -6pm Mondays and Thursdays, Wednesday 2pm - 5pm. You can register between 1pm & 2pm on those days, in the Cafe area where you will find Eva or Norah. email: communitycare@gmail.com

on +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Steve Hemingfield 0n Mob/Whats 711 011 373

The RAFACosta Blanca RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the RAFAand the RMG is via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk.

Samsung Galaxy mobile phone for sale. Cost EUR 275. Selling for EUR 150. Only 3 weeks old. Tel. 966 715 809 or 711 077 628.

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

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.

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

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

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

SEND BY EMAIL TO: office@theleader.info

PALLIATIVE CARE FOR MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ'S FIG TREE

The famous and beloved fig tree to which the Orihuela universal poet referred in his poems – “you will return to my house and my fig tree”-, the tree under which he sat to write much of his work, and one of the most famous elements that can be seen in his House Museum, is dying. Experts say that the 100-year-old tree has entered it’s final cycle and has just 10 years of life expectancy remaining.

Tomás Serna, director of the House Museum, said that it is now a case of applying palliative care to slow down the deterioration process, so that the tree does not bear fruit and critical pruning controls are carried out.

In addition, a second restoration of its trunk is planned, cleaning and filling it with resin, so that it is not affected by

pests or moisture.

"This restoration process, as if it were a figure sculpted by the 18th century, Salzillo, will extend its life," explains Serna, who added that of the three fig trees in the house only this one was planted by his family, by the poet's father, with the other two by the Council. Cuttings are being reproduced at the Higher Polytechnic School of the city, in order to preserve what little remains of Miguel Hernández's legacy in Orihuela Martínez Tomé, the newly appointed director of the Higher Polytechnic School of the Miguel Hernández University, says that according to some calculations it could be close to 120 years old, and could stay alive for another decade.

Many cuttings have been taken in recent

years, some of which can be seen in the Cervantes Institute in Madrid, the Alhambra in Granada and in the National Library. The most recent request has come from Torrepacheco, which has asked for a "cutting" to plant in a garden named after the poet. "We also wanted to put a cutting in the Orihuela Town Hall and in the railway station", as well as to create a cultural prize whose gift is a live fig tree, said Tomé. The museum has documented the plants that the poet most cited in his verses and has planted them in the house to oxygenate the earth: "And how good is the land of my garden!", said Miguel in "My garden". Parsley, roses, carnations, geraniums, rosemary, lavender, jasmine, a vine... so that, in addition, everything in the House Museum has a meaning.

KING FELIPE TO VISIT SAN JAVIER ON TUESDAY

His Majesty King Filipe will be in San Javier on Tuesday, to preside over an official delivery of the Royal Employment Offices, essentially the commissioning, of the new officers of the Spanish Air and Space Force. The Academy is responsible for the military training education of the General Corps, the general military training of the Quartermaster and Engineer Corps, the Technical or Fundamental Specialty education of the qualification required for entry to the Air Corps, and the administration and training of a general military nature of the Common Corps of the Armed Forces.

The military education system is integrated into the General Education System and provides students with training for promotion into their respective scales. In addition, in the case of the students of the military education for training officers of

The King will be at the Air Academy on Tuesday

the General Corps, at the end of their studies they are commissioned as lieutenants in the Air Force with an Industrial Organisation Engineer Degree.

Miguel Hernández, Orihuela’s most famous son.

CAMPING EMBARRASSMENT!

QUICK GRAB A TOWEL.

Travelling around to various destinations, and for a variety of reasons, memories are made, and from time to time they come flashing back, sometimes causing a giggle, if not the reflection of embarrassment. I’m not certain what triggered this thought as it was a long time ago.

For an annual getaway we had hired a Gite, it was secluded and was miles from anywhere in the French countryside, it was not even attached to a farm.

As I say, it was isolated and situated directly on the side of a little used narrow road, no front door, just a gateless opening on one side to park the car.

To the rear, beyond the fenced garden, in a blaze of yellow, rape seed was growing, with apple orchards, surrounding the remaining area.

It was hot, very hot. At the rear of the house and partly shaded by trees, a lovely patio.

Total silence, calling the birds the acceptable exception, with not a care in the world, we stripped down laid on a sun bed each with a book and a glass or two enjoying the cooling breeze.

