EDITION 1136 OF THE COSTA BLANCA AND COSTA CALIDA LEADER NEWSPAPER 13 – 19 JULY 2026
Seven companies have submitted bids for three municipally owned plots in Orihuela Costa, giving the City Council renewed confidence that the auction will raise at least e21.6 million.
The level of interest is considered encouraging, particularly after warnings from within the property sector that the high starting prices could deter developers. Greater competition may also push the final sale value above the minimum asking price.
The three plots cover more than 30,000 square metres and could accommodate a total of 255 homes.
The smallest is the R4 plot in PAU-20 La Ciñuelica, close to the Torrevieja municipal boundary. Measuring 7,253 square metres, it has a starting price of e4.15 million and capacity for 66 homes.
The R-11 plot in La Cuerda covers 15,861 square metres and is valued at e6.13 million. It could accommodate 89 homes.
The largest and most valuable site is the AUR-38 plot in PAU-21 Peña del Águila.
Located near a golf course, the 14,982square-metre parcel has a starting price of e11.33 million and is intended for 100 highend homes.
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SALE OF LAND
Together, the plots have a minimum auction value of e21,617,611. As the properties will be sold through an ascending auction, the council believes the final income could be higher.
Previous attempts to raise major sums through municipal land sales have been far less successful.
In 2020, the council expected to collect more than e21 million from three coastal plots but ultimately received just e683,650.
“Residents will now be watching closely to see whether this latest sell-off delivers the services Orihuela Costa has long been promised - or simply adds further pressure to an already overburdened coastline”.
Only one site was sold after its starting price was almost halved, while the remaining two attracted no bids.
Critics argue that Orihuela Costa has numerous municipally owned plots, despite which none have been allocated for a permanent coastal eco-park, while these three sites are now being sold for the construction of more than 250 homes.
Although the auction could raise over e21 million, residents are unlikely to see any benefit in everyday services such as road
Monday 13th - Sunday 19th July 2026
repairs, rubbish collection, street lighting, green-space maintenance, beach improvements or longawaited projects including the Cultural Centre and AP-7 footbridge.
The Councillor for Infrastructure explaining detail of the 3 sites to Manuel Mestre, Councillor for the Coast, and Mayor Pepe Vegara
The proceeds will be classified as Municipal Land Assets and can only be spent on legally approved purposes, including social housing, water infrastructure and projects of social interest.
The mayor has also mentioned the second health centre and other coastal facilities, but there is no guarantee that this money will remain in Orihuela Costa.
Concerns are heightened by the council’s record on investment.
Of nearly e13 million allocated to the coast in the 2024 budget, only around e2 million has reportedly been spent.
With the current term ending in May 2027, it is considered highly unlikely that new projects could be designed, tendered, awarded and completed in time, so when the next administration assumes power following the elections in 10 months’ time there is absolutely nothing to stop them investing the auction proceeds absolutely
anywhere in the municipality.
Heritage Councillor Matias Ruiz said the council was taking advantage of favourable conditions in the property market to maximise the value of municipal assets and transform publicly owned land into services and infrastructure for residents.
The plots will be awarded through an open procedure to the highest bidders. Participating companies were required to provide a deposit equivalent to two per cent of the bid value, excluding VAT.
So, although the council says the money will be used to strengthen the coast, residents will now be watching closely to see whether this latest sell-off delivers the services Orihuela Costa has long been promised — or simply adds further pressure to an already overburdened coastline.
Torrevieja Council has launched a new Mobility Officer unit designed to improve traffic management, strengthen road safety and free up Local Police officers for wider public security duties.
The 20 wardens and their supervisor formally took up their posts last Friday, and are now completing a specialist training programme. They are expected to begin operational duties this week.
The new municipal unit will have access to 10 motorcycles with 125cc engines, enabling officers to respond quickly to congestion, incidents and traffic-management requirements across the city.
The service contract will initially run for one year, with the option of three annual extensions, allowing it to continue for a maximum of four years.
The officers will be based temporarily at the Local Police station in Los Balcones. The unit is expected to move into permanent premises next to Local Police headquarters once refurbishment work is completed, provisionally before the end of the year.
FOCUS ON TRAFFIC AND URBAN MOBILITY
The Traffic Wardens will be responsible for directing and regulating the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Their work is intended to allow Local Police officers to dedicate more time and resources to public safety, administrative policing and other duties requiring full police powers.
The unit’s main responsibilities will include managing traffic outside schools during morning arrivals and afternoon departures, monitoring circulation in the town centre and controlling traffic on the principal routes into Torrevieja. Officers will also monitor bus lanes, parking areas, loading
and unloading bays and spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility.
They will provide additional traffic control during religious processions, sporting events, parades and other large public gatherings held throughout the city.
LIMITED POWERS
Although the officers will work in coordination with the Local Police, they are not members of Spain’s security forces and their powers are restricted to traffic regulation and urban mobility.
They will not be authorised to make arrests or prepare formal police accident and criminal investigation reports.
Their enforcement powers will be limited to issuing reports and fines for traffic offences that fall within their defined responsibilities.
Mayor Eduardo Dolon welcomed the 20 officers and their supervisor to the new service. “Your work will be fundamental in making Torrevieja a safer and better organised city, with more efficient mobility,” he said.
“The council has full confidence in your ability and commitment to serve the people of Torrevieja and the thousands of visitors who come to the city throughout the year.”
Dolon said the creation of the new unit would enable the Local Police to concentrate more officers on public security while the Mobility Officers specialise in maintaining traffic flow and improving the city’s day-to-day operation.
He described the initiative as a measure that would directly improve residents’ quality of life and help Torrevieja cope with its continuing population and visitor growth.
The mayor added that the new unit would contribute to creating “a better organised, safer city that is prepared to face the important growth it is experiencing”.
Roger Clarke, jailed over a £1 million cocaine-smuggling plot, has reportedly returned to Alicante province after serving time in Portugal and Britain Convicted of attempting to smuggle more than nine kilograms of cocaine into Europe the British pensioner has reportedly returned to the Costa Blanca after spending years behind bars.
Clarke, now aged 79, posted on social media that he was back in Rojales, close to Guardamar del
Segura, where he and his late wife Susan had lived as popular members of the expat community before their arrest.
As reported in The Leader at the time, the couple were detained on December 4, 2018, when the cruise ship Marco Polo docked in Lisbon after a 33-night Caribbean voyage. Portuguese police boarded the vessel with a search warrant and discovered cocaine concealed inside the linings of four suitcases. The drugs, collected during a stop
in Saint Lucia, were valued at more than £1 million. Prosecutors said Clarke had left the ship and returned with the luggage after visiting a plantation to arrange a deal on behalf of an associate.
Both Roger and Susan denied knowing the suitcases contained drugs. Clarke claimed he had simply agreed to carry luggage for a friend. However, judges rejected their account and convicted them of drug trafficking following a three-day trial in Lisbon.
