The Leader Newspaper 12 September 2023 – Edition 988

BOTH PP AND VOX REJECT THE FIRST LGTBI PLAN IN ORIHUELA

Last week’s plenary session in Orihuela, enjoyed a great deal of fierce debate, including that around LGTBI rights, following a motion by the PSOE requesting that the new PP and Vox government coalition return the acronym to the Department of Equality and approve the first LGTBI Plan, which was drafted by the previous council, and thereby create an office to combat LGTBI phobia. The motion was rejected, however, with votes against by both the PP and Vox.

The Councilor for Equality (PP), María Agustina Rodríguez, argued that her objective is to review and improve the present structure, as she invited the opposition to stop "preventive attacks" and "spreading fear in the community". She accused the PSOE of "explicit and forceful support for LGTBI rights."

The Leader of Vox, Manuel Mestre, was even more critical, accusing the left of having "interests based on confrontation and division", to which he added that "we all have homosexual friends".

Leticia Pertegal, from Cambiemos, said that "there is much more to do" and that the argument is "an absolute nonsense", which is doing little more than creating "pacts of hate."

Councillor Mestre countered with the argument that "It is dishonest to give aid and enrich oneself at the expense of public money," as he also advocated "not financing a group that does not represent the majority of the population." Regarding the controversy that arose on Pride Day, when the rainbow flag was not displayed on the balcony of the Town Hall, Mestre has said that "the Spanish flag and the Glorious Enseña del Oriol are the emblems that represent everyone, and not the flag of Pride".

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE ORIHUELA LGBTI PLAN REJECTED

"Mestre's intervention has put me in a bad mood and made my hair stand on end," said Mar Ezcurra, from Ciudadanos, who added that "not putting up the flag was intentional, and the government will pay a very expensive price."

Discussion in the Plenary then moved on to the controversial issue of the withdrawal of the Cross of Merit from Ricardo Pérez Zambrana, Mayor Vegara's partner, who is accused alongside the council leader in the ITV case (see page 9).

Despite support for the award coming from the commissioner of the Orihuela Local Police, Councillor Navarro (PSOE) stressed that the only objective of her formation has been to "not tarnish the municipality of Orihuela." She has announced that her party will present a proposal to establish limitations on this type of recognition in the future. Ciudadanos Councillor, José Aix, said that the nomination "perverts and overshadows" the recognition, adding that "this is not a troupe or a row of Moors and Christians."

The plenary session then approved with the votes in favour of PP, Vox and Ciudadanos, and the abstention of PSOE and Cambiemos, the credits worth 2.3 million euros to cover government expenses. However, councillor Luisa Boné, from C’s, stated that most of these debts were left by the PP when it last governed.

Despite the abstention of Cambiemos, the green light was given to the file to reopen the promenade between Cabo Roig and Aguamarina, which entails an expropriation of land worth 69,000 euros and an execution project of 38,000 euros that would be ready in two months. "It is a guaranteed and transparent solution to open a negotiation walkway with the owners," insisted Matías Ruiz (PP), Councilor for Urban Planning and Heritage.

Finally, Enrique Montero took up office as a councillor of Cambiemos following the resignation of Carlos Bernabé.

TORREVIEJA HOLDS ORLANDER RETREAT FOR LGBTI COMMUNITY

Meanwhile, in Torrevieja, the City Council has announced their support for the eleventh edition of the Orlander Retreat.

This pioneering event, is aimed especially at the LGTBIQ+ community, and will offer a weekend full of healthy activities, sports and socialising. The event will take place from September 22 to 25. The Orlander Retreat is a unique activity that combines physical training, wellness workshops and aquatic activities, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the city and its surroundings. Among the planned excursions, a visit to the Salinera Industry, an icon of local heritage, is included. All of this in a safe and respectful environment, guided by experts from each area.

Fabri Orlandi, organiser of the event and renowned fitness teacher, said that "Torrevieja, with its inclusive atmosphere and fascinating landscapes, is the perfect place for members of the LGTBIQ+ community to enjoy a healthy and memorable weekend."

The initiative has the help and organisation of the Costa Blanca Tourist Board and the support of the LGTBI Association of Torrevieja "Torrevieja Diversa".

The event is seen as part of the continuous effort of the Torrevieja Council and the Departments of Tourism and Sports for promoting inclusive and healthy activities that benefit both local residents and visitors.

It may go some way towards reversing the homophobic reputation Torrevieja had thanks to the previous mayor and his insults, although the current mayor, Eduardo Dolon, still failed to attend and show his support for the Pride festivities in the

O E T R Y C O R N E R

Persecuting Society

Blessed be your soul, Blessed be your heart, Watch your

Where the sea meets the sand

by David Whitney Torrevieja c

2023

town this year, marred by a gathering of the farright and homophobic VOX political group, who are supported by Dolon’s PP, and who were granted permission to hold an event in Torrevieja by the town hall, resulting in an LGTBIQ+ event being cancelled out of fear, by the organisers.

Registration is now open for the event and more information can be obtained via the website, https://retiro-orlander.com/retiro11/

ADVERTISING SALES

637 227 385 sales@theleader.info

PROPERTY

637 227 385

E-mail office@theleader.info

Website www.theleader.info

Journalists 600 228 616 office@theleader.info

The Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader, its publishers, members of staff and its agents do not accept responsibility for claims by advertisers nor can it be held responsible for any errors in advertisements which are reproduced from poor artwork, low quality electronic data or inadequate instructions for text or other layout features. Further no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by an error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of any advertisement, although all advertisements produced are checked prior to insertion. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for more than ONE incorrect insertion and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement. E&OE. NO PARTOF THIS NEWSPAPER MAYBE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENTOF THE PUBLISHERS.

By Ritchie Martin

CENTRE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN TO OPEN IN SAN MIGUEL DE SALINAS

The Valencian Consell has approved the opening of a new Special Education Centre (CEE) in San Miguel de Salinas to serve the southern area of Vega Baja.

A report from the Alicante Education Inspectorate has noted inadequacies in serving the large number of students with special needs in the southern area of the region. The report also criticised the necessary movement of students to other centres.

For this reason, the creation of a new special education centre in San Miguel de Salinas is now deemed necessary, which will serve the towns of Torrevieja, Pilar de la Horadada, Dehesa de Campoamor-Orihuela Costa, San Miguel de Salinas. , Guardamar del Segura, Los Montesinos, Formentera del Segura and Benijófar, and others.

The centre will be located at Calle Galant Delgado, 32, in facilities provided by the Council through a temporary free transfer agreement. The school will come into operation in this 2023-2024 academic year with three units and capacity for 21 places, until the construction of the new centre, which

will have seven units and between 41 and 57 students. Initially, the centre will have four Therapeutic Pedagogy teachers; two teachers of hearing or language; a part-time physical education teacher; a part-time music education teacher; a teacher specialising in educational guidance and three Special Education teachers. The number of staff will be increased along with the size of the centre.

Provincial Council demands urgent Segura cleanup

The Emergency Deputy, Francisco Cano, has requested an urgent meeting with the president of the Segura Hydrographic Confederation, Mario Urrea, to demand the immediate cleaning of the entire Segura riverbed as it passes through the Vega Baja, with the aim of minimising risks of flooding with the arrival of autumn and the threat of extreme weather.

Just a few days after heavy rains crossed the province leaving significant flooding, and coinciding with the anniversary of the DANAin September 2019 that caused serious flooding across the region, the provincial government has warned that "there is no comprehensive cleaning plan for the Segura , since action is only being taken in very specific points of the river bed," according to Cano, who also asks the central government for "more pressure and greater speed in maintenance and preventative work."

However, there is some cleaning work being carried out in the Oriola district of Molins, works that were visited last week by Urrea and the deputy delegate of the Government in Alicante, Carlos S·nchez.

In a statement, Cano said, "It is much better to invest in prevention and maintenance of the riverbed than to later spend much more money on repairing the damage and defects that floods of water, such as the one

that occurred in September 2019, can cause, and that are also putting people's lives at riskî.

One local council that is also doing its bit is AlmoradÌ that is taking preventive measures against possible rains, the main objective of which is to mitigate any potential risk for the public. Throughout the summer, both the cleaning of the drainage pipes of the CV-91 and the AP-7 motorway have been carried out, as well as many other areas that are also susceptible to problems. In addition to local work, the Mayor has asked the Segura Hydrographic Confederation for an exhaustive evaluation and cleaning of the riverbed as it passes through AlmoradÌ, as well as the many ravines and boulevards within the municipal area.

A Thousand more students for Torrevieja

Torrevieja faced a return to school on Monday with record numbers of children, in total, 13,294 students, which represents an increase of 1,009 pupils compared to Sept 2022.

