Edition 1130 of the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader Newspaper 1 - 6 June 2026
Founded to address a gap in local social support services, Help at Home has grown from a small volunteer-led initiative into an established community charity providing practical assistance, equipment hire and social support across the Orihuela Costa.
The charity was officially founded in May 2011, although the groundwork for the organisation began a year earlier, in 2010. On Thursday, Help at Home marked its 15th anniversary with a reception at its Community Hub in Playa Flamenca, attended by members, dignitaries and guests including the British Consul, representatives of Cruz Roja, Orihuela Council and the Camara de Comercio, the Orihuela Chamber of Commerce.
The charity was created in response to a clear local need. Many residents, particularly expatriates living without close family nearby, were struggling after being discharged from hospital following operations, injuries or periods of ill health.
At the time, there was growing concern that people returning home after hospital treatment did not always have sufficient practical support in place.
Costa Blancaís oldest ëFREEíEnglish
FROM PAGE ONE HELP AT HOME
Help at Home was formed by a group of expatriate and Spanish volunteers to help bridge that gap.
In its early days, the charity focused on practical home-based assistance, including shopping, light cleaning and general support for people recovering at home. Volunteers stepped in where family members might otherwise have provided help.A long-serving volunteer and former president of the charity said the organisation had been created because many people “did not have family here” and were in need of assistance after leaving hospital.
She added: “Even after 15 years, I still believe in the charity. I think the charity is still very much needed.”
From small beginnings to wider community support
Help at Home has changed significantly since its early years. Initially, it operated from a modest base at the Emerald Isle, while volunteers carried out a range of hands-on tasks for people in need.
Over time, however, the organisation has evolved to reflect changing needs, available resources and regulatory requirements. Today, the charity no longer provides direct cleaning services. Instead, it acts as an information and referral point, giving residents contact details for external care and cleaning agencies where appropriate.
Its role is now broader and more structured, combining practical support with community outreach, social activities and affordable equipment hire.
Monday 1st - Sunday 7th June 2026
Mobility and care equipment at low cost
One of Help at Home’s most important current services is the hire of mobility and recovery equipment.
The charity provides items including wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, toilet raisers and other aids for people recovering from illness, injury or surgery, as well as those with reduced mobility.
Equipment is made available at very reasonable rates, usually through a small donation of around e10 to e20, together with a refundable deposit of between e30 and e50, depending on the item.
If the equipment is returned within six months, the deposit is refunded. If the user needs the item for longer, the hire can be renewed with a further deposit. The original deposit then becomes a donation to the charity, helping to fund the purchase and maintenance of new equipment.
A growing hub for local residents
Help at Home now operates two charity shops at the front of CC Playa Flamenca, as well as an upper-floor Community Hub used for social events and a recently acquired ground-floor office almost directly beneath it.
The shops help raise funds for the charity’s work, while the hub provides a base for information, support and community activities.
The new office, although still being decorated, will be used for administration and as the charity’s equipment store.
Despite its continued expansion, the organisation says its current premises remain too small for the range of social and welfare activities it hopes to develop. These include keep-fit sessions, chair exercises, Spanish language groups and support groups for residents who may be isolated or in need of additional com-
Just some of the equipment available at the charity
munity contact.
The charity is therefore continuing to look for opportunities to expand its facilities, allowing it to provide more space for these activities and to adapt to the growing needs of the local population.
Supporting people when they need it most
Although Help at Home began as a service for people recovering after hospital treatment, its wider purpose remains rooted in the same principle: local people helping others at vulnerable moments in their lives.
For many residents on the Orihuela Costa, particularly those living far from family support networks, the charity offers reassurance, guidance and practical help.
Fifteen years after its official launch, Help at Home continues to play an important role in the community, supporting residents through recovery, mobility challenges, loneliness and the everyday difficulties that can arise when people do not have family close by.
If you feel as though you could benefit from their services all the information you need can be found online at: https://www.helpathomecb.com/ or on Facebook at: helpathomeplayaflamenca
Healthcare pressure in San Miguel de Salinas has reached critical levels, with consultations at the town’s health centre rising by 66% in a single year, according to figures released by the municipality’s public healthcare platform.
The group says San Miguel recorded 35,997 more medical consultations in 2025 than the previous year, a surge it links directly to rapid population growth and continuing residential development. It has accused the Regional Health Ministry and San Miguel Town Hall of failing to deliver a long-promised expansion of the health centre, first announced three years ago.
The platform argues that the town is being asked to cope with modern healthcare demand using resources that have barely changed in more than 25 years, when San Miguel had around 3,200 residents. The official municipal register now exceeds 8,000 inhabitants, having increased by about 2,000 in five years. However, the group claims the real population is likely to be twice that number, due to the many residents who live locally but are not officially registered.
San Miguel ranks second in Alicante province for new housing starts, with 320 building permits granted, behind only
services, including healthcare.
The existing health centre serves not only San Miguel de Salinas, but also Los Montesinos, Torremendo and the Entrenaranjos residential area. According to the platform, the building lacks the space needed to introduce new services or increase staffing. It says San Miguel is the worst-equipped of the five basic health zones in the Torrevieja health department and remains the only one without an integrated health centre.
As a result, residents must travel to Torrevieja Hospital for services such as X-rays, rehabilitation and specialist appointments.
The platform states that in February 2023, health department managers and the Town Hall announced plans to expand the centre. A feasibility study and technical report were said to have been prepared, but the group says no progress has followed.
It has criticised recent comments by the councillor for health, accusing authorities of presenting an old commitment as if it were a new initiative and of “selling empty promises again”.
The proposed expansion is estimated to cost e401,763, a sum the platform describes as modest given the potential benefit to residents. It also questions why the project has stalled when the Town Hall reportedly closed 2025 with a treasury surplus of more than e4.2 million, while allocating e30,000 to health in its 2026 budget.
Torrevieja. The platform warns that around 3,000 homes were approved three years ago without sufficient provision for public
Former Accountant Places Orihuela
Mayor at Centre of ITV Tax-Fraud Decisions
allegedly billed at e17 each, despite having a value of just over e1. Prosecutors argue the transaction allowed the firm to reduce its declared profit for the 2005 financial year and pay less corporate tax.
Friday’s hearing focused on testimony from the company’s former head of administration and accounting, who worked there from the early 2000s until 2007. He said promotional campaigns, including planners, telephone directories, reflective vests and sunshades, were requested and approved by the board of joint administrators. Asked directly by prosecutors, he identified Vegara as one of those board members.
PMSanchez battles for survival
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is marking eight years in power under intense political pressure as a wave of corruption and influence-peddling investigations surrounds his government, party and family.
Sanchez has not been directly implicated in any probe, but several cases have intensified opposition calls for his resignation and raised doubts about the survival of his minority administration.
A former accountant at the Vega Baja vehicle inspection station has told the Orihuela Criminal Court that Pepe Vegara, now mayor of Orihuela, and two fellow administrators held the company’s main decision-making power when the alleged tax fraud under investigation took place.
Vegara, who also serves as Orihuela’s finance councillor, sat on the company’s board in 2005, before entering politics. He is now on trial alongside other defendants over alleged corporate tax fraud and falsification
of commercial documents.
The case centers on an alleged loss of e488,000 to the Treasury through corporate tax avoidance. Prosecutors initially calculated the alleged fraud at e917,000, but a new Tax Inspectorate report reduced the provable amount after parts of the case involving alleged fictitious liabilities were excluded.