Each was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Investigators believed the cocaine was destined for dealers in Britain and may have been linked to criminals operating from southern Spain. The couple had reportedly been under surveillance, although authorities never fully disclosed how they received the intelligence that led to the search.
The case attracted further attention when details emerged of the Clarkes’ expensive lifestyle. Despite reportedly living on a modest monthly income, they had spent around £18,000 on luxury cruises during the two years before their arrest and were often seen carrying large amounts of cash.
It was also not their first drug conviction. In 2010, the couple were
jailed in Norway for trafficking 240 kilograms of cannabis resin on another cruise. They later fled while on bail, changed their names and were eventually traced and extradited.
While serving her sentence in Portugal, Susan Clarke developed cancer and died in prison at the age of 72. Her husband was unable to attend her funeral and later described her death as a devastating consequence of his own poor decisions.
Roger Clarke was subsequently extradited to Britain to complete his sentence, serving time at HMP Standford Hill in Kent and later HMP High Down in Surrey. He later complained publicly about his treatment and pursued a compensation claim over what he alleged was unlawful detention.
Before their arrest, the couple were well known in parts of the southern Costa Blanca. They lived near Guardamar, regularly visited local bars where Roger played in the Med Bar Golf society.
Clarke’s reported return to Rojales has therefore brought him back to familiar surroundings, closing another chapter in a case that combined luxury travel, international drug trafficking, prison hardship and personal tragedy.
A recent image of Roger taken from Facebook
Roger and Susan enjoying Expat life in Rojales in 2018 prior to their ill fated Carribean Cruise
While others are sunning themselves on the beach, gracing the sides of swimming pools or hiding away in air-conditioned rooms, the members of the ADAPT Theatre Group are getting ourselves into gear to prepare for this year’s amazing bilingual pantomime “Aladdin”.
As anyone who has worked in theatre knows, there is so much more to do behind the scenes than simply turn up on the day and act!
As the group now has the use of the new Teatro Geli Albaladejo in San Pedro del Pinatar we have “upped our game” as well to include all manner of special effects to enhance the experience for our audiences.
The first job though, of course, is to meet together for a read-through of the original script, for each actor to learn about their
Murder investigation following discovery of decomposed body in Luxury Torrevieja Villa
A murder investigation is under way after the decomposing body of a man was found in the patio of a luxury villa in Torrevieja’s La Veleta district.
The homeowner raised the alarm after discovering the bloodied body with apparent signs of violence.
Civil Guard officers, forensic specialists and Criminalistics Laboratory experts attended the property after the alert was received at around 2pm.
One person has reportedly been arrested, although no details about the suspect or victim have been released. The body was taken to Alicante’s Institute of Legal Medicine for a post-mortem examination.
The villa was later sealed. Investigators are working to identify the victim, determine the cause and time of death, and fully establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.
role, to be measured up for costumes, welcome newcomers and generally enjoy the great atmosphere we have as a theatre group.
Once the summer heat has died down a little we will start our rehearsals ready for another fantastic show on 27th and 28th November.
Over the 15 years we have been putting on our pantomimes in San Pedro we have gained a faithful following of both English speaking and local Spanish families and have an excellent relationship with the town. Our dance group comes from a local primary school and the money raised goes to local charities.
Watch this space for more information over the coming months and be prepared for a great time at the end of November!
Swedish Fugitive arrested in Orihuela
A fugitive wanted in Sweden for allegedly supplying weapons and ammunition to organised crime groups has been arrested in Orihuela.
The suspect is accused of providing firearms for shootings, violent attacks and revenge killings, while the networks involved allegedly recruit young people, including minors, as contract killers through social media.
Spain’s National Police detained the man following cooperation with Swedish authorities under a European Arrest Warrant.
Officers searched his Orihuela home and seized electronic devices for forensic analysis. After appearing before a court in Orihuela, the suspect was placed at the disposal of Spain’s National Court, pior to extradition proceedings to Sweden.
San Javier Civil Service Exam
Cancelled after results go missing
San Javier Town Hall will repeat an internal promotion exam after sealed envelopes linking candidates’ identities to their numerical codes disappeared.
The June 26 test involved 16 municipal employees competing for nine administrative posts and promotion from category C2 to C1.
Officials said the missing envelopes made it impossible to guarantee the integrity of the process. Despite searches of files, drawers and security footage, they were not found.
The exam has been annulled and resched-
uled for July 21
Rapid arrest after violent Orihuela Robbery
Close cooperation between Orihuela Local Police and the National Police led to the rapid identification of a suspect following a violent robbery at a restaurant in the Ociopia shopping centre during the early hours of July 3.
Staff provided officers with a description of the alleged offender, including his clothing.
CCTV footage from the restaurant and the centre’s security service then showed the suspect with his face uncovered after apparently loitering nearby before the robbery.
Local Police officers recognised the man from the images and quickly supplied his identity and address, allowing National Police investigators to continue the inquiry without delay.
Officers from both forces later went to the suspect’s home, and he was placed at the disposal of police. Authorities say he may also be connected to other violent robberies committed that same day.
SAT ANIMAL RESCUE
Absolutis a fun-loving 3.5- year-old with a happy, playful nature and is always ready for an adventure. He also loved paddling around in the water.
Absolut would love nothing more than to find a family of his own to share his life with and enjoy many happy fun, days together.
Email: info@satanimalrescue.com
WhatsApp 688792515 or 966710047
at the municipal library. Candidates may appeal to the Mayor’s office within one month.
Residents in Hondon de los Frailes demand greater transparency over plans for a large retirement resort aimed
at foreign residents.
The proposal, presented publicly for the first time on June 26, is understood to include around 500 flats or houses in a Japaneseinspired setting, with extensive landscaping, tree planting and water features. Plans may also involve using underground water supplies for irrigation and generating energy through biomass.
Many residents say they were unaware of the project’s scale and have not been given adequate access to plans, drawings or technical documents. They argue that no meaningful public consultation has taken place and want clarification over whether regional or national authorities were informed before the local community.
Water supply is the principal concern.
Residents say the village already experiences low pressure, restricted supplies and insufficient agricultural water. They fear hundreds of additional homes, gardens and water features would place unsustainable pressure on local resources.
There are also concerns about extracting groundwater, with residents claiming aquifer
levels have fallen and remaining supplies are becoming increasingly saline. Critics argue that further extraction could worsen shortages. The proposed biomass system has also raised questions over fuel deliveries, increased traffic, emissions and possible pollution.
Opponents fear the development would permanently change the village’s peaceful rural character while adding pressure to roads, services and the environment.
Residents are calling for the project to be suspended until full details are published, including land ownership, water requirements, energy plans, environmental studies, planning permissions and any agreements with public authorities.
Complaints have reportedly been submitted to several institutions, including the Defensor del Pueblo and regional and national government offices.
Their central demand is that no development proceeds without full consultation, environmental safeguards and community consent.
