The Leader Newspaper 25 September 2023 – Edition 990

ORIHUEL ORIHUEL A MAKES ITS L A MAKES ITS L ARGEST ARGEST INVESTMENT IN W INVESTMENT IN W ASTE SINCE 2012 ASTE SINCE 2012

The Orihuela Department of Urban Solid Waste and Street Cleaning will allocate 2,555,000 euros of credit from liquid treasury reserves to alleviate the major deficiencies in garbage collection and street cleaning in Orihuela, the renewal and improvement of the service.

This represents the largest investment made in this area since direct management was agreed in 2012.

The proposal will be submitted for opinion today, Monday, to the Information Commission, and raised for debate and a vote at the next Ordinary Plenary Session on September 28th. The councilor, Rocío Ortuño, said that she is hoping for a unanimous vote from all political groups.

Ortuño stated that the municipality has been suffering from a significant lack of machinery, containers and personnel for eleven years.

The garbage collection and street cleaning service has major deficiencies that do not allow it to operate properly. A great deal of equipment and many containers are missing, or obsolete, and there has been a lack of staff employed in the area for all that time.

“Cleaning up Orihuela is the commitment of this government. We have already brought almost 7 million euros in credit modifications to the plenary sessions during July and August to meet the payment of unpaid invoices, and a provision for anticipated expenses until the end of the year,” she explained.

This means putting in order the obligations we have in this area. “We are talking about a necessary investment demanded by the residents of Orihuela and, also, by the municipal staff who are determined to improve the quality and safety in the development of their work.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE INVESTMENT IN ORIHUELA WASTE

Ortuño also pointed out the improvement that it will mean environmentally because it is a financially sustainable investment.

NEARLY 2,000 WASTE CONTAINERS CAN NOW BE PURCHASED

The councillor stated that 6 collection trucks will be acquired, adding to the 19 that are currently in use; In addition, there will be six 3,500 kg open box dump trucks for the collection of belongings and bulk rubbish that is needed, especially on the coast.

The department estimates that with this tender, close to 2,000 side and rear loading containers can be purchased, for which 800,000 euros will be allocated.

"In this way we will be able to renew half of of those in use, since we currently have 3,800 containers, which will mean an important reinforcement, especially in the coastal area."

The council has also announced the acquisition of a hydro cleaner since the one currently providing the service, especially in the urban area, is over 25 years old, and is at the end of its useful life. 80,000 euros will be allocated to its purchase.

Ortuño confirmed that 55,000 euros will be made

The American Bully XL is not considered dangerous in Spain

The British Prime Minister,Rishi Sunak,has announce that the United Kingdom plans to ban the American Bully XL at the end of the year,a breed of dog that in Spain is not considered to be a potentially dangerous dog (PPP).

Sunak explains in a video,“the American Bully

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available for new electric blowers in addition to those already in use.

The investment announced for the Coastal Work Centre is also included in the Local Waste Plan

XL dog breed,has been involved in several attacks in the country.It is a danger to our communities,particularly to children."

"It is clear that this is not just a handful of poorly trained dogs,but rather it is a pattern of behaviour and it cannot continue," he said,alluding to several recent attacks.

" These dogs are dangerous,I want to assure the general public that we will take all necessary measures to ensure their safety," added Sunak.

“I've ordered urgent work to define and ban this breed so we can end these violent attacks and

O E T R Y C O R N E R

The government's had thirteen years

To make Great Britain great

Yet all they've done's divided it

To a rich and poor man's state

The rising costs of food and fuel

Don't matter to the rich

They don't rely on food banks

Life for them is not a bitch

The hospitals, the schools

The transport system's in a mess

Homeless people

Living on the street and in distress

Mortgage payments rising

Thanks to mortgage lending banks

And now a Tory M.P.

Thinks that we should offer thanks

Thankyou comes when jobs are done

Not when there's little doubt

To

By David Whitney c2023

Not when there's lies and cover ups When nothing's sorted out

So on they plod with paper work

That looks extremely good

Yet putting words in action

Seems they haven't understood

They never take the can

They never own their own mistakes

It's always someone else to blame

They're just a bunch of fakes

Remember when you point a finger Blaming as you do

Three fingers in your pointing hand

Point the blame right back at you

These people who were voted for To make Great Britain great Need replacing pretty quickly now Before it's all too late.

keep people safe.”

that “we will soon take to Plenary Session. Orihuela needs quality service. We are looking for the best formula and this is a great step forward in achieving that.” P

Once experts agree on how to define the dog breed,the Government will propose banning it by amending the current dangerous dog law,the prime minister said. In Spain,however,it is not classified as a potentially dangerous dog - as its 'parents' Pit bull terrier,Staffordshire bull terrier and American Staffordshire terrier are, with puppies of this breed being sold for 1,000 euros or more.

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.

‘NOT SO GREAT’

The investment will ensure that additional bins can be sited and broken bins replaced.

SAN MIGUEL RESIDENTS DEMAND RE-OPENING OF MAIN TOWN PARK

Residents who live around the Padre Jes˙s park in San Miguel de Salinas staged a protest on Thursday to demand that the Council reopens the green area that has been closed to the public since September 2022.

The demonstration was organised by the San Miguel de Salinas Neighbourhood Association to echo "public unrest", due to the prolonged stoppage of the park's refurbishment works. The Neighbourhood has said that it is available as a "channel for the resolution of this dispute."

The park is one of the few public spaces in the centre of San Miguel, the largest park in area, comprising of more than 2,200 square metres, similar in size to the Plazas de la Libertad and Jaime I.

According to the neighbourhood group, the municipal plenary session on December 18, 2020 agreed to upgrade the park, awarding a contract on July 7, 2022; but only for the first phase of the works costing 128,000 euros with a completion period of two months. Works got underway in September of that year.

Ayear later, on July 25, 2023, a new contract was awarded for the purchase and installation of the park's play equipment and furniture, for an amount of 236,733 euros and "a completion period of three months, of which two have now passed."

The residents accuse the San Miguel municipal council of "laziness and negligence," stating that the municipality has now spent almost three years remodelling a park and depriving residents, especially the children, of itís use, for far too long.

Padre Jes˙s Park is located just a few metres from the Gloria Fuertes Infant and Primary School and is situated in one of the most densely populated areas of the municipality. Many residents of the area attended the protest, including a large group

of children, together with representatives of IU de San Miguel. In a video that he made following the call for the protest, and that was published on social networks, Mayor Juan de Dios Fresneda (PSOE) explained that a contract for the second phase of the works has been awarded, and that the action will restart in "4 or 5 weeks."

The mayor apologised to the residents for the delay, stating that "We did not have staff who could put together the new tender document at that time."

He also stated that the municipal election period and the August holiday period delayed hiring, but the council will now try to partially reopen part of the green area just as soon as the work is carried out by the contractor.

DEBRIS FROM THE PARK

The neighbourhood association has also denounced that, fourteen months after starting the works, the debris from the park remains dumped on the outskirts of the municipality instead of being taken to an authorised landfill site, as written in the contract specifications.

They also state that, in addition to the "contamination of the soil and defacement of the landscape, an illegal landfill has been established by the municipal council". They are extremely unhappy that that the council, "instead of combating illegal landfills, is generating them and they ask for the immediate removal and subsequent recycling of the rubble from the works."

PHOTO CREDIT: San Miguel de Salinas Neighbourhood Association

STUDENTS BENEFITTING FROM SCOOTER TRAINING

T

Students on the Orihuela Costa got to learn many of the basics, including the technical specifications of Personal Mobility Vehicles, the regulations for riding these vehicles, responsible parking, and an introduction to Spanish Traffic Law, such as identifying and abiding by road signs, for example.

They were also told about the benefits of personal protective equipment, such as wearing a crash helmet and high-visibility clothing.

The reason Hopp came along, not to be confused with a rival company with very similar branding, Hoppy, is that the management of Hopp are fully aware of a lot of the negative connotations surrounding e-scooter use and are taking positive actions to try to resolve as many of these highlighted issues as they can.

One clear deficiency is a lack of knowledge or awareness by many of these scooter riders about the rules. Most of the students who will be spoken to during this tour are too young to ride an e-scooter, but the belief is that by giving them the basic knowledge and skills before you are able to ride, will set the foundations for a safer experience for all in the future.

They are also trying initiatives to educate older users too, but by reaching out to students in these schools is a positive move, as it not only gives future knowledge,

his week, as part of the European Mobility Week celebrations, N332´s instructor, Mark Nolan, was joined by the electric scooter company, Hopp, starting a tour of local schools to educate young people about the dangers, responsibilities, and requirements for riding on this new form of urban mobility.but it also affirms the overall road safety message. Once the talk was over, the students were invited to ride on a Hopp scooter, after being given instruction my the firm´s representatives, and got to put into practice what they had learnt, and use one of these vehicles, which many of them would not legally be able to do, with experts on hand to answer any doubts they had, and assist them in their learning experience. Later in the week, the students were invited to join others on the Orihuela Costa for a practice and training day organised by the neighbourhood associations, which allowed them to continue their training in a closed and safe environment.

Nobody would expect a person to get behind the wheel of a car and suddenly be a safe and competent driver, and the same applies to an extent when we are talking about vehicles like this.

