Edition 1147 Monday 28th Sept - Sunday 4th Oct 2026
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19 ore than 200 tremors are recorded across Alicante province each year. Most are too small to feel, but the Vega Baja lies in the most seismically hazardous part of the Valencian Community.
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Beneath Alicante, the ground is almost never completely still. The Valencian Community Seismic Network, SISCOVA, records more than 200 earthquakes in the province each year, although the vast majority are so small that residents never feel them. The figure is striking, particularly after a noticeable tremor. It does not mean that hundreds of dangerous earthquakes are occurring. It does show, however, that Alicante sits in an active seismic region with a history of far more powerful events. The movement begins deep below the surface. According to geological outreach group GeoAlicante, the Nubian tectonic plate beneath Africa and the Eurasian plate are moving towards one another at approximately five millimetres a year. That slow, relentless pressure helps explain the earthquakes detected across the province.
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FROM PAGE ONE THE GROUND IS NEVER STILL
Nowhere in the Valencian Community is the seismic hazard greater than in the Vega Baja. The area is crossed by a system of faults associated with some of the strongest earthquakes in Alicante’s recorded history. The most devastating reminder is the Torrevieja earthquake of 1829, estimated to have reached magnitude 6.5. Its place in local history remains a warning of what the ground beneath the southern part of the province is capable of producing. Another significant earthquake struck the Jacarilla–Torremendo area in 1919. At magnitude 5.5, it is identified in SISCOVA records as the strongest earthquake of the region’s instrumental period. A key part of this picture is the Lower Segura Fault system. It extends through southern Alicante and continues eastwards beneath the Mediterranean Sea. Its effects are reflected in geological folds associated with the Hurchillo, Benejúzar and Guardamar ranges. Together, the fault system and the historical record explain why the Bajo Segura stands out on maps of seismic hazard. The risk does not end at the southern edge of the province, however. The l’Alcoià area in northern Alicante has also experienced damaging earthquakes, including significant events in 1620 and 1644. COULD ANOTHER MAJOR EARTHQUAKE STRIKE? History shows that it is possible. What scientists cannot determine is the precise day,
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location or magnitude of a future event. Monitoring can reveal where tremors occur and improve understanding of active faults, but it cannot provide an exact prediction. That uncertainty makes public awareness valuable. Knowing how earthquakes happen, recognising the risk in a particular area and understanding what to do during a strong tremor are more useful than treating every small, recorded quake as a warning of an imminent disaster. Those questions were explored at the University of Alicante last Friday, during European Researchers’ Night.
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences demonstrated how a seismograph detects movement, explained how seismic waves travel and offered an interactive look at how faults work. Most of Alicante’s 200-plus annual tremors will continue to pass unnoticed. But the province’s seismic past, particularly in the Vega Baja, is a reminder that rare, powerful earthquakes are part of its history - and that preparation matters precisely because nobody knows when the next one will come.
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Foreign Residents Outnumber Spaniards in 13 Alicante Municipalities The greatest concentrations are found in the province’s major cities and coastal communities, with just five municipalities accounting for almost half of Alicante’s foreign population. oreign nationals now make up the majority of the population in 13 municipalities across Alicante province, with Rojales recording one of the highest proportions.
