Edition 1120 of The Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader Newspaper 23 - 29 March 2026
The future queen slipped away from military training in San Javier for an understated afternoon outing in Pilar de la Horadada, choosing a simple lunch, close friends and a distinctly low-profile setting.
Princess Leonor has made one of her most quietly talked-about appearances away from the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier, where she is continuing her military training.
In a rare off-duty outing, the heir to the Spanish throne travelled discreetly to Pilar de la Horadada, in the south of Alicante province, for lunch with several fellow cadets at a local restaurant.
The visit, which took place on Friday around midday, quickly drew attention, not least because Leonor’s appearances beyond the academy have been notably limited this academic year.
According to information published by La Opinion de Murcia, the princess dined at La Terrazita de Cristobal, a well-known grill restaurant, accompanied by three other young people and shadowed, as expected, by a close security detail.
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Burger Break for Princess
True to the understated nature of the outing, Leonor and her companions chose to sit inside the restaurant, while her security team remained nearby at a separate table, keeping a discreet watch.
Many diners seated on the terrace reportedly had no idea the princess was even there.
The meal itself was strikingly unpretentious. Leonor is said to have ordered a hamburger and a cola, opting for a simple, familiar choice at a restaurant known for its warm atmosphere, strong local reputation and accessible prices, with some dishes costing around 15 euros.
Although the venue also features a relaxed, chill-out-style terrace, this particular visit was kept firmly indoors and away from view.
For the restaurant, the visit came as a complete surprise.
In keeping with the discretion that usually surrounds such occasions, the establishment declined to offer details, but word of the princess’s presence spread quickly through the town, sparking curiosity among local residents.
The choice of Pilar de la Horadada was also a practical one.
Located just a short drive from San Javier, the town offers an easy escape without taking Leonor too far from the academy, where this phase of her military training is unfolding under a demanding and highly structured routine.
Its proximity makes it an ideal setting for brief moments of normality within an otherwise tightly controlled schedule.
The princess is now moving into the second half of her training in the Region of Murcia, a particularly symbolic stage in her preparation for her future role in the Armed Forces.
Before completing this chapter, which is expected to conclude in July, she is also due to receive several institutional honours, including recognitions from the regional government, the Regional Assembly and the municipality of San Javier.
Yet it is outings like this that continue to shape a more personal and contemporary image of the future queen.
Beyond the uniform, ceremony and official obligations, Leonor is also a young woman making space for friendship, spontaneity and the small rituals of everyday life.
In that sense, this quiet lunch in Pilar has become one of the most charmingly human moments of her time in San Javier.
GROUND SHAKES, SKY EXPLODES: Orihuela Hit by Quake Then Fireball in Wild Night
It was a night residents won’t forget in a hurry—first the ground moved, then the sky lit up.
A magnitude 2.5 earthquake struck just north of Orihuela at 7:50pm on Tuesday, jolting locals and sparking alarm across nearby villages. Despite its relatively low strength, the tremor’s shallow depth of just 3.5km made it more noticeable on the surface.
The epicentre was around 18 kilometres from Orihuela, with those closest in areas like Hondon de los Frailes, Crevillente and Callosa de Segura most likely to feel the brief shaking. No damage or injuries were reported, but for many it was an unsettling start to the evening. Then, just hours later, came an even more jaw-dropping moment.
At 10:54pm, a blazing fireball tore across the night sky, dazzling residents across the Vega Baja and turning heads across the region.
The spectacular “bolido” was captured on astronomical cameras operated by Vicente Cayuelas in La Aparecida, Orihuela.
Witnesses described a sudden flash of intense light cutting through the darkness, with social media quickly filling up with stunned reactions from those lucky enough to see it.
Experts say the fireball was a fast-moving meteor burning up in Earth’s atmosphere, creating a bright, glowing trail before disintegrating.
From a trembling earth to a flaming sky, Tuesday delivered a rare double spectacle—leaving Orihuela residents asking: what next?
POETS CORNER
EVERYTHING IS DIFFERENT
By Karl Tame
Everything is different, and nobody is alike, Remember that someone somewhere can bring a new spike, Discipline is measured, like a shot of Caribbean rum, Remember, fulfilment can't be achieved by an Italian nun, Sister, Sister, I’m alive, so I’m doing alright
So many times I tried, and I’ve failed, Remember that no Italian nun ever had me jailed, I believe, yes, that I have always walked on air, Remember, I never said a single prayer, Sister, Sister, I’m alive, so I’m doing alright
A secondary dismissal, well, I wasn’t sure, Remember, she did have a certain allure, Walking on air, I went for another approach, Remember, this was marked as a private coach, Sister, Sister, I’m alive, so I’m doing alright
Getting on a nun's only coach, which I regret, Remember the tour guide had a body you can’t forget, Flung off the coach by a 20-year-old tour guide, Remember to be polite when you lose your pride, Sister, Sister, I’m alive, so I’m doing alright
I have visited hospitals before, never one in Rome, Remember that language is vital when touring Italy alone, Neglect nothing but Italian hospitality is a delight, Remember that the nun stayed with me the entire night, Sister, Sister, I’m alive, so I’m doing alright
Father, 40, ‘Kills 3-Year-Old Daughter in Torrevieja Before Taking His Own Life’
A 40-year-old man is alleged to have killed his three-year-old daughter in Torrevieja before taking his own life in what investigators are treating as a suspected case of vicarious violence.
The child’s mother raised the alarm on Friday night after she was unable to reach her former partner for several hours while the child was in his care. The couple, who were separated, reportedly shared custody of their daughter, Aitana, aged three.
According to sources, the 36-year-old mother, originally from Albatera, went to the Civil Guard station in Torrevieja to report her fears that the father may have harmed the child. Officers were then sent to the man’s home, a single-storey townhouse in the northern part of the town near Ciudad del Mar school. At around 1am on Saturday, they discovered the bodies of the father and daughter in the garage.
The Civil Guard has now taken charge of the investigation, with the case being examined by specialists as suspected vicarious violence.
MOTHER TAKEN TO HOSPITAL
After learning of the deaths, the girl’s mother was treated at the scene before being transferred to Torrevieja University Hospital suffering from severe shock and an anxiety attack. She remains under medical care.
The Civil Guard said there had been no previous formal complaints of domestic abuse between the former couple. However, one neighbour claimed the woman had been threatened on several occasions by her ex-partner after beginning a new relationship.
Residents of the area described the tragedy as deeply shocking.
SUPPORT FOR FAMILY
Following the incident, Torrevieja City Council activated emergency support protocols to assist the mother and another minor sibling.
Mayor Eduardo Dolon and Social Services councillor Oscar Urtasun remained at the hospital on Saturday as psychological support was arranged for the family.
A minute’s silence in memory of the child and in condemna-
tion of the violence was held on Sunday outside the town hall.
CHILLING MESSAGE ON CAR
Parked outside the townhouse was the suspect’s car, where investigators noted a disturbing message written in the dust on the rear window: “Roxana murderer”, followed by the date 1903-2025.
A similar message, spelled differently, was also found on the driver’s side window.
Investigators are now working to establish exactly when the deaths occurred. The autopsies, to be carried out at the Institute of Legal Medicine in Alicante, will determine whether the father and daughter died at the same time or whether one or both may have died days before the bodies were discovered.
Among the unanswered questions is whether the date written on the vehicle — Thursday, March 19, Father’s Day in Spain — may be significant to the timeline.
Inside the car, a handmade decoration in the shape of a car was found hanging from the rearview mirror. It carried the message: “Dad... don’t speed!” On the back was written the name Aitana.
SPECIALIST INVESTIGATION UNDER WAY
The investigation is being led by the Women and Minors Unit of the Civil Guard’s Judicial Police in Alicante.
Officers spent Saturday collecting evidence and taking statements from residents in the housing development where the deaths occurred.
Government delegate in the Valencian Community, Pilar Bernabe, described vicarious violence as “the cruellest and most extreme form of violence against women, because it kills children in order to cause mothers the greatest possible pain”.
She added: “We cannot allow rhetoric that tries to reduce gender violence to a private domestic matter.”
Police Probe Huge Cannabis Waste Dump in San Miguel de Salinas
RESIDENTS KEY IN WAR ON DRUGS, SAY POLICE
A huge illegal dumping ground linked to indoor marijuana cultivation has been uncovered in San Miguel de Salinas, where tonnes of waste from cannabis grow operations were allegedly discarded in secluded countryside near the Cartagena post-transfer canal.
The Guardia Civil and San Miguel Local Police are investigating eleven separate dumping points after a complaint from the local residents’ association, San Miguel Arcangel. Officers found large quantities of material typically used in illegal indoor cannabis farms, including fertiliser containers, growing substrate, plant cut-
Much of it had been carefully sealed in large bags
tings, flowerpots, powerful lamps, air filters and other cultivation equipment.
The waste was spread across an area of almost half a kilometre on rough land near the canal service road, a route frequently used by cyclists and walkers, many of them foreign residents travelling between Orihuela Costa and San Miguel de Salinas. Some of the dumping sites are reportedly within the canal protection zone, which falls under the authority of the Segura Hydrographic Confederation. Investigators believe the rubbish was deposited gradually over recent months. Much of it had been carefully sealed in large bags, suggesting it had
been discreetly removed from indoor growing sites to avoid detection.
Among the waste were thousands of kilos of specialist growing soil, chemical fertiliser containers, solvents, pesticides, pH regulators and cannabis plant remains, some of which still gave off the distinctive smell of marijuana.
Indoor cannabis production is known to rely on sophisticated and expensive equipment, often hidden in abandoned warehouses, basements or outbuildings with sealed windows.
The discovery of high-powered lighting systems, ventilation filters and climatecontrol equipment at the site points to the hurried dismantling of one or more illegal grow operations.
San Miguel Town Hall has already started clearing the area at its own expense, despite the land being privately owned. Workers removed more than three tonnes of waste on Wednesday alone, but the clean-up is expected to take more than a week due to the scale of the dumping.
Local authorities say it is not the first time the municipality has had to foot the bill to remove this kind of illegal waste, with the area increasingly being used to dispose of evidence linked to clandestine cannabis production.
