Edition 1129 of the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader Newspaper 25 - 31 May 2026
Orihuela Costa’s last untouched kilometre of coastline is now on the brink of becoming a major tourist housing estate, as long-delayed urbanisation works at Cala Mosca enter their final phase.
After years of protests, environmental battles and legal hurdles, the Alameda del Mar sector — now promoted under the name Las Vistas — is preparing for the arrival of its first 188 tourist homes, the opening phase of a much larger plan that could eventually see more than 2,000 properties built across the area.
The land, long regarded by campaigners as the final undeveloped stretch of Orihuela’s coast, has been at the centre of one of the municipality’s most fiercely contested planning disputes. But with roads, services and basic infrastructure now close to completion, the battle to stop construction appears to be reaching its end.
The developer, Gomendio Group, has already applied for the building licence for the first residential phase.
That application has received a favourable report from the Alicante College of Architects through its Urban Planning Collaborating Entity, known as ECUV, a body recognised by the Generalitat Valenciana to assist and accelerate planning procedures.
That means the licence is now considered close to approval.
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The Costa Blancaís oldest ëFREEíEnglish
FROM PAGE ONE
Cala Mosca Finally Falls
The project’s main infrastructure is already either finished or well advanced. Works include sewage networks, drinking water systems, irrigation, pumping stations, telecommunications, medium and low-voltage electricity networks, and eleven transformer stations.
For opponents of the scheme, the sight of works nearing completion marks a bitter moment. Cala Mosca has for years been defended by residents and environmental groups as a rare coastal refuge in an area otherwise dominated by development.
Campaigners organised under the Salvemos Cala Mosca banner staged protests and filed complaints with Seprona and the public prosecutor’s office in an effort to preserve the area as open, undeveloped coastline.
But the developer says Las Vistas is not a reckless concrete invasion, insisting the scheme has been redesigned around environmental protection, landscape integration and sustainable mobility.
According to Gomendio, buildings will be concentrated in specific areas, mainly parallel to the N-332, while the land closest to the sea will remain free from construction. The company says the layout prioritises green corridors, pedestrian continuity and open views towards the Mediterranean.
The full sector covers more than 455,000 square metres. Of that, around 81,000 square metres are described as protected land, with more than 38,000 square metres set aside for green areas intended to connect Punta Prima and La Zenia.
The developer also points to a proposed micro-reserve and says the project includes 52.8% more garden space than the minimum required by regional planning rules. More than eight hectares are being dedicated to environmental protection and recovery,
Monday 25th - Sunday 31st May 2026
Urbanisation Alameda del Mar
Image courtesy Grupo Gomiendo
with particular focus on two protected species: Helianthemum caput-felis, known as cat’s head rockrose, and the mollusc Tudorella mauretanica.
Those species were central to the project’s turbulent history. In 2007, the first phase of urbanisation works was halted after protected flora and fauna were detected, even though work had already been carried out on about 70% of the sector.
In 2018, the Generalitat imposed environmental conditions before the project could continue. The developer later amended its reparcelling plan in 2023 to adapt the scheme to the protected habitat. Urbanisation works resumed that year and are now approaching completion.
Environmental restoration works are also under way. More than 4,000 native Mediterranean plants have been planted under specialist supervision, while nearly
3,000 linear metres of wooden fencing and wildlife mesh will be used to protect sensitive zones.
A new 1.3-kilometre pedestrian and cycling coastal corridor is also nearing completion, with recycled ecological paving and protection measures for reserve areas.
More than 900 trees, including around 450 palms, have been planted across the urban green network. Planned public areas include rest zones, lawns, ornamental lakes, children’s play spaces, a dog park, sports areas and walking routes.
For the developer, Las Vistas represents a controlled, greener model of coastal urbanisation.
For campaigners, it marks the loss of Orihuela Costa’s last wild kilometre. Either way, Cala Mosca is changing — and in now seems as though the first 188 homes will only be the beginning.
Orihuela mayor Pepe Vegara has denied working for the ITV company at the centre of a longrunning alleged tax fraud case, after Spain’s tax authorities dramatically reduced the amount allegedly defrauded on the opening day of the trial.
Vegara and four businessmen appeared at Santa Lucia courthouse accused of tax fraud and falsifying commercial documents linked to Estacion ITV Vega Baja. Prosecutors had originally sought seven years in prison for the mayor, who is listed in the case as a company representative alongside three other company figures and an intermediary.
However, the first hearing brought a major twist when the State Attorney’s Office, acting for the Spanish Treasury, submitted a new tax inspector’s report cutting the alleged fraud from e917,000 to e488,000.
The case centres on the alleged purchase of 100,000 promotional diaries. According to the proceedings, the company billed each diary at e17, although their real value was allegedly just e1.70.
The new figure could significantly affect the potential sentence. Under Spanish law, tax fraud penalties are tougher when the amount exceeds e600,000, with prison terms of between
two and six years. Below that threshold, the range falls to between one and five years.
As a result, the aggravated tax offence has, for now, effectively been removed from the case, as prosecutors can no longer prove the higher fraud figure, the alleged VAT fraud, or the existence of fictitious liabilities.
The case dates back to events allegedly committed in 2005, with the first tax inspection beginning in 2010.
Defence lawyers argued that the long delay has damaged their ability to defend the accused, especially as several key figures from the original investigation have since died. They include the tax inspector who launched the case, the manager of the company’s auditing firm, and two representatives of the diary supplier.
Vegara’s lawyer, Pilar Hernandez, presented the mayor’s employment history report, arguing that he was not working for Estacion ITV Vega Baja when the alleged offences took place, despite being described by prosecutors as joint managing director and company representative.
The defence also raised concerns about leaflets put up in central Orihuela against Vegara before the hearing, claiming those involved are among the prosecution witnesses.
Lawyers asked for the trial to be suspended, arguing the new tax report changed key aspects of the case.
The judge rejected the request, saying the report can be challenged during hearings.
Vegara arrived at court calm, insisting “the truth will come out”. The trial continues on 29 May and 5 June.
PATIENT’S CIGARETTE SPARKS
Apatient smoking while using an oxygen cylinder is believed to have sparked the dramatic fire that swept through part of Torrevieja University Hospital on Friday, leaving two patients injured, ten staff needing treatment for smoke inhalation, and forcing 90 patients to be moved.
The blaze broke out shortly after midday on the second floor, in room 277, in the right wing of the
hospital. Sources close to the investigation say the fire started after a patient allegedly entered an empty room with a cigarette and lighter while connected to oxygen. When the cigarette was lit, a flash fire erupted, quickly filling the area with flames and thick smoke.
The patient suffered second- and third-degree burns to around 40% of his body and was airlifted by helicopter to the specialist burns unit at
La Fe Hospital in Valencia. A second patient, who was being treated nearby, was moved to intensive care after inhaling smoke.
Ten hospital workers, including healthcare, security and cleaning staff, were also treated after helping rescue patients and clear the area. One nursing assistant was admitted to intensive care, although her condition was reported to be improving.
Hospital officials activated the evacuation plan as smoke spread through the second floor, which includes Maternity, Oncology and Internal Medicine. A total of 90 patients were relocated to other parts of the hospital while firefighters tackled the blaze and assessed the damage.
Five fire crews from Torrevieja and Orihuela were sent to the scene. The flames were brought under control at around 1.20pm, but firefighters remained throughout the afternoon to ventilate the building and remove smoke and gases. The fire was declared fully extinguished at around 7pm.