According to the prosecution, the company inflated expenses through the purchase of 100,000 promotional planners. The planners were
His testimony contradicted a previous account from another company employee. The former accountant said the company founder and former head of legal services could propose ideas, but Vegara and the other administrators were the ones who made decisions and debated matters at board meetings.
The prosecution also rejected defense claims that the case should be annulled over alleged dueprocess violations, arguing that the tax documentation was included in the case file.
Judge Sacramento Ruiz Bosch said those preliminary objections would be addressed at sentencing. The trial is scheduled to continue on June 2 and conclude on June 12.
His brother David is on trial over allegations of influence peddling linked to a public-sector music post in Badajoz. His wife, Begoña Gomez, is also under investigation over alleged misuse of funds and influence peddling.
The Socialist Party faces further scrutiny over former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos and former party official Santos Cerdan, both linked to alleged kickbacks-for-contracts investigations. Both deny wrongdoing. Former Socialist prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is also under investigation over an alleged commission connected to a e53 million bailout of Plus Ultra airline, which he denies. The crisis deepened after police raided Socialist Party headquarters in Madrid over claims of a campaign to discredit investigators, dubbed by the opposition as “the Socialists’ Watergate.”
People’s Party leader Alberto Feijoo has urged Sanchez to resign and call elections. Sanchez insists he will complete the legislature, but further revelations could threaten his fragile support.
TORREVIEJA BOOST FOR ALZHEIMERS CARE
Torrevieja City Council has approved the project for the future “Tomas Ballester Herrera” Alzheimer’s day centre, a major new social and healthcare facility for people with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The project, approved by the Local Government Board, represents an investment of e10.85 million and will be developed in partnership with AFA Torrevieja.
The centre will be built in Sector 25, opposite Quiron Hospital, on a plot of almost 8,000 square metres, with around 2,700 square metres of built space.
The facility will include three main areas: administration and access, general services, and specialised care. It will provide activity rooms, rehabilitation spaces, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, medical and psychological support, adapted bathrooms, a dining room, kitchen and other essential services.
The council says the centre is designed to offer modern, accessible and safe care while supporting families and carers.
Officials described the approval as a key step towards meeting one of Torrevieja’s most important social needs.
Orihuela assumes powers for new coastal health centre
On Thursday the Orihuela Town Council approved the acceptance of powers delegated by the Generalitat Valenciana for the construction of a second health centre on the Orihuela coast.
The move now allows the council to begin drafting the technical project and later proceed with the construction of the new health facility.
The site has already received approval from
the Department of Health who will provide up to e8,903,435 in funding. The new centre will be located in the Villa Rosa sector, on Calle Trepadora in Orihuela Costa.
Once the building opens, the council will be responsible for maintenance, conservation and running costs.
The proposal was approved with the support of most groups, although Ciudadanos and Cambiemos voted against it.
ORIHUELA TAXI LICENSES OFFERED FOR e 195,000
Ciudadanos has warned that Orihuela’s shortage of taxis is fuelling illegal transport services and speculation over licences, with one concession reportedly advertised online for e195,000.
In a motion at last Thursday’s plenary session, the party urged the City Council to increase taxi numbers and ask the Valencian Government to expand VTC ride-hailing licences.
long queues, especially on the coast during
Spokesman Jose Aix said the municipality has just over 40 taxis, despite being eligible for almost 90 based on population, leaving
Transport councillor Victor Siguenza of blocking new licences agreed more than two years ago and failing to provide a realistic mobility plan.
Alicante’s Clean Beach warning to summer Smokers
Alicante is becoming a focus of Spain’s smoke-free beach debate as coastal councils tighten rules to protect public health, cut cigarette litter and improve the tourist experience. The city promotes its beaches as cleaner, healthier spaces, but its approach is more nuanced than a blanket ban.
Alicante has used awareness campaigns such as “Playas sin colillas”, sending environmental educators to busy beaches including Postiguet, San Juan, Urbanova, Albufereta and La Almadraba, and handing out biodegradable ashtrays. For summer 2026, the city reportedly chose not to impose a full smoking ban, but warned that dropping cigarette butts in public areas, including beaches, can bring fines of up to e300.
Nearby towns including La Vila Joiosa, Altea, L’Alfas del Pi and Finestrat have adopted tougher bans with fines up to e750.
Tourists are urged to check local signs before smoking, vaping or discarding waste on the sand.
TEACHERS VOTE TO CONTINUE STRIKE
Teachers have voted overwhelmingly to continue their indefinite strike, while reshaping the protest strategy. Of 30,014 responses, 54% backed a work stoppage combined with occasional demonstrations, with details still to be agreed, while 26% supported maintaining the strike in its current form.
That means 80% want action to continue in defence of public education. A further 20% supported ending the strike but keeping demonstrations, while just 89 respondents wanted all protests stopped.
The Ministry of Education’s proposal was
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also firmly rejected, with 91%, or 27,270 teachers, voting against accepting the package as presented.
PORTABLE EXTENSION TO EASE HOSPITAL OUTPATIENTS CRISIS
Torrevieja University Hospital is turning to prefabricated modular buildings to expand its outpatient clinics, as rising healthcare demand continues to expose a severe lack of space.
ABC Arquitectura Modular SL has been awarded the e1,133,676 contract, including VAT, to build a temporary outpatient facility covering around 393 square metres. The final price is e174,813 below the original tender budget of e1,308,490, representing a saving of 13.36%. A separate e38,000 contract has also been awarded for project management.
The new single-storey building will be installed in the hospital’s western courtyard, near the bus stop, and will include 12 consultation rooms, a central waiting area, reception and control space, corridors, and toilets. Each consultation room will measure around 17 square metres, while the waiting room will cover just over 116 square metres.
Rather than a permanent extension, the facility will be manufactured off-site, transported to
the hospital and assembled on location. Works will include foundations, drainage, installation of the modular units and connection to existing hospital services. Construction is expected to take three and a half months.
The project comes as the hospital, opened in 2006, faces mounting pressure from a catchment area of around 225,000 people across Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar, Rojales, San Miguel, San Fulgencio, Los Montesinos, Benijofar and Formentera del Segura.
A larger long-term expansion has been promised, with around 11,500 square metres of land identified, but the transfer has not yet been formally completed and depends on the final stages of an urban development plan in Sector 29, La Ceñuela.
The Health Department is also preparing a second modular expansion for the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, with a separate tender budget of e1,147,299.
HOW MUCH MONEY IS TOO MUCH?
Most readers here might agree that the top professional soccer players are paid too much money these days.
There are many other examples of what people do for a living appearing to be rewarded out of all proportion to say the local hardworking and dedicated life-saving nurse. Some people don’t have much money; others enjoy (!) vast fortunes and strange as it may seem, the lowest percentage are those who say they have ‘enough’.
Knowing when you have just enough money is a gift that brings peace of mind. Stranger still is the fact that it is the group at the top of the money making ladder who strive hardest to increase their pot of gold. ‘Much wants more’ and those with much are more ruthless in seeking more than say the parents trying to improve the food on the family table. The ceist here has to be how much money is too much? – And if you read on you will see that we have good reason for asking. When I was going to school the average wage in Ireland was £7 per week. We were primarily an agricultural economy and a farm labourer (probably the most common job?) was earning around a fiver – or less if the man got fed. In school we learned what a millionaire was – but we also knew that these supreme beings all belonged in America.