Police have smashed two suspected drug operations on the Orihuela Costa in a double crackdown that has led to arrests, seizures and a bar being shut down.
In the first case, Guardia Civil officers raided a cannabis association accused of selling drugs on the black market. Two men were arrested, while a woman, the club’s secretary, was placed under investigation.
Officers seized 146 grams of hashish, 230 grams of marijuana, e1,042 in cash, a precision scale and electronic equipment allegedly linked to drug dealing.
After examining the association’s paperwork and carrying out surveillance with patrols from Pilar de la Horadada, officers identified customers buying narcotics. Police concluded the venue was effectively operating as a drug sales point.
In a separate blow against drug trafficking, Orihuela Local Police shut down a bar in La Regia after a search uncovered nearly six kilos of marijuana, 300 grams of hashish, 50 grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms, drug-use and packaging paraphernalia, and cash. Several people found at the premises were reported for possession of illegal substances, while those running the business are being investigated for an alleged offence against public health.
Just days earlier, Local Police also arrested two men during a preventive stop in Playa Flamenca after discovering 8.8 kilos of a plant substance resembling marijuana inside a concealed box in a BMW X6 with German plates. Officers also found a fake Bulgarian identity card hidden in a phone case.
Orihuela Costa residents are now being urged to report suspicious activity.
NEW BIOMETRIC CONTROLS AT ALICANTE AIRPORT LEAVE POLICE OVERWHELMED AND QUEUEING PASSENGERS FURIOUS
New biometric border controls at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport are causing delays, confusion and added pressure on police, with technical problems, staff shortages and poor passenger information all contributing to longer queues.
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU travellers is intended to replace passport stamps with biometric records, including fingerprints, facial images and
document data. However, at Alicante — where many affected passengers arrive from the UK — the rollout has proved difficult.
Instead of speeding up border checks, the system is slowing them down. Officers say frequent errors are forcing many passengers through repeat checks, while older travellers in particular are struggling with fingerprint recognition and often have to be processed manually.
That means some passengers are left queueing twice: once for the machine, and again for a police officer when it fails. According to the Jupol police union, the technology is still in an early phase and is increasing workloads rather than reducing them. Officers say the new controls have added technical problems and extra faceto-face processing to an already stretched service.
With Alicante one of Spain’s busiest airports for international visitors, the problems are becoming highly visible. Although the system is expected to expand across Europe, its introduction at Alicante has highlighted the growing gap between the promise of smoother border control and the reality of longer waits and rising frustration.
With Easter traffic now beginning to increase, flights are starting to multiply and agents are already preparing themselves mentally to face "the chaos" that is gradually building in front of their border booths.
Just how gullible are themembers of the Orihuela Town Hall and just how stupid do they think the populationof the Costa are!!
After many delays theTown Hall is now going to be licencing a company to supply electricscooters and they arealso going to be setting up dedicatedparking areas for them as well as making it mandatory to have insurance.
Scooters desertedoutside of these dedicated areas will 'lose power' making them impossibleto use!! Are the hirers going to be bothered once they have finished using them.They can simply hire other machines as and when they want. The deserted scooters will simply cause a nuisance! (See page 6 - E Scooter Standstill)
DoestheTown Hall really think that hirers of these machines are goingto take any notice of these regulations thattheyhave created? All the hirers have to do is provide, by electronicmeans, the details of their credit cards. They can then simply jump on the machines and continue, as in the past, to break every rule that has been invented for them. But that'salright because the council will be raking in money from the rental company, which is obviously much more important than anything else!!
What about all the privately owned scooters? Many of the usersof thesemachines are underage, have no idea on safety issues, carry more than one passenger and so forth
Barry Weston
E SCOOTER STANDSTILL IN OR IHUELA COSTA AS TOWN HALL ACCUSED OF BUNGLING TENDER
Hopp disqualified, new operator missing in action, and residents angry after months of broken rules, empty streets, and unanswered questions.
Residents of Orihuela Costa are left scratching their heads as the municipal e-scooter service saga drags on—with no scooters on the streets and tensions mounting over the controversial tender process.
After the popular local operator Hopp was disqualified, the Town Hall rushed to announce that a new company had taken over.
But despite official claims, the reality is stark: over 120 days have passed since the contract was awarded, and the service is still nowhere to be seen.
The rules were clear—any winning bidder had to start operations within 30 days—yet the new company has failed to meet even that basic requirement.
Critics point out multiple breaches: the company lacked proper registration documents at the Registro Mercantil de Alicante, the promised scooter parking facilities were never built (a single hastily painted area is the only proof), and the operator itself has almost no experience in running shared mobility services.
For weeks, residents and industry players have tried to get answers from the Town Hall—all requests for meetings ignored. Meanwhile, locals who have relied on the scooter service are frustrated, questioning
Casanovas Orchestra Fills
Torrevieja Municipal Theatre
The Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja was once again filled to capacity on Sunday morning (March 15) as it hosted the second Family Concert organised by the Francisco Casanovas Association at 12:00 p.m.
Under the title “Sound of music" the Orchestra delivered a delightful concert inspired by the beloved musical The Sound of Music. The performance featured soprano Maria Sabater as soloist and was conducted by Jose Francisco Sanchez, with narration by Jose Miguel Toro.
The script and musical arrangements were prepared by Juan Francisco Cayuelas, with technical collaboration from Aylin Aldinger, coordination by Julia Vicedo, and Miguel Guerrero serving as stage manager.
The musical performance was accompanied by projected images of Austrian landscapesand scenes from the film. Students from ArtkHome Academy, directed by Taras Khomyak, also took part in the concert.
One of the highlights of the morning came when they joined the soloist and the orchestra to perform well-known songs such as “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss,” and “So Long, Farewell,” with the audience enthusiastically joining in.
The concert concluded with a standing ovation from the audience, and as a special encore the orchestra returned to perform “Do-Re-Mi” once again.
The Francisco Casanovas Association also took the opportunity to thank Jose Miguel Toro, Taras Khomyak, and Aylin Aldinger for their collaboration with the orchestra, presenting them with a small token of appreciation.
Among those attending the event were a number of Torrevieja city councillorsalong with representatives from several local organizations.The Casanovas Orchestra’s next Family concert will take place on Sunday, May 10 at 12:00 p.m. at the Municipal Theatre, entitled “A Great Concert for Everyone” culturatorrevieja.com/evento/orquesta-casanovas-un-conciertazo-para-todos/
Over 120 days have passed but there are still no scooters to be seen
TWO STRETCHES OF
ORIHUELACOSTAíS
BLUE
TRAILSHUT
OVER FEARS OF COLLAPSE
whether the authorities will eventually block taxis and buses too.
Some are already pointing fingers at hidden interests possibly influencing the decision to favour a company with minimal local track record.
As Orihuela Costa waits for its first e-scooter to hit the streets, one thing is clear: the Town Hall’s handling of this tender is raising eyebrows—and tempers—across the community.
Residents and companies alike are asking: when will common sense - and the lawfinally catch up with the Orihuela municipal authorities as they continue to treat their citizens with contempt.?
Walkers are continuing to ignore safety closures on parts of Orihuela Costa’s coastal path, passing through dangerous sections while the council waits for permission to begin repairs. Two stretches of the seafront route between Cala Capitan and La Caleta were closed after recent rain caused ground collapses and increased the risk of further landslides. Although Local Police sealed off the damaged areas a week ago, the barriers appear to be ineffective. Near the Marejada viewpoint, fencing has reportedly been moved aside, allowing pedestrians to keep using the path with little obvious warning of the danger.
At a second point near the Catalejo viewpoint, the area has been marked but not fully blocked, while a small bilingual notice warning of collapse risk is easy to miss.
The situation has created concern on one of Vega Baja’s most popular year-round walking routes, especially with Easter expected to bring many more visitors. Orihuela’s Coast Department says it has already asked the Costas authority for permission to carry out repairs, but work cannot begin until approval is granted.
The closures are particularly awkward for the council because the affected walkway forms part of the Cabo Roig Blue Trail, a 2.5-kilometre scenic route recognised each year since 2021 for its environmental quality and tourist appeal.
STREET FIGHT ENDS WITH SCREWDRIVER BURIED IN MAN’S SKULL
A brutal street fight in Albatera has left residents in shock after a 37-year-old man was found with a screwdriver embedded in the side of his head. The incident happened on March 13 in Calle Vicente Pardo, when emergency services received calls reporting a violent confrontation between two men. When police arrived, they found the injured man seriously wounded and took the decision not to remove the screwdriver, fearing it could cause catastrophic bleeding
or further brain damage. Instead, they stabilised the object until paramedics arrived, and the victim was then taken to Elche General Hospital for emergency treatment.
The second man later sought treatment for serious facial injuries at a health centre in Catral. Both men were arrested, and the case is being investigated as serious bodily harm and possible attempted homicide although the exact cause of the fight remains unclear.
MISSING IN ACTION.
Early Birds Costa Blanca: Cycling Group Born in Lockdown and Still Going Strong
Like so many people, the group found the lockdown period difficult. Travel restrictions meant regular trips and normal routines were disrupted, while the wider impact of the pandemic made life challenging for everyone, however,as restrictions gradually began to ease, small opportunities emerged for people to exercise outdoors again.
At the time, strict rules were introduced to limit social contact and reduce the spread of the virus. Exercise was only allowed during set time slots, and between 6am and 10am the period was reserved for those under 70, with a maximum group size of six.
Using Messenger to stay in touch, a small group began meeting for early morning rides. They jokingly called themselves the “Old Boys”. In those early days there were just five riders: a Belgian, an Icelander, a German and two Britons.
As restrictions were relaxed, more cyclists joined and group numbers increased. It soon became clear that the original name no longer suited the expanding and more international nature of the rides. A new identity was chosen, and the “Early Birds” was born.
Since then, the group has grown steadily. Its circulation list now includes more than 60 riders from Finland, Norway, Belgium, Iceland, Ireland, Germany and the UK, reflecting the diverse international community of the Costa Blanca.
