No 1010 Monday 12th - 18th February 2024
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he legal battle is approaching its end. Cala Mosca, the last virgin kilometre of the Oriola coast, will have no further obstacles to its project to build 2,200
T homes.
The Government’s Highway Agency has told the Save Cala Mosca platform, they have no intention of continuing the fight, following the ruling of the Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community, which paved the way for a resumption with the construction of the urbanisation. A spokesperson for the central Executive, told the Spanish press that it is not the Agency’s intention to appeal the decision to the Superior Court.
L E G A L B AT T L E T O S AV E C A L A MOSCA APPROACHES ITS END
It is understood that Cambiemos will now also withdraw from the battle after they made it clear that they would only continue in the fight if it was hand in hand with Madrid. Now the builder, Gominendo, has said that it will be in a position to start building before the summer, with much of the urbanisation to be completed by the end of the year. The layout of the future roads is already taking shape, now that the Consistory can no longer do anything to hinder the progress of the builders and their heavy machinery. So it now seems to be only a matter of time until the area, also known as the Alameda del Mar sector, becomes a new residential jungle, with a small microreserve for the protected species of snail and coastal scrub, that initially stopped the construction of the project promoted by the Gomendio group.
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Monday 12th - Sunday 18th February 2024
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 CALA MOSCA
oned the cause to save this coastal enclave from concrete,1,000 euros.
The developer has had the approval of the Oriola Plenary since September 2021 and the Governing Board since April of last year, together with a favourable environmental impact report from the Generalitat.
However, despite the setbacks in the courts, the Save Cala Mosca platform, does intend to continue the battle in the courts, from which Carreteras and the municipal political group Cambiemos Orihuela have now withdrawn.
The TSJCV ruling has also ordered Carreteras and Cambiemos to pay costs. The government highway agency must pay 2,000 euros and Cambiemos, who in recent years had champi-
Through the Association of Friends of the Southern Alicante Wetlands (AHSA), they have said they will present an appeal before the Contentious-Administrative Court.
POETRY CORNER By David Whitney
A VALENTINE HEART A Valentine heart Is a heart full of love It's as if it's been sent From God's Heaven above It cannot be compromised Broken or torn I believe it was waiting For you to be born To live with you As you saw each blessed day And blossom to find me Whatever the way And found I was captured By it's burning light To think of you constantly Daytime and night
The Vice-President of the Government and Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Teresa Ribera, and the Councillor for Climate Action of the Generalitat de Catalunya, David Mascort, met in Barcelona to coordinate the work between both administrations that will address the situation of emergency due to a drought in Catalonia. Regarding emergency measures, the Government will make available desalinated water from Sagunto, Valencia, which will be transported by boat to the city of Barcelona. It will make it possible to have desalinated water of up to 40,000 m3 per day starting in June, which will be determined according to need.
637 227 385 The fight goes on for Salvemos Cala Mosca
This will be, according to the environmentalists, the very last opportunity to appeal against the construction of Cala Mosca.
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Orihuela Leads the Way with New Home Builds During 2023, the Alicante province closed the year with the best results since 2007 in terms of new residential property construction. Leading the way in this property boom is Orihuela, which, along with the provincial capital itself, exceeded 1,000 new builds. Despite being amongst the biggest portfolio of vacant properties in the province, Torrevieja was in 3rd with 898 homes. According to the Institute of National Statistics, in their most recent data, there are 122,000 residential properties in Torrevieja, and with the town hall boasting reaching 100,000 residents (yet to be adjusted for those having left), it shows an indication of the number of vacant properties in the town already. The INE themselves report over 30,000 vacant properties in Torrevieja.
En route to Barcelona from the Port of Sagunto
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Despite the weekend rain, as much of Spain is still suffering a drought, with Catalonia announcing an emergency last week, the Government has finally mobilised to try to ease their burden, although many areas are still demonstratively abusing the scarce water supply.
Whose love would encompass And totally care In times when I'm lost In my darkest despair
In a Valentine heart
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VALENCIA WATER TO BE SHIPPED TO CATALONIA
To realise you were My one heart's desire Whose kiss was the torch That ignited my fire
This love has no boundaries Nobody can part It's a love only found
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Monday 12th - Sunday 18th February 2024 A photo of Miguel Hernández and Josefina Manresa deposited in the Miguel Hernández Foundation
Orihuela to recreate the Miguel Hernández wedding of the century arch 9, 1937. In the old town hall palace of Orihuela, located in the Plaza Nueva, that was the day when the wedding of the century took place.
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In that building, formerly Pósito, two people knelt in front of the 'altar'. The girl, born in Quesada (Jaén) and daughter of a civil guard officer, was called Josefina Manresa. The boy was son of a goatherder on Calle Arriba, an avid reader and aspiring writer, who was just beginning to emerge in the world of poetry as one of the best young poets of what later came to be called the Generation of '27, the Silver Age of Spanish letters. His name was Miguel Hernández, the internationally renowned poet from Oriola. After the ceremony in front of their family and friends, the newlyweds went in a procession, crossing the historic centre and ended up at what was the humble Hernández house, where the wedding banquet would take place. It was a neighbourhood celebration, in keeping with the times of famine that were being endured in the midst of the Republic, but that did not deprive the diners of enjoying a dish that Miguel did not miss every opportunity to try when his mother took out the clay viand; the dish - with forgiveness from Elche - Oriolano par excellence: el arroz y costra (rice and crust). A typical food, widely enjoyed as yet another tourist attraction, the dish has been the central character of a very 'sui generis' contest for several years now where chefs from the most popular kitchens in the city don their aprons to see who will cook this rice better in the oven. But this year it will also have a new incentive. The contest will also host a tribute to the poet and that delicious tapa that Conchita, Miguel's mother, served to her guests at the wedding of her beloved son as, on March 9, Miguel Hernández will get married again in Orihuela. The wedding banquet from 87 years ago will be repeated in the same place, except that the bride and groom will not be present, and the cooks will be different. "The main dish will be prepared by the winner of the 2023 contest, Raggú, by the winner of the 2022 contest,
Davinia Martínez, and by this year's two finalists, the San Pascual restaurants and the Estanco bar," said the president of the Orihuela merchants who are using the opportunity to promote a commercial campaign in the city, which will also feature a window contest where the winner would receive a cheque for 500 euros to redeem in the shops and hotels of Orihuela. The director of Teatro Expresion,’ Manoli García, said that the event is not intended to offend any purists, but rather to make Orihuela and the region participants in this beautiful event and, in the process, lend a helping hand to a local business lacking incentives that encourage purchases. "I hope that as many people participate in the route, that everything goes well and that everyone likes and enjoys our work," he said. Miguel’s wife inspired him to write most of his romantic work. However, he was arrested multiple times after the civil war for his anti-fascist sympathies. He was tried in 1939, accused of being a communist commissar and of writing poems harmful to the Francoist cause. He was eventually sentenced to death, but this was commuted to a prison term of 30 years, leading to incarceration in multiple jails under extraordinarily harsh conditions. He suffered pneumonia in Palencia prison, bronchitis in Ocaña prison and eventually succumbed to typhus and tuberculosis in 1942 in Alicante jail. Just before his death, Hernández scrawled his last verse on the wall of the hospital: Goodbye, brothers, comrades, friends: let me take my leave of the sun and the fields. He was buried in the Cementerio de Alicante.
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Council promises opening of new Orihuela Costa school in September
BROKEN PROMISES - Nine months into their mandate, council promises have come to little wo head teachers of Orihuela Costa schools met with the deputy mayor, Manuel Mestre, and the councillors for education and planning on Friday to remind them, once again, of the appalling situation with schooling on the coast, a situation that they said is only getting worse.
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Unfortunately, although stating that their commitment is for the new school number 20 to start operating by September, by the start of the next school year, they were still not able to wrestle a specific date from the council officials. All the time that the opening is delayed the number of new students, many of whom speak absolutely no Spanish, continues to grow. Thus, while Playas de Orihuela should have about 540 students, it currently has around 800, and Los Dolses, with a recommended level of 388, is at around 710. This is situation that has forced Los Dolses to sacrifice even the teachers' restroom and hold classes in corridors.
Unfortunately. the previous council was lost in a multitude of location changes while the Ministry waited for the order to build the prefabricated classrooms, which sat ready for assembly. Now, the current executive confirms that, on this occasion, "they have made progress" and they will have the school ready for the September term. Despite their frustration and annoyance, the two head teachers described the meeting as ‘positive’ stating that they are ready to give the council ‘a chance’. During the meeting the council also promised to assign a permanent project manager to the undertaking, something they describe as "a great advance." The school directors told the councillors that even with the arrival of the new school, although it may be a "temporary solution", it will not end the overload of students in Orihuela Costa until the expansion of the Los Dolses school is undertaken on an adjacent plot.
FARMER PROTESTS TO REACH A-7 AUTOVIA ON 16TH Protests by farmers intending to blockade the A7 autovia, will take place on 16 February. Asaja Alicante, is organising the demonstration, together with La Unió, COAG and UPA, that will be carried out across the Valencian Community in the coming days. In fact, protests are also planned on February 15 in the port of Castellón, as well as on the 22nd in Valencia. The tractors and trailers that are being prepared on the A-7 will move slowly along the autovia, with the aim of drawing attention to the critical situation in which, they say, the agricultural sector finds itself. This protest is part of the demonstrations that are already taking place throughout Spain and much of Europe, demanding issues such as strict compliance with the Food Chain Law, a shock plan to alleviate the escalation of production costs, and the redirection of European policies so that there is mutuality in trade agreements with third countries.