When the master quizzed us on what we were going to be when we grew up, it occurred to me that I might go to America and be a millionaire … but I didn’t say it out loud.
In doing our ‘sums’ we knew how many hundreds and thousands it took to make a million. So everybody knew the worth of a rich man. (Yes, Gorls, they were all men!)
But how all this has changed. My limited brain, even with the benefit of calculators, Internet and computer cannot grasp the enormity of what the richest people (men and women!) in today’s world are worth in monetary terms.
It is crazy and it is dangerous. Money is power and the sort of power that is moneydriven spells trouble for the rest of us.
Donald Trump’s family has amassed several billion dollars since the president’s second inauguration.
You don’t have to be a begrudger to believe this to be a dangerous misuse of power. Help me with this one if you can … because my egghead cannot get a grip on it.
Elon Musk is about to be declared the world’s first trillionaire. I cannot count that many zeros one after another … try it yourself. All I know is that it worries me and you should be worried too.
This obscene amount of money in the hands of a single individual can and will pose problems for entire countries. Musk has now got more power than most democratic countries. Musk has already bought bundles of votes for Trump in the American presidential election.
He is a friend of the far right; in other words, ‘might is right.’ To put Elon Musk’s power in context (an educated man worked this out for me) he could pay for the entire running of this country for the next decade.
Would you not be scared if it transpired that the Trumps and Musk decided they wanted something we have in Ireland? Musk has already said he wants to redefine the structure of western society with a swing back to white domination.
Musk owns half a percent of the world’s entire wealth. This is a man with too much money and our best hope is that he establish-
es his dream of founding a human community on Mars … and that he likes it there! Money man Musk has too much of it.
Here in Ireland it has to be galling for ordinary families struggling to survive while reading in the papers of the lavish demands made for ‘living expenses’ in divorce proceedings and property disputes of the wealthy. It is easy to say it is ‘all relative’ which misses the point of moving any closer to a just society.
Many of the billionaires acquired their wealth through inheritance and luck rather than personal ability. This next ceist flies in the face of the concept of individual rights and free enterprise but should there be a cap on individual wealth?
Higher taxes and wealth tax don’t seem adequate in the quest for fairer distribution of wealth. There could be a line above which the money would have to be transferred away from any single individual.
Of course this would be hard to enforce as those with the money can buy avenues to move and hide their money.
One way or another limitless wealth to the extent of Elon Musk should be unacceptable.
DON’T FORGET
A person’s character is put to a severe test when he suddenly acquires or quickly loses a considerable amount of money.
Orihuela Costa e-scooter scheme launches five months late amid contract row
Orihuela Costa’s long-awaited municipal escooter rental scheme has finally hit the streets — five months late and already mired in controversy.
The service, run exclusively by MGC Clean Energy under the Vamoz brand, was meant to bring order to the coast’s growing demand for electric scooters. Instead, its delayed launch has triggered fresh questions over insurance, tender rules, vehicle certification and whether the contract itself could now be at risk.
Under the concession, the company will pay Orihuela Council e41,200 a year. But rival operators claim the rollout has been anything but smooth, alleging unresolved irregularities that could amount to serious breaches of the tender conditions.
The contract required the service to begin last December, with the full fleet in place before January 10. By the high season, 750 scooters were expected to be operating, with the possibility of rising to 1,200. Yet the launch was delayed for months.
That matters because failure to start on time is classed in the tender documents as a very serious breach, potentially carrying the maximum penalty or even termination of the concession.
Council sources say the delay was caused by new national insurance requirements for personal mobility vehicles. The operator reportedly had to secure a e600,000 civil liability policy before the scooters could be deployed. But sector representatives are now asking what checks the council
has carried out to confirm the policy is valid, sufficient and properly linked to the vehicles in use.
The row does not stop there. Vamoz scooters are reportedly displaying a certification code linked to another company, international operator Bolt, which also competed for the contract. Bolt is now said to be considering legal action.
Industry sources warn that if scooters are operating under a certification code not formally registered to the concessionaire, insurance claims could become complicated in the event of an accident.
Further questions have been raised over the age and model of the fleet. The tender required 80% of scooters to be new, with the remaining 20% under two years old. Vamoz received top marks for that criterion. However, documents allegedly refer to second-hand vehicles that had already undergone technical inspections.
The company also pledged vans, a local base, up to seven high-season staff, a qualified mechanic, battery rotation, daily parking controls and weekly reports to the council.
The tender itself was already disputed. Go2 Place scored highest and offered e74,000 a year, but was excluded over a formal defect. The award then passed to MGC Clean Energy, whose offer was far lower.
Rival operators are now demanding an urgent review.
As one sector source put it: “The council cannot demand strict compliance during the tender phase while tolerating breaches during execution.”
Hundreds of Muslims in Jumilla were forced to celebrate Eid al-Adha in a car park beside the town’s indoor swimming pool on Wednesday, 27 May, after being prevented from using municipal sports facilities for the religious gathering.
It was the second time this year the local Muslim community had been directed to the same car park for a major Islamic celebration, following similar restrictions during events marking the end of Ramadan in March.
The dispute follows a motion presented by Vox and supported by the Partido Popular to stop religious celebrations from being held in public sports facilities. Before the controversy, the community had regularly used the football pitch inside the municipal sports centre for large religious events.
Community representatives described the situation as “shameful and humiliating” but said they remain willing to work with local authorities to find a suitable solution.
A key issue is that the amended municipal ordinance has not yet officially come into force, meaning there is currently no formal legal ban on religious celebrations at the sports centre.
The case has sparked wider debate in Murcia over religious freedom and access to public facilities.
Nearly 1 in 3 Residents in Alicante Province is Foreign
Torrevieja recorded the highest relative population growth among major Spanish municipalities in 2025, rising by 4.6%, while Elche ranked fourth with an increase of 2.18%, according to provisional figures from Spain’s National Statistics Institute, the INE.
Alicante province continues to expand rapidly and had 2,089,554 residents as of April 1, 2026, consolidating its position as Spain’s fourth most populated province after Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.
The province added around 9,000 residents in the first three months of 2026, after officially passing the twomillion mark in January 2025.
One of the most notable trends is the scale of the foreign population. Of Alicante’s residents, 646,778 have a nationality other than Spanish, compared with 1,442,776 Spanish nationals. This means almost one in
three people living in the province is foreign, a higher proportion than in Madrid, Barcelona or Valencia.
The figure has risen sharply since 2022, when Alicante had 388,748 foreign nationals, underlining its growing international profile and appeal to workers, retirees, homeowners and new residents from abroad.
International migration remains the main driver of growth across Spain.
During the first quarter of 2026, the largest groups of immigrants arriving nationally were Colombian, Moroccan and Venezuelan nationals.
Spain’s population reached a new record of 49,687,120 on April 1,
after gaining 97,021 residents in the first quarter. The INE data shows growth is being driven mainly by people born outside Spain.
For Alicante, the latest figures confirm its status as one of Spain’s strongest demographic growth areas, led by fast-growing Mediterranean municipalities such as Torrevieja and Elche.
