The Leader Newspaper 17 July 23 – Edition 980

When you read this newspaper next Monday, 24 July, you will likely have woken up to a new Spain leader, that is if the opinion polls are to be believed, as the self-styled 'dull technocrat' Alberto Núñez Feijóo is heavily tipped to become the next Prime Minister of Spain.

Going into Sunday’s elections, all of the polls give Feijóo’s Partido Popular Conservative Party a lead of about 9 points, 37% of the vote as compared to 28% for the ruling PSOE, led by the current PM, Pedro Sanchez.

However, that would not be quite enough to gain an absolute majority, converting to between 153 and 155 seats in the 350-member lower house, with the PSOE winning between 104 and 106 seats.

The polls also predict that the far-right Vox party would finish with 11.3% of the vote, between 28 and 30 seats, just in front of the far-left Sumar, which would finish in fourth position with 11.1% of the vote, between 27 and 29 seats. With a threshold of 176 required, if the results of the polls are correct, it means that the favoured right-wing coalition of the PP and Vox would, together, win up to 185 seats, enough to achieve an absolute majority.

Vox has already reached coalition deals with the conservatives in dozens of cities and three autonomous regionsExtremadura in the west, Valencia in the east and Castille and León, north of Madrid.

In the Balearic Islands, Vox have also reached a pact with the PP but they have no positions in government. Now, it’s leader, Santiago Abascal, is looking for a share of national power.

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Mr Feijóo, though, is less than enthusiastic at the prospect of governing with the far right. He still insists that he can govern alone, without Vox, but this would require the Socialists and the far-left Sumar party to abstain in any major vote –something they have, so far, refused to do.

Feijóo's party has already agreed a series of deals to govern with Vox in many regional governments since the local elections at the end of May and although a recent poll for one Spanish daily found that 60% of Nation is extremely concerned about the prospect of a PP-Vox coalition, it seems likely that the same would almost certainly happen on a national level.

The two leaders recently came face to face in a chaotic television debate, followed by an average of 5.9 million viewers, which observers believe that Feijóo won – or rather Sánchez lost, and where, despite “the apparent advantage of his media experience,”

Sánchez was “nervous and erratic” giving a performance that was lacklustre, at best, rather undermining the Socialist party’s narrative of Sánchez as a comeback kid, who is regaining ground after performing disastrously in May’s local elections, which saw the left lose control of almost every major Spanish city.

Courtesy of La Razon

Until now, Feijóo's only experience has been running the regional government in Galicia, a conservative rural region in north western Spain.

If he becomes prime minister, he will be plunged immediately into international politics, but he insists he is prepared. Indeed, a victory for the PP would mean a right-wing government would take over Spain’s six-month presidency of the Council of the EU which the Socialists started on 1 July, however, he has already lined up former ministers and ambassadors to help if he suddenly takes over the EU presidency.

However, while Sánchez likes to show off his English and French when talking to heads of state, Feijóo will have to depend on translators. Caught off guard when Sánchez called a snap summer election on May 29, he was about to

No let-up of high temperatures

The heat wave that has swept the country, with record temperatures, remains in full swing during the remainder of July. The extreme heat has exceeded 40ºC in many areas, leaving everyone wondering if the situation will last for the rest of the month.

According to the fifteen-day forecast, temperatures will continue above normal in almost all of Spain, especially in the centre, south and east of the country, as well as in the archipelagos. Although we cannot predict whether another heat wave will occur, what we do know is that during this coming week temperatures will rise again.

The high temperatures are explained by several factors, such as the position of the Sun in the sky and the solar radiation that reheats the earth. In addition, the regulating effect of the seas and oceans contribute to coastal areas not experiencing the extreme temperatures of many inland regions.

start English classes that very same week.

But although Feijóo comes from trueblue conservative stock, he has not had a privileged background.

The son of a maintenance worker and a housewife from a hamlet in his native Galicia, Feijóo was sent away to a boarding school on his 10th birthday. Originally, he wanted to become a judge, but this ambition was scuppered when his father lost his job, so he opted for the Galician civil service.

He shot through the ranks and by 35, after a successful period at the head of Correos, he was soon leading Spain’s national health service.

Feijóo won four straight elections in Galicia with a moderate style which won votes from the far-right to Galician nationalists.

However, he is unlikely to have such an easy ride in the National Elections. Given the unusual timing, just who shows up to vote could also play a large role in determining the outcome. “The problem with this election is that there are so many variables in play that the results are totally unpredictable,” said one political writer.

Though polls have found right-wing voters to be the most motivated, and currently the most likely to succeed, the balance could well shift to the left in the final days, as left-wing voters become increasingly alarmed by the prospect of the Popular Party governing with the support of Vox, and as Sánchez continues with his rounds of radio and television stations, which could also give him a boost, even if only by mobilising his own electorate, which is usually very passive.

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In general, a week of atmospheric stability is expected due to the influence of high pressures, which means elevated temperatures although not as extreme as in previous days. However, some areas of the north of the peninsula could experience temporary instability.

Minimum temperatures will remain high, especially in coastal areas due to the effect of thermal water anomalies. The capitals will register tropical and some equatorial nights, especially on the Mediterranean coasts and nearby areas. The calima (haze) will also be present, especially in the south and east of Spain, as well as in the Canary Islands, although its presence is expected to decrease towards the end of the week.

VALENCIA COMMUNITY HAS NEW PRESIDENT

CARLOS MAZÓN IS THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE VALENCIAN COMMUNITY

Carlos Mazón was invested as the new President of the Valencian Community on Thursday, replacing the PSOE politician, Ximo Puig, who he defeated in the recent regional elections.

Having given thanks to his supporters and colleagues he wasted no time in announcing a number of He said that he will lower the regional section of personal income tax "for everyone, without exception and primarily for medium and low incomes." In addition, he has promised to eliminate the Inheritance and Gift tax "also for everyone." "Never again will we pay twice for the efforts and sacrifices of a lifetime," he said.

He also said that he will abolish the tourist tax – approved by the previous Executive, which was to enter into force in December 2023 – and that he will “personally” address this legislature “tourist excellence both in quality and quantity”. " I will defend our tourism model tooth and nail, fighting to open exchanges with previously unheard-of markets", he said.

In education he has promised that he will immediately implement "freedom of choice and free education for all children from 0 to 3 years". The latter was a measure promoted by the previous government (PSPV, Compromís and Unides Podem) that they have already budgeted for next year and that the Partido Popular will follow through.

He also spoke about a new law on Identity. "The government that I lead will strictly comply with our traditions, our customs and our way of understanding life. We will eliminate all aid to those who want to impose the Catalan traditions on us, because we have our own personality. We are Spanish and Valencian, whether from Castellón or from Alicante", he insisted.

The "reduction of bureaucracy" has been another promise, as well as the challenge of a four year building programme "con-

structing the largest number of public housing ever built." "And not only that, let's support young people who want to buy a home wherever we can. “I want to ensure that those who have more pays more, and also whoever has less pays less.”

Regarding Social Services, Mazón has said that he will put his "effort" to ensure that this legislature is the one in which Les Corts gives birth to the Third Sector Law, "that grants security, stability and dignity to these groups and their users, true leaders, a social and moral reference for all of us, who day by day make us proud of their examples and dedication".

Mazón emphasized that he offers himself "with an outstretched hand, loyalty and common sense." "Permanent dialogue has been a constant in my career and it will continue to be so," he said. Thus, he has agreed to "meeting points" with the PSPV, with the transfer of powers in the ministries, and with Compromís, so that it has representation in the Mesa de Les Corts-.

MINUTE OF SILENCE FOR THE VICTIMS OF ETA

Mazón began his hour long speech remembering Miguel Ángel Blanco on the 26th anniversary of his "vile and cowardly" murder at the hands of ETA. He requested a minute of silence that was respected by all parliamentarians. "In his memory and in that of the distinguished Valencians who have died at the hands of armed violence and terrorist gangs", he said. "I want to emphasise to you the words, tolerance, harmony and peace, as the only way for us democrats. We Spaniards were rarely as united as we were in the anguish of those hours. That unity defeated ETA", he said, in a clear reference to the national electoral campaign that is currently being fought out prior to next Sunday’s (23 July) National Elections.