Boat worth 400,000 euros recovered in San Pedro del Pinatar Two men were arrested in the waters of San Pedro del Pinatar while they were driving a high-speed semi-rigid boat, valued at nearly 400,000 euros, that was stolen last December in the municipality of Rosas. This is exactly the type of vessel that, due to its power and speed, is highly coveted by gangs dedicated to drug and human trafficking between the African continent and the peninsula. The two detainees, aged 25 and 44, respectively, have been made available to the Investigative Court of Cartagena (Murcia). The recovered vessel has been returned to its owner.
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N332 TO PRESENT NEW GUIDE ‘ROAD TRIP TO SPAIN’
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Cartagena Farmers block the N-332 at La Zenia
n Wednesday, members of the N332 road safety team will be in Orihuela Costa town hall to present the latest digital publication relating to driving and road safety, Road Trip to Spain.
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Everyone is welcome but please reserve your seat at: n332facebook@hotmail.com Launched by the serving Guardia Civil traffic officer who administers the N332 Facebook page, Fransisco Javier Morales, the guide aims to clarify some of the greatest doubts about driving in Spain, and although it is aimed as much at tourists visiting the country, as well as residents, it will serve as a practical guide for all road users.
Donned in yellow vests, seventy farmers from the Cartagena countryside brought the N-332 to a standstill in La Zenia on Saturday afternoon, blocking traffic on the national road itself, as well as to the AP-7 motorway, Zenia Boulevard and local beaches, causing a traffic jam of several kilometres, on a very busy weekend road.
The guide is mostly picture-based, with brief descriptions, and so is intended to be easy to digest, in order to get the message across about differing rules in Spain, and some of the most common infractions that lead to fines, and therefore, primarily, make the roads a safer space for all.
The protesters had spent the day moving from location to location as they railed against the EU's environmental rules and what they see as excessive taxes and red tape. By 8am they had set themselves up on the AP-7 in Los Alcázares, where they remained for about two hours until they were evicted by riot police. From there they moved on to Balsicas (Torre Pacheco) where stayed for an hour and a half before driving north to La Zenia roundabout at approximately five in the afternoon causing tailbacks along the N-332, for another hour and a half.
The guide was first presented at the FITUR tourism event in Madrid, and after the Orihuela Costa town hall talk the team will visit Los Montesinos town hall later this month and in Torrevieja in March. Following these invitation-led presentations, the team will start to offer the talks to international social and neighbourhood groups around the area, amongst which already include a Swedish group in Torrevieja, and a social group in Orihuela.
LIFT OFF FOR ORIHUELA COSTA CARNIVAL Organised by a commission of local residents, the first Orihuela Costa Carnival will take place on Saturday 17 February, starting and ending in Playa Flamenca. The parade will take a route along the street normally occupied by the Saturday market, starting at 5pm at the Nicolás de Bussi and Pintor Ribera roundabout, and then follow a course along Nicolás de Bussi to the Los Dolses school parking lot, where there will be a stage with live music and DJs, as well as inflatables for the children. During the post parade gathering there will be a symbolic presentation of prizes made to each of the participants. As well as the support of a stage and toilets from the Orihuela council the organisers have attracted additional sponsorship from a number of local businesses, including Zenia Boulevard. The parade itself will feature displays of music, costumes and dance that will include 17 groups from the coast and another three from Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada. Unfortunately, the organisers will not have the help that festival commissions from other parts of the municipality enjoy, but the intention is to present themselves formally, seeking financial assistance for future events, at the next opportunity. Although this carnival commission was established purely on
This is the only group that was active on platform 6F on Saturday in addition to a small group of farmers from the Northwest region who appeared during the morning at the roundabout de la venta Cavila (Caravaca de la Cruz). the initiative of a small number of residents, the councillor for the Coast, Manuel Mestre, has said that he will try to integrate local associations into the commission for the organisation of all future events.
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The PIOC President Roman Jimenez (left)
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and members outlined future strategy, which included discussion relating to interest shown in the party and its policies by residents in outlying villages and pedanias.
Jolanta Houghton, General Secretary Norah Bond, Fundraising and Events Priscilla Cromie, Multimedia Production Manager - Luke Houghton and Membership Secretary - Eva Johansson.
The meeting was very much a “call to arms,” essentially the start of the PIOC preparation for the 2027 municipal elections, using the achievement of 1400 votes attained last May as a springboard to growth in the coming months and years.
If you would like to become a member of PIOC and join with them on their exciting journey to providing a better Orihuela Costa for all, rejuvenating and modernising the area for generations to come, following its years of abandonment, you may do so through the website – www.PIOC.es
The election of officers saw the following appointments: President - Roman Jimenez, Vice President - Peter Houghton, Treasurer -
E NCOU RAG I NG TU RNOUT FOR INAUGURAL P.I.O.C. AGM he first Annual General Assembly was held by the Partido Independencia Orihuela Costa, PIOC, on Friday evening at The Emerald in La Florida.
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The meeting attracted an encouraging number of members, a many of whom joined on the night, adding to the grow-
ing voice of residents who continue to be unhappy with the deal currently being provided to coastal residents by the PP/Vox coalition government, housed 38 kilometres away in Orihuela City. The AGM was preceded by an hour of lively discussion in which the president
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Additional information is also available from the General Secretary via email at: community@pioc.es
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‘LET THEM AT IT’, SAYS GOD ho made the world?’ ‘God made the world.’ That was the first question and answer in the school catechism, back in old God’s time.
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It is a long time ago now since God made the world; more than 4 Billion years - if the scientists know anything about it. Since the beginning of time there were always those who talked about ‘the end of the world’. From time to time a selfproclaimed prophet, or some sect or other, would tell us all to repent because the end is nigh, and they even sometimes give a date, which comes and goes.
This week we are so excited in YCBS, because we have an exclusive for you about the ending of the world. A reliable source in the great beyond has passed on details of a meeting which took place in heaven last week. Actually, it was much more than a meeting. Read on please …
That this columnist was singled out
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board. All awaited the arrival of God to chair the meeting which would decide the future of the world. The apostles were back in full numbers, Judas having successfully appealed his conviction. ‘He wouldn’t be the first or last to take the wrong side of history’, declared a merciful God. Job was there well before the rest of them and showed no signs of boredom or impatience, but Doubting Thomas wondered if the main man would show at all – ‘on account of the catastrophic state of the world.’
But how long is the world meant to last? If something is made, then by definition, can’t it be unmade? Everything that is made has a lifespan and therefore the world has to end someday?
Every hundred years or so, God convenes an assembly to exchange ideas on matters of grave importance to heaven and earth. One such convention has just concluded and our soul-source has forwarded the following report.
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to be the closest thing to ‘a saint on earth’, is neither here nor there. Everything had been going swimmingly in heaven for a couple of Billion years. Not a word of disharmony; but then, out of nowhere, murmurings were heard from a small fringe group, that no more
souls should be taken in. A sign appeared outside the golden gates saying, ‘Heaven is full.’ Peter had a quiet word with God, and immediately the words ‘Hell isn’t full yet’ was added … and the old Hellsfire Express pulled up outside and the selfish dissenters were escorted on
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He did add that it was lucky that the Irish people of the last century gave so many pennies to the black babies, ‘because soon they would be the only priests in Ireland’. When everybody had gotten tired talking about the proposal – except Job, of course; the following motion was carried unanimously; ‘After 4.5 Billion years of humans running Earth; this holy assembly has come to the verdict that life on Earth should end.’
The grapes and figs were passed around and consumed with gusto by all except for one man who was seen chewing a bit of gum. ‘Is your husband not well’, a soul asked Eve. ‘Oh he’s fine’, replied Eve; ‘but I haven’t been able to get him to eat a bit of fruit for billions of years.’
God hadn’t said a word on the subject; and of course all were wondering how he was going to implement the findings of the assembly. Mary turned to Joseph and asked; ‘what do you think he will do?’ She should have known better; Joseph had been hit with so many surprises in his lifetime that he didn’t venture an opinion on anything since the three kings arrived in the stable.
God arrived in to a standing ovation – just like an Ard Fheis. His mother Mary, sat in the front row; beaming that smile of pride that only a mother can muster. She didn’t want to show it, so in typical mammy fashion, she turned to Granny Anne and Grandad Joachim behind her and murmured loud enough for all to hear; ‘I keep telling that fella he needs to get a haircut.’
Finally, Noah, who had always been especially close to God; asked the question; ‘Is the world to end’ my Lord? ‘Yes’, replied God softly. ‘How is it going to happen, what are you going to do?’, a chorus of chants went up from the back. ‘I am going to do nothing’, said God. ‘But you said it is time for the world to end, so surely you have to make it happen?’
There was only one item on the agenda; ‘Is it finally time to end the world.’
‘No, I don’t need to lift a hand to end it’, God said; ‘you see, if you look down there right now, you’ll see they are doing the job themselves …’
As was to be expected, there were many contributions from the floor and some lively debate. St Patrick said that this decision should have been made a hundred years ago while the thing was still half right.
DON’T FORGET God doesn’t do deals.
STREET TREES AND THEIR ROADSIDE DEPOSITS OF ORANGES
ave you ever wondered what happened to all those oranges that fall onto the pavements from the fruit trees that are situated up and down our streets and avenues. Well, unfortunately, most of them lie abandoned to simply rot away.
