The Leader Newspaper 6 March 2022 – Edition 961

Now

On Saturday morning, medical staff from Torrevieja hospital and the local health authority, supported by members of the public, and councillors from Torrevieja, including the Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, took to the streets in protest over the way they feel they are being treated by the regional Ministry of Health, resulting in an estimated 3,000 protesting people marching to the town centre.

Despite working tirelessly throughout the peak of the Covid pandemic, and dealing with considerable staffing issues caused by the reversal of private management at the hospital, the staff have finally had enough, after the Minister of Health, Miguel Mínguez, ended a collective agreement made with the staff, agreed when the hospital was still managed by the private company Ribera Salud.

Rather than consult with the workers, or enter into negotiations to change the working conditions, the Minister went straight to court to ask for the agreement to be annulled, angering the medical teams and further contributing to the discontent they were already feeling.

The result was that, following a protest and vote at the hospital last week, the first strike in 20 years in public health was called due to the "borderline situation" they are experiencing, and in protest against the permanent overload of care in consultations and the lack of doctors.

Strikes were called for both March and April, the latter specifically targeting the busy Easter period, after two months of unsuccessful negotiations with the Ministry of Health and mutual reproaches for having broken contacts.

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Faced with the threat of strike action, late last week, the Ministry of Health announced that it will withdraw the complaint in which it challenged the collective agreement.

However, given the lack of communication and negotiation, the workers stated that it is still not enough for them to call off the strikes, because "we do not trust the Ministry. Until we see the judicial order of withdrawal, we will continue as until now", said Fran García, representative of the working committee.

In fact, rather than calming the situation, matters are escalating, and the protest march was subsequently called for Saturday, with the staff taking to the streets to demand they are treated fairly.

Moreover, colleagues and unions from across the region are now also wading into the argument, supporting the strikes, and the workers, urging the Ministry of Health to avoid this action "that requires improvement measures without further delay" by engaging in dialogue and avoiding further disruption that a strike will bring to patients and doctors.

The collegiate medical group of the province of Alicante regrets that after two months of negotiations an agreement has still not been reached and insists that it will always be in favour of improving the working conditions and clinical practice of the collegiate so that they can provide health care of the highest quality and with guarantees to the public; but despite which it shows its concern at the call for a strike in public health.

The College of Physicians shares the demands of the Medical Union,

considering it essential to strengthen the staff at all levels of care (Primary Care, Hospital and Emergency) in the face of delays and waiting lists.

For this reason, it asks the Ministry of Health to re-establish negotiations to avoid strikes and makes itself available, once again, to collaborate in all initiatives that improve the health service and the practice of medicine in the Community.

On behalf of the Generalitat, Vice President Aitana Mas has also said that the Consell will continue to seek solutions to

PO E T R Y C O R N E R

"Manipulate No More"

A string is pulled

A wooden mouth falls open in a gape

A finger presses plastic switch

Engaging vocal tape

A shrill dismembered songster

From an era dead and gone

Emits from tongue-less mouthpiece

Scratched fragments of a song

A heartless little Pierrot

Fake limbs controlled above

Is made to dance a costumed prance

Mouth miming words of love

Performing to an empty house

Upon an empty stage

Enveloped in a spotlight

Illuminating age

The painted face now losing trace

Of featured fascination

Looks blankly through a cob-webbed view

In dumb anticipation

Clip-clopping on the boards of dust

Which once reflected laughter

A marionette alone of wood and stone

Should last for ever after

But all at once the muted dunce

Felt that his world was ending

Frail arms went weak then with a squeak

His joint less spine was bending

by David Whitney c1962

A fragile thread above his head

Broke without any warning

And the wooden mouth fell North to South

As if the fool was yawning

Then one by one each string begun

To snap in mock defiance

As the puppeteer and puppet Broke off their strung alliance

Pierrot was free no more to be

A prisoner with a master

Slumped to the ground a splitting sound

As floor cracked hands of plaster

The master watched in disbelief

As Pierrot turned his head

The singer ceased his singing

The tape recorder dead

The puppet watched with doleful eyes

His master fixed his stare

Then walked away to leave the play

And puppet lying there

The effigy looked at himself

Prostrated on the floor

And shut his eyes with muttered sighs

“Manipulate No More”

By David Whitney c 1962

To see your poem published on this page send to: office@theleader.info

the needs claimed by doctors.

Mas has highlighted that the Minister of Health, Miguel Mínguez, has sat down with all the unions on a number of occasions to listen to the needs and put on the table proposed solutions to the demands of the Medical Union. The vice president stated that it is essential that the dialogue between the parties continues to be open, but at the same time she has urged putting aside unilateral decisions and continuing "with active listening," while at the same time calling for responsibility.

MORE AT: www.theleader.info

Butrón to lead Los Montesinos PSOE into Municipal Elections

At a meeting held in the town last Monday the local PSOE Group unanimously ratified the candidacy of the current mayor, José Manuel Butrón Sánchez, who will now lead the group into the municipal elections in May

Butrón has expressed his "desire and eagerness" to run again in the municipal elections for the 20232027 legislature: "I am proud to represent my people, to whom I am grateful, and to work for them to continue moving the town forward in this horizon of opportunities in which we find ourselves, "says Butrón.

Butrón has been the only elected mayor for over 30 years, since the town was declared independent from Almoradí on July 30th, 1990.

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ON THE MARCH - Mayor Eduardo Dolon, centre, with Torrevieja’s Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen

FOUR YEARS OF FAILURE AT CORVERA AIRPORT

"It's in the middle of nowhere," observes one of the passengers. The facility is a veritable island: September 15, 2022 was the last time a scheduled bus service was available at the airfield and no more are expected until summer

An aircraft lands at one of the seven least used airports in Spain. The small group of passengers, arriving from the United Kingdom, walk through the terminal, they will be the only ones to do so for the next few hours, as there are only five flights scheduled throughout the whole day.

“It's very nice and clean, but it's empty, even for winter,” says one of the passengers, with a chuckle.

Only 838,940 people travelled through Corvera airport last year, in comparison to the 13,202,880 that chose to use Alicante, and four years after it was opened by King Felipe in 2019 the passenger numbers are still far short of those processed by it’s predecessor at San Javier. This cripplingly expensive aviation saga has been an embarrassing flop for the Murcian government. It really is such a pity that millions of euros of public money have been squandered by self-seeking politicians on little more than a whim, that we have gone from a profitable and award winning airport at San Javier to one that continues to eat up public funds. Public transport is non-existent with the last service ending in September 2022 and there is still being no guarantee of it returning in the summer.

to the Region, and they are unaware that their only mode of onward travel is either a taxi or a hire car.

Pampering to the vanity of PoliticiansJust five flights, no buses and a 180 million euro black hole.

One further disadvantage is the airport being in a military zone which means that flights, including commercial ones, cannot start until 7am and must stop by 10pm, so there are no night flights at Corvera airport. The same was the case with the already closed San Javier airport, although that did not prevent it from consistently exceeding one million passengers per year for eleven of the twelve years on record.

But far from admitting defeat the Institute of Tourism of the Region of Murcia is about to pump an additional 4 million euros into Corvera Airport to encourage new national and international routes in 2023.

“If this airport had public transport it would be more successful. We have to rent a car, it's a problem, plus it's in the middle of nowhere,” states another passenger, Paul. For most of the travellers spoken to, this was their first flight

In fact the airport is already offering cheap flights to the Canary Islands as well as trips to London-Luton and Manchester from May, and with the forecast of a strong industry improvement for the Murcia region, perhaps the poor performance of it’s airport might also be turned around.

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Nostalgia, a photo taken exactly 10 years ago

The women were attracted by promises of modelling and film work

Couple arrested for sexual exploitation of 120 women

The National Police agents have arrested a couple for sexually exploiting more than 120 women in Elche. They had created a business network of modelling and film agencies to attract their victims.

Many of their quarries were sexually assaulted and forced to carry geolocation devices so that they were available at all times. Those arrested are charged with the crimes of continued sexual assault, coercive prostitution and documentary falsification. The investigation was opened after one of the victims told the agents that she had been sexually exploited for more than five years, and although she was also the victim of sexual assault she failed to report them for fear of reprisals.

The alleged perpetrators were acting within the framework of a business network that included modelling agencies and film production compa-

Torrevieja Councillor Passes Away

The councillor for Social Welfare in Torrevieja council,Tomás Ballester,died on Saturday,at the age of 64,from natural causes. According to the town hall,his son found his lifeless body.

The death of the popular and well-respected councillor,who was a pharmacist in his life away from politics and served in the town hall since 2011,has generated great sadness in the town. A period of mourning was decreed to take place throughout Sunday,with flags set to half mast as a mark of respect.

ASSOCIATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS R E P R E S E N T E D I N T O R R E V I E J A

nies, which they used to attract the girls. They posed as representatives promising their victims a successful professional career in the world of fashion or cinema. In order to give greater credibility to the deception they made up a photo album for each woman.

The victims were then subjected to prostitution and made to carry geolocation devices so that they were available at all times. If they refused or were reluctant to provide sexual services, they were subjected to sadomasochistic practices as well as death threats from their pimps.

The agency was run in the towns of Elche and Novelda, where police were able to identify more than 120 victims.

Although the alleged perpetrators are now behind bars, the investigation remains open since it is not ruled out that new victims may appear.

Volunteers representing associations from around the region came together at the Parque de las Naciones in Torrevieja on Saturday, at Regional Volunteer Days 2023 organised by the Provincial Council of Alicante with the collaboration of the Torrevieja Council. There were bouncy castles for the kids, entertainment, including dancers, and more that 20 stalls representing associations including those representing cancer survivors, the hungry, those in need, and international groups who are in need of extra support in their new home, albeit, in some cases, hopefully only a temporary arrangement, such as in the case of the many Ukrainians who have been displaced and now find themselves in Torrevieja as a consequence of war.

CLARO anger as PSOE publishes candidates for Municipal elections

Mayoress Carolina Gracia presented the PSOE list of candidates for the Orihuela Municipal elections last week under the banner of a “continuance of promoting positive change,”however,in her selection of potential councillors,it would appear that once again she is disregarding the 30,000 people that live and work on the coast.

In the 2019 Municipal elections the party won just 6 of the available 25 seats,so if that were repeated in May only the candidates listed from numbers 1 to 6 would be elected to office.The highest listed potential candidate with any relationship to the Orihuela Costa who is published on Gracia’s current list is at number 9,so unless there is a major swing to PSOE on election day,highly unlikely,there is no way that he would win a seat.

The President of CLARO,Antonio Cerdan,was outraged by the list stating that “It is remarkable,the contempt of the PSOE to the thousands and thousands of European Residents of the Costa, since it has not been able to include anyone of any stature on its list for the next elections.Once again,the PSOE is showing no importance to La Costa.”

Along with a delegation from both the Alicante province and local governments, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Spain also attended, with speaking given both in Spanish and translated into Ukrainian, to give comfort to those refugees who attended.

For a year now, 25,000 vines, all native varieties, have been growing in the only undeveloped plot of land to the south of Torrevieja - The Universo Ferris project is the creation of a winery located on the coastal plot between Punta Prima and Mar Azul, for the production of fine wine.

It could be an idyllic picture postcard on the Torrevieja coast, a small cove surrounded by dunes, waters carpeted with Posidonia and a hundred-yearold palm grove by the sea. Miraculously, unlike Cala Mosca just a kilometre further south, it is also a corner free of concrete. And it will continue to be so because 25,000 vine trees now grow in this extraordinary landscape which, with a bit of luck in addition to the hard work of Rafael Bernabé Navarro, will soon be producing one of the most unique wines in Alicante.

