Costa Blanca & Costa Calida weekly: English-language local news, sport and events for Torrevieja, Or
The Great Landing and Summer Fest brought the colour and spectacle of Orihuela’s Moors and Christians traditions to La Glea beach.
Campoamor became the stage for a memorable weekend of history, culture and entertainment as the Moros Abdelazies of Orihuela brought the Great Landing and Summer Fest 2026 to La Glea beach.
The two-day celebration introduced one of the municipality’s most important cultural traditions to a much wider audience, combining the pageantry of the Moors and Christians festivities with live music, food, dance, sport and family activities.
For many expatriate residents of Orihuela Costa, it was the first opportunity to experience the colour, drama and symbolism of a Moors and Christians celebration at close quarters.
Rather than travelling inland to attend one of the region’s traditional parades, residents and visitors were able to watch the spectacle unfold beside the Mediterranean, with the beach transformed into a dramatic open-air stage.
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The Costa Blancaís oldest ëFREEíEnglish
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Organisers said the event had been designed to take the festival beyond its traditional participants and share it with the wider community.
Free activities ran throughout the weekend, attracting local residents, tourists and visitors of many different nationalities.
The programme included yoga, bachata, DJs, live bands, traditional food, beer and tapas, along with the centrepiece of the weekendthe Great Landing.
HISTORY CAME ALIVE ON THE BEACH
The Great Landing recreated the arrival of Moorish forces by sea and brought the spirit of Orihuela’s Reconquista celebrations to the coast.
Boats approached the shoreline as mounted performers, warriors and costumed participants took part in a theatrical battle featuring swords, smoke, gunpowder effects, music and cannon fire.
The sea, sand and setting sun provided a striking backdrop for the performance, which drew large crowds along the beachfront.
Many international residents watched with fascination as riders in elaborate costumes charged across the sand and opposing warriors staged dramatic combat scenes.
For those unfamiliar with the tradition, the event offered an accessible introduction to the history, spectacle and community spirit behind the Moors and Christians festivities celebrated across the Valencia and Murcia regions.
The production involved the Moors and Christians Association of Orihuela, participating comparsas, local institutions, the Campoamor Nautical Club, public authorities and a large team of volunteers.
FOOD, MUSIC AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT
The historical reenactment formed part of a broader weekend festival that offered activities from morning until late in the evening.
Saturday began with an open-air yoga session beside the sea, before the focus moved to music, food and entertainment.
One of the most popular attractions was the preparation of giant paellas over wood fires. A
specialist rice chef and a team of assistants cooked for the crowds using traditional methods, turning the meal itself into a spectacle. Visitors also enjoyed tapas, small sandwiches and a selection of beers, including Belgian craft varieties.
Sunday offered a more relaxed programme aimed at families and groups of friends. The day began with bachata and continued with food, music and a celebration of the gastronomy and identity of the Vega Baja.
The festival later concluded with a live screening of Spain’s football match against Saudi Arabia on a giant screen, adding a sporting finale to the weekend.
FIFTY YEARS OF TRADITION
The Great Landing and Summer Fest held special significance for the Moros Abdelazies, who were celebrating the 50th anniversary of their comparsa.
Founded on December 21, 1976, the group has become one of the most respected participants in Orihuela’s Moors and Christians celebrations. It is known for the elegance of its parades, the quality of its costumes and the strong sense of fellowship passed down through generations.
The formal costume worn by the male ranks has remained largely unchanged since 1977. Based on a Jordanian ceremonial design, it features a white jacket and loose trousers with gold decoration, a black sash and cape, black slippers, a white headscarf and a scimitar. The first outfits were made by Tono Tailors in Orihuela and were completed in time for the comparsa’s first provincial parade in Alicante.
The name Abdelazies honours Abd al-Aziz, a warrior linked to the early Muslim conquest of the eastern Iberian Peninsula.
Under the leadership of Francisco Sanchez Mateos, the anniversary celebrations also helped connect Orihuela’s historic traditions with the international community of Orihuela Costa.
By staging the event at La Glea beach, the group gave thousands of residents and visitors the chance to experience local history, music, dance and pageantry at first hand.
The first poem is a famous sonnet by Emma Lazarus (1849-1887) which is depicted on the Statue of Liberty, while and the second is an update, written in the same style, by John McGilvray
THE NEW COLOSSUS
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, with conquering limbs astride from land to land; here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand a mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command the air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she with silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to break free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door.
THE FALLEN COLOSSUS
Here stands a brazen man of sordid fame, who constructs mighty walls around the land; discourteous; who fails to understand the calumnies, the everlasting shame brought to these shores; the dimming of the flame, the shaking of the fist; no open hand, no world-wide welcome; now everyone banned, his rationale exceedingly lame.
"Keep to your ancient lands, or else, cries he, I do not accept your tired and your poor, your huddled masses mean nothing to me, military aims will always endure; deport these wretches far beyond the sea, America has locked the golden door"
Images courtesy Raul Campoamor
Bonfires, midnight sea rituals and a possible fireworks display will bring thousands of residents and visitors to beaches across Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja for the traditional Night of San Juan celebrations on Tuesday, June 23. Widely regarded as the unofficial beginning of summer, the festival centres on small bonfires lit on the sand. Revellers traditionally jump over the flames to symbolically leave behind the difficulties of the previous year.
At midnight, many enter the Mediterranean or place their feet in the water in a ritual associated with renewal, good fortune and purification.
CELEBRATIONS IN OR IHUELA COSTA
Official celebrations in Orihuela Costa will take place at Playa de la Glea and La Zenia beach from 8pm until 2am. Local Police and Civil Protection volunteers will supervise both locations.
Around 5,000 kilograms of pine and mimosa wood will be distributed at the beach entrances in cooperation with the beach bars. The selected wood produces relatively little residue, reducing the waste and hazards left behind on the sand.
No other wood or combustible materials will be allowed, particularly items containing nails, screws, metal fittings or other dangerous debris. The Beaches Department has advised participants to keep bonfires below one metre in height.
At 2am, attendees will be asked to leave so reinforced municipal cleaning teams can begin restoring the beaches. Around 25 police officers and Civil Protection volunteers will form part of the security operation, supported by an ambulance.
Beaches councillor Manuel Mestre urged participants to follow safety instructions, behave responsibly and remove their belongings and rubbish before leaving.
TORREVIEJA CELEBRATIONS
Torrevieja is also expected to permit traditional bonfires at La Mata, Playa del Cura, Los Locos and Los Naufragos beaches. The council normally distributes approximately 15,000 kilograms of pine wood from designated points. These are expected to include the entrance to the Poniente dock at Los Naufragos, the central section of Los Locos and the northern area of Playa del Cura.
La Mata is expected to have several collection points, including locations near the pumping station, the lifeguard post and Plaza Encarnacion Puchol.
Security personnel will monitor beach access to prevent unsuitable materials from being brought onto the sand.
A major fireworks display is provisionally scheduled for 11.59pm from the Juan Aparicio promenade. Although still awaiting official confirmation, it is expected to be visible from several beaches along Torrevieja’s coastline. The celebrations will continue on Wednesday, June 24, with the burning of the traditional neighbourhood bonfire at the junction of Calle San Jose and Calle Joaquin Chapaprieta in Molinos del Calvario.
Authorities in both municipalities have asked residents and visitors to use only authorised firewood, follow instructions from emergency personnel and leave the beaches clean and free of hazardous debris.
DANGEROUS VILLAMARTIN HAZARD SET FOR REMOVAL
Orihuela Council is to carry out a major urban improvement project in VillamartIn to increase pedestrian safety, improve accessibility and permanently resolve a longstanding problem in one of Orihuela Costa’s busiest areas.