Suddenly, voices. An English couple had seen our British number plates and walked down the side of the house. They were carrying a baby and wanted to know if we could warm up the child’s feed bottle.

Grabbing towels, and trying to be decent, I know not who was more embarrassed, them or us.

My guess, embarrassed, is how the girl in class eight at the Rye College in East Sussex felt recently, when she was reprimanded in front of the class by her teacher, after she had objected to a classmate who said she identified as a cat.

year-old pupil as ‘despicable’ for her thoughts for not believing someone can be a cat.

The teacher then says forcefully for three and half minutes, her voice was recorded, that the class eight pupil who did not believe a girl or anyone could be a cat, would be reported as she needed a ‘proper educational conversation about equality, diversity and inclusion’. It sounds to me like some far-off dictatorial state other than an English school.

How did the teachers' thought process, and others with similar thinking have come to this conclusion?

It was this time last year in July that the Tavistock Clinic, which was based in North London, known as the ‘Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) which had treated 9,000 children as young as ten for gender assessment since it opened in 1989, whistle-blowers had for seventeen years been raising concerns about their procedures of persuading (my use of the word) young children to change gender.

Which means for thirty-four years various governments have allowed the mutilation of youngster’s minds and bodies, also their senses, altering their outlook and natural way of thinking before they reach puberty, the period when one grows into adulthood and comes to terms with feelings.

Daniel Black, who is now in his twenties, is receiving surgery to change from being female back to his birth sex. Daniel suffered badly from bullying while he was at school and was mocked because of his gentle behaviour. He now says he misses his genitals every day, as they were removed when he was in his teens after a thirty-minute interview where he agreed to become a woman.

Just after a year of the transition he regretted taking the action and is now having surgery to have his chest remodelled and breasts removed. He also takes drugs to try and rebuild his manhood.

This is a very sad story of a person going through hours of surgery to change their body into the opposite sex only to realise it was the wrong decision, there are regular reports of others who have suffered the pain that Daniel went through to achieve what some doctors say is impossible.

INVASION

In the secret world of the British security services, they must have been busy looking at other matters, perhaps worrying about people becoming cats. No doubt they were too embarrassed to acknowledge the Secret Police in Iraq, informing the British Government that they have stopped a major planned terror attack on a mass gathering in England, by British-based Islamic immigrants.

facilities with the chill cabinet and made our way down onto the soft sands of the beach and made ourselves comfortable in the sun by the sea wall.

Down the very steps we had used about ten smartly dressed young ladies also made their way on to the sands. They laid their towels out, also along the sea wall, then each one immediately started to remove clothing. It appeared they all were keen on an all over body tan with no strap marks.

We left early as it was spoiling my lunch. Take care.

www.facebook.com percychatteybooks

Bikers for Charity in Los Alcázares

The first edition of 'Motoalmuerzo' will take place in Los Alc·zares on Sunday 16 July, an event that will raise money to help Lluvia, a 9-year-old girl who suffers from a rare disease, with activities being held in La Zona Terraza starting at 10:00 in the morning.

Throughout the day different events will take place such as a biker lunch, food, live music, raffles, children's activities and many surprises for all those who come with or without a motorcycle, to enjoy a day of coexistence and solidarity in Los Alc·zares.

The entrance to this first edition of Motoalmuerzo will cost 6 euro, which will go to help Lluvia, a 9-year-old girl who suffers from a rare degenerative disease. The money raised will be invested by the family to pay for therapies that help stop the progression of the disease that, for now, still has no cure. The ticket can be purchased online through the link https://entradium.com/es/events/moto-almuerzo-benefico-lluvia , or purchased physically on the day of the event.

Some twenty businesses from Los Alc·zares and other neighbouring municipalities support and sponsor this charity event organised by the '123 y Gas' motorcycle club whose main objective is to help improve the life of little Lluvia.

There is nothing in the report to say if this girl wore whiskers or a tail, and I wonder if she uses a dirt tray in the corner which brings a whole new meaning to unisex toilets, sorry non gender. I cannot help wondering if she jumped up walls and knocked things off shelves.

