EDITION 1127 OF THE COSTA BLANCA AND COSTA CALIDA LEADER NEWSPAPER 7- 11MAY 2026
Asurvey commissioned by Orihuela City Council has found that satisfaction with the municipality’s beaches has fallen to its lowest level since 2009, despite the overall result still being officially described as “favourable”.
The study, carried out during the 2025 high season, gives Orihuela’s beaches an overall user satisfaction score of 67.72 out of 100. This marks a significant decline compared with previous years. In 2009, satisfaction stood at 83.1%, while the highest rating recorded over the last 17 years was 90% in 2021.
The survey was commissioned by the council under a three-year contract worth e36,000. A total of 1,382 questionnaires were completed on Orihuela’s beaches between 15 June and 15 September 2025.
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Orihuela Costa Beaches
According to the results, 76% of respondents were non-residents, 83.43% were Spanish nationals, and the largest age group was between 31 and 45, representing 31.5% of those surveyed.
CALA CAPITAN BEST RATED, BARRANCO RUBIO WORST
Among Orihuela Costa’s beaches, Cala Capitan received the highest rating, with a satisfaction score of 81.1. It was followed by La Caleta at 76.9, Cala Bosque at 76.3, and La Glea at 75. At the other end of the ranking, Barranco Rubio was the lowest-rated beach and the only one to fall below 50, with a score of 44.7.
It was followed by Punta Prima at 55.2 and Cala La Mosca, also known as Playa Flamenca, at 56.1. All three had achieved scores of around 80 the previous year, highlighting the scale of the decline.
The survey also shows variation across the summer. The best results were recorded in the first half of July and the first half of September. By contrast, the first half of August saw a sharp fall in ratings for Barranco Rubio, Punta Prima and Aguamarina. Playa Flamenca recorded a particularly poor result during that period, with satisfaction dropping to 26%.
SHARP FALL IN BEACH SERVICES
The assessment of specific beach services also reveals clear deterioration. Satisfaction with beach attributes and services fell from more than 90% between 2019 and 2024 to 59.62% in 2025.
Users identified lifeguard and police surveillance as the most important service. It was also the highest-rated, with a score of 76%. This was followed by beach equipment and seasonal services at 54%, maintenance and cleaning at 53%, and information available on beach noticeboards at 48%. Most beaches received acceptable ratings for facilities, although the scores were modest. La Caleta performed best in this area, with 68.8%, while Barranco Rubio again performed poorly, scoring 43.3%. Users specifically called for more public toilets and rubbish bins.
A similar pattern appeared in relation to cleanliness, condition and maintenance. Barranco Rubio received the lowest score, at 40.7%, while Cala Capitan achieved the highest, at 70.4%.
The survey also assessed services for people with reduced mobility. Most were rated positively, although La Caleta and Barranco Rubio were identified as needing improvement. The paediatric chair and amphibious chair at La Glea were highlighted favourably.
On the question of smoke-free beaches, 61% of respondents said they would support such a measure, although support fell below 50% at Mil Palmeras and Playa Flamenca.
The survey, commissioned by the Department of Tourism, also found that 38% of respondents were aware of the Blue Trail. Of those, 93% said they would recommend it.
Monday 11th - Sunday 17th May 2026
QUESTIONING THE OFFICIAL INTERPRETATION
The findings echo concerns raised recently by Tomas Moreno, former President of Unidos por la Costa, who warned on social media that Orihuela’s beaches are showing clear signs of deterioration throughout the entire year, not only during the summer season.
Moreno pointed to dirty promenades, uncleaned sand, abandoned bathing rings, damaged low walls at La Caleta, insufficient foot showers, poor water pressure, a lack of accessible walkways, uncleared seaweed and other recurring maintenance failures.
Although he considers the survey’s sample size reasonable, Moreno questions the council’s interpretation of the results. In his view, describing a score of 67.72 as “favourable” is difficult to reconcile with the number and seriousness of the complaints made by beach users.
His criticism focuses on the gap between the official rating and the negative comments included in the survey itself. The most frequent complaints concern seaweed not being removed, a lack of foot showers, poor water pressure, the absence of showers, inadequate sand cleaning, insufficient sand and lifts that do not work.
As Moreno argues, “the positive comments refer mainly to what nature provides — the sea, the landscape, the climate and the tranquillity — not to what the council maintains.
Orihuela’s beaches remain attractive despite the administration, not because of it.”
He also notes that every Orihuela beach scored lower than the previous year, with the strongest concerns centred on cleaning, maintenance, basic facilities and accessibility.
For Moreno, Orihuela’s beaches are one of the municipality’s most valuable assets, but they are not receiving the care, investment or daily management they require.
USERS CALL FOR BETTER MAINTENANCE
Beach users praised Orihuela Costa’s clear waters, tranquillity and natural setting, but many said the coastline is suffering from long-term neglect. Respondents called for better maintenance and services, including more public toilets, additional beach bars, seaweed removal, more foot showers, improved water pressure, working showers, functioning lifts for difficult-access beaches, and more regular sand cleaning.
The most repeated demand was for daily beach cleaning and sand replenishment where levels have fallen.
Several users also raised concerns about sewage discharges at Playa Flamenca, particularly after rainfall, when the canal reportedly becomes contaminated and the beach is closed. This problem has contributed to Playa Flamenca losing its Blue Flag status for two consecutive summers.
COUNCIL FACES PRESSURE BEFORE NEXT SUMMER
The survey was commissioned as part of the requirements linked to Orihuela’s Integrated Beach Management System and the Association for Environmental and Consumer Education, the body responsible for awarding Blue Flag distinctions.
It now leaves the council with a clear list of deficiencies and with satisfaction at its lowest level in 17 years, the key question is whether the problems identified by beach users will be addressed before the next high season.
Cala Capitan received the highest rating, with a satisfaction level of 81.1%
Health concerns in Alicante have eased after the first PCR test carried out on a 32-year-old woman admitted to Sant Joan Hospital came back negative for hantavirus.
As a result, health authorities are now carrying out a second PCR test to confirm the outcome, in line with protocols set by Spain’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization. New samples will be sent to the National Microbiology Centre in Madrid, with results expected within 24 to 48 hours.
The woman remains stable in hospital. According to health officials, she has only mild respiratory symptoms, mainly a cough, and has not developed any new symptoms.
The first negative result became known at around 6.30pm on Saturday. It was first reported by Cadena SER and later confirmed by government and regional health sources. The Minister of Health also announced the result on social media.
The woman had been placed in isolation as a suspected case after travelling on the same aircraft as another passenger who was later evacuated and died in Johannesburg after contracting hantavirus. That passenger had previously travelled on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has been linked to the current health alert.
The Alicante patient was also connected to the travel alert and was contacted by the General Directorate of Public Health of the Valencian Ministry of Health after notification through the European warning system, in coordination with Spain’s Ministry of Health.
She was transferred from her home to Sant Joan Hospital by
ambulance under strict safety measures. During the journey, she was isolated inside a negative-pressure capsule to protect healthcare workers and other patients. Once at the hospital, she was taken to an isolation area through a secure route and placed in a negative-pressure room.
If the second PCR test also comes back negative, she will be treated as a close contact rather than a confirmed case. She will then be transferred to Gomez Ulla Central Defence Hospital in Madrid to complete a 42-day quarantine. If the result is positive, she will instead be moved to La Fe Hospital in Valencia, which has a High-Level Isolation and Treatment Unit and is the reference centre for this type of infectious disease.
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious virus usually linked to contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Infection can occur when contaminated particles are inhaled.
Human-to-human transmission is considered uncommon and depends on the specific strain involved.
Because some forms of hantavirus can cause severe respiratory illness, health authorities apply strict monitoring and isolation procedures when a suspected case is identified.
Meanwhile, Spanish health officials are preparing a controlled disembarkation operation for the MV Hondius cruise ship, which is due to arrive in Tenerife waters. More than 100 people of 23 nationalities are involved.
Spanish nationals are expected to be transferred to Madrid on a military aircraft, while Spain is coordinating with 22 other countries over the repatriation of remaining passengers.
The Spanish government has said there will be “no risk whatsoever” during the operation, which is being coordinated with the World Health Organization and the European Union.
Boost for Torrevieja Town Centre Security
Torrevieja City Council has approved the lease of a three-storey building at 17 Calle Joaquin Chapaprieta to create new municipal facilities and a Local Police post in the town centre. The move is intended to strengthen public safety by increasing police presence in one of the town’s busiest pedestrian and commercial areas.