In Early Childhood the numbers have increased from 2,026 children and 90 classrooms to 2,400 with ten more units, while in Primary the growth has been from 4,816 and 193 classes to 5,165 and 209. Meanwhile in Secondary schools there remain 124 classrooms, the same as last year, although the student numbers increase from 3,710 to 3,858. In Baccalaureate the numbers have increased from 1,733 to 1,871, with 36 classrooms.

"In the last three years we have grown at a rate of 2,000 students per course," said the Councilor for Education, Ricardo Recuero, on Friday, who added that last year alone, from October to May, 1,382 applications were received in Early Childhood. and Primary, which "would fill three new schools," he

noted. He said that School Number 14, which will begin classes on the 25th, is already full.

This data puts Torrevieja in "a difficult situation", he continued, which is why we need to create new infrastructures to be able to absorb these students. He said that it is one of the cities in the Community with the highest school pressure and ratio of students per class-

IN BRIEF

COULD A DOG BEACH RETURN TO TORREVIEJA?

After the original failed dog beach in Torrevieja, something which was then seemingly forgotten about by the town hall, the prospect of an area where dogs can roam with their owners in the sea has been proposed once again, this time by the Sueña Torrevieja group, who have presented a motion for the creation of a dog beach in the Cabo Cervera area.

The prefabricated Colegio Público Inmaculada de Torrevieja

room. In fact, some centres have had to give up teachers' rooms and other spaces to use them as classrooms.

Among the new centres, he highlighted that on the 13th September the occupation certificate for the Amanecer School will be signed, which will then open for classes on the 18th, although the area housing the 2-year-old classrooms, will not be finished until November.

PARTY LIGHTS PRIORITISED OVER AID FOR VULNERABLE

Torrevieja town hall has announced that it will increase ornamental lighting for all the town's notable festivals and events to the tune of a contract worth 450,750.00 per year (plus IVA), for two years, with annual extensions.

The funding has been approved and the contract is out to tender. Meanwhile, Sueña Torrevieja reveals that for 31 months, the council has not delivered food lots for vulnerable families in the town.

Pablo Samper, spokesperson for Sueña, asks the mayor to “unclog this situation as soon as possible since there are many families with difficulties who need this help as soon as possible.”

He said that, “after the last contract for food supplies and basic hygiene products for people in vulnerable situations, on January 15, 2021, almost 31 months later, the contracts have not yet been renewed for two of the most important lots, fresh products and non-perishable products. We ask the government to unblock this situation as soon as possible, since there are many families with difficulties in our city who need this assistance simply to survive.”

Meanwhile Torrevieja already had an excessive lighting budget,

with the lights mostly erected in the central area of the municipality, not the urbanisations. The cost per person is far higher than much larger municipalities, including Elche and Madrid. But despite their pangs of hunger, at least the vulnerable will be able to marvel at the pretty lights whilst sitting on streets strewn with rubbish from another failed contract, mixed in with abandoned electric scooters and an abundance of “lookie lookie” men, so it’s not all bad.

SA SA T ANIMAL T ANIMAL RESCUE RESCUE

“Our excellent location and our climate mean that more and more residents and tourists visit our beaches with their pets and at Sueña Torrevieja, we want our city to be even kinder to animals”, they say, something which is already available in many other nearby municipalities.

Pablo Samper, the spokesperson for Sueña Torrevieja, says that “we maintain our firm commitment to defending our natural and symbolic spaces, the environment and protecting and promoting the rights and well-being of our pets and animals”.

Sueña Torrevieja propose the creation of another canine area enabled for bathing and the enjoyment of pets and owners. It would be in an area between Cabo Cervera and La Mata, the particular area is almost all rocks and small cliffs, but there is an area of sand, which is not usually very crowded and is what they believe could be a good location for the dog area.

Kiki

For more info 966710047 or WhatsApp 688792515 or info@satanimalrescue.com

PET OWNERS – IT´S NOT ONLY ABOUT CIVIL LIABILITY INSURANCE

The legislation in full, translated into English, can be found at: animalwelfarelaw.es

That means there could be situations where your pet is not ill enough to be put to sleep, but is ill enough to require prolonged medical treatment.

“If there is a treatment that allows the animal to continue living in a dignified manner, regardless of the costs, the law will oblige owners to provide the necessary care for them to continue with their lives.

This is where it is especially important to have health insurance that can cover the high veterinary costs that may arise in these situations,” according to Joaquín de los Reyes, a director at MAPFRE.

On account of both these matters, the internet has seen a 41% increase in searches for civil liability insurance, and an 18% increase in pet healthcare insurance in August compared to July, according to the Rastreator's pet insurance comparator.

Incidentally, there are also combined insurance policies available from some providers. There are also many other elements that pet owners are obliged to satisfy, which we will explain in brief in the runup to the law entering into force, starting with dogs next week, but in the meantime, if you would like to consult the legislation in full, translated into English, you can do so at animalwelfarelaw.es

Although we have been covering the development of the new Animal Welfare Law since it was first conceived, you may have seen recent reports stating that all dogs need civil liability insurance this month, when the law enters into force, and whereas this is true, insurance is not the only requirement for pet owners wishing to comply with the law.

At the tail end of last week, there was talk that the Government would not implement the requirement for civil liability insurance, but in the absence of an official statement, it must be assumed that this will still take place, as it is enshrined by law. However, a key point is that civil liability insurance is different to what

many people believe “pet insurance” to be, as pet insurance traditionally has been mostly for covering vet bills. Civil liability insurance is different as it covers damage or injury to third parties.

However, some household insurance policies already include this. Others also include it, but with restrictions, so the first thing to do is to check your existing policy and talk with your insurance agent.

That said, traditional pet insurance that covers vet bills may also be advisable in some situations in addition to civil liability insurance. The new law now also prevents pets from being euthanised, unless on the advice of a vet to prevent suffering.

Who are those masked men (and women)?

In the past, if a book fell on your head, you only had your shelf to blame. But coronavirus has changed everything, including our reaction to the written word.

From now on, some words or phrases will ignite a mental spark that wasn't there previously. No personal remarks, please.

Not all that long ago, the only virus that troubled us to any great extent was a flaw in a computer programme, when our software got sick and not us. Self-isolating was something done by contemplative monks -- a religious habit that probably kept them safe from viruses of both kinds.

Many people, or most people, probably, will not be too familiar with Ernest Dowson, the poet who coined the phrases 'days of wine and roses' and 'gone with the wind.' His poetry provided inspiration for Cole Porter ("Always True to You in My Fashion") and he was the first person to use the word 'soccer' in writing. To start the ball rolling, so to speak.

In Dowson's novel, A Comedy of Masks, the main character 'took care of a diseased lung by travelling to a warmer climate', in his case Blackpool, not something recommended nowadays. Elsewhere, he proclaims, "It's all masks and dominoes, but what does the colour matter," (Does he play with coloured dominoes?)

PE PE TS IN SP TS IN SP AIN AIN

"because underneath, you are yourself."

And who can forget The Mask of Dimitrios? -- "The important thing to know is not who fired the shot, but who paid for the bullet." Sounds quite meaningful, in 2023, doesn't it? Not that I approve of guns except at fairgrounds, and then only if I win a prize.

A disturbing idea in The Mask of Sanity: "most patients suffering from mental disorders are easily recognised by psychiatrists." Their sanity-masks can't be much good, then. Recognition wouldn't be a problem in The Mask of Aribella, because when the

ACANTHUS MOLLIS' STRIKING ARCHITECTURAL PRESENCE!

Dotty, age 11 weeks is a very sociable kitten with a calming temperament.

She is negative for feline diseases and is good with other cats and dogs.

Call: 645 469 253.

eponymous heroine is angered, sparks shoot from her fingertips, which might ruin her gloves if she wore them.

The Mask of Mirrors offers us a world filled with disguised vigilantes, which makes the mirrors seem like a foolish purchase unless they want to trim their beards behind closed doors. If they have beards. And door keys. And beard trimmers.

In Mary Renault's The Mask of Apollo, a travelling actor carries with him a gold mask of -you've guessed it -- everywhere he goes, a relic of a golden age now past. The actor talks to the mask, making

us wonder if he is on the run from some other book, The Mask of Sanity, perhaps. We also ask ourselves if he shouldn't swap his gold mascot for a mirror and reflect on his own sanity.

Poor young Fudo in The Mask of Fudo has worn a wooden mask since childhood, which is one of the worst examples of parenting you can imagine.

And in Primitive Mythology, the writer claims 'the one wearing the mask does not merely represent the god, he is the god." Some deranged reviewer wrote "this author is a genius." In which case, I'm off to slip into my Bacchus mask.

Acanthus Mollis,also called Bear's Breeches,has enormous,glossy,deeply lobed leaves and tall flower spikes,clothed in white flowers,each with a hood-like purple bract,in midsummer.

They are perfect for a striking architectural presence in your garden.

The flowers are much loved by bees and can be used in fresh and dried arrangements. Grow Acanthus Mollis in well drained,fertile soil,in full sun,partial or dappled shade.