The teacher in this Church of England school branded the 13-

The Government’s embarrassing immigrant numbers arriving in the UK have no barrier to entering the country other than to get off a boat, (I wonder if there are any proposed cats amongst them) in fact, it is totally the opposite of immigration, quite frankly it is more of an invasion by people with different thoughts to those native of the land whose views, beliefs and way of living are slowly altered. And it is my belief that whatever the Iraqi Police discovered proves the point.

DON’T LOOK NOW PERCY:

They call the village in France on the Atlantic coast the ‘Bonking Budgies’ after the statue of the amorous birds on the seafront.

We had stopped and with picnic efficiency we unloaded the

We started to talk about seat belts last week, which we will continue.

The three-point seat belt, which is fitted as standard to most modern vehicles, has an upper (thoracic) and a lower band (pelvic).

Both must be snugly fitting against the body.

For the seat belt to offer maximum protection it must be on the hard parts of the body, leaning against the collarbone, halfway between the shoulder and neck at the top, and the iliac crest of the pelvis, never on the abdomen. Accessories such as cushions or other additions should not be used. Once you have pulled the seat belt across your body and secured the strap in the locked position, make sure that the seat belt is not twisted at any point. If it is, undo the seat belt and remove the twists. Once secure, pull the seat belt so that it fits snugly against the body, with any slack being taken back at the top.

If the seat belt is not worn correctly, it can cause further problems in the event of a collision. For example, if the upper band is taken off the shoulder, it can cause a head impact with the windscreen, dashboard or seat in front. It can also produce cervical lesions.

If the belt is not firm around the body it can cause the vehicle to slide under the belt, casing lower body and

spinal injuries. This is often referred to as the “submarine effect”.

To prevent “submarining”, the vehicle occupants must also sit in a proper position when riding in the vehicle, with the seat belt securely fastened as mentioned, and without having any additions such as pillows or cushions which may contribute to the reduction of effectiveness of the seat belt.

It is also important to remember the one seat belt – one seat rule. All vehicle occupants are obliged to wear a seat belt, both in the front and the back seats. Some vehicles only have two seat belts in the back for example, and so that vehicle can only carry two passengers on that seat. There are other rules regarding children in cars. Primarily, children under 1.35 metres in height are not allowed to travel in the front seats and they most use an appropriate restraining system for their height and weight.

It is crucial that children are secure, and it is the responsibility of the driver to make sure that they are. Make sure you check the instructions of any child seat you have purchased to ensure it is fitted correctly, and is suitable for your child, as, although there is a standardised scale, each child is different. In Spain, the laws relating to children in cars are not generally based on age, but height and weight.

QUESADA BOWLS CLUB

SPONSORED BYSPANISH LIFE PROPERTIES

Not a lot happening this week. The Come & Go league started on 28th. This continues for a total of 9 weeks with only the players top 5 results counting towards the chance to win. There are currently 4 players with 2 wins from 2 games. The first 2 weeks had a start time of 4.30 for 5 but it has been decided to defer this to 5.30 for 6 due to the heat.

From Monday we start with a series of 4 friendlies against our neighbours San Luis. These should be good games to watch so if you are at a loose ends come along & cheer on your favourites.

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

Vistabella Bowls Club

Vistabella bowls club v La Siesta bowls club friendly match - home and away.

Two games played on Wednesday June 28th (La Siesta) and Monday July 3rd(Vistabella).

Played in a very friendly atmosphere, both teams fielded two teams full of experience and also new bowlers just joining their club of choice. Great experience for new ones helped by their experienced teammates.

At La Siesta Vistabella were entertained and sadly well beaten 10-4. Also well fed by their lovely sausage rolls and hotdogs.

Return match at Vistabella, played in very hot and humid conditions. Results changed around a bit with Vistabella winning 14-0 but some close games. All fed well with sandwiches from the Orang bar, many thanks Amber. Result wise I think home advantage in both matches. Everyone had a great time together, lovely to see our friends from La Siesta. Due to the possibility of La Siesta bowls club closing in September, we would all at Vistabella bowls club wish La Siesta bowlers the very best for the future.

Please do not give up, keep on bowling.

Vistabella bowls contact: richardwilley321@gmail.com / tel:698 925 932.

Thank you to everyone for supporting Smiling Jack's Golf Society.We had a great day on a well laid out and superbly presented golf course that was in very good condition.

A big thank you to the staff of Altaona golf resort for looking after us so well.