Councillor Federico Alarcon said the new post will bring officers closer to residents and visitors, improve response times and support more preventive policing. The building is considered strategically located and is in very good condition, requiring only internal adaptation works.
Planned facilities include changing rooms, showers, offices, work areas and a public service zone. The council may also add services linked to administrative policing, citizen assistance, public safety and traffic management.
The lease will run for four years, with possible annual extensions up to six years. The four-year tender budget is e191,664, including VAT.
A FIRST AS SUMMER SCHOOLS EXTEND TO ORIHUELA COAST
Orihuela has presented its 2026 Summer Sports Schools, with the programme expanding for the first time to the CDM Playas de Orihuela sports centre on the coast. The scheme will run from June 22 to July 31, offering six weeks of activities for children aged 5 to 12.
Activities will also take place at the Palacio del Agua and Espeñetas Municipal Sports Centre. The programme offers 124 places per week, totalling 744 across the summer, plus eight places for children requiring diversity support.
Children will enjoy sports, cooperative games, workshops, water activities, hiking and nature-based activities. Sessions run Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm, with free early childcare from 8am. Registration is online at the Department of Sports website.
EUROVISION WITHOUT SPAIN
Eurovision 2026 will take place in Vienna next week from May 12 to 16, but Spain will not participate after RTVE withdrew in protest at Israel’s continued inclusion.
The broadcaster said the humanitarian situation in Gaza and political use of the contest made it difficult to regard Eurovision as a neutral cultural event.
Spain’s withdrawal ends decades of almost uninterrupted participation since 1961. Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands have also pulled out, leaving 35 countries in the contest.
RTVE will not broadcast the semi-finals or grand final. The EBU has introduced voting reforms, cutting viewer votes from 20 to 10 and restoring juries to 50% of semi-final results. Austria will host following JJ’s 2025 win, while the UK enters with Look Mum No Computer.
Despite Spain’s withdrawal RTVE will still broadcast the event allowing residents to
Ticket Sales fall short for BIGSOUNDTORREVIEJA
BIGSOUND Torrevieja 2026 has been cancelled after ticket sales and public interest failed to reach the level needed to stage the festival.
Organisers and Torrevieja Council said the project has not been abandoned, but postponed to a possible future date.
The council said Torrevieja remains committed to culture, music, tourism and major events.
Torrevieja U3A Enjoy Albacete Getaway
Members of Torrevieja U3A, in collaboration with Eurotourguide, recently enjoyed a two-day, one-night trip to the rural Albacete region, taking in aviation, wildlife, dramatic scenery, wine tasting and traditional local food.
The group’s first stop after leaving Torrevieja was Albacete Airport, where members were given a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the airport, including an informative demonstration at the fire station.
Their visit also coincided with an unexpected highlight: a very loud flypast by four Eurofighter aircraft stationed at the airport.
From there, the group travelled on to Alcala del Jucar, where they enjoyed a picnic lunch on the banks of the river before continuing to
a family-run biopark. The park is home to a wide variety of animals living in spacious surroundings, including camels, llamas, donkeys and guinea pigs.
The journey then continued through miles of poppy-filled fields and spectacular countryside before the group arrived at their overnight hotel. The following day included a visit to Bodega Iniesta, owned and run by the family of the iconic Spanish footballer Andres Iniesta.
Members toured the wine production areas before enjoying a guided tasting session, with advice on how best to appreciate the wines alongside local cheeses and chorizo.
Afterwards, the group sat down to a Menu del Dia before returning to Torrevieja. More about the U3A at Torreviejau3a.org.
RYANAIR FLIGHT RETURNS TO ALICANTE AFTER BIRD STRIKE
A Ryanair flight from Alicante to Liverpool was forced to return to Alicante-Elche Airport on Monday morning after suffering a bird strike shortly after takeoff.
Flight FR56 left at around 7.20am but the crew requested an immediate return for safety reasons. Air traffic controllers cleared nearby airspace so the aircraft could circle and land safely about 40 minutes later.
No injuries were reported. The plane underwent standard safety checks on the ground before passengers continued their journey.
The flight departed again at 9.19am, around two hours late, and landed safely in Liverpool at 10.33am.
AVENIDA CABO ROIG UPDATE UNDERWAY
Renovation work on Avenida del Cabo in Cabo Roig is progressing, with upgrades focused on lighting, accessibility and pedestrian safety.
Orihuela Infrastructure councillor VIctor Valverde and Coast councillor Manuel Mestre visited the site to review the almost e200,000 project.
Much of the lighting improvement has already been completed, replacing old sodium vapour lamps with energy-efficient LED technology to improve visibility and safety for pedestrians
and drivers.
The next phase will adapt around 14 pedestrian crossings to meet accessibility regulations, install six missing lighting columns and carry out work on the central reservation.
Valverde said the project aims to improve one of Cabo Roig’s main roads as part of wider infrastructure upgrades across Orihuela Costa.
SAN ISIDRO BBQ AREA REFURBISHED
Orihuela has completed improvements to the barbecue area next to the San Isidro Hermitage, a popular recreational space used by local residents for gatherings, family events and holidays.
The works were carried out following requests from residents due to the deterioration of the area after years of regular use.
Improvements included repairing the built-in barbecues, replacing old wooden tables with more durable built-in tables, installing new street furniture and bins, improving paving and accessibility, and repairing benches and railings.
The project, located at the foot of the Sierra de Orihuela and surrounded by the area’s well-known murals, has made the area safer, more accessible and more comfortable, while helping to preserve an important community space.
ORIHUELA POLICE CRACK DOWN ON ILLEGAL RIDE-HAILING SERVICES
Orihuela Local Police have intensified checks on unlicensed ride-hailing services, inspecting 21 vehicles, arresting two people for alleged document forgery, impounding one car, and filing several complaints. The campaign targets illegal VTC activity linked to platforms such as Uber and Cabify, ensuring drivers have licences, insurance, digital route records, and comply with advance booking rules.
Taxi representatives say enforcement remains insufficient, especially on the coast, and allege unauthorised drivers are harming licensed operators, prompting planned weekly protests.
A 24-year-old woman has been rescued by the Guardia Civil after becoming trapped in rough seas off Torrevieja’s rocky coast.
The incident happened in the early hours of March 31, when a witness alerted officers that the woman, who was on holiday, had entered the sea and could not return to shore.
Officers found her around 50 metres out, exhausted and struggling in strong waves. One officer swam out to reach her while another coordinated emergency support from land.
The woman was brought ashore, stabilised and taken to Torrevieja Hospital, where she was admitted to intensive care with hypothermiarelated pneumonia.
She has now been discharged and is recovering at home. The rescuing officer suffered minor injuries.
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HERO COP IN DRAMATIC SEA RESCUE
Scottish Mother Stranded in Alicante After 11-month-old Baby Refused Flight to UK Under Dual Nationality Rules
A Scottish mother has been left stranded abroad after her 11-month-old baby was refused permission to board a Ryanair flight from Alicante to the UK.
Sarah Schloegl, from Aberdeen, had been travelling in Spain with her Austrian husband, Philipp, their older daughter and baby.
Since February, British dual nationals must show a British passport or a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode when entering the UK.
The baby, born in Scotland and living in the UK, was travelling on an Austrian passport and was denied boarding.
Schloegl said she was unaware of the rule change and described the situation as “ridiculous”.
Evidence including the baby’s birth certificate was rejected, and emergency documents were refused. Campaign group ‘the3million’ criticised the decision, while the Home Office said guidance had been available since October 2024.
The family is now staying in Austria.
Programme agreed for visit of Pope Leo XIV to Spain
Official Programme includes Congress Speech, Visits to Migrant Centre and Barcelona Prison
Pope Leo XIV will make a historic visit to Spain from Saturday 6 June to Friday 12 June, becoming the first pontiff to address the Spanish Parliament during a trip lasting almost a week.
The Vatican has published the official programme for the trip, which will include stops in Madrid, Barcelona, Gran Canaria and Tenerife. The visit will focus on social issues including homelessness, migration, prison ministry, young people and the role of culture in public life.
The Pope will celebrate four Masses during the trip and visit several symbolic locations, including a homeless shelter in Madrid, Brians 1 prison in Barcelona, the port of Arguineguin in Gran Canaria and a migrant reception centre in Tenerife. FIRST STOP: MADRID
The visit will begin in Madrid, where Pope Leo XIV will be received by the King and Queen of Spain at the Royal Palace.
He will then visit the Cedia 24 Horas homeless support centre run by Caritas in Carabanchel. Later, he will attend a youth prayer vigil with Eucharistic Adoration in Plaza de Lima.