It is an herbaceous perennial,so its foliage dies down in autumn,reappearing the following Spring.

While it doesn't spread,Acanthus Mollis will grow into large congested clumps, which can be simply divided in Spring or Autumn.

It is a relatively trouble free plant,unless you want to move it.

However,if you do decide to move it,you may find you are unable to eradicate it from its original spot.

Roots are so deep that it's hard to remove them all when you dig the plant out of the ground.

These will then quickly grow into new plants,which can prove impossible to get rid of.

The Forgotten Children of Orihuela Costa

Once again, the Education system in Orihuela is failing our children as successive local governments, PSOE, C’s, PP and Vox, have all been, and are still unable, to provide classroom accommodation for dozens of youngsters, in predominantly infant and junior age groups, many of whom are required to remain at home, where they are unable to obtain a formal education. On the Orihuela Costa, as if they don’t already have enough to deal with, children have nowhere to play, with all our parks offering some degree of health hazard, there is no skatepark, even though it was promised many months ago, there are no libraries in which they can study for exams, and as we reported a few weeks ago they will continue to be without the temporary school in Los Dolses until next year, thereby putting even more pressure on existing schools to expand or increase their intake.

A typical example of the serious underfunding and mismanagement they have to deal with, has seen classes of 32 children now increased to 35, no early childhood psychomotor classroom, instead another 5 classes of 5 year old’s, a computer room sacrificed to become a 6th grade classroom, also a music room which is now a 6th form class, and the disappearance of a teachers room to

make way for even more 5th year students. No doubt their library will be the next casualty to be sacrificed.

I find it sad to see these children, our future generation, that are being seriously harmed because of the ineffectiveness and the lack of

COUNCIL AWARD WITHDRAWN FROM BUSINESS PARTNER OF ORIHUELA MAYOR

The name of Ricardo Pérez Zambrana,has been removed from the list of those who will receive the Police Merit Cross for services provided to residents after the PSOE warned that regional regulations prevent making such awards to people with pending court cases Zambrana was nominated for the award by the Orihuela Local Police and the Councillor for Citizen Security but following the PSOE denuncia indicating that he is a partner of the mayor Pepe Vegara in the company that had the concession of the Generalitat for the Technical Inspection of Vehicles (ITV),his nomination has been withdrawn.

The controversy arose prior to last Thursday's plenary session,when the socialist group opposed his nomination given the current judicial situation of Zambrana,who is charged,like Vegara,for an alleged corporate tax and VAT fraud.

The socialist councillor Aynara Navarro explained that the regional regulations prevent granting,or even proposing,defendants until there is a final sentence.

For this reason,the PSOE has asked that the recognition be withdrawn.Otherwise,

the agreement that includes the distinctions that are made every year to police officers and outstanding citizens on the occasion of the festivity of the patron saint,the Virgin of Monserrate,would be null and void. However,the PP still wanted to go to vote until the secretary of the City Council warned that this aspect had to be taken into account,for which reason the name of Pérez Zambrana was finally withdrawn from the list that will be put before the next plenary session.

foresight of the whole political system in this part of Spain, elected officials who would appear to lack any political will. We know about the physical conditions of our schools, many of which are in disrepair; mould, condensation running down the inside

the windows, lack of materials; how on earth do the teachers manage? They really are heroes in my eyes, coming together with parents, uniting by Orihuela’s mismanagement. We really do hope that this is a short-term problem, but looking back as successive governments we suspect that we will continue to be a long and frustrating period.

PIOC, as the only party that is completely dedicated to Orihuela Costa, is here to help and assist in any way that it can. As our elected politicians sit in their ivory towers, in a city 34 kms away, P.I.O.C representatives and supporters all live in the City of Orihuela Costa. We know it thoroughly and we know how to solve its problems.

Our children are being seriously harmed because of the ineffectiveness and the lack of foresight of Orihuela’s political system

Six into five won’t go …!

Fergus Sheerin is one of our much valued neighbours. I don’t see him all that often, so when he does come to the door, I know I need to listen to what he has to say.

Fergus dropped off a book of tickets and said he would call back for the stubs and money next week.

No surprise here, as Father Heaney had done a bit of advance publicitypressure at mass on Sunday. The funds are badly needed to assist in the extension of the cemetery.

After our parish volunteer had left, I counted the tickets and found there were five in the book, at a tenner each. Mrs Youcantbeserious is away at the moment, and as I am hiking off up the Pyrenees next week, I decided to fill out the stubs that night and drop them down at Sheerins – while it was fresh in my mind. So far so good …

It was then the stumbling block hit me square on the forehead: I write most raffle tickets I buy in the names of my grandchildren and this is where the mental turmoil kicked in.

I have five tickets and six grandchildren. Talk about the horns of a dilemma. I didn’t have Fergus’ phone number to ask for one more ticket; and besides, that would be a messy way to handle what was by now a big problem.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Being home alone, I decided to sleep on it …

Sleep on it is right … I couldn’t sleep. The question of which child was to be left out of the draw overwhelmed me.

Whichever one was eliminated, nobody would ever know – and it was only a lousy tenner after all. I swear to God, I couldn’t do it; and worse; the question of eliminating one grandchild from anything now consumed where my brain used to be.

I eventually did come to a resolution as to how to sort the ticket conundrum. As it says with all puzzles, ‘you’ll find the answer at the bottom of the page!’

All our grandchildren are equal – as I am sure is the case with most grandparents. But this does pose a lot of questions, doesn’t it? Why do you think I was awake half the night? An easy ceist first: Is being equal always being fair? For example, giving them money at Christmas, should the seven year old have to get the same as a seventeen year old?

Moving on into the realms of presents, there are many dynamics here which challenge the equal or fairness rule relating to age difference. Clothes, electronics, entertainment and trips. You getting my drift? This is as good a paragraph as any

Covid cases increase by 38% in August

The World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed that during the month of August more than 1.4 million new cases of COVID19 were reported globally, an increase of 38% compared to July.

Despite the WHO urging countries to maintain surveillance and reporting of Covid data, many countries no longer publish the information, including Spain.

Over 1,800 people were killed by Covid in the month, almost 60 people every day.

to add that the greatest gift of all for a grandchild is time. But what lengths should a granny or grandad go to dispense equal time to all the grandchildren; taking account of the usual geographical spread?

As I tossed and turned, sleeplessness triggered by this highly troublesome book of tickets, I envisaged how much more difficult it would be as the children grew older. If the child from one family needs something their parents cannot afford; does ‘equal’ mean you cannot single out that child, without giving the same to all the others?

Then, for the sake of argument, there is a granddaughter studying to be a vet and working really hard; and at the same time, a grandson, genetically programmed to turn out

Details of new 2024 2-euro coin released

A new 2-euro coin has entered into circulation in Spain, commemorating "The Cathedral, the Alcázar and the Archive of the Indies of Seville".

The reverse shows a view of the Patio de las Doncellas of the Real Alcázar of Seville. At the top, the legend SEVILLA appears.

At the bottom is the legend ESPAÑA and the year of minting. Surrounding all the motifs and legends, in the outer circular area of the coin, the twelve stars of the European Union appear.

like hid grandad; devoting a decade to drinking and fornication … should he get nothing?

Maybe these examples demonstrate that we need to apply a different standard of equality and adjust our approach accordingly. All are equal … but at some point or other, you need to be able to make one a little more equal than the other.

The arrival of grandchildren marks the beginning of a new generation. There is a sense of magic with the arrival of each one because it represents the family projecting into the future.

But back to the equal thingy, nearly half of grandparents admit to having a favourite grandchild, so maybe I only have to wait and the thing in my head will sort itself? Another

Conference looking at suicidal behaviour in the elderly

Murcia’s College of Psychology has held the III Conference on Psychology and Suicide that addressed the subject of suicidal behaviour amongst older people last week.

The event was presented by the journalist, Carmen Castelo. The director of the newspaper La Opinión, José Alberto Pardo, opened the event.

The acting Minister of Health of the Region of Murcia, Juan José Pedreño, was also one of the main speakers.

thing; a percentage of grandchildren lose interest in their grandparents in their late teens. I’ll watch for signs there – and that could help with the solution as well.

The head is beginning to clear … A friend of mine once advised me on this topic when he said; ‘don’t be worrying about the grandchildren, spend the whole f#####g lot on yourself.’ That’s it – that’s the answer … this will solve the dilemma aright …!

And so I put my own name on all the five tickets - and I know I’ll sleep like a baby tonight!

DON’T FORGET

Maybe someday science will be able to explain why a child cannot walk around a puddle of water.

Tourist arrivals in July exceed 10 million for the first time in history

The arrival of tourists grows 11.4% compared to a year ago and 2.6% compared to the record achieved in July 2019.

Tourist spending in July amounted to 13,8 billion euro, which represents growth 16.4% compared to a year ago.