That is why N332 is happy to support Hopp in their efforts to provide practical information so that riders can be a little bit safer, and they will be more aware of how coexistence on the roads and neighbourhoods is important to the development of urban transport solutions.

The students all receive a certificate of completion of the training day which shows their commitment to be a safer and responsible road user, and reenforces their commitment into the future.

SWITCH AND SAVE WITH LÍNEA DIRECTA

Switching and saving on your car,bike and home insurance has never been quicker and easier with Línea Directa.

Thanks to their dedicated team of English-speaking customer service staff,they can provide speedy detailed quotes right over the phone, and usually in under 5 minutes.

Their insurance specialists will ensure you get the right kind of insurance and exclusive cover for your particular needs.

24/7 Travel Assistance,vehicle collection for MOT’s and servicing,geolocation service in the event of breakdown, onsite tyre change, Mechanical Assistance at your home,guaranteed replacement vehicles,and much much more.

You get the best cover and the best price,and with a range of easy payment options to help spread the cost of your premiums.

With over 3 million customers nationwide,Línea Directa has been insuring expatriates in Spain for over

20 years. Maybe that’s why 9 out of 10 satisfied customers recommend them.

home insurance. Conditions apply.

Men’s Shed build Mason’s First Garden

Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun, a UK TV company, have been filming at the San Fulgencio Men’s Shed, and chatting with some of the members, to discuss what the Men’s Shed means to them.

Various projects that the Men’s Shed carry out in support of the community of San Fulgencio, were also discussed. Members have been working on a special project to build a raised garden for a 9 year old boy, named Mason, who has cerebral palsy.

On the 13th September Mason was filmed visiting the Men’s Shed to see his raised garden for the first time, he planted his first plant, and chatted about what he would like to grow.

The excited look on Mason’s face stirred up a few emotions amongst those present, especially when he thanked everyone for making the raised garden.

He has promised that the first tomatoes that he grows will be given to San Fulgencio’s Men’s Shed.

Mason has promised to return with his first crop of tomatoes

IN BRIEF

WORK BEGINS ON LA MATA MUNICIPAL SPORTS PAVILION

A Men’s Shed is a place of skill sharing, social interaction, and support in a friendly and inclusive environment, which assists in keeping members fitter both mentally and physically.

Membership is open to everyone, who lives in the municipality of San

Fulgencio. Come along and chat with us, you don’t need any special skills to become a member.

It’s understood that the TV programme will be shown on channel 5, on UK television, sometime in the new year.

ENTRENARANJOS RESIDENTS TO RECEIVE THEIR MAIL DOOR TO DOOR.

Individual properties in the Entrenaranjos de Orihuela urbanisation will now receive their letters in the private mailboxes in each of their homes rather than the communal boxes in the multi-home repositories.

This has been confirmed by the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC), which has already communicated its decision to the Orihuela City Council. This will mean that in future, more than 2,000 homes and businesses in the area, where more than 1,800 people are registered, will receive their letters door to door, no longer subjected to the inconvenience of collecting them from a multihome mailbox.

The CNMC has ordered the State Postal and Telegraph Company to

begin delivering postal items to homes within a period of no more than 15 days from the notification of the resolution, dated September 20. However, there are still many urbanisations in Orihuela that are unable to receive mail at their homes. There are also some areas of the Oriola coast, such as La Regia and La Zenia , whose residents must still go to the Playa Flamenca Post Office for their letters as they do not have multi-home mailboxes.

On Friday morning, the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, along with the Councilor for Sports, Diana Box, and several councillors met with representatives of the company Orthem, and the architect, Miguel Antonio Mateo, at the start of work on the new La Mata municipal sports hall, which will occupy a strategic location close to the N-332.

Highly demanded by residents, the execution period for the works is 18 months, although the mayor said that he hoped it can be completed ahead of schedule.

The new La Mata pavilion, costing more than 5 million euros, will be a multipurpose pavilion where different sports modalities be played on its first floor. It will also allow social and cultural activities to be hosted in the ground floor, thus responding to the growing demand for areas for both sports and social uses in the area. The pavilion will have capacity for 400 people with a seating area of almost 200 seats.

The La Mata pavilion will cater for indoor soccer, volleyball, handball, basketball and badminton, with the transversal layout allowing several simultaneous events. The building will be equipped with two team locker rooms and two referee locker rooms, an outdoor lobby, a cafeteria and two multipurpose rooms.

Urbanisation Post Boxes: a thing of the past

Work gets underway in La Mata

BASIC RULES FOR CAT OWNERS

So far in this series, we have explained that the new Animal Welfare Law coming into force in September covers much more than just insurance, and the basic rules for dog owners. This week, we will give a bullet point list of some of the key requirements for cat owners.

Many of the rules relating to owning a cat are the same as for dogs, but there are also a few differences. There are also different rules relating to cat colonies, or “street cats”. In the most basic overview, you must look after animals, care for their wellbeing, make sure they are healthy, and happy.

Cats should be integrated into the family

nucleus, in good health and hygiene.

Breeding may only be carried out by persons responsible for the activity of breeding companion animals registered as such in the corresponding Registry.

All cats must be identified by microchip and must be surgically sterilised before six months of age, except those registered in the Register of Companion Animal Breeders.

The loss of a pet animal due to death must be accompanied by a document proving that it was cremated or buried by an officially recognised company.

Cats cannot be mutilated or subjected to permanent body modifications. The only excep-

tion to this is the identification systems by marking the ear of community cats and those necessary for therapeutic reasons to guarantee their health or to limit or cancel their reproductive capacity.

Similar to dogs, cats cannot be kept on terraces, balconies, rooftops, storage rooms, basements, patios and similar or vehicles.

A cat cannot be left home alone, unsupervised, for more than three consecutive days.

Local authorities must monitor cats to ensure compliance, with a particular interest in ensuring that domesticated cats do not breed with street cats.

A cat which goes outside the home without supervision is considered a “prowling” cat under the legislation.

Feline colonies, or street cats, have protection

in Spain under the Animal Welfare Law, and must be allowed to live in peace. The local authorities are responsible for their welfare.

The intention of the rules regarding feline colonies is to gradually reduce their population over time, whilst allowing them to live a harmonious life in the meantime.

Street cats must be microchipped and registered by local authorities, and their sterilisation will be mandatory.

Remember, the actual rules are more complex and more detailed, and you can read the full legislation, translated into English, at animalwelfarelaw.es, including a simple list of basic rules for dog and cat owners, and for street cats.

Next week, in the final part of this series, we will talk about fines.

Avoiding Post-Pandemic Panic BUTTERFLIES AND BEES PASSION FOR CUPID’S DART!

By the time the future arrives, it is disguised as the present, and almost immediately slips away into the past. The past is lost forever, and the future never arrives, what sort of bizarre arrangement is that? The tenses we were taught about in school -- Past, Present, Future -have somehow segued into Pre-pandemic, Post-pandemic and Let's Hope for the Best.

When Californians talk about "The Big One" they mean the long-awaited earthquake somewhere on the San Andreas Faultline which will spell disaster for their cities and cause tidal waves to wipe out even the most sure-footed surfers. I believe some plates will also be broken. For the world at large, Covid-19 proved to be our 'big one', a pandemic capable of bringing societies and economies to their knees. But fear not, help was at hand to get us back on our feet, instead of being down on our uppers, however illogical that sounds.

I never did finish that night school writing course after my pencil broke. Apparently 'post-pandemic transformation' means we must embrace uncertainty -done that -- and accept 'unruly alternatives' to our present way of thinking, if it isn't already unruly.

It seems that clear messaging is the key to any campaign, especially if you want people to behave in a certain way. Is that the opposite of embracing uncertainty, the message isn't quite clear.

If we are seeking answers, we could do worse than listen to The Seekers, whose lyrics assure us that "though the carnival is over, there's a new world somewhere, they call the promised land." ('They', presumably, being the politicians, pledging

jam tomorrow, as usual.) Every plague does have some strange side effects.

There are advances in musical appreciation and greater awareness of public health -- "Sing as you wash those hands!" By eliminating the daily commute for large numbers of people, the planet's collective carbon footprint has been reduced. There are fewer cars on the road nowadays and fewer planes in the air. More chickens can cross the road safely, fewer birds are in danger from aircraft engines. Less time spent in traffic has meant more time to bond with the immediate family at home, either that or strangle them. The new normal.

Was Covid a dress rehearsal for the larger -- yes, larger -- problem of climate change? Has it improved our critical thinking regarding humanity's future? Has it made us reconsider our habits when it comes to social inequality? -- "Our vax programme is better than yours!"

Imagining the future can be a powerful coping mechanism to gain some sense of control during an unpredictable time. For too many of us, the future has changed from being a promise to being a threat. Einstein said he didn't know how World War III would end, but he suspected World War IV would be fought with sticks and stones. Which doesn't sound nearly as bad as an earthquake in California.

The bright blue,Cornflower like blooms of Cupid's Dart will appear continuously,from early to late summer,peaking in mid-summer.

Each papery blue petal has a fine silvery stripe through the centre.Plants are narrow and upright,with sparse foliage.Single specimens do not make much of a show,so plant three or five in a group to make a better display in your garden.

Plant in full sun,such as in a south or west facing position in well-draining soil.

They look lovely when paired with with any grey or silver leafed plants,such as artemisia and Stachys byzantina,which enjoy similar growing conditions.