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In Dolores, however, an initiative launched jointly by the town council and the local housewife’s association is promoting the circular economy, gathering them up to be turned into marmalade that will be distributed at the next Artichoke Festival. The entire production process has been carried out in the unique setting of the Huerta de Dolores Museum and needless to say, the mayor, Joaquín Hernández, provided a hand, together with councillors Carmen Gil and Raquel Sirvent, in collaboration with local housewives, represented by Cloti Soria, Conchita Gelardo and Susi Sierras. The oranges used for the production come from the trees on
municipal streets, which, to date, have always been donated to local ranchers. The amount that has been collected this year, however, has been used to make the first example of this marmalade. Residents are encouraged to prepare this recipe themselves at home, since it only requires oranges, which they can find on the trees in their streets, sugar and a little of their time.
The mayor has highlighted the benefits of "this activity as part of the circular economy concept to recycle, reduce and reuse, so that it can be sampled today, as well as used for tasting by the general public during the next Artichoke Festival in Dolores. Councillor Carmen Gil said that "it is a luxury to be able to take advantage of oranges, which in addition to decorating the trees are used to make a product which can be used at breakfast. These are traditional recipes inherited from our grandmothers and mothers, and, above all, made with a lot of love, by the housewives.
Councillors and housewives prepare the first batch of marmalade
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ROUTING DELAYS FOR FLIGHTS lthough the previously reported military exercise over Spain came to a close on Friday, following yet another sonic boom or two, another exercise resumes from Tuesday 13 February which may affect flights between the UK and Spain.
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This exercise involves live missile firing in the Atlantic Ocean, and on Tuesday resumes over the Bay of Biscay. The current testing phase will continue until Thursday, but the resumption will go beyond this week. There have been some flights between
YOUR CHANCE TO SHINE! Fancy singing but never had the courage to walk into a rehearsal on your own? Well, Spangles Ladies’ Harmony Chorus is offering you the chance to join other like-minded souls at the Open House on 22 Feb. “We know it can be difficult to make that first walk into a room of strangers, so we hold our open house periodically to help people overcome their fears” said Carol Smith, Members Liaison Officer. “We’re a friendly bunch of ladies with a passion for singing, so there’s no need to be afraid.”
the UK and Spain diverted over the Bay of Biscay due to new Air Traffic Control equipment being tested in Paris, but with this exercise the reverse will happen, with flights having to be diverted away from the Bay. These diversions could affect all flights between the UK and Spain, but the Bay of Biscay is a popular route for those flying to the Canary Islands, and so the highest impact could be on these flights. Some areas of the UK are celebrating the half-term school holidays during the week. Spangles’ Open House is on Thursday, 22 February, from 10.30 until 13.00, at Centro Las Claras, Los Narejos, Los Alcázares. You don’t need to read music as teach tracks will be provided to help you learn the song before the day.You will learn the iconic ‘Cups’ song from ‘Pitch Perfect’ and a chorus member will be on hand to help you through the learning process. To sign up and get your teach tracks, email hello@spangleschorus.com or WhatsApp: 607 550 717 If you’d like to book the chorus for an event or you are thinking about joining them, you can find out more on their website: www.spangleschorus.com or email info@spangleschorus.com
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French Navy test firing Aster-15 missile in the Bay of Biscay
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Monday 12th - Sunday 18th February 2024
My cancer journey continues The birth of The Pink Ladies & Panthers
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By Maria Wilson Part Three
570,000 euros. During one of my regular CT scans it was discovered the tumour of over 20 years ago in the UK was growing bigger. The tumour had lain dormant for all this time but since my breast cancer diagnosis it had grown over 16 cms in a year. My oncologist decided to try and shrink it with chemotherapy, my hair had grown back by now to my shoulders so I was not looking forward to losing it again but the inevitable happened and I lost my hair again, as I have always been proud of my appearance and liked to look after myself I was absolutely devastated. The chemo didn´t work and the tumour actually grew to a massive 25cms in my right buttock, and another 7cm in my pelvis.
y Breast Cancer treatment was horrendous with all the evil side effects of sickness and hair loss from the chemo and the radiation burns from the radiotherapy add to that dealing with it psychologically.
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Feeling less of a woman with only one breast and no hair, I could not look at myself in the mirror for a very long time. I like to think that I am a strong person, but this thing was really getting me down. People would say to me how strong I was and how well I was dealing with it but, behind closed doors I had some very low moments and cried my tears in private.
Rather than dwell on my condition I decided I needed to do something positive so, together with a group of friends I decided to raise money to help in the fight against cancer. As such we organised a 5 km walk along Torrevieja sea front and invited all who took part to wear pink, and so the fundraising group “Maria and the Pink Ladies” was born. Initially it was only going to be the one walk, but it was so successful that we decided to continue as a fund raising group to help in the fight against cancer, and to date we have raised almost
It was decided to surgically remove the tumour but only the part in my buttock first. The surgeon said it was the biggest he had removed and it was “like a melon”. The removal of the smaller tumour some months later was the one that almost broke my resolve as I didn`t think my body could take any more, emotionally I definitely couldn´t. But you do because you have to, don´t you ? Contact the Pink Ladies by phone at 865 94 27 95 or call into the office on the lower level No 8, CC Flamenca Beach, Mon - Fri 10am to 1pm (To be continued)
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Party at La Siesta Church s Peter and Paul, Torrevieja will be holding their annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Party on Tuesday 13th February at La Siesta Church, Calle Granados, Urb La Siesta, Torrevieja at 12 noon.
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Father Richard Seabrook, the Priest at the church, said: It is an annual event as we look forward to the approach of Lent. We join in with the age old tradition of cooking pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. It´s a sign of using up all the good things we have before the rigours of Lent begin the following day on Ash Wednesday. I cook the pancakes and, if you are lucky, flip them as well! Soup will also be served. There will be various stalls: jams and preserves, bric a
brac, and cakes. There will also be a raffle. Father Seabrook continued:
It is always a happy event and a chance to enjoy some good fellowship with each other and anyone can come
along – even if you don´t come to the church.You are welcome to join us. Tickets are on sale from Sue Maude on 693 530 935 or by emailing her at: wardenlasiesta@gmail.com at a cost of 5 euros each. The church will cater for gluten and lactrose free diets. The next day, commented Father Seabrook, will be the start of Lent and there will be two Masses in English with the Blessing and Distribution of Ashes at 1030 at Lago Jardín Church (opposite the Dña Monse Hotel, CV95 on the road to San Miguel de Salinas) and 1700 at La Siesta Church. Father Seabrook remarked: February 14th is Valentine´s Day but this year it is also Ash Wednesday so we will be thinking about the love that comes from the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Facebook:@anglicantorrevieja
Maria recovering from her latest bout of surgery three weeks ago
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ILLEGAL SHEEP FARM FOUND IN SAN FULGENCIO he Guardia Civil, within the framework of the control of agricultural and livestock farms, has located a clandestine sheep-goat farm and has issued a report against the person responsible, who may face sanctions of up to 1,200,000 euro.
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The illegal farm was found following the discovery of dead sheep in the Azarbe, close to San Fulgencio
At the end of last year, the agents of the Nature Protection Service (Seprona) of Guardamar were informed about the discovery of several dead sheep in the Azarbe that runs through the town of San Fulgencio towards the mouth of the Rio Segura. The officers confirmed the information, noting that the animals lacked an ear tag (identifying plastic element attached to the animal's ear), beginning the investigation to clarify the origin of these animals, suspecting the possible existence of a clandestine livestock farm. After carrying out various inspections on farms in the area, the agents located, hidden in some abandoned facilities dedicated to pigs, an illegal farm of sheep and goats, where they identified the person responsible for the farm. Once the inspection was carried out, the agents found that the livestock lacked any animal health control, so its consumption could pose a serious risk to human health. In addition, it was found that the remains of animals found in the river basin could be linked to the farm. For these reasons, the agents drew up a report to the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Generalitat Valenciana for the commission of violations of Law 8/2033 on Animal Health of the Valencian Community, leaving the animals in storage at their disposal.
The person responsible for the farm could now face serious offences due to the lack of communication of the death of the production animal, lack of disinfection, disinfestation and mano other sanitary measures established by regulation as well
as the absence of health documentation, and very serious offences of failing to carry out the necessary tests for those animals intended for human consumption. These offences can lead to financial penalties of 3,001 to 1,200,000 euro.
The movements of animals susceptible to the disease will not be affected at the moment.
FIRST CASE OF BLUETONGUE VIRUS FOUND IN ORIHUELA
2023.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has notified an outbreak of bluetongue in a cattle farm in the municipality of Orihuela. This is the first time in 15 years that this disease has been detected in the Valencian Community.
The Department has launched measures in the area to prevent the spread of the disease. In addition, it has established mandatory vaccination for all animals over three months of age of the ovine and bovine species throughout the province of Alicante.
It now means that all sheep and cattle over three months of age will have to be vaccinated across the entire province of Alicante. The Department of Agriculture has already announced that it will buy the first 120,000 doses of the vaccine. The outbreak was located in a farm of 180 cows, during a preventive check carried out at the national level. This is serotype four of the virus, while on the previous occasion it was serotype one. The livestock farm in question is located on the border with Murcia, a region in which the disease was eradicated at the end of
The incubation period is 5–20 days, and all signs usually develop within a month. The mortality rate is normally low but can be high in susceptible breeds of sheep.
Official notification has also been made to the EC, the rest of the autonomous communities and all other sectors involved. Bluetongue or sheep bluetongue is a viral disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, and which affects wild and domestic ruminants, but which in no case affects people. The severity of the disease in ruminants varies depending on the species and serotype. Bluetongue does not affect people or food safety. Meat and milk from infected animals are safe to eat and drink.