SAME GRID TWO SETS OF CLUES
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ACROSS ACROSS
1.Comfort (11)
9.Help (3)
10.Be dissipated (2,2,5)
11.Dim (5)
13.Trucks (7)
14.Spotted (6)
16.Attack (6)
18.Breathe (7)
19.Clothing (5)
20.Manners (9)
21.The lot (3)
22.Unprotected (11)
DOWN DOWN
2.Aged (3)
3.Vision (5)
4.Small (6)
5.Approaching (7)
6.Stubborn (9)
7.Lukewarm (4-7)
8.Non-stop (11)
12.Unemotional (9)
15.Gourmet (7)
17.Feverish (6)
19.Live (5)
21.Donkey (3)
born in 1917?
1. Which medical emergency term stems from the French verb meaning 'to separate'?
2. Who were the first two boxers to earn the title World Heavyweight Boxing Champion in the late 19th century?
3. The 2009 British science fiction film 'Moon' was directed by Duncan Jones. Jones is the son of which famous English musician?
4. Which republic, formerly the "British protectorate of Bechuanaland", adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on the 30th September 1966?
5. The following are the evil antagonists in which Disney films? a. Maleficent, b. Frollo, c. Jafar, d. Ursula, e. Gaston, f. Lady Tremain
6. What is the ancient four letter Persian word for nation or land?
7. Which Hollywood actress who has been married nine times was probably
8. Which 1983 Nobel Peace Prize winner decided to send his wife to Oslo to accept the prize because he feared he would not be readmitted to his homeland?
9. Super Flyweight is a weight division in professional boxing (sometimes referred to as Junior Bantamweight). What is the maximum weight a boxer can be and still be classified in this division? Plus or minus 1kg or 2 lb)
10. The following are the first words to songs with 'home' somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song? a. So you think you're a Romeo, b. The old home town, c. You're my love you're my angel, d. Somewhere deep inside somethings got a hold of you, e. Big wheels, 11. Which word for a meeting or conference stems from the Greek word for a drinking party?
12. From a list of historical Empires at their greatest extent, the British Empire was by far the largest, covering an area of
ACROSS ACROSS
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
1.Take the infant for a walk round? (11)
9.Twenty-two vats containing eggs (3)
10.Homes were rebuilt in an unspecified place (9)
11.Approaches a listener in opposite directions (5)
13.If fishermen catch it, they get in a tangle! (7)
14.Outrageously show several topless! (6)
16.Timber and crude metal on the beach (6)
18.Amoral consideration that may be dispensed with! (7)
19.Head of the delegation in rearranged tour of the royal house (5)
20.An expert in advising what courses to take (9)
21 and 6Dn. Removed from the register and not for publication (3,3,6)
22.Key workers have them at their finger-tips (11) DOWN DOWN
2.Christine Naughton's middle name (3)
3.They're stupid enough to make a valuation pointless at the end (5)
4.To cause perplexity, act as a patroness of the arts (6)
5.No service for the high churchman? (3,4)
6.See 21 Across.
7.National team not seen in town (11)
8.Could it be the skill of the inoculator (6-5)
12.Lady confused about a piece of poetry in an unfortunate way (9)
15.Inform somebody of a trophy, we hear (7)
17.No rise for one in top form (6)
19.It's held to be true palindrome (5)
21.Sounds like unrefined material for making a blade (3)
33.7 million sq km back in 1923. What other historical empires feature in the top five?
13. In which films did Charlton Heston play the following roles? a. George Taylor, b. Moses, c. Michelangelo, d. General 'Chinese' Gordon, e. Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, f. John the Baptist
14. Who was the hard drinking William Claude Dunkenfield?
15. Mars has two moons, can you name them?
16. Which English city would have been the new capitol if Adolf Hitler's invasion plans had been successful?
17. Who released the following 'Man' songs? a. Lucky Man (the version with the words "he had white horses"), b. O Lucky Man, c. Starman, d. Plastic Man, e. Charmless Man, f. Backdoor Man, g. Ape Man
18. The word 'brainwashing' was first coined during which war?
19. What is inside the doll in the 1967 film thriller 'Wait Untll Dark' staring Audrey Hepburn?.
20. Rosa Maltoni, a school teacher, married blacksmith and revolutionary socialist activist Alessandro. Who was their famous son?
* Answers page 18 JUDY
WICKED WITCH
SUDOKU CHALLENGE
WORD WHEEL CHALLENGE
The target is 40 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 cities that are hosting 2026 World Cup Matches
Scrambled Cities
- RAUGDALAJAA
-
-OLSNEGLAES
TRIVIA QUIZ
CYCLE ROUTE TO CONNECT BIGASTRO WITH HURCHILLO
The Alicante Provincial Council has opened public consultation on a e1.13 million project to widen and improve the CV-923 between Bigastro and Hurchillo.
The eight-month scheme covers 1.3 kilometres of road and aims to improve safety on a route with sharp bends, poor road surface and unsafe conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.
will also be built alongside the carriageway.
The main works will correct the road alignment, remove tight curves and allow a design speed of 70km/h.
A new 2.5-metre pedestrian and cycle path
PILAR BOTTLE ATTACK PROBE
upgrades, road
signage, utility relocations, fencing changes and land expropriations.
It forms part of the 2023 Provincial Plan and was requested by the provincial Roads Department.
Firefighters Deploy Helicopter to Tackle Rural Fire in Catral
Firefighters deployed a helicopter on Tuesday afternoon to help extinguish a fast-spreading reed fire in Catral, close to the motorway and a residential area. The blaze broke out at around 3:17pm on Camino de la Arroba de Hornos, near several properties. No injuries were reported.
According to the Provincial Firefighters Consortium, the fire started in an area of reeds and spread rapidly, prompting the mobilisation of an aerial unit. Four crews from the Crevillent and Almoradi fire stations were also sent to the scene, along with two forest firefighting units.
Firefighters managed to stabilise the blaze at around 5:15pm, after which the helicopter was withdrawn. The fire was not declared under control until 6:30pm and was fully extinguished just over an hour later.
The affected area lies between the motorway and a residential zone of detached homes.
Pilar Local Police have opened an investigation after a person suffered a serious wound from a bottle during a fight several nights ago.
Officers said bottles used in violence are dangerous sharp objects capable of causing severe injury or even death. They warned that those involved in such incidents risk serious criminal consequences.
Police said they will continue to intervene, protect victims and place offenders before the courts.
Proceedings have been opened for an
alleged aggravated assault causing injury. The person under investigation will be required to appear before judicial authorities, who will determine any criminal liability.
Abig thank you to Lyrical Choir for their donation of e195 towards this years Poppy Appeal.
SOFT JUSTICE
If you were a judge, what sentence would you hand down to three boys, aged 15 and 14, who raped two teenage girls, filming the rapes and sharing images with their mates?
In my book the boys would have been publicly flogged with their parents watching and the parents would have been heavily fined. Instead a soft judge gave them youth rehabilitation orders and the older two were made the subject of intensive surveillance and supervision. Big deal.
They all escaped jail time and it has led to a wave of protests with the prime minister adding his weight asking for the attorney general to step in. He did and the case has been referred to the Court of Appeal.
What has been revealed is that when it comes to dealing with young juveniles, judges have been told they should make every effort to prevent them becoming young criminals in jail, preferring to have them rehabilitated instead.
All very well but this demonstrates to youngsters they can get away with committing crimes and I have no doubt that the dreadful crime wave the UK is now experiencing has its origins in weak justice and the knowledge that if someone commits a crime the consequences will not be bad.
All this needs to change. Weak punishments, especially for the girls who were raped, is like a slap in the face, and it is no deterrent. Britain needs to toughen up, and fast.