Well known for attracting bees,butterflies and other pollinators,Cupid Dart has nectar pollen-rich flowers.

Deadhead regularly to encourage more flowers to form.Towards the end of the season let the seed heads develop and ripen,as these may go on to produce more plants in subsequent years.

Showcased in borders,beds and cottage gardens,Cupid's Dart provides a lovely display of cut flowers too.

Cupid's Dart - catananche - is derived from its use by the early Greeks and Romans to make love potions!

A man of the Community

Lloyd Sambor, or Sam as he is better known locally, is a former Barnardo’s Boy who spent his childhood in care in North Wales. With sport being a focus during his formative years, Sam had success in the boxing ring where he fought his way to the Welsh Schoolboy Crown on two successive occasions before concentrating his efforts on football, where there was interest from Chelsea, Leeds Utd and Everton, playing, at one stage, alongside the goalkeeping legend, Neville Southall.

A variety of jobs in the catering and hotel industry came to nothing before, along with his partner, Sam took the plunge and moved to Spain in 2005.

In no time at all he had established a successful Furniture Removals and Clearance company which has now been running successfully on the Orihuela Costa for 18 years.

has chanelled thousands of euros of his own money into Underworld

fitness equipment, Underworld boxing club was born, through his efforts alone. In the intervening years the club, with Lloyd at the helm, and still providing most of the finance, has allowed over 200 young children, both expatriate and Spanish, the opportunity to build a community of friends, to provide help and support to one another, to learn new skills in developing their physical and mental wellbeing, building the confidence they need to go after their dreams. The children now leave training feeling safer, closer and able to reach out for help with pride. A number have since gone on to establish themselves as amateur boxers, trainers and coaches in their own right, within the local boxing community, thereby passing on the skills to the next generation of children who could otherwise find themselves isolated and cut off.

However, within weeks of arriving, he realised just how little there was in the local area to occupy local children out of school hours.

There were no clubs, libraries, youth or activity centres in the municipality so, with a background in sport, within months of arriving, he had established Underworld Boxing Club.

After a demanding childhood, and as a former schoolboy boxing champion himself, Lloyd was aware of the difficulties faced by children who were growing up in an environment where there were no facilities in which they could be meaningfully occupied, but believing in the potential of every young person, and wanting to provide them each with a suitable outlet, he had soon found a suitable location for his germ of an idea. Then, pouring thousands of euros of his own money into the purchase of a boxing ring, gloves, headguards and a multitude of other

Despite the hardships presented by the 2008 recession and the 2020/21 Covid outbreak, both of which closed down the facility for short periods, the efforts and enthusiasm of Lloyd Sambor ensured that the doors were reopened at the earliest opportunity, with the club, on each occasion, quickly returned to its previous status.

Underworld Boxing Club still continues to be an important meeting place in the community where children and youths are still encouraged to build their confidence as they develop into strong, confident and empowered individuals. It currently opens twice a week to the general public, on Monday and Wednesday from 4.30 to 6.30pm, in the basement under Mapfre, on Calle Alhambra. And it is all down to the efforts of one man, Lloyd Sambor, whose efforts at ‘Underworld’ have helped to create an environment where young people learn better and are better able to thrive.

Sam

Sam has a successful Clearance and Removal company on Orihuela Costa.

Hiking for Hospice .....

Iwasn’t sure that I would write another Camino story here, but every Camino walk is different; in fact, every step of every walk is different.

I shall try not to make this one about me as far as is possible; because I want you to know about the truly wonderful people I enjoyed the pain and pleasure with – in equal measure; as we set out from the French town of St Jean Pied De Port to travel the first 116 Km of the French Camino. On that fateful first day we hiked 17 miles across the Pyrenees. By some distance, this was the hardest physical challenge I have ever done in my life. But it was worth it, because it was all to do with raising much needed money for the Irish Hospice Foundation. Thank you to my friends, family and readers of this column (mostly one and the same thing!) who contributed sponsorship.

About 30 of us flew from Dublin to Bilbao, from where we made our way to the French/Spanish border in order to commence our walk early next morning.

Our second night was spent in Roncesvalles and subsequent nights saw us put the heads down in Zubiri, Pamplona, Puente La Reine and Estella. I discovered that my friend Clancy Nolan, of the Annebrook Hotel was walking a day behind our group and so we boosted each other through regular texts! Near the summit of the mountain, I came across a tastefully engraved brass plaque set in the grass. It read; ‘In memory of Thomas Maguire, who died 4th September 2018’ You know what

happened at that spot … and I did say a prayer for him and his family.

I have never met a greater bunch of people than those who embarked on this Hospice fundraiser. Emma, Louise, Annamai, from The Irish Hospice Foundation, along with our guides Juan, Lucas and Luke are tailor-made for such expeditions. Mucho Gratias!

Most of the pilgrims were doing this for their own personal reasonsapart from raising money for hospice. There was a lot of emotion as well as joy – especially after completing the last section when Louise oversaw the lighting of a candle for a loved one lost to cancer by each participant.

Let me tell you about some of the people on this walk – any one of whom would restore your faith in the goodness of the human heart. There was neither a gender nor a generation gap. We were all pilgrims walking together, sharing stories and helping each other when we could. There were the beautiful women –none more so than one of the Marys – who is older than me! Strong men, with big soft hearts; and from all this diverse group came entertainers and characters who made us laugh til the tears ran down our face!

Being a sports fan, I naturally gravitated a bit more towards sports stars – and believe me, we had those in our midst. A half dozen of the lads put on a show doing ‘pushups’ at the start and finish of our daily walk!

There were the O’Gorman brothers from Waterford, who boxed for Ireland and Patrick Butterly, a Louth football star over about eight years.

Patrick and his brothers brought a lowly junior club, Stabannon, to winning four senior Louth titles. Last year he played with his son on that same team, back down in junior ranks.

I was honoured to walk along with Leitrim’s Aidan Creamer. When I tell you a bit of Aidan’s story, you will surely agree that never has there been a greater example of courage, determination and resilience in the face of unthinkable adversity.

At 20 years of age, Aidan Creamer was one of Leitrim’s brightest footballers. There was no work in Leitrim, so he headed off to New York, where he was sought after on account of his footballing prowess. After a couple of years in New York, once again football was

LITTLE POD ASSOCIATION CHARITY DAY

THE support for the Little Pod Association is phenomenal, ahead of a charity extravaganza in October in Los Dolses on the Orihuela Costa. Co-host, Casey Shaddock told The Leader ahead of the big day, sponsored by a plethora of people: "Thanks goes to our amazing sponsors for the huge Charity Day for Little Pod Association held at Restaurante Los Cucalos on October 14th," said Casey.

"It is amazing what the community and beyond

have done. If you want to be part of the sponsors and show your support, let me know!," added Casey.

Former Hot Chocolate lead singer, Murcia based Greg Bannis is amongst the headline acts, alongside The Cages, Alex Topping, Nikki G and many more. Restaurante Los Cucalos is situated at Avda. Montezenia, 1, Ctra. to Villamartin, first roundabout on the left, Urb. Los Dolses, Orihuela Costa. Free Admission. MUSIC FROM 1PM TILL LATE.

Aiden’s passport in obtaining work in London. He played for London in the 1996 championship, where they came within a couple of points of shocking Mayo.

In 1998 Aiden returned to Ireland and naturally got the Leitrim call-up to the team. Then disaster; he collapsed twenty minutes after a training session, suffering a brain haemorrhage.

When Aiden woke after being on life support, he was without speech and unable to move any part of his body. ‘I went from being a known county player, to being a ‘nobody’ who could neither talk nor walk’, he told me.

The fighting spirit that was in the man fought back. Today, Aidan’s speech is slow but carrying on a conversation is no bother. His right

arm is useless and he straps a support to his powerless right foot. He does everything with his left hand –which was not his favoured arm. Aiden obtained a sports related degree and now works with Sports NI.

I struggled to hike across the Pyrenees. Aidan Creamer was there among all those other dedicated and wonderful people who took every step with me. If I ever again suffer a hint of self-pity, reflecting on Aidan’s story will cure all that! And don’t forget to support the Irish Hospice Foundation! info@hospicefoundation.ie

DON’T FORGET

The roots of happiness grow deepest in the soil of service.

HARDEST PHYSICAL CHALLENGEHiking the 17 miles across the Pyrenees

by Tony Mayes

It’s sad that the entire future of the planet is at risk whenever politics rears it’s head. No, not just sad, the right word is disastrous.

Last month a by-election result went totally against expectations and all because of whipped up anger against the London mayor introducing a 12.50 pound charge on owners with old polluting cars entering an extended low emission zone.

This month, seeing what political advantage there was to be had by not hitting voters in the pockets over climate change, Rishi Sunak delayed a ban on new petrol and diesel cars in a major change to the government's approach to achieving net zero by 2050. Instead of introducing the ban in 2030, it has been rowed back to 2035.

And to highlight how dirty the politics game really is, Mr Sunak framed the changes as "pragmatic and proportionate", unpicking several of Boris Johnson's key policies, many of them launched when Mr Sunak was serving as chancellor.

The entire situation would be laughable if it wasn’t so serious. Even the most hardened global climate change deniers are having to concede that the planet is warming – and that’s a huge understatement.

Last week a waterspout formed in the English Channel off Littlehampton. It came inland across a golf course and then hit a housing estate, causing considerable damage, blowing out windows, damaging cars and blowing branches off trees.