The Early Birds continue to ride at least three times a week, still setting off earlier than many other cycling groups in the area. Despite the group’s growth, its core values have remained the same: riding together, staying together and looking after one another on the road.
What began as a practical response to an extraordinary moment has developed into a strong and supportive cycling community, built on friendship, shared enthusiasm and a love of early morning rides on the Costa Blanca..
By Gordon Robbins
TORREVIEJA TREMBLES
Saturday marked the anniversary of the catastrophic 1829 Torrevieja earthquake, one of the deadliest natural disasters in Vega Baja history. To commemorate the date, Professor Pedro Alfaro GarcIa of the University of Alicante gave a lecture at Torrevieja’s Palace of Music on Friday as part of the seventh edition of “1829, Torrevieja Trembles”, organised by Ars Creatio.
Addressing a large audience, Alfaro explained that the earthquake, estimated at between magnitude 6.3 and 6.9, killed 389 people and was caused by tectonic friction between the Eurasian and Nubian plates. He said this interaction creates an active seismic corridor stretching from Andalusia to Alicante.
The professor also highlighted the broader seismic reality of the Valencian Community, where more than 500 tremors are recorded every year, with the south of Alicante province among the most active zones. He pointed to the Bajo Segura fault and the Torrevieja fault as key geological features, warning that despite their slow movement, they remain capable of generating a major quake.
Alfaro also explained how soft soils and liquefaction worsened the 1829 destruction, and said that while tsunami risks do exist, they are very limited.
The Early Birds Costa Blanca cycling group was formed during the Covid lockdowns of 2020, although many of its members had already been riding together for several years before the pandemic.
Professor Pedro Alfaro GarcIa of the University of Alicante
CAMPOVERDE CHURCH GETS SETFOR APACKED EASTER PROGRAMME
One of the busiest Churches on the Costa Blanca is getting set for a bumper period of Easter activities. Campoverde Church may not be the biggest Church but every Easter they set out an exciting range of community activities to involve everyone in the Easter celebrations.
Maggie Dew, the Church Warden, said, ìEaster is one of the most important times in the Christian calendar, and as a community-based Church we always believe that the Church should not be confined to the building but instead should be out there engaging with people where they are.î
Maggie continued ìwe always set out an exciting Easter programme that has something for everyone ranging fromî: Easter eggs for our local orphanage, Aprocession with Paso through our village, An Easter trail in our Church garden, Re-enactment of the Last Supper, Easter bonnet competition, Childrenís Easter egg hunt - Church garden
In addition to all this the Church has a full programme of services celebrating the Passion and resurrection of Christ. If you want to know more about the Church activities and its community outreach work then have a look at our Facebook page: Church in the Community ñ Campoverde. If you want to get involved, contact Maggie direct: maggieruthdew@hotmail.com
SATURDAY MARCH 28 AT 3PM
Palm Cross making workshop in the Church Garden
PALM SUNDAY – MARCH 29 AT 6PM
Service of Worship and distribution of Palm Crosses HOLY WEEK – MARCH 30 TO APRIL 5
Stations of the Cross Easter Trail in the Church Garden HOLY MONDAY – MARCH 30
Holy Week Procession through Campoverde
MAUNDY THURSDAY – APRIL 2 AT 6PM IN THE SHED
Informal gathering to remember the events of the Last Supper, with wine and bread
GOOD FRIDAY – APRIL 3
3-4pm Church open for private prayer and reflection
EASTER SATURDAY – APRIL 4 - 2pm In The Church Garden
Easter Egg Hunt and Easter activities for the children of Campoverde
EASTER SUNDAY – APRIL 5 AT 6PM
AService of Celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Wear your Easter Bonnet (prize for best bonnet)
Torrevieja Cashes
ENVIRONMENT, SAFETY, INVESTMENT AND ANIMAL WELFARE IN FOCUS
From environmental improvements in Orihuela and a new municipal budget in Rafal to a major drugs raid in Los Alcazares, investment in Cabo Roig and a busy year for Torrevieja’s animal shelter, these stories highlight the latest developments in public services, safety, infrastructure and community life across the Vega Baja.
NEW WILDLIFE INFO PANELS ALONG THE RIO SEGURA
Orihuela has added five new information panels along the restored stretch of the Segura River to boost environmental education and awareness as part of the Refluye Mi RIo project.
Three panels focus on riverbank biodiversity, while two explain the flora and fauna found in the riverside groves. The displays highlight native species such as white poplar, oleander, river honeysuckle and the European green woodpecker, as well as invasive species including giant reed and red swamp crayfish.
Officials say the panels turn the route into an open-air classroom for residents, visitors and schools.
Biologist Gonzalo Escudero Galante contributed photographs to the project.
RAFAL APPROVES €3.9
MILLION BUDGET FOR 2026
Rafal City Council has approved a euro 3.9 million municipal budget for 2026, described by Mayor Manuel Pineda as realistic, balanced and responsible.
Backed by the PSOE governing group, with the PP abstaining, the budget is euro100,000 higher than last year and aims to strengthen essential services, social support and local investment while maintaining financial stability. It
In as Traffic
by 69% Above Target of 1.4
Torrevieja City Council collected far more from traffic fines in 2025 than expected, taking in e1.42 million compared with a projected e841,933 — almost 69 per cent above budget.
The sharp rise is being attributed to tougher enforcement, including four fixed speed cameras, a mobile radar unit and a stronger police presence. The cameras were installed on some of the town’s busiest roads, while the number of officers has risen from about
135 to nearly 180, allowing more patrols to target speeding and illegal parking.
Income linked to towing also rose sharply, with the vehicle removal service bringing in e370,303, well above the forecast e222,285. Despite this, the council says Torrevieja still has some of the lowest towing fees in the Valencian Community.
Town Hall insists the measures are about road safety rather than revenue,
includes €1.44 million for staff, €1.8 million for everyday services and operations, more than euro157,000 in subsidies for local rganisations, and euro158,315 for social assistance.
A further euro169,558 will fund projects including sports upgrades, a children’s park and land purchases.
DRUG DEN RAIDED ADJACENT TO LOS ALCAZARES SCHOOL
Four people have been arrested after police raided a house near a school in Los Alcazares that was allegedly being used as a 24-hour drug-dealing point.
The Guardia Civil launched Operation Dimi after reports of constant suspicious activity at the property, which was close to a school and sports facilities used by children.
After surveillance, officers carried out a major raid involving around 50 police and seized cocaine, cocaine base, marijuana, hashish, cash and drug-preparation equipment.
Investigators say a couple running the operation used two drug-dependent individuals to help sell and distribute drugs, while also acting as lookouts.
LED STREET LIGHTING TO BE INSTALLED IN CABO ROIG
Orihuela Council has started long-awaited improvement works on Avenida del Cabo in Cabo Roig, with an investment of more than e200,000.
The project focuses mainly on replacing old sodium vapour streetlights with energy-efficient LED lighting along one of Orihuela Costa’s busiest roads.
Officials say the upgrade will improve visibility, safety and energy efficiency while cutting CO2 emissions.
The works also include accessibility improvements, new road signage and
Fines Soar
Million Euro
pointing to past serious and fatal accidents on key urban avenues. Councillor Alarcon said the cameras are clearly signposted and have helped reduce average speeds.
He also revealed that 150 drivers have been caught travelling at three times the speed limit since the cameras were introduced.
The council now plans a 21-officer traffic unit and says the regulated Blue Zone parking system will return during 2026.
markings, removal of damaged vegetation from the central median, and selective resurfacing.
Councillors say the scheme forms part of a wider programme of coastal investment, while Mayor Pepe Vegara described it as a direct response to a historic demand from residents and a sign of the council’s commitment to Orihuela Costa.
300 ADOPTIONS AT TORREVIEJA ANIMAL SHELTER IN 2025
Torrevieja’s Municipal Animal Shelter arranged 285 adoptions in 2025, helping 201 cats and 84 dogs find new homes.
Councillor Concha Sala praised local animal welfare groups for their ongoing support in adoption, care and sterilisation work.
During the year, 88 dogs and 662 cats were sterilised, including feral colony animals. The shelter also dealt with 139 abandonment orders and received 34 owner surrender requests, though fewer than 20 were accepted under animal welfare rules.
A total of 476 cats entered the shelter, with 21 reunited with owners. Staff also handled lost, injured and wild animals, while veterinary and police services carried out interventions linked to responsible ownership, welfare and possible mistreatment cases.
SPAIN’S SUNSHINE COAST TAKES A DAY OFF...... OR SEVERAL
The recent spell of unseasonal, unsettled weather across the Costa Blanca South and the Mar Menor has left residents and visitors alike wondering what has happened to the region’s famously reliable climate.
March, typically a month of gentle warmth and bright skies, has instead delivered persistent winds, heavy showers and an unwelcome chill more reminiscent of midwinter than early spring.
While no single weather event can be directly attributed to long-term climate trends, the increasing frequency of such anomalies is difficult to ignore.
Erratic patterns, sudden downpours and prolonged periods of instability are becoming less unusual, raising questions about how well prepared local infrastructure and communities are to cope.
For a region so heavily dependent on tourism, the timing could hardly be worse.
Businesses that rely on the early spring influx of visitors have faced cancellations and reduced footfall, while outdoor activities and events have been repeatedly disrupted. Fortunately, however, the sun did make an appearance on St Patrick’s Day.
Agriculture, too, feels the impact, with unpredictable rainfall complicating planting and crop management.
Yet this unsettled period should also serve as a reminder. The Costa Blanca and Mar Menor are not immune to broader environmental shifts.
Planning, investment and adaptation will be essential to maintain both economic resilience and quality of life. For now, residents can only wait for the return of the sunshine that defines this corner of Spain, alhough as I write there is a hint that it may be back.
But perhaps the bigger question remains: are these just passing disruptions, or signs of a more permanent change in the Mediterranean climate we once took for granted?
MAN, 28, DIES AFTER PLUNGING FROM CLIFF IN ORIHUELA COSTA
A28-year-old man has died after plunging more than ten metres from a cliff on the Orihuela Costa while trying to retrieve a pair of glasses he had dropped.