The scheme will be managed by the Infrastructure Department, and delivered through the municipal company ECOPLAN.
The work will focus on an old access point to a stormwater drainage channel that is currently protected by temporary fencing and
deteriorated metal covers.
A new raised concrete slab will be constructed over the pavement to close the opening permanently.
The council said the intervention would improve safety for pedestrians and vehicles while enhancing the appearance of the surrounding area.
Supporting beams beneath the pedestrian zone will also be repaired and reinforced after signs of structural deterioration were discovered.
Once this work is completed, the new concrete slab will be installed,
fully integrated into the pavement and finished with suitable urban paving.
The existing pedestrian crossing will also be relocated to fit the redesigned layout. New pavement extensions will be added on both sides of the road to increase visibility, provide accessible dropped kerbs and encourage motorists to reduce their speed.
Bollards will be installed to prevent unauthorised loading and unloading, while road markings and traffic signs will be renewed.
Orihuela mayor Pepe Vegara said the project would address an issue affecting residents’ daily lives and provide a permanent solution in a heavily used area.
Infrastructure councillor VIctor Valverde said the work was necessary for safety and maintenance reasons, adding that it would remove a deteriorated feature, strengthen the existing structure and improve pedestrian mobility.
He also highlighted ECOPLAN’s role in delivering public-space improvements quickly and efficiently across Orihuela Costa.
The scheme forms part of the council’s wider infrastructure maintenance programme, which aims to improve safety, accessibility and the quality of public spaces throughout the municipality.
LONG ARM MEETS IN TORREVIEJA
Torrevieja welcomed senior Local Police officers from across Alicante province as it hosted the Ordinary General Assembly of the Assn of Local Police Chiefs for the first time.
The meeting, held at the city’s Tourism Centre, brought together representatives from numerous municipalities to discuss coordination, public safety and the exchange of professional experience.
Mayor Eduardo Dolon opened the event, which was also attended by regional and local security officials, including Erich Vanacloig, Federico Alarcon, Alejandro Morer and Torrevieja Local Police chief Oscar Carton.
Hosting the assembly was presented as recognition of the work
carried out by Torrevieja’s Local Police and of the city’s growing role in public-safety training, analysis and cooperation.
Five new members were welcomed into the association, while several recently retired officers were honoured for their careers and commitment to public service. The programme also featured a conference on relations between the Local Police and the press, delivered by Diario Informacion deputy editor Fernando Ramon Pascual.
He stressed the importance of clear, professional and transparent communication in improving public information and strengthening trust between police forces, the media and local communities across Alicante province.
BRUGAL RULING SPARKS €23 MILLION WASTE CLAIM BY ORIHUELA
Orihuela City Council was preparing to launch a major legal and political offensive over its controversial 2008 waste collection contract, with plans to seek more than e23 million from the consortium that won the concession.
The move followed a criminal court ruling in the long-running Brugal corruption case, which found that the tender process had been tainted by the use of privileged information, giving the winning bidders an unfair advantage.
Mayor Pepe Vegara is due to ask councillors to approve an official review of the original award, a step that could lead to the September 2008 council agreement being declared null and void.
The contract had originally been granted to a joint venture formed by SUFI, Liasur and Gobancast, later renamed Orihuela Capital de la Vega Baja, for waste collection, treatment, disposal and street cleaning.
Although the contract was terminated in 2012 and the service has since been run directly by the council, the financial consequences have remained unresolved.
The consortium has been claiming e10.93 million, plus
interest and legal costs, over the termination. Orihuela, however, now argues that no compensation should be paid at all. Instead, based on technical and legal reports, the council says the municipality suffered losses of e23,066,233, largely from the cost of taking over and maintaining the service itself.
The legal basis for the review rests on the January judgment by the Alicante Provincial Court, which found that confidential tender information had been improperly obtained and used. Among those convicted was former Partido Popular mayor Monica Lorente, who was sentenced to four months in prison and banned from public office for 20 years.
If the review is approved, affected parties will have the chance to respond, but the council would move to block the consortium’s claim and pursue its own recovery action. The case comes as Orihuela continues trying to modernise a waste service widely seen as outdated and under strain, with millions already earmarked for new vehicles, bins and infrastructure. The dispute now threatens to reshape both
the council’s finances and the legacy of one of its most controversial contracts.
AP-7 SMASH AND GRAB GANG BUSTED IN TORREVIEJA
The Civil Guard has dismantled an alleged Torreviejabased crime group accused of carrying out at least 18 robberies and thefts from vehicles at AP-7 service areas across the Valencian Community.
Four Romanian men were arrested following an investigation led by officers in Castellon and supervised by a Vinaros court. They face allegations including two robberies involving violence or intimidation, 16 vehicle thefts, document forgery and membership of a criminal organisation.
Investigators believe the group operated almost daily between January and May, targeting foreign motorists, particularly travellers from central and northern Europe. Victims were often resting inside or standing near their vehicles when windows were allegedly smashed and valuables stolen.
The suspects reportedly used rental cars and support vehicles to travel overnight from Alicante province. CCTV, number-plate data, rental contracts and police surveillance led officers to two properties in Torrevieja.
Donate a Raffle Prize for Celtic Isle’s Martin Kay Fundraiser
A community fundraiser will be held at the Celtic Isle in Playa Flamenca on Tuesday, June 30, from 1pm to 6pm, to support local resident Martin Kay and his family. Friends and members of the community are organising the event as Martin and his partner, Heidi, prepare to return to the UK for urgent medical treatment. Funds raised will help meet costs linked to his care, travel and relocation.
According to the appeal, Martin has suffered three strokes in the past year. The lat-
est reportedly caused a bleed on the brain and led to the discovery of an aneurysm. His family also says he needs urgent neck surgery because of pressure on his spinal cord, with a risk of paralysis if treatment is delayed.
The afternoon will include food, drinks, a raffle and entertainment, with all proceeds going to Martin and his family. Organisers are asking residents and local businesses to donate raffle prizes to help maximise the amount raised.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend, support the raffle and stand together with the family during this difficult time.
ELCHE STARTS TO CLOSE ILLEGAL AIRPORT CAR PARKS
Elche Council is preparing its first closure orders against vehicle long stay car parks near Alicante-Elche Airport after inspections identified alleged breaches of planning regulations.
The enforcement campaign focuses on around 60 facilities in Torrellano and El Altet, where the rapid expansion of airport parking businesses and vehicle compounds has caused growing concern among local residents.
Local Police officers have inspected the sites and instructed operators to provide licences and supporting documentation. Businesses unable to prove compliance once the response period ends could face closure.
Mayor Pablo Ruz said the first orders were being finalised as the council sought to bring what he described as “absolute chaos” under control.
The dispute centres on agricultural and rural land being converted into extensive parking and vehicle storage areas serving the airport.
Residents have complained about the visual impact, scale and apparent lack of regulation surrounding the developments. The council has distinguished between storage compounds used by car-hire companies and long-stay airport car parks for passengers. Ruz said rentalcompany facilities were necessary but argued that additional airport parking sites were not.
The mayor also stated that no new facilities had opened since the council amended its Development Plan to regulate the sector. Residents and the opposition group Compromis have called for stronger and faster enforcement, accusing the local government of allowing the problem to spread.
The expected closures would represent a significant move from inspections and warnings to direct action. Attention will now focus on the final planning regulations and the criteria used to decide which businesses may continue operating and which will be ordered to close.
John Doe ‘isn’t well....’
