No 1003 Monday 25th - Sunday 31st December 2023
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THE LEADER NEWSPAPER WISHES A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF OUR ADVERTISERS AND READERS
SEE PAGE 5 & 13
he top prize of the ‘El Gordo’ Christmas Lottery, drawn in Madrid on Friday, was sung out by a pair of nervous schoolboys. The lucky number is 88008, resulting in €4,000,000 per ten ticket series, winning €400,000 for each ticket holder.
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In keeping with tradition, the lucky numbers were sung by children from Madrid’s San Ildefonso school in a nationally televised draw on Friday from the Teatro Opera House in the capital. This keenly awaited lottery has proven to be worth the wait, handing out more than $2.86 billion in prizes to hundreds of winners across the country, spreading its wealth far and wide.
O R I H U E L A R U S S O / U K R A I N E C A F ET E R I A SCOOPS €1.2 MILLION EL GORDO WIN
The complex rules of the draw, which allow for many purchases of the same lottery number, make it almost impossible to determine exactly how many people have won. The tickets with the winning number are often sold across several towns and cities, many of which are within the Vega Baja. Indeed, on Friday, prizes to the value of 101,818,000 euros were won in the province of Alicante alone. The most anticipated prize, ‘the Fat One’, went to number 88008, leaving a total of 6,000,000 euros in 15 tenths. Most of them have been won in Elche, although other lucky people with a share of the top prize can be found in Benidorm, Torrevieja, Alicante and Santa Pola.
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE EL GORDO LOTTERY WINNERS
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El Gordo winners celebrating in
"La Bohemia" in Orihuela
Of especial significance is the 5th prize award that was won by Ana and Anastasia, lifelong friends who run a cafeteria in Los Andenes de Orihuela.
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The friendship between the Russian Anastasia and Ukrainian Ana, led them to set up a joint business that opened its doors on August 1 in the heart of Orihuela, in Los Andenes. It is a cafeteria that they chose to call "La Bohemia".
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Far from the bloodshed that is taking place thousands of kilometres away, and oblivious to the war that their two countries have been fighting for almost two years , these friends and partners have experienced two exciting moments in just five months, on August 1, with the opening of the cafeteria, and on December 22, which will be marked forever by the cafeteria, having distributed 1.2 million euros among its customers with the number 86007, the fifth prize, which has 23 ticket holders in Orihuela, 20 of them in ‘La Bohemia’.
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They chose the ticket number from the lottery outlet "Doña Lidia". "We liked it because it starts with 86, the year of birth of both of out births," explained Anastasia, who couldn’t hold back her excitement as lucky customers continued to arrive at the bar. "We wanted number that would only be sold in the cafeteria, so we took that one and look how lucky we were," she says. They have sold 200 tenths worth 6,000 euros, to each happy winner.
Torrevieja, is another blessed sales point having seen many Christmas Lottery wins in recent years. And 2023 they had more lucky winners with one person scooping the top prize with ticket 88008, but also loose tenths of two fifth prizes, 01568 and 86007.
‘The Golden Rabbit’, a lottery outlet located in one of the busiest Carrefour shopping centres in the country in
The state lottery organiser (Selae) estimated that the expenditure, per person,
ECOVIDRIO LAUNCHES CHRISTMAS GLASS RECYCLING CAMPAIGN. Ecovidrio has launched its awareness campaign with the aim of educating the general public about the importance of recycling glass containers, at a time when 20% of the entire years’ worth of glass is expended. Thanks to this initiative, the people of Torrevieja will be able to learn about the importance of recycling glass and how much each individual can contribute with this simple gesture. Ecovidrio is the non-profit group in charge of managing the recycling of glass packaging waste in Spain and has launched the campaign in collaboration with the Torrevieja City Council. The announcement of the campaign was made by the Urban Cleaning Councilor of
for this year's Christmas lottery was 71.67 euros, around two euros more than in 2022, but don't worry if you didn’t win on Friday you can always look forward to the El Niño, the similar, but less well known, lottery draw with a prize pot of 700 million euro, that could bring you some extra cash in the new year, on 6 January.
the Torrevieja City Council, María José Ruiz, and the Ecovidrio Zone Manager, Roberto Fuentes. According to the 2022 data, the people of Torrevieja have recycled a total of 2,864,250 kilograms of glass containers. This means that each person recycled an average of 34.2 kilograms of glass. The glass that is deposited in the containers is used to manufacture new bottles which will enable us to avoid the growth of landfills. Recycling glass is a key element in the fight against climate change. By using calcín – recycled glass – in the manufacture of new containers, the extraction of raw materials from nature is avoided, avoiding soil erosion and deforestation of our environment. In addition, CO2 emissions in the manufacturing process are minimized and energy is saved.
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 PART OF THIS NEWSPAPER MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHERS.
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ORIHUELA BUDGET FOR 2024 TO BE APPROVED IN JANUARY The mayor, Pepe Vegara (PP), with the Vox spokesperson, Manuel Mestre, to his right
The mayor of Orihuela, Pepe Vegara, has said that the 2024 budget is finished and that he hopes to have it approved in the Plenary meeting to be held toward the end of January. These would be the first accounts to be approved since 2018, the last year in which the budgets were agreed. The mayor added that he made a per-
sonal promise to push the accounts through and to have them approved and he is going to be able to keep his word.
tions have been a regular issue of the new local executive of PP and Vox in order that they are able to make investments and ensure payments.
The Orihuela accounts been extended year after year since 2018, which makes the efforts of the City Council and the different government departments very difficult. Credit modifica-
However, the opposition does not believe that the accounts can be passed after five years in which no local government has managed to approve them.
DOOR TO DOOR MAIL FOR SIX ORIHUELA COSTA URBS ostal deliveries will once again be carried out to individual home mailboxes in six areas of the Orihiela Costa. This was agreed by the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC), on December 11, following the request made last year by the municipal Council.
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The CNMC agrees with the claim of the previous Oriolano government that the residents of the urbanizations of Dehesa de Campoamor, Cabo Roig, La Zenia, La Zenia II, La Regia and Mil Palmeras will no longer have to make a pilgrimage to the Playa Flamenca post office to collect their mail and will in future see it delivered under the same conditions as the rest of the Oriolanos. The agreement was announced on Friday by Ciudadanos councillor Luisa Boné and former assessor Modesto Veloso. They said that the councillor had first requested the reintro-
duction of mail deliveries with an application to CNMC for the reversal of the declaration of special environment of these six urbanisations. That it was in May 2022, after collecting reports from a number of council departments and the municipal water service Hidraqua. Boné said that "in order to reverse this situation on the coast, the municipal reports have been key because we have been able to demonstrate that Orihuela Costa is an urban complex separated from the main urban centre of Orihuela, and therefore deserving of consideration and evaluation independent of the main core. She said that the fact that "the coastline has a series of services such as the health centre, schools, the secondary school, the civic centre, and even its own town hall was justified." Since 2014, residents of this area of the municipality have been forced to go to the Post Office itself to collect their mail.
Ciudadanos councillor Luisa Boné and former assessor Modesto Veloso.
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THREE COMPANIES PROSECUTED FOR CONTAMINATING THE MAR MENOR Three companies, Portman Golf, Gestalia and Tragsa, and their administrators or legal representatives, have just been prosecuted by the Cartagena courts in what is being referred to as the 'Balsa Jenny case'.
Orihuela ecoparks will not be ready until the end of 2024
They are accused of depositing dangerous waste of mining origin in the Los Blancos landfill, authorized for inert waste only, and of transporting the materials "untreated, uncovered and uninsulated."
The ecoparks will take much longer that the council previously stated in that the necessary transfer of the land to the Regional Waste Consortium is taking longer than expected.
The order states that the companies had committed a continuous crime against the environment and natural resources, by failing to comply with their obligations "in the treatment and transfer of the mining waste from Balsa Jenny to its subsequent deposit in the Corta de los Blancos, just 900 metres away.
The municipal Planning department is still working on the transfers, in the case of the coast, working on the reparcelling proposal necessary for its approval in the Plenary before actually making the transfer. Meanwhile, in the case of the urban area, there are also problems. The Council is assessing the suitability of the proposed plots, one next to the Puente Alto industrial estate, where garbage trucks are parked, and, on the other, a plot owned by the municipal company Surpal, on the Montepinar road. On the coast, despite objections from local the chosen plot is in on the edge of the popular residential urbanisation, Lomas de Cabo Roig. The council hopes to be able to carry out these tasks in the first few months of next year. From there, they calculate that, according to best forecasts, the urban and coastal ecoparks could be built by the end of 2024. The deadlines given for the execution and for the ecopark model chosen by the Consortium is just six months. "The work as such will be carried out very quickly," they say.