It passed the symbolic barrier of 10 million visitors this month for the first time in history, with 10.1 million tourists arriving in the country, according to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INE).

ZENIA BOULEVARD EXCEEDS 3.5 MILLION VISITORS AS IT APPROACHES 11TH ANNIVERSARY

La Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre, managed by Nhood and owned by Ceetrus and CBRE Investment Management, received a total of 3,602,070 visitors during the summer months, 6% more than in the same period last year. Nhood has also announced that during the first eight months of the year the centre has already topped 10 million visitors, 13.3% more than during the same period last year.

These are highly significant figures that continue to mark a trail of growth in footfall, in a shopping centre which, about to celebrate its 11th anniversary, is not only the largest in the province of Alicante, with 80,500 square meters of surface, but also a point of reference for leisure, shopping and entertainment, both for residents of the Alicante coast and for national and international tourists who visit the area.

As the main motivating factor of this upward trend, the centre management highlight the accompaniment that is made to the portfolio of shops with a constant offer of leisure and activities. In the months of July and August, Zenia Boulevard has offered its visitors at least one daily event, with a total of 70 events for the whole family, including concerts, theme fairs, DJ sessions and educational workshops for children.

Cristina Ros, Director of Zenia Boulevard, said,

"the numbers of influxes obtained during the summer months show the effort that the entire team makes every day so that our visitors enjoy a unique experience and want to come back. With data that is close to two million monthly visitors in both July and August, we can confirm that the experience that the visitor enjoys in our facilities is unique and generates loyalty bonds.

Our commitment to reinforce a calendar of leisure activities on a daily basis, together with an attractive commercial mix, make Zenia Boulevard that 'Plaza del Pueblo' that we imagined when it opened its doors and that, 11 years later, we continue to celebrate as a shared reality with our visitors.

At the start of the new season, Zenia Boulevard will carry out the last phases of the comprehensive improvement process that began in March with the aim of improving the facades, the floor, the rest areas, the green areas and the restaurant areas, as well as children's leisure areas.

A project that is part of the commitment to excellence and quality standards that Nhood maintains in all the shopping centres it manages, seeking to generate a triple positive impact -social, environmental and economic- in the communities where its projects are located.

THREE WEEKS OF INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION TO CELEBRATE THE 11TH ANNIVERSARY.

To celebrate its 11 years of life, Zenia Boulevard

NEW WAREHOUSE FOR THE STORAGE HUB

To celebrate its 11 years of life, Zenia Boulevard will have a comprehensive international program

The Storage Hub is based on the Costa Blanca near to both Crevillente and Elche.

We have just taken Possession of a new warehouse that is self-contained within its own grounds, it is fully alarmed with Securitas and insured with Mapfree.

We offer internal Crated storage for personal items, such as furniture and household contents, and both internal and external storage for cars, trailers, and caravans. Long- and short-term Storage options are available.

In conjunction with Helens Trucks, we run a 3.5 tonne Spanish registered vehicle. That allows us to offer an onward delivery service should you require this.

We pride ourselves in being able to accommodate all situations that arise out of necessity and need.

For More information, please Call Kevin on. +34 711 083 543, Email: kevellis59@gmail.com or kevin-helenstrucks1@yahoo.com or Visit The storage hub @ facebook.com

will have a comprehensive international program including 3 weeks with animation, gifts and measures from various corners of the world: Bollywood dances brought from India, a Brazilian capoeira show and a performance by a Spanish dance group will be some of the central activities planned for these anniversary

events that start on 16 September.

In addition, from September 16 to 30, Zenia Boulevard will carry out the exchange of special anniversary gifts with its customers, which will be announced on the social profiles of the shopping centre with the purpose of uniting the digital sphere with the physical.

TIME UP FOR UK DRIVING TIME UP FOR UK DRIVING LICENCE HOLDERS LICENCE HOLDERS

The week begins in Spain with the publication of the commercial companies’ statistics for July, as well as the individual primary public financial statements of credit institutions for the second quarter.

Outside our borders, a day of few references, with the exception of industrial production in Italy in July and Oracle 's business results in the USA.

Time is up this week for UK driving licence holders living in Spain. You were granted an additional 6-month period to exchange your licence, and that period ends this weekend.

If you are a resident in Spain and have a UK licence, you will no longer be allowed to drive in Spain.

Driving without a licence in Spain is a criminal offence and can lead to prison. From this weekend, to exchange a UK licence for a Spanish one will involve training and testing. This ruling does not apply to tourists who are still allowed to drive, although other conditions apply.

The UK will be reflective of the economic situation on Tuesday as employment and earnings data is published ahead of the latest monthly GDP estimate on Wednesday.

One of the key takeaways affecting pensioners will be how the current situation will have a bearing on the state pension next year as the figures are used to determine which of the Triple Lock measures is used to calculate payment increases.

Also in the UK there might be a few home bargains available at the start of the week as Wilko start their closure protocol on Tuesday, with hundreds of job losses the expected outcome.

The concrete farce will no doubt dominate the news once again, unless anything can be dragged out as a distraction, as Education Secretary Gillian Keegan speaks on Tuesday at the London launch of an OECD report on the recovery of education

systems post-Covid, but the focus will also shift to the use of RAAC in hospitals, housing estates and other public buildings.

Hospital death data is also published in the UK this week, and NHS performance data, which will no doubt prove grim reading, and will of course in no way distract from another report set to be released on the same day, the report into expenses claimed by MPs.

Following a debate on Monday, on Tuesday, MEPs will vote to adopt new legislation to increase the share of renewables in the EU’s final energy consumption to 42.5% by 2030, in line with the EU’s Green Deal and REPowerEU initiatives.

Although not directly related, following the introduction of the ULEZ scheme in London and many Spanish towns, including Torrevieja and Orihuela, still dragging their feet on the mandatory implementation of Low Emissions Zones, which should have happened last year, MEPs will debate on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday on their position on stricter 2030 limits and target values for several pollutants to ensure that air quality in the EU is not harmful to human health, natural ecosystems and biodiversity.

What is connected is global warming, and in a separate debate, weather phenomena will be in the EU spotlight also, specifically, this week, dealing with heatwaves and floods.

At 9.00 on Wednesday, European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, will give her final State of the European Union address before the 69 June 2024 European elections, followed by a discussion with MEPs.

Finally, there is no doubt that every single newspaper and news outlet will join together this week to celebrate one common occurrence that will bring them all together under a banner of peace, love and harmony, as they will no doubt dedicate pages and hours to the fact that Prince Harry turns 39.

IRISH TOURIST ARRESTED AFTER FLEEING TORREVIEJA ROAD DEATH A

29-year-old Irishman was arrested by the Guardia Civil on Thursday for the crimes of reckless homicide and fleeing from the scene of a road accident.

The head on collision,involving two cars,occurred on the N332 in Torrevieja,in the early hours of last Saturday morning,resulting in the death of one person.

The detainee appeared before the Court of First Instance and Instruction number 1 of Torrevieja,which,following a preliminary hearing,has ordered his release on bail.

The accident itself occurred last Saturday,around 4:50 a.m.,at kilometre 57,450 on the N-332 highway when a car collided violently with another that was traveling on the same road in the opposite direction.

Following the impact,the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident abandoned the scene,and the dying driver, on foot.

The scene was attended by agents from the units of the Torrevieja Traffic Detachment,the Reporting Team and the Investigation and Analysis Group of the Traffic Subsector (GIAT) of the Alicante Civil Guard.

Once there,medical services confirmed the death of the driver of the car and the GIAT began their investigations, with the support of agents from the Torrevieja Civil Guard Main Post. Investigators sought to locate the alleged perpetrator,carrying out inquiries related to the vehicle abandoned at the scene,which belonged to a rental company.

They confirmed that the contract had been signed by a couple of Irish nationality.Once identified,they took precautions to prevent their departure from Spain.

Finally,investigators managed to arrest the alleged perpetrator,a 29-year-old man of Irish nationality,who is now being investigated for the crimes of

Moroccan fugitive arrested in Cox for stoning child to death.

reckless homicide and leaving the scene of the accident.

The unnamed man was held on suspicion of manslaughter and abandoning

the scene of an accident and has been warned he could face more than four years in prison and a lengthy driving ban if convicted.

Torrevieja PSOE Proposes Scooter Reform and Education Campaign

The PSOE has presented a motion for driver education courses to be provided to schoolchildren who use electric scooters and for the current ordinance that regulates the use of these vehicles to be reformed.

The Socialist Municipal Group has presented its motion to the ordinary plenary session of the Torrevieja City Council to be held on the last Monday of September.

The purpose of this motion is to urge the Departments of Security and Education to establish an agreement with the Local Police or driving school associations in order to provide road training courses specifically oriented to the driving of light vehicles (mainly electric scooters) in schools, starting in the first year of primary school.

cation, which makes their coexistence in terms of mobility between pedestrians and traffic extremely difficult.