Here in Ireland you often have to be able to read between the lines when somebody is imparting a bit of bad news.
How you will decipher the real story is by paying close attention to the tone with which the bulletin is delivered.
Hold onto that thought while we explain how the Lads deal with discussing real life and death situations at matches, the mart, outside the chapel and on the street. But the pub is the primary pulpit for announcing … not only the illness of an unfortunate associate, but the future prognosis of the said same subject.
It is the understatement, or sometimes the exaggeration of pertinent parts of the story that make it difficult for outsiders to grasp exactly how badly the patient is affectedhence the secret of paying attention to the tone.
At its best, this is the unique Irish art of indirect communication; blending wit, politeness and storytelling instead of bluntly getting to the point.
The Lads like to finish off bad news with a ray of hope. ‘I hear that Johnny ‘Lazarus’ had the priest again last night … but ‘sher’ the next time that door over there opens, it will probably be him looking for a pint!’ ‘Josie Mac took a bit of a turn at the Bingo on Sunday night.
Lucky for her the daughter, who’s a nurse, was with her and brought her outside. Even luckier was the fact the Mrs O’Leary continued marking her Bingo card and won a fiver for her!’
‘Terrible ‘yoke’ where that poor old fellow lost a leg out hunting down in Offaly last
week … but everyone is delighted that there isn’t a mark on the other leg!’
The Lads all revel in a ‘scoop’ – as in being first to report on some bit of misfortune befalling an unfortunate ‘poor scrut’. Timing, delivery … and remember what we said about ‘tone’ is the essence of what makes the announcement stick.
Here again, the visiting English fisherman or the American back-packer won’t have a clue regarding the severity or otherwise of the bad news.
They will likely take the wrong meaning when the man with the cap, known as ‘Moaner’ responds to ‘how are you Moaner’, with ‘I have a hoor of a dose.’
The alert barmaid will explain quietly to the tourists that Moaner has ‘a touch of a cold.’
Murphy’s ‘I’ve a dose of the shivers myself’ doesn’t raise as many eyebrows.
There will be talk about ‘randoms’ who were bad enough to have to go to hospital with a variety of ailments. And sure enough, ‘Mouse’ will retell the ‘Wally’ Daly story. Wally was admitted to hospital on account of being ‘badly run down’.
During his stay he met Murphy – a big farmer from down the road. In the course of conversation a couple of days after being discharged, a neighbour asked Wally what was wrong with Murphy … to which came the famous reply; ‘the doctors said he was too fond of the pan’ … to which he added; ‘and I was there for the want of it!’
But back to the Lads in the pub - by now in full voice discussing the health of the parish.
Someone speaks up for a woman who is ‘having a bit of chemo’, but all agree that it worked for her last time and ‘there won’t be
a bother on her’.
‘Moran’ the Dub, knows a man on 51 tablets a day for something a lot worse and he has never missed a day from work over it.
All manner of illness, cures, quacks and ‘pisroges’ are by now thrown into the equation; until a diagnosis is announced for which there is no hope.
‘The Bully’ Scully had just come in for the last few health reports and it was evident that he had something critical to add to the discussion.
He straightened up and his shoulders rose up another notch of their own accord. ‘Bully’ let his pint of Guinness settle, took two slugs of it, wiped the
foam from around his mouth with the back of his hand; before ‘sticking everybody to the stool’ with the news.
Silence had fallen because the gravity of this announcement was telegraphed through Bully’s demeanor.
Then, in a tone usually reserved for undertakers, Bully announced, ‘Johnny Doe isn’t well.’ The Englishman, delaying the last two inches of his Bulmers, didn’t get it.
He assumed Johnny had a bit of a hangover or ate something that didn’t agree with him. Everyone else knew this was a death sentence and that poor Johnny would soon finish up like a … well, like a John Doe.
You see, in Ireland. You can recover from anything and everything other than being ‘not well.’
DON’T FORGET
Dublin is the only county to have won more Leinster Senior Football titles than Westmeath this century!!
ORIHUELA’S SILK LEGACY
Orihuela has revived the story of its former Silk Factory through a research project led by lecturers and students from CIPFP El Palmeral.
Presented at the Miguel Hernandez Cultural Centre, the study reconstructed the factory’s history using photographs, newspaper archives and personal testimony, as no physical remains survive.
Opened in 1928, the factory industrialised a centuries-old local silk trade that supported thousands of farming families across the Vega Baja. During its peak in the 1940s and 1950s, it employed around 250 women and became nationally recognised for its modern machinery.
The factory declined following the rise of synthetic fibres, closing in 1977 before being demolished in the 1990s.
Mayor Pepe Vegara praised the researchers for recovering an important chapter of Orihuela’s industrial, economic and social heritage for future generations.
RAFAL OPENS PHASE ONE OF SPORTS HUB
Rafal has opened the first phase of an expansion to its Municipal Sports Centre during the town’s Sports Festival. The e204,450 project includes a six-lane athletics track, a Caliche
area, children’s playground and pedestrian walkway linking the facilities.
Alicante Provincial Council provided e174,528 through its Planifica programme, with the town council funding the balance and covering the playground’s e21,403 cost.
Mayor Noeme Cutillas said the improvements would benefit residents of all ages. The opening featured athletics, a gymkhana and Caliche demonstrations, followed by awards recognising outstanding local athletes from the 2025–2026 season.
MUSIC FOR APANEE
Students from the Francisco Casanovas
Inclusive Music Course performed at APANEE Torrevieja as part of a programme taking live music into hospitals, care homes and community organisations.
The June 12 concert was the eleventh event of the 2025–26 season and featured guitar, voice, clarinet, bandurria and percussion.
Alberto Rodriguez also presented a specially written recital dedicated to APANEE users and their families.
APANEE thanked the performers and teacher Luis Sanchez. The course has 70 students and promotes accessible music education alongside community outreach.
The next concert will be held at APAEX Torrevieja on June 25 at 7pm.
ADAPTIVE ATHLETE ‘JUANJO’ TARGETS LOCH NESS
Orihuela swimmer Juan Jose “Juanjo” Caselles will attempt a 36-kilometre crossing of Scotland’s Loch Ness on September 2, facing water and an expected 11 to 12 hours of swimming.
The 45-year-old, who has hip dysplasia and a permanent limp, began swimming following medical advice and has since become an accomplished open-water athlete. His previous
Five Orihuela Costa Beaches Receive Qualitur Awards
Five beaches on the Orihuela Costa have received Qualitur flags in recognition of their quality, safety, accessibility and environmental standards.
The awards were presented to La Glea, Mil Palmeras, Cala Estaca, Punta Prima and Cala Capitan as part of the Valencian Government’s annual coastal quality programme.
Orihuela’s Coastal Councillor, Manuel Mestre, collected the flags at a ceremony in Burriana, where 206 beaches from 40 municipalities across the Valencian Community were recognised. A total of 92 beaches in Alicante province received distinctions.
Mestre said the five awards reflected the year-round work carried out by municipal teams responsible for cleaning, maintenance, safety and beach services.
He stressed that the flags were more than a tourism accolade, describing them as a guarantee of quality for both residents and visitors.
The council said it would continue improving coordination between departments to ensure the beaches remain safe, sustainable, accessible and attractive.
Mestre added that maintaining these standards would be essential as Orihuela Costa seeks to strengthen its position as a leading national and international tourism destination.
challenges include crossings of the Strait of Gibraltar, Manhattan, Tabarca to Alicante and long-distance routes along the Vega Baja coast. Caselles hopes the Loch Ness attempt will challenge perceptions of disability and highlight disabled sporting achievement. He has trained without a wetsuit through winter, covering almost 400 kilometres since December. Before Scotland, he will compete in Galicia’s 27-kilometre Battle of Rande and arrive early to acclimatise.