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Alicante has one of Spain’s largest foreign populations, ranking behind only Madrid and Barcelona in the number of non-Spanish residents. At the beginning of 2025, almost 497,000 foreign nationals were registered in the province. Provisional figures from the National Statistics Institute suggest that the number exceeded 656,000 during the first half of 2026—around a quarter of Alicante’s total population. However, foreign residents are not evenly distributed. The greatest concentrations are found in the province’s major cities and coastal communities, with just five municipalities accounting for almost half of Alicante’s foreign population. Outside these areas, overseas residents are particularly concentrated along the northern and southern coastlines. Their presence is generally lower in inland municipalities and across the Vinalopó region. According to the report Statistical Overview of the Foreign Population in the Province of Alicante, prepared by the Migration Secretariat of the Diocese of Orihuela, foreign nationals now outnumber Spanish citizens in 13 municipalities. In five of these towns, around six out of every ten residents are foreigners. Rojales is among the most striking examples. Of its approximately 17,500 residents, almost 12,000 are foreign nationals. British residents form a particularly large part of the
population, while around half of all foreign citizens in the municipality are Europeans from outside the European Union—primarily UK nationals. Nearby San Fulgencio also has a foreign population of approximately 66 per cent. In the small Vega Baja municipality of Daya Vieja, 452 of its 714 residents are foreign nationals. A similar pattern can be seen in Benitatxell and Llíber, in the north of the province, where more than 60 per cent of residents are foreign. These municipalities share a particularly high concentration of European citizens, especially Britons and other non-EU nationals. Foreign residents also form a majority in several smaller inland communities. In Murla, which has a population of around 574, more than half of those registered are nonSpanish. In Hondón de los Frailes, 728 of the municipality’s 1,323 residents are foreign nationals. Coastal towns and municipalities close to major tourist areas also feature prominently. Foreign citizens account for approximately 54 per cent of Calp’s population, while around half of the residents of Finestrat and l’Alfás del Pi are foreign nationals. British Remain Alicante’s Largest Foreign Community With more than 68,000 registered residents, British nationals remain the largest foreign community in Alicante province. However, the composition of the foreign population varies considerably between municipalities. British and Ukrainian residents are especially prominent in areas with the highest overall proportion of foreign nationals. In Alicante city, around onethird of its more than 76,600 foreign residents come from South America. By contrast, more than half of the foreign population in Albatera is of African origin, with a similar pattern found in Almoradí and other municipalities with strong agricultural economies.
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ORIHUELA COSTA RESERVOIR CONTRACT AWARDED The existing facility at El Canal in Los Dolses
Orihuela Council has awarded a e1.87 million contract to build a second drinking water reservoir beside the existing facility at El Canal in Los Dolses. The new reservoir will hold 6,000 cubic metres, doubling storage at the site and increasing the estimated supply reserve during a disruption from five to ten hours.
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Costa has appealed against a decision to exclude its alternative plan for coastal services from an extraordinary district board meeting. PIOC says members were invited to submit proposals and argues that its document should have been debated. Orihuela Council says it missed the deadline for that meeting and will be considered at the next session. The plan calls for improvements to water, schools, healthcare, policing and waste collection, with budgets and deadlines for each measure. It also presents separation from Orihuela municipality as a long-term goal. The board approved its original needs assessment after PIOC members left the meeting.
VEHICLE GRANTS FOR SMALL BUSINESS AND AUTÓNOMOS
Contractor Cesyr Estudios y Construcción is expected to complete the work in eight months. The project is the first phase of a wider plan to improve Orihuela Costa’s water supply after decades of concern about limited capacity. Further intakes, pumping facilities and pipelines will still be needed to meet the plan’s wider aims.
PIOC CHALLENGES BOARD EXCLUSION The Party for the Independence of Orihuela
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Auto+ vehicle grants from 10am on 1 October. The e50 million scheme reserves e8 million for autónomos and e42 million for companies. Self-employed applicants and microbusinesses can receive up to e6,000 for an eligible passenger car or e7,500 for a light commercial vehicle. Grants of up to e12,000 for vans are limited to specified professional activities and qualifying zero-emission vehicles.
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arate disciplinary investigation remains open.
WELCOME TO THE WEEKEND AS EARTHQUAKE FELT ACROSS VEGA BAJA ON FRIDAY
All vehicles must have Spain’s CERO environmental label. Applicants must meet registration, tax and Social Security requirements. Applications close on 31 December unless funding runs out sooner.