Emergency services continued operating, but appointments in Radiology and Rehabilitation were suspended. Radiology is expected to reopen on Monday, while Rehabilitation will remain cancelled today, Monday, and Tuesday. Additional support was mobilised from hospitals in Orihuela and Elche.
Spain Urges EU to Ease 90-Day Rule for British Visitors
Spanish tourism leaders are continuing to press Brussels for a relaxation of post-Brexit rules that restrict British visitors to 90 days in Spain and the Schengen Area within any 180-day period. The limit has frustrated UK second-home owners, retirees and long-stay holidaymakers who previously spent extended periods in Spain, particularly during the winter.
Tourism representatives say the rule is damaging local economies in areas with large British communities, including the Costa Blanca, Costa Calida, Costa del Sol and the Balearic and Canary
Islands. They argue that longerstay British visitors provide vital income for bars, restaurants, shops, estate agents and service businesses outside the peak summer season.
Former Spanish tourism ministers Fernando Valdes and Hector Gomez have previously called for a more flexible arrangement, including the possibility of allowing British nationals to stay for up to 180 days without needing residency or a long-stay visa. However, Spain cannot alter the rule alone, as the 90-day limit applies across the Schengen zone and any change would require EU-level agreement.
Valdes has acknowledged that the rule is not Spain’s to remove, saying Brexit created problems for people who wanted to spend longer in the country so, for now, the rules remain unchanged.
ARREST OF EX PSOE CANDIDATE MATT SMITH PLUNGES ROJALES COUNCIL INTO TURMOIL
The arrest of British former PSOE candidate Matt Smith (above in the yellow shirt) over an alleged e86,000 fraud has triggered political turmoil in Rojales, with Mayor Antonio Perez denying any council link to the suspected crimes.
Smith, who stood at number 11 on the PSOE list in the 2023 municipal elections, was later appointed as Perez’s representative in Ciudad Quesada but resigned in January 2024. Perez said Smith was asked to quit after the council became aware of possible private complaints, stressing he never managed public funds, contracts or administrative duties.
The Guardia Civil investigation concerns alleged offences between 2019 and 2022, before Smith’s municipal role. Investigators say a British victim’s accounts were emptied through transfers, purchases and ATM withdrawals, some allegedly while he was in hospital or after his death.
The PP opposition demanded answers, asking why Smith continued assisting at meetings as a translator. Perez accused the PP of spreading false claims for their own political gain while respecting the judicial process and presumption of innocence.
FUEL BOAT CHASE DRAMA
Two crew members have been arrested after the Guardia Civil intercepted a suspected floating fuel station off El Gorguel, Murcia.
The semi-rigid boat, carrying 136 fuel containers, allegedly tried to flee at high speed after being spotted by the R?o Guadalhorce maritime patrol on 13 May. The chase ended when the vessel crashed into a fish-farm cage and became stranded.
Two crew members jumped into the sea; one was rescued with signs of hypothermia, while a third person remains missing.
Investigators say the unmarked boat was used for petaqueo, illegally refuelling migrant “taxi boats” and narco launches at sea. More charges may follow.
Police chase ends in Los Dolses crash
Two men have been arrested after a high-speed chase through Orihuela Costa ended in a head-on collision with a Guardia Civil patrol car in Los Dolses.
The pursuit began around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, after officers from the Torrevieja USECIC unit spotted a vehicle failing to give way at a roundabout in the Villamartin area. When police tried to stop it, the driver allegedly sped off through busy streets, mounting pavements and forcing pedestrians and drivers to dodge danger.
The chase ended near Los Dolses roundabout, injuring one officer. Police later found 1.5 kilos of marijuana and hashish inside the car.
ALICANTE FOREST WILDFIRE SUSPECT PROBED
A 41-year-old man is being investigated by the Guardia Civil over a series of suspected deliberate wildfires near homes at Alicante’s Serra Grossa.
SEPRONA links him to 24 alleged public safety offences after 13 fires were recorded between May and August 2025, with similar outbreaks in 2026. Investigators believe flames and accelerants were used. The case is now with prosecutors.
Smith told the Leader that he looks forward to proving his innocence
TORREVIEJA U3A MEMBERS ENJOY CRAZY GOLF DAY
Torrevieja u3a members recently enjoyed a sociable golf day at Greenlands Crazy Golf Centre in El Galan.
A good number of members turned out for the fun-filled event, which gave old friends and new members the chance to play, chat and enjoy a relaxed few hours together.
After the game, everyone gathered in the cafeteria and bar for lunch, followed by the presentation of awards to the winners and runners-up, along with good-natured commiserations for those who missed out.
The event proved an enjoyable outing for all who took part and highlighted just one of the many activities available through Torrevieja u3a. Anyone interested in joining future events can visit torreviejau3a.org for group details and membership information.
TORREVIEJA PARK ‘N’ RIDE PLAN GETS GREEN LIGHT
Torrevieja City Council has approved plans to create four large park-and-ride car parks on municipal land, providing 3,937 new parking spaces across the city.
The project will cost e3,618,541, including
VAT, and is expected to take five months to complete, with work carried out simultaneously on all four sites.
The car parks will be located at Avenida de la Estacion, Avenida Ramon del Valle Inclan–Torreta, Calle Juan Valera–CV-905, and Avenida Delfina Viudes–Parque Antonio Soria. The largest site, at Parque Antonio Soria, will provide 2,711 spaces.
In total, the scheme includes 3,882 standard spaces and 55 adapted spaces for people with reduced mobility.
The council says the project will improve mobility, ease town-centre congestion and provide safer, better-organised parking for residents and visitors.
ORIHUELA BLUE FLAGS, DESPITE BEACH DOUBTS
Orihuela has retained Blue Flag status for ten beaches, confirming its place among the Valencian Community’s leading coastal municipalities for officially recognised beach quality.
Mayor Pepe Vegara and Coast Councillor Manuel Mestre collected the awards at the regional ceremony in Chilches, Castellon. The flags recognise water quality, services, safety, accessibility, environmental management and beach condition.
The beaches awarded are Calas de
Son’s Child Porn Arrest shame linked to Guardia Murders
Family tensions following a son’s arrest in a child pornography investigation have emerged as a possible factor in the Dolores Civil Guard barracks killings.
Civil Guard officer Mariano, 55, allegedly shot dead his wife Marisol, 51, and their son Alberto, 24, as they slept inside the barracks residence in Dolores, Alicante, before turning his service weapon on himself.
Investigators say both victims were found in their beds with single gunshot wounds to the head and no signs of resistance. The evidence suggests they were killed while asleep and were likely unaware of the attack.
The case has been officially classified as gender-based violence. No previous complaints of domestic abuse had been filed by Marisol, who worked as a school bus monitor, and neighbours and colleagues reported no obvious warning signs.
Investigators are now focusing on the badly deteriorated relationship between Mariano and Alberto after the son’s arrest on April 14 in a nationwide National Police operation against child pornography.
Alberto had been released pending a court summons after a judge in Orihuela refused permission to search the family home inside the Civil Guard barracks. That court appearance had not yet taken place when he was killed.
Mariano left no note, and investigators have not confirmed the precise motive, but witness statements point to mounting family strain after Alberto’s arrest.
