The Leader Newspaper 22 April 2024 – Edition 1020

IS ORIHUELA COSTA’S RAY HOUGHTON SPAIN’S MOST TATTOOED MAN?

Mancunian Ray Houghton has been the proprietor of the Beach Body Gym in Cabo Roig for ten or more years.

Not only is he well known in the area as a ‘body builder’ extraordinaire, but he is also proud to boast that just about every part of his body, including his private parts, is covered in exotic tattoo designs. It is something that he has achieved, albeit at a cost of almost 10,000 euro, in an effort to hide his "ageing" skin, which at a mere 67-years-of-age, he feels, looks remarkably good.

A military veteran, Ray was introduced to tattoos when he was serving in the Royal Artillery. However, he found all eight of his initial inkings "rather embarrassing," soon growing tired of the designs and deciding to cover them up.

Those initial ‘tats’ included a boat, the word's 'mum' and 'dad', a naked woman, and a Geisha girl. “It was getting them covered up,” he said, that led the gym owner to become obsessed with this form of body modification.

According to Ray, this sparked an obsession, which set him out on a mission to have his whole body tattooed in an effort to hide his "ageing" skin.

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SPAIN’S MOST TATTOOED MAN

In the intervening years, Ray has since endured 300 hours over 40 sessions to ink every bit of his skin, even sporting designs on his private parts. "Now I get loads of messages on social media, 30 or 40 a day, from men, asking to see my tattooed penis. It's always from men, never any women, and I send them as they are all over the internet anyway."

The procedure on his manhood was carried out six years ago in 2018. For five hours, Ray had to wrap his penis around a rolling pin whilst artists decorated it. His testicles ended up 'swelling to four times their normal' size. "I just had to bite my lip the whole time," he recalled.

“The tattooist couldn't believe I wanted to get such a sensitive area done. As might be expected, there was quite a bit of blood and it was uncomfortable to walk the next day or two, but I was desperate to get it done.”

"It was quite weird at first but it made a lot of sense, and it worked out perfect really. I’m delighted that I had it done."

Ray, who once held the title of North West coast Bodybuilding Champion in 1989, is now

San Javier Jazz Festival to cost Council 312,000 euros

completely adorned with Maori-inspired tat-

across his face, hands, feet and even

When asked about the favourite part of his body he has no hesitation in pointing to his face.

“I think it looks good,” he said, “but I'm going to leave the right side clear as I like it how it is on the left-hand side. It all looks good as though it's one big pattern."

"I'm now about 95 per cent covered. I

The

The San Javier International Jazz Festival, declared of National Tourist Interest, and one of the main cultural and tourist attractions of the town, will once again be a major summer attraction in the Mar Menor region this year.

The festival, organised by the Cultural Department of the San Javier Council, will cost around 312,000 euros for the for the 2024 edition, artistes who will mainly perform Jazz, Blues and related genres. The contract, now released for public tender will require ìa right to film and record musicians for broadcast on television and radio, at a national or regional level." It is planned that the concerts will be held during the months of June and July 2024.

The San Javier International Jazz Festival is essentially structured by holding concerts spread over 11 nights, which will take place in the Auditorium and the new winter Theatre in Almansa Park in San Javier.

In addition, a number of other free concerts will be held in parallel in public parks. "The concerts will usually be held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays although, if necessary, any other day of the week may be used. Each evening will feature one or two concerts, according to the definitive programming. The duration of each of the concerts must be between a minimum of 75 minutes and a maximum of 180 minutes."

The total value of the contract amounts to 312,300.00 euros , plus VAT. This amount corresponds exclusively to the cost of the performers.

absolutely love all my tattoos, it's the best decision I ever made."

Ray credits his body art for making him look younger, claiming he is often mistaken for being under the age of 50, as the ink hides his 'varicose veins' and 'wrinkles'. "I feel like a celebrity, and I love people staring at me'' Ray added.

"And there are plenty of other people who love the designs. When I go walking with my dog people stop me asking for autographs. It's unbelievable.”

Show them that hate has no future

That killing's no video game

That lives are as precious as ever

That we arrive in this world all the same

That there's room for us all on this planet

“ISLE

Let’s put them all on an island

Those people who just want to fight

The terrorist groups we all know of

Who think that their causes are right

Equip them with guns and explosives

Tanks and all items of war

Let them start killing each other

Then perhaps they'll know what living's for

Have sharks encircle the island

Making it hard to escape

Leave them to ponder existence

To experience violence and rape

To know how it feels to be cornered

To lose everything that you pride

No family left to support you

No love standing close by your side

If we live and let live all in peace

Then there's hope for a bright new tomorrow

Where all conflicts and terror will cease

But if they're not prepared to accept this

Then what hope do they have to survive

Let them murder and kill one another

Their mission to hate and despise

Let their island be their grave and hell hole

Their legacy terror and death

Let them finally see their wrong doings

As they draw in their last living breath

Yes lets send them all to an island

Our world has no place for such men

Let it stagnate somewhere in an ocean

And never be thought of again.

By David Whitney 2024

Waterboys in 2023

toos

his backside.

Ray is leaving the right side of his face clear

Work was scheduled for last Saturday on his left breast

Most of the designs are based on Maori culture

The ceremony was attended by Valencia’s Councillor for Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, Nuria Montes. (Centre)

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LAUNCHES ORIHUELA COSTA DIGITAL COWORKING

The Digital Coworking Orihuela Chamber of Commerce on the coast officially launched its activities on Monday afternoon at its Orihuela Costa Headquarters at a ceremony attended by the Councillor for Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, Nuria Montes.

The institution is located in a two-storey building, next to the N-332 in Cabo Roig, where services and advice will be provided to the many businesses and entrepreneurs who work in the coastal area of Orihuela. This fulfils the objective set by the president of the Orihuela Chamber of Commerce, Mario Martínez Murcia, to bring the institution closer to "the most economically dynamic area of the municipality".

field of technology and digitisation. The Incyde Foundation is committed to promoting the creation of these places and to expanding our network of infrastructures, currently the most extensive in Europe, with 191 centres distributed throughout Spain, made possible thanks to the European ERDF Fund, of which INCYDE is the manager on behalf of the European Union".

The Chamber works with small and medium sized companys as well as entrepreneurs wanting to launch their own business.

Martinez, said that "this is a day that will go down in the history of this Chamber and our city", since "from today, the Chamber of Commerce offers its own space in Orihuela Costa where it will work with small and medium enterprises, as well as entrepreneurs who want to launch their own business ventures.

Martínez said that "the Orihuela Chamber of Commerce has staff who are more than prepared to deal with the new tasks entrusted to us by the public administrations. He also referred to the training opportunities that the group offers to the different sectors that make up the economic and social fabric of Orihuela, which will be developed through various programmes aimed at companies, entrepreneurs and unemployed people, along with actions and initiatives to improve and promote the tourism sector in the area.

The councillor Nuria Montes declared that "digitalisation is an inevitable step towards modernisation and growth in the current competitive environment, and from the Department of Innovation we provide companies with tools to help solve the digital divide in SMEs and turn them into business opportunities". “These types of projects are essential for business development, while they are also an essential way to improve productivity and business competitiveness".

The event was also attended by Natalia Vázquez, national director of FEDER Projects at the INCYDE Foundation (Instituto Cameral para la Creación y Desarrollo de la Empresa), who said that "digital coworking offices are essential for business development, as they offer a favourable environment for innovation, progress and collaboration in the

Even the bishop of the Orihuela-Alicante Diocese, José Ignacio Munilla, attended the ceremony where he was in charge of blessing the facilities. Councillor for the Coast, Manuel Mestre was also on hand, having wushed from the emergency plenary meeting in Orihuela following the approval of the municipal budget.

The Orihuela Costa Digital Coworking is a project cofinanced by the European Regional Development Fund ERDF through the INCYDE Foundation of the Chambers of Commerce, in the framework of the Spanish Multi-regional Operational Programme ERDF 2014-2020. The facilities take the current range of services offered by the Chamber to the companies and users, as well as developing training programmes.

The premises have 323 square metres, in which are distributed the different work spaces for entrepreneurs, companies and SMEs with tables, chairs, lockers and internet connection; a networking room; two training classrooms, a rest area and a fully equipped meeting room with capacity for ten people.

In this way, the Orihuela Costa Digital Coworking of Orihuela Chamber of Commerce offers advisory services for technological development and digital transformation, as well as support for new business models based on the digital economy.

UKPress ‘Tabloid Hysteria’ over misreported £97 tourist rule.

The UK Press has, once again, been accused of publishing nonsense about the entry of British visitors into Spain.

In recent weeks it has been widely reported by a multitude of regional and national newspapers, that financial checks are being carried out on visiting British tourists on their arrival at the Spanish border. Widespread news reports are claiming that holidaymakers may now have to show proof of funds amounting to £97 per day for the duration of their visit, or else risk being denied entry by Spanish border control officers.

However, the Spanish Ministry of the Interior has said that no such checks are taking place, accusing the UK media of making the story up and simply spreading a ‘hoax’. They confirm that British tourists are not being asked to prove on entry that they have funding, amounting to £97 per day to last for the duration of their visit.

Many news outlets have described the rule as “controversial”, quoting examples of British tourists who have supposedly “slammed” the rule and threatened to “boycott” Spain as a result.

The Daily Telegraph reported on Thursday that a

Much of the tabloid press has shown no responsibility at all in reporting the story

During the Dana of 2019, Campoamor lost a vital connection between the north and south of the urbanisation.

Avenida de las Adelfas, which previously ran uninterrupted along the seafront, across the Rio Nacimiento in front of La Glea beach, was closed after the disaster by order of Costas and despite the opposition of the City Council.

Now, the state body is demanding that the Council remove all traces of the road that once connected important urbanisations across the middle of the coastal area.

In a letter sent by Costas to the Orihuela council the municipality has been ordered to undertake, without further delay, the removal of the remains of the road that was left after the flood. In its place it wants the installation of a wooden walkway.

Demanding its repair, the previous PP/Cs government went before the Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community stating that the closure to road traffic along Adva

Adelfas represented serious harm to residents. While before it was possible to cross from one bank of the river to the other, along the beachfront, now drivers are forced to make a detour inland to go under the famous stone bridge or when it is flooded, as often happens during bouts of rain, onto the busy N332 itself.