A big shout out also to Karen and Al for taking care of us this afternoon.As always a massive thank you to Julie for taking a day off to prepare our lovely food.

Now for the scores:

Nearest the pin on 3 Mandy Christie,NTP on 17 and

so close to an ace,Paul Depadova,NTP on 13 Les Christie

SMILING JACK’S GOLF SOCIETY AT ALTAONA, MURCIA JORGE CARMONA RETURNS TO THE SC TORREVIEJA FOLD

In second place with 36 points,but no cigar is Paul Cox while the winner with 39 points,playing off 13, is Les Christie,he also receives a new Smiling Jack's handicap of 10.Well done Les.

The winner of the famous blue Johnny was Mervyn who also won the raffle,a free golf day at Smiling Jack's courtesy of the boss man Ger,thanks the Ger. Our next outing will be at the beautiful Vista Bella and will be advertised shortly.

El Presidente

Central defender Jorge Carmona, who turns 34 next week, has joined Sporting Costablanca Torrevieja, following it’s promotion to First Valencian Federation after finishing as champions of First Regional.

The ‘lanky’ centreback, 189 centimetres tall and who has always been noted for his forcefulness and good ball distribution, thus returns to his origins, as his football was developed in the salt field before a prolonged journey that has taken him to Orihuela and Callosa among other clubs before once again landing in the Torrevieja ranks for the new season.

Carmona was part of Torrevieja’s 2007 squad that gained promotion to Segunda B and later he also played in clubs including Crevillente, Novelda, Mar Menor and Pinatar.

The president of Sporting Costablanca Torrevieja Cayetano Sánchez Butrón welcomed him and posed with him at the signing along with sports director Juan Pedro López.

CARRY ON CAMPING AT CAMPOAMOR

Ched Evans,Dai Cornell,Freddie Woodman,Greg Cunningham,Jacob Slater, James Pradic,Jordan Storey,Josh Seary, Kaedyn Kamara,Kian Best,Kian Taylor, Kitt Nelson,Lewis Leigh,Liam Lindsay, Mikey O’Neill,Noah Mawene,Patrick Bauer,Robbie Brady and Ryan Ledson,put through their paces.

Ched Evans,recovering from a serious career threatening neck injury,said: "I'm doing fine after the operation."

Republic of Ireland International Alan Browne,said: "It was hard going,out on the training pitch,with temperatures over 30 degrees!."

Preston played Bruno’s Magpies with 400 Lilywhites supporters in attendance,with tickets 10 and 5 for-U10s,against Gibraltar National League side Magpies, ahead of their UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier against Dundalk on July 13,in the first leg second qualifying round.

PRESTON NORTH END manager Ryan

Lowe told The Leader,'It's great to be back in Spain,with the sun on your back',as he settled into the Championship club's preseason HQ at Campoamor,with a 25-man squad,for a six days training camp in Spain.

"The lads are loving it in Spain,they are here to get their fitness up to scratch at Campoamor,with training sessions and 11a-side games," said Lowe.

The Lilywhites returned to Campoamor following their pre-season last year at the luxurious 4*Hotel,having played La Liga side Getafe.

Preston played Bruno’s Magpies at Pinatar Arena,Murcia (July 5th),with seven coaches full of North End fans travelling to the ground from Benidorm.

Ben Whiteman and Emil Riis were missing from the squad,through injury,with Alan Browne,Ali McCann,Andrew Hughes, Bambo Diaby,Ben Woodburn,Brad Potts,

North End youth star Felipe RodriguezGentile was amongst the squad,having joined-up with his teammates.

The squad also took in a session of yoga, along with rigorous sessions in the gym, and rest periods to cool off in the swimming pool!

On the injury front,Lowe said: “Greg Cunningham is fine,as is Hughesy,they've all trained.

Greg's doing well after his injury, Hughesy's not far off.Ali and Browney trained with us.We're all good.”

Hughes trained on the pitch and sidelines, but missed the squad's 11-a-side game at Campoamor,the defender easing back into full fitness after injury.

On Preston's return to Spain,Lowe said: “It's all about the camaraderie - the staff and players - Campoamor is a great place to be pre-season."

During the week hundreds of Preston North End fans travelled down from their

III Backyard Ultra Costa Blanca 100km Team Race

Sports

"The

Ana BelÈn Ju·rez told The Leader.