Rafael Bernabé Navarro, a young agronomist from Bigastro, has launched an unprecedented project in the midst of the capital of residential tourism on the Costa Blanca. At the beginning of 2022, he planted 25,000 vines on eleven hectares of the Lo Ferris farm, in Torrevieja. It is located right on the edge of the sea, next to the iconic centenary palm grove that has withstood the last forty years of concrete maelstrom on the coast. A unique space protected since 2018.

The land that has been leased from the historical owners of the plot, the Murcia family, now allows the opening of a winery integrated into the landscape, where the wines will be produced. It is a winery that anyone who is interested in can visit, to learn about both the farm and the artisan production process, with the possibility of getting involved in the harvest or in the work of treading the grapes to make pie de cuba, a preparation that is made before the first vintages, and of course taste the wines.

Bernabé has named the project Universo Ferris, because the area is in itself a whole different universe, a unique place between Torrevieja and

Orihuela Costa. The idea is that it be developed in the medium term, although Bernabé hopes that he will be able to speed up the bureaucratic sluggishness that slows down the construction of the winery. As the development progresses, he anticipates a little more municipal involvement that will create an attractive and exclusive initiative in Torrevieja.

“It really is a world apart. I want to bottle everything that I can see and feel here, the sea, the grass, the salt, the lavender and the dates when they are ripe”.

At the moment there are eight hectares planted with white varieties: meseguera, muscatel, esclafacherre, and there will also be monastrell and garnacha blanca. “We will have the entire range,” he says.

Rafael wants the first harvest to be ready in a couple of years. “The vine has no time and neither does the wine. You can't hurry it. You have to be patient”, he explains with the clarity of someone who comes from a family of farmers from Campo de Salinas and Bigastro.

“If you water it, it will grow very quickly, but it is not the idea. I don't want a big production. You have to keep a balance”. And it is clear that the objective is focused on quality and not quantity. No more than 50,000 bottles will be produced from the current cop.

And the project has already generated enormous interest with requests to visit and to enjoy this landscape already pouring in via the Universo Ferris website as it’s popularity grows on the wine tourism circuit.

If you would like more info about the winery or join the list for a visit, details are available at http://www.universoferris.com

EUROPEAN TRAVEL ETIAS SCHEME DELAYED AGAIN

The European Union has said that the implementation of it’s proposed travel visa scheme, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), has been delayed for the third time, now until 2024 although there is no specific date for it’s launch.

The visa will operate in a similar way to the existing American Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), in which travellers from outside the EU area would have to pay a small fee for an application process which would allow them to travel into the member states.

Recycling Saves Santa Pola Residents 600,000 euro

In the last 4 years, paper and plastics recycling in Santa Pola has saved the residents 581,995.29 euro, which has then gone towards the contract for other waste collection services.

José Pedro Martínez, Councillor for Finance, said that he wanted to publicise the info so that "people know the usefulness and benefits of recycling.

Montesinos Municipal sports facilities

Los Montesinos Council is currently carrying out maintenance and improvement of it’s Municipal sports facilities. Valencia 1st Regional Group 8 football team CD Montesinos is amongst those benefitting from the direct aid of e3,153,536.83 subsidies during 2022 received from the Valencian Community.

The Artichoke School Olympics held in Almoradí.

Over 200 fifth-grade schoolchildren from Almoradí and Orihuela took part in the third edition of the Artichoke Olympics last week,which was won by the Pascual Andreu school. Held on the track and the grass of the Sadrián de Almoradí stadium,there were nine disciplines in total,sport, music and a knowledge of Artichokes,all combined.

Fellowship and joy were the great winners of this popular activity said a competition spokesperson.

A NEW YEAR OF PASSION BEGINS IN PILAR DE LA HORADADA

The parish church has hosted the unveiling of the poster announcing the Pilareño Holy Week, the work of the Pilareño photographer Antonio Rodríguez Álamo from Fotoestudio Casablanca Digital.

The poster shows the image of Jesús Triumphant next to the image of two children.

It symbolises the children's procession that this year, will take place next Holy Tuesday.

Rafael wants to have the wines in production within two years

Construction on the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona close to completion

Construction on the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona began in 1882 since which time work has been ongoing for more than a century. There are many people who wonder why it has taken so long to build, why the delay and when it is scheduled to end.

It is one of the most visited monuments in the country and, in addition, it is the tallest modernist church in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records 2023.

Designed by the architect Antonio Gaudí, construction began in 1882. However, as all Spaniards and tourists know, it is still under

construction. But... why is it still under construction after so many years and when is it planned to be completed?

The architect Jordi Faulí i Oller, current director of the Sagrada Família construction team, explained that this is because "Gaudí designed a building of significant dimensions that he knew would have to be built over a long period and be borne by different generations.

"But the pace of construction varies because it is built from contributions and donations," says the architect. Also, when La Sagrada Familia is finished it will be the tallest Christian church in the world.

IN BRIEF

So, when will the work be finally completed?

The answer is that they expect construction on La Sagrada Familia to end in 2026, coinciding with the centenary of the death of the architect Antonio Gaudí.

By that date they want to finish La Torre de Jesucristo, the Tower of Jesus Christ, the most important of the basilica, which at its highest point, will be 172.50 metres tall.

Currently the Tower of Jesus Christ is located at level eight of the 12 in total construction (126 meters high). Once completed, together with the towers dedicated to the four evangelists, it will form an architectural ensemble.

Football donation to AECC

Proceeds from the raffle held during the Portobello Walking Football Tournament has raised 500 euros for the AECC in Pilar de la Horadada.

The donation was the first to be received by Horadada AECC following it’s recent creation.

José Antonio Martínez, councillor for sports, accepted the cheque along with the president of the AECC, Pilar de la Horadada, Emilia Sánchez, The competition, involving 200 players representing local teams, was held at the municipal sports centre. On the day, rather fittingly, the tournament winners were the organisers from Campoverde, Portobello WFC

Architect Jordi Faulí i Oller wants the construction to be completed by 2026, to coincide with the centenary of Antonio Gaudí’s death

It’s All a Matter of Luck! Change to summertime in Spain 2023

Hurry, hurry! Only eight billion years left to extinction! Our solar system will be transformed by the ageing sun before coming to a spectacular end in about eight billion years or so. I'm particularly fond of those words "about" and "or so."

Will there be fireworks? Extinction parties with no hangover the morning after? Sign me up! I'm just as relieved as you are that I'm not going to be living some 8 billion years from now. Or so. At least I don't think I will.

Everything depends on our place in history, doesn't it? Sometimes history itself can be altered depending where people are. If the police hadn't been several hours late arriving at a house in Shanghai in 1921, they could have arrested the entire communist party, who took over the country 28 years later.

China today might have been very different if one police officer hadn't gone back just before the raid to pick up his warrant card. I don't think he would have bothered these days.

In more recent times, during the worst of the Covid panic, the Pandemic Response Committee was referred to -- by its members, no less -- as the Stable Door Group. You see what they did there? It was sort of like one of those government inquiries whose final report has been written before the inquiry panel meets. Still, they usually meet in pleasant air-conditioned luxury to discuss things like global warming and third-world poverty.

Luck -- that fickle friend -- also plays a part in human misery at times. Check the midges/mosquito/military/salmonella situation before travelling to the Highlands of

Scotland/Los Angeles, the most mosquitoinfested city in America/North Korea/any restaurant of your choice in Mexico City. You are lucky, travelling to any of those locations, if your boat to Skye or flight into danger is cancelled.

People often like to warn us of unlucky things to avoid. This unwanted advice usually begins with the words, "You won't need me to tell you -- " before they proceed to tell you. Recently someone counselled me that it was too late to learn to

play the bagpipes, "as many elderly gentlemen sometimes mysteriously do." At least he called me a gentleman, I was thinking, before he added, "No one would ever do that if he expected to be doing it for long."

I only wish I had thought to remind him that a gentleman is a man who can play the bagpipes, but doesn't. But just my luck, that particular riposte slipped my mind, what's left of it.

With the arrival of the month of March, the days will get longer and longer as it gets dark later, a sign that the time change is approaching to make way for summertime. Thus, this change will take place on the last Sunday of March when the hands of the clock will go forward one hour, so that and at 2am it will be 3am (official peninsular time), overnight Saturday, March 27 to Sunday, March 28, 2023. As such, the night will have one hour less, and the day will last 23 hours instead of 24 hours.

In the case of the Canary Islands, this change will occur an hour before, so at 1am it will become 2am.

The purpose of the two-time changes that occur each year is to adjust the working day with daylight hours, in such a way that more natural light is used, and we can all make energy savings.

However, this method of time change is always under constant debate, since there are detractors who do not see it as necessary, contrary to what is regulated in Directive 2000/84/CE of the European Parliament or of the Council, of 19 January 2001, which deals with the regulation regarding the change of summer time in all the countries that make up the European Union.

Although the change to summertime occurs in March, the truth is that the summer season does not begin until 3 months later, in the month of June.

The time change actually corresponds to the beginning of spring, which begins on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 10:24 p.m. However, already during this transition season, the days begin to last longer, and temperatures begin to rise, giving way to summer. The summer season will officially begin Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 1:58 p.m., according to the National Geographic Institute (IGN).

Maad is a gorgeous 5 month old, medium crossbreed.

ONBOARD THE LAKEVIEW FOR NAVY VALENTINES DAY LUNCH

Once again over 30 Royal Naval Association Torrevieja Branch (RNATB) Shipmates (S/M’s) showered their Valentine’s with affection and made it a day to remember at the Restaurante Rendezvous on the 14th February.

It was another spectacularly successful event and extremely well-orchestrated by Sally Miller, and her team.

All the ladies loved their individually handmade cards, their personal red rose and their own bottle of Cava, along with the heart shaped balloons, lovingly decorated table seating plans and mini red hearts strewn all over the tables; all presented with panache. And of course, the RNATB S/M’s had another magnificent raffle with over 20 prizes, steered by Nicola Louden.

The whole celebration was a ‘steaming success’ and given a BZ (Bravo Zulu, a NATO signal for Well Done) and they now look forward to their up-and-coming events, including their Murder Mystery Dinner, a Cava

Reception & High Tea to celebrate King Charles III Coronation and the Trafalgar Night Dinner.

The Royal Naval Association has a ‘Free Membership’ and is a UK Registered Charity. Although primarily founded for serving and retired Royal Naval personnel with the moto ‘Once Navy Always Navy’, it also welcomes all serving or retired military Veterans and civilians alike.

Torrevieja Branch (RNATB) has a diverse mix of members, a friendly and engaging group. who embrace their ethos of Comradeship, Loyalty, Patriotism & Unity while enjoying a variety of social events. Why not join us?

Contact: Chairman, Tony Jenkins at Chairman.RNATB@mail.com or on Mob: +34 693 866 709, What’s App +44 7576117222. Or just come along and meet us on the first Wednesday of each month at 1700 at Lakeview Bar & Restaurant, Calle Toledo 16, Quesada.

IT’S ANYTHING BUT A DRAG FOR THE NO SMOKING CLUB

The No-smoking club is one of the oldest social clubs in the Costa Blanca South -if not the oldest. Founded in 2001 by Violet King – not as the name suggests – to cure smokers from their habits – but to find a safe haven from the smoke-filled atmospheres in most Spanish establishments. In its heyday, the club entertained a membership of around 300. Meeting on a Thursday morning, the usual format was a quiz on the first Thursday, followed by 2 or 3 speakers, with such diverse subjects being someone involved in the raising of the Mary Rose and one member who gave us a talk on his time working at the British Museum.