Aguamarina, Barranco Rubio, Cabo Roig-La Caleta, Cala Capitan, Cala Cerrada, Cala Estaca, Campoamor-La Glea, La Zenia-Cala Bosque, Mil Palmeras and Punta Prima. Club Nautico Dehesa de Campoamor also retained its marina Blue Flag. However, the awards come as public satisfaction with Orihuela Costa beach cleanliness and facilities has fallen to a 17-year low, highlighting the challenge of matching official recognition with residents’ daily experience.
RIVER RUBBISH WARNING
Orihuela City Council has demanded urgent action to stop waste building up in the River Segura as it passes through the municipality.
Environment councillor Noelia Grao raised the issue with the Private Water Court of Orihuela and technicians from the Segura Hydrographic Confederation after inspections found missing floating waste barriers in upstream towns.
Officials say rubbish is being carried downstream into Orihuela, overwhelming local barriers and affecting irrigation channel intake points.
Grao said Orihuela cannot be left to deal alone with waste caused elsewhere, calling for effective containment along the river.
Water Court judge Jose Bernabe warned the build-up threatens the traditional irrigation system of the Orihuela Huerta and called for a permanent solution.
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Grief is a part of life which will attack all of us at some stage. ‘It can’t always be the other fellow.’ The only type of human who will never experience the pain of grief is a psychopath or somebody who has never loved. You see, grief is the price of love.
Like so many other afflictions that can hit us humans, there are different degrees of grief … and it’s in proportion of the love for the departed one. But even within the family, there are immeasurable differences in the pain.
There is the soft nostalgic grief for a grandparent and the finality of grieving for a parent no matter how long we have them. Losing a sibling leaves a void and a sense of guilt we will always carry.
The death of a close friend brings a grief that nobody else really understands and you continue to grieve on your own. The loss of a partner brings a grief that only the other half knows. Again, it is in direct poportion to the strength of the love.
But there is no grief on Earth to come close to burying a child.
People are marvelous in Ireland when it comes to support after a death in the family. They understand, feel helpless, but yet do their best to comfort you … and this does work. There is talk about broken hearts … but you know your heart is OK; it’s the inside of your head that is broken.
Grief is a chronic condition for which there is no cure. Like most chronic conditions it can be managed, disappear temporarily … only for the pain to flare up again without any warning.
There is no other pain like grief because you know there is no tablet, injection or medicine to ease your suffering. The worst part is looking at what the shared grief is doing to the ones closest to you.
Grief is an invader in your head. It is a trespasser you can’t clear off and there is no exit gate. No; grief is more like a troublesome squatter you can’t shift. A squatter in your most private of properties that you know you will never be able to evict. The forced occupation is an insidious state of affairs because you have to ignore the squatter and you will forget it for a while … only for it to rear its ugly head for no reason or at the least expected times.
You could be talking to someone you meet on the road; having a chat about the weather and a bit of banter about the match. See …everything is grand … and there isn’t a bother on you.Then a hundred yards further on you see a black and white dog you don’t know running around a house you don’t know, and you burst into uncontrollable sobbing.
But this is good, it is a temporary release and you feel better for it.
Self pity has no place in coming to terms with this grief squatter. ‘It cannot always be the other fellow’. You are not alone and you will get great comfort from those people who come to you and tell you a similar story about themselves.
You get reassurance from the sharing and you know for sure you will learn eventually to coexist with the grief squatter in your head.
In America they have a great saying; ‘may her memory be a blessing’ and that too is the
antidote against the condition. The grief squatter will mellow in time and the beautiful memories will move to the front of the head.
But in the early stages it can take the form of anger as well as sorrow. Not about ‘why me’ or ‘poor me’, but why did it have to happen; and maybe guilt as to what we might have done to prevent the death.
Shock is a safety valve; nature’s way of dripfeeding the enormity of the event.
There is nothing to be gained by trying to prove how strong you are. Cry when it comes and talk about it. Make it
easy for the people who want to help you but don’t know what to say. The chat doesn’t have to be profound … just a few muttered words are fine too. Being there for one another speaks a thousand words and that is all that is needed.
Those who have a bit of faith and belief in a better hereafter have a great advantage here. God works through people.
The prayers of ordinary people, the lit candles, and the unselfish goodness of the priests provide the sustenance of endurance.
There is a poster I remember seeing in a teenager’s room one time a long time ago: A caricature of a face with a single tear on the cheek and the words ‘LOST LOVE’ in large letters. That is what grief is, lost love … and it doesn’t have a cure …
DON’T FORGET
Sympathy is two hearts tugging at the same load.
Hotel Masa set for four-star upgrade
Torrevieja City Council has granted a major works licence for the comprehensive refurbishment of the emblematic Hotel Masa Internacional, located on the cliffs of Torre del Moro.
The project, promoted by Torrevieja Hoteles SA, involves an investment of e866,334, including VAT, and aims to modernise the hotel while maintaining its current use.
The works are designed to improve services, facilities, accessibility, energy efficiency, finishes and
equipment, with the objective of raising the establishment from three to four stars.
The hotel, also known by its original name Hotel Berlin, is one of Torrevieja’s best-known venues.
Because the whole property lies within the coastal protection easement area, the project required a favourable report from the regional coastal authority before the municipal licence could be approved.
The refurbishment will not increase the building’s volume, height or
built surface area. Instead, several annexed elements will be demolished, reducing the built area by 253.11 square metres from the current total of more than 4,100 square metres. The owners describe the work as a modernisation of an operating hotel, focused mainly on facades, structure and a limited reorganisation of internal spaces.
The hotel currently has 99 guest places across 50 rooms, together with a restaurant, bar, banquet hall, offices and events room. After the refurbishment it will have
47 accommodation units, including 30 double rooms, one adapted room, 11 triple rooms and five junior suites. Although capacity will be slightly reduced, the quality of the accommodation will be improved.
Works include removing the porticoed entrance, external metal staircases, a storage room, a wooden pool kiosk and other annexed structures. Balustrades will be replaced with glass protections, and the facade will receive a new light sand-coloured finish.
The project also includes pool improvements, new exterior windows and glazing, aerothermal systems for hot water and climate control, waterproofing of roofs and terraces, adapted toilets, accessible routes, handrails and parking spaces for people with reduced mobility.
If the upgrade is completed as planned, Hotel Masa would become Torrevieja’s second four-star hotel, at a time when the city’s hotel sector is slowly expanding despite strong competition from tourist housing.
Hotel Masa Internacional, located on the cliffs of Torre del Moro.
The current entrance area of Hotel Masa, which will be altered as part of the refurbishment
Free bus links Pilar districts
Pilar de la Horadada has launched a free urban bus service connecting the coast, town centre and inland areas.
The route links Mil Palmeras, Torre de la Horadada, El Mojon, Pilar de la Horadada and Pinar de Campoverde, with 22 stops across the municipality. It will operate from 9am to 1.45pm throughout the year, extending to a continuous 9am to 9.50pm service during July and August.
The renewed service uses a new accessible bus with 16 seats and one space for passengers with reduced mobility. It is also fitted with a lifting platform. Passengers will be able to check routes and arrival times in real time online, while each stop will display timetable and frequency information.
The contract has been awarded to Autocares La Inmaculada for e97,608 per year, costing the council e488,000 over five years.
Councillor Rufino Lancharro said the free service aims to promote sustainable mobility, reduce private vehicle use and improve access for all residents.
Crescendo International Choir Plans Four More Concerts
Crescendo International Choir will perform four concerts in the local area over the coming weeks, offering audiences a varied programme of popular songs and choral music.