The national highway already supports a high volume of traffic in summer, which greatly lengthens the trips of those residents of Campoamor who want to go to Aguamarina, either to the supermarket, the health centre or the bar area located in the well-known Cabo Roig strip. Added to all this is that for a few years now the direction of traffic on the old Campoamor bridge has been one-way, with vehicles only able to travel from north to south.

Costas says that, if cars are allowed to pass through, it would be violating the Coastal Law. The City Council, meanwhile, states that the Campoamor urban plan, older than the Coastal Law (dating back to 1969), already provided for the existence and traffic of vehi-

spokesperson for the Spanish Ministry of the Interior has told them that the £97 rule has been mis-reported in Britain.

“These are not systematic controls for tourists and no entry denial has occurred for this reason,” they said. “This is a hoax spread from time to time by the English media, lacking rigour and without any basis whatsoever.”

The Telegraph goes on to say, however, that the rule does exist in the fine print of the Schengen Borders Code, but it is important to be aware of the wider context. Namely: it is not a new rule, it does not only affect UK visitors, and there is currently no precedent of it causing any problems for British tourists.

Sally Davies, The Telegraph’s Barcelona expert, says: “It’s just nonsense, all of it. Spain adores tourists and, for many years, the country has fallen over itself to accommodate them, particularly the British”

cles on that now closed road. The City Council is still waiting for the court to rule. Parallel to the problem with the highway, the Nacimiento River channel in its final section is suffering from a lack of maintenance. The mouth, which in previous years used to be perfectly clear, has now been completely taken over by reeds.

In the past, this same area has been used for parking during in the summer for those residents and tourists wishing to spend the day at La Glea. Now those same areas are inaccessible due to the over abundance of the reeds.

In the specific case of the mouth of the Rio Nacimiento, areas overlap where, for any action to be taken, it is necessary to inform Costas or the Segura Hydrographic Confederation, whether because it is in the public hydraulic or maritime-terrestrial domain.

At this time, the Council is in negotiations with the basin organization to come up with

The mouth to the Rio Nacimiento is now competely overgrown

a future agreement that clarifies the municipal investment that the City Council must make in terms of maintenance of the urban sections of all the channels that cross the municipality.

THE LEADER JOINS N332 ROAD SAFETY DAY

ORGANISED BY CARTAGENA LOCAL POLICE

As the official print media partner of N332, The Leader joined the team on a Road Safety Day organised by Cartagena Local Police at the La Manga Club golfing resort on Friday.

The packed day of experiences began with introductions of the representatives from the likes of the fire service, Guardia Civil, and Cartagena town hall by the president, Andrew Millard, followed by a welcome from Manuel Asensio, Chief of Police in Cartagena.

For N332’s part, much of the talk surrounded one of the biggest problems that residents and visitors experience at the resort, in the form of small electric vehicles, but on this occasion we are not referring to e-scooters, rather golf buggies.

Many of the owners and visitors were unaware of the rules regarding golf buggies, which renders the majority of them effectively illegal in the manner in which they are used. As a topic not widely featured by N332, the team will provide an overview in The Leader next

UNION DENOUNCES ORIHUELA CORREOS

In Orihuela 3,000 notifications and nearly 1,000 letters remain undelivered, according to the CSIF union, calling the situation "serious" as there are only, "half of the operational staff, thereby causing an obvious deterioration in the service to the public." Correos, however, said that everything is operating "normally."

CSIF doesn't see it that way at all. They say that, "despite the effort and professionalism of the staff, the public postal service is poor." They state that it is impossible to handle the amount of work that comes into the centre, "which leaves workers depressed because they cannot provide a quality service to the public."

And it published the figure, saying that more than 3,000 notifications are pending delivery along with a backlog of a further 1,000 letters, "many of them important." The union says that the backlog is increasing the risk of injuries and work stress. As a consequence, they state, "the number of staff on sick leave is increasing, which further advances the process of decline, along with an increase in workload.

Neither sickness nor the existing vacancies being covered."

They add that, “Citizens deserve an efficient postal service, and the staff must be able to carry out decent and safe work. The Post Office, is a public servant, and it must respond to this serious situation.”

week in the dedicated N332 section, so if you are a golf buggy user, it is something that you might want to read, especially if you want to stay on the right side of the law and avoid being fined.

As part of the N332 talk, a Local Police officer from Cartagena, Victor, highlighted the risks and dangers of consuming alcohol or drugs before driving, in an exercise that showed, through experience, how the ability to focus and function is diminished, by getting some of the attendees to don special goggles which mimic the effects of alcohol or drug use.

Before a tour of the facilities, the dangers and risks were further highlighted by a demonstration from the Cartagena fire service about how they extract a victim from a vehicle, in this case demonstrating the effects of a relatively slow-speed frontal collision, and although the rescue experts managed to extract the victim in around 20 minutes, in so many cases these situations can so easily be avoided.

Speakers and hosts at La Manga Club

Demonstration by Cartagena Bomberas Packed house

The union says that neither sickness nor the existing vacancies are being covered

TORREVIEJA´S INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTS COUNCILLOR VISITS THE BRITISH EMBASSY

Torrevieja´s Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has visited the British Embassy in Madrid, representing the local council in a trip organised in collaboration with the Consul in Madrid, Bernadette Gallagher, who introduced the different departments of the embassy.

In Torrevieja there are approximately 4,900 British residents registered, and whereas this is considerably fewer than a decade or so ago, during 2023 there was an increase of 2.4% in the registered British population.

For Torrevieja Council, it was an opportunity to thank the Embassy for the good service it pro-

vides.

On a day-to-day basis, it is contact with the consulate in Alicante that is incredibly important for the municipality to provide a proper service to British residents and tourists. From the consulate in Alicante, activities are regularly carried out to strengthen coordination between town councils, associations and consular services.

Recent years have presented particular challenges in relation to Brexit. With the support of the different authorities, Torrevieja town hall, and in particular the departments led by the councillor, have tried to reduce the obstacles in this transition. Britons who were already residents

before Brexit should not have many problems. Your previous ID (the EU Green ID) is still valid, but both the British and Spanish authorities strongly recommend switching to a TIE (residence card for non-EU citizens). This is to avoid administrative difficulties.

Another important area for the British authorities in Spanish territory is the service to British travellers on cruise ships leaving Spanish ports. If someone becomes seriously ill or dies, possible diversion and transport to Britain must be arranged.

At the end of the visit there was an interesting meeting with the welfare department. Health insurance for international residents and tourists

was discussed. And in this field, it applies not only to the British, but there are general measures relating to international inhabitants.

And from the embassy and Torrevieja Town Hall, both advise that you ensure you have adequate health insurance before traveling to Spain. Here it is very individual. If you are a tourist, it may be a good idea to take out travel insurance and make sure you read the fine print.

If you are a pensioner and move to Spain, you can transfer your health insurance to Spain through an S1 form.

When it comes to health, there are still agreements that give similar rights to Britons from when they were EU citizens.

Pretty in Pink: Gitte with Embassy staff

THE TRICK OF THE DISAPPEARING ACT....

Lord Lucan is probably the most famous vanishing act of all time. The fact that he was a fugitive, wanted for the murder of his children’s nanny, adds even more intrigue to his baffling disappearance. Worse – if it could be that, is to know that ‘Lucky Lucan’, mistook the nanny for his wife -or as he might claim, he got the wrong woman twice!

That was 1974, and you have to imagine that it would be almost impossible to pull off a similar stunt in this day and age.

Leaving aside those who flee after a crime, how difficult must it be for someone who chooses to change his or her identity and make a new start far, far away? Go on … admit it, you have fantasised some time or other about slipping away with whatever loot you could get your hands on, died hair, brown horn-rimmed glasses and a new name? It is not illegal to change your name and therefore your identity in Ireland. That is the easy bit, but I doubt if there is another tribe anywhere in the world from which an individual might find it more difficult to lose himself. (Or ‘herself’, of course) You remodel and reinvent ‘the new you’ before heading for the remotest spot on the globe. (Provided it has an Irish pub, of course!).

Black sunglasses, cap covering ears and forehead, you tentatively edge your way in and plonk down in a corner to watch a GAA match on TV. You have only spoken the two words necessary to order a drink when from behind you; ‘Is that an Irish accent I hear … where are you from?’ You feared this – but you are ready. ‘Ah I’m from Ballybejaisis on

the west coast, but I left there a long time ago.’ ‘Are you now … well isn’t that a ‘fret’ … you must know the Bianchi’s so? Grandfather started with a chipper - and without a word of English; sons now own the fish farm three miles out … and isn’t it unbelievable that three of the grandsons played for the county.’ ‘You don’t know them? …by Jazus you are a quare sort of a Ballybejaisis man.’

At that moment Westmeath score a goal against 3-time and reigning All-Ireland champions, Wicklow, and you go berserk in the bar. You might as well go home now …

If I got found out and had to do a midnight scamper incognito, I don’t think I would run any further than trying to lose myself in the UK. The Liverpool accent is one I can do a bit with. ‘Am from Bootle, aren’t I’, I would tell the woman from Castlepollard who thought she recognises me.

I often wonder how those in a ‘Witness Protection Programme’ live out their lives. It is bad enough being prevented from communicating with family and friends, but to be carrying the additional fear of constantly looking over your shoulder is almost unthinkable. There are only three ways out of the programme: The first is that the ‘witness’ voluntarily withdraws from the programme. Naturally, this is very much discouraged by the authorities. The second reason is a ‘red card’. The Witness violates the conditions of the programme and is set adrift. There are rules involved; especially that the subject remains law-abiding. The third way out is the bullet in the back of the head – and that is not as uncommon as you might think.

Anyway, those in the Witness Protection Programme, were benefitting from serious crime to begin with. They are never very nice people so spare your sympathy here.

Finally, should the urge take you to head off and start again; think long and hard and make sure it is what you want.

There was a man in the town I lived in a long time ago … whom we’ll call ‘Tom’. Tom found a girl-friend, despite having a wife and after very little though (with his head, anyway) decided he would keep the new one. Tom’s wife was on night duty at the hospital, when he wrote the letter, pointing out all her defects and the reason he was doing better for himself now.