The tragic accident happened at around 6pm on Sunday in the Barranco Rubio area as the man was walking along the coastline with his partner.
According to early reports, the victim slipped while attempting to recover his glasses near the cliff edge, close to the Manoli Hotels area on the southern edge of the Orihuela coastline, just a short distance from the border with Pilar de la Horadada.
He fell more than ten metres down the rocky cliff face into a hard-to-reach area below.
Cyclists passing along the coastal path rushed to help after being alerted by the man’s partner, while emergency services were quickly called to the scene near Avenida de Francia in the Mil Palmeras district.
A SAMU emergency medical unit was dispatched but medics were unable to save the young man’s life.
Officers from the Civil Guard’s Judicial Police unit based in Pilar de la Horadada launched an investigation into the incident.
Specialist rescue personnel from the Civil Guard’s underwater activities group (GEAS) were also deployed to recover the body, using technical equipment and a stretcher to lift it back up the cliff. Although the fall occurred near the sea,
sources confirmed the victim was found on rocks below and not in the water.
The recovery operation was complicated by the difficult terrain, as only a few sections of the rugged coastline have ladders leading down to the shore.
The body was finally recovered at around 10.15pm before being transferred by a funeral service vehicle from the Valencian Institute of Legal
Medicine.
A post-mortem examination is expected to take place in the coming hours.
The victim, who was a Colombian national, had been living in the city of Murcia. Family members of both the deceased man and his partner later arrived at the scene following the tragedy.
The light at the southern entrance to the town
Body of Missing Man Found inLake Pedrera
The body of a man has been found in La Pedrera reservoir after a largescale search operation led by the Guardia Civil.
The search began after the disappearance of a 47-year-old Spanish man near the Tajo-Segura transfer canal in Fortuna, Murcia, on March 15.
Since then, officers, firefighters and specialist rescue teams had been combing the canal route across both Murcia and Alicante provinces.
The grim discovery was made on the morning of March 20, when a Guardia Civil drone spotted the body in the reservoir, in the Jacarilla area of Alicante, close to the point where water from the transfer system flows into the lake.
Specialist divers from Alicante’s GEAS underwater unit, supported by firefighters, then recovered the body.
Investigators believe the deceased is the missing man from Fortuna.
A family spokesperson has identified him,
although formal procedures are still under way.
The search operation involved an extensive sweep of tunnels, aqueducts and open stretches of the transfer canal.
The Segura Hydrographic Confederation (CHS) also assisted by reducing the water flow to help search teams.
The Guardia Civil has kept the investigation open while officers work to establish the full circumstances of the death. However, early indications suggest there are no signs of violence and no evidence of third-party
involvement, pending the results of the autopsy.
The operation brought together patrols from the Torrevieja Citizen Security Company, the GEAS underwater unit, the USECIC public security unit from Torrevieja, firefighters from Alicante Province and aerial support from the Guardia Civil drone team.
For now, attention turns to the postmortem examination, which is expected to confirm exactly how the man died after this tragic six-day search.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CLICK ON A LINK IN A SCAM EMAIL OR MESSAGE?
It is a common fear, but the good news is thatsimply clicking a linkrarely gives a hacker total control over your device. However, certain informationisaccessible immediately, and more can be stolen if you interact with the page.
1. INFORMATION SHARED AUTOMATICALLY (THE "HANDSHAKE")
When you click any link, your browser sends a "request" to the server, which can reveal: IP ADDRESS: This provides your approximate location (typically your city or the service provider's hub).
DEVICE TYPE: They can see if you are using an iPhone, an Android, or a PC.
BROWSER INFO: Which browser you’re using (Chrome, Safari, etc.) and your operating system version.
2.
INFORMATION
ACCESSIBLE VIA "INTERACTIONS"
This is where the real danger lies. The hacker doesn't "take" this info; they trick you into givingit:
LOGIN CREDENTIALS: If the link takes you to a fake login page (Netflix, Bank, Gmail) and you type your username/password, they now have full access to that account.
FINANCIAL DATA: Fake "shipping fee" or "unpaid bill" sites will ask for credit card numbers.
PERSONAL IDENTITY: Forms asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, or home address.
MALWARE/SPYWARE: If an app or file is downloaded and you accidentally grant it permission to install, it could gain access to your camera, microphone, contacts, and text messages.
Sophisticated attacks can sometimes "steal" your active login sessions for other websites,
Scan the QR Code above to find out exactly what the Costa Blanca Technology Help Group has to offer
letting them bypass your password entirely. IMMEDIATE "DAMAGE CONTROL" STEPS
If you just clicked a link butdidn'ttype anything or download anything, you are likely safe. To be sure, do the following:
CLOSE THE TAB: Do not stay on the site. Close the browser entirely.
CLEAR BROWSER CACHE: In your browser settings, clear your history and cookies to remove any "tracking" the site left behind.
CHECK FOR DOWNLOADS: Look in your "Downloads" folder. If you see any new files (especially .apk on Android or profile configurations on iPhone),delete them immediatelywithout opening them.
SCAN FOR MALWARE: If you are on Android, use the built-in "Play Protect" scan in the Google Play Store or a trusted app like Malwarebytes.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CLICK ON A LINK IN AN SMS TEXT?
When you click a link in a text message, the scammer gets an immediate "ping" that tells them a lot more than you might realise. They have.
Meetings at Dilly's Bar, Av. Castuera, 3, 03184 El Chaparral, Alicante. Group meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 10:00 to 12:00. The The Next meeting is on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026. You are welcome to attend.
1. VERIFICATION THAT YOUR NUMBER IS "ACTIVE"
This is the most valuable piece of info for a low-level scammer. By clicking, you have confirmed:
Your phone number is real. You read your texts.
You are willing to click links. This often results in your number being added to a "High-Value" list and sold to other scammers, leading to a massive increase in spam calls and texts.
2. DIGITAL FINGERPRINTING
The link sends a "request" to the scammer's server. Without you typing a single word, they capture:
Your IP Address: This reveals your approximate location and your Internet Service Provider.
Device Identity: They’ll know you’re using, for example, a "Samsung Galaxy S24" or an "iPhone 15."
Software Version: They can see if your Operating System or Browser is outdated, which tells them if your phone has specific security holes they can exploit.
To ask a question or to join the Technolgy Help Group send an email to Brian Hoile at: cbtechnology.help@gmail.com
ORIHUELA COSTA AUTHOR EXPANDS PORTFOLIO WITH THREE MAJOR BOOK PROJECTS
Alocal author has announced continued progress across three major writing projects, including two books now available worldwide and a third currently nearing completion.
The historical work The Moorish Conquest continues to reach readers internationally.
The book explores the dramatic events that reshaped the Iberian Peninsula in the early eighth century and led to the creation of AlAndalus, one of the most significant turning points in European history. The work examines the political upheaval, cultural transformation, and long-lasting legacy of the Moorish arrival in Iberia.
Alongside this historical title, the author’s second book, Broken Promises: Betrayed and Forgotten, is now available globally in hardback, paperback, and Kindle editions.
This non-fiction study focuses on the growing crisis facing Britain’s pensioners — a generation that worked, contributed, and trusted the promise that retirement would bring stability, dignity, and security.
Instead, many now find themselves confronting rising living costs, shifting pension rules, and increasing strain on the systems designed to support them.
At the centre of the book is a fundamental question: how did the generation that helped build the country become one of the
most overlooked?
The book examines a range of issues including pension inequality, the WASPI campaign, changes to the retirement age, and the wider social contract between government and the citizens who supported it through decades of work and taxation.
Both books are available worldwide through major retailers including Amazon, Kindle, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Books, Kobo, Waterstones, Chapters Indigo, and Smashwords, as well as through more than 100 international bookstores.
Prices:
Hardback: £26.99
Paperback: £16.99
Kindle: £6.99
FORTHCOMING TITLE
Work is also underway on a third book titled Living and Growing Old in Silence, which is currently being completed.
The upcoming publication will continue the discussion surrounding ageing in modern society, focusing on issues often left unspoken — including loneliness, social care pressures, financial insecurity, and the broader experience of growing older in a world that frequently avoids confronting the realities faced by elderly citizens.
Further details about the forthcoming title are expected to be released soon.
‘It’s
only make believe …’
My brother Sean was blessed with a colourful and vivid imagination as a child. Sean told stories of people he met on the road, treats the teacher gave him in school and secret places he could go to that nobody else knew about.
Sean played with what he named ‘gone horses’ that he could see in sunbeams and he made up stories of his adventures on going to neighbour’s houses.
To my eternal shame, my brother Willie and I, being older and knowing everything, used confront and contradict Sean on his little bit of fantasy escapism. The worst crime in our house was not telling the truth and in our childish ignorance, we used to call out Sean on his ‘lies’ … not realising that he was the smart one with his escape route from drudgery.
Conway Twitty had a hit song; ‘It’s only make believe,’ and whilst Conway’s make believe was being back in the arms of his lover, his is another story of being able to remove oneself even momentarily from a less pleasant reality. It is undeniable that the benefit of a little fantasy escape or ‘make believe’ can be a useful tool against the trials and tribulations of a mundane everyday life.
Like so much else in life this indul-
gence comes with a health warning … everything in moderation. We are not suggesting that anybody should set off to live in a fantasy world; what we are saying is that playing around with a little bit of make believe can only be good for resting the head and giving a boost to the battery of life.
Like Sean, that little period of fantasy escapism can only be good.
Buying a Lotto ticket is a good investment. You are unlikely to win (this being said; I recently interviewed a woman for something I’m writing because Anne won the Lotto … TWICE!) but the great return from your ticket purchase is that you can dream; you can daydream about how you will spend the money; to keep it quiet or not; who to invite to the party or maybe bring on a cruise.
The pay off here is that for the duration of those short fantasy trips, your problems have all disappeared.
Tell me … have you never fantasised about finding an old suitcase packed to bulging with used bank notes? Probably left there for a pick up by some drug gang until you accidently came across it when nobody looking?
Off you pops, heart beating until you get home without meeting another soul … and nobody will ever know about this? Thought so …!