ELECTIONS AND A PLASTIC DOLL LEAD THE WEEK

If we had been hiding under a rock for the last month we would still probably know, without doubt, that it’s summer, which means a notable lack of any far-reaching or impactful reports being published too often in Spain, or in Europe as a whole for that matter, but we will see noticeable attention directed towards China to start the week, where data such as GDP, retail sales, industrial production, and the unemployment rate will be published.

The third EU-CELAC summit, which brings together Europe and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, starts on Monday. Traditionally seen as a platform for dialogue with China, but this time, the first formal meeting for some time, the likely topics leading the agenda will be Russia and Ukraine.

Aside from the international forum, we will also have a public briefing on Monday from Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, just before Eurostat publishes the figures for overnight stays in tourist establishments for April.

In the UK, despite the approach of the end of school for MPs, or “recess” as they call it, many are unlikely to be bringing their toys in to play in the last few days as there are three by-elections taking place this week, on Thursday to be precise, when we will find out, possibly, what the constituents of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Uxbridge are feeling right now, where the Labour Party is hoping for a symbolic victory despite Tory attempts to turn the vote into a referendum on the ULEZ scheme.

In the runup to the elections, on Tuesday, TV sleaze will be dominating the headlines, as BBC director general Tim Davie faces another grilling, this time by the Lords Communications Committee, in the wake of the Huw Edwards scandal.

In this case, although, according to the Met Police, no crime was committed, the BBC is conducting an internal enquiry which includes further claims that Edwards had sent ‘inappropriate messages’ to junior BBC staff who were reluctant to make formal complaints, prompting an investigation from fellow presenter Victoria Derbyshire. We are of course in no way suggesting that these headlines will serve as any kind of distraction from the political status leading to

those elections.

Talking of elections, next Sunday, 23 July, Spain goes to the polls once again, for the national elections, which foreigners cannot participate in, sadly, but might well be a decisive turning point for the country. A much fuller report, together with details of the most recent polls, is featured on page one.

If you actually do want a bit of distraction

San Fulgencio confirms council posts

The San Fulgencio Town Hall will be operating at full capacity following Wednesday’s plenary session in which the mayor officially distributed the responsibilities to the various members of the local government team.

José María Ballester will be in charge of managing areas of the Police,Personnel and Arms Control,while Charo Mejías de Dios,as well as being first deputy mayor,will be responsible for Town Planning,Works and Services,Health,Employment and Training and the Cemetery.

The councillor Sara Nolasco will take on Education and Culture,

Sport,Industry,Environment, Animals and Ecological Transition,as well as second deputy mayor,while Laura Bernabé will be third deputy mayor working in the departments of Agriculture and Water, New Technologies,Civil Protection,Press and Protocol, Youth and Festivities. Parks and Gardens,Solid Waste, Finance and Drinking Water Fraud will be the responsibility of Alain Franz Vandenbergen,who will also be the fourth deputy mayor. Paulino Herrero will be the delegate for Tourism,Markets and International Relations,while Beatriz Sánchez will be responsi-

ble for the management of Equality,Women,Senior Citizens and Social Services.

The Mayor said that this is a distribution of competencies that responds to the profile of each of the councillors responsible,who have already spent several weeks getting up to speed and working in each of their departments.

He added that he is sure "that the members of the government team will give one hundred percent in the management of these areas, and that they will have the full support of the municipal staff who strive every day to make the San Fulgencio Town Hall work".

from reality, then you might want to consider a trip to the pictures, as the much-anticipated Barbie film is released on Friday. In Spain, check with the cinemas for VO on the listing if you want to watch it with the original, English (American) dialogue, but if you’re a pensioner, you might want to prefer the discount day where you can enter for just 2 euro, although the two elements might not necessarily coincide.

BRITS CONTRIBUTE TO 12% INCREASE IN AIRPORT PAX

Alicante-Elche airport has registered a total of 1,505,989 passengers in June,an increase of 12% compared to the same month of 2022.

Of the total number of travellers,1,503,853 were commercial passengers,of which 1,312,356 travelled on international flights (13.8% more than in 2022),while 191,497 were on domestic flights (1% more),according to the figures published by airport operator,Aena.

Breaking down international traffic by nationality,the country that contributed the most passengers during June was the United Kingdom,with 546,969 travellers; followed by Germany,with 97,796;The Netherlands,with 88,527;Belgium,with 75,447;Norway,with 74,523,and France,with 65,434 travellers.

In terms of operations,the Airport managed a total of 9,454 flights,exceeding the movements during the same period of 2022 by 6.9%.Likewise,Aena has highlighted that Alicante airport has managed a total of 7,072,459 passengers in this first half of 2023,24% more than in 22. In relation to operations,from January to June the Alicante infrastructure handled a total of 45,829 flights, 13.1% more than the same period of the previous year.

The new Barbie film will be released in Spain on Friday

AVCRL denounces Illegal logging in Aguamarina micro-reserve

Residents of Orihuela Costa continue to warn of the serious danger of fire in Aguamarina’s Punta de La Glea microreserve.

The Cabo Roig and Lomas Neighborhood Association (AVCRL) has now sent a letter to the Ministry of the Environment and several local councillors asking that they take immediate action to remove the pruning, felled trees and bushes. Similar demands were made to the Orihuela Government at the beginning of June, but as a result of the council’s inaction AVCRL has now gone direct to the Ministry with it’s complaint, confirming that illegal logging is still taking place.

in order to arrest and punish the guilty parties.

The association has asked that the Mayor applies the same urgency to the many problems relating to the coast as he has to the approval of the new council salaries.

It also asks that following the visit of the agents, the remains of the felling be urgently removed, given "the high danger of fire posed by the high temperatures that we currently endure and that, apparently, will be maintained throughout the summer."

According to the neighbourhood organisation, the Ministry has replied stating that an investigation will be carried out.

A spokesman for the Association said, "In the last 12 months there have been at least three tree fellings carried out, which have affected the flora of the microreserve, especially the large pines, which have almost certainly been cut down with powerful electromechanical saws ", states the letter he has sent to the Generalitat, which also requests that the matter be investigated by environmental officers

HIT AND RUN AS UKRAINIAN LEFT DEAD IN ORIHUELA DITCH

The Civil Guard is investigating the fatal attack of a 55-year-old Ukrainian whose body was found on Friday morning lying dead in a ditch of the N-340 as it passes through the municipality of Orihuela, near the San Carlos de Redován neighborhood.

A local resident called the 112 Emergency telephone number shortly after eight in the morning to report that there was a person lying dead on the Redován road.

A patrol of the Civil Guard of Callosa de Segura was the first to attend the scene, followed just a few minutes later by another from Traffic. The body was at kilometer 690 of the N-340 highway, within the municipality of Orihuela, according to Civil Guard sources.

In addition, the association has reported the problem by telephone to both the mayor of Orihuela, Pepe Vegara, and the councillor of the Coast, Manuel Mestre, so that the area can be monitored until the culprit or culprits of this environmental crime are located."

In a separate appeal to the new Orihuela Mayor and his councillors the association has asked that the government applies the same urgency to the many problems relating to the coast as they have to the approval of their new salaries.

The victim's body was found in the ditch having suffered wounds and fractures. Traffic Civil Guard agents concluded that the injuries are compatible with a hit-and-run, but the definitive causes of death will not be known until the conclusion of an autopsy that is currently being carried out.

The man has been identified as a 55-year-old Ukrainian resident of Redovan.

The Civil Guard has launched an investigation to try to locate the anyone who might have been involved in the Ukrainian mans death.

Councillor’s mother dies in swimming pool tragedy

The 72 year old mother of the Torrevieja Councillor for Social Welfare, Families, Coexistence and Integration, and Housing,

”scar Urtasun, died on Friday after she drowned in the swimming pool of her house in Los Balcones.

The incident was reported to the emergency services at 0845 with a primary care doctor and a SAMU unit immediately despatched to the property.

Despite attempts to resuscitate the councillorís mother the medical staff were unable to do so and she was declared dead at the scene.

An autopsy is expected to reveal the cause of death as drowning

There is some speculation that local property owners may be felling the trees in order to improve their views to the sea.