On Sunday, the Pope will celebrate Mass in Plaza de Cibeles at 9.30am before taking part in the Corpus Christi procession. He will also meet members of the Order of Saint Augustine, the religious order to which he belongs, at the Apostolic Nunciature, where he will stay during his time in Madrid. Later that day, he will attend an event called “Weaving networks with the worlds of culture, art, economy and sport” at the Movistar Arena. In the evening, he will have dinner at the residence of Madrid’s cardinal archbishop, Jose Cobo.
On Monday, Pope Leo XIV will receive Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Nunciature before going to the Congress of Deputies for a joint session of Parliament. It will be the first time a Pope has visited and addressed Spain’s Parliament.
The Spanish Episcopal Conference said it hopes the speech will help contribute to a “necessary regeneration of our democratic life”. Its president, Luis Arguello, highlighted the significance of hearing from a figure he described as a global moral and spiritual authority.
The Pope will later meet Spanish bishops at the headquarters of the Episcopal Conference and visit Almudena Cathedral for a moment of prayer.
The highlight of the Barcelona programme will be a Mass at the Sagrada Familia after which he will bless the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ
In the evening, he will meet faithful from Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. On Tuesday, after a farewell meeting with volunteers at Ifema, he will fly to Barcelona.
BARCELONA:
PRISON, MONTSERRAT AND SAGRADA FAMILIA
In Barcelona, Pope Leo XIV will visit Brians 1 prison in Sant Esteve Sesrovires. The prison holds both men and women and has had a mixed module since 2018. It will be the second prison visit of his pontificate.
He will also visit the parish of Sant Agusti in the Raval neighbourhood to meet the Augustinian community.
After arriving in Barcelona, the Pope will go to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia for midday prayer. He will later lead a prayer vigil at the Lluis Companys Olympic
Stadium on Montjuic.
On Wednesday, he will visit Brians 1 prison before travelling to the monastery of Montserrat to pray the rosary and have lunch with the Benedictine monks.
The highlight of the Barcelona programme will be a Mass at the Sagrada Familia at 7pm. After the Mass, the Pope will bless the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ, the tallest tower of the basilica at 172.5 metres. The event coincides with the centenary of the death of architect Antoni Gaud?.
CANARY ISLANDS:
MIGRATION AT THE CENTRE OF THE VISIT
The final part of the trip will take Pope Leo XIV to the Canary Islands, where migration will be the main focus.
In Gran Canaria, he will meet organisations working with migrants at the port of Arguineguin, a symbolic arrival point for boats travelling from Africa.
He will later meet clergy at the Cathedral of Santa Ana and end the day with Mass at the Gran Canaria Stadium.
On Friday, June 12, the Pope will visit the Las Raices migrant reception centre in Tenerife, which houses some of the most vulnerable arrivals.
He will also meet integration groups in Plaza del Cristo de La Laguna before concluding his visit to Spain with a Mass at the port of Santa Cruz.
OUR NEW WEBSITE IS LIVE
Leaving the Road: The Most Common Serious Collision
When people think of road collisions, they often picture vehicles striking each other. However, on conventional roads — those outside towns and cities — one of the most frequent and serious types of incident involves a single vehicle leaving the road.
These incidents often result in severe injury or worse, and they follow a pattern that is well understood. WHY
When a vehicle departs the carriageway, the environment changes instantly. Instead of a predictable surface, drivers may encounter: roadside obstacles such as trees, barriers, or walls, uneven ground or drainage ditches, sudden drops in surface level, conditions that increase the likelihood of rollover.
Once control is lost, the opportunity to recover is limited.
It is important to understand that inappropriate speed does not always mean exceeding the legal limit. It means travelling too fast for
the conditions.
This includes entering bends at excessive speed, failing to adjust for reduced visibility, not accounting for road surface condition, reacting too late to unexpected hazards.
Speed reduces the margin available to correct errors.
CONVE NTION
These roads often include tighter bends - variable surfaces - limited lighting - mixed traffic including agricultural vehicles and cyclists. Drivers must constantly adjust speed and positioning to match these conditions.
A slight misjudgement — braking too late, steering too sharply, or encountering reduced grip — can lead to loss of control. At higher speeds, recovery becomes much more difficult.
Prevention is far more effective than attempting to regain control.
Drivers who regularly use the same route may become overconfident, assuming they know every bend and condition. This can lead to higher speeds and reduced attention.
Yet conditions can change from day to day.
Safe driving on conventional roads means reducing speed before bends, adjusting for visibility limits, anticipating hazards beyond what can be seen, maintaining a margin for error.
Collisions involving vehicles leaving the road are not random. They are often the result of speed, misjudgement, and reduced awareness. By recognising these factors and adjusting behaviour accordingly, drivers can reduce risk significantly.
Staying on the road is not guaranteed. It is achieved through decisions made before reaching the hazard.
Dog Found in Torrevieja With Spiked Collar Embedded in Neck
A 78-year-old man is under investigation for alleged animal cruelty after his dog was found wandering throughTorrevieja with serious neck injuries caused by a spiked punishment collar.
The Guardia Civil launched an investigation after staff at a municipal animal shelter in Torrevieja reported the dog’s condition on 13 April. The animal had been found roaming in a public street and was immediately taken to a veterinary clinic for urgent treatment.
Vets discovered the dog was wearing a spiked collar which had been left on for so long that it had become embedded in the skin around its neck. The collar had caused serious wounds, according to the veterinary report.
Such devices are banned under current regulations.
Officers from SEPRONA, the Guardia Civil’s nature protection service in Guardamar del Segura, began inquiries after receiving the report and later identified the dog’s owner.
The 78-year-old man has now been formally investigated as the alleged perpetrator of an animal abuse offence.
e8.6 million upgrade for Los
Locos beach
The project will create more green areas and pedestrian
Torrevieja has awarded the redevelopment of Los Locos Beach to the company PAVASAL for e8,592,352, following a 14.65% reduction on the original tender price. The project has an expected execution period of 18 months.
The first phase of the works will cover the section from the junction of Calle La Sal and Avenida La Purisima to Avenida de las Habaneras. According to the council, this stretch has been chosen because it is expected to cause the least disruption during the coming summer season.
The redevelopment aims to modernise the Los Locos seafront, improve pedestrian access, strengthen the connection between the city and the beach, and adapt the area to current urban and accessibility needs. The project will create more green areas, pedestrian spaces, trees, urban furniture, children’s play areas
and bio-healthy exercise zones. In total, the intervention will pedestrianise more than 1,100 metres of coastline and cover an area of 21,044.75 square metres.
The project was designed by Valencian architect Juan Ignacio Fuster Marcos, who adapted the proposal to meet the requirements of sectoral reports from both the Generalitat Valenciana’s Department of
Environment, Infrastructure and Territory, and the Provincial Coastal Service under Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge.
Councillor for Urban Services Sandra Sanchez explained that the works will be carried out in four operational phases.
Each area will be opened progressively once complet-
spaces.
ed, while beach access will be maintained from different points throughout the works.
The council also said that potential disruption to road and pedestrian traffic, public transport, access to homes and garages, commercial activity and existing services will be managed individually, taking into account the area’s importance as a tourist destination.
Beach access will be maintained throughout the project
SAME GRID TWO SETS OF CLUES
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ACROSS ACROSS
1.Bury (5)
4.Admit (7)
8.Concerned (7)
9.Damp (5)
10.Choose (4)
11.Humiliation (4-4)
13.Attention (4)
14.Gala (4)
16.Stiffness (8)
17.Suspend (4)
20.Vigilant (5)
21.Fancy (7)
22.Lift up (7)
23.Handle (5)
DOWN DOWN
1.Unsuitable (13)
2.Poisonous (5)
3.Chamber (4)
4.Habit (6)
5.Counted (8)
6.Incident (7)
7.Be censorious (3,2,8)
12.Blood-feud (8)
13.Cleanliness (7)
15.Hit (6)
18.Analogous (5)
19.Final (4)
1. Which famous English abolitionist, whose name is now an eponym, created the famous anti slavery medallion "Am I Not A Man And A Brother"?