‘I
have nothing to wear... ’
Now don’t get me wrong … and I wouldn’t wish this on anybody; but going on what we hear all around us the wonder is that half the women in the country heading for a night out aren’t exiting the house pure naked – or at best scantily clad.
I am told this is the story in the houses of most my male friends – but I can only report with accuracy on Casa Comaskey; and how we have come so close on many occasions to only one of us going out fully dressed.
You see, get invited to a wedding, party, night out, or even a family gathering and the initial response … directed in my direction is always the same, ‘I have nothing to wear …’ Yes, I know it is the same in your abodes, Lads … but there is no point in all of us getting in trouble for speaking out - so leave it to me this time.
We are nothing here in YCBS if we are not honest and accurate – so I have to voice my life-long bafflement with all the contradictions associated with this dilemma. It might be going an inch too far should I suggest that the dilemma wasn’t having nothing to wear, but more to do with a woman’s right to change her mind … even if that is every five minutes … but we’ll leave that one there …
There are just the two of us living in this house and at last count we own seven wardrobes and built-in presses along with several clothes rails.
These are all full despite the fact that my entire personal few duds would fit in one of the smallest of these clothes centres.
The horizontal hanging rod with all the hangers is bowing slightly in the middle in each wardrobe.See where this is going ….? And one of us never has ‘anything to
wear…!’
I saw an opportunity to better my botheration a couple of years back. Let me tell you about it …
After we were evicted from our long-term settlement in Graftonstown, we packed up out tent and headed for Irishtown. Great opportunity to de-clutter and fill the charity shops with clothes I thought.
With the best will in the world (my will) folks, we did little more than put a dent in the dilemma.
Calling a spade a spade and the fact that it might be sometimes overlooked that I, fear an tÍ, might feel the need to tart himself up the odd time before going out; I made an executive decision and issued an executive order.
One wardrobe was going to be mine and mine alone going forward. I picked one in a spare room at the furthest point from any full-length mirror.
After 55 years of co-habiting, the time had finally come where I was going to assert myself.
If you are wondering how that went, all I can say is that I’m sorry I forgot to put a padlock on my wardrobe.
Mrs Youcantbeserious is not the only woman I have ever heard complaining about ‘having nothing to wear’. But … and I wish for all the Gorls to take note of this; during my entire lifetime I have never once heard a man say, ‘I have nothing to wear.’
Explain please …
‘I have nothing to wear’, my always-elegant wife announced again last week after we had been invited to meet a gathering of family and friends. This time I decided to take a stand, state the obvious and rest my case.
‘What is wrong with the half dozen wardrobes full of your clothes all over the house’, I asked … as I thought ‘Gottcha’ to myself.’
Neither her expression nor the tone of her voice changed an iota as she came back with; ‘I have nothing that will fit me!’
Then just like magic she lands out in something ‘that will do’, only to reverse her decision a few moments later and step out in an entirely different rigout.
This is where it gets tricky for the husband and you have to be more careful than Valadymyr Zelenskyy in
the Oval Office.
‘Which one will I wear’, is the penultimate ceist. Get this one right and there is only one hurdle to go.You will know from how she strokes her two hips up and down in front of the mirror which is her favourite and with your face glowing you proclaim, ‘that looks perfect on you.’
One ceist to go …
‘Does my (mentioning a certain part of the female body) look big in this?’ The correct … in fact the only answer for you is; ‘If I didn’t know for sure you had one I’d never have guessed in that outfit….’
And so now off we go … only forty minutes late …
DON’T
FORGET
If you don’t claim too much wisdom, people will give you credit for more than you have.
Orihuela Costa ‘Paradise’ Blighted by Rubbish, Weeds and Poor Planning
By Tomás Moreno
Summer arrives on the same date every year, yet the local authority has once again been caught unprepared for the seasonal pressure that will be placed on basic services.
With the coastal population expected to increase to more than 100,000 people in the coming weeks, complaints are mounting over street cleaning, waste collection, beach maintenance, accessibility, road conditions and unfinished works. Critics argue that, after more than three years in office, the PP-Vox municipal government has had sufficient time to plan for the annual influx of residents and tourists.
Orihuela Costa remains one of the municipality’s greatest assets, offering an enviable climate and some of the most attractive coastline in the province. However, residents say that image is being undermined by poor maintenance and a lack of effective planning.
One of the main concerns is the condition of green areas and children’s playgrounds. The municipal company ILDO, which is responsible for the maintenance service, is said to be increasingly unable to meet the needs of the coast. Residents point in particular to unpruned palm trees, with dry branches and fallen fruit left scattered across pavements and streets.
Street cleaning is another recurring complaint. Local roads and pavements remain dirty, with residents claiming there is still no properly organised sweeping schedule or enough street-cleaning staff, vehicles and leaf blowers to maintain the area to an acceptable standard during the busiest months of the year.
Waste collection is also under scrutiny. Although new refuse trucks were added to the service last year, residents are waiting to see whether they will prevent the kind of summer chaos seen in previous years, when delays left streets lined with overflowing rubbish.
The problem is worsened by old and damaged containers.
Around a third of the 1,595 bins on the coast were replaced last year, but approximately 1,000 remain in poor condition, with no clear timetable for renewal.
Weeds and uncontrolled vegetation are also causing concern. In some highly visible areas, overgrowth has reached almost a metre in height, presenting what residents describe as a neglected and unacceptable image for both locals and visitors. Despite repeated complaints, no municipal department appears to have taken responsibility for keeping the problem under control.
The collection of pruning waste and bulky items also continues to fail. While some residents behave irresponsibly by dumping waste incorrectly, critics say the lack of police enforcement, the absence of a permanent ecopark and insufficient trucks and staff are all contributing to the problem.
Road conditions remain another major issue. Many streets continue to suffer from poor surfaces, potholes and inadequate horizontal and vertical signage.
Residents argue that a full upgrade is needed, but question whether the municipal company Ecoplan has the resources required to carry it out effectively.
The beaches, already crowded, are also affected. Seaweed has still not been removed in some areas because the contract for its collection was put out to tender late, and has yet to be awarded. Maintenance of low walls, footbaths, flagpoles and beach walkways is also described as deficient,
despite a e1 million allocation approved in the 2024 budget. Accessibility remains especially serious at Barranco Rubio in Dehesa de Campoamor and at Punta Prima, where beach lifts are out of service. The Barranco Rubio lift has reportedly been closed for three years, while a e250,000 budget allocation approved two years ago for three new lifts has still not been implemented. A shuttle service for Barranco Rubio beach is also delayed and is not expected to begin until the final weeks of July.
Meanwhile, works on Avenida del Cabo in Cabo Roig, which began in March, remain unfinished, with recent resurfacing and road marking causing significant traffic congestion. The renovation of the expropriated section of the seafront promenade, carried out last summer, has also still not been completed, with only some lighting installed and accessibility improvements still pending.
Residents acknowledge that the current administration has launched important initiatives and that many councillors are approachable. However, they argue that the basics remain unresolved: clean streets, controlled weeds, safe roads, maintained parks, accessible beaches, working infrastructure, modern bins and a permanent recycling facility.