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Tinnitus Explained
Pilar Zaragoza, a sister of the former mayor, is said to have received a regular salary from the clinic without ever attending for work.
Visit www.specsavers.es to request a hearing or eye test.
Gran Alacant Clinic Case reaches Elche Courts after seven years
RINGING, BUZZING, WHISTLING – ‘PHANTOM SOUNDS’ OF TINNITUS EXPLAINED BY AN AUDIOLOGIST
There are currently five outstanding legal cases involving the former mayor and a number of his Santa Pola Councillors, some having reached the oral hearing phase, while others are still undergoing investigation.
Specsavers audiologist in Benidorm Jorge Martínez de Lizarduy Araico shares his expert advice on managing tinnitus
A
fter almost seven years of investigation, the oral hearing for the case of the Gran Alacant Clinic in Santa Pola begins on Monday in the City of Justice of Elche.
In some cases, like that of Pilar Zaragoza, they would have received salaries without going to work.
year, despite being paid in full, and that city council staff also provided their services at the clinic.
Added to all this is that the clinic would not have paid the fees to the council for rent.
Amongst the 8 people standing trial are the former mayor of Santa Pola, Miguel Zaragoza from the PP, together with former councillor and deputy Loreto Cascales, as well as the sister of the former mayor, Pilar Zaragoza and her partner. These will be joined by another former councillor Jorge Perelló, among others.
In addition to the former mayor, his sister and the two former councillors - Jorge Perello, who was responsible for Personnel, and Loreto Cascales, mayor of Gran Alacant -, the then managers of the clinic Manuel Rodríguez Bernal and Fernando Gómez Soler; the former Sports Councillor Francisco Martín and Antonio Jesús Martínez, are all facing charges.
This is the second case that has reached oral trial of the five that the Udef of the National Police has referred to the courts.
They are accused of prevarication, bribery and prohibited negotiations for renting municipal offices to a private clinic for their sole use in exchange for employing relatives of PP supporters.
These last two, both PP supporters, had been hired at the clinic. In the investigation phase, the then owners of the clinic did admit that Pilar Zaragoza did not work for a
For now, the uniform case will be resumed in October 2024 after it was delayed due to the withdrawal of two magistrates who voluntarily disqualified themselves from the Court. On Monday, this second case will be judged. The case of beach contracts is still under investigation, which investigates the alleged splitting of plaza beacon contracts between 2007 and 2015; the case of the NGO Icnelia, and then there is the case of overtime payment in the Local Police.
Former Bigastro Mayor moved from Open Prison
Tinnitus, a debilitating condition affecting 1 in 7 adults in Europe, is the experience of perceiving noises in the ear, despite there being no external sounds to cause this. During Tinnitus Awareness Week, audiologists from Specsavers in Benidorm shone a light on the signs and symptoms of the condition, highlighting its impact on daily life and provide expert advice on how to manage it best. While symptoms are individual to each person, the most common sensation sufferers report is described as a ringing sound, which in severe cases, can be unrelenting. Other frequently reported sounds include buzzing, whistling, humming, hissing and even grinding. Tinnitus can occur in one ear (unilateral tinnitus) or both ears at once, with its onset either being sudden or gradual, depending on the cause and type. Despite numerous studies, the direct cause of tinnitus remains unclear. There are however, a number of factors known to contribute to its onset, including age-related hearing loss, earwax build-up, ear infections, perforated eardrum and exposure to loud noise. Tinnitus can have a huge impact on a person’s quality of life. Symptoms can cause sleep problems, problems concentrating and low mood. What’s more, a recent study of over 8,000 participants found that people with tinnitus are more likely to suffer with depression and anxiety. Jorge Martínez de Lizarduy Araico, audiologist at Specsavers in Benidorm: ‘There is no single cure for tinnitus, but there are methods that can help. The first step is to understand if tinnitus is being exacerbated by a medical condition, like an ear infection, then treating that condition may resolve the symptoms of tinnitus.’ ‘There are many suggestions on how to treat tinnitus, with many alternative remedies being proposed, such as vitamins and supplements like B12 and zinc. However, the most common approach from professionals would include the treatment of symptoms through sound and behavioral therapies such as tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
The former socialist mayor of Bigastro, José Joaquín Moya, has been moved to a closed prison in Murcia to serve a four-year sentence for keeping 70,440 euros from the Council for the sale of municipal land. He has been transferred to the Murcia II prison after he voluntarily entered a Social Integration Centre (CIS) on the 31st January, also in the Murcia capital, the Guillermo Miranda, facilities intended for prisoners in an advanced state of reintegration, a requirement that was not met in his case.
15% of Europe’s adults have ringing in their ears
With capacity for a thousand inmates and located in the municipality of Campos del Río, in the interior of the Region, the Murcia II penitentiary centre is where he will spend the next few months until his prisoner status is formally classified.
A healthy diet and exercise, along with relaxation techniques are also common components of treatment plans. Relaxation exercises are a useful way to minimise the stress and worry that can result from tinnitus. Techniques include yoga, deep breathing and guided meditation.’ Tinnitus can affect anyone, however it is more common in people with hearing loss. If you think you have tinnitus, or have noticed changes in your hearing, book a free hearing test with Specsavers or visit www.specsavers.es to request a hearing or eye test.
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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ANSWERS Week 1009
ACROSS 6.
Odd (7)
7.
Gem (5)
9.
Rigid (5)
DOWN 1.
Condition (5)
2.
Legal (6)
3.
Era (3)
4.
Boil (6)
10.
Compliment (7)
5.
Umpire (7)
12.
Rude (3-8)
8.
Mistake (7)
14.
Argument (11)
11.
Confiscate (7)
18.
Endurance (7)
13.
Position (7)
19.
Saying (5)
15.
Mood (6)
16.
Sober (6)
21.
Salute (5)
17.
Concur (5)
22.
Smash (7)
20.
Reserved (3)
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
QUICK ACROSS: 1 Unassuming; 7 Noted; 8 Foliage; 10 Enriched; 11 Beat; 13 Rotate; 15 Poster; 17 Burn; 18 Composer; 21 Elation; 22 Atlas; 23 Confidence. DOWN: 1 Utter; 2 Audacity; 3 Suffer; 4 Male; 5 Nearest; 6 Unbearable; 9 Enterprise; 12 Complain; 14 Tornado; 16 Loaned; 19 Salve; 20 Tiff. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Air display; 7 Again; 8 Spirits; 10 In the end; 11 Mien; 13 Draw up; 15 Bengal; 17 Alps; 18 Restless; 21 Airmail; 22 Skate; 23 Only chance. DOWN: 1 Apart; 2 Runner-up; 3 Insane; 4 Pair; 5 Arising; 6 Radio drama; 9 Sun-glasses; 12 Jettison; 14 Aspirin; 16 Wealth; 19 Erase; 20 Lady.
ACROSS 6.
Vehicle is really a vehicle towed by another (7)
DOWN 1. Witty person travelling by cart (5)
7.
Room in prison to take nothing but a musical instrument
2.
Bet doctor goes in strong wind (6)
(5)
3.
Why the joke was unspoken? (3)
4.
Niche for an MP’s holiday (6)
9.
Exclamation of contempt by stupid person (5)
10. Extend period of imprisonment (7) 12. Where the purchaser gets in a flutter? (7,4)
5.
Role, etc., for the voter (7)
8.
Clients provide pattern for duplication (7)
11. Framework for putting on a play? (7)
14. Difficult period when attempts are still made? (6,5)
13. Go to pieces when the short stoppage is over? (5,2)
18. Wild worker on slope (7)
15. Weaken when I am putting brace on (6)
19. Stop working at market stand? (5)
16. Assets - broken tea-set! (6)
21. Be afraid like a gamebird (5)
17. Depression of university players (5)
22. Does it produce cartons for fruit? (3-4)
20. Heavy weight going north (3)
L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. Based on the number of records sold, who are the two best selling female Canadian artists of all time? 2. Tanzanite, one of the rarest gemstones in the world, is only found at the foot of which famous mountain? 3. Which one of the following is a species of frog? a. Baptist frog, b. Protestant frog, c. Buddhist frog, d. Catholic frog 4. Where are the oblique muscles located? a. arms, b. legs, c. waist, d. shoulders 5. Who resides in the Gracie Mansion? 6. Destroying angel, Fly agaric and Devils bolete are all examples of what? 7. What are the names of the two largest fish in the world? 8. A World War II British Commando raid on which port city in France has since been called 'The Greatest Raid Of All'? 9. What was the three letter acronym for the famous film studio that made the classic films Citizen Kane and the original King Kong? 10. According to data released in 2011, in which South East Asian country is John Paul the most popular name given to boys?
( A n s we r s o n p a g e 1 9 ) 11. Which singer plays himself in the 2000 film High Fidelity? 12. The name of which country, host to a Formula One race, translated means "The Two Seas"? 13. Until its abolition in the late 1950s, what was for more than one and a half centuries the principal device used for execution in Spain? 14. Which number, or its reverse or multiples, appears in almost every episode of the Star Trek spinoffs? a. 39, b. 53, c. 71, d. 47 15. Who once said that "Only the pure in heart can make a good soup."? a. Martha Washington, b. Mike Tyson, c. Ludwig van Beethoven, d. Mahatma Gandhi 16. Fleetwood Mac's 'Don't Stop' was which US president's campaign song? 17. Which 1967 album was the first rock LP to have lyrics printed on the cover? 18. What is a straw covered Chianti wine flask called? 19. Plus or minus 25,000 dollars, what is the annual salary for a US President? 20. Which major league baseball team is the oldest sports club in North America?