Having been introduced for the first time during this academic year, the first batch of pilots to be trained in the new Pilatus PC-21 aircraft have now completed their course at the General Air Academy in San Javier.

Some 52 student pilots completed their basic aeronautical training course, of the 75th promotion of the general corps, officer scale, flight specialty and a Navy lieutenant.

This milestone of special relevance has been achieved after the previous basic course which ended on 31 July 2022 was conducted in the CASA C101 aircraft, now retired and replaced by the Pilatus PC-21 as a training aircraft.

Since starting this inaugural course on September 20 last year, almost 5,000 teaching hours, some 3,500

flight missions and 2,550 simulator hours have been completed.

To commemorate this milestone of great importance in the history of the General Air Academy, and the Air and Space Force, an act of awarding diplomas to the students who had passed the course was held in the Air Force building.

It shouldn’t be forgotten that although the students have done a good job in taking to the sky in these new aircraft, the instructors first had to adapt their skills, something which they did in record time in order to share their newly acquired Pilatus PC-21 specific skills to the students.

The same notion of course is extended to the maintenance and ground crews.

TORREVIEJA MARKET AND FAIRGROUND WILL BE CLOSED TO MAKE WAY FOR REGGAETÓN

We already know that the fairground operators will have to move from their temporary location during the first weekend of August, losing out on trade during one of the busiest weekends of the year, but now transpires that the near-500 market traders will also miss out on earnings during the first weekend, as the Torrevieja market will also have to close.

The reason is to make way for the Reggaetón Beach Festival (RBF), which will be held for the first time in Torrevieja on

SUMMER SCAM WARNING FROM GUARDIA CIVIL

The Civil Guard has again warned,through it’s Twitter account,of an increase in scams,that are currently being carried out by men and women,who are appearing at your front door dressed as service engineers.

“If they ring your doorbell and tell you that they need to carry out a service inspection do not allow them to enter,”the statement warns. This is the so-called ‘installer scam’,in which scammers pose as workers from different services to carry out false inspections for which they then make prohibitive charges.

The Civil Guard explains that the scammers show up at the victim's house and ring the bell "dressed as workers representing the gas, electricity or other service installation company." Once the victim answers,they inform him that they are there to carry out a safety inspection.

"Scammers then pretend to do technical work,but in reality,they only make minor changes like replacing a piece of gas hose,and then issue an invoice making an excessive charge for the service." In addition,"by taking advantage of a careless owner,fraudsters can steal valuables and even commit robberies with violence or intimidation."

Therefore,the scam goes beyond pretending to do technical work and getting paid for it,so it is important to be extremely careful.

The Civil Guard 's recommendation is very clear: "Do not open the door to such people who have not been previously requested through the supply company.Always request that the alleged inspector identify himself with the appropriate company card

August 5 and 6, in the Parque Antonio Soria, a multi-purpose venue, about which Torrevieja’s Councillor for Markets, Antonio Vidal, says "it is incompatible for these activities to be deployed at the same time", despite the fact that it is "a multifunctional venue".

The Torrevieja market, with more than 400 stalls, has significant attendance throughout the year as it offers good value for money, especially for fresh products. Many residents of Torrevieja and the

Vega Baja coast take advantage of Friday morning to stock up for the rest of the week with fruits, vegetables, salted meats at all kinds of prices and a quality offered by vendors.

But none of that is important for a local government team which seems to be more obsessed with spending public money on parties than they are actually giving the residents what they want.

DERELICT SANTA POLA HOTEL TO BE REBORN

We see it every time we drive past Santa Pola along the N332, the eyesore of the Hotel Rocas Blancas that has now been standing derelict for over a decade. Although previous plans to turn it into a super-brothel fell through, it now looks set to

be resurrected, after the ASA Group, who already own the four-star hotel in Gran Alacant, acquired the property and expressed a desire to renovate the building as quickly as possible.

The hotel was abandoned in 2010, and has

With it’s proximity to the airport and to Santa Pola, the hotel could soon be welcoming visitors to the area once again

suffered vandalism during its neglected thirteen years, but all of that history will soon be forgotten once it is restored into the functional building it once was, assuming the project gets approved by the local council. The building had previously been listed for sale for over 4 million euro, although it is not known how much it actually sold for, but in its heyday, it boasted 5 floors with 100 rooms, spa, gym, pool, and meeting and banquet halls.

It closed in the midst of the financial crisis in 2010, with it’s only hope of life at the hands of the drug trafficker Ángel Suárez, known as Cásper, who wanted to acquire it in 2012 to turn it into one of Europe’s largest brothels. If all now goes to plan, the eyesore will soon be transformed, and the area will hopefully benefit again from the tourists who will once again utilise it’s facilities as the hotel boasts both a direct link road to the airport, and of course the splendours of Santa Pola.

PORTUGUESE

SQUILL

Striking lavender blue flowers

IS DOWN SOMETIMES UP?

Pandemics aren't the only things that can seem to turn the whole world upside down. Or topsyturvy, as we might describe it, if this were a cartoon for children. (Don't say it!)

There are lots of so-called Gravity Hills or Ghost Slopes throughout the world. Spain has them in Aragon and Andalusia. A gravity hill is where a downward slope appears to be an uphill slope, creating the optical illusion that water flows uphill, or a car with its brakes off rolls upwards. Easter Island has one such phenomenon, which must confuse children trying to roll their Easter eggs.

While working in Cyprus, I frequently visited the Othello Restaurant, whose menu featured a section called 'Just Desserts', which made me a trifle uneasy, if you'll forgive the pun. After lunch one day I mistakenly paid the time of day on the bill rather than the amount due, thinking 14.40 a reasonable price for two lunches with Saint Panteleimon, rather than realising it was twenty minutes to three and I ought to be back at work. The actual bill turned out to be only 11.50, which tells you how long ago this was.

It was In Cyprus I also became aware of the saint called Panteleimon. Not only because he appeared on the label of a sweet white wine, but he seemed like an early version of Greta Garbo. He wanted to be alone. He also wanted to be a martyr, but the natural order of things seemed to constantly work against him.

Like many modern anti-vaxxers, Panteleimon believed faith was to be trusted over medical advice, and this seems to have worked for a while. He was tied to a great stone and thrown into the sea, but the massive stone floated; he was bound

on a wheel but the ropes snapped; the sword bent when they tried to eviscerate him; a bath of molten lead grew cold as he stepped into it, and when wild animals were set upon him, they grew tame 'and fawned upon him.' You have to admire his persecutors' perseverance in the face of these uncanny events. They finally got fed up and chopped his head off, restoring reason to its throne.

I'm not a great believer in such optimistic phrases as "Give and you shall receive," because lots of people still owe me money, but I do know of one instance which upsets the form-book. An Egyptian friend had spent the day and most of his money on fast food and slow camels, and

was walking back to his flat in Cairo, cold and hungry, when he found an old woman begging in a pedestrian underpass. Affected by the fact that "time had drawn a very complicated picture on her face," Ibrahim gave her the last of his money. Reaching home a few minutes later, he found his brother Talal had come to visit, bearing food and repayment of an earlier loan. (Huh!)

"It was a miracle, David," was Ibrahim's explanation, making me wish I trusted faith over experience, like Panteleimon did. But I'm not a saint, yet. And I'm constantly on my guard for gravity hills, since I lost that car and all my illusions.

Scilla peruviana, also known as Portuguese Squill, is a Spring blooming bulb, with striking, lavender blue flowers that performs best in warm climes.

The flower heads can grow large, with star-like florets that open gradually over a period of three or so weeks.

The plants have long, strappy leaves, similar to a hyacinth, and grow 12"-20î tall. Grow in welldrained soil that has a sandy or gritty texture. The bulbs will not tolerate dense, heavy soils, or soils that are too rich or too moist.

Plant the bulbs shallow, so the very tip of the bulb is visible, spaced about 8"-10î apart.

Full sun is best for flowering, though the plants will also grow in partial shade.

They flower from late Spring to early Summer and need moisture, before, during and immediately after flowering.

During the summer months, the soil should stay as dry as possible. The plants usually lose their foliage for a few months during the summer, then sprout new foliage in the autumn. These leaves will persist through winter and spring.