But this is nothing compared with the massive changes in climate around the world –with hotter drier summers, droughts, failing crops, unprecedented rainfall and floods. The reality is that the British government could push the ban on petrol and diesel cars back to 2040 or 2045 and it wouldn’t make a jot of difference because irreparable damage is being done to the planet right now, today, tomorrow and for the foreseeable future.

It’s also a fact that if Britain achieved net zero emissions right now, it also wouldn’t make a jot of difference to the planet’s future.

Why? The UK pumps out and into the atmosphere 331.5 million tons of greenhouse gases a year (it reduced by 2.4% from 2021 to 2022). Now compare that with China, with more than 10,065 million tons of CO2 released, the United States, with 5,416 million tons, India, with 2,654 million tons, Russia, with 1,711 million tons, Japan, with 1,162 million tons, Germany, with 759 million tons and Iran, with 720 million tons (Spain’s and

SUNAK’S PLAYING A POLITICAL GAME WITH CLIMATE CHANGE

France’s emissions are less than the UK)

These are the world’s top ten polluters and are responsible for killing our planet – literally.

If you listen to the UK environmentalists you would get the impression that if Britain were to cut emissions to zero it would save the planet. But in reality that would be drop in the ocean. The result would be to send Britain to the Stone Age and people living in total poverty.

Britain used to be a leader on the world stage, but with so many calamitous decisions the UK has made of late its a laughing stock. And that’s a shame because someone has to try to persuade the world’s top polluters to mend their ways - and quickly. Hopefully the message will soon get through because several of those top polluters have been hit by the effects of climate change –heat waves, massive storms, torrential rains and floods.

I have always been interested in meteorology – I caught the bug as a young boy from my father who had in the garden an array of ground and air thermometers, a rain gauge and a precise barometer. I went on to have an interview for a job at the then London Weather Centre. I wanted to work in forecasting, but was offered a apprentice job on a weather ship in the Atlantic, and my enthusiasm dropped, and I chose journalism instead. But my interest in the weather and climate change has, if anything, increased, much to the annoyance of Mrs M.

I am hopeful that there are still a few of you who are reading this who are interested, so I invite you to Google https://nsidc.org/arcticseaicenews/ This will give you satellite images of the sea ice around the North and South Poles. It will show you, day to day, how much ice is being lost.

Over the last 30 years there has been a staggering two million square kilometers of sea ice which no longer exists around both poles. This is ten times the size of the UK on both poles.

It’s being caused by warmer seas, which, in turn causes more land ice to melt in Antarctica. Last year sea levels rose by 2mm through the loss of ice on the frozen continent and Greenland. Not much by itself, but over several years at a growing rate there’s more coastal erosion, and coastal flooding world-wide.

In the news today it was revealed that tens of thousands of people have died in the past decade through heat-related problems. The danger is right now, and our children, grandchildren and great grand-children are going to have a terrible time if the big polluters don’t stop.

So, I leave you with this question – how do we persuade the world’s biggest polluters to stop pumping gasses into the air and killing the planet we are all trying to exist on?

SPAIN MIGHT HAVE A NEW GOVERNMENT THIS WEEK

We return to the world of politics this week in Spain, as it is possible, though improbable, that the political impasse will be resolved, and a government will be formed.

As is always the case when there is doubt, the right says that they will win, as do the left, but the reason this week is important is it marks the end of the period when PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has been out gathering support for the parliamentary vote that would see him elected as the next President of the Government of Spain, after he won the public vote.

The problem is, after a month of trying to increase his support, there has been no change made publicly, in fact not a single additional supporter declared, nor has he made any statements on policy, so it looks like, as many people are now pointing out, it has just been a waste of a month of time.

Moreover, the PP has started another political battle with their far-right partners over the use of languages by politicians, now approved in the Senate, and which resulted in VOX walking out of parliament last week.

Neither the PP, nor VOX, supported the motion, but it was approved none the less. How the situation will present itself this week is that on Tuesday there will be a debate, in which Feijóo will present his case for forming the government, which will then be voted on by members on Wednesday, and a subsequent vote on Friday.

Should that fail, as predicted, the PSOE leader and caretaker President, Pedro Sánchez, could be given the opportunity to try his hand at forming a government, although he too has seemingly not obtained the support he might need.

The third option, therefore, being another general election, for which the 14th of January had already been pencilled in, so the result would then be 6 months without a fully functioning government.

Sticking with Spain, albeit locally, there was predicted chaos at Alicante Elche Miguel Hernadez airport at the end of last week due to the strike by security staff. Those strikes are

already planned to continue on Tuesday this week, and again on Friday and Saturday. If you are travelling on those days, make sure you allow plenty of extra time.

In the business and financial sector, the week begins in Spain with the publication of industrial prices for August and corporate turnover for July by the Institute of National Statistics (INE). The Bank of Spain will make public the data on doubtful loans for July, the data on loans and deposits for the second quarter and the main business indicators, also for the second quarter.

Outside our borders, the German Ifo and the Dallas Fed business index, both from September, will be the main references. For the rest of the week, the INE will also be reporting on the Business Turnover Index, Resident Tourism Survey, Mortgage Statistics, as well as conviction statistics for adults and minors in 2022, the survey on care centres and services for homeless people, and the salary of people with disabilities, amongst others.

In the UK, convicted child killer Lucy Letby will be back in the news on Monday as the case returns to the limelight as the Crown Prosecution service decides whether to seek a retrial on six counts of attempted murder.

After the farce last week of Rishi Sunak claiming to cancel environmental policies which were never policies in the first place, climate change will be highlighted this week, when the International Energy Agency updates the roadmap on Net Zero emissions on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, the RSPB, in association with DEFRA and a coalition of wildlife and research organisations, publishes its State of Nature report, which acts as a health check on UK wildlife. But, on the plus side, the single use plastic ban enters into force on Sunday in England, so “every little helps”.

There is a lot going on this week, with space and time our only limit, but if you receive this weekly update by podcast, you’ll be pleased to know that Saturday is World Podcast Day, so you are already playing your part in celebrating. If you don’t subscribe and want to, just search for “SpanishVida podcast”.

SALT CHURCH - 4TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF CHURCH BUILDING

On Sunday,17th September 2023 the congregation of Salt Church in Los Montesinos,celebrated their four-year anniversary.In April 2019 they purchased what had been a large iron works manufacturing warehouse and set about transforming it into the Church it is today.

The body of people meeting as Salt Church for the last four years, has been in existence on the Costa Blanca since 1988,and was first registered as a Christian Church in 1991 over 32 years ago!

Pastor Chris Knight was overwhelmed by the task presented to him in December 2017 when Salt Church had no option but to move from a rented building in Torrevieja and search for new premises.Thanks to the commitment and generosity of church members a permanent building was purchased.

Pastor Chris stated “I am amazed at how the building has been

transformed.Salt Church is an international,English speaking, thriving place of worship able to seat over 500 people.We have staging and a praise and worship band,sound and lighting system, and a large coffee lounge.Our latest acquisition is an industrial, stainless-steel kitchen enabling us to reach out into the local community,with courses such as ‘Alpha –Questions of Life’,Women´s events,Men´s Breakfasts and conferences.”

He added “I shouldn’t be amazed, particularly when it has all been achieved thanks to God,who has been leading us every step of the past four years.Salt Church has had many challenges,particularly Covid,but now we can stream online enabling more people to join the Sunday services and hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.We also donate food monthly to local foodbanks who are doing an excellent job supporting needy families”.

Contact

e-mail: info@saltchurch.es

Facebook: @saltchurchspain

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 989

QUICK QUICK

ACROSS: ACROSS: 1 Incur; 4 Develop; 8 Forlorn; 9 Lunar; 10 Need; 11 Describe; 13 Lair; 14 Stag; 16 Sanction; 17 Also; 20 Mourn; 21 Effendi; 22 Larceny; 23 Roost.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Infinitesimal; 2 Curse; 3 Root; 4 Denied; 5 Velocity; 6 Longing; 7 Perfectionist; 12 Pittance; 13 Languor; 15 Lonely; 18 Lingo; 19 Afar.

CR CR YPTIC YPTIC

1.Base (7)

2.Optimistic (7)

3.Purloin (5)

4.Solace (7)

5.Plank (5)

6.Short (5)

9.Financial (9)

14.Twist (7)

15.Stay (7)

16.Attending (7)

19.Append (5)

20.Cunning (5)

21.Last (5)

ACROSS: ACROSS: 1 Catch; 4 Dualism; 8 Neatest; 9 Takes; 10 Rank; 11 Oilstone; 13 Form; 14 Jade; 16 Turns out; 17 Over; 20 Orate; 21 Balloon; 22 Shelter; 23 Stair.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Congregations; 2 Train; 3 Hoes; 4 Detain; 5 Artesian; 6 Irksome; 7 Master-mariner; 12 Prospect; 13 Furnace; 15 Lumber; 18 Viola; 19 Ales.