TORREVIEJA OFFICER HURT BY ACCIDENTAL GUNSHOT A Torrevieja local police officer suffered a minor arm injury when a colleague accidentally fired his service pistol in the station armoury on August 5. The bullet struck a hard surface, sending fragments into the officer’s arm. Hospital X-rays found no embedded fragment. The officer who fired acknowledged that he had not checked the chamber properly and had handled the pistol outside the designated safety area. He apologised, citing possible haste and stress.
Businesses and self-employed workers in Spain can apply for a new round of Plan
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His weapon was temporarily withdrawn, but that measure was lifted after he completed firearms safety training in September. A sep-
A magnitude 3.5 earthquake was felt across parts of the Vega Baja and Murcia on Friday morning. Spain’s National Geographic Institute placed the epicentre near San Javier, Murcia, and recorded the tremor at 11.04am at a depth of eight kilometres. The quake reached a maximum reported intensity of IV on the European Macroseismic Scale, meaning it was widely felt near the epicentre. Residents in several nearby towns reported the movement. Murcia’s 112 emergency service received 35 calls about the earthquake, but reported no injuries or property damage. No other incidents had been reported in its immediate aftermath.
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Priority for Pedestrians Across Shared Streets OVERALL CRIME rom 1 October 2026, drivers in Spain must give way to pedestrians anywhere along shared streets where the pavement and carriageway are at the same level. In these areas, pedestrians will have priority even where there is no marked crossing.
FALLS IN THREE VEGA BAJA TOWNS
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Updated traffic rules also require drivers to yield at marked crossings and in pedestrian areas. They must give way when turning into a road that pedestrians are already
The changes aim to protect vulnerable road users. crossing, even without a crossing, and when driving across a hard shoulder used by pedestrians who have no walking area. Priority also applies to passengers moving between public transport and the nearest pavement or refuge at a marked stop, as well as to school lines and organised processions. The changes aim to protect vulnerable road users. They do not give pedestrians priority when crossing every road at any point.
Recorded crime fell in Orihuela, Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada during the first half of 2026, according to provisional figures from Spain’s Ministry of the Interior. The largest reduction among the three was in Torrevieja, although increases in several serious offence categories temper the positive overall picture. Torrevieja recorded 4,370 offences between January and June, down 9.4% from 4,822 in the same period last year. Thefts fell from 1,337 to 1,198, while robberies involving violence or intimidation declined from 153 to 127. In Orihuela, the total dropped 7%, from 2,454 to 2,282. Burglaries and other breakins fell from 369 to 215, vehicle thefts more than halved from 58 to 27, and attempted homicides decreased from four to one. These were substantial improvements in offences affecting homes, businesses and
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motorists. Pilar de la Horadada recorded a smaller overall reduction, from 766 to 755 offences. Home burglaries fell from 71 to 48, while reported sexual offences decreased from nine to five. The broader decline was not shared by Almoradí, where recorded offences rose 27.6%, from 514 to 656. Thefts increased from 89 to 147, prompting Vox councillor María González to call on the PP-led council to explain the figures and outline its response. The overall improvements elsewhere also sit alongside concerning rises. Orihuela recorded 27 sexual offences, up from 17, including six sexual assaults involving penetration compared with one last year. Torrevieja recorded three completed homicides after none in the corresponding period of 2025, and sexual assaults involving penetration rose from 11 to 14. Computer fraud increased in Orihuela, Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada. In Almoradí, cybercrime also rose. All figures relate to offences recorded by police and remain provisional. The figures show an encouraging fall in recorded crime
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ORIHUELA EDUCATION COUNCILLOR VICENTE PINA has survived an opposition attempt to force his resignation over the closure of CEIP Virgen de la Puerta. The governing PP–Vox coalition rejected a joint PSOE–Cambiemos motion, backed by Ciudadanos, as protesting parents gathered outside Thursday’s council meeting. Opposition councillors accused Pina of mishandling the disruption to 302 pupils and demanded a timetable for temporary classrooms and a replacement school. Pina defended his record and said plans were being processed. Vox acknowledged that communication could have been better but argued that the motion unfairly placed sole responsibility on him. No firm dates were announced.