The accusation goes even further stating that "the actions showed, at all times, a conscious, deliberate, absolute and manifest disregard for the legal regulations on the matter, for the ecosystem that surrounds the affected lands and ultimately for human health itself”, with all of them placed in a situation of serious risk. The judge considers that these facts are accurate thanks to the investigation that began in 2014. He places special emphasis on the conclusions made by the Nature Protection Service (Seprona) of
MINGLE BELLS PEEL OUT FOR CRUZ ROJA Starting with a delicious two course Christmas meal followed by Quiz, Raffle, Tombola, plus spot prizes and Christmas songs courtesy of the "Melody Makers" singing group who sang Christmas carols and songs. Santa Claus also made a surprise visit to give out mince pies which were kindly donated by the "Food Company" Well known Scottish piper Donnie also gave us renditions of Christmas tunes before the raffle was drawn. Organisers, David and Lorraine Whitney were more than happy with the 600 Euros raised for the charity, and would like to thank everybody for their support and kind donations. Thanks to the new team at the Marina Bar who worked very hard to make the event a memorable experience, also to helpers Mary Flynn and Donnie (the piper) and Wendy his wife for their hard work. "Mingle Bells" was yet another successful event at the Marina Bar Calle de las Rosas on Friday 15th December this time raising money for the charity "Cruz Roja".
David and Lorraine have already got their thinking caps on for their next charity events for 2024. The photo shows organizer Lorraine Whitney with food stuffs toiletries, toys etc
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RESIDENTS FESTIVAL COMMISSION ORGANISED ON ORIHUELA COSTA To all AAN Supporters Its been a very busy year again for the AAN CHARITY. ASOCIACION de AYUDA al NECESITADO We are currently helping up to 75 families (all from La Marina Urb and San Fulgencio) each month with food, personal hygiene products and cleaning products. We open our charity shop six mornings a week and we also sell 2nd hand furniture in the Catholic Church in La Marina. In addition to this we hold two Fashion Shows, two Race Nights, an Easter Fair, a Christmas Fair and a Gala Night,
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ast week, a group of residents met at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall where they announced the establishment of a committee that would be responsible for the organisation of fiestas and parades on the coast. Envious at the joy and colour that such occasions bring to local villages and towns, but disappointed by the lack of initiative and support provided to such events on the coast, by the Orihuela municipal councillor and the councillor for fiestas, residents have taken matters into their own hands with the creation of their own Festival Commission. After announcing the board and outlining its proposed responsibilities at a gathering in the town hall salon, they revealed that they are already in the process of arranging a calendar of festivals through the commission, the first of which will be held on Saturday 17 February, for which no less than 27 troupes have already agreed their participation. There will be four invited troupes from Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada and the rest will be made up from the Orihuela Costa schools, the IES Playa Flamenca, local dance schools, the Civic Centre, the AMPAs and the neighbourhood associations and different nationalities, with the proposed route around Playa Flamenca and Los Dolses. The promoters confirm that they have the support of the Orihuela City Council and that they will be asking for financial support. “If there is no financial support, which the City Council has already told us that it is unlikely, they will provide us with a stage and music. We will also have the support of sponsors, since many businessmen from the coast have shown interest in there being as many events here as in the city and in the districts," according to the president of the
Orihuela Costa Festival Commission, Rosa Cárcamo, whose board is made up of eight members. Thereafter they propose to celebrate local festivals during the month of June, from the 23rd to the 30th, around San Juan and the beginning of summer, "with activities in all the neighbourhoods, thus seeking the involvement of all the Orihuela Costa residents". The calendar will continue on 31 October when, together with residents and business owners in La Florida and Las Filipinas, their plan is to assist with the organisation of a Halloween parade, already a, annual event in the area, but with which they might be able to help or call on additional support. Their final objective is to close the festive calendar with the now traditional Christmas party on the La Zenia beach on 25 December, something they will promote with the help of the Cabo Roig and Lomas Neighbourhood Association. Until now this party has had no formal organisation or authorisation and been organised spontaneously with residents simply turning up on the day. In recent years, this massive gathering has established itself as a regular and extremely popular event in Orihuela Costa that brings together thousands of foreign residents who congregate on the beach, many dressed as Santa Claus, to celebrate Christmas with their barbecues. In the last plenary session, the Cabo Roig y Lomas Neighbourhood Association addressed a question to the Councilor for the Coast, Manuel Mestre, about whether it envisaged better organisation in the future. The association asked that the festival lose its spontaneous character and be formally adopted by the authorities so that it can have the support of the municipal council with police supervision, toilets and regulated organisation, something to which it seems that the City Council has agreed and that it intends to resolve with the provision of an ambulance and Local Police patrols. The idea of the festival commission arose from the need to establish and consolidate festivals on the coast, which, the commission stated, “could be so important to its economy and its future development”. As such this group of residents, together with supporters from other local associations, decided to announce this project and thus provide more leisure opportunities to residents and to visitor. They added that the calendar is still open to the addition of possible future parties. The residents of Orihuela Costa have now decided to join together to create this festival commission since they have few celebrations in the area and many of those tend to be centred around Zenia Boulevard. The intention of this commission is to organize activities in all the neighbourhoods of the Oriola coast "because we want to integrate the entire coast," explains Cárcamo. Whilst the Cabo Roig y Lomas Neighbourhood Association supports the project its spokesman informed the festival commission that its membership is currently on hold "until, at a future general assembly the Commission provides the opportunity for all other associations in Orihuela Costa to join the grouping ".
However, we could not do our job without the very kind and generous cash donations, food and toys, for the children at Christmas. I would like to say a massive thank you to Andy and Michelle Copp who always provide music and entertainment at our functions free of charge and to Sharon and Chris at The Chippy in La Marina where we held our Race Nights, and Clair at The Hillside for a brilliant Gala Night. Many thanks also to Studio 32, Costa Blanca Singers, Sunshine Singers (Andrea), Michelle at The Strand Hair salon, Nicky at New Look Boutique, Lisa at The Outlet, Chris and Bev at J´s, La Marina Walking Football Team Of course we must also remember all our regular customers and the lovely staff. Many Thanks again from the team at the AAN CHARITY Wishing everyone a Very Happy and Healthy New Year Brenda Bentley (President)
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Toys for all Boys and Girls
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launches a campaign of non-sexist games and toys aimed at the boys and girls in the municipality, as well as family members and the general public, “with the objective of both promoting equality and breaking stereotypes in games and toys,” added Rodríguez. The campaign called “Play without limits” aims to encourage a choice of toys and calls on families to choose toys based on the age and tastes of each boy and girl, without any type of social conditioning. Thus, the campaign is made up of posters and information leaflets that will be distributed throughout the municipality, as well as on social networks, and has an interactive guide
he promotion of toys to a particular gender is not permitted in Spain, whether through, for example, colour association, or antiquated gender-assumed roles, and Orihuela town hall is raising awareness of this through a campaign to promote toys as suitable for all.
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The Councillor for Equality, Agustina Rodríguez, presented the “Play without limits”
campaign, with the aim of raising awareness among the population about the need to work against gender inequality “because it is important to focus on childhood as a key stage to break a large part of the injustices that are still evident in our society”, the councillor said. Because play is one of the most valuable tools to explore, learn, experiment, acquire skills and develop socially, the Department of Equality
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that can be consulted from the City Council's website and that will be distributed in schools. This guide contains tips and information that can be very useful to those who want to choose a toy or game without gender stereotypes. Finally, she said that “it is not about imposing on boys and girls what they have to play with, but quite the opposite, of not imposing and leaving them to the free and natural choice of the toy without taking into account the sex". In the picture, left, the councillor is empowering the colour pink, traditionally considered a feminine colour and worn by girls.
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Monday 25th - Sunday 31st December 2023
YOU ARE JUST A NUMBER! hat is your date of birth’, asked the nice lady at the other end of the phone. ‘18091944’ I replied. ‘Ah yes, I have you here,’ she told me instantly.
‘W
I suppose my most important number is the one on my Public Service Card; the one which allows me to walk onto a train in Maynooth and step off within shouting distance of Croke Park.
My numbers game goes back a long way. When I played hurling I was number 31 … being the last jersey they wanted to hang on somebody.
The most important number I was given during those vagabonding years was my Canadian Social Security number; and strangely enough, whilst I have to read my Irish Public Service number, I can still recite my Canadian equivalent off by heart : 503-513-629* (see above)
To this day I use those four numbers for everything where numbers are required: Giving Lotto or raffle numbers, alarm code, locking phone, safe deposit box in hotels … everything!
In actual fact, I am more than ‘just a number’ … I am a whole series of numbers, past and present.
Similarly with my Herd number, which is no use on any phone call, except to the Department of Agriculture, my vet, or farm consultant.
vict’s number!
That number was on my pay check, clock-in card, lunch box, seniority sheet, bonus sheets – and more than any other number in my life that is what I had become.
No, my friends, this was my friendly bank making sure of whom they were talking to. I find that more and more, your DOB is the first ceist asked on any manner of business call. I know now for sure that ‘I am just a number.’
Then I have a VAT number which is only good for a certain type of call.
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At the end of October 1966, I hired on as a trainee miner (known as a ‘shoveller’) with International Nickel Company of Canada. I was given a silver badge with a four digit number, 2289* engraved thereon.
Now, you might think that this type of information was being relayed to a hospital nurse, a garda recruitment centre – or even a life insurance company; whose job it might be to estimate how much longer I might be hanging around?
6218349W* (altered a number or two, to keep somebody else from taking my seat on the train!)