The first concert takes place tonight, May 25, at the Casa de Cultura in Benijofar, Miguel Hernandez 7. The performance starts at 7pm and entry is free. The choir will sing well-known hits by artists including The Beatles, ABBA, Coldplay and Queen.
In June, Crescendo will take part in a special performance of the original Spanish play El hombre del banco — The Man on the Bench. The choir first appeared in this production on April 25 at Los Montesinos School of Music and Culture, where it performed to a packed auditorium. Songs included the “Humming Chorus” from Madame Butterfly, “Deep Peace” by Canadian composer Bill Douglas, and a combined arrangement of
Elvis Presley’s “I Believe” and the Latin hymn “Ave Maria Gratia Plena”. The reprise will be held at the Casa de Cultura in Benijofar on Saturday, June 6, at 8pm. Entry costs e5.
The choir’s next concert will be on Saturday, June 13, at Salt Church in Los Montesinos, Calle Daya Nueva 12. This event starts at 8pm and tickets cost e5. Crescendo will close its
2026 spring season with a free concert at La Siesta Evangelical Church on Monday, June 15, at 6pm. A retiring collection will be held in aid of the church’s charities.
Crescendo International Choir welcomes new singers. Rehearsals resume in Los Montesinos on Monday, September 14, and are held every Monday from 5.30pm to 8pm. The
choir includes members from several countries, including England, Scotland, Wales, the United States, the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia. It is directed by Spanish musician Irene Oliva, with pianist Carlos Almela.
More information is available at crescendo-choir.com, on Facebook at Crescendo Choir, or by emailing info@crescendo-choir.com.
SAME GRID TWO SETS OF CLUES
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ACROSS ACROSS
1.Drama (4)
3.Keep (8)
9.Capacitated (7)
10.Possessor (5)
11.Amendment (12)
13.Generous (6)
15.Angle (6)
17.Improbability (12)
20.Bury (5)
21.Restrict (7)
22.Uniformly (8)
23.Formerly (4)
DOWN DOWN
1.Introduction (8)
2.Grant (5)
4.Diminish (6)
5.Deficiencies (12)
6.Disparage (3,4)
7.Merit (4)
8.Outdated (3-9)
12.Discretion (8)
14.Risk (7)
16.Intellectual (6)
18.Frequently (5)
19.Sibilation (4)
named Bonnie Blue?
9. What was Belize called until 1973?
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
1. In the Tarzan films, what was Jane's last name?
2. Airstrip One is the new name for Britain in which book?
3. The name of which central European capital city means 'ford'? (as in river ford)
4. Who cooks with nose of Turk and Tartar's lips?
5. The name of which popular herb stems from the Latin for 'dew of the sea'?
6. Petula Clark had a surprise No 1 hit in the UK charts in February 1967 with 'This is my Song'. Which famous English Sir wrote the song?
7. Eratosthenes is the 'father' of what?
a. Astronomy b. Geography c. Philosophy d. Mathematics
8. Which film couple had a daughter
10. The following words are from songs with the word 'Girl' in the title. Can you name the song? a. Shed those dowdy feathers and fly. b. She's sweeter than all the girls and I've met quite a few. c. Life in plastic, it's fantastic. d. Whatever happened to Tuesday and so slow. e. January you start the year off fine. f. A dreamer of pictures, I run thru the night, you see us together chasing the moonlight
11. Which European country has the most lakes? (Russia excluded)
12. What were the names of the five D-Day beaches?
13. Which 1969 Oscar winning film was X-rated in the USA?
14. Plus or minus 50 years, how long does it take Pluto to orbit the sun?
15. Which well-known word stems
ACROSS ACROSS
1.Return some - it's a catch (4)
3.Comparatively cool creeper? (8)
9.It's very hard for a mad backward worker (7)
10.Two learners within 24 hours amuse themselves (5)
11.Pretend a rope is prepared to carry more weight (12)
13.Belied being suitable for consumption (6)
15.The captain's game? (6)
17.Devices to make points on cart (12)
20.Rebuke first children going to conceal themselves (5)
21.Writers I have taken to be thoughtful (7)
22.Record of voice-range (8)
23.Our suffrage definitely includes the old (4) DOWN DOWN
16. Turks Head, Flemish Flake, Dutch Cringle and Granny are all examples of what?
17. Who released the following No 1 albums in the UK in 1980? a. Zenyatta Mondatta. b. Telekon. c. Flesh and Blood. d. Never For Ever
18. Which man, whose name is now an eponym (a thing named after a person), led the disastrous charge of the Light Brigade?
19. The name for which musical ensemble translated means 'dancing place'?
20. Manolo Blahnik, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, Roger Vivier, Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta and Escada are all names associated with very expensive what?
21. From a list of historical Empires at their greatest extent, the British Empire was by far the largest, covering an area of 33.7 million sq km back in 1923. What other historical empires feature in the top five?
* Answers page 18 GRAPHITE
SUDOKU CHALLENGE
WORD WHEEL CHALLENGE
The target is 16 words
My Total
Youraim is to create as many words of 4 letters ormore using the letters in the word wheel only once in each word and always including the letterin the centre of the wheel. No propernames are allowed.
Can you also find a 9 letterword:
WORD SCRAMBLE CHALLENGE
Unscramble the letters to reveal the names of 10 Pop Singers or Groups
Scrambled Words
INCTSAAAA - RMANABAANA
EENBCOY - OAYDCLPL
YESRMTUHIC - ALGLEEBIR
GIOAZRLL - IOIRAMQUJA
AONMNDA - ESSERMTIOT
TRIVIA QUIZ
RESIDENTS DEMAND FLOOD FIXES FOR LOS MONTESINOS
Los Montesinos residents are demanding urgent action after the latest storm again flooded key access roads into the town. The Residents’ Association says the problem has lasted for decades and returns whenever moderate or heavy rain falls. Last week, around 25 litres per square metre left parts of the CV-945 and CV-940 under water, especially near the Levante industrial estate and Los Perez.
Residents blame poor drainage, road design and runoff from nearby land, saying closures and flooding create traffic disruption and
safety risks. The council argues the affected
town hall should push harder.
The association is also calling for sewerage improvements in Los Perez, where around 40 homes still rely on costly septic tanks.
GREEN BOOST
Torrevieja City Council has presented what it calls the largest Parks and Gardens maintenance operation in the town’s history. The service covers 363 green areas, totalling more than 3.4 million square metres, and involves over 100 workers, 87 specialist machines and 74 vehicles.
The contract, run by Actua Servicios y Medioambiente S.L., has already been operating for a year but was formally presented to show residents its scale. Teams carry out cleaning, pruning, grass cutting, weed clearance, irrigation checks, tree care and landscape improvements across parks, streets, neighbourhoods and urbanisations.
The fleet includes electric vans, LPG vehi-
ZAPATERO PROBE
cles, lifting platforms, trucks, motorcycles and specialist pruning and mowing equipment. Councillor Concha Sala said the aim is to improve green spaces, sustainability and residents’ quality of life.
Spain’s National Court is investigating former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero over the controversial e53 million bailout of airline Plus Ultra during the pandemic.
He is due to testify as a suspect on June 2 over allegations including money laundering, misappropriation, influence peddling and membership of a criminal org. Investigators suspect part of the rescue money may have been diverted through companies, intermediaries and consultancy payments linked to people close to Zapatero. Searches have been authorised at his Madrid office and related company premises.