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FLOOD FEARS OVER CAMPOAMOR HOUSING PLAN
The mouth of the Rio Nacimiento during heavy rain, close to the proposed development A change to a protected corridor beside the Nacimiento river in Dehesa de Campoamor has cleared a planning obstacle for a proposed 64-home development, despite continuing concerns about flood risk. The Valencian Government has approved an adjustment to the coastal protection map affecting 6,286 square metres near Calle Rosa Montero. It allows Orihuela’s proposed planning amendment for plots U-1, U-2 and U-3 to move towards final approval. The revised scheme would provide 64 terraced homes, compared with 24 previously planned. The 1.8-hectare site lies within a Natura 2000 protected area and close to the normally dry riverbed, which overflowed during the September 2019 DANA storm. Under the Pativel coastal plan, the river corridor links La Glea beach with natural areas towards Sierra Escalona. The developer says the boundary change affects less than five per cent of the corridor and would allow a new green area to
be created on land that could otherwise be built on. It also proposes retaining existing vegetation. Residents and environmental groups argue that part of the development site is exposed to flooding. They say about 5,000 square metres, potentially accommodating up to 30 homes, could flood. The developer disputes that the homes would occupy a critical risk area, citing a Segura River Basin Authority report. A 2023 regional environmental assessment found no flood danger affecting the area covered by the planning change. Orihuela City Council says the proposed housing plots lie outside the mapped 500-year flood zone. The proposal dates back to an earlier residential scheme and has been under amendment since 2015. Regional planners raised an objection in July 2025 because the Pativel boundary had not been resolved. The latest decision addresses that issue, but the plan still requires final approval.
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‘To err is human...’ Almost everybody will agree that we all make mistakes. The only exception I ever knew to this rule was my father. “I don’t make mistakes,” he declared when my brother Willie ventured, “I think you are making a mistake, Daddy!” Anyway, if the rest of us mere mortals admit that we all make mistakes, why are so many mistake-makers averse to admitting it and uttering the simplest of words: “sorry”? Ali MacGraw delivered a famous line in the film Love Story, and it became the closing argument of many a tiff in many a house: “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Has nobody ever questioned the accuracy of that claim? Ali got paid an awful lot more for saying it than this humble scribe will get for contradicting her, but, ladies and gentlemen, she was way off the mark. On the contrary, I put it to you that love means often having to say you’re sorry. Remember, to err is human. Humans often get it wrong, or perhaps hit a miserable patch on a bad day. We can snap or snarl at a loved one. Do you mean to tell me that the correct approach is not to say “sorry” once things have cooled down? Surely apologising says more about a person’s character than believing they never have to apologise for anything. Now that we have started on this topic, would any of you agree that people seem far more disinclined to offer an apology nowadays than a generation ago? There are bigger egos out there, attached to people who have an inflated opinion of their own importance. As well as ego, the reluctance to admit an error and apologise has much to do with wanting to control the narrative and pro-
tecting one’s self-esteem. People with a strong sense of entitlement, or a touch of narcissism, cannot even consider that they might be wrong and the other fellow might be right. There are bad examples from the top when it comes to never apologising. Can you remember hearing a politician say, “I got it wrong, and I’m sorry”? Politicians equip themselves with all the tools and fancy footwork needed to avoid ever coming close to admitting, “You are right, I was wrong, and I apologise.” Even when a politician is held to account for some transgression and has to say something, at best it will be a qualified apology and a watered-down “sorry”. But we are not picking on our excellent, hard-working politicians—particularly in comparison with those in many other countries—because our elected representatives reflect the sort of society we are. A half-apology can sometimes make the injured party feel worse. If you are going to apologise, go the whole hog. Not: “If I inadvertently hurt you with what I said, it’s not what I meant,” or, “If you took the wrong meaning from my words, I didn’t mean to be offensive.” Or, if you really want to keep digging: “Perhaps you are a little too sensitive about that subject!” “When I referred to you as a cow, I was thinking of the most beautiful, much-loved cow we had at home years ago... and besides, Mick shouldn’t have told you what I said!” Seriously, though, a sincere apology can make two people feel good. Given that we all agree we make mistakes, saying sorry should come naturally to us. The word “pride” springs to mind here.