The motion requests that the government either publishes the existing municipal ordinance or develops one that addresses all the problems related to the movement of electric scooters, making the use of helmets mandatory and solving the regular scenes of abandoned scooters everywhere, which often prevents the passage of the general public, especially those who are disbaled and need adapted spaces, as well as not allowing other vehicles to travel normally.

The National Police have arrested a Moroccan fugitive in Cox who is wanted in his country for a crime of homicide. Through the Interpol Spain National Central Office, a request for assistance was received for the arrest of the man on whom an International Detention Order for Extradition (OID) had been issued by the Moroccan authorities after he received a life sentence for a murder committed in 2012.

Authorities believed that he could be hiding in the province of Alicante, with investigations finally leading officers from the Alicante Provincial Police Station to a property in Cox. The agents focused the search on the home of the fugitive where a police raid was carried out that resulted in his arrest. The 38-year-old man was wanted for a murder that was committed in 2012 in the Moroccan city of Nador. The detainee, along with two other people, were the perpetrators of an attack with stones that caused the death of a child. The two other convicted men admitted their guilt, alleging that they had thrown stones at the victim because he was trying to steal a goat and accusing the detainee of having thrown the stone that finally caused the victim's death.

The man was made available to the Central Court of Instruction 5 of the National Court, the body in charge of carrying out the procedures for his subsequent extradition.

The socialist councillors consider that the motion is fully justified given the growth in the number of light electric vehicles, whose young drivers lack the most basic road safety edu-

The suspect appeared before a Torrevieja judge and has been released on conditional bail pending further enquiries

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS

Week 987

QUICK QUICK

ACROSS: 1

Controversy; 9 Idiotic; 10 Relax; 11 Canon; 12 Partial; 13 Remiss; 15 Archer; 18 Indulge; 20 Front; 22 Lucid; 23 Snigger; 24 Impersonate.

DOWN: DOWN: 2 Orion; 3 Tetanus; 4 Occupy; 5 Error; 6 Selfish; 7 Discernible; 8 Exploratory; 14 Modicum; 16 Ruffian; 17 Census; 19 Ladle; 21 Ought.

CR CR YPTIC YPTIC

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

CAN YOU MASTER THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE?

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

Solution on Page 22

1.Break (9)

2.Negligent (9)

4.Discourteous (4)

5.Rascal (5)

6.Allowance (6)

7.Roman

ACROSS: 1 Aristocracy; 9 Olympic; 10 Binge; 11 Annie; 12 Rancour; 13 Osprey; 15 Pistol; 18 Alabama; 20 Thing; 22 Alibi; 23 Parties; 24 Penultimate.

DOWN: DOWN: 2 Rayon; 3 Supreme; 4 Oscars; 5 Robin; 6 Consort; 7 Potato salad; 8 Neurologist; 14 Praline; 16 Interim; 17 Carpet; 19 Adieu; 21 Idiot.

ACROSS ACROSS

3.As far as possible push reporters into their own houses? (5,4)

8.Evidence of crying for rip (4)

9.Suddenly everybody was together (3,2,4)

10.Provoke when seen, we hear (6)

11.Ships that are fast? (5)

14.Throw out unknown factor in mixed peel (5)

15.One hurried round in the wet (4)

16.Mislay ring in it - that is not tight enough (5)

18.Trial of brute strength (4)

20.Aray of light to the side of the ship (5)

21.Initially this is generally held to close (5)

24.In this sphere now nobody earns fame (6)

25.Stones in a mix-up cause excitement (9)

26.One side departed (4)

27.Trying to get judgement changed is attractive (9)

DOWN DOWN

1.Abitterly free rendering (2,7)

2.After the month end, when the salute is taken? (5,4)

4.Govern by regulation? (4)

5.Not very big manuscript put up by everybody (5)

6.Past President's cleaner? (6)

7.Silicate economically produced in part (4)

9.Alevy on using coral reef (5)

11.Facade of van (5)

12.Carry 100 across and seek shelter (4,5)

13.Shortly part of item of meeting record (2,1,6)

17.Consumed in haste - a tendency to be discouraged (5)

19.Fabric from tip-top distribution (6)

22.The Spanish at very warm inn (5)

23.Male finds record of assistance (4)

24.Horse galloped round ring (4)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 22)

1. Which 1980 black and white film was nominated for eight Academy Awards?

2. Overseas territories excluded, which four countries would be first alphabetically on a list of countries that drive on the left hand side?

3. The singing group I Three (or I Threes) were backing vocalists for which band?

4. Which three women with the initials H. H. have won the Academy Award for Best Actress?

5. In which country is the 3,000 km long Kunlun mountain chain?

6. Which capital is the most densely populated city in all of the Americas? a. Mexico City, b. Brasilia, c. Port au Prince, d. Bogota

7. Which country hosted the first official FIFA Women's World Cup in 1991? a. China, b. USA, c. Germany, d. Norway

8. Measured in total length, which country has the longest system of canals?

9. The flag of Monaco is identical to the flag of which large Asian country?

10. The following lyrics are all from songs with the word "Years" somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song? a. You wouldn't know a diamond if you held it in your hands, the things you think are precious I can't understand.

b. I met my old lover on the street last night, she seemed so glad to see me I just smiled. c. I heard telephones, opera house, favourite melodies, I saw boys, toys, electric irons and tv's

11. Gherman S Titov was the second person to do what?

12. The name for which particle stems from a Greek word meaning "indivisible"? a. gluon, b. atom, c. proton, d. electron

13. Which music icon played the alien in the 1976 film 'The Man Who Fell To Earth'?

14. In which satirical novel is Milo Minderbinder an evil war profiteer?

15. The name of which art movement stems from a French word that evokes the ornamental use of rock and shell?

16. Since 1310, what is the name of the oldest distilled spirit in France? a. Cognac, b. Armagnac, c. Calvados, d. Absinthe

17. In film, who is the owner of each of the following pet cats? a. Crookshanks, b. Mr Bigglesworth, c. Jonesy

18. The villain Max Eisenhardt is better known as what?

19. Which female tennis icon won a record seven French Open singles titles?

20. Clare Quilty is an unsavoury character in which controversial novel and film?

by Tony Mayes

PEOPLE SAY THAT A DOG IS MAN’S BEST F RIEND.

All dogs are carnivores,and,in their make-up,are killers.Babies are a good meal!

By now I imagine that many animal lovers are thinking I am anti dog. Well,I have had dogs as part of the family for most of my life,so I think I qualify to make observations over dog ownership.

Ihave no doubt that this does apply to the vast majority of dogs,but I have been shocked by what I have learned about the number of dogs which are far from men’s or women’s best friend.

In the ten years up to last year there were 32 people killed by dangerous dogs in the UK, and this is more than double the number of people killed in the previous decade.

Quite clearly something is going seriously wrong in the control of dangerous dogs in the UK,and bear in mind these fatalities are seldom the owners of the dangerous dogs,invariably it is totally innocent victims – from the age of 83 to a baby only 12 days old.

Let’s now look at another set of statistics.In the years from 1995 to 2016,the UK was fifth (with 56 fatalities) in Europe.Top of the list was Hungary,then France,Romania and Poland.

And the figures also show that fatal dog attacks have been increasing significantly over the years,even though there has not been a proportionate increase in the number of dogs. So far,I have only mentioned the number of people who have been killed by vicious dogs. The number of people seriously injured is huge,and bear in mind that often the injuries are severe or even life threatening.Postal staff suffer the most,with thousands bitten each year.

The saddest case I have read is that of the death of a 12-day-old baby boy who had just been brought home by parents who owned a Chow chow German Shepherd.

The new-born was in a pram in the living room and the mother went upstairs to go, urgently,to the loo.The father and other children were playing in the garden and one of the children noticed the dog was missing.

A search found the dog chewing the baby which had between 30 and 40 puncture wounds.The baby was rushed to hospital but died of his injuries.An inquest concluded the dog caused the injuries while investing what was,to the dog a “strange object.”

The husband was jailed for four years for being the owner of a dangerously out of control dog causing injury leading to death.

Can you imagine what that family went through – just because they hadn’t the common sense to realise that there is a serious danger in having a large dog in proximity to a small baby.It should have been a wake-up call to all parents,but sadly it isn’t.

Too many people rush to acquire a dog without fully appreciating what is involved.As a parent you always have to have eyes at the back of your head – and it’s just the same if you own a dog,because you never really know what they might do.

Take what happened to my step daughter.As a teenager there was a Stafford bull terrier in the household called Titus.The dog was favourite with her and other children who used to take him for walks.

One day,without warning,the dog jumped at her and gored her arm, ripping it very badly.Her brother managed to get the dog away and shut it in the kitchen,where police shot it.

The moral here? You can never trust a dog.

What really angers me is when I hear of stupid macho teenagers and 20 somethings who get a kick out of owning a strong,fierce dog and then encouraging it to be even more fierce.It’s a disaster just waiting to happen.