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‘No Lads, its nothing to do with jail time, but my PSV number after Birkenhead Corporation put me through driving school and I became a bus driver. At the age of twenty my number got serious, when I signed up with Birkenhead Corporation as a bus conductor. I had to wear my green badge, with bold black numbers, on the lapel of my uniform at all times while working. I cannot remember the number, but it started with ’10 …’ The
next number I became, I can tell you exactly, because I’m looking at it right now. After Birkenhead Corporation put me through driving school, I became a bus driver … and I have the badge to prove it! ‘PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLE. 83864. DRIVER.’No, Lads, I don’t have a con-
I have a driving licence number, a bank account number, a credit card number, an Electric Ireland number, an Eflow number – not to mention of course an Eircode number. Is it any wonder that my head is sometimes spinning from doing the maths? People bamboozle me with their daily numbers. I am told how many steps they took today – and what percentage of those were uphill.
somebody got last night and what percentage is their sleep efficiency. Everyone is now nothing more than a bundle of numbers. And just in case anybody is interested (I’m going to say it anyway, Lads) I received 889 first preference votes when I ran in Westmeath County Council local elections … so there! I was in a waiting room one day last week. Two ladies were the other side of a glass window – busy at work. ‘What about me’, I thought to myself, but I sat down quietly nonetheless. The other people waiting all had their eyes glued to a screen overhead. Not a TV, not a video, not a collage of scenery photographs … only a bright red number. 77 changed to 78 and a hefty woman stood up and was received at the hatch. ‘You have to take a number from the machine’, a kid sitting across from me helpfully explained. Every eye transfixed on the screen – as was mine until ‘Bingo’ … a red 82 came up and I was in! I accept that I am just a number and this is what will be on my headstone when they plant me in Killulagh. ____________________________Pray for 6218349W (Nee: 503-513-629) 1944 - 2043 0f
Whether I give two squirts of youknow-what one way or the other, it seems the most important item on the agenda is to discuss the number of calories my friend burned today.
N91 YX 60
Sorry, but I don’t retain that number for very long. I hear, to the exact minute, how much sleep
May your troubles in the coming New Year be as short-lived as your resolutions.
Mathew: 25 : 21 ______________________________ DON’T FORGET
Orihuela puts February Medieval Market out to Tender Orihuela Council has put out to tender the contract for the celebration of the Medieval Market that the city traditionally hosts the first weekend in February. The Department of Festivities thus hopes to anticipate the awarding of the contract with a few weeks of margin, after what happened with the Christmas contracts in which they have arrived late and with insufficiencies, as in the case of the lights. The specifications establish a minimum fee of 6,000 euro, which the successful bidder will have to pay to the municipal coffers. The estimated value of the contract, like the fee, is close to the figures of previous years, standing at 99,000 euro, which gives an idea of the volume of business and importance of
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this event for the city, having become an icon and a tourist attraction for thousands of visitors from all over the province and Murcia. The document includes the conditions that the Medieval Market must meet, among which stands out the more than one linear kilometre of street vendors, to which are added the taverns, bars and festive spaces. The decoration will be carried out by the winning company, and must recreate the medieval era (banners, heraldry...) where the proposed decorative elements will be evaluated to facilitate the security of the Medieval Market (signage of street furniture, dangerous elements for pedestrians, recommended routes …). The contract requirements also include entertainment, with performances throughout the day.
The event will take place from 2 - 4 February 2024.
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Temperature drop sees price increase of butane gas cylinders
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he butane gas cylinder is a multipurpose product that has become essential in many Spanish homes because of its usefulness in the kitchen and its importance in heating the house with the arrival of the cold.
And it is one of the few items that, in the face of a continued inflation, ahas managed to maintain its cost within reasonable levels. This is due to the limitation imposed by the Government, where the maximum price was established between 8 and
The Government approves a change in the rate every two months
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20 kilograms at 19.55 euros. Currently the price of a 12.5 kilo butane cylinder is now more expensive than it has been previously, something that coincides with the drop in thermometers and the arrival of winter. The Government approves a change in the rate every two months and at the end of November there was an increase that set the price for this and future weeks at 15.14 euros, a price that will remain until January 2024, when a new review will take place. In September the price of a bottle was 14.43 euros, which marked the last drop after it was set at 15.18 euros in July, while in May it was 15.96. Subsequently, there would be six consecutive drops from 19.55 euros in mid-2022. These are prices that are estimated to affect 53 of the 68 million traditional butane cylinders consumed in Spain. For the moment it is too early to know what the evolution of the price of butane will be in 2024, although by law, it cannot increase by more than 5% compared to the previous year. The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) explains, "but almost anything can happen." For the moment, "the only certain thing is that consumption during these two months will increase as it gets colder, so the impact of the review will surely be greater for consumers' pockets," they add.
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New law in France expected to ease Brexit pain for British homeowners Since January 2020, Brits have only been able to spend 90 days in a period of 180 days in the EU – a stark contrast to before we left the bloc, when British citizens enjoyed freedom of movement anywhere within the Schengen Area. Some groups have been much more affected by the 90-day rule than others. Avid travellers and owners of second homes on the continent have, in particular, found themselves more severely restricted. Stephen Jolly, of the pressure group France Visa Free, said: “After two years of campaigning it’s a great achievement to see that France is close to lawfully granting long stay visas automatically to those British citizens with a secondary residence in France. he French Senate and National Assembly have voted to ease the pain caused by Brexit to over 60,000 British homeowners who, in future, may be granted automatic long-stay visas in the country.
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The French government has been under increasing pressure from its own politicians who have large numbers of UK-owned properties in their constituencies. The granting of such visas, which would be an automatic right, would allow British homeowners to spend as much of the year as they wish in France – and not count towards the 90-day limit in the rest of the Schengen Area.
“This is a huge step in the right direction for the France Visa Free campaign, and a recognition that those with a home in France should be allowed to continue living in their homes in just same way that they did before Brexit without having to make France their primary residence. “The current visa process is time consuming and expensive, and really not equitable or reasonable, given that French people can spend six months per visit in the UK, even if they don’t own property. This legislation recognises the problems and is a credible attempt to address the problems. “ Mr Jolly said that his group is also campaigning so that all British visitors will be able to spend extended periods in France.
Spain’s Tourism Minister, Héctor Gómez, speaking earlier this month, expressed his own anger at Spain's position when it comes to the 90-day rule. He said: "Unfortunately, the rule is not something Spain has established by itself or can get rid of. It is in our interest to lobby and convince the EU that we can try to work an exception with them. But the solution must come from them.” The implications of this new law will be immense, and will provide extra weight, especially for those Spanish politicians who are campaigning for the introduction of a similar ruling for the 800,000 British property owners who currently live in Spain. With the setting of this important precedent in France, Tourism Minister, Héctor Gómez is already looking to follow the French example for British second and holiday homeowners.
RYANAIR WARNING TO CHRISTMAS TRAVELLERS With just a few days to the holiday, Ryanair has issued a warning to passengers jetting off over the festive period, with what they have to say applicable to just about all airlines and passengers. They warn of items that are banned from your hold or hand luggage, specifically party poppers or Christmas crackers. On the Ryanair website, the airline explained: "Wait until you get to your destination to buy party poppers, sparklers, fireworks or Christmas crackers.
CRESCENDO CHOIR ON SONG Crescendo International Choir had a busy month in December, performing three concerts in the Costa Blanca community. The most recent of these took place on Saturday, December 16 at Club Quesada, in Rojales where they entertained the crowd with many Christmas favorites. Between these songs, the choir sang Christmas carols along with the audience members, including Away in a Manger, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and Silent Night. On the previous evening, Crescendo performed several Christmas songs at Plaza de
Constitution in Torrevieja, along with a Spanish choir, a Scandinavian choir and the Sette Voci tenors. This even, Carols in the Square, also featured the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra and the “Francisco Casanovas” of Torrevieja. Earlier in the week, they had performed a Christmas concert at La Siesta Evangelical Church in Torrevieja, raising 240 euros for the church’s missionary work. and at the Catholic Church in Benijofar where the bucket collection raised almost 300 euros for the local food bank. Starting in January 2024, choir rehearsals will take place on Thursdays from 17:15 to 19:45 at the Club Quesada. For more details about the choir, see crescendochoir.com. We are also on Facebook.
They are considered explosive or flammable substances – and can’t be carried on board as they contain explosive or highly combustible substances which pose a risk to the health of passengers and crew and the security or safety of the aircraft property. They also warn about wrapping presents that you are carrying in hand luggage as they might
get you in trouble with airline staff and security – as it’s not clear what’s inside them. Bear in mind that they are likely to want to open them up and, as we all know, security staff are not usually too concerned about wrapping them back up. Ryanair warned: ‘Don’t spend hours intricately wrapping gifts to carry in your hand luggage. The airline is also warning travellers to carefully check their luggage, and maybe even check it twice, to make sure they don't have any items that may be confiscated at security.