Pride tugging against an attempted apology There is a fear that your apology might not be accepted and that you will be humiliated in the process. But you won’t be, because there is great relief in doing the right thing, no matter how the other person reacts. Most often, an apology is valued and cherished, and the person who says “sorry” rises in the estimation of others. Far from being a sign of weakness, saying “I’m sorry” shows self-assurance and character. Michael O’Leary’s recent apology for the inappropriate use of a word is a perfect example of how to deliv-
er a genuine, unqualified apology. I like to think I am good at apologising when I get it wrong. The Lads might say I get it wrong often enough to have loads of practice! When we apologise, it should be sincere and focused on the other person. “I’m sorry you feel hurt,” “I’m sorry you misunderstood me,” and “I’m sorry I’m not perfect” are not apologies. “Sorry” on its own will often do. One thing I shall never do again is apologise when I know I’m right. There are a couple of such incidents stuck in my craw: occasions when I said “sorry” for peace’s sake or to close an argument. That leaves a sour taste. Don’t Forget “Never ruin an apology with an excuse.” — Benjamin Franklin
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Alicante records hottest summer in at least 150 years Alicante experienced its hottest summer in at least 150 years, according to Spain’s state meteorological agency, AEMET. The city also recorded 15 nights when temperatures stayed above 25°C, breaking the previous record of 14 set in 2015. Across the Valencian Community, the average temperature from June to August was 26°C, or 2.7 degrees above normal. Rainfall was 45% below the seasonal average. AEMET described the summer as extremely hot and dry, with repeated heatwaves and little overnight relief. Extreme heat prompted five red weather alerts in the region, the most issued in a single year since Spain’s Meteoalerta system began in 2006. The Mediterranean offered little respite. Sea surface temperatures in the Balearic Sea region were 2.5 degrees above normal, making it the warmest summer for those waters since at least 1940. Buoys off Alicante recorded temperatures exceeding 30°C. Despite the overall dryness, isolated storms brought intense downpours while dry thunderstorms helped to trigger forest fires. AEMET expects autumn to be warmer than average, with a 60–70% probability across Spain.
Mazón refuses to answer questions on deadly DANA floods Former Valencian president Carlos Mazón declined to answer key questions at a congressional inquiry into the October 2024 DANA, which killed 232 people in Valencia province. During Monday’s hearing, Mazón repeatedly said he would not answer or referred MPs to his earlier statement. He has not voluntarily provided WhatsApp messages and call records from the day of the floods, despite a request from investigating judge
Nuria Ruiz Tobarra. He also declined to say whether he would give them to the committee if formally asked. Mazón cited a Valencian High Court ruling that found insufficient evidence to open an investigation against him, arguing that legal responsibility was a matter for the courts. His legal submission reportedly maintains that he could not have intervened until after 8pm and questions whether an earlier emergency alert would have saved lives. The ruling leaves separate questions about his movements, communications and decisions. Families of the 232 victims are still seeking a clear account of what happened.