The new couple went to bed early in Dublin,

in order to be well rested for the boat the next morning. But the excitement of it all wore off in an hour and Tom couldn’t sleep. As dawn approached, the man jumped out of bed, grabbed his trousers, made his apologies, ran for a taxi, to get home and destroy the letter left on the hall-stand. The taxi man had to get £40 before getting into 2nd gear.

Well, you know early morning traffic! He saw her car in the driveway before he charged in, hoping she hadn’t found his letter. If you are looking for a happy ending … wrong page! Tom went from having two women to Zero.

DON’T FORGET

It’s what you do when you have nothing to do that reveals what you are.

CONTROVERSYOVER CIVIL PROTECTION APPLICATIONS

The Orihuela Council is immersed in the process of renewing many of its employment pools,rubbish truck driver,cleaners and now it is the turn of the Civil Protection staff.

The rules have just been published,but the C’s former councillor for Human Resources, Luisa Boné,denounces it as an alleged "ploy to collect money" on the part of the government.

Boné points out that the Council already has a pool of such applicants,which has been in force since May 25,2022,and with 22 people listed,of which only three are currently being used.

“We do not understand the reasons for this new process beyond the fact that it seems there is a desire to collect application fees. This new process harms the interests of those people who are currently registered,a relatively new list,all of who paid their fee and passed the tests.We now wait to see if the new list of applicants supersedes the previous one.

“We believe that this selection process is irregular.The Council wants to hire personnel who have qualifications higher than the positions that are being created,which it intends to fill by paying lower salaries with respect to those qualifications.We all know that this represents unjust enrichment on the part of the Administration," said Ms Boné.

IS THE PLOVER EXPERIMENT WORKING IN LA MATA

Experts warn that La Mata beach has recorded fewer nestings of this bird since the pandemic due to the presence of loose dogs.

When humans leave,nature takes back the areas that were taken from it.It seems like a cliché,but Torrevieja, without raising a finger,had the opportunity to test it first-hand during the pandemic.

In the past,when beaches were not the crowded spaces they are now,dune flora and fauna were much richer in plant life and species.One of the successes was the Kentish Plover ('Charadrius alexandrinus'),a bird that is seriously threatened by the lack of virgin sandbanks in which to place its nests.

to keep them away from the nesting areas.

However,he emphasizes,"what causes the most damage are loose dogs.During the early mornings and last thing in the day their presence is very negative.The birds consider them a potential predator,” says the conservationist from the Department of the Environment.

The ordinance and the current regional law restrict access to these animals,but, according to the data,it is clear that any vigilance is insufficient.

If La Mata stops being a site appreciated by this unique bird,the Laguna Rosa and La Mata would remain as nesting spaces in Torrevieja.In this area,it is the workers of the natural park managed by the

BIRTHS PER YEAR

2018 1 pair.1 nest and 2 chicks hatched.

2019 No nest.no birth registered.

2020 5 pairs.5 nests and 11 chicks hatched.

2021 4 pairs.6 nests and 13 chicks hatched.

2022 3 pairs.3 nests and 8 chicks hatched.

2023 1 pair.1 nest and 2 chicks hatched.

When covid emptied the banks of La Mata,the bird was once again able to breed in peace.Eleven chicks were born next to the Molino del Agua municipal park in 2020 and 13 in 2021,numbers not previously seen,even more so if you consider that in 2019 not a single hatchling was produced.

That unusual precedent laid the foundations for the much more serious protection of this small bird in the Torrevieja district.The part of the sandy area – the furthest from the sea – where they like to nest their eggs was marked,the mechanical cleaning of the sand and the collection of algae were stopped to facilitate their access to food.However,the plover did not return to that same accommodation that it enjoyed in times of the pandemic.There were eight births in 2022 and two in 2023,extremely disappointing when you consider the efforts that were made.

Nevertheless,in March the period of special protection for this bird began once again on La Mata beach.The warning signs,wooden posts and ropes returned to the area closest to the Molino del Agua.And the bird was given the opportunity to reproduce without the attention of bathers.

The municipal biologist,Juan Antonio Pujol,together with Estefanía Alonso, promoter of the Kentish Plovers project, are responsible to ensure that this bird's stay in the salt city is as comfortable and peaceful as possible.Pujol,well known on social networks for his Facebook page 'Natural Chronicles of Torrevieja',recognizes that the influx of bathers has an impact on the plover,hence the attempt

Generalitat who are responsible for carrying out the task that Pujol and Alonso undertake for the City Council.

A week ago,the Council published a statement to notify of the arrival of the breeding period for the grosbeak.It called for public collaboration stating that "it would allow the adoption of similar procedures that,once their effectiveness has been proven,could be used in other parts of the coastline with similar characteristics."

Torrevieja,more accustomed in the past to serious attacks on nature,also wants to be a reference in environmental management and La Mata offers it less urban pressure to also develop the reintroduction of plant species typical of the dune forest; the other major project championed by the City Council in this sense. Pujol,meanwhile,has also asked for protection of the plover in neighbouring municipalities,including some in the Region of Murcia.

The biologist recently got his boots muddy,with the help of ANSE,in detecting nesting areas in the reeds of the Mar Menor.He says that this area along with Cabo Cope are the last important reservoirs of the bird in the Region.

“Populations are also declining there,”he says sadly.Although he admits that his task is "difficult",the biologist does not give up on his efforts.

"We carry out campaigns in schools and, for the first time,this year there are guided routes scheduled where all the environmental values of the Molino del Agua are explained," says Pujol without a hint of weakening in his noble and green pursuits.

Murcia health centres encouraged to fit solar panels

The regions 67 health centres have been invited to apply for a Community grant that will enable them to fit solar panels on the roofs of their buildings.

A total of 4.7 million euro is available with the application deadline set at 11 May at 7 p.m.

The new solar panels will generate more than 3.85 kilowatts per hour per year, representing around a third of the total annual electricity consumption of these 67 health centres, saving the authority about 700,000 euros per year.

SAN MIGUEL STORYTOWN ON WORLD BOOK DAY

Starting at 11am next Saturday the 27th, the Story Route will be held, featuring the most popular children's stories and also some of the municipality's own.

San Miguel de Salinas will be immersed in the magic of the written word so that children and adults can learn about and remember the most popular children's stories.

One of the objectives of this story route is to highlight the municipality's own stories, including those of "Tío Tamicas."

THE LO QUILES BRIDGE IS CLOSED FOR SIX MONTHS

On Tuesday drivers used the detour put in place to avoid the Lo Quiles bridge, between Orihuela and Torrevieja. The Generalitat closed the bridge on the CV95 after detecting cracks that compromised its stability. All traffic must now make a detour of almost two kilometres through San Miguel de Salinas for at least the next six months, while another viaduct is erected.

ORIHUELA CULTURAL SELLING TICKETS WITHOUT APPROVAL

The company Orihuela Cultural has started selling tickets for performances which are part of a programme that has not been approved by the Council. This controversial decision has generated unease among the members of the council because "there seems to be of a lack of respect for the people who are part of

Orihuela Cultural, calling into question the ethics and transparency of the Councillor for Culture and the manager of the company. As such, tickets are now being sold for events that have not been contracted.

Surplus funds incorporated into Orihuela budget

The Mayor of Orihuela has incorporated a surplus credit into the budget of 5,782,704.74 euros in order to implement various investments, including: road safety improvements on the Villamartin road and San Miguel to Orihuela Costa road, reform of Calle Mayor in San Bartolomé, comprehensive refurbishment of the playgrounds at Glorieta Gabriel Miró and Parque Severo Ochoa in Orihuela, refurbishment of the Rubalcava Palace, refurbishment of the former Caja de Ahorros de Monserrate savings bank, now the Miguel Hernández cultural centre, acquisition of the Correntías Consulting Room, a local village of 1400 people.

The mayor said that the liquidation of the financial year 2023 is at an advanced stage, which will allow for the incorporation of more surplus funds in due course.

HORADADA’S GREEN PATROL COMES TO AN END

Last month saw the end of the Patrulla Verde educational and healthy leisure programme organised by the Youth Department of Pilar de la Horadada Town Council.

The programme has meant that for yet another year youths have continued to enjoy their free time and to discover new places in the environment. This activity has been carried out on Saturday mornings from November 2023 until the end of March 2024 and has been organised in two groups of 12 users each, divided by age.

The basis of Patrulla Verde is healthy educational leisure, mainly in the open air, where we carry out environmental, pre-sports, cultural, prevention and awareness-raising activities, through gymkhanas, games, routes and creative workshops.

Los Balcones Park in state of abandonment

Los Verdes Equo-Compromís have denounced the abandonment of the ILO ILO park in Los Balcones and have asked the council to carry out the removal of rubbish and weeds, as well as to clear the thick vegetation to enable access.

"It is a park that borders the protected area of the Salinas de Torrevieja and should be cleaned regularly. It is in a deplorable state, and almost all the palm trees have disappeared.

And the state of the hedges on which they were located without any trees or vegetation, which blur the image of the park and leave a large part of it without shade".

Two day earthquake conference in Orihuela

Orihuela is organising a conference on seismic risk to be held on 23 and 24 April.Attendees will include the professor of the University of Alicante,Sergio Molina as well as university researchers,the Fire Brigade,the Valencian Agency for Security and Emergency Response, National Police,Local Police and Civil Guard,as well as staff from the Technical,Emergency and Civil Protection areas of the Council. This conference is part of the FAST IMPACT project,which is funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation.

The activities that have been organised for these two groups have varied and each Saturday something different has been programmed. In recent years we have been updating and renewing the lines of work, according to the needs and demands of each moment.

Some of the activities carried out have been: environmental workshops in Pinar de Campoverde, guided routes to get to know the environment, environmental clean-ups, excursions, cooking workshops, activities with the elderly and street kids, camping trips, etc.

The Councillor for Youth Melisa García explains that it has been the course "with the most fun and updated activities for years" and that the patrol members "have had the great opportunity to enjoy this unique programme".

The Youth Department would like to thank the patrol members who have participated every Saturday in each and every one of the activities.

Getting older has its difficulties. Our bodies become less flexible,mobile,and certainly much less agile.

We develop pains in places we never felt pain before.We use the car more and more,even for short distances.

We walk around our homes and at the supermarket,but not much more than that.

Unfortunately,that’s not enough exercise for our bodies,we need to do more and to do it regularly.We’ve all heard the saying “if we don’t use it, we’ll lose it”,sadly it’s true.