2. A capital city, the name of movie starring Charlton Heston and the name of Jack Woltz's horse in the film The Godfather. Eight letters
3. What role was actor Elmo Lincoln playing when he stabbed his co-star to death while filming a 1918 movie?
4. New Vaudeville, Auguste, Character and Whiteface are all types of what?
5. Which country sent its navy around the world to fight the Japanese in 1904?
6. What is the name of the pan in which one makes paella?
7. Which biennial sporting event was postponed in 2001 following the September 11th terrorist attack on New York?
8. In song, who was "too busy to come to the phone" and "tryin' to start a new life of her own"?
9. Which French woman was the most famous actress in the world in the late 19th and early 20th century?
10. Who was Mozart's great rival in Amadeus?
11. The following words are from songs with 'Gold' somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song? a. I've been to Hollywood, b. Smiles awake you when you rise, c. Don't let me hear you say life is taking you nowhere, d. Every time just like the last on her ship tied to the mast, e. Beckons you to enter his web of sin, f. See the west wind move like a lover, g. Love is like a high prison wall but you could leave me standing so tall
12. Where were the US Open tennis championships held between 1924
ACROSS ACROSS
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
1.Uninterested, having been brought up without love (5)
4.Indeed the police made up their minds (7)
8.Graduate writes about the awful mogul's back pain (7)
9.Pulsate in a bathrobe (5)
10.Overfill with teas, perhaps (4)
11.Crop said to be intermittent (8)
13.Returning American politician finds a cesspool (4)
14.Experts employed in court battles (4)
16.Moved set piles of letters (8)
17.Man you write lies about? (4)
20.He has clubs in his hand (5)
21.Tease people in harmful act (7)
22.Anew thing, i.e. something that isn't worn out (7)
23.He might break out (5)
DOWN DOWN
1.Flasher disturbing Isabel on beach (7,6)
2.Send back the stopwatch (5)
3.It's not cheap, darling (4)
4.Flags like a doctor with a love for operations (6)
5.Awaterfall you can't see clearly through (8)
6.Mocks Mr. O'Connor who has dire trouble (7)
7.One owing money includes a prayer for his adversary (4,9)
12.Stay with them, maybe, and find a gemstone (8)
13.Do dish gin around (7)
15.The tender trap? (6)
18.Polished boat parts up (5)
19.Shakespeare's return is dull (4)
and 1977?
13. The 'Tonton Macoute' were the dreaded paramilitary police in which country?
14. Which famous surname and synonym for endless wealth replaced 'rich man' in the original version of the song 'If I Were A Richman'?
15. What is the main difference between Libel and Slander?
16. Rapa Nui is the native word for which 'holiday' island?
17. Eric Claudin is the disfigured genius in which classic 1943 film?
18. The animal "Struthio camelus", which can grow to nine feet (2.7 metres) tall, can be trained to successfully herd sheep. What is the more common name of this animal?
19. Name the singer-songwriter who wrote a. Dave Edmunds hit 'Girls Talk', b. Manfred Mann's hit 'Blinded by the Light'
20. The name of which Olympic host city translated means 'Northern Capital'?
ACCORDION
RECORDER
PAN PIPE
HARMONICA
TROMBONE
ZITHER GUITAR
SUDOKU CHALLENGE
WORD WHEEL CHALLENGE
The target is 27 words
My Total
* Answers page 18
Youraim is to create as many words of 4 letters ormore using the letters in the word wheel only once in each word and always including the letterin the centre of the wheel. No propernames are allowed.
Can you also find a 9 letterword:
WORD SCRAMBLE CHALLENGE
Unscramble the letters to reveal the names of 12 British PM’s Scrambled Words
NADIDGTNO - LEVGIERLN
PELVACRE - JOSIKNENN
AIGNCNN - RNISOOBN
ELYEELLWS - IRRPSMOE
OFBLUAR - LMAIMNAC
TRIVIA QUIZ
WAITING FOR ANSWERS IN ORIHUELA’S JOB QUEUE
Cambiemos Orihuela has criticised what it calls a lack of transparency in recruitment at two municipal companies: Orihuela Cultural and Servicio de Gestion Medioambiental de Orihuela.
The group says candidates have not received clear updates on the selection process for the Orihuela Cultural manager role, with conflicting information over whether it is still ongoing or has been halted.
tions. Spokesperson Leticia Pertegal
It also claims applicants for jobs advertised last summer by the environmental management company are still waiting for explana-
es concerns over possible political favouritism. Cambiemos is demanding clear information for applicants, along with a swift resolution.
DNA BREAKTHROUGH SOLVES VIOLENT 5-YEAROLD SAN JAVIER ROBBERY
The Guardia Civil has arrested a man over a violent home invasion in San Javier five years after the attack, following a DNA match from a torn latex glove found at the scene.
The raid took place on 8 May 2021, when an elderly woman opened her door to someone posing as a delivery driver before three hooded men forced their way inside and threatened her with a knife. She was held for over an hour while the gang searched the property, attempted to
open a safe, and stole jewellery worth more than e12,000, plus electronics.
The suspect now faces charges including violent robbery, unlawful detention and threats.
CROQUETTE-HOPPING AROUND TORREVIEJA
Torrevieja has launched the sixth edition of “Croqueteando por Torrevieja”, a croquettethemed gastronomic route featuring 16 local venues.
Running from 11 to 17 May, the event allows residents and visitors to enjoy a croquette with a drink for e3.50.
Entries range from classics such as Iberian ham, oxtail and caldero to creative options including prawn and coconut or Caribbean chicken. Competition winners will be announced on 19 May, with prizes of up to e1,000.
AI CAMERAS ARE WATCHING
We all know that there are too many motorists who take risks on the road, some sadly ending in injury and death.
But it shocked me to learn just how bad it is when police in my home county in the UK revealed some dreadful statistics.
They have just launched new AI cameras across the county specifically to catch motorists stupid enough not to wear seat belts or to be using their mobile phones while driving.
In the first seven days of operation, the cameras have recorded 620 seatbelt offences; 110 mobile phone offences; 17 combined mobile phone and seatbelt offences; and one offence of not being in proper control of a vehicle (no hands on the steering wheel).
These drivers now face a £200 fine and six penalty points on their licence or, if they are lucky, some might be offered the chance to attend a safe diving course as an alternative to prosecution.
Just imagine how much cash could now be collected when AI is rolled out across Britain – enough money to fix all the potholes!
In Spain, AI-powered cameras are now also being deployed to detect and fine motorists for not wearing seatbelts or for using handheld mobile phones, so beware.
Tr?fico deploy a network of the high-precision cameras that utilise artificial intelligence algorithms to monitor driver behaviour in real-time.
So don’t be complacent, being caught will cost you a ˇ200 fine and the loss of 4 points.
TRUMP TURNS FIRE ON EU CAR MAKERS
America’s truculent schoolboy is at it again, this time planning to raise tariffs on
Tony Mayes Rant
vehicles exported from the EU to the US to 25%.
His crazy war with Iran is already costing the world dearly and now he wants to spread the misery further by hitting European manufacturing.
He has accused the EU of not complying with an agreed trade deal, without providing further details, and adds that if EU firms produce the cars and trucks in the US there would be no tariffs.
Oh wonderful – no tariffs but no jobs in the EU either and to add further instability he plans to take 5,000 US troops from Germany and threatens to pull them all out of Spain because he’s fallen out with Spain’s president.
The only person smiling over all this is Putin. If the US pulls out of Europe then Europe must step up and fill the gap and at a time when everyone is having to tighten belts that’s not so easy.
RIGHT-WING PRESS IN A SPIN
The right wing press in the UK went into
overdrive last week when Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced that traditional tumble dryers are set to be “phased out” in favour of green alternatives as part of the Labour Government’s net zero.
It could mean traditional condenser tumble dryers are phased out and replaced by more energy efficient heat pump models. Condenser dryers use a heating element to remove moisture from clothes before draining water away, heat pump dryers use a system that recycles warm air and run at a lower temperature.
It’s happened in the EU for some time and makes sense to keep up to date and use more efficient appliances.
But the right wing barmy brigade’s innuendos made it appear we all had to immediately throw away our old tumble dryers rather than replace the old one with a more efficient one when it packs up. They even suggested it was a backdoor way of the UK introducing EU regulations, and one publication wrote: “Ed Miliband
is to ban traditional tumble dryers in net zero drive branded “utter madness'” and “soviet levels of control”. Give me strength!
TOO HOT FOR TAPAS
And finally, if you are someone who likes to sit much of the day socialising and drinking in a bar this summer you must hope it doesn’t get too hot – because Spain is to close outside terraces for the wellbeing of staff, if the mercury tops.
On the restaurant topic, we were at a UK restaurant this past holiday weekend and had to ask to move to another table because of four female 20-somethings making a terrible noise shouting above each other.
Why do young women have to make so much noise when they have a sniff of alcohol? In Spain noisy girlies seem to be just as bad if not worse!