Fortunately, we are still able to attract people willing to give us their time such as Ronen Zlotogoura (pictured),

who gave a very interesting demonstration of the art of perspective and shadow for prospective artists.

The final meet of the month being a coach trip to a venue reconnoitred by committee members and not a regular trip operated by the Coach Company.

This finished with a menu del dia, which was again chosen from within the club committee. As one can imagine, with such a large membership, places on the trips were in great demand with the disappointed latecomers being sometimes accommodated on a following day's trip. Unfortunately, due to a combination of circumstances such as Brexit causing people to return to the U.K., Covid and bereavements, the club membership has declined to just under 50, which makes bus trips unfeasible.

We are therefore mounting a membership drive. If anyone is interested in joining a friendly club(smokers are not excluded, just during club events), contact club chairperson, Christine Shepherd on 687 295 015 or vice-chairman David Swann on 648 476 752.

We meet at Che Loco Restaurant in El Chaparral between 11 and 12.30 a.m.

Time to shame the blame game....

‘Please Sir, he hit me first.’ Two boys found fighting in the playground and each would invariable proffer that one line in his defence to Master Lawlor. ‘I done nothin’, Sir … it was him – he was calling me names.’

It comes naturally to children to blame someone or something for their shortcomings; the classic, ‘the dog ate my homework’, being a prime example. But shouldn’t we as adults have grown out of this weak way of accounting for our mistakes?

It is becoming increasingly rare, especially for someone in authority, to put their hands up and proclaim, ‘my fault … I got it wrong. ’

Indeed, if anything, the ‘blame game’ is more prevalent now than ever before.

In modern society everything we get wrong is somebody else’s responsibility. Less and less will you hear a ‘Ben Dunne’, where the individual admits that the ‘hobble’ they find themselves in has anything to do with their action – or lack of it. Radio, TV news and newspapers are crammed with stories of why all of society’s problems are

the fault of politicians. No such thing as taking any personal responsibility for any predicament.

Yes, we all know that our citizenry haven’t all kicked off from the same starting block and that life isn’t fair: But once upon a time – and in a time when there were less escape avenues open, most able-bodied people were able to strategise a path of life for themselves. Decisions were made and the people got on with it and blamed nobody for most of life’s roadblocks. Nowadays we will gladly take the credit for what goes good for us but quickly lay the blame on circumstances or other people when things go badly. We live in a culture of blame. I remember being at a parent’s night in a community school a good few years back.

The ‘head’ was getting a hard time from a few parents over Leaving Cert results. Eventually I made this contribution to the debate; ‘if my daughter is the best in the class, she took after me or her mother: If she is the worst in the class – it’s the teacher’s fault.’ End of discussion …

Blaming others is easy and it

NEWS IN BRIEF

Core inflation hits record numbers not seen in 37 years

Core inflation in Spain hit a 37-year high in February despite price containment measures by the left-wing government.

The country's inflation rose by 6.1% in February compared to the same month last year, due to increased electricity and energy costs, according to the National Stats Institute. This rate represents a two-tenths of a percentage point increase from January's rate of 5.9%.

is the opposite of taking responsibility for what happened to you. Not blaming someone or a litany of circumstances outside your control, means you have to be honest and accept you made a mistake, or could have done better.

Blaming someone else gives you control over the story –and the story gets better and more plausible with every new telling. Some people cannot tell a good story without bringing themselves out as a victim.

About 12 years ago I bumped into a man I knew well on the street in Mullingar. I hadn’t met my acquaintance for a couple of years, as our paths had gone winding in different directions.

This guy had been a successful businessman and property developer, but the rumour now was that he had lost everything in the Celtic crash. This chat on the street was memorable due to the refreshing honesty of the man. “It’s all gone … I haven’t got a rex to my name”, he said. But it is what he said next that raised him up several notches in my book. Instead of blaming the

banks, the government, or the Troika, these were his words; “It is entirely my own fault … just all down to solid greed and ego.” Happily, that man has since pulled himself back up again. Some ‘blamers’ may even go above the heads of politicians and every other make of mere mortal. ‘The devil made me do it’, is most probably a difficult one to disprove! Whilst across the corridor, God himself is expected to take the rap, especially when bad things happen to good people – as they do.

‘An act of God’, is a legal term used most often in case law, for some severe natural event where no human can be deemed to be responsible. As for blaming God for all that is wrong with the world, I like the answer that Anne Graham, daughter of evangelist, Billy Graham, gave when an interviewer on TV suggested that God should be blamed for allowing Hurricane Katrina to happen. This is part of Ms Graham’s long reply: ‘For years we have been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives, so how can we expect his help when

we demand he leaves us alone? We reap what we sow.’

Like we said, there are occasions when somebody else really is to blame for our misfortune, but the most honest proportioning of blame is the

Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com

*Author, entrepreneur and newspaper columnist, Bernie Comaskey, now spends most of his time on a farm in Ireland; but he retains his strong links with the Costa Blanca. Bernie has published four

man who says, ‘I have nobody to blame but myself.’

DON’T FORGET

The most prolific inventors are those who invent excuses for their failures.

books; ëIf Ever a Man Sufferedí, ëThe Best of Bernieí, ëThe Teamí, and ëJust Between Ourselvesí. Bernieís books are available at half price, on sale from either Spanish Solutions or ëThe Leader.íCall 637 227 385 for info.

Train tickets all over the country to be as cheap as €9

French rail operator Ouigo has announced that it will start selling tickets for several lowcost high-speed train routes in Spain for just e9. The routes will connect Madrid, Valencia, Zaragoza, Tarragona, and Barcelona. Spain already has an extensive and affordable highspeed train network, with several competing low-cost lines run by Renfe, Iryo, and Ouigo.

NURSE ACCUSED OF FAKING CHILDREN'S VACCINATION

Dozens of families in Spain's Basque Country are taking legal action against a nurse who is accused of faking the administration of routine child vaccinations.

Local authorities began an investigation after parents voiced concerns about the nurse's attempts to discourage them from vaccinating their children and her unusual injection techniques.

SPAIN STILL ISSUING GOLDEN VISAS TO RUSSIANS DESPITE CLAIMS THEY ARE BANNED

Despite Spain suspending the issuance of Golden Visas to wealthy Russian nationals in response to the invasion of Ukraine, authorities in Spain continue to grant such visas to Russians.

The suspension of Golden Visas was part of the sanctions imposed on Russia. However, the Spanish authorities have not completely followed this decision.

PROPOSAL FOR CAMPERVAN

PARKING IN TORREVIEJA

Sueña Torrevieja has proposed the creation of a dedicated area where campervans and motorhomes will be permitted to park in Torrevieja,to allow improved coexistence between residents and vehicle owners.

Inés Kornwebel,a member of the Sueña Torrevieja committee,points out that the party is working on a proposal to improve the situation with simple and cheap means,without "scaring away" this tourism sector.

For his part,Pablo Samper,candidate for Mayor if Sueña Torrevieja get elected in May, explains that the situation in the beach parking lot and in the La Mata cemetery "is getting out of hand and has no comparison."

According to Samper,"the campers have been parked there not just weeks,but months." Plus,he adds,"they don't have a sewage supply,which means that when the chemical toilet needs to be emptied,it's dumped anywhere."

Sueña plans to create permanent sites and equip them with payment facilities,electricity, fresh water and a chemical toilet; penalise violations and make payment immediately; and periodic controls by the authorities, among other things.

Cartagena Submarine Manufacturer Vacancies

assemblers, boilermakers and electronics operators.

In order to apply, go to their online employment portal, https://portalempleo.navantia.es/, with the period of application open until 15 March.

The ship and submarine manufacturer, Navantia, has announced that they are recruiting staff to work at their Cartagena facility. Amongst the 16 vacancies advertised, there are jobs for office workers, as well as welders,

Ref: 001562 e425,000

Navantia is a Spanish state-owned shipbuilding company, which offers its services to both military and civil sectors. It is the fifth-largest shipbuilder in Europe and the ninth-largest in the world with shipyards around the globe. It is currently involved in constructing the replacement submarine fleet for the Spanish Navy, amongst other projects.

DETACHED VILLA WITH PRIVATE POOL

Totally refurbished 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, villa with large southfacing terrace.

Airconditioning and heating, all new windows, completely insulated. Underbuild with 2 additional rooms. Garage and access to seperate garden area, part of which is used for bed and breakfast.

Michelle of HELPVEGABAJA receiving 245 euro from the ëBeach BabesíNicola Louden

Inés Kornwebel, a member of Sueña Torrevieja

Arts & Culture &

And there’s still more from Jimmy

Legendary comic Jimmy Cricket 'gave it some welly' during his visit to Spain,taking in gigs in Orihuela,Quesada,Mazarron and Benidorm.

"Come here,there's More," said Jimmy,famous for his R (right) and L (left) Wellington boots,who is on his 50th Anniversary tour in Showbusiness.

Born in Belfast his early career took in Pontin's and Butlin's holiday camps,with Jimmy reflecting on his days at Pontin's in Southport.

"I look back on my early years,working at both Pontin's and Butlin's," he said.

Late billionaire Trevor Hemmings,who died suddenly in October 2021,aged 86,twice owned Pontin's. He led a management buyout in 1987 before selling it to brewer Scottish & Newcastle.In 2000 Hemmings bought back the business,selling it eight years later to a management team.

"Trevor was wonderful - and the days at Pontin's holiday camp in Southport were incredible.The years have flown by," said Jimmy.

Jimmy,who appeared on the bill at the Variety Show 'Sunday Night at The Grand' in Blackpool on March 5th after his shows at The Emerald Isle,La Florida, Orihuela,Cooper's Arms,Quesada,and Don Pancho Hotel,Benidorm,said: "I was a Red Coat,along with Harry Worth in 1969 and I parked his Rolls Royce!".

Jimmy performed a juggling act and played a tin whistle during his shows in Spain.

"Do you know my neighbour loves me playing the tin whistle? So much so,he smashed his window so he could hear me better!," he joked.

Jimmy,who had TV series and radio shows in the 70s and 80s,said: "I also remember playing at the Birmingham Hippodrome,where Cilla Black was on the bill."

On family life,he said: "I'm from Cookstown,County Tyrone,my father had a bar - and was an Undertaker as well.

"My Mammy went to Belfast to have me - and we

FREE Charity Fashion Show IS BACK!

returned to Cookstown - but moved to Belfast,when I was aged 2.

"I had three older brothers,and an older sister and my parents bought a grocery shop."

Jimmy,speaking about his dad,quipped: "I remember I said to my dad when I returned from school one day: 'Dad,I'm no good at arithmetic - and he said don't worry son,that makes three of us' ".

Jimmy,who was presented to Princess Margaret at a Royal Variety Show,also appeared on TVs 'This Is Your Life' in the 1980s presented by Eamon Andrews. "What surprised me,I was at a building site and who was there?,Eamon Andrews - with a tin hat on!

"Tonight,Jimmy Cricket,This Is Your Life,he said.I was gobsmacked,and never knew anything about what was about to happen."

Jimmy,married to wife May for almost 50 years,has published his biography 'Memoirs of an Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket - Come Here There's More': "The book covers all my life,from being a Red Coat at Butlin's, right up to the present," said Jimmy.

*And There's More from Jimmy Cricket with Andrew Atkinson's Leader Exclusive next week.

Yes folk the popular charity fashion show is back at the Marina Bar, Calle de las Rosas, on Friday 24th March at 2pm.