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Orihuela repeats its offer of land for a second health centre on the coast. Orihuela Costa needs a much larger health centre to provide a suitable service for its coastal residents, especially in summer when the population triples in size. This issue has long been a cause of disagreement between the City Council and the Generalitat. On the one hand, the Ministry of Health is willing to undertake an extension to the current centre, located in Aguamarina, as the previous Valencian Government stated at the time, while the Orihuela Council continues to insist that a second health centre needs to be built. The Spanish press is now reporting that the government team has repeated its offer of a site, which is the same location proposed by the former mayor Emilio Bascuñana in 2021, which was understood, at the time, to be a strategy of pressure on the Botánico, absorbed in full reversion to the public management of the Torrevieja hospital. Located in PAU-20 La Ciñuelica, the plot has 10,693 square metres of surface and is in an area of which the local executive states would help to make a geographically more equitable distribution of patients, since Aguamarina would pay attention to the southern half of Orihuela Costa and this new
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Investigation Launched After Human Skull Found in Dustbin An investigation has been launched after a human skull was discovered in a dustbin in Cartagena. The Scientific Police have taken control of the investigation following the find near Plaza Juan XXIII. In addition to the skull, officers also took clothing and documents that were inside the container.
The plot was first offered in 2021 centre, to the northern half. The current councillor of Health, Irene Celdrán, has stated that she did not favourably view the extension of Aguamarina, as proposed by the PSOE in the Consell, because, she said, it would generate a traffic problem in the area straddling Cabo Roig and Campoamor as the plot on which the extension is intended is used by residents for parking, markets and, occasionally, to set up small fairs in the summer. The previous councillor for Health, Luis Quesada (PSOE), was especially
critical of the position of the Popular Party motion stating that he left everything ready to carry out the extension of the plot in Aguamarina and that the investment was already available in the budget of the Torrevieja health authority, to which the health centre belongs. However, as legislators dither over making a final decision, it is the patients, from all sectors of society, that continue to suffer, and with such poor leadership coming at all levels of the governmental spectrum it is no wonder that the general public continue to have little faith or respect for our politicians.
PAGE 15
A forensic professional who examined the remains suggested that they could be related to material used for research and teaching purpos-
es in the medical school, a situation that has already been recorded in the past in Alcantarilla. However, it is emphasised that this preliminary analysis is subject to further investigation. The skull has been moved to the offices of the Institute of Legal Medicine in Cartagena to be subjected to more detailed analysis. National Police sources have said that it is not yet possible to determine whether the remains belong to a recently deceased person or if they have an earlier date.
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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
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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 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
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affiliated to the parent Assn. Contact with the RAFA and the RMG is via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk.
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
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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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WHERE SHOULD THE ITV STICKER BE PLACED?
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PAGE 17
windscreen, so things like ‘For Sale’ signs are forbidden. You can place a GPS or mobile phone cradle or dashcam in the windscreen, but it must not interfere with your primary field of vision. Here is a list of things which are permitted. When we talk about the location of them, we are imagining ourselves sat in the vehicle, looking out. ITV STICKER (IF REQUIRED) The ITV sticker should be placed in the upper right corner of the windscreen (remember we are sat inside and looking out when we describe the location). Also, you must only display the currently valid sticker, not a collection. Only one sticker should ever be displayed. ECO STICKER Although the Eco Sticker is not mandatory, there are an increasing number of cities where restrictions are in place for vehicles which are not displaying the sticker, or for vehicles who do not satisfy a minimum standard of eco-friendliness. If you drive into one of these areas without the appropriate sticker then you face a fine. The Eco Sticker is to be placed in the bottom right corner, again, as we look out from within the vehicle. SHARED VEHICLE STICKER Some towns and cities offer special lanes for vehicles where the occupants ‘car share’ in order to reduce the number of polluting vehicles in some areas.
The windscreen is used to protect the occupants of the vehicle from the elements, but in doing so it must remain clean and clear for maximum visibility.
However, we are required to place certain things on display on the windscreen, whilst many other things are prohibited. You are not permitted to stick anything unauthorised in the
Special lanes for these vehicles are advertised as being for vehicles of high occupancy, VAO. The shared vehicle sticker is placed in the upper left of the windscreen.
PAGE 18
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" Immigration feeding growing horror" Tony Mayes highlights a worrying future. offences there which carry far harsher punishments than in weak Britain? I have absolutely no doubt that many of these illegal immigrants (and probably some legal ones too) are criminals and very quickly disappear into the UK’s criminal underworld.
very right-minded person here in Spain and in the UK, I am sure, was horrified to hear the news of the corrosive substance attack on a 31-yearold woman in Clapham, London. It left her with intensive and life-changing injuries, and a further 11 others, including her two children, thankfully, far less seriously injured.
E
We were shocked in the past to hear of the Muslim gang in Rochdale enticing schoolgirls with “gifts” of sweets, money and drugs into a sex ring to share with more Muslim perverts in other cities, turning them into teenage prostitutes. Just one sickening example.
At the time of writing, police are still in an intensive search for the man believed responsible, Abdul Shookor Ezedi, 35, who arrived in the UK hidden in the back of a lorry from Afghanistan as an illegal immigrant in 2016.
Authorities were then far too slow to act – were they fearing a racial backlash? Probably. It’s a growing criminal underworld which is more than likely protecting and hiding Ezedi. But what else is hidden… no one knew of the arsenal of weapons hidden by Hamas in Gaza to use against the Jews in Israel?
CCTV images of Ezedi show extensive injuries, presumably from the corrosive, on one side of his face, and police believe that if he doesn’t receive medical treatment for those injuries he could die.
I wouldn’t mind betting there are arsenals of weapons, stashes of stolen money, plus of course illegal drugs, squirreled away for a “rainy day” within UK cities.
They also think that he is either already dead or is being hidden and cared for by others, and it is this I want to concentrate on later in this article.
We don’t know Ezedi’s motives for traveling from Newcastle to London to commit the appalling crime against his female victim, who is still too ill to speak.
Some of you will consider that what I have written is racist, but I think that everything I say should be publicly aired, because I think that Europe in general and the UK in particular is in serious danger, looking forward. Firstly, I think it is important for me to underline that I believe that the majority of Muslims who have chosen to live in Europe and the UK are hardworking and have decent moral values as most of us. To underline this, I will briefly comment that when I was a newspaper editor my wife and I were very friendly with a Bangladeshi restaurant owner, as was a prominent UK MP, who was also a regular customer. We got to hear of a tenant of a flat above the restaurant who was regularly making racist threats against Muslims in general, and the owner and his family in particular, and he was too frightened for the safety of his family to report incidents, so we took action for him, resulting in the tenant being evicted. Now to the point of this article. Ezedi twice applied for asylum in the UK and his applications were rejected. I have no problem with that. He subsequently was convicted of a sexual
offence plus indecent exposure and was given a suspended prison sentence and probation supervision. I have considerable problems with that. As an illegal immigrant with a criminal conviction, he should have been put on the first plane back to Afghanistan, no ifs and no buts. And as for suspended prison sentences, it’s just one example of Britain’s weak and ineffective justice system. Start making punishment fit the crime. Ezedi then persuades some gullible priest that he has converted to Christianity and with the priest’s backing, manages to persuade an even more gullible official at the Home Office of his suitability to legalise his status in Britain. This is the most appalling example of how ridiculous and dangerous Britain’s immigration system really is and should warrant an immediate judicial inquiry. It demonstrates that the system is full of ridiculous loopholes and is allowing not only
totally inappropriate people into Britain, but dangerous ones too. Police now think Ezidi is dead in the Thames. However, if not, it will be a growing criminal underworld which is more likely to be protecting him. There’s an army of do-gooders in Britain working their socks off to help more and more dubious immigrants to stay in an already grossly overcrowded country, and costing an absolute fortune in the process. Of course there are immigrants we would welcome – people who have something to contribute. But there is a growing minority, particularly those arriving illegally in boats and in the back of lorries, who have nothing to contribute except loads of trouble. I can hear the do-gooders screaming that these poor people are escaping war zones or terrible persecution. Some might, but how many are in fact trying to evade the law in their own countries having committed
FROM RESCUE TO RESCUER
CHURCH TOWER REPAIRS
Elche local police proudly showed off their latest team member this week, a new colleague with 4 legs who has made the lifechanging decision of a career in the police.
The parish priest José Antonio García, the mayor José María Pérez Sánchez, the provincial deputy Marina Sáez and the councillor for culture Darío Quesada have visited the tower of the Church of the Assumption in Torre de la Horadada, whose repair work has been financed by the Provincial Council of Alicante.
Kata (right on the picture) is a Belgian Malinois who was rescued and adopted from the SOS Malinois group to become part of the Police Canine Unit. Kata displayed great qualities for detection
and enormous nobility, making him the perfect choice to join the service in the municipality.
The Provincial Council has contributed the amount of 17,598.29 euros, which represents
What we do know is that some people who come to Britain from other parts of the world have extreme religious views and believe that some actions which we believe as horrendous are “the will of God”. I believe the majority of people in the UK want the government to be far, far tougher on immigration than it has been. That’s apparent in the latest UK polling surveys which put the extreme right wing Reform party in front of the Lib Dems for the first time. Putting immigration as the number one deciding factor in a General Election, which is only months away, is worrying indeed when there are so many other appalling failings requiring urgent attention. Finally, I recall right wing Tory Enoch Powell warning the public of “rivers of blood” if Britain continued to allow unrestricted immigration. Well, we haven’t seen rivers yet but one thing is certain, the situation is far more precarious now than it was when Powell made his speech. 75% of the total cost of the work, with the remainder being covered by the parish.