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Try EASY Exercise for FREE YES, try EASY Exercise for FREE, call or whatsapp 663 771 345 today to book a FREE trial. As we get older our bodies gradually slow down. Some things we must live with, but our mobility and flexibility can be improved and maintained at EASY Exercise. If you or someone close to you shuffles rather than walks, spends hours sitting in an easy chair, or is thinking about buying a walker or mobility scooter then call 663 771 345 to book a FREE trial at EASY Exercise, Sophia Wellness Centre, La Regia (Cabo Roig). At EASY Exercise There is no pain, no heavy lifting, no running or jumping, it is exactly the opposite. The motorized machines move you while you sit or lie down comfortably. EASY Exercise works on a complete range of muscles without straining you or causing you any pain or discomfort. Too good to be true? We offer you a FREE trial, so you can see for yourself. At EASY Exercise we have 3 different circuits to choose from, each designed for different levels of mobility and flexibility. So whether you are recovering from a serious operation or just trying to slow down the aging process, we have a circuit suitable for you. At EASY Exercise each of our 30 comfortable machines are motorized and designed to move different muscles to give you a gentle but effective workout. You will be seated or lying down for each exercise there is no bodyweight pressure on any of your joints. EASY Exercise is designed to significantly improve and then maintain your mobility, flexibility, circulation and to reduce pain. EASY Exercise is open Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 1pm or 2pm at peak times and costs only 55e per month. Most members use the centre 2 or 3 times a week. A session lasts 45 minutes, and you do not need special clothing or footwear, just bring a bath sized towel and a pair of socks for hygiene purposes. You choose which of the 3 circuits best suits your needs. Our appointment system avoids delays and helps you make the most of your time in the centre.
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Torrevieja Income Gap among Spain’s Top Ten orrevieja ranks tenth in Spain for income inequality among municipalities with more than 50,000 residents, according to a study by the Foundation for Applied Economic Studies (Fedea) using 2023 data.
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ANOTHER STORM, ANOTHER FLOOD, AND ANOTHER COUNCIL FAILURE ..... By Tomas Moreno The latest flooding of the N-332 underpass in Playa Flamenca has renewed questions over why a drainage project identified almost a decade ago has still not begun. After torrential rain last Saturday, the underpass near Orihuela Costa’s town hall was almost completely submerged.
Elda, also in Alicante province, ranks seventh Torrevieja sits at the lower end of the income scale while Pozuelo de A high ranking does not mean a municipality has the highest Alarcón, near Madrid, incomes: Torrevieja and Elda have relatively modest average tops the list. incomes, while several other places in the top ten are affluent. The researchers used the Gini coefficient, which measures how unevenly income is distributed.
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The findings point to a wide gap between Torrevieja residents’ incomes. The study does not establish what causes that gap, but it adds to questions about how the benefits of the coastal city’s growth are shared.
Two Britons Held After 84kg Cocaine Seizure in Alicante Two British nationals have been remanded in custody after Spanish officers seized more than 84kg of cocaine allegedly destined for the UK. One suspect was arrested after trying to flee a roadside check in Alicante. Officers stopped his van and found 17kg of cocaine concealed in a hidden compartment. The following day, investigators searched properties in Finestrat and Elche, recover-
ing a further 67kg of cocaine and arresting a second British suspect. They also found a cannabis plantation, 1kg of packaged cannabis, cash, weapons and luxury goods. Spain’s tax agency said two vehicles had been modified with concealed compartments to transport drugs. The investigation remains open, and officers have not ruled out further arrests.
The image drew nearly 100,000 social media views and more than 160 shares, reflecting residents’ frustration with a problem that has disrupted the area for over 20 years. Heavy rain repeatedly makes the underpass impassable, cutting routes used by several residential communities and raising concerns about public safety. A stormwater master plan prepared by Hidraqua in 2016 and adopted by the coun-
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cil’s Infrastructure Department proposed a new collector to address the flooding. The work was then estimated at e423,138. It was finally put out to tender nine years later in January 2025 with a budget of just over e500,000, with the contract finally awarded on December 26. Nine months later, there is still no visible sign of construction or a publicly confirmed start date. The contract reportedly provides for three months of work, making completion before early 2027 increasingly uncertain. Successive administrations have had opportunities to tackle the flooding. The current PP–Vox government, now more than three years into its term, faces mounting pressure to explain why an awarded project remains stalled. Residents need a firm timetable. Until the collector is built, every spell of intense rain risks bringing the same road closure—and the same questions about the delay.