Like we said, we are not advocating mental emigration from the real world; just a temporary escape akin to taking your body away for a bit of a break. The suggestion being that engaging in the odd little bit of fantasy can be good for the brain.
When you fantasise about something good; reality is suspended and you get a short, free, feel good dividend. Stress is reduced and the body battery receives a boost.
In our fantasy world,
good always triumphs over evil. You or I, in our mind’s eye, could rule the world, exalt the good and punish the wicked in a fairer manner than how mankind is regulated the way things are.
Somebody said onetime that reality is a prison and that it is our duty to escape to the odd bit of fantasy in order to seek some joy. This is not about running away from life, but rather using the mental tools to live it better.
Far from being childish or escapist, fantasy acts as a tactical retreat that allows the mind to decompress from daily stresses and returning with a refreshed perspective. And again, what harm is it doing?
It is safe emotional exploration where the ‘thinker’ can experience high-stakes fear, excitement, love and wonderment in the safe environment of their own head.
Daydreaming is closely related to fantasising, but is different insofar as daydreaming is just a wandering mind that can hit on its own distraction.
This will come as a surprise to you, but it is estimated that people spend half of their waking hours with their minds wandering. While the mind is wandering the brain reduces resources for processing outside information and instead increases activity associated with internal self referential thoughts. We are wandering a bit here… I suppose this fanciful thought is related closely enough to the subject that we can finish up with it.
A good few years back, the last question I was asked in a newspaper profile article was; ‘did I have any unfulfilled dream’; and here was my answer; ‘To watch every inch of the flight of the ball from sixty yards out as it sails over the bar to give Westmeath a one point lead over Kilkenny in injury time in the Leinster Hurling Final.’
DON’T FORGET
You can always tell luck from ability by its duration.
Spain’s long-awaited report into last year’s major blackout, which left millions without power across Spain and Portugal for up to 10 hours, is expected to avoid assigning blame.
The CNMC watchdog confirmed the findings will focus on conclusions and recommendations rather than identifying those responsible.
The April 28 outage triggered widespread disruption and scrutiny of the energy system.
While the main report will not name culprits, a separate investiga-
tion is underway to assess whether energy companies and grid operators acted properly before, during and after the incident. If serious failings are found, fines of up to e60 million could be imposed.
CNMC chief Cani Fernandez defended the regulator against criticism, insisting no errors were made despite concerns over adapting to increased renewable energy use.
For now, the blackout remains officially unresolved.
Ozone LayerRecovery FasterThan Expected
Scientists say the ozone layer is recovering quicker than previously thought, offering encouraging news for the planet. Experts now project that ozone levels could return to near-normal between 2040 and 2066, earlier than once expected.
The progress has largely been credited to global cooperation through measures such as the Montreal Protocol, the international agreement designed to phase out harmful ozone-depleting chemicals. That treaty is widely seen as one of the most successful environmental agreements ever introduced.
Researchers say the recovery of the ozone layer shows that coordinated international action can produce real environmental results. By reducing the use of dangerous substances, countries around the world have helped slow and reverse damage to the atmosphere.
The findings are being welcomed as a rare piece of positive environmental news. They also serve as a reminder that when governments work together on a shared problem, meaningful progress is possible.
The ozone layer plays a vital role in protecting life on Earth by shielding the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation, making its recovery a major scientific and environmental milestone.
SPAIN INTRODUCES PAID MENSTRUAL LEAVE IN A EUROPEAN FIRST
Spain has become the first European country to introduce paid menstrual leave, allowing women with severe symptoms to take up to five days off per month with medical approval.
The policy is seen as a landmark step in recognising the impact of serious menstrual pain on daily life and work.
Supporters say it addresses a long-neglected health issue and ensures women are not forced to work through intense discomfort.
The measure also places menstrual health firmly within labour rights and public health policy, highlighting the need for workplace support for women’s health conditions.
As the first national scheme of its kind in Europe, the reform is being described as historic and could influence similar debates across the continent.
Overall, it has been widely welcomed as a progressive move promoting dignity, protection and recognition for women in the workplace.
Warmer Roads: How Heat Affects Tyres and Tarmac
Spring warmth is often welcomed after colder months, yet rising temperatures introduce new variables for drivers. Roads and tyres respond to heat physically, and those changes can subtly influence vehicle handling and safety.
March is a transitional month, and understanding how surfaces react helps prevent unexpected loss of control.
TARMAC EXPANDS IN HEAT
Road surfaces expand as temperatures rise. This expansion can worsen existing cracks or create small surface distortions. Sections repaired during winter may settle unevenly once exposed to sustained warmth.
In areas with heavier traffic, softer tarmac can develop slight rutting or polished patches, reducing grip — particularly for motorcyclists and cyclists.
TYRE PRESSURE CHANGES WITH TEMPERATURE
Air expands as it warms. As outside temperatures increase, tyre pressure rises. If tyres were set at the upper end of recommended pressure during winter, spring warmth may push them beyond optimal levels.
Overinflated tyres reduce the contact patch with the road surface, potentially affecting grip and braking performance.
Checking tyre pressures as seasons change is a simple but effective safety measure.
TYRE CONDITION BECOMES MORE IMPORTANT
Worn tyres that performed adequately in cooler weather may struggle on warming surfaces.
Increased temperature can accelerate wear, particularly on long motorway journeys.
Warm sunshine often creates the perception of ideal driving conditions. However, heat combined with residual winter debris — such as dust, loose gravel, or degraded surface material — can reduce traction unexpectedly.
Corners, roundabouts, and rural roads are especially vulnerable to this effect.
DRIVING STYLE SHOULD ADAPT
As conditions change, so should driving behaviour. Maintaining appropriate following distances and avoiding abrupt steering or braking inputs helps preserve stability.
Smooth inputs reduce the likelihood of sudden grip loss.
SEASONAL CHECKS PREVENT PROBLEMS
March is an ideal time to carry out basic vehicle checks:
Tyre pressure and tread depth, Windscreen washer levels, Wiper condition,
Brake responsiveness.
Small preventative actions reduce the likelihood of larger problems.
HEAT IS A VARIABLE, NOT A GUARANTEE
Warmer weather does not automatically mean safer roads. Heat alters both surfaces and vehicles in subtle ways.
Recognising that seasonal change affects the mechanics of driving helps ensure that improving weather does not lead to declining awareness.
March is a transitional month.
Tractor driver crushed to death in San Miguel after van slams into vehicle
A 52-year-old farmer from San Miguel de Salinas died after a van collided with the rear of his tractor on the CV-941 at around 7.30pm on Friday.
The impact threw him from his seat, causing the tractor to overturn and crush him,
RESIDENTS OF LA CAMPANETA WANT SEGREGATION FROM ORIHUELA
Residents of La Campaneta, a district of about 1,200 people, have staged a protest over what they describe as long-term neglect by Orihuela City Council.
Locals point to deteriorating conditions, including broken bins, rubbish accumulation, rats, damaged pavements and potholes that flood when it rains.
The area’s mayor, Francisco Malia, says he has spent nearly three years requesting improvements with little response, leaving residents feeling ignored and unsafe, with some forced onto roads due to blocked walkways.
Frustration has now turned into political anger, with the creation of a neighbourhood association demanding immediate action
resulting in fatal head injuries at the scene. Emergency services, including local police and a SAMU ambulance, attended but could only confirm his death.
Authorities said the tractor was properly signalled and travelling at an appropriate speed.
The van driver was uninjured. The crash occurred on a busy route linking inland Vega Baja towns with the Orihuela Costa.
and basic services. Residents argue the municipality is too large and poorly managed to serve outlying areas effectively, even raising the possibility of administrative separation.
Although the council has promised limited repairs, including playground fixes and resurfacing works, locals remain unconvinced and insist urgent intervention is needed.
THREE
HOSPITALISED
Three people were taken to hospital after suffering smoke inhalation in a house fire on Orihuela Costa in the early hours of Wednesday.
The blaze broke out in a ground-floor property on Calle Ciruela in the Los Dolses urbanisation, close to the Villamartin road. Emergency services were called just before 4.40am and firefighters rushed to the scene.
Crews focused on bringing the flames under control but also had to use mechanical extraction equipment because of the huge amount of smoke inside the home.
The incident was brought under control in less than an hour.
A 68-year-old woman and two men, one aged 57, were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation before all three were transferred to Torrevieja University Hospital.
AFTER LOS DOLSES FIRE
The cause of the fire has not yet been disclosed.
SAT ANIMAL RESCUE
Freya is a 4- year-old, German Shepherd who is very affectionate but would need an experience owner. For more info on this beautiful girl contactinfo@satanimalrescue.comor WhatsAPP688 792 515 or leave a message on 966 71 0047
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 : May and June 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.
HELP MAR MENOR
Coffee & Company events are back on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at Bar / Rest Las Claras del Mar Menor, C/ Helena, Los Alcazares from 10am - Open to all nationalities who may be feeling isolated, lonely or hoping to meet new friends. Our volunteers will be on hand on the day.
HELP is a non profit organisation, we raise money from donations to give to local charities within Murcia.
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
The next meeting of the OrihuelaCostaand District Branch will be held at the CAPTAIN’S TABLE, situatedatthe back of the Upper Floor of the Punta Prima Centre on Friday 3 April, starting at 4pm. Members, ex members, and non-members are welcome. For further information call 616 917 675 or 711 082 090
Very young at heart Orihuela Costa male,age 81, WLTM a lively lady who values her own space,for friendshipand fun times
Please message me on 641 536 969 WhatsApp or email: gtbainspain2025@gmail.com
WAR WITHOUT A PLAN?
In my rant last week I wrote that America rushed into war with Iran and had no idea what the end game might be. It was also obvious that Trump did not factor in Iran’s ability to close the Strait of Hormuz which has now caused economic chaos world wide.
But why the rush? After all the US and Iran were in discussions about the country’s future and its ability to create nuclear weapons.
But the resignation of a senior US intelligence official appointed by Trump makes it clear.
In his resignation note Joe Kent, director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, contradicted the administration’s basis for launching the war and imploring Trump to end it.