Team results: https://bit.ly/ResultadosEquipos

base in Benidorm to attend The Lilywhites pre-season friendly against Gibraltar National League FCB Magpies at Pinatar Arena,where they saw the Championship club win 3-0.

FCB Magpies presented a plaque,with an engraving of Gibraltar ahead of kick-off. Goals from teenagers Felipe RodriguezGentile,16,Noah Mawene,18,and Kian Taylor,18,gave North End a comfortable victory after a goalless first half. North End made 11 changes in the second half,with Brazilian born Rodriguez-Gentile breaking the deadlock on 51 minutes.

Mawene increased Preston's lead after 58 minutes,with Taylor completing the rout on 66 minutes,the young North End trio

SAN MIGUEL BANK ON YOUTH

At least 14 redjiazules will remember last season with great affection, having made their debuts in the senior team. In a statement the

impressing manager Ryan Lowe. Referee Montbalan pulled out his yellow card,booking players from both sides,with the friendly overheating at times,following some crunchy tackles.

After the match Preston fans were allowed onto the pitch for a photo shoot with the players.

Preston starting XI: Woodman; Storey, Lindsay,Slater; Potts,Ledson,Browne, Woodburn,Brady; O’Neill,Nelson.

Preston 2nd half XI: Cornell; Diaby,Bauer, Best; Seary,McCann,Leigh,Kamara, Taylor; Mawene,Rodriguez-Gentile.

club said, "We are aware that last season we will not be remembered for our results, but, we were delighted that we were able to continue with the strategy of developing local young talent who will be the future of our club.

Ryan Lowe with reporter Andrew Atkinson at the PNE base in Campoamor

The Championship club won with goals from teenagers Felipe Rodriguez-Gentile, 16, Noah Mawene, 18, and Kian Taylor, 18.

Puerto Torrevieja Gray Athletics club won the Los Montesinos 100k team race in the III Backyard Ultra Costa Blanca.

100K team race was held in parallel, where there was a great atmosphere and excellent results!," sports Councillor

The 100k Roll of Honour: 1: Puerto Torrevieja Gray Athletics Club; 2: Puerto Torrevieja White Athletics Club; 3: Los Montesinos Athletics Club; 4: Puerto Torrevieja Black Athletics Club; 5: Grumocs Athletics Club 1; 6: Grumocs Athletics Club.

Councillor Ana BelÈn with the winners

THE GENESIS SCOTTISH

OPEN returns to the Renaissance Club, Nth. Berwick, from 12-16th July. After it hosted the 2019 Scottish Open there was a certain amount of grumbling from the players about European courses and the Renaissance in particular.

Rory McIlroy complained: “There are no penalties for bad shots, the European Tour needs to make the golf courses and setups tougher for the top events.” Other players agreed.

Renaissance Course designer

Tom Doak admits it may have played easy at first. “We decided to toughen it up but it's diffi-

Five Gold Medals for Colino Gymnasts

Miley MartÌnez and Anastasia Salkova are the new champions of Spain in the infantil y alevÌn categories respectively, while Valeria Zubcoff finished as runner up in the alevin category.

cult, it’s normally a windy place, just like Muirfield next door, but we don’t control the weather.

If you design a links course and make it hard in benign conditions, when it’s windy the course is impossible to play. You have to have some leeway.”

The Spanish Open Championship held in Valencia last week, reaped magnificent results for the Torreviejaís Jennifer Colino Rhythmic Gymnastics Club with the gymnasts achieving a total of seven medals: five golds, two silvers and three bronzes in this championship.

The young gymnast, Anastasia Salkova, performed her hoop, rope and free hands exercises brilliantly to win the gold medal in the open alevin category, while her clubmate, ValerÌa Zubcoff making her debut at this individual level, took the silver. In addition, Valeria finished a very creditable fifth in the hoop final and sixth in the rope final. The two young gymnasts were crowned Champions of Spain by autonomies

Meanwhile, following another outstanding performance, Miley MartÌnez won the gold medal and was proclaimed Champion of Spain in the infantil category. In addition, after some spectacular exercises, she won the gold medal in the hoop final and in the club final while she took the bronze medal in the ball final. In the same category, Mariya Pavlenko finished in fifth position. Once again, they were declared Champions of Spain by autonomies.