We wouldn’t allow such a person to own a loaded gun,so why permit him (and sometimes her) to own such an animal?

Take what happened recently – a person owned two Bully dogs which are not (yet) a prohibited breed.The animals escaped from the garden and killed 22 pregnant sheep and seriously injured dozens more.The farmer,quite rightly,shot the dogs. The owner was just fined.

And a fortnight ago an elderly man walking in the street a few miles from where we live in the UK during the summer,was set upon by a dog not on a lead,and seriously injured.

That dog owner should have the book thrown at him.But will he?

Probably not.Magistrates and judges need to toughen up and inflict much more severe punishments against owners of dangerous dogs.

And we need parliament to ban far more dangerous breeds and re-introduce dog licences which would deter

all those people who want a dog just as some kind of status symbol. But sadly there are millions of people in Britain who value their beloved dog rather than have human contact,and animal charities will move everything to try to stop laws being toughened.But are we likely to see any change in Britain.Not under the Tories,many whose diminishing numbers of voters are likely to be dog owners.

How many of you have to put up with dogs constantly barking next door? I bet there are many – like us when we are in the UK and also in Spain.Every time a person,someone with a dog,or a vehicle,passes by the dog barks.But their beloved pets can do no wrong and they have become deaf to their annoying animal.

I note that France has banned Muslim girls attending schools dressed in their traditional robes, requiring them to dress conventionally or be banned from school. Good for them.France has a constitution dividing secular from religious.

It’s about time the UK did the same and also put an end to religious schools where children are brainwashed.

Noticed petrol and diesel prices constantly rising at the pumps this summer,despite politicians trying to claim supermarkets and suppliers

are profiteering.

They’re not,the problem is the oil producing countries in OPEC deciding to reduce production,which pushes up prices.

The sooner the UK and Europe is self-sufficient and not dependent on anyone else for as much as possible, the better.And yes,we want to extract our own gas and oil as long as we need it,and not priced on international markets,and to hell to anyone who says we shouldn’t.

Hats off to the Met police for catching the escaped prisoner who used to serve in the British Army and is an alleged terrorist,with sympathies to Iran.

Many questions here:

How was security so lax that he was able to escape?

How was it that a person with a Lebanese father was in the Army in the UK without far more security checks - how is it that he could be a serving soldier with sympathies to Iran? How many more are there as "enemies within"

How many man hours of police time have been taken up in catching this renegade,and relate that with the number of other crimes in the London area have gone uninvestigated as a result?

Why wasn't this serving Army soldier with sympathies to Iran and charged with terrorism offences,not in a most secure UK prison?

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

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

Facebook SaltChurchSpain

International Christian Assembly, Calle Beniajan 14, Torrevieja -Evangelical Church. Sunday Service 11 a.m.; - Contact 966 799 273 / 660 127 276. Evangelical non-denominational church. www.icatorrevieja.org

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

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

ENGLISH SPOKEN

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 programme of English speaking activities, support, information and advice with the support of Orihuela Council.

find Eva or Norah. email: communitycare@gmail.com

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

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

The RAFACosta Blanca RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the RAFAand the RMG is via the RAFAwebsite

rafa.org.uk.

Business Opportunity: LOOKING FOR Silent Business Partner for small Private Care Home. Invest 10K and get 20K back in 14 months. 747 438 225 (4)

Law Services: PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR, Solicitor, Debt Collections, Bad Tenants. 747 438 225 (4)

Two x 90 x 190 single beds (not slatted bases). Bought them in oct 2020, slept on just 4 times. Come with new duvet covers and mattress protectors . Emain for more info: Cragg at coffeeandcakes@coffeeandcakes.karoo.co.uk

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

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

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

Michael O’Leary attacked in Brussels

The CEO of the Irish airline Ryanair, Michael O'Leary, was attacked in Brussels on Thursday by two environmental activists who smeared his face with two cream pies as they shouted out "stop polluting the environment with your planes."

O'Leary was preparing to make a statement to the press in front of the European Commission (EC) headquarters, when two activists threw the

cakes in his face while saying "welcome to Belgium."

O’Leary was quick to recover, however, as he told the gathered press, "I have never been so well received.

Unfortunately they were environmentalists and the cream was artificial so I invited them to come to Ireland, where the cream is much better,"

Meanwhile Ryanair’s Belgian pilots based at Charleroi airport will go on strike for the fourth time in two months on 14 ad 15 Septembe, in search of better salaries and conditions, as announced by the CNE and ACV Puls unions.

The announcement by the Francophone and Flemish unions came when O'Leary was already in Brussels to give his press conference.

Air Traffic Control Strikes Resume

This month, 160 air traffic controllers have resumed strike action in the control towers at 16 Spanish airports, managed by Saerco. The objective is to get the private operator “to sit down and negotiate, just as the other private operator, Skyway, did,” according to a spokesperson for the Air Traffic Controllers Union (USCA).

Specifically, the air traffic controllers of the towers of 16 Spanish airports have been summoned to strike action, including Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez, and the Murcia Regional Airport at Corvera, along with control towers at Valencia, Ibiza, Lleida, Sabadell, Vigo, La Coruña, Cuatro Vientos, Seville, Jerez, Castellón, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma and El Hierro. Minimum services are, however, guaranteed do passenger disruption should be minimal

O’Leary was quick

to recover and within seconds he had wiped his face and was again addressing the press

INVESTMENT IN TORREVIEJA

The Consell new delegate in Alicante, Agustina Esteve, a former Torrevieja councillor, has met with the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, to address the different investments and projects by the Generalitat in the town.

The meeting represents her first round of contacts with mayors, councillors and representatives of social and economic groups in the province. Esteve said that she wanted the first meeting her appointment to the Consell to be with Torrevieja because she was a councillor in this municipality between 2007 and 2019.

At the meeting Esteve highlighted the “commitment” and “total collaboration” of the Generalitat and its president, Carlos Mazón to the investments that Torrevieja needs and, showing her “absolute willingness” to transfer to the different departments of the Valencian Government, the needs of its council.

Mayor Eduardo Dolón,

thanked Agustina Esteve for choosing Torrevieja as the first municipality she visited adding that this is “further proof of the relevant role” that Torrevieja and the entire Vega Baja will have in the new period of cooperation that has opened in the Generalitat with Carlos Mazón as president.

Dolón also said that this is the first person from Torrevieja to hold this position of responsibility, declaring that Agustina Esteve has, after the meeting, a perfect knowledge of the needs of the municipality in various areas such as Social Welfare, Education, Infrastructures and Health.

PRIME MINISTER TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID

The interim Prime Minister,Pedro Sánchez, has tested positive for Covid,and so did not travel as planned,to New Delhi to attend the G20 summit.

Sánchez reported the state on his Twitter (X) account on Thursday.The counry was represented by the First Vice President,Nadia Calvino.

Earlier this week,the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported a 38% increase in Covid cases in August.They were also critical of some countries preventing the spread of vaccines in less affluent countries.

WHO was also critical of governments who have stopped reporting figures,and particu-

larly of some countries who have stopped surveillance,encouraging the message that Covid is over,which,according to WHO,is not the case,and which still presents a huge threat. As of August 27,tere has been more than 770 million confirmed cases and more than 6.9 million deaths reported worldwide and growing daily.

Agustina Esteve, a former Torrevieja councillor, with the mayor, Eduardo Dolón.

What Defines an E-scooter?

Last week, a young man tragically died when he fell off his scooter and hit his head. He wasn’t wearing a helmet, and the scooter had two motors with 3,500 watts of power each and was capable of travelling at 120 kilometres per hour, both elements making the vehicle illegal in Spain.

However, it is quite possible the young man purchased the scooter without knowing the technical characteristics, and so we will explain the restrictions in order for a vehicle to have a legal designation within the group the e-scooters fall into, which is that of Personal Mobility Vehicles, Vehículos de Movilidad Personal (VMP), which includes what we commonly call electric scooters.

Resolution of January 12, 2022, of the General Directorate of Traffic, approving the Manual of characteristics of personal mobility vehicles, reference BOE-A-2022-987, defines a VMP as being powered exclusively by electric motors that can provide the vehicle with a maximum design speed between 6 and 25 km/h. They can only be equipped with a seat or saddle if they are equipped with a self-balancing system.

Notably, if they are incapable of reaching 6

kilometres per hour, they are classed as a toy, and are therefore subject to considerable restrictions, as they are not permitted on the road, for example.

These vehicles can be equipped with batteries up to 100 VDC and with an integrated charger up to 240 VAC input.

Personal Mobility Vehicles can have different uses, such as private use, rental or sharing, public services, tourist uses, etc., but from a technical point of view, the only differentiation refers to VMP for personal transportation, and VMP for transportation of goods or other services.