Those,over 55 find exercise hard and less enjoyable,and we don’t want to look bad in front of others.

At EASY Exercise in the Sophia Wellness Centre,La Regia (Cabo Roig) there are six Easytone seats and six Powertone beds in a circuit that takes 35 minutes to complete,ideally twice or three times a week.

There are also two seats designed to help people with serious mobility problems following stroke,heart attack or paralysis.

In addition,there are four vibration plates to improve circulation and help those with diabetes,posture,and circulation issues.Muscles benefit from being exercised regardless of how it happens.

Unlike a regular gym,you don’t need special clothing,to train hard,perspire and ache all over or even to shower after a session.

Toning is exercise,but it is EASY exercise.

While the comfortable machines are moving your muscles you can choose

to do nothing while you are being exercised but if you put in some effort in you can gain more from your routine than those who can’t or don’t want to.

Training will be given on your first visit and more information will be given as you progress.Improvement in your mobility and overall flexibility is apparent very soon after beginning and within one month you will be amazed at the things you can do that were painful,or practically impossible to do,before you started EASY Exercise.

Try it yourself,for FREE.Call or whatsapp 663 771 345 for a suitable time. You can bring a friend.All you need to bring with you,for hygiene reasons is a bath towel and a pair of socks. Your free trial will take a maximum of one hour.EASY Exercise is a totally different concept to traditional gyms. EASY Exercise has many benefits,the most important are reduced muscle and back pain,greater mobility to be able to walk or climb stairs and increased flexibility of movement.

It’s Time to Feel Great,Be More Flexible,Mobile and Pain Free

Over 16,000 Cruise passengers arrive in Cartagena in just two weeks

April and October are the two months highlighted by cruise companies as the most popular for travel in the Mediterranean. As such, Cartagena concentrates the highest volume of tourists arriving on board such boats in spring and autumn.

As such, in just two weeks, a total of eighteen cruise ships will arrive at the Juan Sebastián de ElCano dock, bringing into the region 16,000 tourists who will all enjoy the delights of what the city has to offer.

Consell to “defend owners” against illegal occupation.

The Community vice president, Vicente Barrera, has said that the Consell will study the implementation of measures, to “defend the rights of the owners” of the homes against occupation. illegal.

Barrera explained that “we want to defend those who have never been defended, those who are the legitimate owners of homes. It is incredible, that today, the current state legislation provides them with no protection, and only the criminal is defended.”

CREVILLENTEORIHUELA MOTORWAY TO BE WIDENED

The AP-7 between Crevillente and OrihuelaBenferri is set to be widened with an additional lane added to the motorway. The contract is costing 89,585,314.5 incl IVA.

It is expected that work will get underway in the coming, however, it is work that will take years to see the light of day. In fact, the execution period is five years, so it won’t be completed in 2029 at the earliest.

The works involve the creation of this third lane from Crevillente to the access to Orihuela on the CV-870 highway, along the 17 kilometres of the section.

STUDIO 32'S THE PAJAMA GAMECOMING SOON TO SAN FULGENCIO

The talented musical theatre group Studio 32 are presenting the musical comedy The Pajama Game at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre,San Fulgencio from Thursday 2nd to Saturday 4th of May inclusive.

Based in a pajama factory in Cedar Rapids, Iowa,it follows the story of the workers who, led by their union rep Prez,are seeking a seven and a half cent pay rise from their miserly boss, Mr Hasler.

Featuring memorable songs such as "Hernando's Hideaway" and "I'm not at all in love",it also captures the blossoming romance

Popular vocal group “Lyrical” present the second of their spring two concerts

of grievance committee chairman Babe Williams and the new factory superintendent

Sid Sorokin (played by Doris Day and John Raitt respectively in the 1950's film version)

Pictured are members of the cast rehearsing the number "Steam Heat"

Final preparations are now under way and tickets are selling fast.Do not miss out on a fun evening.Tickets (only 12 euros each) are available online from

www.studiothirtytwo.org or from the following outlets :-

The Post Box,Dona Pepa 966 71 71 56

Cards and More,La Marina 966 79 09 54

Con Amor (with love),Quesada 865 48 16 01

Elipacrafts,Quesada 865 75 63 20

The Post Room,Benijofar 966 71 23 82

Bob's Bar,La Marina 641 99 21 64

Email tickets@studiothirtytwo.org or call 679 06 22 72

SPRINGTIME SERENADE AT LA SIESTA!

“It´s a grand night for singing” on Wednesday 15th May at 1930 at La Siesta Church, Calle Granados, Urb La Siesta in Torrevieja as locally renowned and popular vocal group “Lyrical” present the second of their spring two concerts called “Springtime Serenade” – a brand new programme for Spring 2024 including much loved classic show tunes from smash hit musicals such as 'Phantom of the Opera', 'State Fair' and 'Carousel' with everything from Mozart to Manilow.

Ss Peter and Paul, Torrevieja, which is hosting the concert, will welcome back their friends from Lyrical to give another of their enjoyable programmes.

Father Richard A. Seabrook SSC, the Priest at the church, said: “Lyrical gave their first concert at La Siesta a number of years ago and we have had a close affinity with them since. They have been generous in their support for our church over the years and we love their music!”

Lyrical began singing together in January 2019 and was the brainchild of Trent Harris and Philip Mitchell who between them decided to create a small group of local talented singers, musicians and friends who just love singing together in 4-part harmony.

Father Seabrook said: “The concert is an opportunity for a delightful evening of music at La Siesta and then refreshments outside with – you´ve guessed it –a raffle. Lyrical are giving of their time and talents generously to raise money for church funds as we have to be self-supporting. I am really grateful for this.”

ickets for “Springtime Serenade” are 10 euros and are available from Sue Maude on 693 530 935 or by emailing her at: wardenlasiesta@gmail.com.

“We look forward to a really great evening – it is open to everyone,” said Father Seabrook, “Bring your family and friends. All are

PRIORITY LIST OF INVESTMENTS

ORIHUELA COSTA 2024

Asociación de vecinos Cabo Roig y Lomas-Orihuela Costa (AVCRL) is asking residents of the coast to complete a short survey on its Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/avcrlorihuelacosta) in which individuals are required to specify the five investments that they consider to be the most urgent, and that they would like to see completed in this financial year.

AVCRLsays that contracting and procurement will take time and they have serious doubts that many of the items listed in the 2024 budgets will be executed this year.

The list of the most urgent needs, the priorities perceived by municipal residents, will then be submitted to the council.

The survey, which could have serious consequences for coastal residents, will take just a few seconds to complete. Alternatively you can email them to: avocaorihuelacosta@gmail.com

Areminder of the 16 items tabled by the council, together with approximate costs in euros, is listed below:

2,800,000New drinking water tank

2,005,000Asphalting Orihuela Costa roads

1,370,000AP7 pedestrian bridge Lomas Cabo Roig

1,161,000Construction of the Emergency Centre Phase 2

1,149,440New Civic Centre and Auditorium

1,000,000Street and beach furniture

1,000,000Replacement of trees and palm trees

600,000Aguamarina Paseo Marítimo Expropriation

500,000Renovation of street lighting

440,000Toilet Modules in beach areas

250,000Lifts to beaches Barranco Rubio and Punta Prima

150,000Work centre. waste collection and street cleaning

100,000Eco Park

75,000Sports courts maintenance

50,000Skate Park expansion.

30,000Purchase of jet skis for Local Police

Did you know that The Leader has the LARGEST LOCALCIRCULATION of all ëfreeíEnglish language newspapers.

Members of the cast rehearsing the number "Steam Heat"

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ACROSS ACROSS

11.Fanciful plan (4,5)

14.Canvass (7)

16.Handsome man (6)

19.Middle-Eastern country (5) 21.Vase (3)

QUICK QUICK

ACROSS: ACROSS: 7 Avenue; 8

Canter; 10 Torment; 11

Radio; 12 Rock; 13

Leant; 17 Delay; 18 Toil; 22 Amass; 23 Crowded; 24 Benign; 25 Fringe.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Pasture; 2

Terrace; 3 Outer; 4

Vagrant; 5 Study; 6

Brood; 9 Utterance; 14

Message; 15 Mordant; 16

Pledged; 19 Maybe; 20

Taint; 21 Hoard.

CR CR YPTIC YPTIC

ACROSS: 7 Occult; 8 Turn to; 10 Scuttle; 11

Lathe; 12 Nora; 13

Stone; 17 Wring; 18

Open; 22 Orate; 23

Latvian; 24 Cathay; 25 Repeal.

DOWN: 1 Cousins; 2

Acquire; 3 Sloth; 4

Outline; 5 Unite; 6

Romeo; 9 Sentinels; 14

Arsenal; 15 Sprites; 16

Inanely; 19 Force; 20

Parts; 21 Steep.

ACROSS ACROSS

1.Somehow proves at the finish it's blue! (9)

8.I will shortly be unwell (3)

9.Perhaps I find it's one of many in a dictionary? (11)

11.Study diplomacy with an acquaintance (7)

12.Mature commercial shown last month (5)

13.Give formal consent if a try works out (6)

15.Wet two enclosures (6)

17.The French journalists in Yorkshire? (5)

18.Mollusc out to do cop (7)

20.Are cheats of use in getting a good card (3,2,6)

22.The man returns to show assent (3)

23.He can see new aspect to the rocky hill (9)

DOWN DOWN

2.I've gone out to compete (3)

3.Thus Ian upset a girl (5)

4.Car for a certain area of buildings (6)

5.Three-dimensional scene showing ten in the play (7)

6.It is a girl to decorate with delicate stuff (6,5)

7.After midnight heard it shone (9)

10.Atrick in Who's Who, perhaps (4,3,4)

11.Singing girl accompanying Heather (9)

14.Ties with loud assent, anyhow (7)

16.Sweet way to tee off? (6)

19.The measure of crime (5)

21.Acouple of Clint Eastwood films? (3)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on

1. Which 2006 post apocalyptic novel from Max Brooks is the follow-up to his 2003 book 'The Zombie Survival Guide'?

2. What was the number of the last Apollo moon mission in December 1972?

3. Although they didn't perform or sing their own music, which garage band consisting of Archibald Andrews, Veronica Lodge, Betty Cooper, Reggie Mantle and 'Jughead' Jones had a number one hit on both sides of the Atlantic in 1969?