With more than e100 million reportedly held in municipal funds, critics say the problem is not money, but planning, resources and management.
For many on Orihuela Costa, the frustration is simple: they live in a coastal paradise, but one that is being allowed to look increasingly neglected during the very period when it should be at its best.
Ryanair Predicts
625,000 Corvera Passengers
Ryanair expects to carry more than 625,000 passengers through Murcia International Airport in 2026, a 12% increase on last year. The airline is operating eight summer routes to the UK and Ireland, with extra flights on key services.
Corvera has also welcomed its three millionth Ryanair passenger since opening in 2019.
e53,000 Fake Goods
Haul in La Zenia
Orihuela Local Police arrested a man after discovering more than 2,000 allegedly counterfeit items inside an uninsured van at the municipal vehicle pound in Orihuela Costa.
Officers became suspicious when the rear doors would not close properly and found large bags filled with branded sportswear, handbags and accessories.
The goods, linked to football clubs, and major commercial brands, were valued at approximately e52,945. The suspect and seized merchandise were handed over to the courts.
Two men have been arrested at the Santa Pola Fish Market after stolen sea bass and amberjack were allegedly sold using false documents. Some fish, taken from aquaculture farms, contained veterinary medicine residues and was unfit for consumption. Authorities recovered 227 kilos and blocked distribution to buyers in Alicante, Barcelona and Tarragona.
The Casanovas Flute Orchestra performed to a packed Torrevieja Municipal Theatre, marking 40 years since Maestro Francisco Casanovas’s death. Around 50 professional flautists presented classical works and famous film scores, earning a standing ovation. The evening also honoured Conchita Boj for her long-standing contribution to preserving Casanovas’s musical legacy.
Andy Burnham has pledged to retain the State Pension triple lock if he becomes Prime Minister, saying Labour must honour its manifesto commitment.
The policy guarantees annual increases based on wages, inflation or 2.5%, whichever is highest. While critics question its long-term cost, supporters say it protects pensioners’ incomes. Burnham’s stance is likely to reassure older voters, including British pensioners abroad, as speculation grows over Labour’s future leadership.
e1.154 Billion Upgrade for Alicante-Elche Airport
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport is set for a major e1.154 billion expansion designed to increase capacity, improve passenger facilities and strengthen access to the Costa Blanca’s principal aviation gateway.
The airport currently handles around 20 million passengers annually, with continued growth driven by international tourism and domestic travel. More than e450 million is expected to be invested between 2027 and 2031, with the remaining funds allocated during the following investment period. Plans include extending the terminal northwards, building a new departure pier for non-
flights, installing additional airbridges and reorganising operational areas. Parking, access roads and taxi and bus drop-off zones will also be expanded or redesigned.
Inside the terminal, upgraded security areas and improved passenger circulation are expected to reduce congestion and increase efficiency.
Tourism and business representatives have welcomed the investment but continue to demand a direct rail connection, arguing that road access alone is inadequate for the airport’s growing importance.
The project is expected to reinforce AlicanteElche’s role in supporting the Costa Blanca.
The Return of the Zimmer Commando’s
Britain plans to extend military recall liability for former service personnel to age 65 under the Armed Forces Bill. The proposed rules would also allow recalls during “warlike preparations”, not only major emergencies or attacks. Ministers say the change will strengthen the Strategic Reserve and make better use of veterans’specialist skills. Recruitment is improving across the armed forces, with the Army recording 980 more arrivals than departures in the year to March 2026. However, some targets have been delayed. For retired personnel, the message is simple: enjoy the deckchair, but keep the old boots nearby.
Schengen
SAME GRID TWO SETS OF CLUES
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ACROSS ACROSS
1.Faculty (10)
7.Bedeck (5)
8.Funny (7)
10.Interrogate (8)
11.Robe (4)
13.Guarantee (6)
15.Hurtle (6)
17.Fever (4)
18.Forceful (8)
21.Turkish title (7)
22.Above (5)
23.Heat unit (10)
DOWN DOWN
1.Idler (5)
2.Burst (8)
3.Logic (6)
4.Savage (4)
5.Disgusting (7)
6.Pretence (10)
9.Benevolence (10)
12.Landscape (8)
14.Melee (7)
16.Predilection (6)
19.Sea-air (5)
20.Insect (4)
1.
of 'The 100 Greatest Male Stars of all Time'. In the top ten, two were born in England. Name them?
2. Name the two stately homes which tourists visit the most in the USA?
3. Although India qualified for the football world cup in 1950, they refused to take part. Why?
4. Which resolute word has the most definitions in the English language?
5. The following are all names of what? Tungi Banjo, Norman Conquest, Quim, Danger Fourpence, Hulk, Chiqui Arce, Adigun Salami, Heavens Chinyama and Mansour Boutabout.
6. Who sang the following 'official' football world cup songs? a. Un'estate italiana (1990), b. La Copa de la Vida (1998)
7. The hyoid bone is the only bone in the human body that is not articulated (attached) to any other bone. Where is the hyoid bone found?
8. Legend has it that when taking an oath Roman men would do what with their hands?
9. Which military accessory did Jacqueline Kennedy and designer Oleg Cassini bring back into fashion in the early 1960s?
10. The following words are from songs with a day of the week in the song title. Can you name the song? a. The silicon chip inside her head, b. Do the five day drag once more, c. Catch your dreams before they slip away, d. How long must we sing this song, e. It's seven o'clock and
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1.Take part in horseplay at the golf club? (4,6)
7.Church on a hill seen with flashlight (5)
8.Girl takes on personnel on her side (7)
10.Time off for a man having got a rise? (8)
11.Plant on the hand (4)
13.Men keeping quiet concerning trees (6)
15.Delivery with which a cricket match cannot start (2-4)
17.Fuss concerning what's not yet accomplished (2-2)
18.Patterns used for part of a church (8)
21.Enlist a revolutionary for striking (7)
22.List of furniture (5)
23.Sponger at liberty before terrible ordeal (10)
DOWN
1.Italian city in which father carries a weapon (5)
2.Sportsmen allowed in new heats (8)
3.Possibly dad was in the lead and got confused (6)
4.Love to employ this runner? (4)
5.Falls over in North America? (7)
6.Draws least teams out (10)
9.In which the relatives branch out? (6,4)
12.Suggested a trick was written down (8)
14.Salesman on a bike, say? (7)
16.Partially treating rot to reveal a cave (6)
19.Some remember an old flame! (5)
20.Only a lake? (4)
I want to rock, want to get a belly full of beer,
11. The name of which very popular vegetable takes its name from the late Latin word for a single white pearl?
12. Which five countries have won the FIFA Women's World Cup?
13. The following planets are found in which films? a. LV-426, b. Pandora, c. Fhloston
14. What are the plastic horns popular at football matches in South Africa called?
15. Fierce, Milk, Brown, Collet's, Tiger, Sea and Blind are all examples of what?
16. Which actor has played Rameses II and King Mongkut?
17. The first UN peace keeping mission in 1948 was sent to keep the peace between which two countries?
18. Bad boys at the football world cup. a. Which country has had the most players sent off since the inception of the football world cup? (11 in total). b. In a match between which two countries were a record four red cards shown during the 2006 football world cup?