AID FLOTILLA FURY
Readers of my column will know how much I condemn the religious hatred that is consuming the Middle East and has led to thousands of deaths in recent months.
But I couldn’t believe what I was hearing last week – that the Israeli Navy took it upon itself to intercept a flotilla of about 50 vessels
carrying aid to Palestinians in Gaza in international waters some 250 miles from Israel, took them all “prisoners” and brought them into the country.
But the dreadful treatment of activists didn’t end there. Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ignited widespread outrage this week when he posted a video on social media showing himself taunting detained activists.
In the video, detained activists are seen kneeling on the floor with their hands tied and their foreheads pressed to the ground. Ben-Gvir stands above them, waving an Israeli flag and taunting the individuals, shouting, “Welcome to Israel! We are the landlords! One of those detained and humiliated was the sister of the Irish president.
I am delighted to read that the Spain and the UK, along with many other countries have condemned the Israeli actions and in particular many have banned this ultra right wing apology for a man, Ben-Gvir from visiting their countries.
But this week the condemnation of Israel has gone further – many countries, including Spain and the UK, and the EU have condemned Israel for its continued expansionism into the West Bank, displacing Palestinians by force.
They say such action is illegal, and if anyone from outside Israel works for the Jews in displacements they would be breaking international law.
I have been to Auchwitz/Berkanau and seen what Nazis did to Jews in WW2. I have considerable sympathy for them and over the atrocities carried out when Muslims invaded Israeli settlements from Gaza.
Hearing what Israel has been doing in Iran and Lebanon, with thousands being killed, supported by America which cannot ever keep it’s nose out of anything, sympathy is wearing very thin now, and it seems that is the same sentiment across many governments too.
It is little wonder that Jews in countries around the world are increasingly fearing for their safety – and it’s about time that extreme right wing idiots in Israel started thinking of consequences – religious hatred is the worst force for evil in the world and totally innocent people get caught up in it.
FARAGE’S OVERTIME FOLLY
I’m now convinced that Reform should join the Raving Loony party, after hearing the latest nonsense from Nigel Farage, who is sug-
Tony Mayes Rant
gesting that income tax on overtime above a 40-hour week should be scrapped for workers earning less than £75,000.
Doesn’t he realise that what would happen is that people in work would grab even more overtime and as a result there would be fewer jobs?
Doesn’t he know that there are 957,000 young Britons are officially classified as “Not in Education, Employment, or Training", which accounts for nearly 1 in 8 people in this age group and one in five unemployed young
people have been out of work for over 12 months, a figure which has doubled in the past three years.
What’s needed is overtime to become the exception (especially for overworked nurses) but paid a reasonable wage for a 40-hour week, creating the employment of far more people to fill any gaps.
That would do what Farage wants and get people off welfare, which is costing the UK a fortune.
Residents of La Torreta III in Torrevieja say they remain trapped in years of neglect despite repeated promises of regeneration.
Seven years after mayor Eduardo Dolon pledged urgent re-urbanisation of Las Torretas, the area still suffers from dirt roads, poor infrastructure, weak municipal services and limited maintenance.
The most visible improvement so far is a single new perimeter pavement, which residents say only highlights the wider deterioration.
The urbanisation, built in the 1980s beside Torrevieja’s salt lagoon, also sits near the abandoned La Caracola mud spa building, another symbol of official neglect. Although the council has approved a e9.6 million project for Las Torretas, residents are frustrated
that the first phase is expected to prioritise a 35,000-square-metre green area rather than basic street repairs, lighting, pavements, water, sewage and public services.
Engineering plans show that road and infrastructure renovation would come later, covering only around half of the existing roads.
Many streets remain gravel or dirt tracks, while ageing water and sewage networks cause recurring problems because pipes run beneath homes rather than through individual street connections.
The council argues some interior land is private and is urging residents to form owners’ communities. But locals say, after years of paperwork, promises and delays, La Torreta III is still waiting for basic urban dignity.
Cabo Roig Tree Felling Backlash
Residents’ groups in Cabo Roig have urged Orihuela City Council to stop removing vegetation from central reservations on the urbanisation’s main avenue, where a €209,344 improvement project is under way. The Cabo Roig Residents’ Association and La Zenia Surfing Association say up to 3,000 square metres of established greenery has already been cleared, with medians expected to
be concreted and painted green while palm trees remain.
Residents claim decades-old cypresses, pines, oleanders, jacarandas and Mediterranean shrubs have been removed despite providing shade, cooling and wildlife habitat. They argue the work contradicts European efforts to create greener, cooler towns as heatwaves intensify.
The council says the three-month project will improve road safety, accessibility, lighting, signage, pavements and damaged surfaces, and remove invasive planting affecting visibility and infrastructure.
LA MATA BLUE FLAG ROW
La Mata Norte beach in Torrevieja remains without a Blue Flag despite being one of the town’s widest and most popular beaches.
The reason is not poor water quality, cleaning or lifeguard services, but the Montegira II building on Avenida de los Daneses. The 1,700-square-metre seafront property stands on public maritime-terrestrial land and has been subject to a court-confirmed demolition order for more than 15 years.
The beach, also known as La Mata Pueblo, stretches around 900 metres and
Before and After
Residents are demanding environmental explanations, restoration of affected areas and alternatives that preserve Cabo Roig’s green character.
offers daily cleaning, summer lifeguards and clear open water. However, the illegal building prevents it from meeting Blue Flag accreditation requirements. Although the case dates back to the early 1990s, demolition has still not taken place, leaving one of Torrevieja’s best beaches without the environmental award.
E3.75M BUS BOOST FOR LOS MONTESINOS
Los Montesinos has welcomed a Generalitat Valenciana bus service linking Vega Baja municipalities with Alicante after months of pressure from residents and the town council for better public transport.
The CE-710 road passenger service, presented in the town on Wednesday, will begin operating today, Monday, June 1.
It will include 14 lines, at least 22 vehicles and two reserve buses, backed by an annual regional investment of e3.75 million.
The network will connect towns including Los Montesinos, Torrevieja, Orihuela, Rojales, Guardamar, San Miguel de Salinas and Pilar de la Horadada with Alicante, Elche, Alicante-Elche Airport, Elche AVE station, the University of Alicante and regional hospitals.
Officials said the route will improve mobility for smaller Vega Baja communities.
A final ten-year concession is now being negotiated.
Park-And-Ride Sites a step closer
Torrevieja City Council has approved a e3.6 million project to create four major park-andride car parks, adding 3,937 spaces across the municipality.
The five-month scheme will be carried out simultaneously on municipal plots 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, beside Parque Antonio Soria, will provide 2,711 spaces, while the other
three will add 255, 213 and 758 spaces respectively.
In total, the project includes 3,882 standard bays and 55 adapted spaces for people with reduced mobility.
Works will include clearing, levelling, drainage, LED lighting, access roads, marked bays and signage. The council says the new facilities will ease town-centre congestion, improve access and support more organised urban mobility for residents, commuters and visitors alike.
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.
When my sister and I were young, she used to smack me when mum wasn't around; I reminded her of this in later life but she denies it; I know she remembers. She makes it very difficult to love her; she's always point scoring and trying to get wins over me, and she judges me for doing things differently to her. That's not how I live my life; I am not
interested in possessions other than what I need out of life, and I don't believe in keeping up appearances... I am happy...she is not.
Things came to a head after her wedding when she accused me of purposely upstaging her; I wore a rose-pink dress which I thought was understated and entirely suitable.