In the Primera Category, LucÌa Leshan CaÒas won the gold medal in the mace final and the bronze medal in the ball and hoop finals. The gymnast achieved the 5th position in the open general category. In the Junior Category, ValerÌa GarcÌa, finished as National runner-up with the ball apparatus and the 7th position overall in the junior category. In addition, she finished as the Champion of Spain by autonomies.

They have let the rough grow, and new fairway pot bunkers should make players think more carefully about their shots.

Doak said: “We've made subtle changes; the penalties are there, and if a player wants to take them on, great, but they'll separate the winner from the guy who finishes 10th.”

The players may just be bored with playing The Renaissance Club again. It's not as though Scotland were hard up for golf courses.

BEFORE BOBBY JONES won the Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake in 1930 he was invited to a players’ reception at the club, and found himself sitting next to the previous year's Captain, Kenneth Stoker. All the captains were wearing their formal red jackets.

Jones was fascinated by them, and eventually Stoker said: ‘Now look here Mr. Jones, if you win the tournament this week I’ll give you my coat.’ The rest is history, and Jones was presented with the coat. He arrived back in New York to a ticker-tape parade with the British Open and Amateur titles, and that red blazer from Hoylake in his suitcase. The idea for Augusta's Green Jacket was born. Incidentally, Jones bet on himself to win the Grand Slam that year at odds of 50-1 and collected over 60,000 dollars.

Hoylake, host venue for this month's Open, stands proudly on the Wirral peninsula. Built in 1869, it hosted the first Amateur Championship in 1885. It hasn't changed much since 2014, when Rory McIlroy got his hands on the Claret Jug. In all it has hosted 11 Opens, the last in 2006 when Tiger

Woods triumphed with his 11th major. Woods was ruthless on Hoylake's brown, baked links, using his driver only once during the entire week -- the 16th hole of the first round -- and relied on iron play that was so impeccable his caddie Steve Williams kept a sheet of paper of all the shots Woods missed, afterwards saying: “There were three of them, I don't think anyone has ever hit long irons that well." No-one was complaining then about European courses being too easy.

IN THE HARRY POTTER stories the combination of wizard and wand worked the magic. But what if your wand isn't doing it's stuff? You could try a L.A.B. putter. The Lie Angle Balance (L.A.B.) of these putters supposedly gives them the edge. Lie Angle Balance is the zero-torque design that keeps the putter face square to the putting arc throughout the stroke. If your putter doesn’t twist, then you should have an easier time bringing it back to square at impact.

With an in-person or online fitting, a L.A.B. Golf expert will determine the exact length, lie angle and grip you need. Just send L.A.B. a five-second video of your putting and they will let you know your lie angle (with me it would be when they'd stopped laughing.) Your custom-built putter will be lie angle balanced to your stroke. So, one wave of your L.A.B. putter and it's “Expecto puttrollin!”

“I owe a lot to my parents, especially my mother and father.” Greg Norman (Brain the size of a planet)

Until next time: Happy Golfing.

Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. Tel 638 859 475. or visit https://mickthegrip.blogspot.com

QUIZ FROM PAGE 14:

1.Two answers.China and India.2. Size Does Matter.3.Coca Cola.4. Answer b, 1954.5.Pantheon.6.Bee Gees.7.Sam Peckinpah.8.Pundit (from 'Pandit').9.Amelia Earhart. 10.a.I'm A Man You Don't Meet Every Day (Pogues), b.Days (Kinks), c.Lonely Days (Bee Gees), d.The Last Day Of Our Acquaintance (Sinead O'Conner).

11.France, Spain, Greece and Chad.12.The Netherlands (bas is French for low).13.a.Cornelius Ryan, b.Albert Speer, c.Ken Follett, d.Kurt Vonnegut.14.Giotto.15. Clint Eastwood.16.Sylvester Stallone.17.Havana and Santiago de Cuba.18.Answer d.dry.19.Rio de Janeiro.20.Mary had a little lamb

SUDUK

PETER MCBRIDEfinally got his hole in one Playing with the Bar 6 Via Park lll Golf Society at La Serena the memorable shot was achieved last month on the 157 mtr, par 3, ninth hole.