He wrote: “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”
In other words Trump was bounced into war by Israel and the rich and powerful Jews in America. Well thanks a lot and now the entire world can see how destructive a force religion can be in the hands of extremists and despots.
Tony Mayes Rant
And this week we see Israel going it alone bombing gas facilities without the US being told first. Jews are conducting this war fueled by pure religious hatred and we are all going to experience the consequence in our pockets.
The world finally needs a long and hard grown up debate about religion which has caused misery and suffering for centuries and is still doing so. Of course the religious will claim it is the work of the Devil. I say it is the work of the human race which has to somehow finally stop the indoctrination of people into one of more than 4,000 different religions worldwide, some prepared to kill each other –and for what? Because they are right and everyone else is wrong?
DRIVERS DODGE CRATERS, COUNCILS
DODGE BLAME
A creative cartoon on social media has been doing the rounds showing Costa Blanca potholes with a person fishing and another in a boat in them.
Perhaps just a tad of an exaggeration but after the record breaking storms and rains this winter roads are a disgrace and in Britain too.
Local roads across England and Wales now need a record £18.6 billion to be brought up to a decent standard, according to a major new report, and the Spanish Road Association reported in February that the overall maintenance deficit for roads has reached a record 13 billion, with nearly 34,000 kilometres of road in "very poor condition".
Some weeks ago white lines were drawn around some potholes where we live in the UK, and we thought the holes would be filled, but nothing happened and when it rained the white paint disappeared. Then more white
paint appeared and a few potholes have been filled with asphalt but some of the biggest ones are still there.
And the situation is making motorists angry. Some gangs of workers have come under attack, verbally and some have been spat at by motorists.
And virtually all councils in a survey agree the cause of the problem was years of underinvestment followed by one of the worst winters weatherwise. It’s all proving costly in vehicle repairs to suspensions and tyres.
SUPERMARKET SWEEP
I think some people in Britain are getting more barmy by the day. At the weekend a left-wing activist group staged a nationwide shoplifting spree to "liberate" food from supermarket shelves in protest against "billionaires".
Calling themselves Take Back Power they carried out coordinated thefts from major supermarket chains across four British cities taking items from shelves before delivering them to food banks.
They targeted branches of Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Tesco in Exeter, Truro, Manchester and south-east London.
The Met Police made some arrests of members of the group when it was learned that they were planning attacks, but none of the shoplifters were arrested.
Britain, with a left wing government with a big majority should be taxing the rich more and closing their tax loopholes, but equally there are far too many people with a lifestyle choice of not working and living on the State – and perhaps many members of Take Back Power fall into this category.
ROJALES PANTO CHARITIES
The Rojales Pantomime Group has made a series of charitable donations using funds raised from its 2025 production, Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs.
The show, performed at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio, proved to be a great success and enabled the group to donate a total of e4,000 to its chosen charities: The Pink Ladies, Help at Home, Rojales Social Services, and the San Fulgencio Music School.
The group has also announced its 2026 pantomime, Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, which will be staged in December.
The script has once again been written by Alison Clough, with Julia Parker returning as director.
With the full pantomime team
already working on scenery, props, lighting and sound, the group says there are plenty of imaginative ideas in store, promising another entertaining production from this ambitious and forward-looking company.
Anyone interested in joining the group in any capacity can contact Alison by email at rojalespantomime123@gmail.com.
Generali strengthens commitment to expatriate market at 2026 broker convention
Generali hosted its 2026 Expatriates Intermediaries Convention in late February at La Granja de San Ildefonso, in Segovia near Madrid, bringing together more than 80 brokers specialising in the expatriate segment.
The event reaffirmed the insurer’s commitment to what it considers a strategic and rapidly growing market, one that requires specialised expertise and dedicated commercial and technical support.
The convention was opened by Carlos Escudero, CEO of Generali Spain, who highlighted the strong performance of the expatriate customer segment and underlined the decisive role played by specialised intermediaries in building long-term relationships of trust with international clients.
Also taking part were Jorge Garcia, Chief Sales & Distribution Officer; Ramiro Barral, Director of Territorial Organisation; and Rafael Nadales, Territorial Director of Expatriates, who reviewed the evolution of the business over the past year and its contribution to Generali’s overall performance.
During the convention, Generali also presented several initiatives planned for the coming year.
Among the developments announced were an expansion of the product range and new protection solutions — including health, funeral and travel insurance — specifically designed for expatriate customers.
The company also outlined digital improvements aimed at simplifying processes for brokers and enhancing the overall experience for international clients.
MORE THAN THREE DECADES OF EXPERTISE
Generali’s expatriate customer segment has more than 30 years of experience and offers one of the most comprehensive portfolios available in this segment.
The insurer continues to focus on delivering a differentiated
With this convention, Generali reinforces its position in a high-value and technically specialised market.
service based on expert advice, multilingual support, flexible products and responsive customer service, reflecting the specific needs of people living and working outside their home country.
With this convention, Generali reinforces its position in a high-
Spain Springs Forward, but Brussels Stays Stuck
Spain still changes its clocks twice a year because, although there has been political support for ending the practice, European Union countries have not agreed on what should replace it.
The clock change was originally introduced in Europe as a way to save energy. The idea dates back to the early 20th century and became more firmly established during times of economic pressure, such as war and the 1970s oil crisis.
In Spain, the current system has been used continuously since 1974, when reducing energy consumption became a major concern. Today, the clocks still go forward on the last weekend of March and back on the last weekend of October.
Even though many people question the need for this, the system remains in place because Spain does not make the decision alone. Any permanent change would need to fit within a broader EUwide agreement.
value and technically specialised market, where increasing international mobility continues to drive demand for tailored insurance solutions and specialist mediation. More information about insurance solutions tailored for expatriates living in Spain can be found at generaliexpatriates.es.
In recent years, the European Parliament examined the possibility of abolishing daylight saving time.
Public consultations across the EU suggested that most citizens would support ending the twice-yearly change. Spain has also raised the idea several times, showing that there is no shortage of political interest.
The problem is deciding what comes next. Countries would need to choose between permanent summer time and permanent winter time, and that is where consensus breaks down.
Different member states have different priorities depending on their geography, climate, working patterns and economic links with neighbours.
There are also practical concerns. Transport networks, international trade, airline schedules and digital systems all depend on countries
operating on coordinated time rules.
A patchwork of different time choices across Europe could create confusion and disruption. Meanwhile, the original justification for changing the clocks has become less convincing. Studies suggest that modern energy savings are very limited because electricity use has changed so much over time.
At the same time, evidence has grown that clock changes can disrupt sleep and negatively affect health and wellbeing.
For now, Spain continues to follow the existing EU timetable. Until member states reach a shared decision on whether to keep one fixed time all year round, the twice-yearly clock change will remain in place, even if many people feel its usefulness has long since faded.
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.
Dear Sara,
Iam a single man approaching 40. I have never had a lasting relationship with a woman.
I dated in my teens, twenties and had one or two girlfriends in my 30s, but my career was more important so I never wanted to put down any serious roots.
The result was that my longer affairs fizzled out because my partners wanted to get married and have children.
It's my own fault, but still I don't feel any different about wanting a family, and have had a vasectomy to ensure this.
I do however, want to pursue a permanent relationship and haven't ruled out marriage; I just need someone who wants the same.
I have reluctantly gone on dating Apps, but I only attract responses from women who just want a good time, and have money spent on them.
I am not ungenerous, but I can see gold diggers coming a mile off.
I have done well in my career and will not have to worry about money. I am slim and well-groomed and wear good clothes.
When I meet potential suiters, their eyes are lit up like stars.
Advertising yourself as well-heeled on a dating App won't be the best approach if you are looking for a serious relationship. You appear to want a down to
1001 Nights, 2. a: Isaac Hayes, b: Sheryl Crow, c: Paul Anka. 3. a: The cock, b: Athena, the goddess of wisdom, c: KLM - the Dutch national airline, d: Blue, e: The Scarlet Pimpernel. 4. Venus. 5. Dance. 6. Fear of the darkness (he invented the lightbulb later in life). 7. Intelligent, wise or rational. 8. Italian pasta. Zito means bridegroom, Farfalle is derived from butterfly, Gemelli means twins, Orecchiette means little ears and Strozzapreti means strangle the priest. 9. Herbert Asquith and David Lloyd George. 10. Pierre-Auguste Renoir. 11. The Once and Future
earth woman; however, you tell me that your preference for expensive restaurants is drawing fortune hunters.
Personally, I do not like dating Apps, as to me, they are nothing more than a cattle market. If you wish to continue with online dating, you could tone down your profile. I don't mean tell lies, but there's no need to mention your wealthy status, and maybe take your date to a pleasant, but simple, no frills restaurant.
Post a relaxed and casually dressed photo online initially. Regarding your requirements, it's best to be 100% honest because a latestage preference revelation is a recipe for eroding trust; if you don't want children, you need to say so. An alternative
to cyber-dating is to find a hobby group that interests you; it could be a sport, singing, walking; have a think about what brings you pleasure. Then, join a club; you will be amazed how many other singletons are doing the same. Retreats are also a good way of broadening your horizons.
Write to Sara at: office@theleader.info. Private consultations are also available. Call 650 054 467
King. 12. Champagne. 13. a. Wild Life, b. Red Rose Speedway, c. Venus and Mars, d. London Town, e. Flaming Pie, f. Paul Is Live. 14. Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Contralto or alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass. 15. Flavors / Varieties of Quarks. 16. Euros. 17. Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, GuineaBissau, Cape Verde and Sao Tome and Principe. 18.
Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side - from The Lady of Shalott. The novel is called The Mirror Crack'd. 19. Denmark Strait. 20. Levant. 21. Reginald Doherty, Arthur Gore, Lawrence Doherty, Fred Perry. 22. Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.
Z Z ON ON E E
Spain is full of unusual and fascinating quirks that often surprise visitors. As we once again move the clocks forward this coming weekend, did you know that Spain technically operates in the wrong time zone. Geographically, it aligns with the UK and Portugal, but it follows Central European Time—a decision dating back to World War II. This helps explain why daily life runs late, with dinner often eaten after 9pm. Another strange fact is that Spain has the world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Boton, which has been continuously operating since 1725.