4. The board game Snakes and Ladders (Chutes and Ladders) is an ancient game that originated in which country?

5. In which critically acclaimed 1982 film did Sir John Mills, Sir John Gielgud, Trevor Howard, Candice Bergen, Bernard Hill and a very young Daniel Day Lewis all have minor roles?

6. Which woman won a record 11 Australian Open singles titles between 1960 and 1973?

7. In which year did British cryptologists break the Enigma code?

8. Which 2 baseball teams have won the most World Series ?

9. The painting titled 'The Card Players' sold for a record 267 million dollars in April 2011. Which French post-impressionist painted it?

10. The following are all lyrics from songs with the word 'Fire' somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song? a. Pope Paul Malcolm X British politician sex, b.

page 19)

Your mother she's an heiress, owns a block in Saint John's Wood, c. Just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone, d. Hey little girl is your daddy home, e. I chew my nails and I twiddle my thumbs, I'm really nervous but it sure is fun 11. What are the two most populated cities in Yemen?

12. In which year was the tie break introduced at Wimbledon? a. 1969 b. 1971 c. 1978 d. 1981

13. Which famous songwriting duo produced albums under the pseudonym 'The Glimmer Twins'?

14. "The 'Big Four' are the four venomous snake species responsible for causing the most snake bite cases in South Asia (mostly India)." (Wikipedia). Can you name them?

15. Which famous little American town was a one hit wonder for the band Matthew's Southern Comfort in 1970?

16. Czar Nicholas II of Russia had one son and four daughters. Can you name two of them?

17. What did films like Gone With The Wind, Ben Hur, 2001 ASpace Odyssey, Lawrence Of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago, Gandhi and The Sound Of Music all have that modern films lack? (One word, 12 letters)

18. Which one of the following is not an event in the Modern Pentathlon? a. fencing b. cross country run c. pistol shooting d. long jump e. show jumping f. freestyle swimming

19. The movie poster tag line for which 1977 film was "We are not alone."?

20. In song, "the women folk would hide, they'd hide" when which man rode to town?

HOSPITAL CAFETERIA ROBBED

Four men attacked the cafeteria of the Los Arcos hospital, in San Javier, in the early hours of this Sunday morning to loot the food and drink dispensers. The alert, according to police sources, was given by the centre’s own security guards when they noticed the presence of the thieves.

They had approached the hospital along quiet orchard paths and, once inside the cafeteria, they destroyed the machines and stole the money.

Vega Baja comes together for recycling competition

The Vega Baja municipality that manages to recycle the most packaging in their yellow containers will obtain a cash award to a charity selected by the town.

The “Recycling Challenge” is an initiative that will reward the municipality that manages to recycle more and better by using the yellow container for their plastic containers, cans and cartons, thus demonstrating a greater commitment to recycling and caring for the environment among local residents.

TORREVIEJA CHOIR CELEBRATES 70TH ANNIVERSARY

The Councilor for Culture, Antonio Quesada, presented the schedule for the 70th anniversary of the Francisco Choir Vallejos (1954-2024).

The events got underway on Sunday at the Municipal Theatre, with a concert that brought together on stage the current members of the choir, as well as 50 former chorists, some of them choir founders. The full programme will include works by maestro Francisco Vallejos, zarzuelas, sacred music, polyphonic music with Latin rhythms and, of course, habaneras.

FIRST CALL FOR NEW MURCIA TEACHERS

10,730 candidates are expected to apply for one of the 798 teaching positions currently being advertised by Murcia’s Ministry of Education for this year. The date for the first examination will be June 22 in classrooms at the University of Murcia and Secondary Education centres in

the municipalities of Murcia, Molina de Segura, Alcantarilla and Alhama de Murcia.

For 2025 the call for Secondary will exceed 1,300 places, while the 2026 Primary call will exceed a thousand.

Speed is major cause of traffic death in Murcia

Speed is major cause of traffic deaths in Murcia

A campaign to control and monitor speed on the roads of the Region of Murcia took place last week, the objective being to raise awareness among drivers about the importance of respecting speed limits and thus reducing the number of accidents.

Since last January, excessive speed has been the major factor in five of the twelve fatal accidents recorded on interurban roads, 42% of the total. This violation also caused the loss of 25,000 license points, 34%, among drivers in the Region last year, according to government sources.

FLAMINGOS BACK IN LA LAGUNA ROSA

It is the fifth year that Flamingos have descended on Laguna Rosa to reproduce,with wonderful images of them arriving as they flew into the Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park to begin their reproduction process.

During the previous four years,the breeding process was carried out successfully in the central motte of Laguna Rosa due to its difficult accessibility for humans and because it is a very quiet place for the birds.

The image has once again generated great curiosity and on social networks you can already see dozens of images of these temporary residents of Torrevieja.

Thief arrested in Callosa de Segura school

The Callosa de Segura police have arrested the alleged perpetrator of the robbery at the CEIP La Paz during as he was carrying out the alleged crime.

The alarm went off during the early hours of Sunday,where a 22 year old French national was caught in the act.

During the past week,several robberies occurred in different educational centers in the municipality.

FAILINGS OF BRITISH POLITICS

What a state British politics has got into, when hardly a week passes without our hearing that an MP is in trouble, in one way or another and is forced to resign or quit the Whip.

I find it extremely sad that we seem to have a growing number of people in parliament, deciding on the most important matters in running Britain, that simply cannot be trusted to act in a decent manner.

It has led, time and time again with by-elections having to be held to replace the MP who has fallen on his or her sword. Most have been Tories, but other parties haven’t been exempt. For me it demonstrates that political parties are simply not vetting their candidates anything like hard enough and what we have been left with is an epidemic of MPs who have been sexually harassing female staff, groping other men or using electoral funds inappropriately, to name just three examples. Britain deserves better than this.

The latest MP to come under the spotlight is the Tory for Fylde in Lancashire. The Times newspaper broke the story that he had telephoned his 78-year-old former campaign manager at 3.15am last December, saying he was locked in a flat by "bad people" and needed £5,000 as a matter of "life and death".

The sum, which rose to £6,500, was eventually paid by his office manager from her personal bank account and subsequently reimbursed from funds raised from donors in an account named Fylde Westminster Group, the newspaper says.

According to a source close to the MP, he decided to pay them because he was scared of what would happen otherwise, but did not have the funds to transfer the money from his own savings. There are also other occasions where he allegedly used money from the campaign fund to cover his personal expenses.

For example, in 2020, he reportedly sought £3,000 to cover medical

Tony Mayes Rant

bills, but he did not repay the money and instead asked for and received a further £4,000.

It is important to say that at the time of writing, the MP was disputing all the allegations, but has resigned the Tory whip. It has also been suggested that the Tory party knew of the allegations since January but has taken no action.

Frankly, the sooner this Tory government resigns and allows a General Election, the better. And let us hope that all political parties vet their candidates far more than it seems has been the case, because electors need to know exactly who they are voting for before they they go to the polls.

TWO FINGERS TO SANCTIONS

Time and time again we have heard that the US, UK, the EU and other countries have imposed the most severe sanctions against Russia and Russian billionaires since the illegal invasion by Russia of Ukraine.

Well, it seems that all these socalled sanctions have meant absolutely nothing, because the International Monetary Fund, which is expert in the field of examining world-wide finances, predict that Russia's economy will grow faster than all of the world's advanced economies, including the US, this year.

The IMF predicts that Russia’s economy will grow by 3.2% this year, significantly more that the UK, France and Germany, for example. Russia has been busy selling billions of gallons of oil around the world despite sanctions and by so doing has been able to finance its war.

Investments from corporate and state owned enterprises and "robustness in private consumption" within Russia had promoted growth alongside strong exports of oil, say the IMF.

It’s a sad world that there are so many of the world’s richest that can put two fingers up at sanctions and will conduct “business as usual” in their quest to make themselves even richer at the expense of countless thousands dying in the conflict.

On the subject of war, the iron shield protecting Israel against attack from Iranian drones and rockets was almost 99% effective recently.

The protective system, supplied by

America, saved many thousands of Jews in Israel from dying in the onslaught. There is no doubt that had the shield failed and there had been a huge loss of life, Israel would by now have responded with venom and we would be at the start of a disastrous Middle East conflict.

But my question is – if America can provide Israel with such an effective deterrent to attack from the air, why hasn’t it done the same to protect Ukraine?

Innocent civilians have been dying in Ukraine for two years because of aerial bombardment and it’s an indictment against America that it has not done more to properly protecting them.

It is even worse with Republicans holding up vital money needed to provide weapons for Ukraine. Their selfishness in this shows no bounds – will America end up with a lot of innocent blood on its hands?

SMOKE FREE GENERATION

I don’t think I have heard anything more daft than British MPs backing a plan to ban anyone born after 2009 from buying cigarettes. Called the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, championed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, it passed in the Commons by 383 votes to 67.

It survived despite opposition from several leading Tory figures, including two ex-Pms.

It means that progressively, more and more people in the UK will legally be unable to buy cigarette products.

I am totally in favour of measures to stop people smoking. Smoking has caused millions of deaths over the years and it sickens me to think of the rich who have invested their money into the tobacco industry and have got super rich in the process, and totally ignoring the suffering it has caused.

In a year or two someone of a certain ago will no longer be able to buy tobacco products. So what will happen? He or she will ask an older friend to buy instead. How on earth can this be properly policed? It is a nonsense.

If you want to ban smoking, then close down every tobacco and vape producing factory without compensation, make it illegal for any tobacco product to be imported into

Britain, with massive fines and long prison sentences for anyone doing so and make sure that there is no smoking or vaping in any public place.

SPACE JUNK

Do you feel safe in your own home? If the answer is yes, then perhaps you should think again.

No doubt a man in Florida thought so – until something crashed through his roof and ceiling, narrowing missing him.

It turned out to be a piece of space junk from the International Space Station.

Not only is the human race leaving millions of tons of rubbish on land and in the sea, it is doing exactly the same thing in space. It has done so since the first rocket went into orbit and there are now thousands of pieces of debris in orbit.

It’s the old, old story – mankind will spend a fortune of a product or project but overlook any consequences until it hits in the bum.