19. Fescue, Rye, Bermuda, Buffalo, St. Augustine, Bahia and Zoysia are all examples of what?
20. Some football world cup songs are just inappropriate. For example, the England squad and Magnum Brass with 'Here we are, Here we are'. In which year was this football ditty not a hit?
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.
WORD SCRAMBLE CHALLENGE
Unscramble the letters to reveal the names of 8 popular flowers
SCRAMBLED FLOWERS
EOFRNUWSL - EEPINOS EGAHYARDN - NVEDERAL
The American Film Institute has a list
TRIVIA QUIZ
City Centre Blow as Orihuela Museums Shut During Key Summer Hours
CAMBIEMOS
ORIHUELA has criticised the summer closure of the city’s museums and cultural venues during afternoons and on Sundays, warning that the decision will harm residents, tourism and local businesses.
The municipal group argues that Orihuela should be promoting its historic and cultural attractions during the peak visitor season rather than creating the impression of a “dead city” with little available for tourists or day-trippers.
The party also condemned the afternoon closure of the María Moliner Municipal Public Library throughout August.
Councillor Leticia Pertegal said the decision particularly affects families seeking an affordable, air-conditioned place to read, spend time with children and escape extreme summer temperatures.
Cambiemos said the reduced opening hours could discourage tourists
at
staying along the nearby coast from visiting Orihuela’s heritage sites, while further weakening the historic centre.
The group also warned that lower visitor numbers would reduce footfall for local shops, bars and restaurants, placing additional pressure on the city’s already fragile small-business economy.
Gun-Runners Flee Police at 150
km/h before A-7 Motorway Crash
National Police have arrested four men following a high-speed chase from the A-7 near Elche into Murcia, where officers discovered eight Kalashnikov AK-47 rifles and magazines hidden inside the suspects’ vehicle.
The pursuit began after organised crime officers spotted the car being driven dangerously between Alicante and Elche.
When the driver realised he was being followed, he accelerated to more than 150 kilometres per hour and allegedly rammed several police vehicles, forcing one patrol car off the road and placing officers at serious risk.
The chase continued into Murcia, where the vehicle left the road and crashed into farmland.
The driver escaped on foot, but a search of the abandoned car uncovered the military-grade weapons. Further investigations led police to identify and arrest four men, aged between 21 and 43, in Alicante and San Vicente del Raspeig. All reportedly have previous records for serious offences.
They are being investigated for alleged possession of weapons of war, membership of a criminal group, dangerous driving, assaulting police officers and causing damage.
GOVERNMENTBY PATCHWORK
The PSOE has accused Orihuela’s PPVox government of relying on lastminute repairs after announcing e115,000 of work at municipal swimming pools.
Socialist councillor Luis Quesada said the spending reflects three years of neglect rather than planned investment, with repairs required to meet health regulations and address poor maintenance. He also highlighted continuing leaks, breakdowns and closures at the Palacio del Agua.
The PSOE criticised the timing of the tender, launched at the start of summer despite a 45-day completion period, and called for a comprehensive maintenance plan, long-term investment and extended pool opening hours during the heatwave.
ORIHUELACOUNCIL has launched Costa Summer 26, a free July programme for vulnerable teenagers aged 12 to 16.
Activities include water sports, workshops, climbing, adventure trips and intergenerational sessions.
Supervised by social services professionals, the initiative ends with a snorkelling excursion to Tabarca Island.
Tourists sitting in silence as they observe The Temptation of Saint Thomas
the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art in Orihuela
NEEDLE LITTLE HELP, GENTS?
Here’s a question for you – who is more frightened of needles when you visit a doctor for a blood test, men or women?
Answer – men! I couldn’t believe it, but it’s true.
Mrs M had to go for a blood test at the doctors’ surgery last week and was told at reception that there would be at least a half hour delay because a patient had been taken ill.
There was a long wait before a man in his 60s appeared from the nurse’s room.
Mrs M saw the nurse, who said the man had fainted – and that it happens quite frequently, that men are much more frightened of needles than women and more likely to faint!
Now here’s afrivolousthought. Why is it that men are sent to the front lines in a war and not women, who by all accounts are made of tougher stuff? (ps I am joking!)
THE THREE WISE MEN
Now on to more serious stuff. No doubt you have been following the latest antics of Trump, Prince Harry and Nigel Farage. What have all three in common? All think they are right and everyone else is wrong, that it is “the establishment” against them and do not listen to others’ arguments. This particularly is true of impetuous Trump who at the NATO conference said: “Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don’t participate. They don’t pay. I don’t want anything to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits. Don’t even talk to them. They’re hopeless, bad people.”
And this man is the leader of the Western world. He’s nothing but trouble. He can’t
stop sticking his nose into everything –including successfully getting a ref’s decision overturned in the World Cup. I was delighted that justice was served and the US was knocked out by Belgium. Justice served. As for Trump-like Farage and his nonsense in triggering a costly by-election as a publicity stunt, I hope the candidate standing against him – Binface – wins. That will teach him a much needed lesson. Come on Clacton voters, you can do it!
THE GRIM STATE OF TV ADVERTISING
Have you noticed that adverts on TV channels have got much more depressing lately? At least once every hour we get an advert about no fuss cremations, with various organisations avoiding hearses being walked down the street, rushed services at crematoriums, etc., and saving thousands of pounds. Then there are the adverts banging on about travel insurance covering all medical conditions, one company featuring a totally false couple and I want to scream every time I see and hear them having unbelievable conversations.
Do we have to put up with an advert which is shown at least twice an hour telling us how on line we can reduce hotel costs? Hotels should, by law, have one price, reduced only for loyalty awards.
Every day we have adverts urging people to gamble, and it’s no wonder gullible people are influenced by them and fall further into debt. And every advert block must have at least one charity trying to get our money or change wills in their favour. Why is that there is annoying background music on every advert and trailer for an up-coming programme?
Every time adverts come on I now use the time to do the washing up, drying, laying up for breakfast or some other household chore because to avoid the endless repetitive twaddle sending me round the bend!
A LIFETIME OF CONTRIBUTIONS
With a new UK prime minister around the corner there’s again talk about a change in old age pensions and a possible end to the triple lock, which keeps pensions on a higher level than they would otherwise be.
Pressure to end the lock mainly comes from younger people who seem to think old age will never happen to them and forget that pensioners have contributed to their meagre
Tony Mayes Rant
pensions all their working lives.
So here are the sad facts about British pensions. If you have paid in all your NI contributions you will currently get about £11,975pa. Compare that to £18,200 in Germany, £16,800 in France, and £20,500 in the Netherlands.