Meanwhile, in some villages, people still use centuries-old traditions like communal bread ovens or public washing places. Spain is also home to La Tomatina, a festival in Buñol where thousands of people throw tomatoes at each other purely for fun. Equally bizarre is the tradition of “El Colacho,” where men dressed as devils jump over babies to symbolically cleanse them of sin.
In terms of geography, Spain contains Europe’s only desert, the Tabernas Desert in Almeria, which has been used as a filming location for many classic western films. Finally, Spain has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, often attributed to its Mediterranean diet, relaxed lifestyle, and strong social culture—proving that despite its oddities, it’s a country that clearly knows how to live well.
The
GREENLANDS ARE WINTER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
By Freddie Willey
WINTER LEAGUE- Greenland's Gladiators v Vistabella
Our rearranged last match of the Winter league. A match which decided winners of Winter League and Berleen League.
A great performance from our Gladiators winning 10 - 0pts (scores 111pts to 46pts). Great wins for Lawrence Oliver, Lin Hamersley, Lisa Bonsor & Pete Bonsor 35-8, Janet Jukes, Freddie Willey, Mark Jukes & Martin Foulcer 20-2, Allen Bowen, Len Rudge, Keith Stobbart & Russell Harper 26-17 plus Carol Stobbart, Gordon Patton, Darren Reynolds & Dave Morrison 30-4.
Congratulations Greenland's Gladiators you are the Winter League Champions and Berleen League Champions. Well played.
SOUTH ALICANTE SU MMER LEAGUE
Spitfire Division - Gladiators v San Luis Wellingtons
A very good start to our summer season with a 11pts to 1pts (scores 95pts to 42pts). Good wins for Freddie Willey, John O'Brien & Pete Bonsor 30-7, Dave Donovan, Allen Bowen & Lisa Bonsor 14-14, Christine Gray, Mike Stone & Tony Hodges 25-8 plus Anne Stone, Doug Gray & Martin Foulcer 16-13.
Harrier Division - Montemar v Greenland's Warriors
Not the best start to our summer season with Montemar taking the points 12pts to 0pts (scores 125pts to 57pts).
Premier 20 Final - Greenland's v El Cid - Venue: Bonalba BC
A great match, good to see old friends again.
Very close all the way with El Cid earning a 4.5pts to 3.5pts win. Well done to El Cid bowls club on their victory.
New Lease Signals Bright Future for San Luis
Monday morning, 16th, came with great hopes but unfortunately the start of the summer 3 wood triples league, didn’t quite go as the Wellingtons had hoped. The best laid plans etc…. but when team members are suddenly unwell or unexpectedly not available, that puts things beyond our control.
The final result, away v Greenlands Gladiators, gave us 1 point; well done to Ralph Jones, Derrick Cooper & Brian Gardiner, fighting back for a 14-14 draw. Here’s to a better result for the next match and the rest of the summer season.
The GOOD NEWS is that after all the gossip and rumours about whether San Luis would still be continuing as a Bowls Club, it has been confirmed to members (& LLB) that Gareth has signed a new lease for 2 years (with a possible extension for a further 3 years). So we are now able to look forward to a positive future.
In the remaining internal club championships, the Ladies Pairs competition was won by Dee Hoey & Carol Thorpe, the Mixed Rinks competition was won by Cathy & Noel Morrisroe, Carol & Gary Thorpe.
Sheila Cammack
QUESADA BOWLS CLUB
BY STEVE HIBBERD
The only league match played last week was between QBCs newly formed Falcons (previously Blenheims & Lancasters) and San Miguel Christians.
Falcons not only won on 4 rinks, but overall shots as well, earning them an excellent 10-2 victory to kick off the new SABA league summer season.
And the winners were:George Kershaw, Claire Dye, Terry Morgan 19-15. George Carnell, Violet Campbell, Ann Linley 19-17. Kevin McKenna, Pete Bradley, Ray Philipson 18-13. Cathy Skinner, Jacqui Denham/George Skinner, Pete Farrell.
Monte Mar Bowls Club
Sponsored by Gran Alacant Insurances, The Belfry, Skippers, La Piedra, Evoca Living, The Reiki Room, Gran Alacant Properties, Chill Out, James.
South Alicante League - Matadors V Greenlands Warriors
At home to Greenlands Warriors the Matadors had a great result winning on all rinks and the shots. Well done Gina Hindle, Steve Leatherland skip Dave Eades 22 – 14, Colin Bedford, Steve Hindle skip Phil Goble 26 – 16, Janet Parker, Paul Dodd skip Neil Crawford 20 – 9, Bill Winterburn, Cindy Bedford skip Keith Young 24 – 11, Sheila Roberts, Tony Kershaw skip Joan Harding 33 – 7 Shots 125 – 57 Warriors. Points 12 – 0 Warriors.
Many thanks to Bonalba BC on hosting the event also many thanks to markers and umpire for their hard work. Many thanks for Bonalba staff for your catering skills, breakfast bacon butties and lunch.
Congratulations to all bowlers on their performances throughout the Premier 20 competition.
Emerald Isle Bowls
Elwyn Morris
Emperorsslipped up at the last hurdle and finished runners up in the Winter League, however the Vulcans kicked off the Summer league playing at home against La Marina with a fine 10=2 win Aggregate of81=69.
J Holmyard S Marks R Marks 25=10...S Bosworth N Prior M Harley 25=15, C Donnellan S Ellis J Taylor 19=12 M Oakley N Davis M Ellis 16=13
The Victors played away at San Miguel Vikings and came away with a good 8=4, Aggregate 100=61 win. S Kavanagh K John B Kavanagh 25=6, M Riley P Moore G Odell 25=12J Parkes J Gracie P Parkes 222=8
Dee Hoey & Carol Thorpe
Sun, Sand and Slight Hangovers for San Miguel GS at Saurines
It was Autumn when we played here previously and after the amazing weather of St. Patrick’s Day yesterday, we weren’t disappointed and had a lovely sunny day, albeit a tad breezy.
There were a few Guinness-heads lurking so we hoped the fresh air and exercise would clear those hangovers quickly. It did! The course was, overall, in good condition.
The greens were fast and a little sandy but as they are so undulating, you have to have your wits about you.
40 headed off with a solo guest and the scores were tidy, just like the course:
Gold: Steve Webb (38 points)
Silver: Will Fenn (34 points)
Bronze: Martin Readman (40 points and best score of the day)
The Twos Pot was halved between Roger Webb and
and the
the
Job Guys. Rita East received the coveted “McBride Bottle” with a score of an age she wished she were again… The football card pot was won taken by Colin “Smudger” Smith with Bolton.
Keep up to date with SMGS on our website www.smgs.org. **SPONSORSHIP AVAILABILITY** If you are interested in sponsoring one of our games – please contact smgs91info@gmail.com to discuss further. We are proud to be supported by Michaela Schmidt at www.golfhotspots.com for all your golf travel requirements.
Winners pictured (L to R) Lee “President” Eastman (also deputising as PBomber), Darren Hancock (another sneaky PBomber but 2nd in Gold), Martin Readman (Bronze), Steve Webb (Gold) and Will Fenn (Silver). The lady with the wine disappeared off quickly to drink it!
TORREVIEJA GYMNASTS SHINE IN IBERDROLA LEAGUE OPENER
Torrevieja Rhythmic Gymnastics Club made an impressive start to the Iberdrola League season with a confident and polished display in the opening phase of one of Spainís top national competitions.
The team delivered a composed all-round performance to secure a strong position in the overall standings, underlining the clubís steady progress and growing presence on the national stage. Representing Torrevieja, Aniya Tuganbekova showcased her skill in the rope routine, while Line Wennebro impressed in the free routine. Candela Martinez competed across both ball and hoop disciplines, adding consistency to the teamís overall score. Blanca Tom?s proved one of the standout performers, competing in ribbon and clubs and earning an excellent third-place finish in the ribbon event.
The encouraging results provide a solid platform for the club as they look ahead to the next phase of the Iberdrola League, with confidence high and momentum building.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND TO FACE GRENADA
IN MURCIA FRIENDLY ON MAY 16
The Republic of Ireland will take on Grenada in an international friendly at the Enrique Roca Stadium in Murcia on May 16, with the match forming part of an important training camp in the Region of Murcia.
The Boys in Green will base themselves at Pinatar Arena as they continue preparations for a crucial period, with head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson highlighting the value of the camp in helping the squad develop ahead of the challenges to come.
“This is a vital training camp in our preparation,” said Hallgrimsson. “It is an opportunity for us to keep growing as a team ahead of future challenges.”
The friendly will give Ireland a valuable chance to work on fitness, shape and match sharpness in a focused environment, while also allowing the coaching staff extra time with the squad on the training ground.
Camps of this kind are often seen as essential in building cohesion, assessing combinations and
refining tactical ideas before competitive fixtures.
Ireland’s attention will also remain on the playoff against the Czech Republic at the end of March.
A victory there would send them into another decisive showdown against either Denmark or North Macedonia, with a place at the World Cup at stake.
Supporters are expected to travel in strong numbers for the Murcia fixture, and ticket information is due to be confirmed shortly.
With Irish fans known for creating a vibrant atmosphere on the road, there is every chance the Enrique Roca Stadium, the home of Real Murcia CF, will be awash with green on match night.
The match also represents another significant occasion for Pinatar Arena and the Costa Calida, underlining the region’s growing status as a leading destination for international football training camps and high-profile friendly fixtures.
Humphrey Kelleher
Nearest
Pins winning a sleeve of balls each were Darren Hancock (2nd), Rod East (6th), John Simmons (10th) and Humphrey Kelleher (14th). Good
DIVISION 1:
Hub Hyenas v Mind the Gap
With leaders of Division 1, Fire Station B, having a bye there was a battle to take pole position between Mind the Gap and Tipsy Toad Toppers.
It was a deceptive blowout in the match between Gap and Hyenas, with some very close finishes.As usual, Gap were on fire, raining down high tons which included 2 x 180’s.