ACROSS ACROSS

7.Demands payment in accordance with obsolete laws (6)

8.Instant importance (6)

10.Apiece of furniture to provide comfort (7)

11.One personifying the beginning of depravity and wickedness (5)

12.Bad language coming from the boat-house (4)

13.Without any hesitation the monk makes nourishing food (5)

17.The French doctors are frolicsome creatures (5)

18 and 5Dn. Assume permission to go on furlough (4,5)

22.Fastens up one's hair (5)

23.Labels required for neckwear and everything inside (7)

24.Go looking for a scrap when hemmed in by the enemy (6)

25.The net's in a different position for this! (6)

DOWN DOWN

1.Cleric holding a nuclear device (7)

2.The gateman has become a tycoon (7)

3.On which one perhaps sits to be in the sun (5)

4.Company tried desperately to produce explosive (7)

5.See 18 Ac.

6.Purloined a vestment (5)

9.He's done something shameful about verification of the will (9)

14.Physiotherapy service required over a long time (7)

15.One who gets the treatment is not easily provoked (7)

16.Troublesome priests don't give in (7)

19.Seek to deceive, being very outspoken (5)

20.Make a scratch number of points (5)

21.Quick - run away before the trouble starts (5)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 22)

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. American pathologist Thomas Harvey stole which man's brain on April 18, 1955?

2. The movie poster tag line for which controversial 1979 film was "So funny it was banned in Norway"?

3. Which very fragrant and colourful spring flower is named after a beautiful young man in Greek mythology who was murdered by the jealous west wind god Zephyrus?

4. Which two capital cities are found either side of the River Plate (Rio de la Plata)?

5. How many engines did (or does) each of the following commercial jet aircraft have? a. Airbus A340 b. Boeing 777 c. McDonnell Douglas DC10 d. MD11 e. Douglas DC8 f. Boeing 707

6. Which year was a hit song for Paul McCartney and Wings in 1974?

7. The name of which national airline is derived from the Arabic word for "union"?

8. Plus or minus 25, how many Popes have there been?

9. Which book and film ends with the words "The old man was dreaming about the lions."?

10. In which city were each of the following people murdered? a. Mahatma Gandhi. b. Martin Luther King. c. Leon Trotsky. d. Archduke Franz Ferdinand

11. Which world record did Bob Beamon break at the 1968 Summer Olympic Games and continue to hold for the next 23 years?

12. According to Forbes, who is the wealthiest female music artist? a. Rihanna, b. Madonna, c. Dolly Parton, d. Shania Twain

13. Who was the first female American astronaut?

14. Whch shipwreck did Robert Ballard find in 1989, four years after discovering the Titanic?

15. The 'Wiki' in Wikipedia stems from the Hawaiian "wikiwiki". What does it mean?

16. Which large intimidating man was a number 1 hit song in the US (number 2 in the UK) for Jimmy Dean

17. Name the film in which George Clooney played each of the following roles. a. Chris Kelvin. b. Seth Gecko. c. Billy 'Skip' Tyne. d. Ulysses Everett McGill

18. Which 4 island nations in the world begin with the letter 'T'?

19. Which hit song begins with the words "I took my troubles down to Madame Rue"?

20. In which controversial film does the narrator speak in a slang called Nadsat?

ADAPTING TO ALI BABAAND HIS THIEVES

First ‘run through’ hits the spot

Anyone who has indulged in amateur dramatics knows that one of the biggest challenges is getting everyone together in the same place at the same time!

Fortunately we hit the jackpot at our first rehearsal of Ali Baba and the Four and a Half Thieves with nearly all the actors present and looking forward to getting started.

The first job is an initial run-through so that actors get the sense, not only of their own parts, but of what is going on around them at any given time. Some of our actors this year already had their lines learnt which was a great boost and really helped things flow.

As the Adapt Theatre Group pantos are bilingual as we like to perform for our Spanish neighbours, another big challenge is learning some of the Spanish lines. In order to do that each actor is sent an audio file to help with pronunciation. Our Spanish audiences always seem to enjoy our efforts so we must be doing something right!

There’s still a very long way to go, learning to really act out the characters, practising the singing and dancing and fitting in all the music and sound effects, not to mention props, costumes and make-up. It’s a complicated job but one we all really enjoy putting together as a team and know that the result will raise money for a good cause.

Throughout our 13-year history, the ADAPT Theatre Group has worked hard to raise money for local charities. Once a year we buy basic school materials for children without resources, we donate nappies to the Gota de Leche project in Cartagena and last year we starting working with AFEMAR, a non-profit cha-

ritable organisation that works with people with mental health problems in the Mar Menor area. This organisation runs a day centre with professionals from many disciplines providing a whole range of projects and workshops. It also has an after-school programme and works to support families.

Their centre in San Pedro has a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere and we are delighted to be able to work more closely with them in the future, especially by donating our panto profits to such an excellent cause.

More than 40 activities launched at the Alameda del Mar Civic Centre

The Councilor for Social Welfare, Agustina Rodríguez,announced on Wednesday,that she had handed over the keys to the company that was awarded the cafeteria at the Alameda del Mar Civic Centre.

She also stated that on 2 October a number of activities are scheduled to begin that are aimed at elderly users of the social centre.“There will be more than 40 scheduled activities that will be taught by council staff and the coast's own associations.The registration period ended on September 15,with nearly 400 people registering.The programming includes Spanish classes,Pilates,day trips and tuition in the use of computers.”

For more information about the ADAPT Theatre group contact Eric at: ericberg2@hotmail.com or our website: https://adapttheatregroup.wordpress.com

Along with this,there will be pétanque, table-tennis,ballroom dancing,bachata, salsa competitions,crochet,and bagmaking workshops.

Adapt Theatre Group pantos are all bilingual

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

Come along to our large showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. See page7.

We can assure you of the biggest and best choice of new and used cars in the area for price, choice and quality.

ENGLISH SPOKEN

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.

Alameda del Mar. Open 3 times a week for a programme of English speaking activities, support, information and advice with the support of Orihuela Council. Anyone wanting to join CCAsocial activities can pop along. Open 2pm -6pm Mondays and Thursdays, Wednesday 2pm - 5pm. You can register between 1pm & 2pm on those days, in the Cafe area where you will find Eva or Norah. email: communitycare@gmail.com

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

bar/restaurant, Quesada. For

more info contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Steve Hemingfield 0n Mob/Whats 711 011 373

The RAFACosta Blanca

RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the RAFAand the RMG is via the RAFAwebsite rafa.org.uk.

The Car of the Month at AUTOMOVILES CRESPO is a very attractive 2019 Ford Ecosport ST-Line Petrol which is priced at just 17,900 euro.

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

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

Business Opportunity: LOOKING FOR Silent Business Partner for small Private Care Home. Invest 10K and get 20K back in 14 months. 747 438 225 (4) Law Services: PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR, Solicitor, Debt Collections, Bad Tenants. 747 438 225 (4)

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MANY VALENCIAN SCHOOLS ARE ALREADY BANNING MOBILE PHONES

Thousands of teenagers returned to class in the Valencian Community this month, but for many of them, that technological extension, known as their mobile phone, has had to stay at home, as more and more schools are starting to ban these devices.

There are many reasons why mobiles are being banned in schools, and it is up to each individual school to decide their own rules, however one of the primary factors has been the claim that it is "a source of conflict" especially in the playground, and that it contributes to bullying. Another is to encourage young people to interact with each other, face to face, and educate them in responsible use of a fairly powerful miniature computer.

According to Rubén Pacheco, spokesperson for the Gonzalo Anaya Confederation of Ampas, which groups more than 1,000 parent groups throughout Valencia, many institutes are opting for this measure, each one in its own way.

The IES Camp de Morvedre, in the Port of Sagunto, carried out a test in May of last year with very good results, since mobile phones barely had to be requisitioned. Telephones were prohibited throughout the campus except for some vocational training students because they needed them.

They could not use them in the playground, but they could do other activities organised by the centre, in addition to playing chess or board games.

At the IES Clot de Moro in the same region they put the same rules, also with good results.

At the IES Alcalá de la Pobla de Farnals there was an exception in one class as teacher, Toni González Picornell, president of the Community's secondary

school principals association, explained that "sometimes I have to ask my students 'take out their mobile phone' in class, because the mobile can also be used to learn in some cases.” "I organised an activity for museum week, and I placed different QR codes in the hallways, I told them to take their mobile phones and read them. Surprisingly, they complied," says Picornell.

There is a middle ground like that at the IES 26 Misericordia, in Valencia, which prohibits "exhibiting mobile phones or any electronic device" but they can be used in the playground, with the exception of first year ESO students who cannot carry them under any circumstances.

Picornell is not a fan of the mobile phone in the playground and explains that there were problems when this decision was made in Cantabria.

"The students took out their cell phones even between classes, and that is not good for them," he says. Cyberbullying is a growing problem, and the use of mobile phones amplifies the problem, both in school, and outside.

In their school, which also prohibits the phone, it is prohibited in the playground to ensure that they "socially interact face to face, interact and play. We do not want them to spend time engrossed in the tmobile phone and talking on social networks, because that It's not healthy," says Picornell.

"Mobile phones have changed a lot. They are no longer those devices with which you could only call or at most send an SMS. Now they are quite powerful computers and tools with which you can do everything," explains Picornell. He is in favour of educating adolescents as much as possible in the use of this tool since at those ages "they are very unconscious."

"Look at the case of the Real Madrid youth academy players arrested for sharing a sex video. We must educate our young people so that things like this are not repeated, and so that they are very clear that doing things like this is a crime," Picornell points out.