It’s no wonder that in Spain when we meet Europeans they seem to have more money than us Brits. In the UK to achieve a comfortable retirement people are expected to
supplement their state pension with workplace or personal savings.
That’s good old Tory thinking, which favours private health, private education and private care, which only richer people can afford. European countries fund their generous state pensions by taking higher social security contributions directly from workers and companies and this should be the model in the UK.
“WHAT IS A EUDI WALLET”?
TheEUDI Wallet (European Digital Identity Wallet) is a secure mobile app that allows citizens and residents of the European Union to store and share their identity data and official documents digitally. Think of it as a digital version of your physical wallet, but with high-level encryption and legal recognition across all 27 EU member states. ByDecember 2026, every EU country is required to offer at least one version of this wallet to its citizens.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH IT?
The wallet is designed to handle more than just your ID card. You can use it to: Identify Yourself: Log into government portals, open bank accounts, or register a new SIM card.
Store Documents: Keep digital versions of your driver’s license, university diplomas,
medical prescriptions, and professional certificates.
Sign Documents: Create Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) that have the same legal standing as a handwritten signature.
Selective Disclosure: This is the "smart" part. You can prove you are over 18 without revealing your actual date of birth or name.
HOW TO USE IT
While each member state will provide its own specific app, the general process follows these steps:
Download & Set Up: You download the official wallet app provided by your national government from a standard app store. Verify Identity: To activate it, you’ll link it to your existing national ID (like a physical ID card with an NFC chip or a banking ID login) to prove you are who you say you
Scan the QR Code right to find
out exactly what the Costa Blanca Technology Help Group has to offer
are.
Add Credentials: Once verified, you can "request" documents from issuers. For example, you could pull your digital driver's license from the transport authority or your degree from your university directly into the app.
PRESENT
OR SHARE:
Online: When a website asks for your ID, you choose "Login with EUDI Wallet." You’ll get a notification on your phone to approve the specific data they are requesting.
In-person: You can show a QR code or use NFC (like a contactless payment) to share your info with a police officer, a car rental clerk, or a pharmacist.
PRIVACY & CONTROL
A common misconception is that this is a central government database. It’s actually decentralised:
User-Controlled: You decide exactly what information to share and with whom.
Privacy by Design: The wallet keeps a "transaction log" so you can see who accessed your data in the past.
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 Next meeting is on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026.
All are welcome. Online meetings take place on the 2nd Thursday of every month.
Voluntary: Using the wallet isoptional. You can still use physical documents if you prefer, though the wallet is designed to be much more convenient for cross-border travel and online admin.
Since it's 2026, many countries are currently in the "pilot" phase or just launching their official versions.
When the Spanish EUDI Wallet is released, I will publish a full review.
Will the EUDI Wallet replace the need for a Digital Signature?
No, the EUDI (European Digital Identity) Wallet willnot replacethe need for a digital signature. Instead,it serves as the tool to create them.
Think of the EUDI Wallet as a digital pen and your high-security ID card combined into one single smartphone app. It is designed to make generating a legally binding digital signature vastly easier, faster, and free for citizens.
To ask a question or to join the Technology Help group, send an email toBrian Hoile at cbtechnology.help@gmail.com
Brian Hoile, Technology Help Group
Just off the coast of Santa Pola, the island of Tabarca remains one of Alicante province’s most rewarding summer day trips: a compact Mediterranean escape where turquoise waters, fortified streets, seafood restaurants and a slower island rhythm come together in one unforgettable visit.
Small enough to explore in a day, yet atmospheric enough to make visitors wish they had stayed longer, Tabarca offers a rare sense of disconnection within easy reach of the Costa Blanca. Its appeal begins before arrival, with the boat crossing itself forming part of the experience: the mainland slips away, the sea deepens in colour, and the island gradually appears as a low, sunlit silhouette on the horizon.
The main draw is the sea. Tabarca’s surrounding waters are protected as a marine reserve, making the island especially popular for swimming, snorkelling and boat trips. Its coves and rocky bathing spots reveal the kind of clear Mediterranean water that has made Tabarca a summer classic. Visitors often arrive with a simple plan: swim, walk, eat well and let the day unfold without hurry.
But Tabarca is far more than a beach stop. Its historic centre has a distinctive character, with low whitewashed houses, quiet lanes, defensive walls, old gateways and open corners where the sea suddenly fills the view.
A slow walk through the village is one of the best ways to enjoy the island: passing through its streets, pausing at viewpoints, wandering towards the church or the port, and allowing the maritime atmosphere to do the rest.
Food is another essential part of the visit. The island’s signature dish is caldero tabarquino, a traditional fish stew closely linked to its seafaring identity.
In summer, booking a restaurant table in advance is strongly recommended, especially at weekends and during peak holiday periods.
Getting to Tabarca is straightforward. The most frequent route is from Santa Pola, where ferries and water taxis usually make the crossing in around 15 to 25 minutes.
Boats also operate from Alicante, with a longer crossing of around one hour from the city port, while seasonal excursions are available from Torrevieja and, in some cases, organised day trips from other Costa Blanca resorts.
Travellers should always check timetables before setting off, as schedules vary by season, sea conditions and operator.
For a full day out, visitors should bring swimwear, water shoes, sun protection, a towel and drinking water.
There is little need for a strict itinerary. Tabarca is best enjoyed slowly: a morning swim, a walk through the old town, lunch by the sea, another dip in the afternoon and a final look back from the boat as the island fades into the blue.
Tabarca’s fortified shoreline and crystal clear waters remain one of the Costa Blanca’s classic summer escapes.
With a background in family and matrimonial mediation, life coach Sara Bell supports The Leader’s readers in navigating everyday concerns.
If you are experiencing challenges in your relationships, family life, work, or any other area of life, help is available. Email your question to office@theleader.info.
My girlfriends and I have been like sisters for years, sharing the births of our children, school, social outings etc.
We were all there for one-another in good times and bad; but things of late changed when a girl 'joined' our group after moving to the area.
At first I liked her, she has kids the same age and has recently had another little one.
The group have always helped out where we can, and particularly if one of us is struggling. For instance we would step in if the kids needed taking to school, or picking up....it worked until recently. This new girl, I feel is taking advantage.
There are five of us; we have a WhatsApp group, and I don't like this newcomers attitude. She expects help at every turn, and I believe she asks too much.
She has a partner who should share the load and what she is asking of us; her partner should be doing.
It is starting to encroach on our weekends. Also, and this is the most annoying and upsetting part for me; I was asked to babysit while she and another girl from the group went out together. We could all see that this new girl, and our friend were 'hitting it off', and a bit of a divide was beginning.
Their night out was posted on the WhatsApp group later like it was nothing, which I found staggering. I contacted the other girls privately to ask if I was being unreasonable, and the others agreed with me that these were steps too far, and we are all feeling we were deliberately left out and that I was taken advantage of.