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LOS MONTESINOS MAYOR TO GET HIS DAY IN COURT José Manuel Butrón to answer charges of bribery and workplace harassment
Mayor Butrón and his deputy mayor Ana Belén
The head of Urban Planning denounced the mayor who allegedly offered him a salary increase in 2012 in exchange for ignoring planning irregularities. An Elche court has set the date for an oral trial against the mayor of Los Montesinos, José Manuel Butrón (PSOE), the deputy mayor Ana Belén Juárez and two council officials, for the 26th April, 24th May, 21st June and 5th July 2024 when it will hear details of an alleged crime of bribery, three administrative wrongdoing and one of workplace harassment.
time it has rejected seven appeals from the defendants requesting that it be archived.
The Prosecutor's Office is asking for one year in prison for the accused while the private prosecution is requesting a sentence of eight to 8 years in prison and 25 years of disqualification from holding public office.
The complaint was made by the chief of Urban Planning in 2012 for alleged "offers of salary increases" by José Manuel Butrón, the mayor of Los Montesinos since gaining its independence in 1991, in exchange for his " tolerance and silence regarding urban planning irregularities."
The Court has taken four years to investigate the case during which
When he refused there was an alleged process "of harassment ini-
tiated in order to get him to leave his job", one of which was being moved out of his council office into a prefabricated room away from all other human contact. Amongst other things he says he was bullied, degraded and publicly discredited. The three crimes of prevarication correspond to one for "each unfair disciplinary file opened" against the complainant. During the long decade of procedural investigation by Torrevieja’s
Investigative Court Number 2, the PSOE-PSPV has failed to adopt any disciplinary measures against Butrón as the party believes that he was not being investigated for corruption in office. He also failed to act when the court opened an oral trial in 2020, with the ethical code establishing resignation in such cases. In the recent Municipal elections, held last May, Butrón once again revalidated his position as mayor of Los Montesinos, a municipality of five thousand residents, for his ninth municipal term of office. He is not only one of the longest standing mayors in the Valencian Community, he is the only to govern since the municipality achieved independence from Almoradí in 1991. Butrón won the election, improving his share of the vote with respect to the previous term in which he obtained nine of the 13 councillors and 64% of electoral support. He has one of the clearest socialist majorities in the
PAGE 11
LA ZENIA T R UCK DRIVER 6 T I M E S OV E R L I M I T
Truck driver found six times over the limit on AP-7 in Orihuela Costa The Guardia Civil has arrested an HGV lorry driver who, during a routine inspection, was found to have a blood alcohol level six times higher than the permitted level. The driver was stopped at km 764, close to La Zenia toll booths, on the AP-7. During a routine inspection check, the officers discovered the driver's state of intoxication, which caused them to immediately immobilise the vehicle. The driver is now being investigated and faces a sentence of between three and six months in prison together with the loss of his driving license for one to four years for an alleged crime of driving under the influence of alcohol.
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MAN ARRESTED IN DOS MARES SHOPPING CENTRE FOLLOWING POLICE STABBING
A man has been arrested this Wednesday evening in San Javier’s Dos Mares Shopping Centre after he stabbed a National Police Officer at a filling station in Alquerias. He fled the scene in a Ford Focus that had been stolen earlier in the day in the district of Beniaján (Murcia). The arrest finally took place at around 6:15 p.m. in Dos Mares after numerous police units, including many from neighbouring forces, had been mobilised to hunt down the aggressor.
The stabbing occurred when the agent, who was in plain clothes along with another police officer, was attempting to arrest of a man who was being monitored for a case of gender violence. It is thought that the suspect is also be related to a robbery that occurred last Thursday night in the district of Puente Tocinos. The suspect was traveling with three other people in a car and had stopped to refuel at a filling station in the Murcia district of Alquerías. The driver got out of the car to pay at the cash register, while the young man who was being searched remained in the passenger seat. The police officer approached the car to make an arrest but as he opened the driver's door, the young man suddenly got out of the vehicle. The officer tried to take out his service weapon, but he was
unable to do so as the aggressor lunged at the agent and stabbed him.
The sequence was recorded by a security camera at the service station and in the images you can see how he flees from the scene on foot, jumping a fence, while the policeman manages to get up from the ground and point his gun, along with his partner. Subsequently, the young man fled in the car towards Cartagena. The emergency health services attended the scene where they treated the agent, reporting that there is no fear for his life. Numerous units of the National Police and local police from several municipalities began a search for the suspect. They had the details and license plate of the car, and after it was spotted a patrol gave chase along the Mediterranean highway towards Cartagena. Initially, the police lost trail of the aggressor in the Cartagena district of Pozo Estrecho, although the vehicle was located again between Torre Pacheco and Los Alcázares. Finally, and after surrounding the suspect, he was arrested in the Dos Mares shopping centre. The suspect is a resident of the district of Los Ramos, is said to have a long criminal record and be the subject of eight current arrest warrants.
First Performer Confirmed for Brilla Torrevieja 2024 Following the success of this year’s event, where the Black Eyed Peas where the headline act, 'Brilla Torrevieja' will return in 2024. It has now confirmed the first artist who will perform at the event, Ana Mena, who will take to the stage in the Antonio Soria park on 10 August 2024.
The policeman (left) just moments before he was stabbed
The Next Train to Alicante Airport will be Before 2030
Tickets for the concert are now available on the festival website, where you can book to see the Andalusian singer, as part of her Bellodrama Tour, thus inaugurating the line-up of artists with whom she will share the stage at the fourth edition, and which will be announced in the coming months along with the rest of the news and surprises, promised by the organisers. With a format that fuses music and culture aimed at all audiences of different styles, 'Brilla Torrevieja' continues to bet on a heterogeneous festival that makes it a diverse and accessible milestone for anyone of any age, encompassing all the demand for family, cultural and musical leisure, both in Torrevieja and the province and surrounding areas, they say.
The European Parliament has accepted the proposal submitted by the previous socialist-led regional government that includes the rail link to Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport as part of the Trans-European Transport Network, considered by the EU as a "priority" project. The proposal also includes the section of the Mediterranean Corridor between Alicante and San Isidro, and the EU project sets 2030 as the deadline to have both routes in operation. The project is now pending the next and monumental stage of being published in the Official Journal, which is imminent. The San Isidro link has been on the table for around 2 decades and will hopefully become a reality before celebrating 25 years of waiting, whereas the project at the airport includes an under-
ground station. Finances for both are available “practically immediately”. Inmaculada Rodríguez-Piñero, the PSPV-PSOE MEP, states that "for the first time in history, the Alicante-Elche airport becomes the 'core' network (as Europe calls this type of priority projects) of the EU railway corridors." A measure that "will guarantee European investments in the present and the future and a clear execution horizon." The socialist representative has also pointed out that these connections "are key for the development of the new industrial and logistics policy of the EU" as well as for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, since this route, according to Rodríguez-Piñero," will take tens of thousands of vehicles off the roads."
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LEONOR BRAVES THE ELEMENTS IN THE PYRENEES rincess Leonor looked completely at ease as she completed military training exercises in the snowy Pyrenees mountains with cadets from the Zaragoza Military Academy.
P
The 18-year-old royal, and first in line to the throne, was pictured braving the freezing cold temperatures in Astún, just days after the winter opening of the resort, prior to her hitting the slopes. Dressed in a camouflage zip-up jacket the princess was at the- ski resort to complete a training exercise. Said to be an accomplished skier, she was also seen carrying a large camouflage backpack and wearing brown suede walking boots as she prepared to receive lessons with her group. The future Queen appeared in very good spirits and was quite happy as she posed for photographs with the colleagues. According to heraldo.es, she is staying in a cabin with as many as twelve other students and was given her basic military equipment before the first training session. During her three years at the academy, Leonor will be entitled to a salary of 417-a-month. However, the palace has said she will not claim the salary. Rather like a boarding school, the military academy follows a strict timetable during the week. but Leonor will be free to return home at the weekends if she's not involved with manoeuvres. After training at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, which is Spain's equivalent of RMA Sandhurst, she will go to naval school, and will then
complete her three years with a 12-month flying course at the General Air Academy in San Javier. Princess Leonor's latest appearance comes at a particularly turbulent time for the Spanish Royal Family - after Queen Letizia's ex-brother-in-law, Jaime Del Burgo, sensationally claims the pair were romantically involved, even after she married King Felipe. The 53-year-old, who is currently based in the UK, The 18-year-old royal, and first in line to the throne, was pictured braving the freezing cold temperatures in Astún.
recently contributed to a tell-all book about Queen Letizia, “Letizia & I,” by journalist Jaime Peñafiel, in which he claimed that he had a relationship with the 51-year-old royal before he married her sister, Telma Ortiz, 50. In the book, Del Burgo also claimed that the two were still romantically involved after Letizia tied the knot with King Felipe, 55, in 2004.
PAGE 14
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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ANSWERS Week 1002
ACROSS 3. Endurance (9) 8. Fat (4) 9. Land (9) 10. Meditate (6) 11. Revolt (5) 14. Sufficient (5) 15. Repose (4) 16. Mock (5) 18. Check (4) 20. Pale (5) 21. Banal (5) 24. Dread (6) 25. Overlooked (9) 26. Bearing (4) 27. Cruelty (9) 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 19
DOWN 1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 11. 12. 13. 17. 19. 22. 23. 24.