Furthermore, he is honest and acknowledges that "although phones are prohibited in the centre, when there is a conflict, there are always several people who come out with their phones to record the event."

Villamartin’s El Limonar School wrote of the impact of mobile phones, and the addiction they have on students, last year

PERCY’S RAMBLINGS

THE HUT:

Hoorah! Echoed through the wooden hut with shouts of approval, clapping and the stamping of feet by the various groups of men listening to their spokesman in the old scout’s hall where previously Scouts did their ‘dib dib dibing’ and were taught honesty and to ‘Be Prepared’.

But they could not, nor anyone be prepared for the way that British life has changed, as now this hut is lined with migrants who have just been told they are being moved from the current four-star accommodation and being transferred to a five star hotel on Hayling Island where they are told, to more cheering, there is no police presence because the police station has been closed, so looting is a free for all.

None of that is true, well I don’t think so as I just made that up, I’m not even certain there is a five-star hotel on Hayling Island, which is near Southampton.

The part of that ramble, which is true, and the situation, is that the local police station has been closed and there is no blue line in this small community to help in the protection of property, according to recent reports at the time of writing. The villains and nasties of the world, we are told, are walking into shops, taking what they want and just pacing out of the door without payment.

One report says retailers nationwide are losing up to two billion pounds per year to theft, and of course in the long run hard-working law-abiding citizens pay for that loss, and probably it is partly the reason for the inflationary period being suffered at this time.

ON YOUR BIKE:

I think if I was to write a fictional story of a prisoner escaping from prison by hiding under a delivery lorry as what happened

Woman sent to prison for touching man’s bottom

ANavarra Court has sentenced a 23-year-old resident of Pamplona to six months in prison for sexual assault, after she was found guilty of touching a manís bottom in a nightclub.

In the trial, the sentence was accepted by the accused, a woman of South American origin, who has also been sentenced to 18 months of disqualification for any profession, trade or activity that involves regular and direct contact with minors.

The proven facts state that the events occurred on February 10, 2023, around 3:30 a.m. in a nightclub located in Pamplona.

recently at Wandsworth Prison in London, I would be laughed at which only goes to help prove reality is stranger than fiction. I would also be laughed at because it has been done previously in a film before this very real escape.

We have been looking through Google trying to find the name of the film where it was previously portrayed.

There was the ‘Lavender Hill Mob’ who stole a load of gold and turned it into models of the Eiffel Tower to smuggle it out of the country. There was also the ‘League of Gentlemen’, where they hold a ball in a luxury house while one of them climbed up the outside walls into bedrooms to steal valuable items, that film may have been called something else, but neither of those two had an escaping prisoner.

There are so many films with all names from the past and although I remember the sequence of the prisoner hiding under a vehicle to make his escape, I cannot remember the movie it was in.

As I said I would be laughed at for thinking of such a plot for surely a modern-day prison has CCTV footage, besides that he must have had help, for how did he know where to fit the make do harness he had made from the plastic on his bed’s mattress.

Picture the scene of a prison yard with just a few people standing and wandering around some of whom are prison guards and this guy holding plastic straps in his hand walks up to a lorry and climbs underneath without being noticed. It is obvious he must have had a lot of help. He might just as well have borrowed, or stole if you like, a prison guards’ bike and rode out of the jail on that. I doubt if he would have been noticed.

INSOLVENCY:

The news this morning, as I write in early September, is that nearly one thousand migrants arrived on the coast in Kent yesterday and were in a queue being processed at

Apparently, the young man was in the premises when, suddenly, the woman approached him. "With libidinous spirit she touched his bottom, lowering her hand down his leg in a lascivious manner," the sentence states.

Given what happened, the young man turned to the woman and said: "Hey, what's going on?" However, despite the young man's complaints, the woman continued with her inappropriate behaviour. She returned to stand next to the victim and touched his bottom again, which caused him to feel uncomfortable, before finally leaving the premises. Immediately, the young man reported the incident to the Pamplona Municipal Police who were in the vicinity of the premises at the time.

the Border Force offices. A continuous poison drip feeding into the country, bringing the total to 25,700 plus persons this year, swamping services, the medical profession, the police and a range of other necessities to deal with this swarm of people, overwhelming the facilities so the very fabric of the way of life is being changed.

I would like to think that the wonderful world we left behind us, twenty odd years ago is nowhere near as bad as the newspapers say in their reporting on the daily crime figures, of stabbings, stealing, rape and murder also the number of police officers having their collar felt for stepping out of line for sexual reasons. Are the actual events anything like the reading implies? However, my wishful thinking is just that.

It looks to me like what we are seeing is the total collapse of the British way of life, the tenderness, honesty and friendship being blown away by runaway thugs who owe nothing to anyone in the way of respect, with a determination to cause as much damage in their greed to steal and run riot with no

recognition for law and order. This effect of lawlessness, rumbles on through Britain with a huge cost not only to the Government but also local authorities a number of which have gone into administration after running short of money, the latest being Birmingham, the largest council in Europe, partly caused in their struggle to cope with the increased services they need to provide as immigrants flood through the towns and cities and day to day needs being swamped by additional statistics.

My words here suggest that the United Kingdom is the only country with the migrant problem but that would be wrong, the Western World is suffering from this invasion, all are having difficulty in coping with the numbers.

What we are seeing is, in my view is a deliberate invasion for the destruction of the West’s way of life, developed with care and understanding by our forefathers. Take care. www.facebook.com/percy chattey books - Percy’s writings has won five first awards.

RULES FOR RIDING E-SCOOTERS

The first thing we must point out before detailing some of the standard rules is that each municipality can set their own rules, although some national legislation establishes a minimum criterion, and the local rules are generally to enforce stricter compliance.

Therefore, is it crucial that you check with your local authority as to what their established norms are for using e-scooters (or any VMP), before you use them.

That does mean that the rules can be different from one municipality to the next, however VMP’s are not permitted on interurban roads, the roads that connect municipalities, so it would not be normal to cross borders in

this way.

In principle, the use of a helmet is dictated by each municipality. However, it is always highly recommended that you wear a suitable helmet on one of these vehicles. As a general rule, we should travel with our electric scooters on bike lanes, where available, otherwise on the road, keeping right at all times and observing all signs and signals.

VMP vehicles are not permitted on pedestrian areas, which includes pavements, plazas, squares, etc, but also includes pedestrian crossings, if you are crossing the road following the route of pedestrians. In this case, you should be walking with the vehicle.

It is not (currently) mandatory to have insurance, but this again is highly recommended. Some municipalities do insist on this and so, again, you need to check locally. This is something that is still being considered on a national level. It is important because if you are involved in an incident which is deemed your fault, you will be personally liable for any damages, enforceable through the courts. Drivers of e-scooters, any VMP, are subject to all normal traffic rules, which includes alcohol limits. For those under 18, the limit is zero. Similarly, you must not use a mobile phone

when driving, nor are you allowed to have headphones or earpieces in.

High visibility clothing is recommended at all times, and is mandatory during times of poor visibility, such as at night, or in poor weather. Again, some town halls have made this a compulsory requirement at all times.

Driving an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol and other drugs can result in a fine between e500 and e1,000 depending on the level of alcohol or e1,000 if drugs are involved. If the test is positive, the vehicle will also be immobilised, as is the case with the rest of the vehicles.

For using a mobile phone while driving a scooter or any other communication device, the fine will be e200.

For those who wear headphones, drive at night without lighting or reflective clothing, or if they do not wear a helmet, if the municipal ordinance contemplates this measure as mandatory, the fine will be e200.

Finally, although there are many other rules which you should consult before driving one of these vehicles, it is important to not that the “P” in VMP means “personal”, that is to say that these vehicles are exclusively designed for a single person to use. You must never carry passengers.

WORK TO GET UNDERWAY ON TORREVIEJA’S LA HOYA DEVELOPMENT

WORLD ALZHEIMER'S DAY; BUT NOT IN ORIHUELA COSTA!

Orihuela's commemorated World Alzheimer's Day at the Auditorium La Longa in the city,where the Mayor,Pepe Vegara,and the Councillor of Health, Irene Celdrán attended the reading of a manifesto. But there was no celebration in Orihuela Costa, even though the coast has far more cases of Alzheimers and Dementia,and where the aging population is unable to access a specialist Centre.

Local charities and Associations do their best to support those in need of help,but most cannot offer qualified trained staff,who are desperately needed.

There are many residents who suffer from any of the 600 neurological conditions,who deserve a centre dedicated to their needs here ion the coast, so why are there no facilities for these residents?

They pay their Suma and taxes !

Despite already having an abundance of empty properties, largely due to population decline, and a new controversial tower block complex being built in a park area, work will begin on Monday on a Torrevieja urbanisation that has the capacity to house another 7,500 properties, on a 1.8 million square metre plot, known as La Hoya.

Situated alongside the CV-road, between the Jardin Del Mar and La Siesta urbanisations, this new estate, which would have the potential for 18,000 new residents, or 18,000 vacancies, will also include a new commercial area of 100,000 square metres.

For the purpose of comparison, nearby Habaneras shopping centre has a commercial space of less than a quarter of that, at 24,100 square metres, and is already struggling to compete with the monster sized Zenia Boulevard, so the proposals for the commercial area at La Hoya will provide competition for both.