Zapatero denies wrongdoing, saying all income was legal, declared and unrelated to the bailout.
PARENTS IN THE DOCK
Could someone in the UK government be reading my rant in the Leader? Recently I wrote how parents should be called to account if their offspring broke the law. Lo and behold the Justice Secretary, David Lammy has announced that parents of children who break the law could face jail. Reforms in justice law could see parents and guardians facing tougher consequences when their children commit crimes.
This has come about following a report on the appalling Southport stabbings of young girls.
It’s my belief that the UK should not have stopped corporal punishment in schools and stopped parents from smacking their offspring. Now we have a generation of young tearaways committing unimaginable crimes with understaffed police fighting to cope and a wave of magistrates and judges imposing punishments which are far too weak.
Perhaps the thought that parents might end up being punished through the wrongdoings of their offspring might persuade some not to be breeding machines producing one after the other which they cannot control.
BILLIONS LOST TO BENEFIT BLUNDERS
It sickens me how many people in the UK are living on the proceeds of crime now –and how many people must be gaining from benefit fraud. This and errors by government have cost the UK about £9.9 billion in the last financial year.
This is about 3.2% of the total amount given
Tony Mayes Rant
on benefit expenditure. Overpayments totalled £2.6 billion thanks to government staff incompetence – not surprising when we learn that vast numbers are now working from home many not setting foot in their office for weeks at a time.
And it doesn’t end there. Benefit fraud involving Spain has historically cost UK taxpayers approximately £63 million to over £81 million annually. This is the cost of "abroad fraud" where the UK Department for Work and Pensions was being defrauded by people living in Spain, and remains a significant issue of international fraud.
A crackdown is urgently needed.
NO TEARS FOR CAT KILLER
Thank goodness for one bit of news. The man who kicked his ex-partner’s cat to death in Torrevieja has been deported. The culprit, a 29-year-old, was apparently high on drugs and his animal cruelty crime not surprisingly caused considerable fury among locals. He has been deported to Columbia in exchange for a jail sentence. Good riddance and I would have given him a good birching too.
GIBRALTAR’S NOISY SEAS
We know how noisy people can be – our recent experience at a restaurant sitting next to a group of young women shouting to be heard above each other is an example – but it’s sad that whales swimming off Gibraltar are having to put up with it.
No, not shouting women but deafening noise from shipping. Scientists have found that whales are having to “shout” to hear each other over the deafening noise from the engines of ships. Underwater noise can reach 144 decibels – comparable to being next to a running vacuum cleaner and there are many ships passing through the Strait of Gibraltar. Still on the subject of noise I was out in the
scenes in sexy movies that used to be screened on TV and at the cinema before being replaced by endless violence.
Also while painting, I was amused to hear the sound we used to hear during bedroom
The noise? It’s coming from bonking seagulls who seem to have the capacity to be at it every few minutes and obviously, from the sound, having much pleasure!
garden painting preservative on our fences and every few minutes I was bombarded by the noise of barking dogs left alone in gardens or homes while owners were out. It’s just the same in Spain – pets should not be left alone for hours on end.
Ihave been fascinated with hypnosis since my adolescence. I can clearly remember watching in awe at hypnosis shows whenever one came near to my town. The very idea that this Svengali type character could get most of the audience under trance to obey his every command both intrigued and slightly disturbed me.
It wasn’t until I begin to study hypnosis in my early 20’s did I come to the realisation that the hypnosis shows were not all that they seemed to me through younger eyes.
The fact is that all hypnosis is self hypnosis. You cannot be hypnotised unless you submit to this. If you read those last two sentences again it will give you a real understanding of what hypnosis is, and what it can and cannot do.
This is not to detract in any way the tremendous benefits that hypnosis offers. In fact I have seen first hand people being transformed after a hypnosis session. It has been my pleasure on many occasions to have been the hypnotist that helped them along the way.
I am self taught. I never took a course or had a mentor to show me what I was doing right or wrong. I relied solely on study and my own understanding of the process.
I have mixed and mingled with some of the best known names in hypnosis, and none of them believed me when I told them that I took no particular training
When I came to having my own clinic in Ireland, my office walls were not adorned with any certificates, because I didn’t have any.
What I did have was a solid foundation of understanding and
a genuine desire to help people. Those two traits alone will get you very far in life.
My proudest moment as a hypnotist did not happen within my office, rather it took place in a hospital setting. In fact it was a psychiatric hospital.
A man that I had known for many years had experienced a severe mental breakdown. His condition was apparently on the higher end of the scale, whatever that means?
Unfortunately for him he had it fixed in his mind that his hair was not growing properly and he had taken to cut his own hair in quite a violent manner, hence him being admitted to the hospital.
When I had visited him he was approaching his third week in the hospital. By this point the medication had taken effect and he was rather subdued, but he was still adamant that his hair wasn’t growing properly.
I spent around one hour with him and I left. Obviously during this hour I was planting suggestions into his subconscious mind and conditioning him for a different way of thinking. I will write about the hypnotic process in my next article.
A number of weeks later I met his mother while walking through my hometown. She seemed very excited to see me and went on to tell me that her son was back home and doing great.
She told me that a few days after I had called to see him, the psychiatrist had phoned her to call in for a meeting.
During the meeting he wanted to know who was the man who called to see her son on such and such a date. She confirmed that it was me. He asked her to tell me that I had done more for her son in terms of improving his thinking than any of the medication that he was taking! Wow, what a compliment I thought at the time, and more importantly how great it was to hear that her son had improved so much. That story alone is testament to the tremendous power of hypnosis and the good it can do once you understand how to use it.
CV-95 EXPANSION PLANS ATTRACTS 11 BIDDERS
Eleven companies have submitted bids for a e1.3 million contract to prepare the plans for the long-awaited expansion of the CV-95 between Orihuela and Torrevieja.
The road is considered a key link between inland Vega Baja and the coast, but currently has only one lane in each direction despite heavy traffic, especially
in summer.
The contract, worth e1,317,969, covers the basic project, feasibility study and concession model for the future works.
The full scheme is expected to require around e180 million. Eight of the 11 bids were submitted by temporary joint ventures, while three came from
individual companies.
Regional minister Vicente Martinez Mus welcomed the interest, saying it should ensure a strong drafting team for a project he described as highly anticipated in Vega Baja.
The 26.5-kilometre section under review passes through or near Orihuela, Bigastro, Jacarilla and San Miguel de Salinas.
The studies will examine widening the current road, building bypasses around urban areas, and assessing technical, economic and environmental viability.
Under the proposed concession model, the contractor would finance, build, maintain and operate the road, while the administration would make annual availability payments.
Martinez Mus stressed the route would remain free for drivers.
Technical bids were due to be opened on May 21, but the drafting phase alone will take 25 months, meaning construction is unlikely before the current legislature ends.
A separate project is already being prepared for the congested Los Balcones–Mar Azul section near Torrevieja Hospital.
Public Still Risk Dangerous Bridge despite Council ban
Torrevieja Council has banned pedestrians from using the La Hoya bridge over the N-332 after safety warnings from the Ministry of Transport’s territorial roads department.
New no-entry signs have been installed on the municipally owned bridge, which links La Hoya with Avenida Monge y Bielsa, Delfina Viudes and Cortes Valencianas.
Despite the ban, many pedestrians continue to use narrow dirt tracks beside the bridge embankment and crash barriers.
The route has no pavements or proper protection, with drops of more than seven metres in places.