This time it is to raise monies for the Help Vega Baja charity. Featuring bargain priced clothes from their charity shop in San Miguel this event will showcase the good prices and quality clothing available at their shop. Well known organisers David and Lorraine Whitney have put together a selection of outfits which will be modelled and which will go on sale together with a variety of bargain priced clothes, shoes, bags etc. They have also been receiving donations for a raffle and together with other stalls the afternoon should be a resounding success as usual. Rita and Dave and the team at the Marina Bar will be on hand to serve drinks and food with their usual friendly flair.

After constant requests for another charity fashion show and delays caused by Covid, David and Lorraine have at last been able to put together this show with the help and support of the friendly team at the Help Vega Baja shop and are expecting a good turn out for this worthwhile charity.

Come along and enjoy a FREE fashion show and grab a bargain for the summer ahead, and help this hard working charity.

STUDIO32 SUMMER SHOW – HELLO DOLLY

Studio32 invite you to come along for a night of pure entertainment when they perform the award winning musical, “Hello Dolly’. Coming to you at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio from Wednesday 31st of May to Saturday 3rd of June. Doors open at 7:00pm, curtain up at 7:30pm.

To book tickets online for our show please visit our website www.studiothirtytwo.org, call Linda on 679 062 272 or email tickets@studiothirtytwo.org

For those of you unsure of how to use our system you can call into The Post Box in Dona Pepa, or Quesada Tech where someone will be on hand to assist you with booking tickets.

You could also come along to one of our rehearsals at Casa Contenta, Rojales, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:30pm and 9:30pm where someone will be available to assist you.

Jimmy surprised by Eamon Andrews on This is Your Life.

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS

Week 960

QUICK

ACROSS: 1 Sumptuous; 8 Sum; 9 Meritorious; 11 Dimness; 12 Licit; 13 Strain; 15 In vain; 17 Erect; 18 Restive; 20 Equivalence; 22 Ass; 23 Extremity.

DOWN: DOWN: 2 Use; 3 Title; 4 Onrush; 5 Swollen; 6 Association; 7 Impotence; 10 Remorseless; 11 Dispersal; 14 Intrude; 16 Cravat; 19 Solve; 21 Cut.

CR CR YPTIC YPTIC

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS ACROSS

7.Happen (5)

8.Investigate (7)

9.Vehement (7)

10.Belief (5) 12.Stolid (10) 15.Steep bank (10) 18.Track (5) 19.Tolerant (7) 21.Forgave (7) 22.Fissure (5)

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 23

1.Handy (10)

2.Player (5)

3.Impel (4)

4.Courage (6)

5.Example (8)

6.Humility (7)

11.Behead (10)

13.Safe (8)

14.Scrape (7)

16.Tune (6)

17.Gem (5)

20.Notch (4)

ACROSS: ACROSS: 1 Massacres; 8 Vie; 9 Social scale; 11 Resolve; 12 Lobby; 13 Guitar; 15 Twelve; 17 Tiger; 18 Cabinet; 20 Orderliness; 22 Cut; 23 Easy-going.

DOWN: 2 Ado; 3 Avail; 4 Rested; 5 Swallow; 6 Overbalance; 7 Repayment; 10 Casting vote; 11 Right back; 14 Abridge; 16 Scores; 19 Bring; 21 Sin.

7.Astructural member at right angles to the centre-line (5)

8.Clear space to manoeuvre in ship's cabin? (3-4)

9.Doctor should put down water shortage (7)

10.The markings of a fruity diary? (5)

12.No profit at all? Mustn't be repeated at any time! (5,5)

15.Grieved at a change in more than one colour (10)

18.The kingdom of nature, almost (5)

19.Occidental you and I put to the back (7)

21.Obviously 150 are more than punctual ... (7)

22.... and before idiot in teaching group (5)

DOWN DOWN

1.The girl had fallen but no runs were scored off it (6,4)

2.Pose a problem for a fabulous writer (5)

3.Glues things up, being too self-satisfied (4)

4.Set out twice to fly (6)

5.Poisonous plant given by worker to duck (8)

6.Sack on the spot - irregular - for delivery of mail (7)

11.Sincerity in the unmarried state? (10)

13.Eternally growing? (8)

14.Smashing wave? (7)

16.Say law is wrong every time (6)

17.Cared for wood (5)

20.Plunder for wine (4)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 23)

1. On the flag of which country are all of the following represented? Peace, Winter and Summer, Spring and Autumn, East and West, North and South, Moon and Sun, Heaven and Earth, Man and Woman, Night and Day and Fire and Water.

2. Which band did not have hits with songs like 'Blue Suede Schubert', 'Cheese and Onions' and 'Back in 64'?

3. What was the name of the famous dancer who wore a banana skirt while performing the 'Danse sauvage'?

4. In the film 'Godzilla vs Biollante', our hero battles a 120 metre high, 220,000 tonne mutant what? a. tuna fish, b. silk worm, c. rose

5. The Portuguese football star Ronaldo was named after which man?

6. What name was given to the student army in China during the 'Cultural Revolution'?

7. With one word complete the title of the following Robert Ludlum novels. a. The Scarlatti, b. The Osterman, c. The Holcroft

8. Fred Perry was the first man to win all four Grand Slam events in tennis. In which other sport was he World Champion?

9. In 1838 the Sirius became the first ship to hold the Blue Riband for the fastest Atlantic crossing. Plus or minus four days, how long did the west-

ward crossing take?

10. What kind of music is literally good news?

11. JRR Tolkien, Pope John Paul II, Anthony Burgess, Friedrich Engels and Paul Robeson are a few examples of men who were fluent in many languages. Which word beginning with the letter 'P' describes such a person?

12. In which book do two countries go to war over the best way to open a soft boiled egg?

13. Which vegetable is usually found in an 'A la Florentine' dish?

14. The Stereoscope, introduced in 1844 by David Brewster, is believed to have been the world's first example of what?

15. The following words are from songs with the word 'Blue' in the song title. Can you name the song? a. Tell me no secrets, tell me some lies, b. Drink my liquor from an old fruit jar, c. Warmer than May her tender sighs, d. There's a fog upon L.A. e. She got a camouflaged face and no money

16. The name of which popular Chinese snack translated means 'a little bit of heart'?

17. What is the longest Pink Floyd song title?

18. In which films did Paul Newman play the following roles? a. Henry Gondorff, b. Reggie 'Reg' Dunlop, c. Eddie Felson, d. John Russell, e. Brick Pollitt

19. The name of which heavenly device is the Latin word for bodyguard or attendant?

20. Other than nutmeg, what is the name of the other spice derived from the Myristica fragrans or Nutmeg tree?

ACROSS ACROSS

Booted eagles in La Mata lagoon

Argentinian Lucas's tearful visit to Spain in place of his father

Part 2 of Andrew Atkinson's Leader Exclusive with Argentina born Lucas Guinart who visited Spain following the passing of his father Quique, to meet musician Esteban Fernandez, former band colleague and best friend of Quique.

Booted eagles have been photographed by Julio Jesús Añel flying over the La Mata lagoon. With a wingspan of 110-135cm, sized at 42-53cm, it is the smallest eagle found in Europe. Booted eagles dive with folded wings on their prey, which is mainly smaller birds, up to Dove size caught out on the open ground.

They will also take rabbits, rodents, lizards and insects.Pair bonds normally last for life and often re-use the same nesting site each year.

Nests are built by both male and female, with eggs, usually just two, being laid between April and May, with survival rate of 80%.

LUCAS Guinart made a heart-warming and tearful trip to Spain in place of his father, musician Quique, who died of cancer in Argentina last year.

"I have followed in my father's footsteps and I too became a musician, being involved with music since I was 12," said Lucas.

Lucas, 40, from Beunes Aires, who visited Dona Pepa based Esteban, said: "My father introduced me to music - and today I perform in Argentina."

Lucas, who visited Spain with his wife Mariana, on vacation from The University of San Martin, Argentina, said: "To see and meet Esteban for the first time was tearful.

"My father and Esteban met for the first time in Baghdad in 1967, who were

working in different bands."

Madrid born Esteban said: "Afew years later we met again in Beirut, where members of two bands formed a bigger band. "I went to Japan for 18 months. Quique went to America. I also met him in Iran and Dubai, where Quique met his wife Stella, a Ballet dancer. We played at ballet shows."

Esteban added: "When the Falklands war started with England in 1982, Stella was pregnant with Lucas!".

Lucas, who has visited London, said: "I loved London. I spent a month in England, visiting Stonehenge and Warwick Castle.

I also visited Edinburgh."

During his stay in Spain, Lucas said: "I love Spanish olives. Also the fish and chips - and mushy peas, that I ate for the first time!".

Esteban and Quique toured Europe in the 60s and 70s. Lucas said: "My ambition is to one day perform in Spain. For an Argentinian musician and composer, it would be easier to play and sing in Spain, than England, due to the language differences."

Woman attacked and killed by dog she had rescued

A 67-year-old woman was killed at the weekend when she was attacked by an abandoned dog she had rescued just days before.

The tragedy occurred at her home in the Valencia town of Macastre.

According to the Guardia Civil, the emergency services were called to attend the woman’s home, after she had been attacked by a dog.

A paramedic ambulance arrived at the scene, along with the Guardia Civil. Officers from the Guardia Civil had to shoot the dog in order for the medical team to gain access to the woman. The dog was killed instantly.

The victim was treated at the scene for catastrophic arm and head injuries, and was transferred to La Fe Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Lucas Guinart: Ambition to play in Spain.

Mariana, Quique, Stella and Lucas.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Los Montesinos - La Herrada 2 double bed/fitted wardrobes, bath/shower. South facing ground floor bungalow apartment, DialPrix Supermarket 2 mins away. Private tiled garden, double glazed Patio, Seperate kitchen, Galleria. Close to all amenities - 35 min Alicante Airport, Priced to sell at E79,995

Tel: +34 634 383 099.Tel: +44 776 230 3798. Tel: +44 770 234 0744.

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.

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

La Siesta Evangelical Church, Torrevieja, a friendly, English-speaking church. We hold services at 11.15am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month (and the 5th when there is one). For more info see our website at: www. lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org

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 Urbano Arregui, 23, TorreviejaEvangelical non-denominational church. Sunday service 11a.m.; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11a.m. Church Bible Study: Thursday 1.30p.m. House groups in Torrevieja, La Siesta ñ Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. www.icatorrevieja.org

The Car of the Month at AUTOMOVILES CRESPO is a 2016 Ford Grand C-Max Trend+ Diesel which is priced at just 17,500 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

The RBLTorrevieja BranchMeets at the Oasis, formerly the Casa Ventura, San Luis on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6.30 pm for 7pm start. New members are always welcome. You do not have to be ex-services. For info please contact:Torrevieja.secretary@rbl.

community

Phoenix Friends Torrevieja meets on Monday mornings, at 11.00am, for drinks and conversation, on the terrace at Reflections Bar /Rte, C/Aviles, San Luis Lakeside. Regular activities and meeting up. Open to singles and

couples. For further information, Phone Kitty 622 180 500 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 CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanisation, Torrevieja. For more info contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Mike Cockman 670 224 822

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.

Torrevieja Railway Station Park Remodelling Plans

Whilst the Torrevieja local government is set on demolishing the few green areas remain in the town, an opposition candidate for mayor in the May elections has presented ambitious plans that his party would implement if they are elected.