Iwould suggest you all get together as soon as possible. Discussions should take place face to face, and not on the WhatsApp group.
You have all 'been there' previously for each other, and up until now the arrangement and friendship has worked well.
A new girl has entered your group and has pushed the limits, which now need resetting. You can write a kind of charter of how the group needs to function on a practical level.
It might sound a bit 'business-like', but if it's there for all to adhere to; it will work and no one can complain. Annoying as it is that your former girlfriend has now 'palled up' with this new girl, it can totally happen when two souls are alike. However, it is bang out of order that these two girls
ADAPT Detectorists Strike
Gold with Chain Recovery
There was a happy ending at La Zenia beach last week thanks to the ADAPT Metal Detecting Club’s Search and Recovery Service.
On Friday evening, the club received a call from a distressed man who had lost his 110-gram chain in the sea. He was unable to search for it himself, as the beach had been closed due to rough seas.
The ADAPT search team was quickly alerted and, by Saturday morning, conditions had improved enough for them to begin looking. Although the owner was able to indicate the general area where the chain had been lost, there was no guarantee it would still be there after being battered by the waves overnight.
A careful search began, and after a determined effort, team member Darren successfully located the heavy chain in the sand.
The owner was present at the beach and was delighted when Darren handed it back to him. He thanked the team for their fast response, effort and successful recovery.
For the ADAPT Metal Detecting Club, it was another successful search — and, appropriately enough, a great chain reaction.
1. Cary Grant (no. 2) and Charlie Chaplin (no. 10).
2. The White House and Graceland. 3. The Indian players were not allowed to play their matches barefoot. 4. Set. (circa 464 definitions). 5. Names of professional football players. 6. a. Gianna Nannini, b. Ricky Martin. 7. Throat. 8. Hold their testicles. 9. Pillbox hat. 10. a. I Don't Like Mondays (Boomtown Rats). b. Friday On My Mind (The Easybeats). c. Ruby Tuesday (Rolling Stones). d. Sunday Bloody Sunday (U2). e. Saturday Nights All Right (For
Fighting) (Elton John). 11. Onion. (Latin 'unio'). 12. USA (1991, 1999, 2015), Germany (2003, 2007), Norway (1995), Japan (2011) and Spain (2023). 13. a. Alien or Aliens. b. Avatar. c. The Fifth Element. 14. Vuvuzela. (or Lepatata). 15. Snakes. 16. Yul Brynner. (in 'The Ten Commandments' and 'The King and I'). 17. Israel and Palestine. 18. a. Brazil. b. Portugal vs Holland which became known as "The battle of Nuremberg. 19. Grass. (Different types of grass). 20. 1974. (England failed to qualify)
should have gone off together, asking another member to babysit and then posting up what fun they had. This is why you need a charter.
A charter should cover things like Mission and Purpose, Roles and Responsibilities etc whilst maintaining friendships, avoiding singling out and hurting feelings, and not losing sight of why you all have worked well together in the past.
SUDUK
When older adults stop dyeing their hair, decline to host family holidays, or go to bed early without apology, it is often misread as a sign of decline.
In reality, it may be something far more positive: the quiet release of decades of social performance.
For much of adult life, people are expected
to present themselves in ways that meet the demands of work, family, marriage, parenting and social convention.
Hair is coloured, meals are hosted, gatherings are attended, and tiredness is pushed aside because life appears to require it.
These actions are not necessarily false, but they are often shaped more by expectation than desire.
By later life, that pressure can begin to loosen. The woman who stops visiting the salon every four weeks may not be neglecting herself.
She may simply want to see what her natural hair looks like.
The parent who no longer wants to host Christmas may not love the family any less. They may be tired of the shopping, cooking, cleaning and emotional management that large family gatherings require. The person who goes to bed at 8.45pm is not being antisocial. They may finally be listening to their body.
Older age often brings a sharper sense of what matters. Time feels more valuable, and the energy once spent maintaining appearances may be redirected towards rest, health, hobbies, grandchildren, friendships or peace. What can look like withdrawal from the outside may feel, from the inside, like relief.
Families often struggle with this change because they are attached to the roles older relatives have played for decades.
A mother who always hosted, stayed up late and looked the same each year offered
a familiar kind of comfort. When she stops, relatives may interpret it as a warning sign.
But sometimes what they are really mourning is the loss of a version of her that made life easier for everyone else.
This is especially true for older women, who have often carried the invisible labour of family life: planning, cooking, remembering, smoothing over tensions and making occasions feel special. Letting go of those duties is not selfish. It may be overdue. Of course, not every change is purely liberating. Some older adults stop doing things because of health, money or caregiving pressures. Others continue dyeing their hair or hosting because they genuinely enjoy it. The point is not that one choice is better than another. The point is that, in later life, the choice should belong to the person making it.
Ageing well does not have to mean pretending to be young.
Sometimes it means becoming more honest: with the body, with the calendar, with the mirror, and with the people who have grown used to asking too much.
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 : August and September 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
CORNERSTONE PENTECOSTALEVANGELICAL CHURCH
Sunday Service 11.00am
C/Escultor Ribera Girona 67
Pilar de la Horadada
Join us for a multitude of activities, coffee mornings, excercise, bereavement group https://pilarchurch.com philm.cornerstone@gmail.com
HOPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
English speaking interdenominational church in La Marina welcoming all nationalities and church backgrounds.
Sunday Worship 11am with Holy Communion on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month.
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 CCAsocial 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
PERSONALSERVICES
TORREVIEJA. BRAZILIAN MATURE LADY
Offers relaxing therapeutic massage and holistic therapy. Silky hands and waxing. Hotel/home or outings. I use natural products to improve health. 674 674 932
ROYAL NAVAL ASSN, 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
ALMORADI
SCRABBLE CLUB
Why not give SCRABBLE a try. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at Cafe Almoradi, opposite the health centre.
From 3:00 - 5:30 For further info, contact Christine on 694 437 698
Wednesday of each month at 1700 hrs at Silverstone’s 2023 (Bar/Restaurant). Av. Romero, 03176 Montebello, Contact: For Membership Carl Louden; email: carllouden@msn.com or Phone +34 678 518 202
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.
THE CHURCH COURSE at St. Enodoc Golf Club, Cornwall, takes it’s name from the tiny 13th century church that stands to the right of the 10th green (One of Peter Alliss’s favourites) near the cave of Enodoc, a 6th centuy hermit.
The 6th green involves a blind second shot over the “Himalayas” a towering 75ft high bunker. Other holes play high above the Camel Estuary, offering great views across to Padstow.
The church itself can only be reached by a footpath crossing the fairway. For 300 years shifting sands effectively buried the church, locals then excavated it and stabilized the dunes.In the 18th century the vicar had to be lowered through a hole in the roof to peform the rites necessary to keep it sanctified.
Poet Laureate and keen golfer Sir John Betjeman, who holidayed in the area as a child, loved the Church course and is buried in St. Enodoc churchyard.