The bridge has only one traffic lane in each direction and has become increas-
ingly busy since roads opened in Phase I of the La Hoya development.
Traffic has grown due to new residents, construction workers, real estate employees and drivers using the bridge to avoid congestion in central Torrevieja.
Students and sports centre users have also long used the crossing on foot.
The council says the warning signs make pedestrians aware of the risk, but the route remains widely used because alternatives are longer.
The La Hoya developer is expected to fund a e2.5 million bridge widening, including pedestrian access and lighting, but work has not yet begun and may not be completed before mid-2027.
Royal British Legion Fundraiser Bob Smith thanking the Knitty Natters of Campoverde for their kind donation of e50.00 following the sale of hand made items.
San Javier inspires next Generation of Astronauts
San Javier has taken centre stage in Spain’s growing space ambitions after 35 young people experienced weightlessness as part of the national “Astronaut for a Day” programme.
Organised by the Ministry of Science, the initiative gave students aged 16 to 22 the chance to experience simulated lunar, Martian and zero gravity aboard the Spanish Space Agency’s Airbus A310 ZERO-G.
The group, which included secondary-school pupils, university science students and General Air Academy cadets, first attended preparatory sessions with Spanish astronauts Sara Garcia and Pablo Alvarez.
They then boarded the aircraft at Santiago de la Ribera for a flight designed to recreate the physi-
cal sensations of space.
During the mission, the aircraft carried out 16 parabolic manoeuvres at altitudes of between 5,000 and 6,000 metres. Each parabola produced around 22 seconds of microgravity, allowing the students to float freely inside the padded cabin. Altogether, they spent almost six minutes experiencing weightlessness.
For many participants, the flight was life-changing. Sofia, a 19-year-old medical student from Zaragoza, called it the best experience of her life and said it had reinforced her ambition to specialise in space medicine. Luis, a physics student from Madrid, said the initial laughter gave way to a powerful sense of calm as the group floated through the aircraft.
Science Minister Diana Morant also joined the
flight, with the photo showing her floating and laughing alongside the students.
Juan Carlos Cortes, director of the Spanish Space Agency, said the programme is vital for inspiring young talent and preparing Spain for future space missions. He told participants that “space makes the impossible possible” and urged them to think ambitiously.
General Francisco Braco, Chief of the Air Staff, stressed the growing strategic importance of space for communications, navigation and security.
Morant reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to space science, noting that the country now contributes e450 million annually to the European Space Agency. San Javier will also host Europe’s first incubator for dual-use space technologies.
Second from the right is Science Minister Diana Morant
Iam dating a woman who is in her early 60s; I am mid 70s. She keeps herself fit and attractive and doesn't look her years.
I have invested a lot of money in this woman over the years. She lives in the UK and I pay for her flights to come out to visit me, as many times as I can get her over here.
My problem is I don't think I am her only male friend. She won't let me join her Facebook or any other media page; I don't think she wants me to see what she is up to.
I have suspected for a long time now that she sees other men, but she denies it. I asked her over one time and she said that she couldn't come, as she was in Australia house sitting for a 'man'.
She doesn't have employment as such, so I have often wondered how she lives.
When she does come over I have to rent a fancy house because she won't stay at my place. I have to pay for the whole of her stay, meals out, clothes shopping etc and make sure she has a good time. She does not like the car I drive and she asks me to hire a good car
IT’S SHOWTIME FOR STUDIO 32
With the opening night of Studio32’s musical production of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” less than a week away
for her stay, otherwise she will not come.
My few male buddies have told me they think she works as an Escort, and that they view the relationships as transactional. I am only happy when she is with me. I have proposed marriage once, but she turned me down.
Iam not sure what your problem is here; nor am I sure what you want to me advise.
It has been pointed out to you that this woman may be an Escort, and that you are not her only client; indeed, you have suspected this yourself.
You tell me the lady is often uncontactable for weeks at a time, does not return messages very frequently, and will not have a voice call with you.
You tell me you proposed marriage
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.
and she turned you down saying that your relationship was never going to lead to anything long term.
The lady only flies over to visit with you if her conditions are met. I would say there is a good chance that she is seeing other men, and a good chance that she is an Escort and has relationships for money. At the very least yours is a 'Sugar Relationship' where the individual receives financial support or gifts in exchange for their time etc. If you are happy to continue, it seems it will be on her terms, and not yours.
WORD SCRAMBLE
(27th-30 May at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio), the cast and crew have completed a journey which began 27th November 2025 in a small rehearsal room in Rojales.
Since then, the group have faced casting changes, location switches and many off-screen dramas, all with an
air of professionalism aimed at bringing this show to life. There’s been laughs, tears, wardrobe malfunctions, and, most importantly, dedication and craft to ensure “9 to 5” is the best night out you’ll have in the theatre. Tickets are selling out, so get along to Studio32.org to ensure you don’t miss out!
1. Parker (Porter in the books), 2. Nineteen-Eightyfour, 3. Prague, 4. The witches in Macbeth, 5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus. Ros (dew) Marinus (sea)), 6. Sir Charlie Chaplin, 7. b. Geography, 8. Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler, 9. British Honduras, 10. a. Georgy Girl (Seekers), b. Another Girl (Beatles), c. Barbie Girl (Aqua), d. Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison), e. Calendar Girl (Neil Sedaka), f. Cinnamon Girl (Neil Young), 11. Finland, 12. Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, 13. Midnight Cowboy, 14. 248.54 years, 15. Science, 16. Knots,
17. a. The Police, b. Gary Numan, c. Roxy Music, d. Kate Bush, 18. Cardigan (The seventh Earl of Cardigan), 19. Orchestra, 20. a. Womens' shoes. 21. The top five largest empires at their greatest extent: 1. British Empire - 33.7 million sq km (1923), 2. Mongol Empire - 24.0 million sq km (1270 or 1309), 3. Russian Empire - 23.7 million sq km (1866), 4. Spanish Empire - 20.0 million sq km (ca. 1740-1790), 5. Qing Empire, China - 14.7 million sq km (1790. The Roman empire made it to number 15 with 6.5 million sq km and the Portuguese Empire a respectable 10th with 10.4 million sq km.
SUDUK
O SOLUTION O SOLUTION
SUDUK
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.
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
The next meeting of the OrihuelaCostaand Dist Branch will be at The Captain’s Table, Punta Prima, on Friday 5 June, at 4pm. A Lift is available Members, ex members, & non-members welcome. For further information call 711 082 090
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
SPAINíS NEW CAR MARKET GROWS AS USED SALES SLIPIN APRIL
Spain’s car market presented a mixed picture in April 2026, with new car registrations continuing to grow while the used vehicle sector showed signs of slowing. The contrast highlights a market increasingly shaped by electrification, affordability pressures and changing buyer confidence.
New passenger car registrations reached 106,862 units in April, an 8.4% increase compared with the same month last year. It was the second month in a row that registrations exceeded 100,000, reinforcing the recovery seen in the opening months of 2026.
Between January and April, total new car registrations stood at 407,389 units, up 7.8% year-on-year.
The result was notable because April included the Easter holiday period, which can often affect sales activity. However, combined March and April volumes still outperformed the same two-month period in 2025.
Growth was supported by rising demand for electrified vehicles, which now represent more than 21% of new car sales, alongside the continued strength of conventional hybrid models.
The Dacia Sandero was Spain’s best-selling new car in April, with 3,511 registrations. It finished comfortably ahead of the Seat Ibiza, which recorded 2,729 units, while the Peugeot 2008 ranked third with 2,594 registrations.