She started an almighty row at our parents' house when I called in one time. I asked her what was wrong. Afterwards mum told me she was upset because I had worn an attractive dress. I asked mum what she herself thought and she said, 'well you know what she's like', which was no answer at all.
I can't help being the weight I am, I have always been slim and don't overeat; I don't shove anything in her face.....why should I apologise for being who I am and what I am?
If you say this is a life-long problem, I am not sure your sister can overcome her feelings towards you.
You tell me that your partner pointed out your sister's resentment and bad treatment of you when he first came into the family.
You say you constantly walk around on eggshells with your sister, but she seeks you out for abuse much
like she did when you were children. If you still want to be around her for the family's sake, a direct approach may be your only option.
You say she will bombard you with point scoring; she and her husband have bought a new car, a new kitchen, going on a fancy holiday, her kids are doing better than your kids etc, and it is exhausting.
You can cut her off mid-flight by saying 'I won't enter into point scoring with you', and walk away; that tells her that you know what she is doing and won't tolerate it any more.
It does sound as though her actions come from a deep feeling of jealousy towards you that started when you were children.
Your parents should have stopped it, but you tell me that they did not, and that sometimes they can be as bad as she and make comparisons between you, almost on her behalf.
You can ask your parents to stop
Pink Ladies Walk for Life Returns to Orihuela Costa
The Pink Ladies’ popular Walk for Life is fast approaching, with this year’s event taking place on Sunday 7 June 2026 in Orihuela Costa.
The annual walk has become a familiar and well-supported event in the local community calendar, bringing together residents, visitors, families, local groups and businesses in support of cancer awareness and fundraising.
Organised by the Pink Ladies, the event is about much more
than a walk. It is a show of solidarity with those affected by cancer, a celebration of sur-
WORD SCRAMBLE
vivors, and a way for the community to remember loved ones while helping to support ongoing awareness and charitable work in the area.
Over the years, the Walk for Life has drawn strong support from across Orihuela Costa, with participants encouraged to wear pink and take part in a friendly, positive event suitable for all ages.
Whether walking in memory of someone, in support of a friend or family member, or simply to help a worthy cause, everyone
VANCOUVER - GUADALAJARA- MEXICO CITY- KANSAS CITY- TORONTO LOS ANGELES - PHILADELPHIA- MONTERREY- SAN FRANCISCO - SEATTLE
1. Triage, 2. John L Sullivan and 'Gentleman' Jim Corbett, 3. David Bowie (Duncan Jones was once called Zowie Bowie), 4. Botswana (The republic of Botswana, to give it it's full name), 5. a. Sleeping Beauty, b. The Hunchback of Notre Dame, c. Aladdin, d. The Little Mermaid, e. Beauty and the Beast, f. Cinderella. 6. Stan. 7. Zsa Zsa Gabor. 8. Lech Walesa. 9. 115 lb (52.2 kg, 8.2 stone). 10. a. Take the long way home (Supertramp), b. Green green grass of home (Tom Jones), c. Daddy's home (Cliff Richard), d. Better be home soon (Crowded House), e. Sweet home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd) 11. Symposium. 12. 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 place with 10.4 million sq km). 13. a. Planet of the Apes (Beneath the Planet of the Apes). b. The Ten Commandments. c. The Agony and the Ecstasy. d. Khartoum. e. El Cid. f. The Greatest Story Ever Told. 14. W. C. Fields. 15. Phobos and Deimos. 16. Oxford. 17. a. Emerson Lake and Palmer. b. Alan Price. c. David Bowie. d. Kinks. e. Blur. f. The Doors. g. Kinks. 18. The Korean War. 19. Heroin. 20. Benito Mussolini
is welcome to join in.
The Pink Ladies are once again asking for the support of the local community to help spread the word and ensure as many people as possible know about this year’s walk.
Full details, including the meeting point, times and registration information, are included on the event poster.
Residents are encouraged to save the date, share the information and support the Pink Ladies Walk for Life 2026 on Sunday 7 June.
making these comments, or, and this is harsh but sometimes necessary; you can simply withdraw from the people who are supposed to love you, but whose only intent seems to be to try and bring you down.
Life is very short; if you family make you miserable; you don't have to be around them.
SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION
“WHAT IS A PASSKEY AND HOW TO USE ONE”?
The End of the Password: A Guide to Passkeys
Let’s be honest: passwords are a pain. They are either "Password123" (dangerously easy to guess) or "kL9!z$pQ2m" (impossible to remember).
Between data breaches and phishing attacks, the old way of locking your digital life is falling apart.
Enter thePasskey. It’s the biggest upgrade to internet security in decades, designed to replace passwords entirely with something faster, easier, and significantly more secure.
What Exactly is a Passkey?
A passkey is a digital credential tied to your
device (phone, computer, or security key).
Instead of a string of characters you type in, it uses public-key cryptography.
When you create a passkey, two "keys" are generated:
The Public Key: Shared with the website or app (like Google or Amazon).
The Private Key: Stored securely on your device. It never leaves your hardware and is never shared with the website.
To log in, you simply verify your identity on your device usingbiometrics(Fingerprint or Face ID) or yourdevice PIN. Your device then proves to the website that it has the private key without ever revealing it.
Why Should You Care? (The Benefits)
If you're wondering why you should bother switching, here is the breakdown:
Scan the QR Code right to find out exactly what the Costa Blanca Technology Help Group has to offer
Phishing Proof: Since the passkey is tied to the specific website's domain, you can't accidentally "give" your passkey to a fake hacker site. It simply won't work.
No More Breaches: If a company gets hacked, the attackers only get thepublic keys, which are useless without your physical device.
Speed: Logging in takes seconds—no more "Forgot Password" loops.
Multi-Device Sync: If you use an iPhone/Mac (iCloud Keychain) or Android/Chrome (Google Password Manager), your passkeys sync across your devices automatically.
How to Use a Passkey: A Step-by-Step
Setting up a passkey is usually a one-time process for each major account you own.
1. Enable it in Account Settings
Go to the security settings of a site that supports them (e.g., Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, or TikTok). Look for an option that says"Create a Passkey"or"Use Passkeys."
Meetings at Dilly's Bar, Av. Castuera, 3, 03184 El Chaparral, Alicante. Group meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 10:00 to 12:00. The The Next meeting is on Wednesday, June 10th, 2026. You are welcome to attend.
2. Verify Your Identity
?Your browser or phone will ask if you want to save a passkey. Confirm this using your Face ID, Touch ID, or Windows Hello.
3. The Next Login
The next time you visit that site, instead of asking for a password, it will prompt:"Do you want to sign in with your passkey?"Just scan your face or finger, and you're in.
The Verdict
Passkeys aren't just a "cool new feature"; they are the inevitable future of the web. While we are currently in a transition period where some sites still require passwords, the major players have already moved over.
Pro-tip: Start with your primary email account. If you secure your email with a passkey, you’ve already won half the battle in protecting your digital identity.
To ask a question or to join the Technolgy Help Group send an email to Brian Hoile at: cbtechnology.help@gmail.com
TRANSLATIONS/ EFFICIENT RATES
ROYAL BRITISH LEGIO N
DOCTORS,HOSPITALS, EMPADRON'S.
Any documents or medical reports translated.
Dates available for NIE's.
TIE Application dates : July and August Residencia Renewals.
Driving licence UKSpanish also available.