Pablo Samper, candidate for mayor as leader of the SueÒa Torrevieja group, has publicly presented an ambitious project for the remodelling of the area of the Parque de la EstaciÛn, the AcequiÛn canal area and the area adjacent to the Alzheimer's Residence Centre, which in the words of Samper "will totally change the image of Torrevieja and the AcequiÛn neighbourhood in an area of 40,000 square metres of new green areas. There will be playgrounds, areas for family leisure and our seniors, as well as the remodelling of the skateboard circuit and the creation of underground parking that will facilitate the annex to it, all respecting and improving the already known area of bar and leisure facilities that are present in the park"

Samper said that "it is an exciting project on which we have been working for years and that would be launched when we are in government.

In SueÒa Torrevieja we work with facts, with realities, we want to make

Torrevieja a more modern, more familiar and more pleasant city".

The remodelling project would also have a recreation of our origins and our history, such as the creation of a salt route on foot that would run through part of the AcequiÛn channel to near the area of the Salinas de Torrevieja, as well as an area enabled for the practice of yoga, Taiichi and Pilates.

In the words of Samper, "it is a project for people between 0 and 99 years old, for all of Torrevieja as a whole: for our youngsters playing in the playgrounds, for parents enjoying a rest area while

their children play, for people practicing skateboarding, as well as for the older ones in their areas enabled for biohealthy circuits".

Torrevieja had a railway line that was introduced in 1884, but closed down in the late 1970's. The station building is still present, along with some remnants of the past, and is currently an exhibition hall, although it is seldom used. Alongside, there is a skatepark, which is enjoyed by the younger locals (despite the town hall not noticing their own signs which currently prohibit skating!).

NEW ALMORADÍ SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARDED

The Almoradí local council has awarded the contract for a new school, CEIP Number 4, to the company PEFERSAN SL for 7,451,537.30 euro.

The new school will have classrooms for both infants and Early Childhood Education, as well as for Primary level, in a centre designed to lessen the current burden on the town’s education system due to lack of space.

The building will be constructed on a plot of land located on the road that connects the town with Algorfa, with 17,000 square metres are allocated with ??6,000 metres for the building itself, the rest of the space will be used for recreation areas, accesses and other facilities, and for the installation of solar panels to promote self-consumption. The term of execution of the works is 24 months, once the administrative protocols have been concluded.

The former station was closed in the late 1970’s

The new park will totally change the image of Torrevieja and the Acequión neighbourhood

TO BE LUCKY

The force that causes things, especially good things, to happen to you by chance and not as a result of your own efforts or abilities:

Our home where we lived halfway between Bristol and Bath in Somerset before we moved to Spain was such a ëluckyíbuy as it was being advertised in large letters in an estate agent window, I could not miss it as I walked past.

The property was on the end of a chain and if not sold the chain collapsed. There were seven days to buy and complete. As we had nothing to sell it was possible and we made it happen. It was a small three-bedroom semi detached house, which was disappointing as we had planned to buy something larger off plan, so my burning desire on arrival was to improve it and if possible, turn the small 850 square feet residence into something larger.

And the improvements in size were achievable, by adding a side extension and improving the ground floor by adjoining the garage into the living accommodation and encroaching that into the garden. We added another bedroom and a bathroom, and when complete the house was nearly twice the original size and a dining table you could walk around.

It was a beautiful summer's evening when the extension into the rear was finished with the patio and the garden laid out and as there were no houses to the rear, also South facing, it was an ideal place to sit in the evening sun.

The ground floor design had wide open glass to the living area overlooking the patio, making it part of the lounge with three metre heavy glass panel sliding doors between the two, giving an open appearance.

Four of us had been sitting on new patio furniture and when the sun disappeared over the trees, we stood up to move inside. We were ëluckyíbecause as we vacated the chairs the four panes of the sliding doors, which had been fitted the previous day fell outwards smashing the table and chairs we had been sitting on ñ a moment earlier we would have been badly hurt.

THEHONDONWRITERSCIRCLE:

I have always enjoyed writing and have had items published in the past. About six years ago I was ëluckyíto be talking with Lynn Penhaul over coffee when she suggested we should form a writerís group, after talking to like minded people we met in her house for the very first time and the Hondon Writers Circle was born.

The group met on a regular basis and still do. Before breaking up a session, a word or maybe a phrase is decided on for homework, the idea for a story to be produced around the words for discussion at the next session.

In April 2019 the phrase for homework was ëJourney not taken.í The following was my input.

THEGREEKDAIRYFARMER

It was after the second World War when the ëUrneyífamily, (And as everyone knows that means ëfirstíin ancient Greek) along with their young son ëJoímoved away from their homeland of Greece and settled in the U.K. Up to that period and for three generations before they were recognised businesspeople in dairy farming.

Following their losses at the hands of the invaders they salvaged what they could and managed to set up a similar business in Southern England. As the country struggled to recover from the period of conflict and started to flourish and so did the family. They were very proud of the fast delivery service of dairy products where their milk carts would go out daily to serve their customer and it was often said ìUrneyís had the fastest milk carts in the West.î

Their son ëJoíwas a sad disappointment to them as he refused to follow in their footsteps and to be the first ëUrneyíto go out in the world and earn a living other than in the dairy industry.

Exotic Angel's Trumpet!

Brugmansia is an exotic, long lived, small tropical tree in the family Solanaceae, more commonly called Angel’s Trumpet.

Producing dramatic pendant, trumpet or funnel shaped fragrant flowers, up to 30ft when grown in the ground, adapting well to containers, where the plants remain a much more manageable size.

Individual blooms can range from 4-24? in length, depending on the cultivar.

They come in many shades of white, yellow, gold, orange, peach and pink in singles, doubles, triples, and quadruplesand a few shredded forms.

Their fragrance varies considerably, with intensity ranging from none to overpowering.

As a child, and as a result of the original travelling away from the familyís homeland, this had induced in him the desire to travel.

Jo scoured the newspapers looking for work that included travelling and was content when he managed to gain a post as a ëClient Service Manageríwith a shipping company. He was a little disappointed when he realised it was a ferry company and what he thought was a very important job turned out to be a steward standing behind a bar serving drinks, and all the other chores of clearing up that went with it. Nevertheless, he persevered with his employment.

From a very young boy Jo had been fastidious in keeping a diary and each day before retiring he would make notes of the hours of activities. On a daily basis, the ferry with him on board, travelled back and forth to France, besides serving he recorded the actions and deeds of the travelling public. In his twentieth year of working on the ship and finally being promoted to Purser, he gathered up his writings and put them into book form. It was A5 in size with an attractive red cover and the name ëJourneyíflourished in gold print across the front of the finished item. It looked impressive.

He had a sizable number printed and travelled around the small shops delivering them on the basis the owners would pay him on a regular basis for the ones they had sold. The first week came to an end and he set off to collect the revenue. At the first shop on a corner with its wares displayed to the front, he pushed the door which set off a bell as it opened. Behind the counter was Mr Singh, wearing a coloured turban on his head and who was serving a customer. He looked up at the sound and shaking his head said in broken English ìíJourneyínot taken.î www.facebook.com/percy chattey

The intoxicating fragrance, described as musk, lemon, mint, lily, hyacinth, citrus, jasmine and gardenia, is most noticeable on warm summer evenings.

Position in full sun, with some afternoon shade, and they will continue to flower year round.

Water only as necessary, to keep the soil barely moist. Leaves will droop, when it needs watering and will quickly recover, once watered.

In Spring you can prune, hard if necessary, which will encourage bushy growth, shape the plant, or limit size. Easily propagated from stem cuttings, which are rooted in water, or in damp sand. Use semi-ripe wood stems that have begun to change colour from green to brown, the diameter of a finger and 6-8? long.

Cuttings can be taken any time the plant is actively growing; any part of the trunk or branches can be used. Brugmansia is a very heavy feeder and should be fertilised regularly, maybe as often as twice a week during the growing season. The more food you give it, the more flowers it will produce.

Venue - New Tavern, San Miguel

High Scores

180's - James Brown 3, Darren Hurcombe

1, Mark Farmer 1, Andres Liamazares 1

177 - Matt Smith

140's - total 31

Mark Farmer 8, Matt Smith 5, James Brown

4, Dave Rowlinson 3, Andres Liamazares 2

Darren Sanderson 2, Lee Maiden, Arold K, Ben Kernahan, Paul Moody, Suso Madrid, Bob Smith, Steve M.Dalton, (all 1 each)

Highest Finish

Ben Kernahan - 144 (T20,T20,D12) Matt Smith - 106 (T20,S6,D20)

Most Finishes

Mark Farmer 8, Matt Smith 5, Darren Sanderson 4, Suso Madrid 4, Bob Smith 4, Dave Rowlinson 4, John Crabbe, Andres Liamazares, James Brown, Jesus Madrid, Paul Moody (all with 3), Liam Lumb 2

RESULTS - BOARD WINNERS

1. Darren Sanderson & Mark Farmer beat Andres Liamazares & Macos Lopez 2-1

2. Liam Lumb & Dave Rowlinson beat Bob Smith & Simon Perryman 2-1

3. James Brown & Paul Moody beat Terry David & John Crabbe 2-0

4. Matt Smith & Suso Madrid beat Jesus Madrid & Jeff Saunders 2-1

Semi Finals Best of 5 - 601

Smith & Madrid 3 Brown & Moody 2

Sanderson & Farmer 3 Lumb & Rowlinson 2

FINAL - BEST OF 5 - 601

Sanderson & Farmer 3 Smith & Madrid 0

Matt Smith and Suso Madrid just failed in their attempt to retain the prestigious league pairs title, the accolade going the way of Mark Farmer and Darren Sanderson. lt was a lot tighter than the scoreline suggests. Farmer was in scintillating form recording a total of 5x100,140,180, and taking the 1st leg on a 54 out.

Sanderson did his fair share by taking the 3rd on D4, following a 140, and the match win-

ner with S20,D20.

The 2nd leg against the throw, the champions recorded a straight 180,140,100 before Sanderson completed the 601 on D4. Smith and Madrid are no slouches and found the T20 comfortably, but scored too many 80+'s, just 2 x140 from Smith and a 121 from Madrid.

The winners experienced a tough semi against Lumb and Rowlinson, the latter nailing 6 tons or more and 2 outs, partner Lumb

just fading in the 4th and 5th legs after 140,125,100, 2x80+, in the opening three. The 3 winning legs were shared by the champs, Farmer ensuring a final place on D10.

ln the other semi featuring Brown and Moody, the total scorecount from both pairs was 13 tons or more and 11 scores of 80+. Brown recorded a 180 in each of the 1st three legs - magnificent ! Moody took the 1st on a 60 out, Madrid lev-

elling on D16 after returning 2 tons. Brown found D16 in the 3rd after 180,140, Smith making it 2 apiece with 140, D11. Brown's 140,96 insufficient as Smith hit 95,140,100,D10, to make the final.

A real showpiece for local darts at the spacious New Tavern, venue, now being followed this week by the commencement of the 2nd half of the league season, concluding late May.