The Toyota Corolla followed in fourth place with 2,511
The Dacia Sandero was Spain’s bestselling new car in April
units, ahead of the Peugeot 208 on 2,390.
The MG ZS took sixth position with 2,348 registrations, followed by the Seat Arona with 2,251. The Hyundai Tucson ranked eighth with 2,003 units, while the Toyota Yaris Cross and Volkswagen T-Roc completed the top ten with 1,725 and 1,715 registrations respectively.
Electrified models also performed strongly within their individual segments. In the electric car market, the Toyota C-HR,
BYD Dolphin Surf and Kia EV3 were the leading models in April. BYD also made an impact in plug-in hybrids, with the BYD Seal U and BYD Atto 2 topping the category ahead of the Mercedes GLC Class.
Among non-plug-in hybrids, the Toyota Corolla led the way, followed by the Peugeot 2008 and Toyota Yaris Cross. By contrast, Spain’s used car market lost momentum. A total of 203,631 used passenger cars and vans changed hands in April, down 3.7% year-on-year. Used passenger car sales fell slightly more sharply, declining by 4.2%.
Although the used market remains broadly stable over the first four months of the year, April’s figures suggest stagnation after several years of stronger growth. Used vehicles still outsell new cars by close to two to one, but the gap may be narrowing as new registrations improve.
Ancove president Erik Iglesias described the April figures as poor, citing uncertainty around combustion-engine vehicles, limited incentives and a shortage of cleaner used models. Diesel and petrol vehicles continue to dominate second-hand sales, while electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles remain a small part of the market.
Used electric vehicle sales rose 60% year-on-year in April, but from a low base. Fully electric used cars accounted for just 2% of sales, with 3,492 units sold. Including plug-in hybrids, electrified vehicles represented less than 5% of the used market.
Older vehicles remain central to second-hand demand, largely because of affordability. Cars over ten years old remained relatively stable, while sales of vehicles aged between two and ten years declined.
Nearly new vehicles under two years old performed better, helped by demand for lower-mileage stock.
Some older cars are also being moved from regions such as Madrid, where Low Emission Zones are pushing drivers to sell vehicles without environmental stickers, to areas where restrictions are less severe.
The Inbetweeners @ Altorreal
Jimmy Scott and Malcolm Thomas
This week, the Inbetweeners Golf Society travelled to Murcia to play at the Altorreal Golf Course, where the members were delighted to welcome two new members to the group, Caroline Reidy and Brian Quill, and a guest, Jon Allwood, all of whom settled in well.
The weather was warm and sunny throughout the morning, with temperatures rising by mid-afternoon. Thankfully, a gentle, cooler breeze followed, which helped make the day more comfortable. The fairways were in excellent condition, although the greens did speed up during the round, making concentration a must.
Competition among the members was in high spirits and ensured the round was enjoyed by everyone involved. Another successful and thoroughly enjoyable day for the Inbetweeners Golf Society, with both members and guests already looking forward to the next outing.
Dayís Winners -
1st Place: Malcolm Thomas ó 38 points
2nd: Jimmy Scott ó 34 pts, 3rd: Garry Garbett ó 33 pts Nearest the Pin: Hole 5: Caroline Reidy, 8: Jimmy Scott Abig thank you to Antonio and his team at Altorreal Golf for making us feel most welcome. Special congratulations to all of our winners. Looking to join a Society, why not check out our website: www.inbetweenersgolfsociety.com
Twenty Eight played last week at a sunny and warm Lo Romero. The golf course was in good condition, coming out on top with 34 pts was Alex Newman (above right) Blind pairs winners were Mick Kelleher and Martin Moon. Par 3's winners were Mick Kelleher and Alex Newman. Our next outing is on 2nd June, venue to be confirmed.
TDLO Player of the Year
Competition 25/26
The two ladies from each team with the most league-match single game wins, competed for the coveted title of Player of The Year. A round robin preliminary of three groups of 4 ladies whittled down the competitors to the 4 ladies with the most leg wins for a straight forward KO to get to the top spot.
Winner: Diane Burns (Dolly Mixtures) 10 legs,
Sheerin’s Golf Society “Denise Tyrrell Plaque” 20th May at La Serena
This is the tenth year playing for the Denise Tyrrell Plaque. Denise sadly passed away in 2015 aged 47, she was co-owner with Nikki Large of Baybrooks Restaurant in Algorfa and we thank Baybrooks for their continued support in sponsoring the plaque and the day’s golf in her memory.
The day started with a full English breakfast at Sheerin’s. The weather was perfect for golf with clear skies, a temperature of 28 degrees and a light wind. The format was blind draw doubles but still playing singles full handicap Stableford split into two groups. The course was in very good condition from tee boxes to the flag but some of the bunkers needed a bit of attention.
Winners of the “Denise Tyrrell Plaque” were Colin Smyth and Mike Sharlot with a joint score of 73 points, runners up on count back were John Bolt and Steve Gain with 70 points and third place went to Brian Gordon and Andy Godfrey also with 70 points. Nearest the pins winners were group A hole 3 Gary Hill, hole 10 no winner and hole 18
John Bolt, group B, hole 4 Kevin Quinn, hole 7 Bob Day and hole 17 Nick Chambers, best front 9 went to Bob Day with 24 points and best back 9 went to Mike Sharlot with 21 points. The e15 two’s pot was not won so it will be e30 for the next game. There was a singles knockout competition played - John Bolt beat Andy Godfrey 4&3. The football card was won by Tony Alcock
with Aston Villa winning e40 adding another e40 for our chosen charities
We would like to thank Kellie, Katie and staff at Sheerin’s Bar for the great hospitality. www.sheerinsgolfsociety.com
sheerinsgolfsociety@gmail.com
Picture shows Kim Court (Vice Chairmans Wife) presenting the Denise Tyrrell Plaque to Mike Sharlot and Colin Smyth on behalf of Baybrooks Restaurant.
140, 100 and a 98 check-out! Runner Up: Kirsty Green (Ladybirds) 8 legs, 132 x3, 121, 118
Semi-Finalists: Simone de Lacy (Tipsy Tigers) 6 legs, 121, Elaine Haston (DM) 5 legs
San Miguel now heads off to Vera, Valle del Este, Aguilon @ Desert Springs
Quesada Bowls Club
with Steve Hibberd
A mixed set of results emerged from last weeks SABA, VCL & 2 wood trips leagues, giving QBCs 4 teams a combination of sorrow and joy.
On Monday, at home, our Falcons entertained Country Bowls Red Kites.Three winning trips, ensured that the team emerged with 6 points, narrowly dipping out of 2 bonus points by a mere 5 shots overall.Get in there:I Laws, S Hibberd, A Reid 17-12. K McKenna, J Denman, P Bradbury 18-11. T Denman, G Holden, F Holbrechts 17-14.
Come Wednesday, Lions ventured to San Miguel, to take on the Sheriffs.Unfortunately, it was only G Carnell & C Brazier 16-11 (pairs), who in fact, did shoot the Sheriff (sic), as the team went down 2-10.But, at home, high flying Tigers stormed into a 10-2 victory over San Miguel Deputies (contrary to Slowhand's confession!).And the points scorers were:A Reid 21-6 (mens singles,) K Bowles 21-19 (ladies singles), I Everett, P Farrell, M Inns 20-11 (trips), K McKenna, J Inns, J Denman, M Thomas 21-11 (rinks).