Contact Jason :
Mobile/WhatsApp 603 86 87 56
CHURCH SERVICES
Church of JESUS CHRIST of LATTER-DAY SAINTS
We meet at 10am each Sunday in the chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. Torrevieja
Phone or whatsapp 659 016 733
SALT CHURCH Sundays at 10.30 am. A friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship.
Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, Polígono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. www.Saltchurchspain. Facebook SaltChurchSpain
Join us for a multitude of activities, coffee mornings, excercise, bereavement group https://pilarchurch.com philm.cornerstone@gmail.com
ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION, TORREVIEJA BRANCH
Afriendly and engaging group of people who embrace their ethos of Comradeship, Loyalty, Patriotism & Unity while enjoying a variety of social events, meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 1700 hrs at Silverstoneís 2023 (Bar/Restaurant). Av. Romero, 03176 Montebello, Contact: Membership Secretary, Carl Louden; email: carllouden@msn.com or Phone +34 678 518 202
COMMUNITY CARE ASSOCIATION (CCA)
Orihuela Costa residents over 60 years of age.
Located at the Centro Civico Alameda del Mar. Open twice a week for a programme of English speaking activities and Spanish lessons. Activities include Games & Quiz on Mondays. Art sessions and Easy Conversation on Wednesdays. Information and advice regards living in Spain. Anyone wanting to join CCA social activities can pop along between 1-2pm Mondays and Wednesdays for more info from Eva or Norah in the Cafe area. Email: oc.communitycare@gmail.com
AGE CONCERN
BEREAVEMENT GROUP
Are you finding life difficult after a bereavement? Come along and chat to other people in the same situation. Every Tuesday from 2-4pm at the Age Concern Centre, Calle Paganini, La Siesta, Tel: 96 678 6887.
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
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
THURSDAY DARTS LEAGUE PRESENTATIONS
By Paul Durrant
The Thursday darts league concluded their 2025 - 26 season with an award presentation at the popular Los Cucalos Restaurant, Av. de Montezenia.
On hand to present the numerous awards was league sponsor Casey Shaddock proprietor of both "In the Sun Holidays" and "Rewind Spain".
Prior to the presentation the 150 plus guests were astounded by some amazing table magic from the renowned Graeme Mykal, accompanied by music from Sun Radios' very own D.J. Nik Smith. Guests enjoyed a complimentary buffet with wine and beer thrown in for good measure. Later encouraged to part with some of their hard earned cash for the twenty one prizes on offer in the raffle, kindly presented by Casey.
task
On hand throughout the event were League Chair Sharon Frain, with Christine Hutchinson and Monique Eldenbos. Bob Smith coordinated the prize giving, Simone de Lacy snapping away event memories with her Kodak Brownie camera. Paul Durrant enjoyed the easiest
of the evening sitting on his backside announcing both award and raffle winners in his capacity as M.C. Current participating teams should advise their intention to continue next season via the leagues WhatsApp group. Information regarding the AGM will be released early July.
All Square in Promotion Thriller as Torrevieja and Benidorm Set Up Decisive Second Leg
SC Torrevieja CF’s dream of reaching the 3a RFEF remains alive after a dramatic 1-1 draw against CF Benidorm in the first leg of the promotion play-off final at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Benidorm arrived with confidence, having beaten Torrevieja twice in the league, but the hosts rose to the occasion in front of their supporters and produced a performance full of energy, commitment and attacking intent.
The opening stages were frantic. Benidorm created the first real chance after breaking
Greenlands Bowls Club with Freddie Willey
SOUTH ALICANTE SU MMER LEAGUE
Greenland's Gladiators v Emerald Isle Vulcans.
Great performance from our Gladiators today winning a hardfought game 10pts to 2pts (scores 89pts to 67pts).
Good wins for Stuart Wilson, John O'Brien & Dave Morrison 23-7, Dave Donovan, Mandy Tompkins & Dave Palmer 23-16, Christine Gray, Lin Hamersley & Martin Foulcer 19-13, plus Anne Stone, Freddie Willey & Tony Hodges 12-11. This has now confirmed that Greenland's Gladiators have won the Spitfire League. CHAMPIONS!!
Harrier Division - Vistabella v Greenland's Warriors
A hard game away to Vistabella, two close Rinks but not quite there, Vistabella winning 12pts to 0pts (104pts to 62pts). Unlucky Warriors, next time.
through down the left, but the final shot was dragged wide. The visitors then appealed strongly for a penalty after goalkeeper Pizana appeared to collide with a forward inside the area, but the referee waved play on.
Torrevieja soon took control. Gálvez was at the heart of their best moments, first curling a fine effort towards the far corner, then forcing a superb save as the Benidorm goalkeeper tipped his powerful strike onto the crossbar.
The breakthrough came in the 26th minute. Breno’s shot from the edge of the area was blocked, but Gálvez reacted quickest, pouncing on the loose ball to stab home and give Torrevieja a deserved 1-0 lead.
Benidorm’s afternoon worsened seven minutes later when their number 23 was shown a second yellow card following an elbowing incident.
With the visitors reduced to ten men, Torrevieja pushed for a second before the break, with Pucho’s dangerous free-kick forcing another sharp save.
Half-time: SC Torrevieja 1-0 CF Benidorm Torrevieja began the second half brightly, with Matias firing narrowly wide and Caleb and Ismail both causing problems. But despite being a man down, Benidorm found a way
Quesada Lions v Greenland's Giants
Not an easy game today, tricky match ending in a draw 6pts each (scores 72pts to 81pts).
Good wins for Mens singles: Darren Reynolds 21-20, Pairs: Carol Stobbart & Martin Foulcer 15-13 plus Allen Bowen, Keith Stobbart & Dave Morrison 15-14. Well done Giants still top of the league.
Greenland's Titans v Emerald Isle Dukes
Unlucky Titans game against tough opposition. Emerald Isle Dukes coming out on top 8pts to 4pts (scores 104pts to 77pts). Good wins for Titans Mens singles: Dave Palmer 21-20 plus Triples: Stuart Wilson, Steve Penfold & John Palmer 21-16. Next time Titans.
2 WOODS SU MMER LEAGUE
CountrybowlsEagles v Greenland's Goanna's A friendly game as always at CountryBowls. Some very close games in extreme hot weather, eventually Goanna's
Sponsored by Gran Alacant Insurances, The Belfry, Skippers, La Piedra, Evoca Living, The Reiki Room, Gran Alacant Properties, Chill Out, James. STH ALICANTE SUMMER LEAGUE Matadors v San Miguel Vikings. The Matadors were away against the Vikings on a very hot Monday afternoon. We had a great result winning on three rinks and the shots, well done to Diane Horsington, Barry Watson skip Keith Young 21 – 14, Janet Parker, Steve Hindle skip Phil Goble 12 – 10, Sheila Roberts, Tony Kershaw skip Neil Young 26 – 11. Shots Matadors 82 – 72 Vikings. Points Matadors 8 – 4 Vikings.
For further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website www.montmarbowls.com. We are also on Facebook
EMERALD ISLE BOWLS WITH ELWYN MORRIS
Vulcans began the week playing at Greenlands Gladiators and they had a bad day losing 2-10
Aggregateof 67-89. D Jones D Mooney C Lindgren 20-12
Dukes played against Greenlands Titans in VCL and they won 8-4 Aggregate of 104-77. M Dyer 21-15, M Oakley M Ellis 30-10, S Ellis N Prior C Lindgren, M Harley 17-10
Earls took on La Marina and slipped to a 2-10 Aggregate of 49-94. M Meehan N Burns M Stritch B Kavanagh 17-15
SAPS is on at 13-15 on Saturday
back in the 56th minute when their towering central defender rose highest from a corner and powered a header past Pizana.