ATREVETE PRIDE CONCERT
Atrevete Orihuela, the LGBTQ association for Orihuela and Orihuela Costa, will present a bilingual Pride Night concert on Friday, June 26, at 7pm at La Lonja concert hall in
Orihuela. Organised by Nick Moore of Networks Theatre, the 90-minute show will be performed in English and Spanish and will feature songs linked to the LGBTQ experience, including I Am What I Am and What Makes a Man a Man.
The event will also celebrate LGBTQ pioneers and heroes through projected images and text in both languages. Tickets cost e5. La Lonja is in Calle Aragon, next to Telepizza in Plaza San Sebastian.
For info email atreveteorihuela@gmail.com.
Swimming down the Hudson River in New York State
The silk factory opened in 1928
Councillor Manuel Mestre collected the flags
Curtain Falls on a Harmonious Season of Song, Friendship and Fundraising
Choir marked the end of another successful season with an evening of music at Salt Church in Los Montesinos on Saturday, June 13. The concert brought together choir members, friends, supporters and residents while raising funds to support Crescendoís programme of free performances and its continuing work for charities across the region.
The season concluded with a final concert at La Siesta Church on Monday, June 15, where all money raised was donated to the churchís chosen
Bacteria Checks on Orihuela Beaches
Orihuela City Council is preparing a major health-monitoring programme across all 11 Orihuela Costa beaches, targeting Legionella, mould, yeast and signs of faecal contamination.
The four-year contract, valued at e144,940, will cover footbaths, drinking-water points,
charity.
Choir members have now begun their summer break and will return in September. Plans are already being prepared for an autumn programme, with concert details to be announced after the holidays.
Supporters can receive news, concert dates and community updates by joining the Friends of Crescendo mailing list and subscribing to the monthly newsletter. For further info email info@crescendo-choir.com.
public toilets, lifeguard stations, concrete surfaces and beach sand.
Officials say stagnant water, high temperatures, seasonal inactivity and aerosol-producing taps may encourage the spread of Legionella pneumophila, which can cause severe pneumonia.
Quarterly Legionella checks will be carried out from March to October at 55 footbath units and water points serving lifeguard huts
A big thank you to Drivers Bar Pool team. They organised a charity pool match which was run by Wayne Theobald, shown here handing over e250.00 to Bob Smith of the Orihuela and Costa District Branch of the Royal British Legion.
and toilets. Concrete footbath bases will undergo annual testing for mould and yeast.
During the high season, from June 15 to September 15, sand will be tested every two weeks for E. coli and enterococci. Samples will be collected from dry, wet and intertidal areas.
The council says the programme will protect visitors, particularly children, older people and those with weakened immune systems.
Crescendo
FALSETTO
SAME GRID TWO SETS OF CLUES WORDSEARCH -
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ACROSS ACROSS
6.Mean (7)
7.Fall into (5)
9.Intelligence (3)
10.Attractive (9)
12.Ban (11)
15.Instantly (11)
17.Degeneracy (9)
19.Reserved (3)
21.Roost (5)
22.Competent (7)
DOWN DOWN
1.Courteous (5)
2.Wager (3)
3.Adhesive (4)
4.Ghostly (9)
5.Prospect (7)
8.Gallows (6)
11.Complaint (9)
13.Greeted (6)
14.Hindered (7)
16.Infant (5)
18.Applaud (4)
20.Mournful (3)
7. Where was John Jacob Astor IV when he died?
ACROSS ACROSS
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
6.Obtain a means of escape (3-4)
7.Attack in uncertain tones (5)
9.Prohibition cuts orchestra by 500 (3)
10.Blew up dam? Deny it! (9)
12.Be too late with letter and thus fail to get job? (4,3,4)
15.Show how the devil treats badly (11)
17.Comfort of creature at water-source (4-5)
19 & 20Dn. Bird got beak into tasty morsel (6)
21.He is entertained in the synagogue still (5)
22.Have a discussion about one tree (7)
DOWN DOWN
1.Punishing for plane crash (5)
2.Observed cutting tool (3)
3.Cautious method is about right (4)
4.Confused is it? End up being argued about (2,7)
5.With regard to poetry, the opposite applies here (7)
8.Ring for a machine to do laundry? (6)
11.Role is now settled, whatever the result of the game (3,2,4)
13.One of the family in hospital? (6)
14.Again, meeting-place produces income (7)
16.Dangerous woman gives warning note (5)
18.Negative mirrored at mid-day (4)
20.See 19 Across
1. How many Oscar winning films for best picture have an animal or animals in the title? Extra points for the film titles.
2. According to a 2008 UN estimate, how many horses are there in the world? Plus or minus 10 million.
3. The French call it La Manche, meaning 'the sleeve'. What is it called in English?
4. Which famous spy and adventurer wrote the book 'The Seven Pillars of Wisdom'?
5. With 45 years and 161 days, who is the oldest player to debut in a FIFA World Cup tournament?
6. The word 'horde' stems from which language? a. Danish b. Mongolian c. German d. Hindi
8. On which continent are all of the following languages spoken? Baule, TwiFanti, Azeri, Chiga, Edo and Hadiyya
9. Twenty five square feet of land in which US state officially belongs to the UK? a. New York state b. Massachusetts c. Hawaii d. Rhode Island
10. The following words are from songs with a street name (street, road, alley etc) in the title. Can you name the song? a. Hello lamp post what cha knowin. b. He's gonna give up the booze and the one night stands. c. Four of fish and finger pies. d. They say the neon lights are bright. e. I was born in a trunk
11. What is the more common name for triatomic oxygen?
12. The following foods are associated with which country? a. Parata, b. Ragu, c. Tempura, d. Bulgogi. e. Mole. f. Bobotie
13. In July 2007, which former formula one racing driver was forced to attend a driving education course following a string of convictions on the road?
14. Which famous conqueror's title translated means 'ocean ruler'?
15. What are the four largest landlocked countries in Africa?
16. Which language do Walloons speak?
17. In which harbour city did the Rainbow Warrior sink?
18. The alcohol in Brazils national drink Caipirinha is called Cachaca. Cachaca is fermented what?
19. The name of which Russian city loosely translated means 'possess the east'?
20. Zener cards are used in experiments to test for what?
CADENCE CHORUS CONCERTO ESPRESSIVO ATONAL LEGATO
SUDOKU CHALLENGE
WORD WHEEL CHALLENGE
The target is 23 words
My Total
* Answers page 18
Youraim is to create as many words of 4 letters ormore using the letters in the word wheel only once in each word and always including the letterin the centre of the wheel. No propernames are allowed.
Can you also find a 9 letterword:
WORD SCRAMBLE CHALLENGE
Unscramble the letters to reveal the names of 10 English and Scottish players at the current World Cup Scrambled Players
RENHNODSE - NOAOIM
NAUSAHQ - RNOTEOBSR
UTRTSAO - YIETNRE
ANLNAKSHD - MEUDAEK
TRIVIA QUIZ
Students from El Limonar International School marked World Oceans Day with beach clean-ups, conservation projects and international learning designed to strengthen protection of the Mediterranean.
Pupils from different age groups combined classroom work with practical action in Campoamor and Cabo de Palos, focusing on sustainability, waste reduction and responsible citizenship.
At ELIS Villamartin in San Miguel de Salinas, primary pupils joined Blue Circle for a beach clean-up in Campoamor. They learned how litter and plastic waste damage marine habitats and discussed how recycling and everyday choices can reduce pressure on coastal ecosystems.