Finally, on Friday at San Luis, this little lot secured an excellent 10-2 victory, which should keep them either top or 2ndin the league:B Webb, S Hibberd, M Inns 15-9. J Hughes, D Collings, T Voisey 22-17. G Carnell, V Campbell, S Malden 22-13. B Trinder, S Burrows, P Kern 20-11.
Greenland's Bowls Club
SOUTH ALICANTE LEAGUE (Mon)
Spitfire Div - San Miguel Moors v Gladiators
A tough game away for our Gladiators,could have gone either way at the end,close games.San Miguel Moors coming out on top 9pts to 3pts(scores 91pts to 67pts). Good results from Dave Donovan, Mandy Tompkins & Dave Palmer 13-13 plus Lin Hamersley, Alan Mawer & Martin Foulcer 19-17.
Harrier Division - Warriors v Phoenix
Another top performance from our Warriors coming out on top 9pts to 3pts ( scores 94pts to 68pts). Good wins for Adrian Spicer, Luke Bermingham & Steve Penfold 18-11, Jean Tregoing,Pearl Houghton & Gordon Patton 1818, Brian Jones, Mick Kirby & Alex Mortice 18-11 plus Veronica Richards, Rosie France & Michael Keating 27-11 . Well done Warriors.
VCL SUMMER LEAGUE (Weds)
Greenland's Giants v Emerald Isle Dukes
A very hard fought match between two very strong teams., ending up with a 6pts to 6pts
draw( scores 94pts to 96pts). Good wins for our Ladies Singles: Lin Hamersley 21-20, Triples: Allen Bowen, Alan Mawer & Dave Morrison 21-13 plus our Rinks: Dave Donovan, John O'Brien, Freddie Willey & Tony Hodges 25-15.Well done Giants.
Country Bowls Foxes v Greenland's Titans
Tough game away from home for our Titans losing 10-2pts (90-65). Good win for our Ladies Singles: Mandy Tompkins 21-14 (well done Mandy). Unlucky Titans.
2WOODS SUMMER LEAGU E(Friday)
Greenland's Goanna's v Greenland's Dragons
A lovely hot morning playing against our rivals the Dragons. Goanna's played well and picked up a very good win 10pts to 2pts (scores 107pts to 53pts).
Good wins for Stuart Wilson, Lin Hamersley & Dave Palmer 20-10, Mandy Tompkins, Freddie Willey & John O'Brien 24-7, Anne Stone, Mo. Foulcer & Martin Foulcer 29-8 plus Dave Donovan, Mike Stone & Dave Morrison 19-10. By Freddie Willey
EMERALD ISLE BOWLS with Elwyn Morris
Victors began the week playing our closest rivals in the league, Monte Mar, but home team came out on top 12-0, Aggregate of 87-73. J Speedie P Moore J Sayers 20-14, N Bunns M Stritch G Wallis 14-10, R White A Westwater B Kavanagh 17-15, G Dyer J Gracie P Parkes 2019, S Kavanagh M Odell G Odell 16-15
Dukes played Greenlands Giants in VCLand they got a 6-6 (96-94)draw, D Jones 21-13, M Oakley M Ellis 27-14
Earls played against San Miguel Marshalls away and came away with a good 6-6 Aggregate of 85-79 draw, A Westwater J Gracie 19-9, M Meehan N Burns M Stritch B Kavanagh 13-10
SAPS is on Saturdays at 13-15
SMBC
with Jenny Harvey
Monday's games saw the San Miguel Moors achieving a great win against Greenlands Gladiators, 9-3 points 91-69, best winning rink from Pat McEwan, Allan Patterson and Eddie Cowan 27-8...Well done!
San Miguel Vikings were away to Vistabella and lost 8-4, points very close 89-83, best winning rink from Marion Halligan, Roy Widgery and Brian Whittaker 25-13
San Miguel Christians had a bye this week. Wednesday's VCL games saw a good result for San Miguel Sheriffs winning 10-2, at home to Quesada Lions, winning rinks
Steve Parr (men's singles) 21-6, Jan Farmer (ladies singles) 21-9, Allan Patterson, Gary Ponsford and Rab Harvey 16-12 (trips), Margaret Patterson,Linda Ponsford, Derek
SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB
Two weeks ago I was reporting on our Friday match being cut short because of rain – but this week the sudden increase in heat meant players were needing hats, sunscreen & plenty of drinking water!
South Alicante summer league, Spitfire Div. Monday 18th, the Wellingtons travelled away to La Marina and had a close fought match; 75 shots-87, 4 points-8. Unfortunately, due to an unexpected situation we could not field a full team, giving away 2 points & 10 shots. Well done to our winners: Dave Louis, John Skipper, Barbara Louis 19-18, Pauline Johnson, Fran Cox, Neil Cox 24-20.
Summer 2 bowl league: Friday 22nd the Pythons were at home to Quesada but this time the tables were turned, with the Pythons finishing 2 points-10, 74 shots-92. Well done to our winners: Chris Jackson, Neil Cox, Barbara Louis 24-13. Here’s to better luck next week.
Sheila Cammack.
Farmer and Steve Cantley 26-17 (rinks), points 95-60
Not a good day for San Miguel Deputies who lost away to Quesada Tigers, 10-2, points 94-67, best winning rink game from John Grant and John Bolton (men's pairs) 20-11
San Miguel Marshalls achieved a 6-6 draw away to Emerald Isle Earls, points 85-79. Great wins for Fred Willshire (men's singles) 21-17 and Gail Willshire (ladies singles) 21-19. Winning trips came from Sarah Warnes, Pat Luijk and Brian Whittaker 18-17. WASP sessions on Thursday afternoons have now concluded.
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.
COUNTRY BOWLS CLUB by Peter Dix
Last week was a gap week with all but the Friday 2 bowl triples being played, the Eagles were at home to the Greenland Dragons. They had a fight on their hands and managed to win on 2 rinks with the rink of Colin Roberts, Della and Steve Wailes the best result winning 23 shots to 10, including a hot shot. Overall the score was level on shots 81 each, points 5 points to 7 against.
On Monday the Red Kites flew up to Quesada to play the Falcons, a battled ensued between the 2 sides with the home side winning 3 rinks and the Red Kites 2 rinks. Best result was Keith Holliman, Simon Chin and David Stallard 20 shots to 8. Overall Red Kites managed to win on shots 77 to 72, making it a creditable 6 points each. The Bluebirds were at home in the top of the table clash with Bonalba, The Bluebirds knew a win would take them to the top of the league with 2 games to go and they were up to the task, winning on 3 rinks and drawing on 1, resulting in a 9 points to 3 win and top spot in the league, 5 points clear. Best rink was Del Gunning, Derek Jiggins and Peter Whitehall 28 shots to 7.
On Wednesday in the VCL the Foxes had a bottom of the table clash with Greenlands Titans and soon got control on the home surface with a convincing win on 4 rinks, 10 points to 2, shots 90 to 65. Best performance was our singles champion, Kevin Storey 21-3 which set the trend.
Friday the Kestrels entertained the Eagles in the local derby, looking for revenge, despite a spirited effort and a very close score line the Eagles completed the double. Final score 10 points to 2, shots 87 to 80. Winning rink for Kestrals was Bob Simons, Bob Gardener and Elaine Potter 14 shots to 13. For the Eagles Colin Roberts Della and Steve Wailes 20 -16.