The Temporary Union of Companies that has been awarded the status of urban developer is formed by Grupo TM Torrevieja, Grupo Corpic de Elche, Eurovillas del Mar and Urbanizadora S14.

The companies Grupo TM and Grupo Corpic, specialised in tourism-residential promotion, are the ones that have the greatest relevance in the urbanisation process as they have a larger per-

centage of ownership of the land.

PRONE TO FLOODING

The budget for the execution of the main infrastructures such as roads, equipment, lighting, sanitation networks, drinking water, green areas and stormwater collection is 57 million euro, the latter which would have to be significant as the properties will be built on an area prone to flooding, especially during heavy rain, and the appearance of buildings would add to the burden of the already inadequate network, with many existing property owners unable to sell their dampened homes as a result of the persistent floods.

The land has previously been listed as undevelopable but that historic classification, and the reasons thereof, are of no consequence in this day and age, as the land was reclassified in 2009, allowing both the International Auditorium, and the San Jaime Hospital, now Quironsalud, to be built.

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, will attend the potential groundbreaking event on Monday, as he is the person said to be responsible for all of this urban development, although it is impossible to know if he will attend the ceremony which will mark the completion of the work, as this is not scheduled to take place for another 25 years.

ORIHUELA COSTA DIGITAL MAP - COUNCIL DECADE OF STAGNATION

It’s taken ten years but after a decade of stagnation, in an effort to keep up to date with the needs of its residents and visitors, Orihuela City Council has updated the Orihuela Costa street map on its official website.

The update of the map has been possible thanks to the collaboration between the Department of Statistics and the IT department of the Oriolano town and now, with the update, residents, tourists and professionals now have access to accurate and updated information that will assist in their work and daily lives.

The new digital plans, available in PDF format, offer a wide range of essential functionalities. Users can easily search for

individual streets and, even more useful, locate portal numbers, which will prove invaluable to postmen and parcel companies operating in the area. Additionally, these features will be very useful for other professionals such as taxi drivers and tourist offices who depend on accurate information to provide their services.

One of the most important aspects of this update is in respect of the Orihuela coast, which is home to numerous urbanisations. These constantly growing areas require an updated street map that accurately reflects the expansion and evolution of the municipality.

The street map includes a general plan of the Oriola coast

and 38 plans of the different coastal urbanizations, such as Cabo Roig, Playa Flamenca, Las Ramblas, La Florida and Villamartín.

The street maps of the Orihuela coast can be found in the Coastal Department tab on the Orihuela Council website www.orihuela.es

According to the statistics,there are more residents suffering from Alzheimer's and Dementia living permanently in Orihuela Costa than those living in Orihuela city and all of it’s 27 villages. So where can they go for help? Where do their Carers get the support and the equipment they need to make their lives a little easier?

Bigastro,an independent town 8km from Orihuela, has a dedicated Alzheimer's and Dementia centre with only a population of less than 7,000.

Mental health issues can be catered for in Orihuela city at two ADIEM centres 38km distant but there are no direct buses.People with long term mental health conditions do not usually have their own transport,they usually rely on friends.

ORIHUELA COSTA NEEDS AN ALZHEIMER'S/DEMENTIA CENTRE NOW!

Anyone suffering from these long term conditions, should not have to travel to the otherside of Orihuela city or to the AFA Centre in Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa also needs an ADIEM Centre for those suffering from Mental Health issues.

The Mayor stated,"Every year,September 21,the Valencian community in Spain celebrates World Alzheimer's Day,a great opportunity to make ourselves heard,claiming the needs in the Valencian Community for all families affected by dementia. We need progress now,we need Alzheimer's to be a priority because the condition is increasing,but the means to address it are not.

The text was read in which the improvement of services and care for people suffering from Alzheimer's was highlighted,such as their families and carers".

We can join this movement,invite the Mayor and Councillor for Health to Orihuela Costa,to give a presentation to the residents on the coast,to update everyone with the current status of the Health and Welfare system within the Orihuela region,including Alzheimer's and Dementia plus those with any other neurological and mental issues.

Hopefully,they can give assurances that they will build the centres urgently needed to reassure the residents that their long term future needs will be catered for,thus not causing more stress which in turn creates more health problems to be dealt with by the medical professionals,who are already overstretched in Orihuela Costa.

SUBJECT: “It’s

a mad mad world” article

Dear Editor,

I would just like to comment on the above article in your paper in 4th-10th September edition page 22.

The writer talks about the World Cup kiss but has minimised the very serious nature of the action of Luis Rubiales which took place in front of the world and the writer did not demonstrate an understanding of the significance of such an assault.

He suspected that LR “didn’t put his brain in gear” so does that make it ok now? The implications of the article are that LR did a silly thing but now it has happened let’s all move on.

The writer talks about what LR should have done, ie kiss on both cheeks instead, but it is way too late for the writer

to be making any of that analysis now.

The issue is not about what he should have done, it is about what he should not have done and the aggression demonstrated in this act.

Jenni, the footballer, was clearly the victim of a sexual assault, whether LR was caught up in the moment or not as the writer analysed.

The writer didn’t indicate any understanding of the issue of consent and instead said LR tried to pretend it was consensual which demonstrated a superficial understanding of the significance of what had happened.

It gets worse. The writer ends the article by saying that women have suffered for generations by not being treated as equals, what does he mean by that?

Why bring in equality issues when the story of LR is not about equality, it is about consent, power and assault. He then goes on to say “we’re getting there”(about equality). In whose opinion are we getting there, it seems very much the writers own opinion.

The writer, who had described LR as acting in a macho, matador style, goes on himself to act in that very style by condemning the women marching in the street to support Jenni.

He described them as an “oh woe is me” group and that he was getting bored of “minorities banging on about injustices and trying to get reparations at every turn”.

If you are reading this you are probably a Brit or at least a northern European, where for 9 months of the year we look forward to summer.

Summer is still marvellous but if we are honest perhaps a little over the top. After a week or two of indifferent weather we now have a winter to look forward to.

This of course includes getting back to gentle competitive exercise on the bowling green. This season we kick off with a Friendship Shield

Matt Smith's former C.C.'s Flyers are now Dominos Dominognomes and Winnie Mackay's Angels Delights play as the Tasty Taverners (Tavern - V. Martin Plaza).

Mind the Gap's dominance for the past couple of seasons may well be challenged this term, Smith has pulled some influential strings and has amassed a "who's who" of Spanish darts, if they play on a regular basis they are serious contenders.

What !!!! Did he actually say that? In a newspaper article? Macho, matador, shocking language from the writer. Why should they not? They understandably felt very strongly about how Jenni had been treated and wanted to show their support for her.

Tony Mayes, the writer, started off the article by attempting to be empathetic to Jenni but ended it by strongly denouncing those who were supporting her on the streets. These women, in his opinion , were jumping on the bandwagon acting as “martyrs”.

I felt this was a very judgemental article written in a very macho style to quote the writers own words.

It minimised a very serious assault/attack and lacked understanding of the impact of such an action, Jenni was clearly distressed by what had happened.

While I recognise these are the writers own words and thoughts and he possibly didn’t intend to come across so angry and harsh I was shocked by the hostile tone of the article which by the very fact that the newspaper published the article gave the impression that the newspaper supported what the writer had to say.

I just wished to draw your attention to my thoughts on this article.

Best wishes

FIONA COSGROVE (By email)

game against our old friends from Montemar. This consists of two teams from each club, 1 playing at home and 1 playing away. This year's game was played in beautiful weather and a wonderful atmosphere. It's a friendship season opener and we like to think the score does not matter but of course it does.

If you feel the score does matter than La Marina won 7 rinks to 1 and looks after the Friendship shield for another year.

by each team plays each other twice.

The statutory competitions stay, plus a new "blind draw - mixed triples" played at seasons end.

After a seasons trial with a European dartboard, the league has reverted back to a Winmau Blade 6, the competition board used on television for all P.D.C. professional darts events. It is a league rule that all matches are to be played on a free issue Winmau board.

The week finished off with a shared birthday dinner, for 2 of our ladies all in all it's really nice to be back in a club setting and chatting with friends and keeping fit.

Much better that walking around the urb I can assure you.

If you not bowling there will be a club near you, so give it a try it really is a very pleasant way of networking and getting to know the area.

Visitors are always welcome to our club where there is invariably someone to talk to sitting on the terrace watching the game.

COSTA BLANCA INDEPENDENT POOL

Hacienda bounce back

The summer sabbatical between last season's conclusion and the new 2023 / 24 season is almost over, with opening matches taking

place on October 5th. Two new teams are included this term, Fire Station (Via Park 1) and Illy's Oldies (Eagles Nest).

Also quietly improving their squad are the Tipsy Toad Toppers, their additions are quality players, with a full squad complement, they will be a match for Gap and "Gnomes".

Even with an extra 2 teams, the season's length has been reduced (to the relief of some), to a straight 2 divisions, where-

The committee are pleased to confirm SERENITY INSURANCE are continuing their support of Thursday darts, managing director Jane Leggat welcomes new enquiries for all types of family insurance.

Don't forget to mention darts in all enquiries for the best quotes.

The La Hacienda bounced back from an opening season defeat with a resounding 7-3 win against The Olde 9th Young Boys in the Costa Blanca Independent Pool League division one.

Gary McKay, Colin McDonald, Darren Masters, Keith Oakes, and David Temple wracked up wins for the victors.