Early Years children explored the theme Our Planet, Our Promise through stories, interactive activities and the creative reuse of
household materials, encouraging them to reduce, reuse and recycle from an early age.
Secondary Eco-leaders organised awareness activities for the wider school community, including a talk by biologist Cristina Gonzalez de Boado Borrero on the Cabo de Palos–Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve.
Students heard about its Posidonia oceanica meadows, coral habitats and protected marine life.
The programme concluded with a Planeta Azul clean-up in Cabo de Palos, preceded by a session on threats facing the Mediterranean coast. An online exchange with Chirec College’s Nature Club in India reinforced the message that ocean protection is a shared global responsibility.
Activities encouraged students to turn environmental knowledge into meaningful local action.
Greenpeace has warned that schools across Alicante are dangerously unprepared for increasingly early and intense heat, with pupils and teachers enduring sweltering classrooms and playground temperatures approaching 40°C. At one secondary school, some exposed sports surfaces exceeded 50°C, while indoor temperatures were close to the outdoor maximum by midday.
The organisation’s report, Red Hot: The Danger of Heat in Spanish Classrooms, says May and June are becoming difficult despite exams, assessments and lessons continuing with school buildings trapping heat, while concrete playgrounds offer little shade or vegetation.
Greenpeace says prolonged exposure can affect health, concentration and learning, when children are expected to exercise outdoors during the hottest hours.
The group is calling for funded structural improvements, including better insulation, efficient low-carbon cooling, shaded areas and greener playgrounds. It argues that opening windows, lowering blinds and using makeshift fans are inadequate responses to a growing climate-related school safety crisis.
SAT ANIMAL RESCUE
Patri is now 8 weeks old, has a sweet character and will be small to medium-sized when fully grown.
Patri will leave the kennel fully vaccinated, microchipped, with a passport, and up to date with treatments for ticks, fleas, and worms.
Could this adorable little boy be the newest member of your family?
For more information or for an appointment (appointments only) contact the kennels directly.
Email: info@satanimalrescue.com WhatsApp 688792515 or 966710047
IT’S A FUNNY OLD GAME PAIN
It seems the only topic of conversation is football and the World Cup now.
So, are you a football widow – fed up with your partner watching endless World Cup matches and thinking there’s more to life? I am fully on your side. Why?
For me it all began when I was a schoolboy aged from eight to eleven in a boys’ only school.
“Enforced” football was twice a week and I was inevitably the goalie and had to stand between the posts for what seemed like hours in all weathers, freezing to death, in snow well above my ankles.
Then, as a trainee journalist, I had to cover local football matches and my knowledge or interest in the game was zilch.
I had to travel on the team coach to away matches and hadn't a clue what the players on the coach were talking about - it could just as well have been a foreign language. At half time I had to phone over 150 words for the classified edition and this was 65 years ago and mobile phones hadn't been invented.
Many of the matches were in London suburbs and I would try to find a telephone box but invariably it was vandalised, so I would be knocking on people's doors hoping they had a phone connection.
By the time I got back to the match it was almost over and I would have to ask club officials what had happened. Then I had to phone over the result – back to urgently trying to find a phone which worked, and then over the weekend, write 500 words for Monday's edition. Oh joy!
The worst times were matches close to the Thames in mid winter, when freezing fog
crept over the pitch and I would lose all feelings first in my feet and it crept up my legs. Oh how I hated football and I was overjoyed when I was no longer a trainee and no longer had to endure winter Saturday afternoons of torture.
And now, when I watch the barmy brigades going football bonkers I just switch off and think of all the money being poured into football and think how much better the NHS, social/elderly care, and UK defence would be if it had even some of that money, time and effort poured into it.
DEPORTING DECENCY
America, as one of the leading world nations, should be setting an example in how people should be treated.
Sadly, under Trump, it is far from this. A 31year old Haitian asylum seeker held by America’s “neo-Nazi” immigration department was finally released from custody and left 30 miles from her home.
Three days later she was found, dead from hypothermia at a Pittsburgh bus stop. The immigration department denied responsibility. America has a huge immigration problem but this inhumanity is not the way to deal with it – and it does not surprise me that so many Americans want to move to other countries, including Spain.
Trump – you claim to be religious, try showing what is preached.
PARENTS IN NAME ONLY
One of the most disturbing news stories I have heard from Spain last week was that of a British couple who allegedly left their three children aged four and under alone in a hotel in Malaga while they went out partying.
What’s worse is that the youngest, aged just six months, tested positive for cocaine.
Apparently the hotel room they were occupying was in a mess and the children were wandering around in the hotel. Staff contacted the police and the children were placed into care.
Subsequently the parents were given 16month suspended prison sentences and prohibited from going within 500 metres of their children for two years.
Tony Mayes Rant
The children were placed into the guardianship of the Social Services with arrangements for them to be transferred back to the UK.
How sad it is that we have selfish, stupid people who become parents and not fit for purpose, producing the next generation of misfits and problems.
Dr Jack Gibson was a well known surgeon and hypnotherapist who appeared on TV and wrote extensively in various newspapers/magazines about his desire for hypnosis to be taught in hospitals throughout Ireland.
He lived close to my hometown and I met him on a few occasions in the late 90’s. There was no doubt that he was passionate about the idea of hypnosis being introduced into surgical procedures. He didn’t just believe this, he also carried through on it.
He performed over 4,000 procedures using hypnosis as an anaesthesia without any pain!
The very thought of this would send a shiver down most people’s spine, but that is only because most of us are conditioned to react that way. For most people it would be born out of ignorance and for others it would because they could never conceive such a reality. Nonetheless it was a reality for a lot of Gibson’s patients who willingly decided to put their trust in their surgeon.
It is yet another fine example of how hypnosis can help you overcome serious issues in your life. The only prerequisite is that you must fully embrace the process and know that it can be literally life-changing for you.
I have witnessed people transform their lives and their way of thinking by allowing hypnosis to play a part, but thatis the key wording - “play a part”.
Rojales based ROBERT READINGSis a professional dream analyst, psychic reader of playing cards, and hypnotist. He has been on radio and television all over the world explaining and demonstrating his abilities. ww.robertreadings.com
Just like Dr Gibson’s patients who underwent surgery without any pain because of being hypnotised, that only formed part of the healing. Post surgery was up to them to ensure they followed their doctor’s advice.
I have hypnotised people who told me they wanted to stop smoking for good, overcome insomnia, start making better food choices, develop more self confidence. All of these issues can be overcome by allowing a professional hypnotist to assist, but there has to be a desire and a belief in the process, otherwise it will simply not be effective.
I have always walked away with a wry grin when hypnotherapists have told me, or claim in their advertising that they have a 100% success rate.
One of two things is going on here, one is that they are not being honest in their advertising, or two, they have not hypnotised enough people. No professional hypnotist or hypnotherapist who has been working for a number of years can claim 100% success rate.
If you are having issues that you are finding hard to overcome in the physical or mental aspects of your life and you feel that you’ve exhausted every avenue, I would suggest that you seek out a professional hypnotist/hypnotherapist and embrace the idea of the tremendous benefits that hypnosis can offer you. It is not hyperbole to state that it can change your life forever the better.
I hope you have found these articles on hypnosis interesting and informative. In my next article I will write about past life stories.
Dr Gibson carrying out an operation using hypnosis
Elche Students Unveil Ultra-Efficient Car Capable of 1,500km on just 1 Litre
Ateam of students from Miguel Hernandez University of Elche has unveiled the Datil 26, an ultra-efficient vehicle designed to travel almost 1,500 kilometres on just one litre of fuel.