Glibness (9) Carry (9) Finished (4) Short (5) Snigger (6) Swarthy (4) Principle (5) Awaken (5) Torpid (9) Wandering (9) Grasped (5) Cheerful (6) Sum (5) Penniless (4) Marquee (4)
QUICK ACROSS: 1 Arch; 3 Attitude; 8 Tiny; 9 Windpipe; 11 Field-glasses; 13 Colour; 14 Ardour; 17 Incisiveness; 20 Exchange; 21 Dawn; 22 Preceded; 23 Else. DOWN: 1 Artifice; 2 Conceal; 4 Triple; 5 Indiscreet; 6 Unite; 7 Even; 10 Adjudicate; 12 Presence; 15 Overall; 16 Single; 18 Niche; 19 Help. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Must; 3 Trifling; 8 Dial; 9 Increase; 11 Inverse order; 13 Hasten; 14 Mingle; 17 Absolute zero; 20 Lacrosse; 21 Maim; 22 Rosemary; 23 Pair. DOWN: 1 Midnight; 2 Scarves; 4 Ranger; 5 Fire-raiser; 6 Image; 7 Grew; 10 True to form; 12 Reformer; 15 Grenada; 16 Cursor; 18 Backs; 19 Slur.
ACROSS 3. Slight possibility of opportunity to be away? (3-6) 8. Something attractive appears to be a stalemate (4) 9. With all meals provided, the directors obviously don't go hungry! (4,5) 10. With idiot removed, class always seems bright! (6) 11. Healthy noise (5) 14. So the ones there ... (5) 15. ... have some idea, doubtless, but no life (4) 16. Sober gowns (5) 18. A portent for workers joining circle (4) 20. Stop egghead appearing in suit (5) 21. Have a feeling for the meaning (5) 24. Minister repairs spire on temple initially (6) 25. Obtain some furniture which is accessible (3-2-4) 26. Mark left by injury to head of security by vehicle (4) 27. Change neat arrangement of every other one (9)
L EA D E R C H R I STM A S T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. brooms, b.f following do Norwegians hide away somewhere in their house on Christmas Eve as a precautionary measure? a. brooms, b. coal, c. gold, d. mead 2. Name the authors responsible for each of the following closing lines? (two answers). a. "It was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge" b. "Maybe Christmas he thought, doesn’t come from a store" 3. "He's very naughty ...... and not very nice" was a movie poster tagline for which Christmas film? 4. On which three days do Americans consume the most food ? 5. When did Queen Elizabeth II deliver her first 'televised Christmas message to the nation' ? 6. In which European country do malicious creatures called Kallikantzaroi get up to mischief during the Christmas season ? a. Finland, b. Greece, c. Switzerland, d. Iceland 7. Which US institution saves Kris Kringle in the 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street? 8. Who composed the music for the festive season ballet 'The Nutcracker' ? 9. Plus or minus one year, how long does it take a Scotch Pine Christmas tree to reach a typical retail height of 6 to 7 feet?
DOWN 1. Cautioned about schooling (9) 2. Produce a very brief record as instrumentalists do? (4,5) 4. A number mostly belonging to us (4) 5. Prisoner's room has nothing but an instrument (5) 6. Be rich as a result of a leap? (6) 7. Spiritual charge to heal (4) 9. There aren't as many in real life, we realise (5) 11. Bears a twisted sword (5) 12. Initially not correcting errors after ten years results in moral decay (9) 13. Coming to rue awfully exciting experience (9) 17. Get points for music for all parts (5) 19. Deny entry after direction (6) 22. Health resort in the country (5) 23. Came a cropper on rocky hill (4) 24. Pig-headed group in conspiracy (4)
( A n s we r s o n p a g e 1 9 )
10. In which country do Little Snowflake and Grandfather Frost deliver gifts during the festive season? a. France, b. Germany, c. Russia, d. Sweden 11. What kind of creatures terrorised the small town of Kingston Falls one snowy Christmas Eve? 12. Why were Joseph and the expectant Mary on the road to Bethlehem ? 13. Which country's equivalent to Santa delivers gifts on Christmas Eve in the company of a not so very nice butcher who had previously tried (without success) to pickle children alive in brine barrels ? a. Italy, b. France, c. Ukraine, d. Germany 14. What does the word Christ mean? 15. What name is given to the event, 9 months before the birth of Jesus, in which an angel tells Mary "Fear not, for thou shalt bring forth a son" ? 16. "All Who's beware, he's mean and green" was a movie poster tagline for which Christmas film? 17. Which plant did the Celt's refer to as an 'all healer'? 18. The original St. Nicholas (born around 280 AD) was the bishop of Myra, or modern day Demre. In which country is Demre located ? 19. On which festive day do the French eat Galette des Rois? 20. LadBaby recently (2022) became the music act with the most Christmas No 1's in the UK charts. Which band did he surpass to gain this record?
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on Trial for Orihuela parents marching in support Father Continual Sexual Abuse of safer playgrounds for their children The protest was entirely "peaceful" and "without colours or political flags”.
ver 500 parents and their children, protested in Orihuela City on Sunday over the appalling state of the municipal playgrounds. They were united as they marched to the town hall condemning the poor state and the lack of maintenance of playgrounds in the town, the districts and on the coast. The entire municipality was at one in their condemnation at the apathy demonstrated by Mayor Jose Vegara and his fellow councillors.
O
At the doors of the town hall, those gathered read a statement in which they stated that their only interest is to demand solutions at the abandonment of playgrounds across the entire area. They asked the City Council make a "budgetary effort" because, they say, play and sports activities "are vital and indispensable for the interaction and social development of children." The protest was entirely "peaceful" and "without colours or political flags as they asked the City Council to assume their responsibilities in the repair, cleaning and maintenance of
children's play areas stating that "it is everyone's duty to be respectful of the facilities."
The trial has started in Elche of a man who is accused of touching his son, when he was between 10 and 11 years old, and masturbating in front of another, who was between 9 and 10.
The organisers gathered at midday at the Consistory in front of the Palace of the Marquis of Arneva with a banner that read “We want solutions now! Parks, sports facilities and green areas. They are a right, not a luxury”!
The man faces 7 years in prison for the sexual abuse of a minor and indecent exposure. The events occurred in 2018 in a municipality in the Vega Baja region.
Among the crowd accompanying their parents were lots of children, many of who had many of who had manufactured and actually carried their own protest signs with slogans stating "we have the right to play in parks without danger", "a park, a smile" or "You are forgetting about our children."
Two arrested in Orihuela after motorcycle chase
Protesters chanted slogans such as "in Orihuela, the parks are sad." During the march, which was escorted by the Local Police, the protesters travelled across López Pozas, the Puente Viejo, San Agustín and Avenida de España until they reached the Glorieta where they called out for solutions from the Orihuela council.
The Orihuela Local Police arrested two men last Wednesday night after a chase through the city streets while they were riding a stolen motorcycle. A night patrol was carrying out a routine check when they stopped two men who were riding a motorcycle. The driver tried to ram the officers, starting a chase through the streets that culminated in their arrest and the recovery of the motorcycle, which had been stolen earlier in the evening. One of those arrested was a minor.
PAGE 16
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The Church of JESUS CHRIST of 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, Polígono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. We look forward to meeting you. www.Saltchurchspain. Facebook SaltChurchSpain International Christian Assembly, Calle Beniajan 14, Torrevieja -Evangelical Church. Sunday Service 11 a.m.; - Contact 966 799 273 / 660 127 276. Evangelical non-denominational church. www.icatorrevieja.org
The Car of the Month at AUTOMOVILES CRESPO is a very attractive 2019 Ford Focus ST-Line Hybrid at just 21,900 euro. Come along to our large showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and
used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. See page 7. We can assure you of the biggest and best choice of new and used cars in the area for price, choice and quality. ENGLISH SPOKEN
AGE CONCERN BEREAVEMENT GROUP. Have you lost somebody close to you? Are you finding life difficult after a bereavement? Come along and chat to other people in the same situation. Starting on October 10th, then every Tuesday from 2-4pm at the Age Concern Centre, Calle Paganini, La Siesta, Torrevieja. 96 678 6887. Everyone is welcome. Los Alcázares 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. COMMUNITY CARE ASSOCIATION (CCA) Open to residents of Orihuela Costa over 60 years of age. Located at the Centro Civico Alameda del Mar. Open 3 times a week for a programme of English speaking
Monday 25th - Sunday 31st December 2023
activities, support, information and advice with the support of Orihuela Council. Anyone wanting to join CCA social activities can pop along. Open 2pm -6pm Mondays and Thursdays, Wednesday 2pm - 5pm. You can register between 1pm & 2pm on those days, in the Cafe area where you will find Eva or Norah. email: oc.communitycare@gmail.com 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 PLAY RUMMIKUB. Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50’s. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Home Visiting Team to visit a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. Call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887. Or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 5pm at the Lakeview bar/restaurant, Quesada. For more info contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Steve Hemingfield 0n Mob/Whats 711 011 373 The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Assn. Contact with the RAFA and the RMG is via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk.