Peter Cleaver, Jimmy Bryce and Stan West returned wins for Young Boys.

Flyods and The Pines A went head-to-head in a 5-5 frame encounter, with Tim Wright, Mel

Lince, and Dave Pope winning for Flyods; Wayne Morrison, Anthony Dunn, and Ray Fennel chalking up wins for Pines. Happy Days Too B suffered a 64 home loss against visitors The Club Quesada A; The Club Quesada B drew 5-5 against Happy Days Too A.

The Laguna Tavern B defeated Algorfa Top End Bar 7-3; The Olde 9th Shakers drew 5-5 against The Cafe Almoradi. The Pines B defeated Catral Sheerin's 6-4, with Tony Yeo, Paul Wilkinson, Fred Kay, and Dave McGreevy chalking up wins for Pines B.

LA MARINA BOWLS CLUB WITH DAVE HADAWAY

Tournament success for Playa Flamenca Walking Football

On Monday 18th September an over 50's Walking Football tournament was organised by Formentera Walking football club and held at Formentera Sports ground.

There was a total of 6 teams invited to play this competition. Two teams from Englnd, M&J from Bedford and a team from Preston, one from Costa del Sol, Nerja, one from Murcia, Fortuna, Formentera the organising team and Playa Flamenca Walking Wanderers

All teams enjoyed the days football, and then onto Formentera's sponsor's bar, Rumours in Formentera for a

fantastic B.B.Q

After a hard but very competitive day of football the winning team was Playa Flamenca Walking Wanderers, who wish to thank all who took part in making this tournament such a success. Not only the teams involved but all 3 of the referee's who controlled the games admirably, and the people behind the scenes who maintained the score board, and general management of the competition. For further information and details for Playa Flamenca Walking Football please contact the club secretary on:flamencawalkingfootball@gmail.com

Switzerland beat Scotland in Costa Cálida U16 Supercup

The Swiss under-16 team are the champions of the Costa Cálida Supercup that was held last week at Pinatar Arena, beating Scotland in the final (41).

The Swiss team won their first semi-final against Poland and in the final, despite falling a goal behind, they went on to score a comfortable win.

In the match for third and fourth place, Poland beat a combative Faroe Islands. More than 1,000 people were able to watch the four matches of the Costa Cálida Supercup under-16 live and follow the developments of some of the most promising players on the international scene.

QUIZ FROM PAGE 14:

1.Albert Einstein's, 2.Monty Python's Life Of Brian, 3.Hyacinth, 4.Buenos Aires and Montevideo, 5. Eight answers.a.four b.two c. three d.three e.four f.four, 6. Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five, 7.Etihad, 8.266, 9.The Old Man And The Sea, 10.Four answers.a. New Delhi, b.Memphis, c.Mexico City, d.Sarajevo.11.Long jump.12. Answer a.Rihanna.13.Sally Ride. 14.Bismarck.15.Fast (swift etc).16. Big Bad John.17.Four answers.a. Solaris, b.From Dusk Till Dawn, c. The Perfect Storm, d.Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? 18.Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu.19. Love Potion Number 9.20.A Clockwork Orange

SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION

The four teams participating in the Costa Cálida Supercup have generated more than 500 rooms in the Mar Menor and San Pedro del Pinatar area in the five days that the event lasted.

The Costa Cálida Supercup will continue from October 8 to 14 with the under-19 tournament that will feature Scotland, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland and the Faroe Islands.

LA MARINA GOLF SOCIETY

21.09.23 - The venue for this week’s match was at the Altorreal golf course, where the members of the La Marina Golf Society met to play for the Mike Barbour Memorial Trophy.

With the addition of some new members and some old friends, a Texas Scramble game was a brilliant way for all the members to have a great time and play some golf of course.

The winners on countback were Dave Sligtham, Sven Foerland, Jeff Wiszniewski and Tony Moore. With Bill Allen, Sue Roberts Lyall, Howard Bridges and Mark Haythorne taking second place. In third place were Iain Lyall, Dave Freeman, Jimmy Scott and Mike Green. Nearest the pin winners were as follows, on hole 5 Jimmy Scott, for hole 8 was Sarah McCabe and for hole 10 was Howard Bridges.

A big thank you to all those who took part and for making it a great day out.

Playa Flamenca Walking Football Club is at: flamencawalkingfootball@gmail.com

The winners on countback were Jeff Wiszniewski, Dave Sligtham, Sven Foerland and Tony Moore.

LOOKING AHEAD TO FINALS AT LINEA DIRECTA VALENCIANS

BY SUZI COOPER

We are coming to the final stages now. All semi finals have been played with the exception of the Mens Pairs which are Sunday 24th.

In the Mixed Rinks, Graham Richardson, William Miller, Darren Reynolds & Carole Donnellan (Country Bowls) have made it through to the final & will play Dave Morrison, Andy Miles, Debbie Perryman & Sue Bosworth (Greenlands) on Monday at 2pm.

In the Mixed Triples, Sheila Westwood, Paul Durham & Freddie Willey (Vistabella) will play Pete Bonsor, Lisa Bonsor & Peta Rhodes. The final will be played on Tuesday 26th at 10am.

The Mixed Pairs final will be contested by Sabrina & Russell Marks (Emerald Isle) and Darren Reynolds & Carole Donnellan (Country Bowls) on Sunday 24th at 2pm.

The Ladies Pairs final is an all Emerald Isle affair, Sue Elvin & Jackie Fenty will play Mary Dyer & Sabrina Marks on Monday 25th at 10am.

At the same time the final of the Mens Pairs will take place.

The 2 Premier events are the Ladies & Mens Singles. The finals of both will take place Tuesday 26th at 2pm.

In the Ladies Singles Peta Rhodes (Greenlands) will play Mary Dyer (Emerald Isle)

In the Mens Singles Pete Bonsor (Greenlands) will play Dave Morrison (Greenlands)

SAN MIGUEL BOWLS CLUB

On Monday 18th September San Miguel Bowls Club continues their preparation for the start of this years Winter Games by hosting a friendly game with Indalo Bowling Club from Mojacar.

The games were based on shots only and San Miguel came out on top with 145 shots to 103, our best rink were Roy Widgery, Anne Young, Dave Young and Steve Cantley, 28 - 10. After the game both teams enjoyed a two course lunch at Morgans Bar, Eagles Nest.

A reminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays 1.30pm for 2.00pm - 5 for an afternoon’s bowling with shoes and bowls available to borrow. Due to the popularity of the Wasps, first time bowlers are asked to attend an initial coaching session on Tuesday afternoons, starting at 1.45pm, by appointment ONLY. To book, please call Dave or Lynn Greenland on +34 667 207 508.

We welcome all bowlers who would like to join San Miguel B.C. as we are a unique clubwe only pay owner fees and a club fee and NO LEAGUE RINK FEES.

tions all boats managed to complete 4 laps.

By the start of the second race the wind direction had changed so it was decided to reverse the course. Due to error by the Race Officer the start was slightly chaotic and a total recall had to be made! Within 5 minutes race was under way again with all dinghies crossing the line together. The wind had increased to 6 knots which helped the competitors have a classic race with four boats completing 7 laps and one 6 laps.

Everyone had a good day, despite the changing wind directions and the average lap times in seconds after applying handicaps were.

First race, Cuatro 509, Uno 530, Dos 541, Tres 565, Laser Radial 572. Second race, Cuatro 367, Dos 384, Laser Radial 412, Tres 419, Uno 439.

The next race day was Wednesday September 20th and 4 boats signed on to race. Dos, Tres, Cuatro, Gineta.

and Cuatro 2 minutes behind. Gineta had still not started.

At the end of the first lap, Tres had managed to catch Dos and they completed the lap neck and neck. The wind by this time was very light and variable. Gineta managed to cross the start line, then stopped with sail problems and drifted backwards across the line. Later she had to be rescued from the race by the support boat and retired.

At the end of the second lap both Dos and Tres tried different tracks to find the breeze, the wind now down to 3 knots variable south easterly. Tres rounded the first mark ahead of Dos, who then caught up and passed Tres at the second mark. Cuatro was still behind by one mark.

The second race day of the SAMM autumn season on Sunday September 17th went well with no surprises.

The first race was delayed due to lack of

wind and did not start until 12:00, with only 2.8 knots, but, as none of the Balaton Sailfish were competing, it was decided to go ahead. Excellent start with all 5 dinghies over the line within 30 seconds. Despite the condi-

Race 1 again being delayed waiting for enough wind, starting with 5 knots south westerly at 11:15. Dos was first over the line at only +1 second, closely followed by Tres at +5 seconds. Cuatro followed at + 20 seconds with Gineta way behind the line not being able to make any headway.

The wind speed dropped to 3 or 4 knots as Dos lead at the first mark, followed by Tres

The 2 leading boats changed places yet again, with Tres crossing the finishing line ahead of Dos, followed by Cuatro some minutes later. Cuatro retired to the shore, leaving only 2 boats to race. The skippers both agreed that the wind was too light and variable to continue to race. The second race was then abandoned. The wind remained light until we left, after 2:30 pm.

Rather a disappointing day, but we tried. Result after handicaps were Dos 1090, Tres 1140, Cuatro 1407.

Cuatro chasing Uno

Singles finalists, Mary, Dave, Pete and Peta