Highest finish with 144, Ben John, Terry, Paul and James

Dave, Liam, Bob and Simon

Marcos, Mark, Andreas and Darren Matt, Jesus, Jeff and Suso

Winners Mark and Darren

SOUTHERN LE SOUTHERN LEAAGUE GUE FRID FRIDAAY 3 MARCH Y 3 MARCH

DIVISION DIVISION A A

CBowlsGeckos97(6)EmIsleCavaliers(6)84

LaMarinaSharks54(2)QuesadaSwallows(10)101

SanLuisLions102(9)SanMiguelApaches(3)70

GreenlandsCedars63(1)VbellaLanzadores(11)104

SanMiguelApaches95(9)GreenlandsCedars(3)63

P PWWDDLLDifDifffPts Pts

QuesadaSwallows1546425280122

SanLuisLions1547325104115

GreenlandsOaks1541430180110

VistabellaLanzadores1545327109108

EmeraldIsleCavaliers1643334128103

CountryBowlsGeckos153663311499

SanMiguelApaches1526643-17068

LaMarinaSharks1525347-27761

GreenlandsCedars1513458-46828

DIVISION B DIVISION B

QuesadaSwifts93(8)EmIsleClaymores(4)79

ElRanchoMustangs78(3)VistabellaPicadors(9)111

QuesadaSwans105(6)LaMarinaSeagulls(6)80

SanMiguelNavajos91(10)LaSiestaGolds(2)70

P PWWDDLLDifDifffPts Pts

QuesadaSwans1645134185115

SanMiguelNavajos1545228238108

QuesadaSwifts153933311799

LaMarinaSeagulls1537533-4395

EmeraldIsleClaymores15363366391

VistabellaPicadors1535139-3187

LaSiestaGolds1535139-8183

LaSiestaBlues15361384582

ElRanchoMustangs1522350-49349

DIVISION C DIVISION C

EmIsleOutlaws83(8)CBowlsPanthers(4)79

VbellaConqídores98(8)LaSiestaSilvers(4)80

MontemarMatadors100(5)GreenlandsElms(5)80

P PWWDDLLDifDifffPts Pts

CountryBowlsPanthers1344021262110

SanLuisTigers1340322223103

MontemarMatadors143742915397

SanMiguelCommanches13332308281

EmeraldIsleOutlaws1330332-9673

GreenlandsElms1325238-15452

VistabellaConquistadors1323339-15550

LaSiestaSilvers1422543-31550

La Marina Bowls

Monday 27th and our Explorers had a bye, whilst our Pathfinders travelled to Quesada to play their Pearls.

We have always said that every shot counts and today was a prime example we won 2 games by 1 shot and lost 2 by 2 shots, also very close and it resulted in us getting 4 points and the Pearls 8. Our 2 winning trips being Trevor Hancock, Alan Birch & Len Daniels 17-16, and Audrey Birch, Norman Ship & Garth Slater 20-19.

Wednesday saw the end of our Birds League, followed on by a fine meal, the actual presentation is due this finals weekend, but I can give you the final table and the names of the winners.

The table reads: Puffins 42, Sparrows 37, Magpies 30, Eagles 28, Swans 25, Robins 18

Which seems a shame because if you are British the Robin would be our favourite bird, however in this case the Puffins came out on top consisting of John Rae, Janet Parsons, Trevor Hancock & Tom Spencer and deserve our congratulations.

Friday 3rd and the Seagulls are playing in the afternoon so unfortunately their result will be too late for this report. The Sharks however played in the morning at home to our geographically our closest opposition, Quesada Swallows, and I am afraid we did not fare well at all, winning just 1 trip, Janet Parsons, Margaret MacLaughlin & Anne Stone 14-12, and losing the overall shots 54-101 giving us just 2 points. By Dave Hadaway

Quesada Bowls Club - Steve Hibberd

QBC President, Mark France, suggested to match Secretary, Sue Cooper, that it might be a good idea if a club mascot could be created. Well, the knit & natter mogul only went and produced a life size creature didn¥t she!

But, it doesn¥t end there, oh no, because as a club fund raising exercise, a sheet comprising of 50 names for our cute gnome, will soon be available. Members are invited to have a guess at our new mascots name at 1 euro per square, then a random generator will be used to reveal his name. The lucky winner will go home with a bottle of brandy, kindly donated by Sue, whilst Mark has provided funds for Sue to bring the gnome to life.

Knowing my luck, I¥ve got no chance of winning, especially if the fund-raising football scratch off cards are anything to go by. Week after week, both Pompey & the famous Glasgow Rangers, have failed to earn me the cash prize, but I live in hope!

In their penultimate Div 1 match of the South Alicante league season, Pearls earned a satisfactory home 8-4 victory over La Marina. Well done - G Phillips, M France, Jason P22-19. TMorgan, C Dye, I Forbes 15-13. B Trinder, T& M Ward 29-10.

Diamonds meanwhile, ventured to San Miguel, where they took on Orcas. Only the trips teams of C Skinner, PFarrell, G Skinner 23-8 plus K Gordon, D Collings, T Voisey 21-16, were victorious, in their 4-8 defeat. But, with only 1 match remaining, they sit only 1 point off the top of div 2. Watch this space!

Champagne corks were flying in all directions, as Rubies were deservedly crowned champions of div 3 by a massive 14 points. Their last match of the season saw them make the short trip to Greenlands, where they drew 6-6 against Beech. Take a bowTBrinton, F Houbrect, B Miller 25-8. S Johnston, D Gould, AReid 22-12.

Swallows look to have secured ADiv in Friday' s Southern league, following an emphatic 10-2 triumph at La Marina. Against the Sharks, here's Swallows 4 winning rinks - C Lowry, TWard, D Conlon 169. M & C Highland, PMorgan 17-13. B Trinder, VCampbell, F Roberts 32-7. T Morgan, C Dye, M Ward 24-11. Swifts had a morning match at home to Emerald Isles Claymores, coming up trumps on 3 rinks, to earn a useful 8-4 scoreline. Here's the successful 3 sets of trips - J Cleal, M Holmes, F Houbrechts 15-14. S Johnston,

Swans went into their afternoon home match against La Marina Seagulls, some 11 points clear at the top of Div B, but a 6-6 draw meant that lead has now been cut to 7 points. With a bye next week, they must hope that they can cling onto top spot, especially as these 2 rinks were responsible for gaining 6 valuable points - H Olsen, PBottle, TVoisey 21-10. C Bowles, D Gould, K Bowles 36-4

LA SIESTA BOWLS (MEMBERS RUN CLUB) By ALAN CARR

Division (B) At home the Blues welcomed the Emerald Isle Claymores, which we won on four rinks by; Joy & Brian Gardiner with Jean Cooper (30-10). Les Bedford, Norman Adcroft & Derek Biggs (18-9). Dawn & John Taylor with Harold Charleton (20-14). Dave Blackie, Mike Inns & Jim Gracie (1716). Result 10-2 (Shots102-71).

Division (C) The Silvers were hosted by Montemar Matadors, considering we travelled with one team short we were still able to win on two rinks by; Leslie & Wayne Howlett, with David Whitworth (17-11). Mags Higgins, Jim Gwynn & Maxine Wright (20-17). Result 4-8 (Shots 62-82)).

Enterprise The Apollos entertained San Miguel Dolphins, and picked up a well needed 10 points by winning on four rinks together with the overall (Shots 106-87). Rink winners were; Dave Blackie, Norman Adcroft & Derek Biggs (24-11) Joy & Brian Gardiner with Jean Cooper (22-14). Joan & Mike Inns with Jim Gracie (21-16). Dawn & John Taylor with Harold Charleton (21-20).

Discovery The Pioneers away game was Emerald Isle Neptune’s which resulted with good wins on three rinks by; Judy Carroll,

Emerald Isle Bowls

Neptunes played at home against La Siesta Pioneers and they got beaten 4-8, Aggregate of 61-86 M Oakley M Ellis J Pooley 16-11, M Riley R Pollock R White 15-11 Moonrakers travelled up to Monte Mar Matadors and slipped to a 2-10, 61 -127 J Forrest AGower TUpham 2014

Cavaliers were at Country Bowls Geckos and they got a good draw 6-6, Aggregate of 84-97 PHeaney G Odell B Kavanagh 20-6, N Davis M Veale D Gerrard 21-16 S Johnson S Marks R Marks 20-19

Claymores played at Quesada Swifts and went down 4-8 Aggregate of 79-93, M Riley R pollock R White 22-13 M Raine C Wilson PWillicott 22-19

Outlaws played against Country Bowls Panthers and had a good win 8-4 Aggregate of 83-79 M Nash D Clark T Upham 19-9, J Forrest J Ball K John 21-16, AGower J Speedie G Smith 21-20

SAPS on Sat at 1.15pm Great 2 hours bowling for learners and Bowlers all for 5 Euros. Shoes and Bowls if needed and coaching and bar of course.

By Elwyn Morris

Ken Barber & Alan Mawer (29-8). Tracey Paffett, Pauline & Lyndon Johnston (17-10). Ken Stringfellow, Pat Moore & Ros Stockell (19-12). We also picked up 2 points for the overall (Shots 86-61) making the end result 8-4.

Voyager The Sputniks afternoon game saw San Miguel Sting Rays visit La Siesta, with us winning well on three of the rinks, also claiming the overall (Shots 90-71) to win the game 8-4. The winning teams were; Leslie & Wayne Howlett with David Whitworth (26-9). Molly Russell, Trevor Witcher & Brian Elkington (27-12). Mick Higgins, Graham Doel & George Richardson (17-14).

Wednesday was the last week of the Internal Yardstick competition which saw 3 teams finish with the same points, congratulations to the winning team; Mags Haines, Judy Carroll & Martin Harley who won on shot difference.

Interested in joining La Siesta members run bowls club, there is always something going on with events being arranged by the social secretary to suit all members. George´s Chicken and Egg, every Wednesday 1.30 for 2pm, with Mike & Grahams roll up every Saturday 930 for 950 am. Just pop in or call the President George 865772498 who will provide information.

Country Bowls Club

On Monday the Seahawks entertained Vistabella Drivers on a very cold morning, gloves and bobble hats were the order of the day. Avery close contest pursued with the eventual result 6 points each, overall shots 85 to 79, winning rinks Sue Hudson, Del Gunning, Peter Whitehall 30 to 14, Ben Noke, Dave Belton, Ray Robson 21 to 13.

The Flamingos travelled to San Luis and found the going hard coming away with 1 single rink and 2 points, winning rink, Clive Hoyal, Trish Dix, George Burrage 22 to 13, overall shots 57 to 127.

In the Southern League on Friday the Panthers travelled to Emerald Isle to play the Outlaws needing a good result to claim top spot in Division C. However the Outlaws had other ideas and the Panthers now go to

play the Tigers next week in a top of the table decider. The result today was 4 points to 8, shots 79 to 83, winning rinks Val Lever, Allan Lever, Steve Wailes 16 to 11, Liz Mildon, Nick Mildon, Dean Webb 18 to 11.

The Geckos also played a team from Emerald Isle at home and a good contest it was with some very close games, Geckos managed to win overall by 97 shots to 84 but winning only on 2 rink to finish with a draw 6 points each. Winning rinks were Sheena Mallet, Trish Dix, John Mallet 31 to 14, Sheila Whitehall, John Jukes, Ray Robson 25 to 9.

New members and guests are always made welcome at the only club in Murcia region competing in the Lavante Lawn Bowls Leagues, why not come along to one of our roll up mornings on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday at 10 am.

BYPETERDIX

B & LMiller 25-10. K Gordon, D Collings, AReid 21-11.

The mascot is the one in the middle

Greenlands Bowls - Chris Dewar

Maples v Vistabella, Maples managed a great 10-2- and 84-62win. Best rink S. Bosworth, K. Hardy J. Hier. Not to be out done the Chestnuts entertained El Rancho and also won 10-2 and 116 - 70. H. Johnson, J. Kocsis and J. Johnson. The Beech played against a very strong Quesada team and came away with a well-earned draw, 7-7 and 62-79. Best C. Taylor, N. Potter and P. Taylor, R. Charters-Byrne, L. Heamersley and S. Horton.