We must bear in mind that if one of these vehicles is used for delivery services, food for example, then it is being used for commercial purposes, “transportation of goods or other services”, and therefore must satisfy other characteristics.

For now though, we are talking specifically about personal transport VMPs. As we have said, they must have a maximum permitted speed of between 6 and 25 km/h. The nominal power per vehicle must be less than 1,000 watts, unless they are vehicles with selfbalancing systems, in which case they must be

below 2,500 watts, and at least 60% of that power must be dedicated to the self-balancing system.

They are restricted in size to a maximum length of 2,000mm, a maximum height of 1,400mm, and a maximum width of 750mm. This definition excludes vehicles for people with reduced mobility.

It is mandatory that the VMP has a braking system, acoustic warning device (bell or horn), rear and front lights and reflective

devices.

The vehicle we mentioned in the tragic case last week was both in excess of the permitted power, and the maximum capable speed. The characteristics of that vehicle would have required it to be registered as a motorbike, which would not be possible due to the physical form, and so there is no way in which that particular vehicle could have been legalised in Spain.

SO, YOU PAY YOUR MONIES…

In southwest Essex close to the border with London lies Chadwell Heath, it is halfway between the two towns of Romford and Ilford. To get to either, when I was a school leaver, there was the red double decker 86 bus, there were no bus lanes or cycle tracks as there was little traffic.

To catch it there would frequently be a queue of people waiting patiently. When the vehicle arrived, the conductor would stand on the platform to the rear and with his hands held high and a finger pointing, count the heads to fit in with the vacant seats. Those at the front of the line would board whilst the rest waited for the next one.

A long time after this period it was with some excitement to obtain tickets for a show. This was not an ordinary show; it was with Frank Sinatra, Sara Vaughan and the Count Basie Orchestra, these people were top of the music world at that time.

Old Blue Eyes was due to perform at the London Palladium for one night only, the tickets for the show were on sale and we went to London to obtain them.

For a moment I stood in astonishment as we were not the only people who wanted to see the performance. It seemed the rest of London did as well, as the queue for tickets went down the street and round a couple of blocks, we were to discover as we set off to find the end.

More and more people joined behind us as we slowly made our

PERCY’S RAMBLINGS

way following the queue. Finally, the end was in sight with the clock past the midday hour, we had arrived three hours previously just after nine a.m.

Behind us there was still a long line of people stretching back and disappearing around a corner an unknown number, surprisingly two mounted policemen arrived standing close by, with one of the horses snorting.

Suddenly, with about twenty people in front of us, the head of the column went up a few steps to a closed door. The door opened and a man stood there and started a head count with his finger, informing the rest of us that the theatre was full, and they could not accept anymore. We were about ten short of being allowed in.

Did we see the show? Yes. I made a few phone calls and managed to buy two tickets for standing room only, which turned out to be marvellous as they were very near the stage, and we were the only couple there. We could dance in the aisle to the music, except of course when Frank was singing. The strange thing was there were two empty seats on the end of a row obviously two people could not have turned up. We continued standing, it was more fun.

Cost! We had been prepared to pay nearly twenty pounds per ticket, the standing ones only cost two pounds each. Sometimes there is a silver lining to everything.

Now, as I write, the summer holiday mad house is coming to an end and in some ways, we are looking at what we experienced with the

London Palladium, long queues of people and not enough seats, and the organisers reluctant to check on numbers.

At the airport when, if by design or accident, an airline over books the available seats, somebody is going to be disappointed, unlike the bus line waiting patiently there is no further transport. Also, unlike the bus queue those waiting have paid thousands of pounds to be standing there probably months before. Why should they be out of pocket? If the supplier cannot provide, why should the provider keep their money. There should be a desk at the checkout which promptly refunds the credit card where the money came from in the first place. With facilities banks have today it should not be difficult to arrange. Why are there these constant delays by the airline industry? One reason could be growth. Over the last fifteen years or so the passenger numbers for people who want to fly

have doubled from two billion to over four billion, a growth and success on the airlines part, however in my opinion a progress they have not coped with. For certain the airports haven’t doubled in size. At any one time there are up to nine thousand planes criss-crossing the sky all spewing out fumes from their many engines, coating the air with particles of gasoline. Also, at sea large bulk container ships handling globally the demand for new goods, likewise cruise liners with up to five thousand passengers on board. All these vessels have massive engines to propel them as they tour the world adding to the fumes disgorged from the aircraft above. Meanwhile, is the Mayor of London wasting his time in his determination to clean the air by lowering traffic levels, closing roads, and introducing severe penalties for driving out of date cars, also creating acres of cycle lanes to try and persuade people to cycle on their

Merchant Navy Day Commemorated at La Siesta

On Sunday the 3rd September2023

along with his partner Rose, as he has done on many previous occasions, Joe Billet laid a wreath at La Siesta Cenotaph in honour and remembrance of the sacrifices made by the often forgotten and invisible, but very hard-working, seafarers, 30,989 merchant seamen and boys that lost their lives facing the Italian and German blockade of Great Britain. They saw ships disappearing in a flash of blue smoke and men drowning in the thick

black oil from petrol and ammunition ships disintegrating, but the convoy kept on going to feed and supply arms to beat off our enemy. All these crews were civilians, their uniform was a little pin badge on their lapel.

If you survived from your sunken ship your family allotment and your pay was stopped. Sometimes you might have been weeks in a life boat or beached somewhere but it was not until you reported back to the shipping office that you would you get paid.

Joining another ship after the war they gave us a pin red duster veteran badge. I am a veteran of the Sicily and D-Day landings. Merchant Navy Day honours those who kept Britain afloat during both World Wars. It also celebrates the dependence on modern-day merchant seafarers, which although a civilian service, undoubtedly ranks on the same level as the Armed Forces, because of its critical role.

daily commute. He argues it is to reduce the pollution in the air but at £12.50 a pop, perhaps there is another reason.

It would appear the future, if people can be dragged from their mobiles, is pedal power with fit muscled people everywhere enjoying huge discounts when travelling, twenty percent off your ticket for a cabin on the cruise ship with pedals to help power the propellers, whilst on the lower deck rows of Vikings, they were expert at it some time ago, pulling in sequence on the oars poking through the side of the vessel.

At the bus stop people standing wearing cycle clips to get on a modified non engine bus propelled along by the passengers pedalling furiously. Take care.

Wwwfacebook.com/percy chattey winner of five awards for his writings.

Joe and partner Rose

Linea Directa Valencian Bowls get underway at Emerald Isle BC

BY SUZI COOPER

Wednesday sees the start of this years Valencian Bowls Championships. It hardly seems a year since the last ones. This year the host clubs are Emerald Isle & Country Bowls, but with entries down on previous years, the majority of the matches will be held at Emerald Isle.

Wednesday, we start with the Mixed rinks competition. Some fours entered, who have regularly played together, but there are also some new combinations due to club changes.

Preliminary Match – 2 Emerald Isle teams play each other.

The very experienced Russell & Sabrina Marks with Jo & Julian Pering play Sue Elvin, Martin Oakley, Gary Wallis & Norman Prior. The winning team will take on Pete & Lisa Bonsor, Peta Rhodes & Derek Toozer. The remaining rinks all had byes.

Graham Richardsons Country Bowls team will play the new team of Carol & Gary Thorpe who have moved to Quesada & teamed up with Allen Bowen & Suzi Cooper. In the bottom half of the draw Vistabellas Martin Foulcers team will play Greenlands team skipped by Mark Jukes. A Greenlands team skipped by Dave Morrison will take on Country Bowls team skipped by Peter Dix. Some good matches on paper.

Thursday sees the start of the mixed triples –some new combinations this year. Peter Morgan & Mel Ward team up with Karen Kirk (previously La Siesta), Carol & Gary Thorpe (previously Vistabella) team up with Allen Bowen.

Teams to watch Peter & Lisa Bonsor playing with Peta Rhodes, Dave Morrison, Andy Miles & Sue Bosworth, Mo & Martin Foulcer with Alan Bannister.

Starting Friday afternoon the Mixed Pairs has

EVENING MEET FOR SAN MIGUEL & SAN LUIS

Monday 4th September saw our first evening friendly match against San Luis taking place at San Luis. Still being a bit on the hot side we encouraged everybody to drink plenty of water!! 6 triples took part with San Luis winning on 4 rinks and San Miguel winning on 2 rinks. The highest winning triple were Terry Lock, Paul Hayward and Ron Nairey winning 23-7.