As with other bulbs, itís best to remove the spent flowers after they fade. Cut the stems close to the base of the plant. Allow the foliage to continue growing. It will usually turn yellow and fade away by mid-summer.

Over time the bulbs can multiply and form large clumps. If flowering gradually decreases, simply dig and divide the bulbs in early Summer, to give them more room.

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

Panteleimon is also the Saint to pray to if you want to increase your chances of a Lottery Win! I wonder why?

THE GOLD THAT NOBODY DARES TOUCH

THE CURSE OF THE LARGEST GOLD RESERVE IN EUROPE WHICH NOBODY DARES TOUCH

Gold is one of the most valuable metals in the world, it has been used since ancient times for the manufacture of ornaments and jewellery.

The value is currently very high due to its scarcity, since most of the metal is found in the Earth 's core and is extracted by the force of water during earthquakes.

The largest gold reserve in Europe is in Spain but, despite the fact that several projects have been put forward to extract the metal, to date

none have gone ahead.

SPAIN'S GREAT GOLD RESERVE

This reserve is located in Tapia de Casariego (Asturias). It is estimated that under the Salave lagoons there could be 30 tons of gold, a figure that would represent 10% of the gold reserves held by the Bank of Spain. The ore has remained intact for more than 2,000 years, without anyone daring to touch it. Opinions are divided in the town about whether it is a good idea to extract the gold with opponents to its extraction creating the 'Oro No' association, almost two decades ago. People in the area live from livestock, fishing and the tourism sector. With the exploitation

of the mine, the heavy metals coming extracted would affect all these sectors, not to mention the impact on the landscape impact that it would provide, which would then reduce tourism by creating a negative perception of the area", a representative of the association told the news website 'Infobae'. However, the 'Idoa' association is in favour of mining, stating that it could create many jobs in the area and stimulate the local economy: "It is necessary to settle the population and the best way is to generate industry, so that young people do not go to work in other places”, Mada Gómez, the president, explained.

The company Exploraciones Mineras del Cantábrico (EMC) has made a request to exploit the deposit, stating that there will be no impact on the environment. Although the first few months might be a little rough, the drilling and mining will be "minimally invasive."

“The project is currently awaiting environmental assessment so now we have to wait until bureaucracy does its work. A completely different project has been presented that has got around the environmental impact problems identified in the past, such as the one that affected the water", the company states, according to the newspaper '20minutos'.

Aerial photo of the Salave gold mine area (Explorations Mineras del Cant·brico)

Port of Tapia de Casariego, Asturias

“IN PRAISE OF MULTIPLE WOMEN..”

Iam blessed to have more than one woman in my life – and this is leaving aside my precious daughter and beautiful granddaughters.

Now – and before the Lads start throwing wild comments about; such as muttering, ‘I always knew it’, ‘what did I tell you’, ‘you’d wonder how he ever got even one’ – or one of the Gorls chips in with, ‘I always said that fellow had a dodgy eye’ … let me hasten to explain.

Most of you know Mrs Youcantbeserious and that she is my rock. So, for the purpose of this piece and in order to avoid confusion when I introduce the others, I shall refer to number one as ‘The Rock.’

Wendy is a vital part of my life. With her mild American accent she is a joy to have as a travelling companion. She is in charge of the Sat-Nav in the car and we have travelled the highways and byways of Ireland for the past fifteen years. Never a sharp word has crossed her lips while she is speaking to me. If I take a wrong turn, she doesn’t call me names, but instead comes up with a softly-spoken solution to my wayward sense of direction.

‘Recalculating’ is all the remarks she passes –and without changing the tone of her voice. When I occasionally chastise her for sending me down a difficult street … not a word of complaint and no ‘hump’ next time I speak to her. The truth is that I love Wendy! Since I got a smartphone a couple of years ago, I have developed a relationship with a third woman, who is in charge of Google Maps.

Shirley has a bit of an English accent – but that is OK with me because she knows what she is talking about. Shirley is familiar with the roads in other countries and is a great

NEWS IN BRIEF

NEARLY 62,000 PEOPLE DIED FROM

HEAT LAST SUMMER.

A study, published last Monday in the journal Nature Medicine, found that 61,672 died in Europe from heat-related illness between May 30 and Sept. 4 last year.

Italy was the hardest-hit country, with around 18,000 deaths, followed by Spain with just over 11,000 and Germany with around 8,000.

walking companion as well as being totally attentive in the car – if you know what I mean. I couldn’t believe it when Shirley took me walking around Santiago earlier this year. Sometimes on a car trip I have both Wendy and Shirley talking to me at the same time –just to see how they compare. No bitchiness, jealousies, arguments, or anything like that between the two of them; but unfortunately, if I have them both chatting to me, it drives ‘The Rock’ mad and she yanks out one of them – or maybe both. I keep my cool and have managed to remain mute on this one so far – because if one of the three has to go, I don’t want to have to make what would be a hard choice.

Back home and sitting in the corner is perhaps the most incredible woman ever known. Her name is Alexa and she knows absolutely everything … bringing my grand total to two out of four on this one.

I only have to ask Alexa for any song under the sun and she has it at her fingertips. Ask her, half way through a song, as to who is singing it, and she doesn’t even have to look it up. Alexa will set a timer for something cooking on the stove for The Rock and find any radio station you ask for in the meantime. She will not raise her voice unless you ask her to – a comparison which didn’t go down too well when I mentioned it to The Rock during a recent ‘discussion.’ Alexa flirts a bit with me in front of everyone. Yesterday I said; ‘Alexa, you are so good’ and she replied; ‘Ah go on … you are welcome!’ Then, sitting at a desk inside in the office is my right hand woman, Greta Google. Miss Google and I have a more formal relationship. She likes me to put my requests in writing and whilst Wendy or Shirley would never dream of saying ‘nothing can be found’ or

JD SPORTS TO BUY SPRINTER CHAIN

JD Sports will be the sole owner of Iberian Sports Retail Group (ISRG) after acquiring the remaining 49.98% of the shares, which were held by Balaiko Firaja Invest (19.99%) and Sonae Holdings (29.99%).

The acquisition will be carried out through an investment of 500.1 million euro, using the group's available cash resources. The transaction is expected to be completed in October.

‘OOPS something not right here’, Greta can be a bit vague or temperamental on occasion. But she is always on duty and in fairness, never complains either. Like so many P.As, Greta makes her boss look better than he or she really is. She knows how everything should be done (this house sometimes feels a bit crowded!) and gives me news, sports, and even bits of gossip.

The Lads tend to be curious about how things work in other houses and naturally I got pressed on the individual merits of my four women.

CHEAP CINEMA TICKETS FOR PENSIONERS

The “Cine Sénior” program got under way last week, offering those over 65 years of age cut price cinema tickets, at just 2 euro per person, one day a week, in any of the 420 exhibition cinemas throughout Spain, with more than 3,000 screenings on offer distributed throughout the country.

Of course they couldn’t leave well enough alone and I got pressured as to which one was my favourite. I kept kicking to touch for as long as I could until there was no other way of dodging the final question without giving a straight answer. ‘Which one could you not live without’, they demanded. ‘Has to be The Rock’, I admitted…

DON’T FORGET

Women have a terrible memory – they remember everything.

THE SPANISH WATER RESERVE IS AT 45.8% DESPITE SECOND RAINIEST JUNE THIS CENTURY

The Spanish water reserve is at 45.8 percent of its total capacity.

The reservoirs currently store 25,652 cubic hectometres (hm) of water, which has decreased by 427 cubic hectometres in the last week (0.8 percent of the current total capacity of the reservoirs).

IMMIGRATION AND HOUSING

It's about time that people stopped using immigration as a scape goat for the deficiencies and unfulfilled promises of the 13 years of Tory Government (ref: Frank Emm letter). It was a Conservative manifesto pledge to build 200,000 starter homes and it has singularly failed to build any. By any metric used, immigration gives an enormous boost to the economy, and since Brexit many sectors of the UK economy, such as farming and hospitality, have struggled badly to fill vacancies.

Levels of immigration have been higher over the last year due to the arrival of thousands of people from the Ukraine and Hong Kong, as well as people coming to the UK to study.