In the winter League Gladiators made the short trip to Vistabella. The result was 4-4 and 57-56 shots draw.

VistabellaBowls

Saturday 25th February Vistabella held their first of their 2 Finals Weekends, Winners of the Mixed Rinks were, Freddie Willey, Steve Baxter, Carol Thorpe, Gary Thorpe, Winners of the Mixed Pairs were, Sue Kemp & Martin Foulcer,

Sunday 26th February, Winners of the Club Singles, Men's Champion Martin Foulcer. Ladies Champion Maggie Furness.

Monday 27th February, Vistabella Albatrosses Division A, were at Home to Greenlands Maples, Winning on only 1 Rink, Sue Kemp, Barbara Brown, Brian Zelin 13-8, Shots 62-84. Points 2-10.

Vistabella Drivers Division B, Were Away to Country Bowls Seahawks, Winning on 3 Rinks, Steve Baxter, Derek Howe, Brian Pointon 17-9, Frank Barclay, Steve Wilson, Derek Stevenson 1510, Hillary James, Sue Wilson, Alan Bannister 20-15, Shots 79-85. Points 6-6.

Vistabella Eagles Division C, were at Home to San Luis Trekkers, Winning on 3 Rinks plus Drawing the Shots, Julia Clarke, Peter Westwood, Sheila Westwood 16-15, Jill Wyatt, Avril Kendall, Freddie Willey 15-13, Peter Cadwell, John Ridley, Paul Durham 30-10, Shots 86-86. Points 7-5.

Wednesday 1st March, Vistabella in the Winter League were at Home to 2023 Champions Greenlands Warriors, Winning on 2 Rinks and just missing out on the Shots, Freddie Willey, Alice Howe, Carol Thorpe, Gary Thorpe 25-8, Steve Baxter, Derek Howe, Richard Lee, Maggie Furness 16-14, Shots 56-57. Pts 4-4.

Friday 3rd March, Vistabella Lanzadores Division A, were Away to Greenlands Cedars, Winning on 4 Rinks and Drawing on 1 Rink, Sue Kemp, Mo Foulcer, Brian Zelin 19-16, Richard Lee, Maggie Furness, Eric Bishop 13-13, Geraldine Fisher, Barbara Brown, Gordon Fisher 21-20, Lynne Bishop, Carol Thorpe, Gary Thorpe 26-6, Arthur Brown, Stuart Allman, Brian Dunn 25-8, Shots 104-63. Points 11-1.

Vistabella Picadors Division B, were Away to El Rancho Mustangs, Winning on 3 Rinks and Drawing on 1 Rink, Frank Barclay, Steve Wilson, Derek Stevenson 21-14, Hillar James, Sue Wilson, Alan Bannister 16-16, Ron Smith, John Goddard, Alice Howe 31-16, Steve Baxter, Norman Stephens, Derek Howe 26-10, Shots 111-78. Pts 9-3.

Vistabella Conquistadors Division C, were Home to La Siesta Silvers, Winning on 3 Rinks + the Shots, Julia Clarke, Peter Westwood, Sheila Westwood 36-7, Rosemarie Savage, Ken Savage, Keith Black 22-16, Peter Cadwell, John Ridley, Alan Gordon 18-10, Shots 98-80. Pts 8-4.

EL RANCHO BOWLS CLUB

On Monday the Pintos were at Greenlands playing the Chestnuts and despite some good play, they came away with one rink. Ann Abbott, Dolly Ford and Marion Haynes 12-33. Tony Abbott, Sheila Millward and Jim Eastwood 16-23. Ria Dukker, Brian Harris and Diane Yates 9-23. Barbara Jones, Dave Haynes and Geoff Jones 10-26. Dave Baker, Judy Foley and Ron Greenstreet 23-11.

Friday found the Mustangs playing host to Vistabella Picadors, a tricky wind caused a little consternation and the cold wind warmed up after a while. The Mustangs took one rink and drew another. Frances Johnston, Ron Greenstreet and Bob Day 10-26. Lesley Day, Peter Blackburn and Malc Sykes 16-16. Bill Johnston, Kevin Henry and Jim Eastwood 14-21. Barbara Jones, Dave Baker and Geoff Jones 16-31. Sheila Cox, Judy Foley and Mike Cox 2217. Bowlers of all levels are welcome at El Rancho, for further membership information contact Sheila Cox at micksheilacox@gmail.com.

Thursday saw the Cedars play their postponed game away at San Miguel and although everyone tried their best the result was 3-9 to San Miguel, 63-95. Best B. Tomlin, B. Ewart and S. Watson.

The Cedars entertained a very strong Vistabella team and although fighting hard throughout the went down 1-11 and 63104. Drawn rink, J. Kocsis, B. Ewart and T. Hodges.

The Elms played a great game against a strong Montemar side and earned a good 7-7 and 80-100 draw. Best P. Wray, M Cozzie and J. Wray.

The social evening at The Coopers Arms was a fantastic evening, buffet and music with 60 plus members. Thank you,

Monte Mar Bowls Club

Sponsored by The Pub, Gran Alacant Insurances, Dialprix, The Belfry, Sunrise Builders, and Dunbars.

VOYAGER DIVISION - Monday 27th February, Monte Mar Matadors v Emerald Isle Moonrakers

At home to the Moonrakers we won on four rinks well done: Gina Hindle, Sue Bounds skip David Eades, Paul Dodd, Cindy Bedford skip Neil Crawford, Colin Bedford Steve Leatherland skip Barry Watson and Lynne Armitage, Steve Hindle skip Keith Young. Shots Matadors 127 – 61

SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB

By Sheila Cammack

We have just one more week to the end of our winter season matches and to find out who has come out on top of the leagues. Our teams are still fighting for points and we’ve had some more good results, let’s hope we have better, warmer weather; certainly by the time the summer leagues begin! South Alicante League, Enterprise Div. (A); on Monday 27th the Klingons were home against Country Bowls Flamingos and had an excellent morning; sometimes things just go right, points 10-2, shots 127-57. Winners: Giuseppe Galelli, June Jones, John Smyth 27-13, Kevin McKenna, Mary Lockley, Keith Jones 20-14, Phil Lockley, Sheila Cammack, Vic Mahomet 33-3, Kath Reid, Caroline Smyth, Ian Kenyon 34-5. Voyager Div. (C) Trekkers had a hard fought match away v Vistabella Eagles, points 5-7, shots 86-86. Winners: Stuart Wilson, Bill Webb, Dave Webb 27-11, Ray Watmough, Tricia & Pat Reilly 21-14. Southern League (Div A) on Friday 3rd the Lions had a great result at home v San Miguel Apaches, points 9-3, shots 102-70.

Jill, for organising a wonderful evening.

If you enjoy a mix of competitive and fun bowling in a friendly environment at a wonderful venue. If you want to share in and contribute to our continued success, If you are interested, give one of us a call? Also coaching available either groups or individual, by fully qualified coaches. Equipment available.

Pete Bonsor (Captain) 711 02 08 46, Keith Stobbart (President) 693 06 53 55, Chris Dewar Match Secretary 698 418 987 Joes roll up every Saturday morning 10 for 10.30, entry fee 1 euro. Non-members are welcome and pay just 6 euros. Food and drink available afterwards.

Moonrakers, Points Matadors 10 – 2 Moonrakers.

DIVISION C. Friday 3rd March - Monte Mar Matadors v Greenlands Elms

At home to the Elms we won on two rinks and drew on one rink well done: Gina Hindle, Steve Hindle skip Barry Watson, Colin Bedford jean Chamberlain skip Neil Crawford and the drawing rink Jan Soars, Rod Chamberlain skip Phil Goble. Shots Matadors 100 – 80 Elms. Points matadors 7 – 5 Elms. For further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website www.montmarbowls.com. We are also on Facebook.

Winners: Tricia Reilly, Pat Reilly, Dave Webb 21-14, Phil & Mary Lockley Ian Kenyon 29-8, Neil & Sandra Burrows, Scott Malden 29-7, Giuseppe Galelli, June Jones, John Smyth 16-16. (Div C) the Tigers had a BYE so just one final match next week.

This week in our Club Championships it was the Mixed Triples; Tricia Reilly, Bill Webb & Pat Reilly v Kath Reid, Scott Malden & Ian Kenyon. It was another bright sunny morning but still cold, needing some layers to keep body and cold fingers working properly. Pat’s team went ahead early on in a real nip & tuck match, with some excellent play and close heads and

San Miguel Bowls Club - Barry Jones

On Monday all three teams were in action with mixed results. San Miguel Orcas were home to Quesada Diamonds winning 8-4, 85-82. The best winning triple were Meg Brownlee, Stan North and Raymond Farmer 25-6.

The two remaining teams were away at La Siesta, San Miguel Dolphins played La Siesta Apollos in the morning losing 2 - 10, 87106. The winning triple were Allan Patterson, Mary Whitelock and Ron Nairey 26 -18.

San Miguel Stingrays played Siesta Sputniks in the afternoon, where they lost 4 - 8, 71 -90. The best winning triple were Gunnie Sigurdar, Adam Ingram and Ken Guiney 20-7.

On Wednesday San Miguel were home to Benitachell winning 6 - 2, 58-31. Best rink were Paul Hayward, Mary Whitelock, Dori Svanbergsson and Ron Nairey 28-4. Abig thank you went to Anita Brown, Sheila Booth, Don Darby and Steve Cantley who made up a friendly rink, winning 24 - 6.

On Thursday, San Miguel Apaches were home to Greenlands Cedars where they played a re-arranged match from 24th February, winning

some near misses from both sides leading to oohs!! & aahs!! from the spectators. However, Ian’s team gradually pulled ahead and stayed there to take the victory on the 17th end. The last final will be the Ladies’ and Men’s Singles.

If you want to find out more about San Luis BC, come along to Oasis San Luis & talk to members; we’re a friendly bunch! or take part in the chicken drive on Saturdays (10:00/10:30) or contact Club Captain June Jones for info: keithjones81@hotmail.com or any committee member.You have nothing to lose and the possibility of finding a new interest and making new friends!

9 - 3, 95 -63. Best winning triple were Allan Patterson, Sheila Booth and Don Darby 26 -6.

On Friday we had two teams in action, San Miguel Navajos were home to La Siesta Golds, winning 10 - 2, 91 -70. The best winning triple was Anne Young, Dave Young and Ray Farmer 23 - 7. San Miguel Apaches were away to San Luis Lions where they lost 3 - 9, 70-102. The winning rink were Allan Patterson, Sheila Booth and Don Darby 25 - 7.

Areminder that the Wasps sessions take place Wednesdays 1.30pm for 2.00pm - Ä5 for an afternoonís bowling with shoes and bowls available to borrow. Due to the popularity of the Wasps, first time bowlers are asked to attend an initial coaching session on Tuesday afternoons, starting at 1.45pm, by appointment ONLY. To book, please call Dave or Lynn Greenland on +34 667 207 508.

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

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

and Ian Kenyon

Scott Malden, Kath Reid

LEAGUEFORMATWEEK9

Friendly Temps10 -14Tipsy Tigers

Dolly Mixtures13 -11Friendly Chicas

Ladybirds14 - 9Primadonnas

Gap Girlz18 - 4Whacky Allsorts

LEAGUETABLE PPts

Gap Girlz9135

Ladybirds9117

Primadonnas9103

Tipsy Tigers9103

Friendly Chicas993

Friendly Temps989

Dolly Mixtures983

Whacky Allsorts970

This week it¥s Gap Girl Chelsea Campbell who earned herself top spot in the hotshots table, closely followed by teammate Gail Murray

who also scooped 5 biggies, well done ladies. Scores like that are no doubt why the Gap are a hard team to beat, maxing out with 18 legs in

their home game against the Whacky Allsorts. The ladybirds and the Tigers also put on a good show gaining 14 legs apiece in tough draws against the 3rd place Primadonnas and the Friendly Temps. It was a close call between the Dolly Mixtures and Friendly Chicas but the hosts just pipped the visitors.