The prototype will compete in the Shell Eco-marathon Europe and Africa 2026, taking place from June 24 to 28 at Polandís Silesia Ring circuit.
More than 2,000 students from 120 university and secondary-school teams are expected to participate.
UMH will compete in the internal-combustion prototype category, where it has built an impressive record. The Elche team has regularly finished among the top five and secured third place last year after recording fuel efficiency of 1,473 kilometres per litre.
Sixteen students from mechanical, electrical, electronic and industrial automation engineering programmes developed the Datil 26.
Eight will travel to Poland under student leader Lucia MuÒoz Bordera and coordinator Professor David Abellan Lopez.
Weighing just 30 kilograms, the threemetre-long vehicle features a full carbonfibre chassis and a highly aerodynamic teardrop body.
Students have focused on tyre testing, rolling resistance, electric motor management and a newly developed dynamometer to reduce consumption further.
Driver Eva Guerrero will return behind the wheel as the team attempts to surpass last yearís podium finish and push the vehicle beyond.
400 JOBS UP FOR GRABS IN TORREVIEJA
More than 400 vacancies were offered as hundreds of jobseekers packed Torrevieja’s International Auditorium for the first
Vega Baja Emplea regional jobs fair.
Almost 50 employers and organisations recruited across hospitality, retail,
logistics, construction, industry, social care, services and technology.
Candidates handed in CVs, met recruitment managers and took part in rapid interviews, while career, training and employment advisers offered support throughout the day.
The event, organised by LABORA, Torrevieja Town Hall and the Valencian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces, also attracted workers seeking better opportunities.
Mayor Eduardo Dol?n said every vacancy represented “a life project, a family and an opportunity for the future.”
MURCIA AIRPORT COPPER RAIDS - 11 ARRESTED
Eleven men have been arrested after almost three kilometres of copper cable were allegedly stolen from the public lighting network serving Murcia International Airport. The Guardia Civil said the repeated raids, carried out during March and April, caused more than e280,000 in damage.
Investigators believe thieves opened underground inspection chambers, cut electrical lines and removed long sections of cable from airport access roads.
Burned wiring, tools and other evidence were later found near Corvera, where the plastic insulation was allegedly removed before the copper was sold.
A suspect vehicle was traced near the airport and later linked to recycling centres handling burned copper.
More than one kilometre of cable has been recovered. The suspects face charges including continuing theft, criminal damage, receiving stolen goods and environmental offences.
With a background in family and matrimonial mediation, life coach Sara Bell supports The Leader’s readers in navigating everyday concerns.
If you are experiencing challenges in your relationships, family life, work, or any other area of life, help is available. Email your question to office@theleader.info.
Iam sick to death of my brother's wife. None of our family took to her when he first brought her into the family. She caused a lot of family friction from day one.
My sisters and I have noticed that our family meals on special occasions like easter and christmas, are no longer the same relaxed and happy occasions; everyone is tight-lipped and uncomfortable, and watching their P's and Q's.
I have tried to talk to my parents about it but they seem bent on not rocking the boat. It's gotten so bad that they dance around my brother and his wife like they are royalty. I remember when she first came into the family, and my father said to me that 'we have to be ready'....this was on the occasion of my birthday.
I got annoyed and asked him what he meant, and did we need to put out the red carpet or get on bended knee?
Dad reacted badly to that and so did I....it was MY birthday and why the hell do we have to, 'get ready', whatever that meant. I have slowly watched my relaxed and happy family turn into stuffed dummies when my brother and his wife turn up.
I hate it, my sisters hate it and we all sit there only speaking when we are spoken to, and get into trouble with our parents afterwards for not making my brother and his wife 'welcome'.
What they both mean is that we are not making my brother's wife the centre of attention, which is what she demands. The result has been a divide in the family; my sisters and I refuse to take responsibility for it.
Christmas two years ago resulted in both of my married sisters leaving early and feeling furious after they had finally 'had it' with my brother's wife,for getting sloshed and voicing her disapproval of their children.
Nothing is the same any more.
WORD SCRAMBLE
Without early intervention by the heads of the family, a situation like this will only continue to get worse. You were all aware that your sister-in-law was high maintenance, but her behaviour was allowed to continue.
You are now in a position where her actions are getting out of hand and she is insulting and upsetting you and your children.
Your husband has refused to be in her company ever again.
Your family is already divided. You tell me that your brother is a 'total narcissist' and his narcissism is extending to allow his wife to do, say and act just as she wishes.
You have tried to talk to your parents, along with your sisters and now one sister has completely withdrawn from the situation or any future gatherings. Your parents are not pleased and blame her, but what is to be done?
It is possible that family relations have irretrievably broken down and there is no going back. Not all problems can be fixed. You have done your best.
1. Five. One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Deer Hunter, Dances with Wolves and The Silence of the Lambs, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). 2. Approx 59,000,000. 3. The English Channel. 4. T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). 5. Essam El Hadary of Egypt. The goalkeeper played against Saudi Arabia at the 2018 World Cup in Russia on June 25, 2018. It was both his World Cup debut and his only appearance at the tournament. 6. b. Mongolian. 7. On board the RMS Titanic. 8.
Africa. 9. c. Hawaii (around the James Cook monument). 10. a. 59th Street Bridge Song (Feeling Groovy), b. Baker Street, c. Penny Lane, d. On Broadway, e. Tobacco Road. 11. Ozone. 12. a. India, b. Italy, c. Japan, d. South Korea, e. Mexico, f. South Africa. 13. Both Nelson Piquet and his wife Viviane were obliged to take a week long driving awareness course in Brazil because of repeated speeding and parking offences.14. Genghis Khan. 15. Niger, Chad, Mali and Ethiopia. 16. French (in Belgium). 17. Auckland NZ. 18. Sugarcane. 19. Vladivostok. 20. ESP
SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION
American Publisher Signs Local Author to 4-Book Deal
Author Peter Houghton has announced an exclusive four-book agreement with American Publisher LLC, establishing a long-term partnership aimed at professionally publishing and globally distributing his work while preserving his creative control and ownership.
The agreement covers The Cost of Neglect, which examines the consequences of inadequate support for older and vulnerable people, together with the complete Shadows Over Spain trilogy.
The trilogy explores political influence, governance, development pressures, environmental concerns, civic activism and growing demands for transparency and accountability in Spain and Europe.
American Publisher LLC will provide editorial support, formatting, typesetting, metadata optimisation, author branding and international distribution through major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books and Waterstones.
Houghton said the publisher’s emphasis on communication, collaboration and long-term planning was central to his decision.
Jeff Brown of American Publisher LLC welcomed the partnership,
praising Houghton’s diverse catalogue and clear vision.
Beyond the initial agreement, Houghton is developing Beyond the Costa: Lessons From Two Different Worlds. The book will move away from corruption and political failure to examine why some communities prosper while others decline.
Combining travel writing, civic reflection and governance analysis, it will identify practical lessons from places that deliver
strong public services, maintain public spaces and encourage civic pride.
Another forthcoming project, Living and Growing Old in Silence, is currently being considered by a publisher. It explores ageing, loneliness, dignity and the often-overlooked experiences of older people.
Publication schedules and release dates for the four contracted titles will be announced in due course.
Spain’s Strawberry Moon will appear at the end of June, offering striking views across the country.
The first full moon of summer reaches peak illumination at about 1.57am mainland time on June 30, although the best views may come shortly after moonrise on June 29. Despite its name, the moon is not usually pink; the term comes from North America’s wild strawberry harvest season. Near the south-eastern horizon, atmospheric effects may make it look golden, orange or red, while the “moon illusion” can make it seem unusually large.