The tie then took another twist when Abadia was shown a straight red card for an off-theball altercation, leaving both teams with ten men.
Torrevieja threw on fresh legs, with Toro, Manresa, Berenguer, Carmona, Otman and Ernesto all entering the action as the hosts searched for a winner.
As fatigue set in, the game became scrappy, but the home side almost delivered a late knockout blow.
In the 89th minute, a clever free-kick routine saw Berenguer whip in a dangerous cross, and Toro’s header crashed against the top of the crossbar.
Full-time: SC Torrevieja 1-1 CF Benidorm Torrevieja may feel they let victory slip after leading and playing with a man advantage, but everything remains to play for.
The promotion final now heads to Benidorm next weekend, where one decisive 90 minutes will determine who takes the next step towards the 3a RFEF.
taking the game 12pts to 0pts (scores 105pts to 49pts).
Good wins for Stuart Wilson, Lin Hamersley & Dave Palmer 25-12, Dave Donovan, Keith Stobbart & Dave Morrison 20-12, Mandy Tompkins, Freddie Willey & John O'Brien 17-16 plus Allen Bowen, Mo Foulcer & Martin Foulcer 33-9. Well done Goanna's, top of the league after this win!
Gálvez opened the Scoring for Torry in the 26th minute
SMBC
with Jenny Harvey
Not a good start to the week for San Miguel with losses for all three teams.
SM Moors were away to San Luis Wellingtons, 10-2, shots 91-83, some close games but only winning rink came from Deirdre Anderson, Janet Parr and Gary Ponsford, 22-12
SM Christians were at home against Bonalba, 4-8, shots 73-95 with best winning rink from Linda Douglas, Mark Westmorland and Graham Barwell, 19-10
SM Vikings also at home to Monte Mar, 4-8, shots 72-82, best winning rink from Trudy Hayes, Roy Widgery and Steve Titheridge, 19-9
Wednesday saw a loss for SM Sheriffs away to Country Bowls, shots 86-72, best wins from Steve Parr 21-15 (men's singles) and Margaret Patterson,Mary Whitelock, Steve Cantley and Ron Nairey 17-12 (rinks)
Great home win for SM Marshalls against Quesada Tigers, 10-2, shots 90-70... wins from Gail Willshire 21-7 (ladies singles),Dave Askew and Phil Broadhurst 18-6 (pairs), Sarah Warnes,Pat Luijk and Ron Peters 19-10 (trips), Angela Broadhurst, Sheila Booth, Dave Sceal and Lee Sinclair 17-6 (rinks)
A fantastic win for SM Deputies at home to Phoenix, 12-0, shots 99-48... Don Darby 21-8 (men's singles), Linda Douglas 21-7 (ladies singles), John Bolton and John Grant 13-12 (pairs), Ann Taylor,John King and Jim Taylor 1914 (trips), Stan North, Mark Poulton-Jones, Phil Ginger and Bob Donnelly 25-7 (rinks)Well done!
San Miguel Bowls Club welcomes all bowlers looking to join as, being a unique club, we only pay owners fees and a club fee - NO LEAGUE RINK FEES.For further information please contact our club secretary Barry Jones on 602504905.
For further information please contact our club secretary Barry Jones on 602504905.
Quesada Bowls Club
with Steve Hibberd Falcons came up trumps when they beat visiting high flying Country Bowls Bluebirds (if you'll excuse the pun!) 8-4, in the SABA summer league Hurricane div.They won on 3 rinks, plus secured overall shots by 9, courtesy of this little lot:D & J Kocsis, A Reid 14-13. G Kershaw, C Dye, T Morgan 21-16. G Carnell, V Campbell, A Linley 23-17.
Then on Wednesday, in the VCL A div, Lions were at home to table topping Greenlands Giants. Ironically, as with their feathered friends, they too had a superior shots difference of 9. So, those 2 bonus points, plus wins for S Burrows (ladies singles) 21-9 along with G Kershaw, V Campbell, A Linley, M France (rinks) 13-12, earned them a very creditable 6-6 draw.Alas, Tigers failed to earn their stripes (sic), when they ventured all the way to San Miguel, where the Marshalls gave our boys & girls one hell of a beating.Played in red hot afternoon temperatures, although 2 of the 5 rinks narrowly lost on the last end, only Andrew (flower of Scotland) Reid (Mens singles) 21-15, won. This heavy 2-10 defeat has reduced Tigers lead at the top to only 1 point, but there are still 2 games to play, so there's plenty to play for.
But, and there's always a but, our Friday 2 wood trips team continued their amazing unbeaten run.Winning on 4 rinks, combined with a massive 50 overall shots difference, resulted in a well deserved 10-2 victory at home to Country Bowls Kestrels.Didn't they do well:B Webb, S Burrows, S Malden 26-7. I Everett, C & K Lowry 21-13. G Carnell, D Collings, T Voisey 29-9. B Trinder, V Campbell, P Kern 20-13.
SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB by Sheila Cammack
The heat has continued through the week, but fortunately our players managed to keep going and played well, in spite of the difficult conditions. Hopefully the heat will gradually cool down over the next few weeks to make it more manageable for the remaining matches.
South Alicante summer league, Spitfire Div. Monday 25th, the Wellingtons were at home to the San Miguel Moors and had a very good start to the week; claiming 10 points-2, 91 shots- 83. Well done to all of our team but the winners were: Cath Morrisroe, Noel Morrisroe, Barbara Louis 24-12, Ken Stringfellow, Ngaio Baldwin, Pete Baldwin 19-18, Fran Cox, John Skipper, Neil Cox 18-16, Chris Jackson, Bob Bromley, Derek Biggs 18-15.
Summer 2 bowl league: on Friday 29th the Pythons were away at Vistabella and also had an excellent result to finish the week; 10 points-2, 89 shots-62. Once more, well done to all the team but the winners were: Fran Cox, Brian Gardiner, Jean Cooper 16-13, Dave Louis, John Skipper, Wayne Howlett 19-16, Cath Morrisroe, Neil Morrisroe, Barbara Louis 20-10, June Jones, Neil Cox, Derek Biggs 20-8.
COUNTRY BOWLS
CLUB by Peter Dix
On Monday it was the turn of Bluebirds to fly to Quesada to play the Falcons, needing to win this game to stand a chance of topping the league as they have a bye in the last week of the season. Alas it was not to be, a tight game, losing by only 9 shots and winning on 2 rinks, best rink was Jayne and Jason Capille, Alan Miller 13-11.
On Wednesday in the VCL the Foxes entertained the San Miguel Sheriffs who were out to give the foxes the run around. However, the Foxes showed they could keep them at bay with a fine 8 points to 4 win, 86 shots to 72. Best performance was Wendy Splevings, Ian Chapman and Tom MacDonald 22 shots to 9.
Friday the Kestrels flew up to Quesada on a lovely warm day but could not match the home team on the day. Managed only 1 winning rink losing 10 points to 2, Mandy Stapleton, Phil Longstaff and Pat Gough. Meanwhile the Eagles entertained the Greenland Goannas, and it was a red Friday for the Eagles not managing to secure any points, ‘bad day at the office’.