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LOCH LOMOND PEDIGREE FOR LO ROMERO HEAD GREENKEEPER
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PAGE 19
LMGS @ LA FINCA 08.02.24 – This week the members of the La Marina Golf Society met at La Finca golf course for the Captain’s Challenge trophy. The warm weather unusual for February made for a pleasant day. The course was in very good condition with the greens as tricky as ever. In first place with a score of 37 pts was Gordon Thursfield, in second place on count back was Alan Craig with 34 points and Danny Divers also with 34 pts taking third place. During the presentation, all the members' names were drawn in pairs and the pair with the highest total score won the Captain’s Challenge Trophy which was presented by Club Captain, Bill Stobo to the winners Alan Craig and Tony Ollier, with 64pts
José has worked on courses in the UK and the USA After a long professional career as an agricultural engineer, José Luis Calle Martín is has been introduced as the new ‘head greenkeeper’ of the popular Alicante Golf course at Lo Romero. A native of Cadiz, Martín settled in the Region of Murcia three decades ago. Having studied in Badajoz as an agricultural engineer, he embarked on an Erasmus scholarship in Scotland; Lancashire College of Agriculture was his first destination. It was a college that he liked it so much that he asked to stay on through a work experience program. His next destination: East Sussex National Golf & Country Club in London, then he made the leap across the Atlantic – on a scholarship from Ohio State University – and continued his internship at Fort Lauderdale Country Club. Two final years at Loch Lomond Golf Club, “and then a return to Spain,” says José Luis Calle, as he fondly remembered his six-year journey abroad. At the end of 1996 he started work at La Manga, three 18-hole courses and a pitch and putt atone of the most internationally acclaimed courses in the world.
The” nearest the pin” winners were Bill Stobo for hole 3, Gordon Thursfield for holes 6 & 16, and Alan Craig for hole 13. All the members met back at the La Marina Sports Complex for some well-earned refreshments.
Tony Ollier, Captain Bill Stobo, Alan Craig.
ENGLAND VICTORY AT PINATAR ARENA The England U-17 women's team has won the 2024 MIMA Cup, a tournament in which they came out on top against Scotland, Sweden and the Philippines. All the matches were played on the main field of the Pinatar complex and were attended by a succession of large crowds, mostly comprising of British supporters. However, the road to the title was not easy for Natalie Henderson team as in the semifinals they had to defeat a combative Philippines team (2-0). In the final, however, they asserted their status as favorites against Scotland, with a comfortable 5-0 success.
Sweden, the other candidates to lift the trophy, had to settle for third place after beating the Philippines in the consolation final with a goal in the final minutes of the game (1-0). After the work carried out in recent years, Pinatar Arena has managed to become one of the international references in women's football. The MIMA Cup 2024 has served as an appetizer for the prestigious Costa Cálida Pinatar Cup, which will be held at both the senior and under-19 levels from February 19 to 28 and will feature teams including Scotland, Finland, Slovenia and the Philippines. England celebrate their success
“It was an incredible adventure these 28 years of continuous learning, rebuilding, competitions… and pandemic included,” he says, but now “I need a change of scenery”. Excited about his new destination, he says of Lo Romero that “it’s a mature course. I am also a mature man”; so we are both are on the same page. And to the question of what a course like this will offer him, he answers: “A unique and challenging work experience”. For the time being, he has not made any changes. “They will come. But the ones I make will be subtle, they won’t be easy to see,” he says. “It’s about the field evolving and me with it – along with the team – and it will seem like I won’t have changed anything.” José Luis Calle belongs to the Spanish Association of Greenkeepers. He is also a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and an associate of the College of Agricultural Engineers of the Region of Murcia “because golf courses and golf are in very similar situations; pests, water problems, so it is good to be close to, be aware of their problems and and be able to cooperate with local farmers”.
SUDUKO SOLUTION
QUIZ FROM P 14: 1. Two answers. Celine Dion and Shania Twain, 2. Mt. Kilimanjaro (Tanzanite takes its name from Tanzania), 3. Answer d. Catholic frog, 4. Answer c. waist, 5. The Mayor of New York City, 6. Poisonous mushrooms, 7. Two answers. Whale shark and Basking shark, 8. Saint Nazaire, 9. RKO (Radio Keith Orpheum), 10. Philippines, 11. Bruce Springsteen, 12. Bahrain, 13. Garrote, 14. Answer d. 47, 15. Answer c. Ludwig van Beethoven, 16. Bill Clinton, 17. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 18. Fiasco, 19. 400,000 dollars, last set by Congress in 2001. 20. Chicago Cubs (est 1870)
it, has tried to show it with the testimony of his wife and the friends who had dinner with the footballer.
Dani Alves trial comes to an end The trial of footballer Dani Alves, accused of sexually assaulting a young woman at the Sutton nightclub, now awaits sentencing after coming to an end in a Barcelona Court on Wednesday. The former Brazilian International, who made almost 250 appearances for Barcelona, looked broken as his defence tried to provide mitigating circumstances to reduce the sentence, while the player in court that any sex he had with the victim was purely consensual. The complainant, however, claimed
that the footballer attacked her in the toilets of the Barcelona nightclub, something she has maintained since December 30, 2022, when the offence is alleged to have occurred. Alves' lawyer, Inés Guardiola, meanwhile, is pursuing mitigating circumstances of drunkenness to reduce the sentence, but without having a breathalyser test to prove
Following Wednesday’s conclusion, while Alves remains in custody, the court will now have 20 days to decide and issue a sentence. The Prosecutor's Office requests a sentence of nine years in prison for the Brazilian player, which the private prosecution wants extended to 12 years. The defence, meanwhile, has proposed his acquittal or, as an alternative, a subsidiary sentence of one year in prison for a crime of sexual assault, the result of applying the defence of drunkenness.
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SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB South Alicante League: Monday 5th SL Trekkers had an excellent match away v GL Beech and after some early close, nip & tuck play, the Trekkers gradually moved ahead, finishing 10points-2, shots 104-70. Winners: Joy & Brian Gardiner, Jean Cooper 20-17, Stuart Wilson, Jane & Stewart Hamill 27-6, Ralph Jones, Mike Edwards, Florence Murphy 22-15, Mary & Phil Lockley, Bob Bromley 24-15. SL Vulcans home v CB Ravens, had a good result from a close fought match: shots 72-72, points 7-5. Winners: Jill Wyatt, Tony Ferreira, Steve Gray 21-9, Sue Kenyon, John Bagnall, Derek Biggs, 17-11, Maggie Gray, Dave Louis, Mike Wyatt 16-11.
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a brilliant fight back to win 18-16. Southern League: Friday 9th SL Pumas home v SM Comanches, had a good result 8 points-4, 95 shots- 89. Winners: Lesley & Wayne Howlett, David Whitworth 26-8, Jim Gwynn, Ken Stringfellow, Maxine Wright 17-12, Jill Wyatt, Tony Ferreira, Steve Gray 26-14. SL Tigers were away v GL Cedars and for once the weather forecast was horrendously correct, with the afternoon winds coming in varied gusts and the rain getting heavier as the afternoon wore on. 3 of the games were just lost by 1, 2 or 3 shots, the other 2 games were not so close with San Luis losing 2points-10, shots 79-96. Well done to our only winners: Stuart Wilson, Brian Gardiner, Stewart Hamill 23-11.
SL Romulans were away v SM Marlins and had a great result, 10 points-2, 135 shots-62. Winners: Ray Watmough, Ngaio Baldwin, Peter Ayres 27-10, Judy Carroll, Gordon Paton, Dave Blackie 25-11, Cathy & Noel Morrisroe, Barbara Louis 35-6, Margaret Haines, Derrick Cooper, John Skipper 31-13.
SL Leopards also had a very soggy afternoon (& results sheet) but won 8 points-4, 89 shots-64 v EI Outlaws. Winners: Cathy & Noel Morrisroe, Barbara Louis 32-10, Pauline Johnson, Kevin McKenna, Lyndon Johnson 22-13, Margaret Haines, Derrick Cooper, John Skipper 22-7.
SL Klingons BYE
SL Lions BYE.
Winter League: Wednesday 7th San Luis, home v Quesada, had mixed fortunes, winning 2 games each but losing the shots 61-84, points 4-6. Winners: Neil Burrows, Sheila Cammack, Sandra Burrows, Ian Kenyon 2114, well done Mike Edwards, Tricia Reilly, Florence Murphy, Dave Webb for
If you want to find out more; come & try out OPEN roll ups on Saturday (9:30/10:00) & Chicken/egg comp on Wednesday (1:30/2:00). Make new friends and have Fun!! Sheila Cammack
VISTABELLA BOWLS CLUB with Freddie Willey Emerald Isle Titans v Vistabella Albatrosses Tough game against a very strong side. Good win by Freddie Willey, Derek Howe & Maggie Furness 20-11.But not so good for the other rinks. Scores overall Emerald Isle 112pts to Vistabella's 55pts.Win for the Titans 10-2 South Alicante Discovery Division - Vistabella Drivers - bye Winter league - El Cid v Vistabella A long trip up north to El Cid, beautiful day for bowls but slightly overpowered by a very steady group of players who knew their green. Good win for El Cid, scores overall 101pts to 38pts. A well deserved win 100.Company was good, very friendly plus food after game. LlB Southern league Division C - Vistabella Conquistadors v Montemar matadors. Playing top team was not going to be easy, but two of our rinks nearly had a result. Clive Smith, Tony Grimes & Sue Wilson lost by one shot 21-22,plus Peter Horsfield, Dave Hill & Graham Doel were also unlucky losing 15-17. Scores overall 111pts to Montemar & 75pts to Vistabella. Win for Montemar 12-0. Contact: richardwilley321@gmail.com Tel: 698925932 17-18. Chris Ziepe, Ann Taylor, John Ziepe and Bob Taylor 15-17.