On Friday 8th September we had a return match at San Miguel again with 6 triples taking part. This time San Luis won on 4 rinks, San Miguel won on 1

QUIZ FROM PAGE 14:

1.Raging Bull, 2.Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, 3.Bob Marley and The Wailers, 4.Helen Hunt, Holly Hunter, Helen Hayes, 5.China, 6.c.Port au Prince, 7.a.China, 8.China, 9. Indonesia, 10.a.Reeling In The Years (Steely Dan), b.Still Crazy

After All TheseYears (Paul Simon), c.FiveYears (David Bowie), 11. Orbit the Earth, 12.b.Atom, 13. David Bowie, 14.Catch-22, 15. Rococo, 16.b.Armangnac, 17.a. Hermoine Granger, b.Dr Evil, c. Ellen Ripley, 18.Magneto, 19.Chris Evert, 20.Lolita

rink and drew on another. San Miguels winning triple were Ann Taylor, Jim Taylor and Steve Cantley who won 15-5. Coaching recommences by appointment on Tuesday 12th September 1.30 for 2pm. If you require coaching please telephone Dave and Lynn Greenland on 667 207 508. Also WASPS recommences on Wednesday 13th September for anyone who has bowled before to come along and have a game. Shoes and bowls available to hire and costs 5 euros per session.

SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION

2022 saw a clean sweep for Greenlands bowls club

some very experienced pairings. Looks like some very good matches, Saturday will be the first day Country Bowls will be utilised. The Mens & Ladies pairs start on the Monday but I’ll give more info about these & the 2

CARP R US ANGLING

Thursday 7th Sept, Carp-R-Us fished the first match after our summer break on the Canal del Progres (Mercadona stretch). When we arrived at the venue the sky was lightly clouded with a fresh breeze blowing and the water was just over the cill, a bit up from the normal level, presumably due to recent rains The sun showed its face around 11am and it was a hot day once again but it is pleasing to report that everyone caught fish.

The winner was Willy Moons on favoured peg 1 who caught carp on feeder and maggot to weigh in 7.64kg. Second was Paul Burton on peg 7 who use pole and corn to catch 3.70kg of carp and carassios. Roy Dainty (peg 5) used the same method but could only manage 3.26kg for third and fourth was Jeremy Fardoe with 1.84kg from peg 4. Our next match is the Memorial Cup at El Bosquet

singles disciplines next week along with the Mens & Ladies singles.

If you want to watch some great bowls don’t bother with Youtube just get yourself along to Emerald Isle & Country Bowls.

Smiling Jacks GS @ Vistabella

Thank you to the golfers for supporting Smiling Jack's Golf Society at our day out at the wonderful Vistabella Golf Course. Joaquin and his staff were very good to us with the course in excellent condition ensuring us of a wonderful day.

A big shout out also for Ger, Al and Emma for looking after us this afternoon and for Julie who was up at 6.30 this morning to get this lovely food sorted before, her day shift in the kitchen at work.

Now for the scores: Nearest the pin on 2 was Mervyn Borwick

Nearest the pin on 11 was Greg Williams

Nearest the pin in two on 17 was Chris Ayers

In second place with 36 points but no cigar was Jay Aggio.

The winner today with 39 points was Caroline Ayers, well done.

The winner of the famous blue Johnny was Morton.

The winner of the raffle, which is a free day of golf, courtesy of the Ger, was Tom Burke October golf will be announced on the website shortly.

Once again, a big thank you to you all. El Presidente

Smiling Jack’s winner was Caroline Ayers

SANTA POLA CFROLL OVER SHELL-SHOCKED THADER

Under the new management team of Noe and his assistant Arias (both ex Thader players themselves), the men from Rojales are under no illusions as to the massive task awaiting them this season.

Promoted to the newly formed Community league, squeezing into the last remaining place, pre season didn't go quite to plan.

Out of the 4 friendlies played, they lost 3 and drew 1, as the new signings settled into fresh surroundings.

The short journey up the N332, famous for flamingo adorned salt lakes, eventually brings visitors to the coastal town of Santa Pola. In recent years, Manolo Macia stadium had not been a happy hunting ground, so omens were against the yellow shirted squad getting off to a good start.

A starting eleven consisted of only 6 players remaining from last season.

Alongside Chema in goal, Pascual, Pedro Juan, Berni, Fran & Dani Lucas, were faces that travelling Thader fans knew well. Club captain Lloyd, alongside Juan & Oscar, had to be content to warm the bench, alongside 4

new signings.

Inside the 1st min, a cross from the right found Llamas lurking at the far post, but the home striker shot wide. With a 3rd of the half played, Dani Lucas tried his luck from distance, but it was too close to Santa Pola keeper Victor to do any damage.

On 18 mins, Figu squandered a glorious opportunity to put the hosts ahead, when he screwed his shot horribly wide of an open goal.

It didn't take long before Santa Pola made amends for this miss, for on 24 mins, David picked up a loose ball, before hammering an unstoppable 30 yard drive past Chema. Although Pascual put in a firm header from a corner on 35 mins, it was Santa Pola who went into the half time break 2-0 ahead. Deep into stoppage time, a cross to the far post fell to Angel, who gave Chema no chance with a firm daisy cutter into the far corner.

Tremino forced a corner on 50 mins, as Thader appeared briefly to show some sort of urgency. But, 5 mins later, Yemav beat the offside trap, before rounding Chema to slide the ball into an open net.

FREAK GOAL SECURES NARROW WIN FOR MONTE

Less than 3 mins later, the huge scoreboard read 4-0. A cross from the right found Llamas in oceans of space, before his first time shot from 10 yards beat Chema at his near post.

Thader sub Fran Diel was unlucky on 75 mins, when his long range effort hit the bar, before bouncing to safety.

Fellow sub Kike looked like notching a con-

Premier scorers

Over the past three decades, the Premier League has been home to some of the greatest goal scorers that have ever played the game. Although many of them, including football's next global superstar Erling Haaland, have impressive skills and rank high in the English top-flight, only a few scored more than 200 goals in their careers.

solation goal on 86 mins, but from an acute angle, he shot into the side netting. A clear cut penalty on 89 mins, conceded by Garci for a trip, was converted by Guemmero, as the hosts ended the match as victors by 5 goals to nil.

Due to pitch re seeding at Moi Gomez stadium, Thader will host Olimpic Xativa on Sun 17 Sep, ko 1130, at Formentera, for their first home league match of the new season.

Munich, the Premier League has lost one of its greatest goal scorers. The 30-year-old forward netted 213 goals in 320 English topflight appearances, becoming Tottenham Hotspur's all-time top scorer and the secondbest in the Premier League.

UD

Aspe 1-3 CD Montesinos

After last week's defeat in the cup it was important that CD Montesinos bounced back in their opening league fixture, which is exactly what they did with this narrow win at Aspe.

With the first half goalless, the best opportunity falling to the visitors, it was the home side that took advantage, going ahead early in the second period.

Unfortunately there appeared to be little response from Monte although they continued to battle away. It was not until the final 10 minutes that they were eventually rewarded when Manu headed home an

equaliser from a corner.

Five minutes later, Manu was again on target, scrambling the ball over the Aspe line to put the visitors in front.

And then, in the final seconds of stoppage time, with the ref looking at her watch (she was excellent by the way), young Anderson chased a back pass to their keeper. Under pressure he kicked it straight at the Monte player (I think it him on the bum!!) and the ball ended up in the back of the net. Three points and a great start to the season although, I do feel that we still need a goal-scorer.

Eddie Cagigao

But only Alan Shearer, Harry Kane, and Wayne Rooney have scored over 200 goals while playing for Premier League clubs. Alan Shearer Tops with 260 Goals, but Wayne Rooney Leads in Total Shots England's top-flight clubs have seen some iconic finishers down the years, with more than thirty of them joining an exclusive club of centurions.

According to official Premier League data, Mohamed Salah is the top-scorer among the active players in the League, with a total of 140 goals scored for his club, Liverpool. Still, that is far below the career total of Premier League's all-time top scorer, Alan Shearer. Between 1992 and 2006, he scored an impressive 260 goals, most for Newcastle United. Statistics show the three-time Golden Boot winner had 441 appearances in the League, 120 more than Harry Kane, the second topscorer of all time.

After Kane's move from Tottenham to Bayern

Wayne Rooney ranked third on this list, with only five goals less than Kane. Statistics show Rooney scored 208 goals throughout his career but had much more appearances than Shearer and Kane, with 491 matches played. Statistics show Rooney also had the most shots of all Premier League players, 1,237 during his career. Harry Kane and Sergio Ag¸ero follow, with 1,179 and 1,015 shots, respectively.

Thierry Henry Had the Highest Goals Per Game Ratio of 0.67

While Alan Shearer, Harry Kane, and Wayne Roney lead in the total number of scored goals, Thierry Henry still has the highest goals-per-game ratio among all players in the Premier League's history.

Statistics show the famous French forward scored 175 goals for Arsenal, scoring an average of 0.68 goals per game. This was just ahead of Harry Kane and Sergio Ag¸ero, both on 0.67.

Mohamed Salah ranked fourth on this list, with a goals-per-game ratio of 0.6. Alan Shearer and Ian Wright follow, scoring 0.59 and 0.53 goals per game, respectively.

Santa Pola CF ......5 CD Thader ...........0