The theory that space junk will all burn up in the atmosphere has been totally debunked and its important that land, sea and now

space need a good clean up.

A LOAD OF BULL

I was saddened to read in last week’s Leader that the Vox party in Orihuela was taking steps to reintroduce bullfighting in the city.

I can understand that such a spectacle, which some Spanish describe as a “national sport”, is enshrined in Spanish culture, but today, the vast majority view it as nothing more that people getting some pleasure from witnessing animal cruelty. Many people believe that today bull fighting is an abomination. Yes Vox, I can understand why you would like the country to go back to a time when Spain was Spanish. But the majority of people now long for the world to be less cruel and more compassionate, and thus bullfighting has no place today.

It’s the same argument as in Britain where fox hunting, cock fighting and badger baiting has become illegal. And yes, many Brits would like Britain to go back a few decades, before many thousands of immigrants changed the face of the country. But we are where we are, and we all have to come to terms with it.

PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

This month my reflection is on “time.”

The most obvious place for us to go with the concept of time is most likely

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

ìThere is a timefor everything,and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to killand a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silentand a time to speak,a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.î

that we as a human race just never seem to learn, that history repeats itself time and again: there is still war, greed, misuse of power, corruption, starvation, homelessness, hunger and thirst.

Do we blame one for the other here? Is there not a tendency to say ìWhy would a loving God do this/let this happen.?î IS it really Godís fault? Does He not allow every single person to choose for themselves between right and wrong?

Do you think He doesnít grieve to see the horrors that man inflicts on fellow man? Do some like-minded people not group together and become entities for corruption and wrongdoing as much as those who get together and work for good?

This scripture is a great reassurance that some things never change. All in this list is as relevant now as when it was written circa 935 BC.

This was written in the Old Testament, way before the New Testament came to be. Since then we have had many other epochs or ages and times. Which time would you have liked to be born into? I think I quite like where I am. This time, this age and this place.

At this time I am so very grateful that I am not in Israel, or Ukraine or anywhere else where war and violence abounds. Do you ever think as you watch the news ìthere but for the grace of God, go I?î

There is an absolute that some things never change: like Godís grace, love, goodness and mercy. And there is another absolute

Are there not evil influences at work in this world and all the more through those who have tendencies for greed and power etc in their hearts?

Can we please be aware that there are forces at work in these situations who care nothing about innocent people on either side. Forces who only care about political gain and geographical strategies for their own ends.

Can we add our prayers together and pray in unity for peace in Israel, in the entire region? In the world? The God of Moses, who performed so many amazing miracles, is still alive and well today.

Can we pray for all the innocents, Israelis, Palestinians, and innocent citizens of other nations at war, that they may live in peace and in harmony. That our great God would guard them and guide them, secure them and provide for them. Pray this for all innocents caught up in wars around the globe.

"Where every person matters but God matters most!”

That just as in the days of Moses, God can provide fresh bread and water, enough for each day, plus medical aid, also so desperately needed in all war zones, that He would hear their cries and give peace to the nations. Amen.

Pilar Christian Community Church. Calle Canalejas 3, Pilar de la Horadada.

EMail: phil.molloypccc@gmail.com

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

Join us at the SALT CHURCH Sundays at 10.30 am. We are a friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship. Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, PolÌgono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. We look forward to meeting you. www.Saltchurchspain. Facebook SaltChurchSpain International Christian Assembly, Calle Beniajan 14, Torrevieja -Evangelical Church. Sunday Service 11 a.m.; - Contact 966 799 273 / 660 127 276. Evangelical non-denominational church. www.icatorrevieja.org

The Car of the Month at AUTOMOVILES CRESPO is a very attractive 2019 Ford Focus ST-Line Hybrid at just 21,900 euro. Come along to our large showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and

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

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

used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. See page 7. We can assure you of the biggest and best choice of new and used cars in the area for price, choice and quality. ENGLISH SPOKEN

AGE CONCERN BEREAVEMENTGROUP.

Have you lost somebody close to you? Are you finding life difficult after a bereavement? Come along and chat to other people in the same situation. Starting on October 10th, then every Tuesday from 2-4pm at the Age Concern Centre, Calle Paganini, La Siesta, Torrevieja. 96 678 6887. Everyone is welcome. Los Alc·zares Digital Camera Club. Interested in photography? We invite you to come and join us at our twice monthly meetings. Please contact coordinatorladcc@ gmail.com or see http://www.los-alcazarescamera.club/ for details.

COMMUNITYCARE ASSOCIATION (CCA) Open to residents of Orihuela Costa over 60 years of age. Located at the Centro Civico Alameda del Mar. Open 3 times a week for a pro-

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50ís. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Home Visiting Team to visit a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. Call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887. Or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es

Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 5pm at the Lakeview bar/restaurant, Quesada. For more info contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Steve Hemingfield 0n Mob/Whats 711 011 373

LOOKING FOR Silent Business Partner for small Private Care Home. Invest 10K and get 20K back in 14 months. Call 747 438 225 CONSTRUCTION AND GENERALBUILDING. For all building works large or small, phone 604 152 124 for quotes. We also specialise in pool leaks and repairs. (1012)

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

Lo Crispin Golf Society at Alenda

Gold Division

1st Place - Mark Baker 34 pts off 16

2nd Place - Richard Brady 33 pts off 13

On 17th. April 32 members and guests 'teed it up' to compete for the Harry Wilcock (Just One More) Trophy, in memory of Harry, who sadly passed away last year.

Although somewhat breezy, generally the weather for playing golf was good. It was a pity though that the course was not in good condition, as some fairways were quite patchy.

This no doubt was a consequence of the general shortage of water. Davide at the Lo Crispin Tavern kindly provided food in the evening for players and their guests, as well as entertainment, from a local saxophonist/singer.

Over 250 euros was raised for the Helping Hands charity in Algorfa. Prior to the food and entertainment the day's prizes were distributed.

3rd Place - Gordon Campbell 30pts off 16 (on count back)

Silver Division

1st Place - Martin O'Keefe 36 pts off 21 and Winner of the Harry Wilcock Trophy

2nd Place - Howard Soltau 29 pts off 21

3rd Place - Tony Ellis 28 pts off 28

The Best Guest and those playing for Handicap prize was won by Harry's son, Darren with 32 pts off 14

N.T. P. on Par 3s: Hole 3 - Sarah Potter, Hole 5 - Sarah Potter, Hole 13 - Rod Pullen, Hole 16 - Gordon Campbell, The 2s pot was claimed by Gordon Campbell, as he achieved the only 2 of the day. Finally, the Free Game Draw was won by Jerry Baker.

Steve Harrington. (Membership Secretary)

Winner of the Harry Wilcock TrophyMark Baker

Carp RUs Angling

Round 5 of the Carp-R-Us Spring Series was fished on the Rio Segura at Bigastro/Jacarilla.Fourteen fished and a big thank you goes to Paul Burton for ensuring that there were sufficient pegs. What usually happens at this venue is that if every peg is used,the fishing becomes very hard and so it was today,even though conditions were good.That said,everybody caught,which is pleasing.

The winner of the match,and saying goodbye until 2025,was our friend from Belgium,Jean Pierre van de Cluysson who weighed in 5.30kg caught using pole feed-

QUIZ FROM P 14:

1.World War Z, 2.17, 3.The Archies (Sugar Sugar).4.India.5.Gandhi.6.Margret Smith Court (note:until 1968 it was called the Australian Championship).7.1941.8.NewYork Yankees (27) and the St.Louis Cardinals (11).9.

Paul Cezanne.10.Five answers.a.We Didn't Start The Fire (Billy Joel), b.Play With Fire (Rolling Stones), c.Fire And Rain (James Taylor), d.I'm On Fire (Bruce Springsteen), e.Great Balls Of Fire (Jerry Lee Lewis)-.11.Two answers.

Sana'a and Aden.12.Answer b.1971.13.Mick

Jagger and Keith Richards.14.Four answers. Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Russell's viper, Saw-scaled viper.15.Woodstock.16.Alexei, Anastasia, Maria, Tatiana and Olga.17. Intermission.18.Answer d.long jump.19.Close

Encounters Of The 3rd Kind.20.Liberty Valence

er tactics and maggot.

JP was on peg 1,above the upstream water inlet.Second from peg 7 was Russell Davidson with 3.34kg.Russ caught most of his fish late in the match trotting with maggots on the hook.

Third from peg 2,also above the water inlet,was Roy Dainty with 2.70kg caught on pole and maggot and fourth was Alan Smith from end peg 14 with 2.34kg. It was pleasing that a lot of small barbel were caught,but it wasn’t so good seeing a number with large sore patches on their skin.We will be contacting the CHS about this.

Information about the club can be found on its website www.carp-r-us.weebly.com

LMGS @ El Plantio

This week the members of the La Marina Golf Society met at El Plantio golf course to compete for the Roger & Colin Memorial Trophy. Roger & Colin were founder members of the society and to this day are greatly missed by those that knew them.

The weather was warm and perfect for a game of golf, and whilst the course was looking a bit worse for wear due to the lack of rain, everyone had an enjoyable day and some good scores were achieved.

After the game the members met back at the La Marina Sports Bar for some well- earned refreshments and the day’s presentation. We

were delighted that Roger’s wife Eileen was able to attend the presentation and present the winner with the trophy. In first place and winning the Roger & Colin Memorial Trophy with 39pts was Mike Cunningham, in second place with 38 pts was Dave Sligtham and in third place on countback also with 38pts was Elspeth Mc Davitt.

Nearest the pin winners were as follows: for hole 7 was Anita Stokes, hole 9 was Mike Cunningham, hole 14 was Elspeth McDavitt and hole 18 was Mark Stokes. There was one knock out cup game being played between Gordon Thursfield and Roy Harris, Gordon won and goes forward into the next round. Well, done to all the day’s winners.

The Roger & Colin Memorial Trophy was presented to Mike by Roger’s wife, Eileen.

Proposed Changes to Lane Legislation to Benefit Emergency Vehicles and Motorbikes

The DGT is already planning various modifications to the General Traffic Regulations and a new rule that will affect all drivers, for the first time. It specifies how all vehicles must act to make way for priority vehicles.