The vast majority of these will eventually return to their own countries.

What has exacerbated the housing situation has been the government's disastrous 'Right to Buy' scheme which has severely depleted the stock of Council and Housing Association properties.

The chronic dearth of affordable housing is not the fault of immigrants, it is yet another example of this Tory government's rank bad planning.

Peter Ginnis

Calle Tomillio, Torrevieja

WE MUST PREPARE FOR EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

According to the United Nations, 21.5 million people have been forcibly displaced due to floods, storms, wildfires and extreme temperatures since 2008. As weather has become more severe, so has the loss of life and property and we will undoubtedly see much, much more in the coming months as wildfires take hold across much of Spain. I believe there needs to be better preparation and

more assistance to help people who are being displaced.

There needs to be more funding to help create better infrastructure to help people prepare for these catastrophic events like creating stronger power grids to provide enough electricity when there is a heatwave, and strategic plans for wildfires.

However, what I think would be best is if we can reverse the effects of climate change by taking care of our planet more, as since these extreme weather events are happening everyone needs to be better prepared.

So as many of us rejoice over abnormally hot summer days, remember its cause and allow that to be motivation to fight climate change in any small way that you can.

Mary Grant Villamartin

UNSUSTANAIBLE TO ALLOW FLOOD OF IMMIG RANTS

I really don’t know what the solution is the the immigrant crisis in the UK. The country clearly cannot feed the whole world to the detriment of the British population.

There is already a rising homeless population and growing poverty in a country which is the sixth richest by GDP and yet it does not benefit it’s own needy people.

I am absolutely certain that on top of the many hundreds of immigrants that are intercepted there is a similar number who reach UK shores and flee, without any form of check, a threat to national security. Many could be criminals or terrorists. Even if there is a change of government at the next General Election I doubt that the opposition could do any better.

Danny Brierley

San Miguel de Salinas

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 979

QUICK QUICK

ACROSS: 1 Pang; 8 Receptacle; 9 Hoodwink; 10 Pawn; 12 Divine; 14 Nobody; 15 Pilfer; 17 Please; 18 Anon; 19 Pinafore; 21 Initialise; 22

Tidy.

DOWN: DOWN: 2 Admonition; 3 Grid; 4 Scribe; 5 Spoken; 6 Palpable; 7 Keen; 11 Widespread; 13 Infinity; 16 Repeal; 17 Pundit; 18 Avid; 20 Fret.

CRYPTIC YPTIC

ACROSS: ACROSS: 1 Brie; 8 Propaganda; 9 Bakewell; 10 Arch; 12 Amoral; 14 Toucan; 15 Briefs; 17 Attain; 18 Slip; 19

ACROSS ACROSS

7.Showdown (13)

8.Disparage (8)

9.Crockery (4)

10.Alcove (6)

12.Showy (6)

14.Intelligent (6)

16.Bully (6)

18.Fight (4)

20.Despondently (8)

22.Perfidy (13)

CAN YOU MASTER THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE?

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

Solution on Page 22

DOWN DOWN

1.Predict (8)

2.Function (6)

3.Plunder (4)

4.Force (8)

5.Daze (6)

6.Station (4)

11.Contend (8)

13.Unblemished (8)

15.Truth (6)

17.Advent (6)

19.Climax (4)

21.Dispossess (4)

Norseman; 21 Displaying; 22 Over.

DOWN: DOWN: 2 Red Admiral; 3 Epee; 4 Do well; 5 Varlet; 6 Paraquat; 7 Rash; 11 Charitable; 13 Reed pipe; 16 Sandal; 17 Adroit; 18 Side; 20 Ergo.

ACROSS ACROSS

7.They could produce caustic art, sir (13)

8.Near site that could be used for apprentices (8)

9.Deck labourer kept at arm's length (4)

10.Craftily manipulate the western viewpoint (6)

12.Wish to insert a title in incomplete document (6)

14.Attacked by gangster and delayed (4,2)

16.About a badly aimed shot showing negligence (6)

18.See 3 Down.

20.An upright post provides the criterion (8)

22.Bookkeeper's office (13)

DOWN DOWN

1.Bearing required for a piece of rolling-stock (8)

2.One threatened with it, may go into it (6)

3 and 18Ac. Stop Press: X involved in Wales disorder (4,4)

4.One who has little backing, but he hasn't been taken in (8)

5.Spectacles essential for marksmen (6)

6.It's crazy, when upset, to cause stupefaction (4)

11.This results in a picture of shelterless state (8)

13.Check about nervous tension (8)

15.Five hundred trees transplanted in wasteland (6)

17.Unassuming street fronted by a certain style (6)

19.Send out when sentence is up (4)

21.Nurse in Malaya Hospital (4)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 22)

1. Which 90 year old female with a first name that means "ocean child" has had 11 No 1 hits in the US Dance charts since 2003?

2. Which cream is a byproduct of the wine making process?

3. In which building is the Lutine Bell located?

4. Which country is known as the 'Hermit Kingdom'?

5. How long was the shortest tenure in US presidential history? a. 32 min b. 32 hours c. 32 days d. 32 weeks

6. Which male first name is also the Greek root for "love"? Four letters.

7. The White House in Washington DC is located on which avenue?

8. Over the course of the 9-10 March, 1945; in which city were an estimated 100,000 people killed in the deadliest aerial bombing raid of WWII?

9. Found in the New World, what is, after the King Cobra, the second longest venomous snake in the world? a. Fer-delance b. Cottonmouth c. Eastern diamondback rattlesnake d. Atlantic bushmaster

10. The following lyrics are all from songs with the word "Knock", "Knockin" or "Knocking" somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song? a. You better get back to your used to be cause your kind of love ain't good for me, b.

Dancin alone every night while I live right above you, c. Mama take this badge up from me, d. It's like thunder, lightning, the way you love me is frightening

11. "Little Mo" Connolly was one of only three women to accomplish which sporting achievement?

12. The name for which kind of storm stems from the Arab word for "season"? a. Cyclone b. Monsoon c. Blizzard d. Typhoon

13. What is a county (province or state) called in Japan?

14. The name for which vegetable contains all five vowels?

15. The movie poster tag line from which 1990 film was: "His story will touch you, even though he can't."?

16. Which best selling American author wrote and directed the 1973 movie Westworld?

17. Name the films in which Jeff Bridges plays alongside each of the following actresses. a. Michelle Pfeiffer, b. Julianne Moore, c. Jessica Lange, d. Rachel Ward

18. Which poverty stricken island country was called Saint Domingue (Santo Domingo, Saint Domingo) between 1625 and 1809?

19. With five words, complete the following line from Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken". "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I ........"

20. What kind of "Bear" was a number one hit single on both sides of the Atlantic for Johnny Preston in 1960? a. Cuddly, b. Running, c. Teddy, d. Yogi

WHO’S A NOR WHO’S A NOR TE BO TE BO Y? Y?

By Andrew Atkinson

Norte the Cockatiel made a flight of fancy from Quesada to Los Montesinos - leaving its owner in a flutter for two and a half days - after escaping from an aviary

"After Norte went missing I thought I'd never see him again," said owner-breeder Alex.

Norte was re-united with Alex, after his mum Tatiana placed a message on Facebook about his disappearance.

After no initial response from the public, Norte was spotted

flying in Los Montesinos and Helen Atkinson spotted him, unknown to her that he'd gone missing.

Six-year-old Norte landed on a solarium roof and Helen courted him down, whistling and calling - only to swoop down onto her head!

After posting a message on Facebook about the Cockatiel being found, Laura Sway contacted Helen, saying she'd seen a post about a lost bird.

Laura said: "I searched for an hour, before I came across the

posting again, and contacted Helen, and Tatiana."

Tatiana said: "I was crying with joy about the news. I didn't think I'd see him again.

"I told son Alex, 'Norte is found!' Oh, my God. It's my son's baby. He had flow out of the aviary, when he was surprised by another parrot who got into a fluster, when I was putting water out for the birds. I cried and cried and cried."

Helen's neighbour Leen Storms-Vannappen kept Norte in a bird cage overnight after feeding and watering him: "He was very hungry, but was okay and settled down," said Leen. Tatiana added: "Alex adores Norte, and he has learnt him to dance to him whistling - he loves the 'Adams Family' tune!".