To conclude my article on Near Death Experiences ( NDE’s) here is an account that dispels the theory of hallucinations or indeed wishing thinking;
Psychiatrist Brian Weiss recounts thestoryof a blind, elderly woman:
"[She] suffered a cardiac arrest during her stay in the hospital where he was the chairman of the psychiatry department. She was unconscious as the resuscitation team tried to revive her. According to her later report, she floated out of her body and stood near the window, watching [the resuscitation]. She observed, without any pain whatsoever, as they thumped on her chest and pumped air into her lungs.
During the resuscitation, a pen fell out of her doctor’s pocket and rolled near the same window where her out-of-body spirit was standing and watching. The doctor eventually walked over, picked up the pen, and put it back in his pocket. He then rejoined the frantic effort to save her. They succeeded.
A few days later, she told her doctor that she had observed the resuscitation team at work during her cardiac arrest. 'No,' he soothingly reassured her. 'You were probably hallucinating because of the anoxia [lack of oxygen to the brain]. This can happen when the heart stops beating.'
'But I saw your pen roll over to the window,' she replied. Then she described the pen and other details of the resuscitation. The doctor was shocked. His patient had not only been comatose during the resuscitation, but she had also been blind for many years."
It’s often apt to offer recommended reading in conclusion to an article. I normally avoid this as I do feel it’s best to do your
Robert Readings
Rojales based ROBERT READINGSis a professional dream analyst, psychic reader of playing cards, and hypnotist. He has been on radio and television all over the world explaining and demonstrating his abilities. ww.robertreadings.com
own research, hence the experience of learning about the subject at hand becomes even richer.
However it would be very remiss of me not to mention a book by the late Irish writer Colm Keane.
The book is titled Going Home. It is a remarkable collection of stories that he researched and collected from Irish people. The book deals in the main with NDE’s but there was one stand out story that has stayed with me years after first reading it.
He wrote about an episode in rural Ireland with two farmers, father and son, on aSaturday eveningin their home after attending to the needs of the farm. As the son recounts it, he said that they were both having their evening supper when they heard a knock on the door.
His father went to open the door and after a few moments he returned. His son enquired who was it, and his father replied that it was his bother and mother. The son feeling somewhat shocked explained to his father that both his brother and mother were deceased. “No”, replied his father, “they said they were waiting for me”. With that, he immediately dropped dead at the kitchen table!
Truly astonishing I’m sure you’ll agree.
It is a terrific book and one that is often overlooked when it comes to recommended reading.
In my next article I will be discussing all things hypnosis.
TRANSLATIONS/
ROYAL BRITISH LEGIO N
EFFICIENT RATES
DOCTORS,HOSPITALS, EMPADRON'S.
Any documents or medical reports translated.
Dates available for NIE's.
TIE Application dates : June and July 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 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. Volunteers on hand on the day. HELP is a non profit organisation, we raise money from donations to give to local charities within Murcia.
AGE CONCERN COSTA BLANCA SUR
We are here to help with well being forthe over50ís. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Home Visiting Team to visit a Residential Home and take them out for a coffee. Call into our centre in La Siesta, ring 966 786 887 or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es
SHARK WATCH!
of sizeable fish moved through the surf close to the sand.
Avideo filmed on the beach at Guardamar del Segura has sparked lively debate online after several large fish were seen swimming just metres from the shoreline, with some viewers initially believing they could be sharks.
The footage was shared by content creator Sonia la Tigresa, who is known for posting sea and fishing-related content. She recorded the scene on Saturday, May 2, 2026, during a fishing competition in Guardamar, capturing the moment a group
Sonia described the sight as incredible and said she had never seen anything like it so near the beach.
In her post, she referred to the fish as ìsharksî and insisted that the video had not been edited.
ìI recorded it because otherwise you wouldnít believe me,î she wrote.
The video was filmed from beside her booth during the competition and shows
clear movement in the shallow water, where large predatory fish can sometimes approach the shore while chasing smaller prey.
However, many fishing enthusiasts were quick to offer a different explanation. Several users suggested the animals were more likely to be leerfish, large pompano, or possibly amberjack ó species often found in coastal waters and known for hunting close to breaking waves.
ìTheyíre big leerfish,î one person commented, while another noted that these fish ìlike to break the wavesî. Others agreed that the fish were probably feeding on smaller shoals near the beach.
The clip also prompted plenty of humour. One commenter joked that seeing sharks at the beach would be normal, while finding them in your living room would be the real surprise.
Regardless of the exact species, the footage has caught widespread attention. For casual beachgoers, the sight of large fish moving so close to the shoreline can be startling. For experienced anglers, however, it is not necessarily unusual, as predatory fish often come close to land when hunting.
Sonia asked her followers what they would have done in her situation, adding: ìWould you have tried to fish for them?î
The video has sparked surprise, jokes and plenty of local fishing debate. Whether they were sharks or large coastal predators, the Guardamar clip has certainly got people talking.
ORIHUELA SUENA 26 IS YET ANOTHER SNUB FOR ORIHUELA COSTA
Orihuela Suena 2026 will take place from 22 to 24 May, offering live music, masterclasses, workshops and commercial promotions.
The programme includes performances and sessions with musicians and industry professionals at venues including Auditorio La Lonja, Plaza de la Universidad and Jardines del Palacio de Rubalcava.
Although presented as a municipality-wide cultural and business initiative, all events are scheduled in Orihuela city centre, with none in Orihuela Costa, raising even more concerns over geographic balance and Council spending priorities.
LAUNCH OF NEW ALICANTE-ROME ROUTE
ITA Airways will launch its first-ever flights to Alicante Airport this summer with a seasonal direct route to RomeFiumicino. The service begins on 18 July, with two weekly flights on Saturdays and Sundays.
Alicante departures are scheduled for 1:50pm, arriving in Rome at 3:50pm, while return flights leave Rome at 10:40am and arrive at 12:50pm.
The route marks ITA Airways’ debut on the Costa Blanca and strengthens Lufthansa Group’s growing presence at Alicante airport, offering passengers both city-break options and onward international connections through Rome
Free Guardia Civil Open Day in Torre Pacheco
The Guardia Civil will celebrate its 182nd anniversary in Torre Pacheco with a free public exhibition on Saturday, 16 May, featuring specialist units, vehicles, drones and trained dogs. Demonstrations will include dog-handling and a simulated Citizen Security Unit operation. A formal military ceremony will follow on Sunday, 17 May, with decorations and a parade in Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
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.
My family has suffered a severe blow recently.
My wife has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
We have been told that she may only have three to five years, with treatment.
After much deliberation my wife decided she did not want chemotherapy; if there was no hope ultimately, she didn't want to feel ill for the next few years, and she definitely did not want to risk losing her lovely long hair.
We are all devastated. My wife wanted to make the most of her time left, sodecided to sell up and travel to the places that she and I had always wanted to visit; and that we would go first class. Telling our two children about the diagnosis was the worst thing we have ever had to do; however, when we also told our grown children about our plans
to travel, my daughter became extremely sullen and later, very angry.
We left the conversation we should have had with her way too long, and then when we did address it, it turned into an almighty row.
Apparently she does not agree with our selling the family home and setting out on our travels. This might be understandable if she was concerned for her mother, but seemingly it is her opinion that we should not 'get rid of our assets', and when pushed she stated 'what about my inheritance', and 'why are you not thinking about your grandkids'.
She has always been a selfish girl, but this has come as quite a blow.
Our plan was to go into a smaller rented flat at home as a base, and then buy a motorhome ini-
Write to Sara at: office@theleader.info.
Private consultations are also available. Call 650 054 467
tially to travel around France, while boarding the odd cruise if my wife is well enough.I do not care about depleting the money; my wife's enjoyment of our last few years together is more important, and I have my good pension to live on eventually.
You tell me that your son is all for your plans. I would suggest you sit both of your children down together and say the following. 'This is a decision we have made together. It is not up for debate, we aren't asking for permission; we are sharing our plans and hope you can support us in making mums last few years special'.
If you do it with your son present, hopefully your daughter's opinion on inheritance won't be raised again. Make sure you both have made a Will, and then go through with your plans; have some wonderful adventures and good luck to you.