Proposed Changes to Lane Legislation

The DGT will take an important step forward in the coming months in the traffic rules on the use of lanes and the hard shoulder in special conditions. In some cases, to resolve safety problems, in others to improve the performance of emergency services and even to respond to old demands from specific groups, the reality being that the General Traffic Regulations, Reglamento General de Circulación (RGC), will perhaps experience its biggest changes in a long time.

Motorbikes Will Be Allowed to Use the Hard Shoulder (Sometimes)

One of the most notable changes proposed will be the possibility for motorcycles to ride on the righthand hard shoulders on all types of roads, but only during conditions of traffic congestion and as long as two conditions are met: that they do not go more than 30 km/h and that they respect the priority of use of vehicles that are obliged to use the shoulder, such as mopeds and microcars (technically the same thing). To do this, article 36.3 of the RGC will be modified.

At the moment, motorbikes must remain on the main carriageway and continue with the normal flow of traffic. Some vehicles, such as mopeds, as we have mentioned, are obliged to use the hard shoulder.

Prohibition of Using the Overtaking Lane in Adverse Weather

Another important step will be to add a new point to article 31.2 of the General Traffic Regulations, which will prohibit overtaking by

The utilisation of an emergency corridor will become mandatory rather than simply a courtesy.

all vehicles on motorways when ice or snow complicates traffic. All vehicles will be required to exclusively use the righthand lane, leaving the lefthand lane, the overtaking lane, free for the exclusive use of emergency vehicles and snow ploughs.

Emergency Corridor Will be Mandatory

Another significant change will be that the utilisation of a so-called emergency corridor will become mandatory, rather than the cur-

rent advisory, or courtesy state.

Until now, the regulations established that priority must always be given to priority vehicles in emergency services, but without specifying the behaviour of the rest of the drivers, in other words, the law gives emergency vehicles priority now, but doesn’t explain how that priority is put into practice. This new modification of the RGC will specify exactly how they have to act from now on by law.

The DGT will thus establish that drivers must move to the sides, with those in the right lane going to the right and those in the left logically to their left, in such a way that they leave a central corridor of free access to allow the passage of emergency vehicles.

LLB CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

By Suzi Cooper

The 2024 Champion of Champions event took place at Quesada Bowls Club. The weather was perfect for playing.

After a gruelling few days for some competitors, playing twice a day, the finals were completed within the original time scale.

In the Mixed Fours it was the Greenlands four of Derek Toozer, Jacqui Johnston, Lisa & Pete Bonsor who took the title against San Luis team of Dee Hoey, Mike Veale, Caroline & John Smyth.

The Mixed Triples final was contested by Mo & Martin Foulcer and Alan Bannister of Vistabella and Derek Toozer, Lisa & Pete Bonsor of Greenlands. The Greenlands triple went on to take the win.

Mixed Pairs saw Lisa & Pete back in action against Caroline & John Smyth. It was Lisa & Pete who went on to win.

In the Mens Pairs, defending Champions Chris Brazier & Jason Prokopowycz of Quesada were victorious against David Eades & Phil Goble of Monte Mar.

The Ladies pairs saw Sandra Johnston & Kim Bowles of Quesada against Mary Lockley & Caroline Smyth of San Luis. In a close final it was Mary & Caroline who took the honours.

Onto the 2 Premier events. Sandra Johnston of Quesada played against Sandra Burrows of San Luis.

Sandra J took an early lead but was unable to hold off the experience of Sandra B who took the title.

In the Mens Singles Paul Mayne of Bonalba took on the in form Pete Bonsor of Greenlands. It was Pete who won the title, taking his tally to 4 titles.

After the Final games had finished. George Skinner – Captain of Quesada

SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS: As reported last week we already had our mixed rinks team as runners-up in the final, also Mary Lockley & Caroline Smyth had won through to the ladies pairs final on Saturday (13th), Sandra Burrows through to the final of the ladies singles and Caroline and John Smyth through to the mixed pairs final, on Sunday (14th).

All our competitors worked so hard in their respective finals, raising their game and playing shots that didn’t seem possible; plenty of oohs! and ahhs! from the spectators.

Mary & Caroline had a super battle against Sandra & Kim, (Q), with some beautiful precision shots which saw them through as Ladies Pairs Champions.

The next morning Sandra B (SL) played Sandra J (Q) and another tough battle, which saw Sandra J pulling ahead but Sandra B changed gear, put on the pressure to pull back the shots and come through to take the Ladies Singles Champion title. In the mixed pairs final, Caroline & John, unfor-

thanked the organiser, competitors, Markers & Umpires and all the spectators for making it such a good competition.

The Presentations were made by John O’Brien in the absence of Bob Donnelly who was unfortunately unwell.

Following the Presentations Pete Bonsor responded on behalf of the competitors. He thanked John O’Brien for all the organisation, Suzi Cooper & Allen Bowen for acting as co-ordinators for the event.

tunately, just couldn’t get past the strong team of Lisa & Pete Bonsor. Congratulations to all the Champions.

South ALC Spitfire Div.: April 15th SL Wellingtons had a tough time away v GL Gladiators, finishing 4pts-8, 68 shots-106.

Winners: Joy Gardiner, Pete Ayres, Brian Gardiner 19-11, Cath & Noel Morrisroe, Jim Gracie 19-15.

Harrier Div.: SL Hercules, home to GL Warriors had a close battle, finishing 4pts-8, 73 shots- 83.

Winners: Pauline Johnson, Dave Louis, Ian Kenyon 20-16, Chris Jackson, Ralph Jones, Vic Mahomet 20-19.

VCL Southern Div A: April 17th SL Falcons were home to GL Giants and a very close fought match finished 4pts-8, 80pts-86. Winners: Cathy Morrisroe, Neil Burrows, Noel Morrisroe 21-14, Kath Reid, Dee Hoey, Tricia & Pat Reilly 19-15.

Div B: SL Hawks, away v Q Tigers, match postponed due to funeral of our friend Les Bedford, re-arranged to Thurs 25th.

Div C: SL Kestrels BYE.

2 Bowl League Friday 19th SL Cobras v SL Pythons was obviously going to be a tough match

SAN MIGUEL BOWLS CLUB with Barry Jones

On Monday, San Miguel Moors played Emerald Isle Vulcans were they won 91 shots to 62, the best winning triple were Allan Patterson, Doug Jones and Eddie Cowan 28 - 2. San Miguel Christians had a BYE this week.

On Wednesday, San Miguel Sheriffs played San Miguel Deputies where the Sheriffs won 113 shots to 68. The best result came from Jan Farmer, Steve Parr and Gail Willshire 34 - 6.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Marshalls were at away to Emerald Isle Earls where they lost 5 -7, 82 shots each, The best win came from Gill Brimley in the singles 21 - 5, and in the rinks, Rab Harvey, Dave Ohway, Sean Knightly and Colin Fowler won 26 - 18.

A reminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays 1.30pm for

LA MARINA BOWLS CLUB

By Dave Hadaway

Monday brings us the long trip down to Country Bowls. There is not many positive things to say after the side losing 10-2. Three of our teams never even got to double figures.

On the positive side out of the 56 ends we only dropped 4 x 3 times and won 20 times, so a lot of

GREENLANDS BC

With Pearl Houghton

Monday the Warriors travelled to San Luis Hercules and managed a great result away from home winning 8 to 4 shots were 83 to 73 so a good start to the new season well done the squad.

At on home green the Gladiators played host to San Luis Wellington s. and to their full strength gained a 8 to 4 victory shots were 106 to 68 a great start for this squad, well done.

VCL league on Wednesday Greenlands GIANTS were ip against La Marina and played a great game and achieved a 8-4 victory. GREAT RESULT.

THE VCL team of Greenlands TITANS played Country Bowls Meerkats and they also had a great result winning 8 to 4 shots were 100 to 74 so well done all keep it going on your efforts.

and so it proved with some real turn-around moments. The Pythons eventually came out on top; 8pts-4, 92 shots-71. Winners: Stuart Wilson, Bill Webb, Jim Gracie 16-14, Kath Reid, June & Keith Jones 23-11, Neil Burrows, Neil Morrison, Ian Kenyon 25-7. The Cobras winners: Jim Gwynn, Maxine Wright, Ken Stringfellow 22-15, Pauline Johnson, Neil Cox, Barbara Louis 17-13.

2.00pm - e5 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.

Please note there will be no WASPS on the afternoon of Wednesday 8th May due to club competitions.

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

For further info on San Miguel B.C please contact club secretary Barry Jones on 602 504 905 or club president Alan Campbell on 606 676 118

those ends must have been very tight. We welcome back Mick & Desna able aided by Peter Horsfield and they had a creditable loss of 16-17, our 2 points came from Garth Slater, Norman Ship and Barry Roberts with a win of 26-17.

Not one of our best days but Country Bowls is a nice drive and it was glorious bowling weather.

Final result 2-10 pts and shots 60-116.

Wednesday saw us at home to the Emerald Isle on

a sunny but windy morning, another loss I am afraid but not all doom and gloom. Our 2 singles coincidently lost 12-21, our rinks was a welcome back to Maureen Kidd skipping where she was admirably supported by Lesley & David Joynes and Norman Ship where they won 16-13. Our pairs of Peter Parsons and Don Fowkes also won 18-10., but our trip went down 13-24, giving a final result of 4-8 and a shot difference of 71-99.

On Friday a new game of 2 wood triples started and both teams from Greenlands were against each other and the stronger side gained the victory of 12 to 0 but this is a new format so hopefully as the weeks progress better results will come from the Dragons so well done The Goannas I’m sure the game was enjoyed by all .

EMERALD ISLE

We began the week by welcoming Indalo to the Isle to compete in the Bi Annual Friendship Cup, and home advantage paid off with the Isle winning 5-3 and by 145-115

Shots. The return match is during our visit to Mojacar on 4th May.

Vulcans started the new summer trips league at San Miguel Moors and they were beaten 3-9 Aggregate of 63-91. M Oakley M Ellis C Lindgren 20-12, D Jones N Prior D Mooneydrew 12-12

Victors played at home against Vistabella Greeners, and they got beaten 4-8, Aggregate of 86-100. M Riley G Odell M Odell 17-11, I Fay B Smith AFay 21-18

Dukes played at La Marina, and they had a fine win 8-4 Aggregate of 89-71. M Dyer 21-12, P Heaney 21 -12, N Davis S Marks D Mooney 24-13

Earls were at home in VCLand they got a good win by 7-5. The aggregate finished all square at 62 each. AForrest 21-13, J Ingleton J Buxton 15-13, I Laverick G Odell M Odell 30-9

SAPS is on every Saturday afternoon at 13-15 where you can enjoy 2 hours of bowling coaching. Bowls and Shoes included in price of 5 Euros, and a bar

Ladies Champions: Sandra Burrows /Singles, Caroline Smyth & Mary Lockley/ Pairs.