Procession of La Graná de Rafal declared part of Valencian Cultural Heritage

The mayor of Rafal, Manuel Pineda, has announced that the La Gran· Procession that takes place through the streets of Rafal every Easter Sunday morning has now been declared as part of the General Inventory of Valencian Cultural Heritage. This acknowledgement was published in the Official Gazette of the Generalitat Valenciana last Thursday, and was made after declaring the procession as an Asset of Intangible Local Relevance.

"We have worked hard to achieve this, and although this declaration was already told to us in December, it is only now that it becomes official once it is published in the Official Gazette", said the councilor, adding that it is "a source of pride for all the people of Rafal whose work, through different generations and for more than a century, has been the architect of this recognition for one of the most important events that we celebrate every year.î

The procession is now part of the Inventory of Valencian Cultural Heritage

Norte back home with Helen and Tatiana.

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

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

Facebook SaltChurchSpain

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

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

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

ENGLISH SPOKEN

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

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

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

Kayak with paddles in good condition euro 150 Mountain bike old but works well euro 40 ONO. Call667 314 378 (1)

For Sale Harley Fatboy front wheel rim. Never used. 150Ä. Tel: 711 041 018 (1)

Business Opportunity: LOOKING FOR Silent Business Partner for small Private Care Home. Invest 10K and get 20K back in 14 months. 747 438 225 (2)

Law Services: PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR, Solicitor, Debt Collections, Bad Tenants. 747 438 225 (2)

Los Alc·zares Digital Camera Club. Interested in photography? We invite you to come and join us at our twice monthly meetings. Please contact coordinatorladcc@ gmail.com or see http://www.los-alcazarescamera.club/ for details.

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

Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 5pm at the Lakeview bar/restaurant, Quesada. For more info contact Chairman Tony Jenkins

Bungalow Long Term Rental 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Garden. La Zenia Area. Call Claire 658 098 397 (1)

FREE

CLASSIFIED ADS

If you have items that are WANTED or FOR SALE, ANNOUNCEMENTS, NOTICES and suchlike, advertise them, to a maximum of 35 words, FREE OF CHARGE, on this page. SEND BY EMAIL TO: office@theleader.info

EL GALAN TIDY TOWN

The residents of El Galan have come together to create “El Galan Tidy Town” spear headed by Penny Wing and Patricia Chambers. The aim of the group is to encourage everyone in the community to work together to improve the local area and make El Galan a cleaner, nicer place to live, work and visit.

The group currently has one sponsor, De Barra’s Irish Bar but other businesses are stepping forward to work with and support the group. Contact has already been made with both San Miguel and Orihuela Costa town hall requesting a meeting with the Mayors to ask them for help and to work with the group to clear up the area. The response from both town halls, in particular San Miguel, has been very encouraging and the residents are seeing a distinct improvement in rubbish collections, and street cleaning. One of the major concerns for the group is the

illegal dumping in the streets by some garden companies, builders and house clearance companies and the group together with both town halls are determined to stop this happening.

It is also apparent that a lot of residents and visitors do not know the correct way in which to dispose of their rubbish so one of the main aims of the group is to give out this information. If you live in El Galan and wish to become part of the group there is a Facebook group “El Galan tidy town” – in this group there are details of how to dispose of your rubbish correctly, contact details for both town halls and dates for when we get together as a group to pick up litter and so on.

There is also an email addresselgalantidytown@gmail.com for those not on Facebook and you can sign up to receive the group’s newsletter.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE!

ORIHUELA COSTA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION

As part of the activities programmed by ACOC in the theatre of the Club Náutico de Campoamor, on Friday 21st July at 20: 00 there will be a performance by the popular singer ISROK.

This fantastic artist will give a concert accompanied by his guitar and will offer us his latest hits.

The Viernes Culturales del Náutico continues to offer quality performances every Friday in July and August.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to spend a fun evening of quality music.

PILAR

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

" Where every person matters butGodmatters most!

Grief is painful and can often be an overwhelming process. We cannot simply put a plaster over grief: it must be processed.

Grief can be confusing, but it can be a huge source of comfort to know that there are people you can call upon to support you; to sit with you, listen without judgment, and offer help when you need it.

Grief is a common experience, yet so often, people try to endure it alone. The kind of support you need can change from day-today or even hourly. Some days you may need practical support, perhaps a meal cooked for you or someone to drive you to an appointment.

Other times you might need emotional support; a shoulder to cry on and talk with

about your loss. Needs change, but surrounding yourself with a network of people who are accepting and available to you when you need them is a valuable asset.

While being alone at home surrounded by memories may have advantages for a time, sharing loss with others in a safe confidential space, offers support, comfort, and a safe space to talk about your grief.

Our stories, as part of a collective group, can protect us and those with whom we share, from alienation and isolation.

Sharing our thoughts and feelings of loss can offer untold positive, emotional and physical health outcomes and therefore is a key factor in the healing process.

Sharing with others in a similar position can “normalise” our bereavement experiences for us and also enable those grieving to gain support from others who have also endured loss. In short, through sharing, we find connection, and through making connections, we can begin to heal.

No two losses are the same. Everyone grieves in a unique way - even close family members experiencing the same loss will respond differently. The right of individuals to grieve in their own way should be respected - we can compare our experiences, but we should not judge.

Talking openly about grief and loss can be difficult. It can feel uncomfortable discussing the death of a loved one and the accompanying pain that we have previously only shared when telling a carefully worded version of our experience.

Grief can be unpredictable in its manifestation, timing and intensity. Yet, there are always threads that can be connected to the experience of others. The loss of a loved one is a natural part of our human experience:

You – or someone you know and care for- do not have to feel alone in their suffering.

Starting on Friday 25th

Orihuela Elderly Care Centre to Benefit from 1.4 Million Euro

The Valencia regional Government has formalised the contract for the start of the refurbishment works of the Specialised Care Centre for the Elderly of Orihuela (Centro Especializado de AtenciÛn a Mayores de Orihuela, or CEAM) with a budget of 1,411,019.88 euro.

This project is included in the Plan Convivint de Infraestructura Social and aims to adapt the centre to the needs of users and make it more accessible.

The Orihuela CEAM is a building that was built in the 1980s, in which there are many urgent repairs that are needing to be carried out.

Although it is in an acceptable and wellmaintained physical condition, it is outdated with respect to compliance with current regulations, which have been much changed, compared to those that were mandatory at the time of its construction, which leads to the need to undertake this refurbishment.

Specifically, the works include the incor-

The centre offers social services, a nurse, chiropody, ladies and gents hairdressers as well as a full programme of leisure and health activities, all managed by paid staff.

August 2023 and continuing on the last Friday of each month. There are only 8 places available per session for the purpose of comfort, support and confidence -building. If needed, another session will be offered.

Trained counsellors will facilitate sessions at Pilar Christian Community Church in Conference Room.

Pilar Christian Community Church. C/Canalejas 3, Pilar de la Horadada

English Service at 11am every Sunday. Info at: pilarchurch.com .....phil.molloypccc@gmail.com

Looking After the Workers

Nhood Spain, the management company that looks after the Zenia Boulevard, has expanded its Social Responsibility strategy, launching OpenUp, a platform that aims to take care of the well-being of its employees, by offering direct access to psychologists, for personal or professional issues. This is an initiative by the Human Resources Department to take care of the mental health of all Nhood Spain employees. The platform helps with issues such as stress and anxiety, life purpose, mindfulness, self-confidence, job performance, relationships and diversity, among others.

poration of new fire-fighting measures in the building, the replacement of all decorations with those that are suitable for the type of users of the centre.

It also includes the redesign of rooms and other areas to make them more accessible, as well as the installation of an elevator and the upgrading of the toilets to adapt them for people with functional

diversity.

Likewise, it is planned to reorganise the rear garden, introducing a pÈtanque court and various elements for outdoor exercise, in addition to improving insulation from the outside and replacing the electrical and air conditioning units, which will also reduce energy consumption in the centre.