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LOOKING FOR Silent Business Partner for small Private Care Home. Invest 10K and get 20K back in 14 months. Call 747 438 225
CONSTRUCTION AND GENERAL BUILDING. For all building works large or small, phone 604 152 124 for quotes. We also specialise in pool leaks and repairs. (1010) Law Services: PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR, Solicitor, Debt Collections, Bad Tenants. 747 438 225
I am looking for an apartment to let. One or two bedrooms, fully furnished, one person only. Long term. Email brendan murphy: brendanmurphy609@gmail.com or call 00353 0872 586249
Several corgi buses boxed for sale. Also other items not with boxes. Los Montesinos. Call 744 617 883
FREE CLASSIFIED ADS If you have items that are WANTED or FOR SALE, ANNOUNCEMENTS, NOTICES and suchlike, advertise them, to a maximum of 35 words, FREE OF CHARGE, on this page. SEND BY EMAIL TO:
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Carrying your Christmas presents safely
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them safely and legally. On previous occasions, Santa has been observed carrying goods which are not secure in his vehicle, which is a practice that is not allowed as it is dangerous. Incidentally, Santa has also been observed not wearing a seat belt, but we will talk about that on another occasion. Carrying anything in the vehicle poses a risk, which can be reduced if we keep it secure. That’s why, for example, carrying your shopping on the back seat of the car is never a good idea. In the event of a collision, or even sudden braking, the items can become projectiles and shoot forward, causing any amount of personal or material damage. This applies to Santa and his loose items too. Carrying loose items like this can lead to a fine of 200 euro, which includes your supermarket purchases, which many people, oblivious to the danger, do on a daily basis, and includes any item that Santa or his little helpers haven’t secured.
ast week we featured some of the
precise, and carrying on with our Christmas
most precious cargo we can carry in
theme, this week we will look at how Santa
our cars, in the shape of tiny humans,
should be carrying all of those presents, and,
or babies and young children to be
more importantly, how you should carry
L
This infraction is reflected in article 14 of the General Traffic Regulations (RGC). It says that the cargo transported in a vehicle must not "drag, fall totally or partially or move in a dangerous way." In that same section it is specified that the load cannot “compromise
PAGE 17
the stability of the vehicle” or it can involve a fine of 200 euro. That is the reason why whatever you are transporting in your vehicle, it must be secure. The boot is the best place for carrying goods of course, although you can also benefit, at times, from a mesh in some vehicles. In simple terms, everything you carry in your vehicle must be secure. Going back to Santa for a moment, and if you have been a very good little girl or boy this year and are hoping for lots of presents, then Santa really must consider multiple trips, as should you, as driving with an overloaded vehicle can also lead to a fine, not only for the considerations of weight and stability, but limiting mobility or hindering the driver's vision also carries a fine of 200 euro. In addition, carrying a heavily loaded car also carries other risks, such as an object falling onto the road. The fine for this amounts to 500 euro, since it poses a danger to other users. So, Santa, stay safe out there. We know you know where we live, and we will be tucked up in bed waiting for you to deliver. For everyone else, stay safe in this festive season and be sure that anything you carry is secure.
PAGE 18
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Tony Mayes Rant ast week I was ranting about reception staff at doctors’ surgeries and hospitals and other places putting “working” on their computer screens way before actually dealing with the public – making people wait for ages.
L
This week I’m going to vent my annoyance at Spanish government offices and banks and the way they treat the public and customers. I’ll start with my experience at my local Suma office. All I wanted to do was to get my car tax paid by direct debit – simple or what? On my first visit there was no queue and no-one waiting – I couldn’t believe my luck. But when I walked in I was told the computer network had crashed and the office was closed On my next two visits I found huge queues with people taking at least 10 minutes to be dealt with once they were lucky enough to get into the office. I calculated I would not be seen for two hours! I was successful on my fourth attempt. I arrived 10 minutes before closing time and there were five people before me, yet it took me almost an hour to finally be seen and ended up with a pile of paperwork. Why all this ridiculous bureaucracy and when there are so many people needing to visit is the office, why is it only open from 8.30am to 2pm? In Britain people in local and central government offices are servants of the public. In Spain it seems the public are the servants. Need for a change methinks. Banks? I dread visiting a Spanish bank. Queuing for ages, only one cash till, the girl behind the desk popping out every few minutes for a coffee break or to powder her nose. I’m talking of a Spanish bank with a subsidiary in the UK. I would dearly like all the Spanish bank staff to spend a few weeks in a British bank and see how customers are treated there. I can walk into a UK bank and have my transactions dealt with within minutes. In Spain the same thing can take at least an hour – and of course, I leave with another pile of paperwork. Crazy of what? Come on Spain – let’s start putting the public and customers first, put an end to crazy and unnecessary bureaucracy and an ever-growing pile of paperwork. I was extremely saddened to hear the announcement last week that
Esther Rantzen had stage-four lung cancer and announced she had joined the Switzerland-based Dignitas assisted dying clinic. Dame Esther, 83, said she planned to "buzz off to Zurich" - where the practice is legal - if her treatment did not work. I was even more saddened, and extremely angry, to hear that if her daughter travelled with her to support her during her final hours she would risk prosecution for assisting her. That’s because assisted suicide is banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. While there is no specific offence of assisted suicide in Scotland, euthanasia is illegal and can be prosecuted as murder or manslaughter. Poor Esther, in those final hours, has to travel alone because she does not want to risk her loved-ones facing the possibility of a jail term. A bill to legalise assisted dying in the UK was defeated in 2015. Back then, MPs voted by 330 to 118 against a change in the law, but there are now questions around when another vote could take place. Esther’s dramatic and sad announcement has brought the issue back into sharp focus, and I have no doubt that there will be another vote in the Commons in the new year. Perhaps we should do what the Swiss do and have a referendum on highly contentious matters. Religion has played a huge role in this issue down the years with the deeply religious doing everything they can to frustrate assisted dying, believing that God decides when someone dies. But that results in people living, perhaps for many years, in severe pain or appalling handicap, and it is about time that such people should have the right to decide to end it all, and ask for help in so doing. Of course there is danger surrounding this, the main one being the possibility that relatives can exercise pressure on someone to end their life, especially if money is involved. A potential situation is where a struggling family puts pressure on a loved one to end their life due to the cost and emotional impact of keeping someone alive. There must be maximum safeguards in place to ensure that the person involved is making the decision voluntarily and not under any outside
pressure. I am sure that this could be put in place, which leaves religion as the major stumbling block. I have written before that religion has caused so much misery, suffering and death for centuries – and the present conflict in Israel and Gaza is testament to it. Thinking of going back to the UK and enjoying a visit to a theatre to see a show? Well, perhaps you should think again! The chances are that instead of enjoying the show you might find drunk audience members projectile vomiting, fighting, swearing or you might even come across a used condom in the stalls! Front-of-house workers at leading West End theatres say audiences have "forgotten how to behave" claiming assaults and abuse are a common occurrence. As an example of how little audience members seem to care, one theatre worker recounted: "I brought the person into the foyer and explained that we had received complaints about them being noisy, that they'd been vaping, to which they replied 'So what?'" Musical composer Stephen Schwartz - who has worked in theatre for over five decades on countless Broadway and West End hits from Godspell to Wicked - says mobile phones are becoming a real problem. "What's exasperating is the cell phones, people being on their phones and you want to say to them, you know, just go out in the lobby and text on your phone and let everybody else get on and watch the show!" Theatre union BECTU recently surveyed its members about this. Some 90% of the 15,000 theatre staff who responded said they regularly witnessed bad behaviour - with half saying they were thinking about quitting as a result. But perhaps theatre management should bear some responsibility. Covid meant that theatres were closed – and now they want to make up the cash shortfall by opening bars earlier encouraging more pre-show drinking. And we all know that some people only have to sniff alcohol and they are high as kites. But it’s another sad indictment of how standards have deteriorated in Britain – as well as many other countries. Covid restrictions may have played a part, but it seems that increasingly people are only concerned about themselves and could-
n’t care less about anyone else. I hate to think what life will be like in another generation or two. Anyone who has spent any time in the UK in recent months must know that things are not as good as they used to be, but a new report from the Campaign for Social Justice (CSJ) puts a light on what has been happening. They say that the UK is in danger of slipping back into a Victorian-age gap between mainstream society and an impoverished underclass. They say that the most disadvantaged in Britain are no better off than 15 years ago, at the time of the financial crash, and cites evidence that switching from welfare to work isn't worth it for them. It also found that the coronavirus restrictions had a "catastrophic effect" on the nation's social fabric, especially for the least well off - and during lockdown.
clinically recognisable mental health problem, that figure is now one in five - rising to nearly one in four for those aged 17-19. The CSJ wrote: "Britain is sick but being sick pays. "The total UC caseload has risen by 106% since March 2020 and the number of claimants with No Work Requirements has increased by 186%. "There are over 2.6 million people economically inactive because of long-term sickness, an increase of nearly 500,000 since the COVID-19 pandemic. "Over half of those signed off (53%) reported depression, bad nerves or anxiety. "The most disadvantaged view mental ill health as the biggest factor holding them back, which only comes fifth for the general public."
Twenty years ago, just one in nine children were assessed as having a clinically recognisable mental health problem, that figure is now one in five - rising to nearly one in four for those aged 17-19, and 40% of the most disadvantaged report having a mental health condition, compared with 13% of the general population.