Monday morning found the Raiders away to Quesada Rubies, the Raiders fielding one ring short. The Raiders found the Quesada mat a little difficult to adjust to, but had a couple of close rinks and some good play all round. In the end we came away without a point. On Wednesday the Rowdies were at home to Country Bowls in the winter league and put in a good performance, sharing the rinks two each and taking the overall shots. Having lost the other two rinks by just one and two shots. Ria Dukker, Lesley Day, Judy Foley and Bob Day 22-8. Bill Johnston, Ron Greenstreet, Derek Barker and Keith Longshaw 25-15. Sheila Cox, Mags Higgins, Diane Yates and Henry Ryder
EMERALD ISLE BOWLS With Elwyn Morris Titans began the week at home against Vistabella Albatrosses and they had a fine win by 10-2 Aggregate of 112-55: P Heaney S Elvin D Mooney24-5, M Oakley G Wallis G Odell 25-8, N Davis S Marks M Ellis 2711, N Prior D Jones B Kavanagh 25-11 Moonrakers were at home against San Miguel Stingrays and got a fine 10-2 Aggregate of 92-78 win: M Nash J Ball M Munro 28-11, I Fay J Forrest J Mc Gregor
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GREENLANDS B.C. CHESTNUTS travelled to Country Bowls and didn’t fare so well and could only manage 2 to 10points in favour to Country Bowls so better luck next week . The Oaks were also away to San Miguel and came up a tough battle against strong opponents but managed to get 6 to 6 so well done for a good fight and some points. The Gladiators were all systems go this week against Javea Calpe and run out 10 winners and looks now to have the league seen up so CONGRATULATIONs to all the squad for a great win. The Maples played host to San Miguel this week and managed an 8-4 victory so keep the green flag flying high and well done all. The Elms were at home to Country Bowls this week but didn’t have a good result and sorry to say lost 3-9 so hard luck for some games were very close at the end. The CEDARS were at home to San Luis and had an awful day with heavy rain and high winds but dug deep and came to an10 to 2 victory which was a great result so well done all players. PEARL HOUGHTON
MONTE MAR BOWLS AND SOCIAL CLUB
LLB Southern league Division B - Vistabella Picadors - bye
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Friday morning, a windswept one at that, with occasional rain made for difficult bowls conditions, at Emerald Isle against the Claymores. Play was close with both teams having to adjust constantly against a wind changing in strength and direction. In the end though the Claymores took all the rinks, which did not reflect the closeness of the play. Jean Giddings, Malc Sykes and Dave Giddings 14-20. Ann Taylor, Ron Greenstreet and Bob Taylor 11-27. Lesley Day, Judy Foley and Tony Abbott 15-18. Ann Abbott, Derek Barker and Diane Yates 11-19. Bill Johnston, Frances Johnston and Jim Eastwood 18-24. Bowlers of all levels are welcome at El Rancho, for further information contact Sheila Cox at micksheilacox@gmail.com.
26-11, J Ingleton J Buxton E Sheppard 1816, R Howitt A Fay A Forrest 14-13 Emperors played at Bonalba in Winter league and they got a very good 6-4 Aggregate 82 -63 win; S Kavanagh N Prior M Ellis C Lindgren 27-8, N Davis K Barber S Elvin D Mooney 21-12 Cavaliers were at Country Bowls Geckos and they got beaten 3-9 Aggregate of 6998; P Heaney P Willicott M Harley 22-13, S Johnson M Willicott G Odell drew 11 all Claymores played at home against El Rancho Mustangs and they had a fine 12-0
Aggregate of 108-69; S Ellis C Wilson J Fenty 20-14, G Dyer B Eldred J Loughran 27-11, J Sayer P Moore J Taylor 24-18, T Paffett B Fenty T Upham 18-15, I Laverick E Morris K Barber 19-11 Outlaws were at San Luis Leopards and they got beaten 4-8 Aggregate of 64-89; K John M Peaper E Sheppard 16-10, M Nash J Ball M Munro 16-10 SAPS is on at the club on Saturday afternoons at 13-15 costing 5 Euros for 2 hours of bowling with coaching. Bowls and Shoes supplied and bar open.
Sponsored by The Pub, Gran Alacant Insurances, Dialprix, The Belfry, Skippers, La Piedra, Santara Resort, The Reiki Room. WINTER SABA LEAGUE Matadors v San Miguel Oras After a couple of byes we were at home to San Miguel Oras which wasn’t a good result for the Matadors, we only won on one rink. Well done to the winning rink of Janet Parker, Howie Williams skip Dave Eades 18 – 14. Also well done to the two drawing rinks Paul Dodd, Les Bounds skip Phil Goble 16 – 16, Diane Horsington, Cindy Bedford skip John Hunt 15 – 15. Shots Matadors 71 – 89 Oras Points Matadors 4 – 8 Oras SOUTHERN LEAGUE Matadors v Vistabella Conquistadors Away to Vistabella Conquistadors on a cold windy morning we ended up with a great result winning on all rinks. Well done Diane Horsington, Les Bounds skip Phil Goble 22 – 21, Sue Bounds, Chris Harding skip Joan Harding 17 – 15, Colin Bedford, Howie Williams skip John Hunt 24 – 13, Tony Kershaw, Paul Dodd skip Dave Eades 27 – 16, Gina Hindle, Steve Hindle skip Keith Young 21 – 10. Shots Matadors 111-75 Conquistadors. Points Matadors 12-0 Conquistadors. For further information check out our website www.montmarbowls.com. By Sheila Roberts
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SAN MIGUEL BOWLS CLUB with Barry Jones On Monday morning the Marlins were home to San Luis Romulans where they lost 2 - 10, 62135. The winning triple were John Bolton, Bill Llewellyn and Dave Greenland 22-17. On Monday afternoon the Dolphins were home to Greenlands Maples where they lost 4 - 8, 74107. The best winning triple were Anita Brown, Steve Cantley and Stuart Hemmings 26-10. Also Monday afternoon the Stingrays were away to Emerald Isle Moonrakers where they lost 2 10, 78-92. The winning triple were Pat Staden, Gestur Saemundsson and Alan Harris 30-6. Again on Monday afternoon the Orcas were away to Monte Mar Matadors, where they won 8 - 4, 89-71. The best winning triple were Sharon Louise, Bill Brownlee and Bob Donnelly 23-10. This week the Winter League had 2 games away, so the squad took themselves up north for an overnight stay and a great time was had by all. The first match was played on Tuesday afternoon at El Cid where San Miguel won 8 - 2, 6553. The best win came from Margaret Patterson, Jan Farmer, Gail Willshire & Mike Douglas with a score of 23-12. The following morning the team faced B.B.C. winning on 2 rinks and just missing out on the
overall shots. So 4 points this time with shots, 69 - 73. The highest winning team comprised Allan Patterson, Dave Homer, Dave Greenland & Lynn Greenland with a score of 23-16. On Friday San Miguel had three teams in action, in the morning the Navajos were home to Greenland Oaks where they shared the points 6 -6, 81-84. Best winning rink was Bob Nesbitt, Dave Young and Mike Douglas 22-14. The Comanches were away to San Luis Pumas where they lost 4 - 8, 89-95, Best winning rink was Pat Lubijk, Ian Hope and Ken Guiney 27-11. On Friday afternoon the Apaches were home to La Marina Sharks winning 12 - 0, 97-81. The best winning rink was Anita Brown, Mary Whitelock and Ron Nairey 27-22. 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.
TORREVIEJA DARTS LADIES ORGANISATION 15 delightful duets graced the ochey at the New Tavern, San Miguel to contest who would be this season´s top pairing in the Torrevieja Darts Ladies Organisation. A Round Robin format saw the 15 whittled down to the final 4 pairs. The loveable
Ladybirds secured two places in the semi´s (Gena Wood and Lyn Young; Sandra Crabbe and Donna Ralph) but found themselves pitted against each other, meaning there would at least be a pair of birds in the finals. The other semi-final saw Gap Girlz Bliss Wright and Chelsea (winners of the Thursday darts league ladies pairs comp) take on home team Primadonnas Mitch Halliday and Diane Dane.
Carp-R-Us results Another beautiful February day was promised as Carp-R-Us fished Round 7 of their Winter Series at the El Bosquet complex. The fishing has been very patchy there recently and weights have been relatively low on many pegs and, sadly, so it proved again with all the anglers on the middle part of the 1b-7 stretch failing to catch despite second, third and fourth in the match also being on this stretch.
WINNERS: Sandra & Donna RUNNERS UP: Mitch & Diane
HOT DARTS: Diane Dane (174, 123, 100x4), Diane Burns (140), Gena Woods (137, 125, 104), Ellie Attwood (135), Yvonne Rouffignac (133), Selma Dyer (131), Sharon O´Rourke (129), Monique Edelenbos (127), Jane Barnes (126, 116), Donna Ralph (125, 100x2), Bliss Wright (121, 100x5), Lynn Young (120, 101), Nina Mander James (105), Sue Wade (104), Pat Redwood (103), Sandra Crabbe (101), Eileen Askew (100 x3), Sharon Marshall (100x2), Chelsea Campbell (100). HIGH CHECK-OUTS: Mitch Halliday (94), Sharon O´Rourke (75) Thank you to all the organisers, chalkers and the New Tavern.