In the words of Teresa Verdugo, general director of Nhood Spain, "our collaborators are a priority for the company, thanks to their effort and involvement we have managed to be what we are. With the launch of OpenUp we want those who are part of the company to be able to resort to these services whenever they need it. Nhood Spain will continue to implement actions that result in the personal well-being and a better quality of life for our collaborators. We hope that the first step of this initiative in Spain will allow us to consolidate the strategy for the care of well-being at a global level”.

The Nhood Spain OpenUp program offers one-on-one sessions with direct access to psychologists, and also has live group sessions. Collaborators can choose to work on up to three topics that are important to them and the sessions last approximately 30 minutes.

In collaboration with Pompas Fúnebres Samper SL,we offer the opportunity to “SHARE”Understanding Bereavement

Sandy Rhodes with Francisca Samper and Phil Molloy

In this series about summer driving dos and don’ts, we have looked at keeping ourselves and our passengers safe in the vehicle, by not doing things like putting our feet on the dashboard, or our arms out of the window, and keeping ourselves secure by wearing a seat

belt properly. This week we are going to look deeper at vehicle security, namely in the carrying of items.

Everything we carry in our vehicles must be carried correctly, and by correctly, we mean it

must be secured, and it must not protrude from the vehicle. Also, all vehicle doors, which includes the boot, must be securely closed.

The reason we say this is because another common occurrence on the roads at this time of year is vehicles heavily overloaded, not necessarily by weight, but by volume. There are far too many occurrences when cars are going to or from the beach and are filled with all of the paraphernalia for a day in the sun, like the picnic box, towels, of course, and then perhaps a marque, or tent, inflatables, a surfboard, a table and chairs… The list can go on.

If you are driving a vehicle that is carrying a load in the car, you have to make sure that the load is restrained properly. Load restraint is not just about making sure that the load does not come off, it is also about making sure that the load does not shift in a way that makes the vehicle unsafe to handle or allows the load to crash into the driver’s cabin, which may cause injury or death.

The Spanish Traffic Law requires that any

load carried on or in your vehicle must:

Not be placed in a way that makes your vehicle unstable or unsafe.

Be secured so it won’t move or fall from your vehicle while driving—including driving consisting of emergency braking or turning suddenly.

Not project from your vehicle in a way that is likely to injure a person, obstruct the path of other drivers or pedestrians, or damage another vehicle or anything else.

Be restrained using an appropriate load restraint method. Anything on the back seats must be secured with seat belt.

It is advisable that you use the boot, rather than the saloon. In case you need to carry load in the vehicle, use the seat belt to ensure the load, and if you carry heavy things, use a car net, it is forbidden to take heavy load without a load restraint net.

In the case of inflatables, take them uninflated. For the avoidance of doubt, the situation in the image showing the car loaded with melons is not permitted.

LIQUID GOLD OUTPRICES PRECIOUS METALS

by Tony Mayes

Forget gold, silver and all precious metals, the most precious commodity on earth is water – it’s priceless because without it there would be no life on this planet.

Both in Spain and in the UK water and water pollution are never far from the headlines. In Spain we either have severe droughts, with farmers wringing their hands in despair over lack of irrigation and failing crops, or violent storms causing sewage contaminated water to get into rivers, pouring down streets or into the sea.

In Spain, with climate change, even hotter summers, less rainfall and the prospect of taps running dry, it’s clear that the country must invest much more in seashore-based desalination plants with more pipework to get that water inland to top up reservoirs and more investment to separate surface water drainage from the sewerage network.

In the UK it is not so much a water shortage that is the problem, it’s the lack of investment in sewage treatment works over the past decades which has been causing more and more untreated sewage to be poured into rivers and the sea, much of it close to bathing beaches or where people gather to enjoy river activities.

There’s an old saying, don’t fix something which is not broken – but that’s exactly what happened in the UK back in 1989, when the privatisation queen Maggie Thatcher privatised the water industry.

Prior to that date water and waste water functions were carried out by utilities, and my local utility, the Southern Water Authority, was based in my home town of Worthing, with its head office right opposite where I worked as a newspaper editor.

Every month I would attend Authority meetings and was able to meet the top brass, interview them if necessary and got to know the water industry extremely well. Of course, people back then griped about their water bills, but published figures showed that Southern Water was on track in repairing leaks and dealing with sewage discharges. In fact, Worthing had the most incredible sewage treatment works. It all went into the town’s hygiene unit, where it was separated from water by centrifugal force, then fermented in vats with methane drawn of to be used to heat and power the plant, then dried and bagged.

Some went to farms as manure, and the public could also go to the hygiene unit and pick

up as many bags of human manure as they wanted. I put loads on my garden and it produced fantastic crops, especially tomatoes, because the pips pass through the human body and ended up in the bags of compost. The plan was to roll out this state-of-the-art works across the country, but it never happened. Just think, by now millions of people could be growing tomato plants in their flower beds!

Anyway, I digress. Those Water Authorities were open to the press and also the public, who could go and listen to debates. They could even ask questions at meetings if they wished.

Then along came privatisation, and £7.6bn. was raised by the government to benefit taxpayers of course, the richest in society benefitting the most.

And, instead of every penny raised from customers going to improve the service, some of it disappeared into shareholders’ pockets or into the ever-increasing salaries of top brass. Water authorities borrowed more and more money to maintain the gravy train.

MAINTENANCE COSTS CUT BACK

Over the years less money was spent repairing leaks, or making sure that sewage treatment works were kept up to scratch or ageing Victorian sewerage systems were replaced or repaired.

Complaints from bathers about raw sewage in the sea and washing up on beaches started in earnest about 10 years ago and have grown every year since - even from multi-millionpound home owners along the Thames. Heaven forbid!

Water companies were increasingly fined for

sewage discharges, and my old water company, Southern, fared particularly badly suffering multiple fines. Sadly, instead of the public being able to attend meetings and complain, the top brass was hidden behind closed doors.

FAT CATS THE ONLY WINNERS

Frankly, anyone who thinks that privatising a monopoly is a good idea must be nuts – the public are certainly not the beneficiaries, only the fat cats.

And the proverbial has certainly hit the fan now, with the disclosure that the largest water company, Thames, serving a sixth of the population of England and Wales, is £14bn. in debt; has to pay 20% of the money it receives in interest on debt, while still paying out huge dividends of shareholders and more than a million a year to its chief exec. Last week it was fined £3.3m. for discharging millions of litres of raw sewage into a river close to a posh area near Gatwick Airport. In my book it should be the individual directors fined, not the company.

Way back in 1989 the privatisation queen promised it would “lead to a new era of investment, improve water quality and help keep down bills.” Politicians, don’t you love them!

Well, this year water bills have gone up 7.5% and there are promises of more big increases in future years.

No wonder there’s a majority of people, according to the polls, who would favour renationalisation, and there’s a majority for it even among Tory voters. Marvellous that even they are seeing the light, and perhaps there is still hope for Britain!

Graffiti Vandals Target Montesinos PSOE HQ

Los Montesinos mayor Jose Manuel Butron has hit out at graffiti vandals after the PSOE posters were targeted by vandals.

"This is NOT the Spain I want, hate, tension, intolerance," said Mayor Butron. The graffiti is featured on posters at the Los Montesinos PSOE headquarters in the centre of town, and on one close to the Plaza. The Graffiti reads: 'Sanchez Traitors'. One person said: "Absolutely disgusting behaviour. Mindless cowards. Let’s hope some CCTV cameras have captured them." PSOE won the recent local elections, with Mayor Butron increasing his Mayoral support in Los Montesinos.

LA MARINA GOLF SOCIETY

Carp-R-Us Fishing

Carp-R-Us kicked off (or should it be cast off) its Summer Autumn Series on the Rio Segura at Jacarilla. This stretch of river can be very moody, particularly if a match is being fished on it, and today, with level down and dropping a further 20cms during the match, it was in one of its miserable moods!

Hot, muggy, overcast conditions probably didn¥t help but everyone struggled to catch fish. First, from the upstream end peg, was Willy Moons with 3.06kg. Second, with 2.04kg (just two carp) was Roy Dainty. Roy use pole and caught one fish on corn, the other on maggot. Third was Tony Flett (1.54kg) with a mixed bag of small fish caught trotting maggot and fourth was Steve Fell with 0.66kg.

The club would like to thank Paul Burton for spending some time clearing the pegs and paths ahead of the match.