It’s well documented that under the last 13 years of Tory rule the rich has got richer and the poor poorer, he poor are finding it ever more difficult to find a place to live, the NHS is struggling and if school buildings don’t collapse because of sub-standard concrete, there are fewer teachers in schools and they are struggling to cope.
Twenty years ago, just one in nine children were assessed as having a
Perhaps Santa will bring Britain a miracle – it certainly needs it.
Arts & Culture
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Orihuela Costa Christmas Activities for adults and children 26 DECEMBER Workshop - design your board game (12 years +) 10:00 - 11:30 H (Alameda del Mar Civic Center) Game Show (12 years +) 11:00 - 13:00 / 17:00 19:00 H (Expl. Playa Flamenca) 27 DECEMBER Winter Beach (surfing, paddle surfing and yoga) 9:00 - 12:00 H Workshop - design your board game (12 years+) 10:00 - 11:30 H (Alameda del Mar Civic Center) Children's workshops 10:30 H (Explanada de Playa Flamenca) Skating classes (inline) (12 years +) 11:00 13:00 H (Explanada de Playa Flamenca) Orihuela’s Departments of Culture and Tourism have arranged a Christmas programme of activities for both adults and children across the municipality which includes concerts, children’s theatres, crafts, Pilates, watersports and skating.
Ceramic workshop (12 years +) 11:30 - 14:00 H (Alameda del Mar Civic Center)
The activities got underway last week and will continue until 5 January when they will close following the 3 Kings Parades in Orihuela City and Orihuela Costa.
Winter Beach (surfing, paddle surfing and yoga) 9:00 - 12:00 H Orihuela Costa
The Councilor for Culture, Gonzalo Montoya, spoke of the extensive programme, “From the council we have wanted to make a great effort to offer a wide, complete and varied program of Christmas activities in order to “That they reach all audiences, especially the little ones, so that we can all enjoy a wonderful Christmas in Orihuela.”
Movie “There is only one Father” (all audiences) 6:30 p.m. (Playa Flamenca Town Hall) 28 DECEMBER
Workshop design your board game (12 years +) 10:00 - 13:00 H (Alameda del Mar Civic Center) Skating classes (inline) (12 years +) 11:00 13:00 H (Explanada de Playa Flamenca) Ceramic workshop (12 years +) 11:30 - 14:00 H (Alameda del Mar Civic Center)
13:00 H (Explanada de Playa Flamenca) Ceramic workshop (12 years +) 11:30 - 14:00 H (Alameda del Mar Civic Center)30 DICIEMBRE 30 DECEMBER
Movie “Canta 2” (all audiences) 6:30 p.m. (Playa Flamenca Town Hall)
Winter Beach (surfing, paddle surfing and yoga) 9:00 - 12:00 H Orihuela Costa
The activities taking place on the coast include:
29 DECEMBER
31 DECEMBER
25 DECEMBER
Winter Beach (surfing, paddle surfing and yoga) 9:00 - 12:00 H Orihuela Costa
Childrens New Year Party 11:00 - 12:00 H (Explanada de Playa Flamenca)??
Workshop design your board game (12 years +) 10:00 - 13:00 H (Alameda del Mar Civic Center)
5 JANUARY
Charanga marching band through the streets of Cala Bosque 11:00 H (Cala Bosque) DACAPO live music Concert 11:00 H (La Zenia Beach)
QUIZ FROM P 14: 1. Answer a. brooms (in order to keep the witches away). 2. Two Answers: a. Charles Dickens, b. Dr. Seuss. 3. Bad Santa. 4. Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day and Superbowl Sunday. 5. 1957. 6. Answer b. Greece. 7. US Post Office. 8. Tchaikovsky. 9. 7 years. 10. Answer c. Russia (Little snowflake (Snegurochka) and Grandfather Frost (Dedushka Moroz)). 11. Gremlins. 12. To pay tax (and take part in a census). 13. Answer b. France, Pere Noel is accompanied by the bad butcher Pere Fouettard. 14. 'Annointed' from the Greek Xristo. 15. The Annunciation. 16. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. 17. Mistletoe. 18. Turkey. 19. On the 6th of January. The Epiphany or 'kings day'. Galette des Rois is 'Cake of Kings'. 20. The Beatles
SUDUKO SOLUTION
Skating classes (inline) (12 years +) 11:00 -
3 Kings Parade 17:00 Orihuela Costa 18:30 H Orihuela Costa, from Town hall to Zenia Boulevard
TORREVIEJA WINDOW-DRESSING COMPETITION The Councilor for Commerce and Hospitality of the Torrevieja Council, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, announced the winners of the twentieth Window-Dressing Competition following the recent meeting of the judging panel. €1000 1st prize Óptica Chantal
Sewing Boutique. Óptica Mar. Maez Boutique. Di Balons. Farmacia Mª Carmen Cayuelas Sanchis. Domti. The jury was comprised of: Rosario Martínez, Councilor for Economic of the Torrevieja Council.
€800 2nd
Farmacia Fragata
€500 3rd
Turronería C. Arqués Pla.
Francisco Corrochado Verdú, representing the Association of Small and Medium sized businesses. (APYMECO)
A further nine runner up prizes of €300 each went to: Andrés Gourmet Selección. Farmacia Vera. Covertoldo. Kristina´s
José Ignacio Pastor Pérez, representing the Association of Hospitality Companies (APYMECO)
Daniel Amores González, Local Development agent, as secretary. The competition jury awarded a total of 5,000 euros in prizes, to these small and medium-sized businesses in the municipality for some outstandingly decorated windows or façades. The competition was intended to encourage investments by Torrevieja merchants in the aesthetics and image of their establishments and, therefore, the improvement of their visual quality and of the city of Torrevieja during this Christmas season.
PAGE 20
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Fugitive wanted in Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain arrested in Rojales National Police Officers have arrested a fugitive in Rojales who has two European Arrest Warrants issued in Belgium, his country of origin, and the Netherlands. In addition, four national searches issued by the Spanish authorities are also in force, according to police sources. The initial investigation, launched at the beginning of 2022, focussed on the province of Malaga. However, after a number of
enquiries, the agents verified that he was not in that area. Following the General Assembly of the European Network of Active Fugitive Search Teams (Enfast), which was held in Spain last October, coordination efforts were improved between officials from Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands, with much more operational information exchanged between these teams. In the case of the suspect, there was evidence
of numerous changes of residence by him in different parts of Spain both, to evade justice and to continue with his illicit activities. However, it was thought that the fugitive returned to his family environment after each of his crimes, so efforts were made to establish his family location. As they continued to gather information, the agents were able to establish that the fugitive could be found in a municipality near Torrevieja, being finally traced to a luxurious urbanisation in Rojales, where he was living with his family and where he was finally arrested. According to the same sources, he was considered highly violent and dangerous by European authorities. The European Arrest warrant issue by the Dutch authorities is in respect of drug traf-
Pilar approves 2024 budget The general budget of the Pilar de la Horadada City Council for the financial year 2024, totals 37,647,949 euros. It was approved at the municipal plenary meeting on Friday. According to councillor Pedro Miguel Moya. this will include the completion of the new House of Culture, the parking located in "La Paloma ", Avenida de la Venta, the green area on Calle Salar and the 70 free public parking spaces on Calle Mayor. There is also an increase in the maintenance of pavements, roads, signage, out-
ficking crimes, while the one decreed by the Belgian authorities is for drug trafficking, kidnapping, criminal injuries and property crimes. The detainee was allegedly part of a criminal organisation that operates throughout Europe, linked to the N'Drangheta mafia organisation. In addition, he had already been sentenced to seven years in prison in 2016 for kidnapping a man in Belgium, for which he is considered highly violent and dangerous by European authorities, due to his handling of firearms. He also has two European Arrest and Surrender Orders and four national searches issued by the Spanish authorities in respect of crimes related to drug trafficking and document falsification. door furniture, green areas and walkways but the largest expenditure in this area, almost 1.7 million euros, will be spent on the improvements to 41 playgrounds and four sports-recreational areas, the renewal of children's games, safety floors, maintenance, shaded areas, in addition to the renovation of sports facilities in these four areas. The improvement of the municipal video surveillance in the municipality has a budget of 220,000 euros while there will also be an upward revision of municipal service contracts such as municipal ambulances and beach surveillance services, gardening, cleaning of municipal buildings, waste collection and urban cleaning. Staff salaries amount to 15,590,335 euros representing 41.39% of the total, which exceeds the recommendation of 35%.
The new House of Culture
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‘Giving Back’ to the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida The Leader Newspaper, in conjunction with Linea Directa, is introducing a new charitable initiative, which will provide all ‘people’ charities and charitable organisations with a unique platform to showcase their valuable work in a quarterly magazine, ‘GIVING BACK’ in a bid to drive awareness and generate additional funds. Community Care Association is the first charity to partner with The Leader in this initiative, which will see the charity’s messaging and fundraising information placed prominently in the introductory magazine –providing a huge opportunity for additional exposure for them. While all local charities will be encouraged to submit articles, details of their
events and activities, the ‘Giving Back’ initiative, which is being launched with this newsletter, and on the Leader web and Facebook pages, will operate on a quarterly rotation, offering one different charity the opportunity to be predominantly showcased in each quarterly edition.
us have, good news stories telling readers
course, as your essential information and contacts, and any local news that you might like to impart.
of your positive achievements, the activi-
Please get in touch with us at:
ties and events that you offer, as well, of
office@theleader.info
So, there you have it. All that we now need is whatever information you are able to let
The magazine itself will develop according to the content that it receives, but the aim is to allow all charities based in the Southern Costa Blanca and Mar Menor to publicise details of the good work that they provide in the community absolutely Free of Charge. It will also feature information on the Spanish Welfare system and on relevant changes to UK benefits and pensions.