HOTDARTS: Chelsea Campbell (GG) 162, 140, 101, 100 x2, Gail Murray (GG) 140, 133, 109, 103, 100, Angie Mullen (LB)

138, 100, Amanda Skinner (GG) 135 x2, 100 Yvonne Rouffignac (GG) 133, Monique Edelenbos (FT) 130, Sue Cam (LB) 127 Pat Schofield (TT)124, 114, Donna Ralph (LB) 121, Bliss Wright (GG) 120 Margaret Boden (WA) 114, 104, Elizabeth Cowan (TT) 114, Amanda Townsend (FC)111, Chris Greenwood (WA) 105, Selma Dyer (DM) 104 Julie Hallett (FC) 103, Sue Christie (LB) 102 Lesley Eagles (TT) 102, Carol Hurley (PD) 101, Diane Burns (DM), Sharon Crane (TT), Diane Dane (PD), Julie Thompson (FT) 100

WORLD T20 CRICKET RECORD FOR SPAIN

Spain bowl out Isle of Man for record low Twenty20 score of 10

Sydney Thunder have the record for the shortest innings in men's T20 cricket with 5.5 overs

Isle of Man were dismissed for 10 - the lowest score in men's Twenty20 history - as they were beaten by Spain in the final game of their tour on Sunday.

Spain won the toss and chose to bowl, and Isle of Man were all out within 8.4 overs. Seven players were dismissed without scoring and Joseph Burrows top-scored with four. The previous lowest score was Sydney Thunder's 15 against Adelaide Strikers in 2022.

Spain's Mohammad Kamran took 4-4, including a hat-trick with the wickets of Luke Ward, Carl Hartmann and Edward Beard in

the third over.

Left-arm pacer Atif Mehmood also took four wickets and Lorne Burns claimed the other two in his first four balls.

Spain needed just two legitimate deliveries to chase the target. The first ball was a no-ball before right-handed batter Awais Ahmed hit the next two for six.

The game was the second of two on Saturday, with Isle of Man posting 132-8 from their 20 overs in the earlier game, but Spain won by seven wickets with 45 balls remaining.

Isle of Man became an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2004 and an associate member in 2017. They play games in the European sub-regional qualifiers for T20 World Cups, but have never made it to the global qualifiers.

Courtesy of: bbc.com

Spains Ortuño wins first Óptica Mar Open at Club Bowling Torrevieja

By Andrew Atkinson

Spain's Adrián Ortuño won the first Óptica Mar Open at Club Bowling Torrevieja,defeating Venezuelan Noè Gamazo in the final.

The competition saw 32 entries, with Swede,Benny Norlin (Euro Bowling Torrevieja) pitched in the semi-final against Ortuño (Levante) and young Ukrainian Ilya Ostroverkh against Gamazo (Euro Bowling Torrevieja). Ortuño and Gamazo emerged victorious,with the final very tight from the beginning,only decided in the last frame where

CBIndependent Pool

Full Monte Azul defeat Mixed Spice 9-1

Ortuño finished first at 218. Gamazo needed two straight strikes to prevail,but only managed one to score 205.

Valencian Ortuño was presented with a champion winner's prize of 250.

Third and fourth places were decided by the semi-final score, with Ostroverkh placed ahead of Norlin,209-194.

A consolation prize,with fifthplace Markku Määttä awarded an Óptica Mar voucher for sunglasses.

For the full results,see bowl4u.com.

FULLMonte Azul defeated Mixed Spice 9-1 in week 14 of the Costa Blanca Independent Pool League division 2 Andy Corcoran, Paul Wilkinson, Dave McGreevy, John Stabler, Paul Cheetham, and Graham Cunningham racked up wins, with Colin Lewis returning a win for the visitors.

The Dream Team gained a 6-4 win against Cab Buddies. Chris Gridley, Craig Lambert, Gary Dack, and Kevin Williams were amongst the winners for TDT.

The Pine Nuts defeated The Almoradians away 6-4 in division one, with Anthony Dunn, Fred Kaye, Wayne Morrison, Paul Thompson, and Andy Wilks chalking up wins for the victors.

The Excellence returned a 8-2 home win against The Shakers; The Rancheros defeated Hals Heroes 6-0, and The Young Boys defeated Super Beer Monsters 6-4.

Mitch Halliday, Primadonnas Sue Cam, Ladybirds

Chelsea Campbell, Gap Girlz

at Club Bowling Torrevieja.

Finalists in first Óptica Mar Open

Spain bowled out the IOM National team for just 10 runs

REVENGE IS SWEET FOR THADER AGAINST 10-MAN CREVILLENTE

Back in October last year, Thader were comprehensively beaten at Crevillente, but this latest encounter between the 2 sides, certainly went a long way to restoring some pride.

table, whilst visitors Crevillente were occupying the final playoff slot.

The first of many bookings arrived on 5 mins, but thankfully for Thader, none of them lead to a second yellow card.

CD Thader .. .........3

Fresh from a 2-1 midweek defeat at Villajoyosa, when a late winner negated Rosquin's 80th min equaliser, Thader were keen to get back to winning ways. Five games without a win had seen the men from Rojales, slip to 11th in Preferente division

Crevillente Dep ....2

Restored to the starting lineup, Calderon appeared to be barged off the ball inside the box after 10 mins, but arbitro señor Corrillo was unimpressed, as play was allowed to continue.

Crevillente´s first real attempt on goal on 14 mins, resulted in Argentinian Guido clearing

the ball off the line. From the next attack up the other end, Rosquin executed a teasing low cross, which managed to evade everyone in the visitors goal mouth.

Midway through the 1st half, Pablo should have put Crevillente in front but a complete lack of composure saw him shoot wide of an open goal from only 10 yards, as sighs of relief were audible around the ground.

Lloyd headed across goal on 27 mins, only for Dani Lucas to place his header agonisingly wide of the post.

When Javi was brought down outside the box on 30 mins, play was allowed to continue, resulting in Calderon being brought down, but, instead of awarding a penalty, the ref then gave Thader a free kick for the original offence.

Crevillente took the lead in spectacular fashion, courtesy of a stunning unstoppable long-range drive by Garcia on 33 mins, but parity was restored in a flash. A trademark powerful Lloyd free kick was parried by keeper Chiri into the path of Dani Lucas, who had the simple task of side footing into an open net.

Deep into stoppage time, from a corner, Navarro rose majestically to powerfully head home at the far post, giving Crevillente a slender half time advantage.

SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION

ATLETICO PAY THE PENALTY AGAINST TORRY B

SC Torrevieja CF B defeated Atletico Benejuzar CF A4-1 in the Valencia 2nd Regional Group16 on Saturday.

Goals from Marco, Diego and Diaz secured the three points, with Torry shotstopper Maxi saving two penalties.

Sporting Callosa CF B defeated CF United Elche A4-0. Leaders Guardamar Soccer CD Adefeated CF Atletico San Fulgencio A3-0, to top the table on 56 points (P21).

CF Popular Orihuela sit in third spot on 45 points after taking a point in a 3-3 six goals thriller against CF Formentera.

CD Benijofar suffered a 1-4 home defeat against CF Sporting Albatera.

QUIZ FROM PAGE 14:

1.South Korea, 2.The Rutles, 3.Josephine Baker, 4.c.Rose, 5.Ronald Reagan (his father's favourite actor).6.Red Guards.7.a.The Scarlatti Inheritance, b.The Osterman Weekend, c.The Holcroft Covenant.8.Table tennis.9.18 days, 14 hours, 22 minutes.10.Gospel.11.Polyglot.12. Gulliver's Travels.13.Spinach.14.3D Camera, able to take three-dimensional pictures.15.a. Don't it make my brown eyes blue (Crystal Gayle), b.Blue suede shoes (Elvis), c.Blue Velvet (Bobby Vinton), d.Blue Jay Way (Beatles), e.Blue Jean (David Bowie).16.Dim Sum.17. Several species of small furry animals gathered together in a cave and grooving with a Pict.18.a. The Sting, b.Slap Shot, c.The Hustler or The Color of Money, d.Hombre, e.Cat on a hot tin roof.19.Satellite.20.Mace

Aspe UD Asuffered a 2-3 home defeat against CF Atletico Algorfa in the Valencia 1st Regional G8 on Saturday.

Leaders SC Torrevieja CF travelled to third place CF Sporting de San

Carp-R-Us Murcia Series

On Thursday Carp-R-Us started their Murcia Series on the Rio Segura in Murcia centre. Following the very heavy overnight storms in the area that brought heavy sleet and rain we expected the river to be in full flow and at a very high level.

Nothing could have been further from the case with the river appearing a normal colour, running at a normal pace and about a foot down on normal levels.

Thader´s captain Lloyd showed intention of what was to come on 52 mins, when his 20 yard free kick flew over the wall, but also just past angle of bar and post.

On the hour mark, on as sub, Quino headed a Dani Lucas cross inches wide. Crevillente were awarded an indirect free kick inside the box on 70 mins, but despite a goalmouth melee, the danger was cleared off the line in dramatic fashion.

Quino was through on goal on 75 mins, only to be unceremoniously hacked down by Crevillente sub Eloy. A red card to Eloy was followed by Lloyd dispatching the resultant penalty with aplomb.

As tensions were rising, on 82 mins, it was Captain Marvel again who sent the Thader fans into a state of delirium. From a corner, the ball broke loose to Lloyd, who from 5 yards, slammed the ball into the back of the net.

In stoppage time, it should have been another goal to the good for Thader, had sub Jony shown more confidence when through on goal. Faced with a 1 on 1 with the keeper, he chose to square the ball to Quino, who misread the pass, succeeding only in fouling the keeper.

For me, this has to rank as Thader´s best performance of the season, and with an away match at near neighbours Almoradi next weekend, confidence must be high. Check CD Thader facebook page for further details.

Fulgencio Aon Sunday in a top of the table clash; second place Pinoso CF Ahosted UD La Coca-Aspense A, with just two points separating the top three in the race for the title. Full results round-up will appear online at www.theleader.info

This area of the river is normally cold in the summer months and today although the temperature was about 10 degrees, at times it felt like freezing and most of the match was fished in very cold conditions.

Winner on the day, taking advantage of a good draw on peg 1 was Graham Patterson with 5.320kg. Graham fished an open ended feeder with bread or maggot fished across to take 4 carp. In second place was Wandering Walter, Terry Screen who despite walking up and down the match stretch several times managed to catch 3 carp close in on the feeder with bread

for 5.020kg.

Alan Smith took third place with a good solitary carp also caught on the feeder, again close in for 3.46kg.

The other 3 anglers all caught, Graham Booth had 1 carp for 1.200kg, Willy Moons also followed suit with a similar carp for 1.06kg and Ian Brown brought up the rear with a single bleak for 0.025kg. At least we all caught. Further information about the club can be found on the Facebook page Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blance or its website www.carp-r-us.weebly.com

CD Montesinos youth team hosted Norwegian club Asko Y Football at the Municipal Stadium Los Montesinos in an entertaining 2-2 draw. Photo: David Winder.

CAPTAIN MARVEL: A brace for skipper Lloyd