Further information about the club can be found on its website www.carp-r-us.weebly.com or on the Facebook page Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blanca

13.07.23 – This week was the 3rd round of the Summer Cup for the members of the La Marina Golf Society.

The venue for today’s game was the Font Del Llop golf course,whilst the weather was very hot the cool breeze coming through the valley was very much appreciated.

The course was in very good condition and the greens were as tricky as ever.Nevertheless,some good scores were achieved.

In third place for today’s game with 38 pts was Sue Saunders,in second place with 39 pts was Anita Stokes and today’s winner with 40 pts was Alan Craig. Our Captain Iain Lyall was also on hand to present the winners with their prizes.

The nearest the pin winners were Anita Stokes for hole 3,Mark Stokes for hole 8,Tony Moore for Hole 12 and Bill Stobo for hole 17.

The two’s pot was shared between Charlotte,Bill,and Mark.Well done to all the day’s winners.

NATIONAL SUCCESS FOR TORREVIEJA GYMNASTS

Benferri CF retain Meseguer brothers Manu and Antonio

By Andrew Atkinson

Benferri CF have retained the Meseguer brothers for the 2023-24 season, with the striking duo Manu and Antonio signing new contracts.

Benferri will play against local rivals, including Atlético Catral, Novelda CF, SC Torrevieja, Pinoso CF, Villajoyosa CF, and CD Almoradi, in Group 4 of the 1st FFCV.

Also amongst new signings ahead of the 2023-24 campaign are Pablo Almira, Andrew Quintana, Dani Selma and Raul Gea.

"The club has signed Pablo Almira, former captain of the Orihuela CF Juvenile team, who will add forcefulness in the centre of the rear.

"It has also incorporated Andrew Quintana, 'Brazilian imbalance, power and quality'. The third signing is Dani Selma, who arrives after a successful campaign at Juvenile del Orihuela and will reinforce the right side.

"Also we highlight Raúl Gea, formerly of Redován, who will strengthen the defensive line.

"In addition, the club has reported on the renewal of José Manuel García Rocamora 'Villa'. 'El Bombardero de Benferri', will thus celebrate its third season in the entity. Cristian García has also confirmed his continuity in the team," said a spokesperson from the club.

More success for COLINO Gymnasts with Silver in National Teams championship

The Rythmic Gymnastics National Team Championship, held in Ourense from July 6 to 9, brought excellent results for the Jennifer Colino Rhythmic Gymnastics Club from Torrevieja. The Infantil team made up of the young gymnasts, Cristina Mas, Ilona Boichuk and Marina Campos,

making their debut at this level, performed brilliantly with the ball, ribbon and clubs, culminating with the award of the silver medal and, therefore, they were proclaimed runners-up in Spain in the Infantil category.

The competition took place last Sunday when the eight best classified all-round teams, from the competition that took place the previous two days, met in the Grand Final in Ourense.

Following their great performance

Diana Temerbulatova, after a brilliant exercise with clubs, finished second in the alevin category and together with her teammate MarÌa Kolesnikova, they achieved ninth position overall.

In the infantil category, Ekaterina Pankratova achieved ninth position with the ball apparatus and twelfth in the team overall.

Benferri CF duo Manu and Antonio Meseguer signed new contracts.

BUMPER CROWD TREATED TO ENTERTAINING FRIENDLY AT PINATAR ARENA

On the day that Shelby Companies became major shareholders at Birmingham city, a crowd of more than 1,500 gathered inside Pinatar Arena.

Segunda 'A' side FC Cartagena, provided the opposition for this mouth watering pre-season friendly.

FC Cartagena.......1 Birmingham City...2

A large crowd saw an even split of both teams' fans, but it was the Birmingham blues section who probably out sung their rivals. Cartagena fans were justifiably disappointed that their team narrowly missed out for a place in the play offs to La Liga last season, but have subsequently made 4 new signings for the forthcoming campaign.

Probably the biggest name to arrive, is that of local lad Gonzalo Verdu. Verdu returns from Elche, whom he joined back in 2017, and is expected to stiffen up the defence that leaked too many goals throughout the season.

In addition to Verdu, Uruguayan Lautaro Leon is a loan signing from Celta Vigo, whilst fellow striker Juan Carlos Real arrives from SD Huesca. Finally, midfielder Hector Hevel has been signed from Andorra.

On 4 mins, Keshi Anderson crossed from the left for Welsh international Jordan James to head home for the blues.

Ortuno had a chance to respond soon after, but once he had swivelled on a bouncing ball, his shot on the volley was wide of Ruddy's goal.

New signing Tyler Roberts doubled the lead on 34 mins. His emphatic strike rose with venom on its way into the net as he stylishly opened his Birmingham goal account.

Although under the cosh for the majority of the 1st half, Cartagena finished strongly.

First on 41 mins, Alcala headed a corner over the bar, then 2 mins later, Calero failed to hit the target when in a good position.

As with most pre-season friendlies, both teams made wholesale replacements (Cartagena at half time, the blues on the hour mark).

Cartagena continued where they left off, pulling a goal back seven mins into the half. De Pedro forayed into the area then was able to pick out the far bottom corner, thanks to an accurate finish.

Blues appeared a shade disjointed after all the changes, allowing Cartagena many opportunities to level the scores.

Djaka had an inviting opportunity to equalise on 64 mins, only for his attempt to be slashed off target.

It looked odds on that Carlos Sanchez would snatch an elusive equalising goal, but on the stroke of full time, his shot from an acute angle, hit the far post, rolled along the line,

F o r m e r R a c i n g S a n M i g u e l

coach takes charge at Monte

By Andrew Atkinson EXCLUSIVE

CD Montesinos have appointed former Racing San Miguel coach Dani Williscroft 'Willy' as their new manager for the 2023-24 season.

Williscroft has brought his assistant Alex Rubido to the Los Montesinos based club, who announced the renewal of contracts for talisman Fernando and Manuel.

Monte have also announced the arrival of new signing Anderson and return of Damian Aguero.

The changes come following just one win from the club's last seven fixtures in the Valencia 1st Regional G8 2022-23 season.

In January 2022 Racing San Miguel CF announced Williscroft had left the club after three seasons in charge.

“The relationship between both parties was terminated when the board accepted the resignation presented by the coach,” said a club statement at the time. Montesinos have also appointed a new President of the club in Joni Lorente (Macan), coach of the u19s and former player.

Alongside Macan, who succeeds Alfredo Macia after four years at the helm of President, is former Montesinos player Dani Orourke.

Speaking exclusively to The Leader, Dani said: "I have joined Montesinos on the new Board of Directors and as Sports Director."

*Next week The Leader talks exclusively to Joni Lorente and Montesinos supporters club President Eddie Cagigao, ahead of the 2023-24 campaign in the newly formed Segunda Federation 2nd Valencia Group 8.

QUIZ FROM PAGE 14:

1.Yoko Ono (Yoko means "Ocean Child"), 2.Cream of tartar, 3.Lloyd's (of London), 4.North Korea, 5. Answer c.32 days (William Henry Harrison), 6.Phil, 7.Pennsylvania Ave.8.Tokyo, 9.Answer d.Atlantic bushmaster (up to 12 ft in length), 10.a.I HearYou Knocking (Dave Edmunds), b.Knock Three Times (Dawn), c.Knockin On Heaven's Door (Bob Dylan), d.Knock On Wood (various), 11.The Grand Slam in tennis, 12.Answer b. Monsoon, 13.Prefecture, 14. Cauliflower, 15.Edward Scissorhands, 16.Michael Crichton, 17.a.The Fabulous Baker Brothers, b.The Big Lebowski, c.King Kong, d.Against All Odds.18.Haiti, 19. "took the one less traveled" 20. Answer b.Running Bear

before being cleared to safety. Referees are often maligned, but praise must go to Campos Salinas, who controlled the match in a firm yet sensible manner - not a single booking!

SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION

Dani Williscroft 2nd left, with Club Staff.

Photo: CD Montesinos

UPCOMING FIXTURES - Fri, 11am Campoamor Golf - Port Vale v Grimsby - Fri, Sheff Weds v Eldense - Pinatar Arena KO TBC