DOWN: DOWN: 1 Inappropriate; 2 Toxic; 3 Room; 4 Custom; 5 Numbered; 6 Episode; 7 Sit in judgment; 12
QUIZ FROM P12
1. Wedgwood (Josiah Wedgwood), 2. Khartoum, 3. Tarzan (He stabbed a lion that attacked him), 4. Clowns, 5. Russia, 6. Paella (Paella means 'pan'), 7. The Ryder cup, 8. Sylvia. "Sylvia's Mother" - Dr Hook, 9. Sarah Bernhardt, 10. Antonio Salieri, 11. a. Heart of Gold (Neil Young), b. Golden Slumbers
(Beatles), c. Golden Years (Bowie), d. Golden Brown (The Stranglers), e. Goldfinger (Shirley Bassey), f. Fields of Gold (Sting), g. Gold (Spandau Ballet). 12. Forest Hills (The West Side Tennis Club). 13. Haiti. 14. Rothschild ("If I were a Rothschild"). 15. Libel is written, whereas slander is spoken. 16. Easter Island. 17. The Phantom of the Opera. 18. The Ostrich. 19. a. Elvis Costello, b. Bruce Springsteen. 20. Beijing (Peking)
Nun Left Behind Last Call for Drinking Habits!
Hi folks,
This is your last call! A few tickets are still available for ACTS Community Theatre’s production of Drinking Habits.
Why not come along and join us for a truly fun night out?
How can you resist a convent full of deceitful nuns, a Mother Superior with a waspish tongue, locals lapping up some very unusual grape juice — or is it?
Add in priests dressed as cardinals, secrets hidden under cassocks, romantic chaos in ridiculous situations, and the burning question: what is the truth about Father Chenille’s past?
Was he always a priest? Can the spies in the convent get away with their disguises and uncover the truth?
With so many twists, turns, and hilarious unexpected revelations, it would be a sin to miss it.
So come along, join the congregation — I mean, the audience — and laugh along with us.
You have our blessing!
ACTS Community Theatre presents Drinking Habits Benijofar Cultural Centre
14th, 15th and 16th May
Starts promptly at 7:30pm
Tickets: e12, available from:
Post Box — Dona Pepa
Big FM — Quesada
Card Place — Benimar
Debra’s Charity Shop — La Marina, Consum Square
Reservations: 711 090 400
WORDWHEEL- Words found 30, target 27
SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION
ADO YOU WANT TO FEEL GREAT?
t the Sophia Wellness EASY Exercise Centre there are three different circuits that each take forty-five minutes to complete, ideally twice or three times a week.
One of the circuits is designed to help people with serious mobility issues following stroke, heart attack, paralysis, joint replacement or long periods of inactivity.
Another circuit has five machines for targeted and a more intense workout.
The most popular and interesting circuit has twelve machines that focus on all the main muscle groups. In addition to each of these three circuits there are eight vibration plates to help improve circulation.
Unlike a regular gym, you don’t need special clothing. You don’t need to train hard or perspire and ache all over, you don’t even need to shower after a session. This is exercise, but it is EASY exercise.
While the comfortable machines are moving your muscles you can choose to just lie there and do nothing while you are being
exercised but if you put in effort in you can gain more from your routine than those who can’t or don’t want to. Training will be given on your first visit, and more information will be given as you progress. Your mobility and overall flexibility will be apparent within one month.
Try for FREE yourself. Call 663 771 345 for a suitable time. All you need to bring with you, for hygiene reasons is a bath towel and a pair of socks.
EASY Exercise is a totally different concept as the machine works you whereas in traditional gyms you work the machine. EASY Exercise is designed to be a fun and social experience where you can enjoy yourself and make new friends.
EASY Exercise is in the Sophia Wellness Centre, (La Regia), Cabo Roig and is open Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 1pm, the cost is only 55e per month. Greater mobility, flexibility, reduced muscle and back pain, improved blood circulation and a brighter happier outlook are the main benefits of EASY Exercise.
You will be able to walk or climb stairs with increased flexibility of movement. Regular exercise at the Sophia Wellness Easy Exercise Centre will improve your quality of life enormously.
Book a FREE trial for a Tuesday or Thursday between 10:00 and 12:00 today on 663 771 345.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
El Presidente fails Weather Check at Smiling Jacks
El Presidente gets an ear bashing for not sorting out the weather for golf day.
A full turn out Smiling Jack's golf where we were greeted with loads and continuous thunder.
“Sort it out El Presidente” was the call.
Nearly all the golfers knuckled down to the rain but after nine the heavens opened followed by a piercing chilly strong wind.
As the players, soaked to the bone, began to shiver it was time to call it a day with only 4 holes left.
Not before Victoria Shaw hit her best ever shot and for the first time ever put her name on the nearest the pin card.
Despite the soaked green and the rain still coming down it didn't stop her from laying down
for a quick snap. Well done.
With some players finishing early to dry and thaw out it was back to Smiling Jack's to be greeted with a wonderful chilli, pizza and sandwich, not forgetting a cheeky San Miguel.
The chilli was wonderful made of course by our Julie which received rave reviews, as always.
Due to players playing different amount of holes it was decided just to eat and drink with no results.
We did hold a raffle for a free day of golf courtesy of the Ger.
The winner was Kevin Hanlon, well done.
El Presidente thanks everyone for supporting smiling jack's and promised to sort the weather out for our next event.
El Presidente
The Inbetweeners at Font Del Llop
This week, the Inbetweeners Golf Society gathered at Font Del Llop Golf Resort to compete for the Ahmed’s Tandoori Trophy, kindly sponsored by Ahmed.
The day began with warm sunshine and a gentle breeze, conditions that remained pleasant through most of the afternoon before the wind picked up and added a new challenge to the game. The fairways and greens were in excellent condition; however, the rough was extremely thick and dense, making accuracy from the tee essential — something that proved challenging for some players.
Nevertheless, there were some fantastic performances across the field, with plenty of competitive scoring, dramatic moments, and, in true Inbetweeners style, everyone took it all in their stride.
In the evening, members and their wives gathered at Ahmed’s Tandoori Restaurant, where everyone enjoyed a wonderful meal and thoroughly good company. Later in the evening, Ahmed presented the prizes to the day’s winners. The Inbetweeners would like to extend a huge thank you to Ahmed for his generous sponsorship and hospitality throughout the day.
Nearest the Pin: Hole 3: Ruud Meggelen, Hole 8: Ruud Meggelen, Hole 12: Sam Williamson Hole 16: Bertrand La Font
A big thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the day such a success. Special congratulations to all of our winners.Looking to join a Golf Society, why not check out our website:www.inbetweenersgolfsociety.com
The photo is of Ahmed with some of the day's winners.
LADIES DARTS
Results of the Pam Horton KO cup final: Tipsy Tigers 5 - 0 Rumours Rebels
High Scores: Simone de Lacy 133, Amanda Skinner 100
Lovely evening, close games, good food.
SUNNY CORNER GOLF
Our latest outing was at El Valle, twenty eight competed for various prizes.
Our overall winner was Barry Gooch (pictured L.H.S.) with a very good score of 37 pts.
For the first time we had a four man team prize, with the team of Neville Steadman, Mick Cook, Barry Gooch and Dave Conway coming out on top with 109 pts.
Our next outing is at Lo Romero on the 19 May.
San Miguel GS at Mar Menor
A gentle wander in from Los Alcazares set the tone, accompanied by the distant hum of the Spanish Air Force packing up after last weekend’s air show.
If you’ve never been, put it on the list. Jets, noise, and a vague sense your golf swing might also break the sound barrier.
Weather report? Looked lovely on paper. Warm, inviting… and then there’s the Mar Menor wind,
which treats golf balls like unsolicited suggestions rather than instructions.
Pre-round entertainment came courtesy of SatNav roulette. A few members obediently followed their devices straight to the wrong side of the course. After some frantic calls and mild existential questioning, all arrived in time… mostly intact.
One unfortunate soul, proving that height can indeed be a hazard in golf, suffered a mild concussion. Best wishes to Mr McCann, who quite literally brought his head into the game.
The course itself was in fine shape. Greens true enough to reward optimism, fairways dry and running like they’d had three espressos, and overall a cracking society layout.
As ever, golf delivered its usual mix of triumph and characterbuilding:
Gold: Steve Webb (39 pts)
Silver: Dave Friedman (38 pts) Bronze (and top score of the day): Martin Readman (42 pts – showing off, frankly)
Three “Twos” were recorded, but only two made the cut, meaning a tidy little windfall for Dave Rowe and Tony Smale. Nearest the Pins were Trevor Mackay (2nd), Hugh Reilly (8th), Steve Webb and Paul Tomlinson (so close we nearly needed forensic equipment on 14th) and Tony Smale (17th).
Best guest prize (a sleeve of balls, the golfer’s version of fine jewellery) went to Trevor Mackay. Steve Fleet walked away with the football card spoils thanks to Peterborough, and Richard Howard proudly claimed the ever-coveted “McBride Bottle”, which continues to change hands more frequently than a dodgy lie.