Steve Craig missed the bull for a 170 fin-
DIVISION 1
LEAGUE TABLES
PPtsF/A
TipsyToadToppers6950:22
MindtheGap5841:19
FireStationB5739:21
HubHyenas6420:52
Illy'sOldies6018:54
DIVISION 2
FireStationAllStars51041:19
CCEagles5734:26
MeetingPointDartagnan's6636:36
LeesonStreetTrotters6429:43
Milo's6128:44
DIVISION 3
CK1Chuggers6739:33
TipsyCow6736:36
LeesonStreetNomads5634:26
DominoDesperado's5632:28
CC'sBee's6227:45
DIVISION 4
TipsyTigers71458:26
Illy'sIdols7946:38
CK1Tornado's7841:43
TipsyCowArchers7744:40
Queens&Jesters7332:52
HubHellraiser's7131:53
ish, whilst in his pairs with teammate
180'S: AlteVtbjoa,RegChristopher,DarrenSanderson,Craig McCarthy- HIGH FINISH: DarrenSanderson130,ArntBrandenburg 113,HarryBelga112,JohnEyre110, PeteSpence109
teams, both traded blows until the final game 6-5 to Dartagnans.
Sharon Frain stepped up and snatched victory in the final game winning both legs to secure progression in the division.
CCEagles v Leeson St Trotters
In the CC Eagles v Leeson St Trotters match the home team were striving to take advantage of All Stars bye and close the gap.
But despite Trotters only having 4 players they put up a bold fight and went to the break 4-2 down, Reg Christopher having scored 180 for the “homies”. Trotters Phil De Lacy took the first single, Harry Belga the 2nd for the home team, score 5-3.
The visitors went on to win the last 3 singles, Eagles unable to find their doubles and take advantage over the Trotters elite, the final game going to Eagles for a draw.
POTMReg C Billy Dolling Leeson St Nomads v CC’s Bees
With four teams in striking distance of pole position in division 3 it games were neck and neck.CC Bee’s still seeking a win playing Leeson Street Nomads who also have a game in hand.
The teams traded wins in the first half, “homies”Graham White scoring 140 and Callum Ramm 135 with Bee’s Dougie Adkins 121.
Score 3-3.Bee’s Mark Timothy took the first single only for Nomads to take the next three.
Tipsy Tigers (division unbeaten favourites) out to beat Illy’s Idols.Idols started well taking the first of the triples only for Tigers to take the next two. Idols not giving up, took the first two pairs with Tigers the final leg.Score 3:3. Tigers won the first 2 singles, Lisa Ivill scoring 135 only for Paul Chick to win the 3rd for Idols.Score 4:5.
Tigers won the next 2 singles, despite Idols Jayne Cahill scoring 114, with teammate Henni Oortwyn won the final game to no avail.
Cow Archers v CK1 Tornado’s Mid-division showdown between Tipsy Cow Archers and CK1 Tornados both possible contenders for division front runners.
Archers took the first game despite Kirsty Green scoring 110, only for Tornados to take the next 3, even though there was flurry of 3 figure scores from Archers Steve Collins, Paul Raffell, Karen Collins and Rob Norbury. Archers managed to find their finishes taking the final 2 legs.Score 3:3. Things took a turn for the worse in the 2nd half for Archers, Chuggers taking 5 out of the 6 singles for the win.
Darren Sanderson they scored 275 in 6 darts, Sanderson out on 130! Hyenas also had a flurry of triple figure scores across the team but it was Andre Wing who was their only player to manage a win on the night.
POTM:Dave Bracken - Matt Smith
Tipsy Toad Toppers v Illy’s Oldies
A David vs.Goliath matchup between Toppers and Oldies, the home team unleashing yet another torrent of centurial scores fighting for that top place.
Toppers took the first 6 games in fine style
Pete Spence and Chelsea Campbell both scoring 140’s and Oldies Steve Parkin, Alan Fleming and Arnt Brandenburg all scoring 3 figure scores.
Things didn’t change after the break, the home team taking the first 5 singles and Oldies Howard Kaive getting a moral victory winning the final game, whilst teammates John Poole scored 2x133 and Brandenburg winning a leg out on 113.
POTM:Rodford Bradenburg
In division 2 current, leaders Fire Station
All Stars had a bye which created a chaotic scramble for other pole positions.
In the Dartagnans v Milos game, the visitors were looking for their first win whilst the home team were looking to climb the division.
It was all square at the break with both sides scoring triples including Suso Madrid 140, Angel Gallardo 135 and Javi De Gea 125,140 and out on T20, 20 D8.
The battle raged on into the final rounds with 3 figure scores flowing from both
Score 6-4.The visitors were determined to take a point away from this game and won the final 2 games, Adkins scoring 129 and Simon Bantleman 109.
POTM:John Eyre - Adkins
CK1 Chuggers v Tipsy Cow
It was a total slugfest between these two teams for pole position.Visitors
Tipsy Cow took all triples despite CK1 Chuggers Zack Green scoring 140.
Cows went on to take the first 2 pairs, Steve Lumb scoring 2x125 and Murray Macleod 140, Paul Tollafield and Terry David finally finding a win in the 3rd pairs for Chuggers.Score 1:5.
Tollafield continued his winning streak taking the first single only for Wayne Leivars scoring 135,140 and Kevin Swan 125 to take the next 2 for the visitors - Score 2:7.
Chuggers fought back, albeit too late, and took the final 3 games Atte Vtbjoa scoring a 180. POTM:Vtbjoa - Swan Illy’s Idols v Tipsy Tigers
Yet another battle in the 4th division,
Hellraisers started well taking the first 2 triples, Ann Taylor scoring 118. Jesters fought back taking the remaining games before break, which included 121 from Matt Cummins.Score:4:2. It was a closely contested second half, teams taking alternate games, but it was the Queens who got their first win of the season.
POTM:Cummins - Linda Davies
Meeting Point Dartagnans v Milo’s
Queens & Jesters v Hub H/raisers Two winless teams looking to kickstart their season.
Sanderson & Carrer - out on 275 in 6 darts!
POTMPaul Chick Lee Maiden
POTM:Steve Franklin - Bill Leaves
POTM:Livsey De Gea
Compiled by Sharon Frain
LA ROMANA RETAIN COSTA BLANCA OVER 60’S LEAGUE CROWN
CF La Romana are celebrating another outstanding achievement after sealing the Costa Blanca Over-60s League title with an emphatic 8-1 victory over Orange Bar in their final match of the season.
Knowing that a win would be enough to retain the championship, La Romana travelled into the game with pressure on their shoulders and silverware on the line. Orange Bar, however, made life difficult early on and struck first with a superb snap shot that flew in to give the home side a 1-0 lead at the end of the opening quarter.
That setback sparked the response of champions.
After regrouping, La Romana emerged for the second quarter with renewed energy and purpose. Mick “The Pie Man” Gabbitas created the equaliser for John Coughlin, before Dave “Algod?n” Cotton picked out Cees “Ca?a” Van Steen, who produced a brilliant looping finish into the top corner to put La Romana ahead. With confidence flowing, further goals from Gabbitas and Joe Meredith stretched the lead to 4-1 by the break.
La Romana maintained control in the
third quarter and added another through Cotton after good work again from Gabbitas, making it 5-1. Orange Bar continued to battle throughout, but La Romana’s quality and determination shone through in the closing stages. More goals from Gabbitas, captain John and Meredith completed a dominant 8-1 victory and confirmed La Romana as worthy champions once again.
The triumph is another proud chapter for a team that has built a strong rep-
utation in the Costa Blanca Over-60s game, combining experience, teamwork and competitive spirit. Retaining the title is a tremendous achievement and further proof of the club’s consistency and strength.
Thanks were also extended to Orange Bar for their hospitality, referee Catalin, and sponsors PGL Construction and the Hond?n Hub. Champions again — and La Romana’s trophy cabinet may soon need expanding.
Former Green Bowling Internationals flourishing in Cyprus
When he is not covering CD Thader for The Leader, sports journalist Steve Hibberd is often on the road as a Tour Manager for Bowling Abroad — a role that certainly keeps him moving.
He is currently working with five UK lawn bowls clubs based at the Athena Beach Hotel in Paphos, Cyprus, where players from across Europe continue to enjoy first-class facilities in an outstanding Mediterranean setting.
The Bowls Coordinators at the Athena greens are Gary and Lorna Smith, two highly respected names in the world of international bowls with remarkable careers both on and off the green.
Gary Smith began his bowling journey at the age of 15 with Blackheath Bowls Club. After spending 15 years working in banking, he moved into the sport professionally, taking on the role of Marketing Manager for bowls.
Over the years, he has also served as Tournament Director for major international events at the Athena greens and other venues, and he is now Chief Executive of the World Bowls governing body.
His achievements as a player are equally impressive. Gary has won more than 110 international caps for England and Scotland and has appeared in six pairs finals during an outstanding career in the sport.
One of his most notable achievements came at the 1994
Commonwealth Games in Canada, where he won a bronze medal in the pairs alongside Andy Thompson.
It was also there that he also met his future wife, Lorna Trigwell, after she struck gold as part of the South African women’s fours team.
Lorna also went on to enjoy a distinguished international career of her own, representing South Africa at the 1998, 2002 and 2006 Commonwealth Games, where she added further medals to her collection.
Her contribution to the sport has earned wide recognition. She became the inaugural inductee into her sport’s Hall of Fame and in 1998 received the Nelson Mandela Sports Ambassador Award from Nelson Mandela himself - a particularly special honour in an already remarkable career.
In 2008, Gary and Lorna moved to Scotland, where they made their home. When not based in Cyprus, they play for Linlithgow Bowls Club, continuing their lifelong involvement in the game. Their presence at Athena Beach adds genuine prestige to the venue and offers visiting bowlers the chance to share in the experience, knowledge and company of two true internationals of the sport.
During his time with Bowling Abroad in Cyprus, Steve was full of praise for the couple, saying: “They were always on hand when needed, and their presence at the complex was a real boost to those of us who are following in their footsteps, albeit a little way behind.”
A win for CF La Romana against Orange Bar in their final game saw them crowned League Champions