Its low summer path should create dramatic scenes. No special equipment is required, though binoculars may reveal more detail. Observers should find a dark, open location nearby with a clear south-eastern view.
TRANSLATIONS/ EFFICIENT RATES
ROYAL BRITISH LEGIO N
DOCTORS,HOSPITALS, EMPADRON'S.
Any documents or medical reports translated.
Dates available for NIE's.
TIE Application dates : July and August Residencia Renewals.
Driving licence UKSpanish also available.
Contact Jason :
Mobile/WhatsApp 603 86 87 56
CHURCH SERVICES
Church of JESUS CHRIST of LATTER-DAY SAINTS
We meet at 10am each
Sunday in the chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. Torrevieja
Phone or whatsapp 659 016 733
SALT CHURCH Sundays at 10.30 am. A friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship.
Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, Polígono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. www.Saltchurchspain. Facebook SaltChurchSpain
Join us for a multitude of activities, coffee mornings, excercise, bereavement group https://pilarchurch.com philm.cornerstone@gmail.com
ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION, TORREVIEJA BRANCH
Afriendly and engaging group of people who embrace their ethos of Comradeship, Loyalty, Patriotism & Unity while enjoying a variety of social events, meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 1700 hrs at Silverstoneís 2023 (Bar/Restaurant). Av. Romero, 03176 Montebello, Contact: Membership Secretary, Carl Louden; email: carllouden@msn.com or Phone +34 678 518 202
COMMUNITY CARE ASSOCIATION (CCA)
Orihuela Costa residents over 60 years of age.
Located at the Centro Civico Alameda del Mar.
Open twice a week for a programme of English speaking activities and Spanish lessons. Activities include Games & Quiz on Mondays. Art sessions and Easy Conversation on Wednesdays. Information and advice regards living in Spain. Anyone wanting to join CCA social activities can pop along between 1-2pm Mondays and Wednesdays for more info from Eva or Norah in the Cafe area. Email: oc.communitycare@gmail.com
AGE CONCERN BEREAVEMENT GROUP
Are you finding life difficult after a bereavement? Come along and chat to other people in the same situation. Every Tuesday from 2-4pm at the Age Concern Centre, Calle Paganini, La Siesta, Tel: 96 678 6887.
PERSONALSERVICES
TORREVIEJA. BRAZILIAN MATURE LADY Offers relaxing therapeutic massage and holistic therapy. Silky hands and waxing. Hotel/home or outings. I use natural products to improve health. 674 674 932
GREENLANDS GIANTS LIFT SUMMER LEAGUE TROPHY
VCL Summer League - North v South Playoff EL CID V GREENLANDS G IANTS
This was hosted by our friends Bonalba bowls club. Again a very hot day two teams battling it out for the coveted trophy. Some very good bowling from both sides but eventually Greenland's Giants took control and took the honours winning 4-1 .Well done Giants on becoming the VCL summer league champions.
2WOODS SUMER LEAGUE
Greenland's Goanna's v San Luis Pythons
A different performance this week from our Goanna's, with a needed win Goanna's took the game by the scruff of the neck pouncing to take a 12pts to 0pts win (scores 131pts to 42pts).
Good wins for Anne Stone, Debbie Perryman & Lisa Bonsor 17-14, Allen Bowen, John O'Brien & Pete Bonsor 40-3, Stuart Wilson, Mark Jukes & Dave Palmer 30-6, Janet Jukes, Darren Reynolds & Dave Morrison 17-13 plus Mandy Tompkins, Freddie Willey & Martin Foulcer 27-6.
Only one more game to play.
Quesada v Greenland's Dragons
Not so good this week Quesada took control early on winning 10pts to 2pts (scores 113pts to 66pts). One good win for our Dragons was Brian Tomlin, Peter King & David Blackie 19-15.
QUESADA BOWLS CLUB
BY STEVE HIBBERD
QBC held their annual 3-2-1 tournament last weekend, sponsored by Seagate Wealth Management.Four group of 3 teams, embarked on a gruelling days bowling of singles, pairs & trips. Come Sunday morning, the winners of each group entered the semifinal stage, then by the afternoon, the finalists did their best to keep cool in the searing heat.
Eventual champions were the team of Cathy Skinner, Harald Olsen & Kim Bowles, whilst runners up were Dave Gould, Claire Dye & Paul Kern.
Our 2 wood Friday trips league team, had a home fixture against Greenlands Dragons, knowing that only a sizable victory would maintain the challenge at the top.
So, a very pleasing 10-2 victory was just what the doctor ordered.But, with only 2 games remaining, more of the same is required.
The 4 winning trips were as follows:Irene Everett, Carol & Keith Lowry (31-11). Peter Farrell, Dave Collings, Trevor Voisey (28-14). Brian Trinder, Mel Ward, Paul Kern (18-12). George Carnell, Violet Campbell, Scott Malden (21-10).
RBL Golf Event Raises e1425.00 for Poppy
98 golfers competed in this year’s first Royal British Legion Charity Golf event held at Saurines Golf Club. The course was in excellent condition and with temperatures over 30 degrees the breeze was welcome but challenging. There were 25 teams taking part in two categories. There was a nearest the pin prize on all par threes and first to third prizes in the team events.
I would like to thank the following:
Chris Stock - Grupo Claire for the complimentary bags
Richard Morgan – Nogrow Grass for the box of balls
Numerous individuals and pubs for their kind donation of raffle prizes
Neil Mitchinson – PerfectoPrint & Richard Monteith – Sans Peur Ltd, my two sponsors.
Both categories were closely fought and the prize winners were: Nearest the Pin winners: Alan Dwine, Cliff Williams, Richard Morgan & Paul Whitehead
Cat 1 - 3rd – Clarkes Bar 3 (63.2), 2nd - La Fuenta
Winners of the 321 tournament sponsored by Seagate Wealth Management, Cathy Skinner, Harald Olsen & Kim Bowles
Inbetweeners at La Finca
The Inbetweeners Golf Society enjoyed another fantastic day of golf at La Finca, where Salva Lucas and his team extended a warm welcome to all members. The course was presented in outstanding condition and was widely regarded as one of the best we have played so far this year. Players teed off under cloudy skies, but the sun soon broke through, making the shaded areas a welcome refuge throughout the round. A refreshing breeze arrived on the back nine, providing some much-appreciated relief and making the closing holes more comfortable.
Competition was keen throughout the day, with players battling both the course and each other in pursuit of valuable points. Some members found an early rhythm and built impressive scores, while others showed great resilience in recovering from difficult moments. The challenging layout ensured that concentration was required on every hole, rewarding good course management and well-executed shots. As always, there were plenty of memorable moments and stories to share once the round was complete. By the time the final groups had completed their rounds, there was unanimous agreement that it had been another highly successful outing—combining excellent golf, great company, and superb course conditions.
Day’s Winners: 1st Place: Bertrand La Font — 35 points
2nd Place: Silvio Lorenzo - 35 points on countback
3rd Place: Juha Jortikka — 35 points on countback
Nearest the Pin: Hole 6: Malcom Thomas
Hole 13: Garry Garbett, Hole 16: Roy Harris
Looking for a fun and friendly golf society to join, where all nationalities and abilities are welcome, check out our website:www.inbetweenersgolfsociety.com
Photo - Some of the members celebrating a great day of golf.
We started with a full English breakfast at Sheerin’s before the order of the day was announced, with 27 players the format for the day was singles full handicap Stableford played in two groups.