Post-round, we regrouped at the Shamrock Lounge, affectionately known as the “Irish Indian”because why choose one cuisine when you can confuse everyone? Cold beers, good food, friendly staff, and several highly accurate retellings of shots that definitely happened exactly as described.
Next week: La Serena Golf. Ball orders are already flying in, suggesting optimism remains dangerously high with all those waterholes. Finally, best wishes to our Captain, Mick Pryke – get well soon, skipper.
Sheerin’s Golf Society Vincent Real Estate Plaque 6th May at Altorreal
Afantastic day for yet another major competition in 2026, with thanks go to our sponsor for the last 7 years, Mark and Hazel Vincent, Managing Directors of Vincent Real Estate.
The format was singles full handicap Stableford, split into two groups with prizes for winners, runners up and third places with the best overall points scored over both groups being the winner.
On arrival at the course we received a friendly greeting from the Antonio and his staff, the course was in good condition from tee boxes to the greens and the weather was fantastic at 25 degrees with no wind, perfect for golf!
Winner of the Vincent Real Estate Plaque was from group B, the oldest player in the society at 83, Bill Howie with a handicap cutting score of 43 points, runner up was “The Mighty Quinn” Kevin Quinn with 39 pts and third place went to “Magic Mike” Mike Sharlot with 38 pts.
Winner of group A was Tony Alcock with 39 points, runner up was “Ding
Dong” Ian Bell with 38 points and 3rd place was Gary Hill with 36 pts.
The nearest the pin’s winners were group A hole 4 Gary Hill, hole 9 no winner and hole 14 “Mr Amstel” Peter Kelly, group B hole 2 “Fruit Farmer” Tom Goulden, hole 5
“Brother” Bob Day and hole 12 Bill Howie, best front nine went to Colin Smyth with 22 points and best back nine went to Gary Hill with 20 pts.
The two’s pot was shared between Brian Gordon and Kevin Quinn on hole 10 so they shared the e60. Singles Match play 1st round was won by Kevin Quinn winning 7&6 over Tom Goulden.
The presentation was held back at Sheerin’s, thank you to Kellie, Katie and staff at Sheerin’s for the great hospitality.
The football card winner was won by Kevin Quinn with Southampton winning e40 and raising e40 for our charities 2026.
Main Image: Tony Smale, Richard “McBride Howard, Keith Wickham, Martin Readman, Paul Lambert, and Steve Webb. Featured above left: past President Tony Smale and current President Lee Eastman
QBC ROUNDUP
Falcons had a bye in the Hurricane division of the SABA summer league, but our Wednesday and Friday league teams made good use of the exercise.
In the VCL division A, Lions were at home to Country Bowles Foxes.Winning 4 out of 5 disciplines, plus overall shots of 89-78, resulted in a fine 10-2 victory. Here are the winners:T Morgan mens, singles (21-19), M Highland, ladies singles (21-11), G Carnell & C Brazier, pairs (18-14), K Gordon, V Campbell, C Highland, M France, rinks (20-10).
Also in the VCL, our intrepid Tigers ventured all the
SAN MIGUELBOWLS CLUB
By Jenny Harvey
Saturday 2nd May saw our annual SMBC Mufti, with teams from across the region joining us for a great day of competition.
Winners: Linda & Gary Ponsford & Mike Nicholson. 2nd Janet & Mark Jukes & Debbie Perryman. 3rd Linda & Richard Saunders & Jeff Stevens
A massive thank you to our organisers who succeeded in making the day fun, successful and enjoyable. SMBC would also like to give a big thankyou to our sponsors.
Monday saw losses of 8-4 for all 3 teams.
The Moors were away to Emerald Isle Vulcans, best rink Pat McEwan, Ron Peters and Eddie Cowan 19-16
The Vikings also away to Phoenix, best rink Pat
way to La Marina, only to discover that the opposition were nowhere to be found!You can imagine their dismay at being 12 Billy no mates, as the featured photo to the right clearly shows!
To round off a very successful week (especially if Tigers are awarded the points), our 2 wood Friday team emulated Lion's scoreline.
At home to Country Bowls, these 4 trips teams did the biz:I Everett, C & K Lowry (24-9), N & S Burrows, B Webb (19-17), P Kern, J Hughes, J Denman (23-15), B Trinder, S Hibberd, M Inns (20-12).
BY STEVE HIBBERD
Luijk, Kevin Ireland and John Grant 17-11
The Christians were home against Country Bowls, best rink Paul Hayward, Gill Brimley and Doug Jones 27-12
Wednesday's VCL games saw the Sheriffs losing away to Emerald Isle 10-2, only winning rink Steve Parr in the men's sgls 21-9.
Other results were our two VCL teams playing each other giving a 6-6 draw for the Marshalls home against Deputies, best home rink Ron Peters men's singles match 21-14, and pairs John Jenner and Dave Askew 21-14... best away Tracey Smith, John King and Jim Taylor 25-14.
A reminder that the Wasps sessions take place Thursdays, 1.30pm for 2pm - ˇ5 for an afternoon's bowling with shoes/bowls available to borrow.
Please contact Dave or Lynn Greenland on 667207508 to book.
San Luis Bowls Club
A mixed couple of weeks for results and weather again; with sun, then heavy rain and thunder affecting play.
South Alicante summer league, Spitfire Div. On Monday 27th the Wellingtons had another tough morning, at home against Greenlands Gladiators. The Wellingtons did their best, but the Gladiators were definitely taking no prisoners, so we finished 2-10, 66-107. Well done to our winners: Cath Morrisroe, Noel Morrisroe, Barbara Louis 20-14. Monday 4th – BYE.
Summer 2 bowl league: Friday 1st the Pythons, at home once more, went into battle with great hopes, this time against another strong team in the shape of the
We welcome all bowlers looking to join San Miguel Bowls Club as, being a unique club, we only pay owners fees and a club feeNO LEAGUE RINK FEES.
For further information please contact our club secretary Barry Jones on 602504905.
Greenlands Goannas. Unfortunately it ended with the same result: 2-10, 53-100. Well done to our winners: Dave Louis, Brian Gardiner, Jean Cooper 17-15.
Friday 8th saw the Pythons travelling down to Country Bowls to play against the Kestrels. There were mixed results for both teams and the weather didn’t help as the rain got worse, meaning the teams needed to cut the match short at 67 ends instead of the usual (5x18) = 90. The final result for the Pythons was an improvement on last week: 4-8, and close on shots 67-70.
Well done to our winners: Lesley Howlett, Ken Stringfellow, Wayne Howlett 18-4, Cathy Morrisroe, Noel Morrisroe, Barbara Louis 25-7.
Sheila Cammack
Monte Mar Bowls Club and Social Club
Sponsored by Gran Alacant Insurances, The Belfry, Skippers, La Piedra, Evoca Living, The Reiki Room, Gran Alacant Properties, Chill Out, James. SOUTH ALICANTE SUMMER LEAGUE - Mon 4th May - MATADORS v VISTABELLA
First of all I would like to thank La Marina Bowls Club for allowing us to use their green to finish playing the summer league.
The Matadors had a great result against Vistabella winning on all the rinks and the shots. Well done Jean Chamberlain, Tony Kershaw skip Keith Young 18 – 17, Gina Hindle, Paul Dodd skip Dave Eades 21 – 8, Lynne Armitage, Barry Watson skip Neil Young 30 – 5, Julia Hamilton, Steve Hindle, skip Ian Hamilton 19 – 8, Sheila Roberts, Rod Chamberlain skip Phil Goble 17 – 10. Shots Matadors 105 – 48 Vistabella. Points Matadors 12 – 0 Vistabella. For further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website www.montmarbowls.com. We are also on Facebook
Greenlands Bowls with Richard Willey
SOUTH ALICANTE SUMMER LG
Spitfire Div Gladiators v La Marina
An afternoon game which can be difficult with the spanish wind was not easy.
But Gladiators managed eventually to win 12-0 (110-57). Good wins for Freddie Willey, John O'Brien & Pete Bonsor 19-15, Dave Donovan, Mandy Tompkins & Dave Palmer 23-10, Allen Bowen, Stuart Wilson & Mike Stone 24-6, Christine Gray, Lin Hamersley & Martin Foulcer 18-16 plus Anne Stone, Steve Sydell & Alan Mawer 26-10. Well done Gladiators!