Doubtless he composed his poem “Seaside Golf” after a blissful game, safe in the assurance that neither wife nor girlfriend would suddenly appear over the dunes.
Seaside Golf: “A glorious sailing bounding drive, that made me glad I was alive.” Unforgettable, as is the parody penned by Lord Butler: “I hit the damn thing on the head, it made me wish that I was dead.” Check it on Google if you want a good chuckle.
JORDAN SPIETH reckons that betting is the main cause of crowd interference at U.S. tournaments.
“Betting in golf is something that’s going to have to be tackled soon”, he says. “It’s noticeably increased in the last five years. Fans on the course can bet up to $10,000 on their smartphone. Then they can influence a single golf shot by, say, shouting during a player’s backswing.”
Of course alcohol plays a great part in America. Not so much in the UK, by the time the fans have paid the train fare and entrance fee they can’t afford to get sloshed.
WYNDHAM CLARK and Sergio Garcia both tend to derail when losing. Bobby Jones had a similar problem when he was younger.
He tended to chuck clubs about, and failed to finish on his Open debut at St. Andrews in 1921 aged 19, tearing up his score card at the 11th and walking off the course in disgust.
He soon realised that he would need to calm down if he wanted to win tournaments, and in 1926 a serene Bobby Jones, having cured his quick temper himself, collected the first of his three claret jugs at Royal Lytham St. Annes.
Wyndham is now accompanied by a female psychologist who keeps him under control. We don’t know if Sergio has solved his problem, he was attacked by a chicken lasagne and failed to qualify for the Open.
A brain training program exists for golfers with short fuses: ‘Pro Mental Coach’ based in Florida.
Beginning with an assessment of the golfer’s game, it produces an interactive mental
coaching programme. "Exergames" replicate stressful on-course situations, exercising different areas of the brain to increase focus and mental strength. Cost; $139.95 for 20 minutes three times a week. Enough to raise anybody’s stress levels.
IN 2022 DARREN CLARKE won the Senior Open at Kings Course, Gleneagles, joining the celebrated players who won both the Senior Open and the Open. His Open victory at Royal St. Georges in 2011 was Clarke’s 20th attempt at the claret jug. He had grown up playing links golf, and having moved back to Northern Ireland in 2010 he had spent all the previous winter playing Royal Portrush.
SHEERIN’S “COURT CHALLENGE PLAQUE”
This is the second year of playing for the Court Challenge Trophy Sponsored by our Vice President Brian Court and his wife Kim.
On a rearranged course at the last minute we met at Altorreal, after Alicante had double booked us in with another society.
We had an early tee time of 9.12am before the weather got very hot and sunny with a temperature of 90 degrees.
The course was in good condition from the fairways to the greens, most of the tee boxes were on the whites which made it a very long course?
The format was singles full handicap Stableford split into two groups.
Winner of the “Court Challenge Trophy” from group A, was “Usain” John Bolt with a great score of 41 points, runner up was Terry Hall with 36 points and third place went to “Watch this Drive” Andy Godfrey with 33 pts.
Winner of group B, was “Magic Mike” Mike Sharlot with 34 points, runner up on count back was “SAT NAV” Steve Day with 32 points and third place was “Master Plumber” Nick Chambers also with 32 points. Nearest the pin’s winners were group A hole 6 Terry Hall hole 12, John Bolt, hole 15, believe it or not there was no winner!
Group B hole 4 Bob Day, hole 9 Tom Goulden, hole 17 no winner, best front 9 went Steve Burns with 16 points and best back 9 went to Paul Jones with 18 points.
The e60 two’s pot was not won so e75 will in the pot
for the next game. There were two football cards first one was won by Donnie Sheerin with Hull City, the second card was won by Paul Jones with Arsenal both winning e40 and raising e80 for our charities 2026. We would like to thank Kellie, Katie and staff at Sheerin’s Bar for the great hospitality.
Picture above shows Vice Chairman Brian Court presenting the Trophy to John Bolt.
“I was playing in five layers of clothing in weather you wouldn’t let the dogs out in,” he says. This turned out to be good preparation for an Open played on the Kent coast in monsoon conditions, with marquees taking off and torrents of rain lashing players and spectators.
This month the Senior open will be held at Gleneagles again, and Darren is hoping to repeat his triumph. Padraig Harrington, fresh from his US Senior Open victory, will be trying to stop him.
Better tell Gleneagles to get in plenty of Guiness.
Until next time, Happy Golfing.
THE CHURCH COURSE at St. Enodoc Golf Club, Cornwall
Bright, blazing hot and bone dry up at Las Colinas on Wednesday morning, with the temperature already touching 38°C – a far cry from the dark, grey January conditions of one of our previous visits.
The course remains a firm favourite, though on a day like this there was no debate: everyone sensibly chose to buggy and conserve energy wherever possible.
Andrea and her team were, as ever, efficient and welcoming, and the course was presented in superb condition.
The greens were perhaps a tad slower than expected, no doubt feeling the effects of the heat, but the views, setting and general quality of Las Colinas more than made up for it.
With two late cancellations we ended up with a field of 41, boosted by an excellent influx of nine neighbours visiting from La Finca – the more the merrier, especially when they bring good humour and a bit of extra competition.
We were also pleased to welcome back our ViceCaptain, Paul Lambert, after his spell away while his
wrist was healing. After the round, most sensibly opted for the cool of the indoors rather than the very pretty, but very warm, terrace area.
We were all eventually called outside for the presentation, hosted by the Vice-Captain, as the Captain was already on his way to Miami to watch the England game – clearly suffering for the Society! The results went as follows:
Gold: Darren Hancock (36 points)
Silver: John Simmons (34 points)
Bronze: Phil de Lacy (37 points and best score of the day but never a Bronze player normally!)
Four “Twos” this week from Darren Strugnell, Darren Hancock x 2 and Drew Niblock. Nearest the Pins were Guy Wade Palmer (5th), Brian Reid (7th), Carol Ferguson (10th), Peter Baldwin (14th) and Darren Hancock(17th).
The football card was won by Mick Cook with Newcastle. The McBride Bottle was eventually accepted by Paul Lambert and due to the number of guests we had, the top three scores were Neil Gibson (33 points), Sean Davey (30 points) and Carol Ferguson (29 points). Thank you all.
Keep up to date with SMGS via our website www.smgs.org. We are proud to be supported by Michaela Schmidt at www.golf-hotspots.com for all your golf travel requirements.
Back to Lo Romero next week, another of our favourite courses.
Photos L-R - Cameron Hogg-Maclean (drastically taking the average age down!), Darren Strugnell (Gold 3rd/2s & NTP), Darren Hancock (Gold 1st/2s/NTPs), Mick Cook (Footie Card), Lee Eastman (President), Phil de Lacy (Bronze!), Stuart Tosh (Golf 2nd), John Simmons (Silver), Paul Lambert (McBride Bottle) and Drew Niblock (2s) and Sean Davey (one of the best guests).