On arriving at Altorreal we received a friendly and organised greeting from the Caddy Master and her staff; the course was in great condition, the greens were quick and the weather was a very hot, humid 35 degrees.
This was another close competition with players playing to their handicap, the overall winner of the Par and Away Trophy came from group “A” and was Ray Hamilton with a score of 38 points, runner was Colin Smyth with 35 points and third place went to Paul Owen with 33 points.
Winner of group B, was Kevin Quinn with 37 points, runner up was Alan Ralph with 36 points and third place was Tom Goulden with 35 points.
Winners of the nearest the pins were group A, holes 3 and 17 Peter Westwood and hole 9 Ray Hamilton, group B winners were, hole 4 Brian Court, hole 11
Tom Goulden and hole 15 Paul Jones, best front nine with 18 points went to Brian Court and best back nine to Peter Westwood with 19 points, the two’s pot was not won so is carried over to the next game making it e60.
The singles match play knockout winner was Mike Sharlot beating Steve Day 2 & 1, doubles match play knockout winners were Ray Muttock & Paul Owen beating Peter Kelly & Paul Davison 3 & 1.
Thank you to Paul, and Christine Davison for providing and presenting all the prizes, also thank you to Kellie, Katie and staff at Sheerin’s for the great hospitality.
The football card was won by Tricia Lambie with Hearts winning e40 and raising e40 for our charities 2026.
Photo shows Christine & Paul Davison presenting the trophy to winner Ray Hamilton.
CELTS MARK 15 YEARS WITH CAPTAIN’S DAY CELEBRATION
Our celebration last weekend was a particularly special and memorable one as we marked the 15th Captain's Day of The Celts Club de Golf. Our club is one of 424 clubs affiliated with the Spanish Golf Federation and one of only 11sin campoclubs within the Valencian Golf Federation. That is an achievement of which we can all be immensely proud. There are three people in particular whom we must thank for helping us reach this important milestone: Camillus Fitzpatrick, Denis McCormack, and Susy Gomez Garcia. Their dedication, commitment, and hard work over many years have played a vital role in maintaining and developing our club. We are extremely grateful for their contribution.
Congratulations to our Competitions Committee—Camillus, Terry, and Alan— ably assisted by Henry. Thank you all for the excellent work you do throughout the year to ensure our competitions continue to be such a success.
To Miguel and everyone at Serena Golf, the course was absolutely superb. We are delighted to be associated with Serena Golf and to enjoy such outstanding facilities. Our sincere thanks also go to Karolina, Jose, Duly, Felipe, Lyla, and all the Serena staff for their warm welcome, professionalism, and excellent service.
Congratulations as well to Denis, our Financial Controller. His careful stewardship of the club's finances is greatly appreciated by all our members.
To Susy, our Captain during this special 15th anniversary year and our Club Secretary, thank you on behalf of the entire membership for your leadership, dedication, and commitment to The Celts.
What a wonderful performance from our Flamenco dancers. The entertainment was superb and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Well done to Jackie for arranging such an excellent act.
I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Pili, Juan, Valentine, Galla, Pepe, José, Anna, and all the staff at El Prado for the excellent meal and the outstanding hospitality they provided throughout the evening.
Finally, and most importantly, thank you to all our members for your continued support and for joining us in celebrating this special occasion with our non-playing Club Captain, Susy.
A special mention must go to those who played from the forward tees and then attended the presentation dinner. Your support, friendship, camaraderie, and enthusiasm are what make The Celts Club de Golf such a special club. Thank you all for helping to make our 15th Captain's Day such a memorable success. We look forward to many more years of friendship, golf, and good times together.
A couple of notes regarding competition rules and conditions. For the major prizes, you need to be present to be
declared a prize winner. There is a maximum of 26 for men and 30 for women with the slope. If there is a tie between two players the player with the lowest playing handicap wins, otherwise it follows back nine front nine etc, the computer arranges the scores in order.
Down to our prize winners on the day. NTP’s Mike Stott, Pavla Serakova, Camillus Fitzpatrick, Gary Conroy, Alex Duchart and Paul Rainey. Forward marker winner Dave Stockton 38. Cat 4. Peter Wyatt 38, Debby Boelhouwer 38, and Tony Stafford 32. Cat 3. Alex Duchart 32, Michael Parry 32 and Theo Boelhouwer 31. Cat 2. Darren Strugnell 35, Chris Daw 34 and Alex McIntyre 33. Cat 1. John O’Brien 37, Mike Stott 34 and Philip Vaughan 33. The Gross was won by Alan Campbell with 30. Second overall Paul Tobin 46 and a 2.4 cut.
The winner of the captain’s prize for 2026 Paul Rainey 41. Congratulations to all those who participated and attended the presentation dinner.
This is the 3rd year we have played for the Par & Away Trophy. Many thanks to our sponsors for the day Christine and Paul Davison.
SMGS feel the heat as Blinston burns up La Finca
What a difference a year makes. This time last year we were peering through rain and grey clouds as we teed off; this morning, the heat arrived early and had us glowing before a ball had even been sent down the 1st fairway.
With the Pro Shop closed for refurbishment, we made our way to the
temporary “make-do” shop, where the ever-efficient Claudia checked us all in without fuss.
The course itself looked in superb condition, with an army of robotic mowers busily patrolling the fairways.
One, however, required a little first aid on the 17th pathway, where it appeared confused and slightly
addled – rather like the Society Secretary most weeks, really. While the course looked fantastic, the greens showed fair signs of recent traffic, but still rolled pretty true. Afterwards, we made the most of La Finca’s lovely setting for the presentation – sensibly held indoors – and enjoyed the usual mix of refreshments, stories and good-natured banter that has become such a hallmark of the Society.
The heat does tend to take its toll on playing numbers, and it seems to have made its presence felt a little earlier than usual this year, with 33 members and 1 guest joining us this week. Even so, the scoring at this ever-popular course was, as we have come to expect, pretty impressive: Gold: Keven Mitchell (35 pts)
Silver: Graeme Forbes (33 pts)
Bronze: Dave Blinston (38 pts and best score of the day)
Not a single “Two” was mastered today, so that pot rolls over nicely into next week.
Nearest the Pins this week went to Peter Turbefield (3rd), Richard Whitely (6th), Norman Padmore (13th) and Darren Strugnell (16th). Denis Ryan landed the football card
with Burnley, while the “McBride Bottle” made its way to Martin Readman.
We also had a doubles matchplay fixture, with John Osborne and Dave Rowe coming out on top against Guy Wade Palmer and Steve Webb by an emphatic 6&5.
Well done to everyone involved. The blob tin for the past month raised e355 and we had the pleasure of donating this to Richard Morgans of Prostate Cancer UK.
Prostate Cancer UK held their annual Spanish golf tournament at Vistabella on 23rd May 2026; unfortunately, as it coincided with the SMGS Away Trip, we were unable to field our usual teams.
Next week sees us heading back down to Lo Romero, which should be a treat as it remains one of our favourite courses.
Keep up to date with SMGS at www.smgs.org. Sponsorship opportunities are available for upcoming games, so if you are interested, please contact smgs91info@gmail.com.
We are also proud to be supported by Michaela Schmidt at www.golfhotspots.com for all your golf travel needs.
SUNNY CORNER GOLF SOCIETY
Twenty-two played in our latest outing at Lo Romero. And the winner with 39 pts was John Richardson (pictured above) after receiving his prize from Mick Cook. Blind pairs winners were Dave Edge and John Richardson, and John also won the Par 3's. Our next outing is at El Plantio on 30th June