Harrier Division Warriors v Emerald Isle Victors Tough opposition today for our Warriors with Victors taking the game with ease 10- 2 (101-69). One
good win was Judy Carroll,Rosina Charter-Byrne & Craig Oddy 23-13. VCL SUMMER LEAGUE (Weds) Greenland's Giants v Titans
Good game to win against our rivals . Giants took a while to settle but eventually took the game convincingly 10- 2pts(96-80). Good wins for Mens Singles: Darren Reynolds 21-18, Ladies Singles: Lin Hamersley 21-16. Pairs: Debbie Perryman/Martin Foulcer 17-15 plus Rinks: Janet Jukes, John O'Brien, Freddie Willey & Tony Hodges 27-9. Good win Giants !
2 WOODS SUMMER LEAGUEGreenland's Goanna's - Bye Vistabella v Dragons. A short trip up the road on a wet miserable day saw our Dragons take on a very strong Vistabella side. Vistabella coming out on top 12-0 (109-57). Unlucky Dragons not your day.
Country Bowls Club with Peter Dix
Our week started early this week on Saturday the Red Kites entertained the league leaders Bonalba. It was a tough ask, but any points gained would assist the Bluebirds in their title challenge.
They put in a good shift and came very close to winning the match, losing only by 6 shots overall and winning on 2 rinks, losing by only 1 shot on another rink, gaining 4 points. The best rink was Emma Chin, David Stapleton and Roger Grimshaw.
On Monday the Bluebirds travelled to San Miguel to play the Christians and gave them no quarter with a dominating winning result 8 points to 4. Best rink was Jason Capelle, Alan Miller and Peter Dix, 21 shots to 9.
Emerald Isle Bowls Club
The Vulcans began the week playing against San Miguel and they got a good win 8-4 with an Aggregate of 90-68. J Holmyard S Marks R Marks 24-9, N Davis J Taylor M Dyer 23-13 M Oakley S Ellis M Ellis 15-12
Victors travelled to local rivals Greenlands Warriors, and they came away with a fine 19-2 Aggregate, 101-69 win. R White A Westwater B Kavanagh 27-11, N Burns M Stritch G Wallis 20-13, S Kavanagh M Meehan G Odell 20-13 G Dyer J Gracie P Parkes 19-9
On Wednesday in the VCL the Foxes had to travel to play Quesada, always a difficult task and proved to be so against a strong team. Only managing 2 points winning the triples, team Lynne Bishop, Derek Jiggins and Peter Dix Friday the Kestrels was at home to the Pythons in the 2 bowl triples and they looked to take the bite out of them and gain an advantage, and they did until the weather curtailed the game. The result was 8-4 win having completed enough ends to count as result. Best rink was Mandy Stapleton, Bob Simons and Dean Webb 18-4. The Eagles flew up to Quesada, not an easy task to gain points and could only manage to take 2 home.
The Dukes were at home in VCL against San Miguel Sheriffs and they had a fine 10-2 Aggregate of 93-67 win, M Dyer 21-14, M Oakley M Ellis 31-9, I Laverick S Marks R Marks 14-11, S Ellis N Davis N Prior M Harley 18-12
Earls played at Phoenix B C and they came away with a very good win, 9-3 Aggregate of 101-69 S Kavanagh 21-4, T Parfett J Speedie K Barber 29-16, M Riley M Meehan B Eldred M Stritch 20-10, A Westwater J Gracie got a 18 all draw. SAPS is on on Saturdays at 13-15 ELWYN MORRIS
Play-Off Bound! Torry Keep Tercera Dream Alive
SC Torrevieja CF secured their place in the promotion play-offs to Tercera with a commanding 3-0 victory over UD Rayo Ibense on a memorable final day at a packed Nelson Mandela Stadium.
Torry went into the last league fixture knowing that victory would guarantee third place and the final play-off position. With fourthplaced Olimpic facing league leaders Eldense B, Torrevieja had the cushion of a superior goal difference, but coach Piquero’s side were determined to settle matters themselves.
Piquero had a full-strength squad available and named an attacking starting line-up fea-
turing Matias, Ismail, Breno, Caleb and Pucho. The message was clear from the outset: Torrevieja were going for the win.
The home side started brightly, with Breno creating the first opportunity of the afternoon. He met a deep cross at the far post but, from a tight angle, could only direct his effort into the side netting. Torry dominated possession during the opening stages, although the importance of the occasion was evident in a slightly nervous and stop-start first 15 minutes.
Breno continued to look the biggest threat and went close again midway through the half, guiding a low header towards goal from
SCTorrevieja CF .............3
UD Rayo Ibense ...............0
Alex 25, Breno 65, Ernesto 82
seven yards, only for the Ibense goalkeeper to react smartly and keep it out.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute. Rayo Ibense failed to clear an inswinging corner and, after a scramble inside the area, the ball fell kindly to left-back Alex. He showed excellent composure, committing the goalkeeper before calmly passing the ball into the net to give Torrevieja a precious 1-0 lead.
That goal settled the hosts, who began to play with greater confidence. Breno tested the goalkeeper again from distance before Caleb almost doubled the advantage on 34 minutes, cutting inside from the left and bending an effort just wide of the far post. Torry finished the half strongly, with both Caleb and Breno threatening again, but Ibense defended bravely to remain only one behind at the interval.
HT: SC Torrevieja CF 1-0 UD Rayo Ibense Torrevieja came out strongly after the break. Caleb burst down the left and cut the ball back for Pucho, whose deflected shot spun wide for a corner. Moments later, Ismail and Mat?as combined brilliantly to release the Uruguayan, but the ball just ran away from him and Ibense scrambled clear.
Although the visitors offered little going forward, the scoreline remained narrow as the
hour mark approached. Torry needed a second goal to calm the nerves, and Piquero’s first substitution helped provide it, with Galvez replacing Pucho on 60 minutes.
Five minutes later, the change paid off. Matias released Galvez down the right, and the substitute showed great composure to cut the ball back into Breno’s path. Breno, who had been dangerous throughout, finished confidently to make it 2-0 and put Torrevieja firmly in control.
Ibense finally threatened late on after Manresa slipped in possession, but Pizana stood strong at his near post to make his first real save of the match.
Any remaining doubt disappeared in the 82nd minute when Ernesto, introduced from the bench, added the third. Played through by Matias, he squeezed his finish past the goalkeeper from a narrow angle to complete an emphatic afternoon.
This was a deserved and professional victory from Torrevieja, who overcame early nerves and delivered when it mattered most. Alex opened the door, Breno settled the contest, and Ernesto sealed the celebration.
Torry finish third — and the dream of promotion to Tercera is still very much alive.
MAGNIFICENT THADER SECURE COMMUNITY LEAGUE STATUS
Talk about sunshine after the storm, for that aptly describes Thader Rojales all important victory, inside a red hot Moi Gomez stadium.
The previous day had been a day from hell weather wise, but come Sunday, the gods were certainly looking down on Raul Mora and his men.
Throughout the season, they had been a Jekyll and Hyde side, recently dropping into the relegation zone, having appeared safe for the majority of the season. But, all of that is now history, for 2 great victories on the trot have meant a final10th place finish, some 3 points off the drop - a suitable reward for all their endeavours.
Visitors Novelda were guaranteed a 5th place finish, having previously beaten Thader just before Xmas in the league, but Thader gained revenge in the cup only 2 weeks later.
for
A fast and furious start to the match, saw Pablo shoot agonisingly wide of Novelda's post after 10 mins.
Ref Alberto Quiles controlled the game admirably, but on 13 mins, he was very lenient when giving Chaco only a yellow card for a nasty foul on Thader's Berni.
On 25 mins, a defensive mistake allowed Thader striker Guille a free run at goal. With just the keeper to beat, he calmly slotted the ball past him with supreme confidence, giving the hosts a much needed early opening goal.
Serhiy almost doubled the lead shortly afterwards, but his goal bound shot was brilliantly saved by the visiting keeper.
Not to be outdone, the hard working Ukrainian, found space inside the box, beat 3 players, before blasting the ball into the back of the net.
Up until the 40th min, it had been one way
Javi bowed out for Thader having made over 400 appearances for the club
traffic, but a lapse of concentration allowed Gato to score with Novelda's first shot on target.
Serhiy almost secured a brace on 55 mins, but his free kick missed the target by a whisker.
Back came Novelda, when an audacious punt from inside their own half by Gato, who noticed Jesus way off his line, fractionally
went the wrong side of the far post. Novelda were by now piling on the pressure. Strong appeals for a penalty for handball weren't upheld, then Gato struck a 30-yard free kick inches over the bar.
Thankfully, on 78 mins, sub Robin made sure of a well deserved victory, when having beat 2 players, he proceeded to tuck the ball home from close range, for goal number 3.
Long serving stalwart Javi, donned the captains armband, for what is to be his last game