When Dave Hutchinson drew the favoured peg 26 everyone thought the outcome was a fore-
gone conclusion, but even Dave struggled for much of the match before he indeed won with 11.22kg caught on the pole and maggot. Second was Tony Felstead with 9.38kg, just pipping Ian Brown on peg 7 who had 9.28kg. Both Ian and Tony fished the pole with maggot. Fourth was Willy Moons with 7.68kg on feeder and maggot from peg1. Further information about the club can be found on its website http://www.carp-r-us.weebly.com or on the Facebook page Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blanca
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Board 1 - Final, Best of 3 - 601 Andy Rutter & Lee Maiden 2 - 0 Paul Tollafield & Paul Christopher
Board 2 - Final, Best of 3 - 601 Mark Ellis & Jay Wilkinson 2 - 0 Dave Rowlinson & Doug Allen
Board 3 - Final, Best of 3 - 601 Paul Moody & Darren Sanderson 2 - 1 Steve Dalton & Darren Hurcombe
Board 4 - Final, Best of 3 - 601 Matt Smith & Nigel Justice 0 - 2 Dave Askew & Graham Solomans
Semi Finals - Best of 5 - 601
Final - Board 3
Moody & Sanderson 2 - 3 Askew & Solomans
Askew & Solomans 3 - 2 Ellis & Wilkinson
Rutter & Maiden 1 - 3 Ellis & Wilkinson HIGHEST CHECKOUTS: Carlos Escansiano 160, Lee Maiden 130, Paul Moody 116, Darren Sanderson 94, Dave Askew 90, Mark Ellis 84 180’S: Jay Wilkinson, Richie McSweeney, Luke Monks 140’S: Dave Askew - 6, Darren Sanderson - 5, Jay Wilkinson - 2, Mark Ellis - 2, Darren Hurcombe - 2, Jesus Madrid, Mark Farmer, Dava Wharton, Paul Moody, Raul Rocamora, Ed Klimonis, Nigel Justice, Arold Klimonis, Lee Maiden, Terry David. Moody. Sanderson was in excellent form hitting a multitude of tons, nailing a 94 out and D10, to lead 2-0. But requiring 114 in the 3rd for the match he found D18 for what he thought was the winning leg. Unfortunately for him he had miscounted by 4 points, and actually required D20. It was a rare error from the accomplished Sanderson, his opponents taking advantage, finding the next 3 for the match. In the other semi, Ellis and Wilkinson overcame another Toad duo Andy Rutter and Lee Maiden.
Winners with Paul & Darren
Runners up with Lee & Andy
The "Toadies" hitting plenty of T20's but not converting them into 3 figure scores, which the Hub pair did. Wilkinson finishing off 60 in the 4th leg for a place in the final. WINNERS: Graham and Dave As expected with 64 of the regions best "arrow throwers" on show, there was plenty to crow about. Three maximums, in excess of 100 scores of "tons or ton plus's" and a magnificent 160 out from Carlos Escansiano.
Fancied pairings of Dava Wharton and Mark Farmer were eliminated in the 1st round, Matt Smith and Nigel Justice losing in the board 4 final to the eventual winners.
It was however the quieter of the vociferous Tipsy Toad "Mafia," Dave Askew and Graham Solomans who remained unbeaten to take this years Serenity Insurance, pairs title.
CK1 Contingent
Their opponents in the final, Mark Ellis and Jay Wilkinson, had the opportunity to take the 5th and deciding leg, missed, leaving Askew a dodgy 38 point remainder. The canny former Surrey County player didn't fancy the D19 and opted for S6, D16 to take the title. Eighteen tons or more, plus ten 80+ scores, graced the final, not forgetting a 1st leg 90 out from Askew and a 4th leg 84 out from Ellis to level at 2-2. There was drama in the semi when the champions faced the Gap duo of Darren Sanderson and Paul
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BATTLING THADER SHARE SPOILS WITH LEAGUE LEADERS his hard fought draw against a David Villa part owned Benidorm, was without doubt a game of 2 halves.
from Rojales. Subsequently, Benidorm have gone from strength to strength, leading the Community league by a massive 10 points, whilst Thader are also on the ascendency, one place off the relegation zone.
T
Back in late September, Thader took a bit of a hammering at Benidorm, the start of a dismal run of results for the team
CD Thader ...........1 a disappointing CF Benidorm .......1 Following defeat at Olimpic last
weekend, a much more experienced Thader side took the field at Moi Gomez stadium on Sunday morning, inside which a fair number of ex pat Benidorm fans were gathered. Ref Miguel Lucas (first year at this level) wasted no time in imposing his authority on the game, booking Thader's Fran for a nasty looking challenge on a visiting opponent, as early as 1 min 56 sec. Thader's defence repelled wave after wave of Benidorm assaults, and it seemed only a matter of time before the little Britain seaside resort would take the lead. Twas only the brilliance of keeper Chema plus wayward finishing that kept the goal intact, but on 22 mins, a tragic own goal became Thader's undoing. A routine cross from the left wing, appeared to be a bread and butter clearance for the normally reliable Pascual, but sadly he sliced his clearance into his own net. A shell shocked no 5 just wanted the earth to swallow him up, but as a Swedish Thader fan later said to me, 'sh*t happens'!! Seven mins later, it was almost 2-0, had a cross by Jose Cortes not hit the post, before bouncing to safety. Pedro Juan was put through on goal on 41 mins, but a debateable linesman's offside flag cut short any celebrations.
Thader drop back into the relegation places following Javea’s home win
When both Javi & Juan were booked on 53 mins for petulant fouls, it appeared for all to
Lewis and Montero rescue points for Torry Torry welcomed Novelda to the Esteban Rosado knowing they needed nothing less than a victory, after league leaders Murada had put Villajoyosa to the sword on the previous day, but with Ramiro and Jose Toro back from injury, and new signing Toni Antón on the bench, Gil was able to start with a full strength squad.
pace. As the Novelda striker ran in on goal, Maxi came off his line as the ball was dinked past the Torrevieja stopper, but Jose Toro never gave up and was able to clear the ball off the goal-line with a desperate sliding clearance.
By Chris Peach
SC Torrevieja..........2 Novelda CF..............1
Any hopes they had of an easy ride, however, were soon put to bed as a 30yard strike from the visitors shaved the top of the woodwork in the opening seconds of the game. A scrappy opening period followed Novelda’s early chance with Torry shading possession, but with nothing to show. Indeed, it took a full half hour before the home side had even a glimpse on goal when left back Gombo was pushed just a little too wide as he rounded Amann in the visitors goal. Unfortunately, that was the full backs last contribution as an injury saw his replacement by Kevin just moments later. Novelda thought that they’d taken the lead 5 minutes prior to the break as Jorge Carmona was caught out for
Then, with the interval beckoning, great work from Manu Amores to earn the home side a penalty, as he knocked the ball into the box with the centre back using his hand to block the cross. From the resultant spot kick Lewis sent Amann the wrong way to give Torry a rather fortunate half time lead.
save by a fully stretched Maxi saw the keeper push a well hit shot over the bar. As the game entered its final quarter there was no lack of ambition from Torry as Dani Muñoz and Montero were brought on for Luis Carlos and Omar. We then saw a rare attack for Torry as long ball caught out the Novelda defence with Lewis breaking forward from the halfway line to go through on goal. Forced a little wide he could only slice his shot from a narrow angle. Torry were able to double their lead on 84 minutes
The second period got under way, again with a glorious opportunity for Novelda after Carmona was dispossessed in the corner. The ball was squared to the striker only 8-yards out, but the shot is rushed and sliced well over the bar. Replacing Fran Diez, newcomer Toni Anton was introduced for his Torry debut just prior to the hour mark but Novelda continued to be the team on the front foot. Two good opportunities in quick succession had Torry saved by the crossbar once again, before a great
Montero wrapped up the points for Torry in the 84th minute
see that frustration was causing the hosts to lose their discipline. But fortunately, they soon got their act together, none more so than when Tremino converted a cross from Pedro Juan on 67 mins, to make proceedings all square. Tremino looked to have made it a brace, but his deft header was somehow cleared off the line by a defender who suddenly appeared from nowhere! By this stage, the game was frantic end to end football, with both sides giving their all. On 83 mins, the dangerous Jose Cortes forced Chema to make an outstanding acrobatic save, as his Benidorm side were close to pulling off a late winner. Tempers became frayed in stoppage time, following a Benidorm player being unceremoniously forced into the advertising hoardings. As a result, a red card was shown to the Benidorm bench, presumably to an official, although it could have quite easily have been a player. Next up for Thader is a trip to La Nucia, who currently sit 10th in the division. This match will be either 17 or 18 Feb, but it is strongly advised to visit CD Thader facebook page for further updates. Thader fans are welcome to travel on the team coach for a small fee.
after Ramiro cleared the ball deep in his own half. It turned out to be a great through ball as Montero was through 1 on 1 with the keeper. The super sub waited for Amann to commit himself before calmly sliding it past him into the bottom corner. We then had a nervy finish for Torrevieja as Novelda grabbed a late goal. The striker was given too much time in the Torry box and was able to turn and finish into the bottom corner. Fortunately, it was too little too late as the home side held on to see the game out. All in all, a great result but a poor performance and although Torry will be delighted to have moved back to within 1 point of league leaders, Novelda will be driving north wondering how they didn’t leave with at least a point.
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