Man sets himself on fire outside Benejúzar Town Hall A 33-year-old Moroccan set himself on fire on Friday at the doors of the Benejúzar Town Hall. The man, known to the Local Police and the Civil Guard for petty theft and squatting, is in a serious condition in the burns unit of the General Hospital of Alicante, after being transferred there from the Vega Baja Hospital. The man appeared at the town hall at around noon where he asked about the situation regarding aid that he had requested some time ago. The man, of Maghreb origin, said that with the assistance he was hoping to return to his country, Morocco. Town Hall staff told the man that his request for aid had not yet been processed, as he had only recently completed the documentation, at which point he left. However, he only walked out of the building and out through the town hall door where he poured the contents over a bottle of clear liquid that he was carrying onto his face to attract attention. He then set himself on fire with a lighter.
According to bystanders, he immediately jumped into the fountain located in front of the Town Hall, in the Plaza de España, in an attempt to put out the flames but he was still left with serious burn injuries on his face. When the Benejúzar Local Police arrived, the man had already managed to put out the flames that covered his face but having suffered horrendous burns he was quickly transferred to the Vega Baja Hospital. Following initial treatment, and given the severity of the wounds, it was decided to transfer him by medical helicopter to the burns unit of the General Hospital of Alicante. A council spokesperson said that the man did not ask for help until last Wednesday, when he arrived with some members of his family, seeking aid to return to his country. The Social Services stated that they were, in fact, looking for the best solution for him to return , and were evaluating his situation and
his environment. They added that they have previously helped this person with food, but there had not been time to process his request for aid.
The photo shows Plaza de España in Benejúzar with the Town Hall and the fountain where the man jumped after setting himself on fire.
PAGE 22
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Montgo Golf Society played a preChristmas Stableford competition today sponsored by the society at Oliva Nova. The winner today was Carmen Knemeyer with 38 Stableford points, beating Gerian van Ooijen on count back. Taking third spot was Sally Cottrell with 37 Stableford points beating Paul Trigwell on countback. So the ladies dominating the top prizes again this week. Well done ladies. The nearest the pin prizes went to the men with Chris Chapman & John Day taking home the spoils on the 3rd & 18th in two. We had three 2’s today with Sally Cottrell, Francian Knoops & Paul Trigwell taking home a coverted Montgo golf ball each. Well done to all our winners today. Our next game is on Friday 29th December. I take this opportunity to wish all Montgo members and their families a happy Christmas.
CLARKE’S BAR GOLF SOCIETY Today we had a chilly start at Roda but it warmed up a bit later. Playing golf in short sleeved shirts in late December cannot be anything else but a bonus. We played Singles Stableford and Mystery Pairs. The winner of the Singles event was Chris Liddicoat with a good score of 38 points. The winners of the Mystery Pairs was Chris Liddicoat and Steve Hirst with a combined total of 72 points so congratulations to them. We then returned to the Clarkes Bar to be fed to the usual high standard by Mary Murphy assisted by her great staff. As a Society we presented Mary with flowers to thank her for looking after us throughout the year. The final game of the year is next week at Lo Romero where we are playing a "Yellow Ball" competition. We are full but
McCafferty’s of Cabo Roig Golf Society Outing to Lo Romero 19th December 2023 24 of us made the short trip to Lo Romero GC just outside Pilar de la Horadada last Tuesday. The day started distinctly chilly (for this part of Spain) but quickly warmed up and was perfect for golf. The course itself was in near perfect condition and a very enjoyable day was had by all. Scoring was difficult with only 3 of the 24
you can put your name on the reserve list. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all members of the Society and their families a Very Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year. If your game is going to pot, take up snooker.
recording more than 30 points. This course is a real challenge! Back at McCafferty’s of Cabo Roig Jason & Marina looked after us very well and a curry, courtesy of Jimmy Kiernan, went down very well. Captain Pat Brennan, wearing a festive sweater, was on hand to present the prizes and we welcomed new member Stephen Boyd. Nearest the pins: Hole 5 Mark Moran, Hole 7 Tony Fitzpatrick Hole 12 Christine Katich, Hole 15 Stephen Boyd Only 1 “two” was recorded and the pot went to Christine Katich on Hole 12.
CARP-R-US FISHING
Silver Division: Runner up with 27 points was Bart Joyce Winner with 33 points was Brian Kiernan Gold division: Runner up with 29 points was Bernard Janik Winner with 33 points was Raymond Holland Overall winner on the day was Donie O’Sullivan with an impressive 38 points. (I am told he was knocking in putts from everywhere) Next week we have an additional fixture, again at Lo Romero. As I write there are some places still available so get on the website and book now! See you all there!
For the second week running it was touch and go as to whether we should fish the scheduled venue (Mercadona stretch) for the first round of the Carp-R-Us Winter Series or move to a different venue, again due to low water levels. In the end, after a short debate, we decided to stay where we were. In retrospect, this appears to have been the wrong choice. Although plenty of fish could be seen moving, and despite the weather being perfect for the time of year, the fishing was very hard. The match was won by Jeremy Fardoe with a disappointing 1.32kg from peg 2. Second from peg 14 was Steve Fell with 0.92kg. Third was Nick Bastock with 0.46kg and fourth Trevor Morrey with 0.34kg. The same method was used by all four anglers, pole and bread, with any other method proving futile. The club would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Further information about the club can be found on its website www.carp-rus.weebly.comor on the Facebook page Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blanca
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By Paul Durrant
New residents, Dave and Eileen Askew Tournament winners Darren and Bliss Additional prizes - Best fancy dress - Cheryl McGlynn
T
- Mark Ellis
Most 180's
- Darren Sanderson.
The Serenity darts league now takes, like many others a Christmas break, normal service resumed on January 11th. In the meantime, those who must have their daily fix of darts, tune into the World Professional Darts Championship, held at Alexandra Palace, North London, sponsored by Paddy Power, the 1st prize a cool £500,000.
Venue - New Tavern, San Miguel. hirty-Three teams contested this year’s unofficial Serenity Insurance Mixed Pairs Championship. As usual the event was held in the spacious surroundings of the Tavern, courtesy of proprietor Roxie Chapman, who not only fed the players and supporters during the evening but contributed to the many prizes.
Highest finish
Lesley and Billy Dolling couldn't quite reproduce their earlier form, succumbing to the larger-than-life Kirsty Green and more subdued Darren Hurcombe, on board 4.
Everyone's raving about the 16 year old Luke Littler, having already won his 1st two matches with some outstanding darts, blowing away two seasoned pros. His odds have been slashed from 66-1 to 10-1, the bookies rarely getting things wrong. He is definitely one for the future, this year a bridge too far for the youngster, the title going to one of the top seeds or even abroad.
Sharon Frain (Freakies) and Jane Smith (Dannys Bar) extracted a fortune from the pockets of those present in the hope of a winning raffle ticket for the magnificent prizes put together by competition organiser Simone de Lacy.
OK I'm fence sitting, happy Christmas to all, May 2024 be special to everyone.
Prior to the 8-00pm start a blind draw was conducted, the numerous husband and wife teams assorted with several "Super Pairs", in a real eclectic mix, played out on 4 boards.
Kirsty and Darren Wright and Sanderson faced McGlynn and Ellis in the 1st semi, the tie going all 5 legs, Sanderson nailing a 180 in the 3rd.
180 man Darren
Ellis hit 140,133, in the 5th his partner leaving D20 for the match. Requiring 72 to avoid defeat, Wright hit S8,S14 and Bull for a 3-2 win. Phew!!! Cheryl amd Mark The fancied team of Chelsea Campbell and Matt Smith went out in the board 2 final to Cheryl McGlynn (she of cake making fame) and Mark Ellis (the motorcycle stunt rider). On board 1, Bliss Wright and Darren Sanderson enjoyed a narrow victory over Nina James and Dale McGuiness, whilst new residents the Askews, Eileen and Dave on board 3 defeated the de Lacys, Simone and Phil, Dave A. taking out a 64 to progress to the semis.
The 2nd semi provided a similar total of tons the Askews taking a 2-0 lead before Hurcombe nailed a 125, D8 reducing the deficit. Dave Askew was in fine form however finding his 5th ton of the tie and 3rd winning out. The final didn't quite live up to expectations, the Gap duo in blistering form, ex Pro Dave Askew lacking his usual fire power. Not so with their opponents, Wright contributing 2x100,140, Sanderson 4x100, all 3 winning doubles, the 2nd a 78 out, the 3rd leg in 15 arrows.
Fancy dressers
Mark highest finish
PAGE 24
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