Photo of the Winners - Courtesy Allen Bowen

MATCH RESULTS 18TH APRIL

KO CUP SEMI FINALS

Lesson St Trotters3-9Mind The Gap

Venue - C.C.'s Bar

Hub Hyenas6-7Tipsy Toad Toppers

Venue - Dominos

AUXILIARY CUP SEMI FINALS

CC's Bees12-0Dom's Desperados

Venue - C.K.1

CK1 Lads10-2Tipsy Toad Tiaras

Venue - Leeson St.

180's THIS WEEK: Gordon Cowan, Che Liam, James Brown

HIGH FINISH THIS WEEK: Andre Wing 113, Andy Rutter 99, Barry Shingler 74, Reg Christopher 94, Paul Christopher 89

FINALS - TIPSY TOAD - 25TH APRIL

MATCH REPORTS

K.O.CUP SEMI FINALS

LEESON ST.TROTTERS V MIND THE GAP

Three tons and a 140 in the opening leg from Gap was a warning to Trotters of what they were facing. Unfortunately for Gap, Trotter Alex Nikolov responded with 2x100 and D11 to take the 1st.

Barry Shingler 100, D11 added a 2nd for Trotters, the Gap 2 down in 15 minutes.Darren Sanderson 121,D20 got Gap away, Kain Hickman contributing 121,100.

Gap added the next 3 for a 2-4 half time lead, following tidy darts from Sam Salt,140X2, partner Gordon Cowan hitting 180 and D10.The 3rd pair and 6th leg finished by Sanderson on D20 after a 121, his buddy Che Liam hitting 180, opponents Billy Dolling and Amanda Skinner finding tons apiece.

Sanderson 2x100 made it 2-5, on D16, James Brown 100,180 D4, extending Gap's lead over an in form Nikolov 100,125,85.Hickman 138, faced Cowan in the 9th, the Gap man closing the game and match on D16 after a 136.

The 12th leg went Trotters way via Dolling with a tasty 74 out.POTM - Dolling - Brown.

HUB HYENAS V TIPSY TOAD TOPPERS

Whilst not a thriller this match was tight and even

went to an unusual 13th leg deciding 1001 team game.Andy Rutter closed the 1st on 99, Hyenas wasting finishing opportunities.

They were quickly level after a 113 out from Andre Wing.Mark Ellis 136,D8 nudged Hyenas ahead despite efforts from Dale McGuiness 132,100.Dave Bracken D16 and Matt Dawson 140 making the score 3-1.

McGuiness 100 and Paddy Morgan D10, followed by another Toppers win courtesy of Lee Maiden and Phil de Lacy, D5, made it all square at midway. Dave Rowlinson 137, D8, then McGuiness 100,D20 kept the tie even, Hyenas Ellis and Dawson both nailing their outs for 6-4 and the winning post in sight. Toad's Hugh Galloway and Morgan had to win for a decider and win they did, resulting in a 13th leg. A 1001 team game is not everyone's cup of tea and unsurprisingly was tentative and very close both sides on a finish, but it was POTM Galloway's turn for the spotlight, outing on D4.Rowlinson - Hubs POTM. Should be some final next week at the Toad when the winners face the Gap, my forecast ..........?

AUXILIARY CUP SEMI FINALS

C.K.1 LADS V TIPSY

TOAD TIARAS

The lovely throw at Leeson street was a novelty for the Tiaras, their first time playing there.The lads were a little surprised that the ladies were only one leg behind them come the 2nd pairs, Simone de Lacy 81, D10, POTM Sharon Crane 81, 16-D16, but they managed to edge to 4-2 before the sarnies and sausage rolls arrived.

Missing their captain, POTM Steve Monk Dalton steered his lads through the hurdles, himself bagging 5 tons and 2 outs (D8, D1).Kevin Woods (100, 123, 18-D9) and Steve Mullen (3 x 80+, D6-9-D16) also OK on the oche.

Some great scoring from the ladies in the 2nd half, Pat Schofield (125), de Lacy (100, 121, 92) and Lesley Eagles with the hottest shot of the night 134, but alas no conversions.The chaps were slightly relieved to take all that was on offer until the close, all games contested by a first to the finish.

C.C.BEES V DOMINOS DESPERADOS

A good all round performance from Bees was a bridge too far for Despos who played nowhere near their recent form.

POTM Damien Lambert 140,125 found the T20 with regularity as did Colin Kernahan and Kathy

Wallbanks, but they were no match for the 3 figure scores coming their way from the Bees.

Paul Christopher was the outstanding Bee earning a POTM award with 2x100,2x140,125 and 3 outs, to include one of 72 and another of 89.Supporting him were Paul Tollafield 100,140, 3x85 and 2 outs.Reg Christopher posted the highest out with a 94, Paul C.Winning the tie in the 7th against an in form Wallbanks.

PRESENTATION NIGHT - LOS CUCALOS,JUNE 6TH.

With this event fast approaching, team captains have been forwarded invitations / details, directly.Event is free to league members.Guests are welcome to come along and enjoy the buffet, wine, table magic, music (until late) and presentation on offer for a giveaway 10 euro.

Victorious Toppers

Leeson St v The Gap

POTM - James &Billy Paul &Damien

Desperados

POTMSteve &Sharon

POTM Hugh &Dave

HEARTBREAK AS THADER CONCEDE DEEP INTO STOPPAGE TIME

Thader welcomed mid table CFI

Alicante to Moi Gomez stadium on an unsettled (weather wise)

Sunday morning, for another important community league fixture.

CD Thader ...........1 CFI Alicante.........1

Having battled hard to pull themselves out of the relegation zone, their defeat to rock bottom Javea last weekend,was a bitter pill to swallow.

Within the first minute,CFI had hit the post,then from the next attack, shot across the face of goal.In fact,the visitors completely dominated opening proceedings,as Thader repelled wave after wave of assaults on goal.

If it hadn't been for Chema in goal, CFI would have been out of sight by half time,as he produced a number of vital saves.

Whenever Thader did find themselves in possession,they were let

down by poor distribution,which contributed to being under constant pressure.

Late in the 1st half,totally against the run of play,Luis had a glorious opportunity to put the hosts ahead,but he squandered the chance as he failed to test CFI'S keeper Samu.CFI made an unsuccessful appeal for handball inside the penalty area,before ref Gallego blew his whistle for half time.

The 2nd half started in a very scrappy manner,resulting in the ref adding more names to the 3 bookings already taken in the 1st half.

Tremino embarked on a determined run from just inside the oppositions half on 58 mins, rounded the keeper,before shooting into the side netting.

Having done all the hard work,

only lack of composure prevented the young Thader striker from opening the scoring.But it didn't take long before the deadlock was eventually broken,for on 65 mins, following a good move down the wing,Javi converted with Thader's first shot on target.

Shortly afterwards,the veteran midfielder saved his sides blushes, when he headed a goal bound effort off the line.With CFI now in the ascendancy,Pinon was called upon to preserve his side's advantage,as he made another vital clearance off the line.Two substitutes were responsible for almost doubling Thader's advantage. Raul found Sherhy with an inch perfect pass,but unfortunately he was unable to test the keeper.CFI thought they had scored on 84 mins,but an eagle eyed refs assistant thought otherwise,as the goal was ruled out for offside.

Deep into stoppage time,all hell broke loose!! First off,a CFI player sat on the bench,was shown a red card,for comments made to

the match officials.Then,following Medi equalising with a header from a corner,Thader's manager Carlos Canales was given his orders for the same offence.

Next weekend,Thader travel to high flying Calpe,for what should be an intriguing encounter.Check out CD Thader facebook page for up to date information.

A BRACE EACH FROM ANTÓN AND AMIN SEND TORREVIEJA TO THE TOP

Torrevieja took an important step towards promotion with victory over strugglers Pinoso in a high scoring affair at the Esteban Rosado on Sunday as a brace each for Antón and Montero, together with goals from Carlos and Amin,powered Torry to the best win of the term.

SCTorrevieja.......6

Pinoso CF ...........3

Indeed,it was Antón who got the home side off to the best possible start when he powered home a venomous volley with just 13 mins on the clock and with Torrevieja in

complete control the goal scorer turned provider just 10 mins later when he unselfishly laid the ball back to Luis Carlos who’s left footed strike found the roof of the net from 12yards out.

The home side were three to the good on the half hour mark when Montero bent a perfect shot past the keeper to the far post and then,while the fans were still drawing breath,Lewis pinched the ball from the keeper who was outside his area. Instead of going for goal himself he rolled a perfect ball to his strike partner with a better angle.Montero accepted the gift,tapping

into the open goal from 5-yards.

A perfect half,not quite,with the visitors reducing the deficit just prior to the interval, as the Pinoso striker skipped past Carmona before rounding Gálvez and rolling it into the net.

Sloppy defending allowed Pinoso back into the game just minutes into the second period with a score from a close range shot that bounced in after hitting both posts and then,after a flurry of missed Torry opportunities, Pinoso stabbed in from close range reducing the deficit to just a single goal.

Into the final 10 mins for Torrevieja,who thought they’d won the game.Fortunately,Antón and Amin both thought so too with the pair both picking up a brace,Antón fed by Fran Diez on 85 mins and then Diez feeding Amin for his second with just 2 mins to go.

More Torry opportunities came to nothing,the best of which came from Fran Diez who had been very impressive since coming on. A thoroughly deserved victory for Torrevieja but a poor opening 30mins in the 2nd period nearly cost dearly.

Thankfully Torry were able to lift their game in the final 10mins to ensure they finished at the top of the table.

This result now means that regardless of other results,if Torrevieja win their game in hand against Crevillent on Wednesday (ko 8.30pm) evening they will lead the league with only 4 games remaining.Let’s make sure that a bumper crowd can cheer them to that important victory.

Thader held out until the final seconds of the game