The underpass floods during EVERY period of heavy rain
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ROCK SINGERS AND GROUPS CHUCK BERRY
SAME GRID, TWO SETS OF CLUES
BUDDY HOLLY
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
GENE VINCENT
DOWN 1. Obdurate (8) 2. Renounce (6) 3. Appear (4) 4. Fruitful (8) 5. Material (6) 6. Average (4) 11. Leaning (8) 13. Realm (8) 15. Coarse (6) 17. Shrewd (6) 19. Sell (4) 21. Tend (4)
RITCHIE VALENS
ACROSS 7. Blackleg (13) 8. Irregular (8) 9. Rage (4) 10. Cap (6) 12. Front (6) 14. Odd (6) 16. Sticky (6) 18. Egg-shaped (4) 20. Stirring (8) 22. Locking up (13)
THE COASTERS JOHNNY CASH BIG BOPPER CARL PERKINS ROY ORBISON BILL HALEY THE BEATLES
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD ACROSS 7. Certificate authorising connubial rows! (8,5) 8. The rigour of a difficult craft (8) 9. One burrowing beneath the breakwater (4) 10. One that shoots a follower of Falstaff (6) 12. Glum when getting a circular letter in code (6) 14. Buccaneer goes back about the present time (3-3) 16. Etiquette required, we hear, for fine houses (6) 18, and 3Dn. Keep quiet after the barman mixed up the hen food (4-4) 20. Somehow got there without being separated (8) 22. One who fights with somebody else (2-11) DOWN 1. A priest is disturbed about a sponger (8) 2. Tick this kind of card (6) 3. See 18 Ac. 4. Looks after mother and is discreetly silent (5,3) 5. More solidly rooted tree beside the sea in France (6) 6. Please allow a performing animal inside (4) 11. Presumably, it's not for a heavy drinker (5,3) 13. Lads about to press for the operators (8) 15. Safe jobs don't attract this sort of money (6) 17. A small number attempt to get round a lawyer (6) 19. A sharper man on the board (4) 21. They stop people telling jokes (4)
TRIVIA QUIZ 1. Which very small European country has the most petty crime in proportion to its population? 2. One of the largest machines in the world is the LHC. LHC is an acronym for what? 3. The pyramids excluded, what was the tallest man-made structure in the world in 1889? (For an extra point, what was the tallest man-made structure in the world in 1886?) 4. What is the well-known Hebrew word for 'mankind' or 'man'? 5. Which Scottish Sir and world-famous writer was a keeper for Portsmouth Association Football Club in the late 19th century and took a first-class wicket as a bowler against non-other than W. G. Grace? 6. Which game has been compulsory in Japanese military schools since the 15th century? 7. What is the more fashionable name for the plant genus Digitalis? 8. Which highly intelligent TV criminal investigator, who went on to lecture at the Sorbonne and work as a consultant for the Peruvian Government, has a form of autism known as Asperger’s syndrome? 9. Name the two German-born male tennis players who have won the most Grand Slam singles titles. 10. The following words are from songs with 'dog' somewhere in the song title. Can you name the song? a. The Japanese don't dare to, the
Chinese wouldn't dare to (1931). b. When they said you was high classed (1956). c. Eyes that shine burning red, dreams of you all through my head (1971). d. I remember to this day the bright red Georgia clay (1974). e. I don't want a bowl of fishies, he can't take a goldfish for a walk (1953) 11. What do all of the following have in common? The Cooler King, The Mole, Big X, The Scrounger and The Manufacturer. 12. Name the four British Formula One World Driver's Champions in the 1960s. 13. During World War II what was the 'Abwehr'? 14. Which ‘sightly’ British band had early 1960s hits with songs like 'Don't bring me down' and 'Rosalyn'? 15. What is the green film caused by oxidation on bronze called? 16. In which films does Kevin Spacey play the following characters? a. John Doe, b. Lester Burnham, c. Quoyle, d. Prot 17. With one word complete these directions to 'Never Never Land'. "Second on the right, straight ahead till ............" 18. Lucifer excluded, which five historical figures or families are mentioned in the Rolling Stones song 'Sympathy for the devil'? 19. Which notable British PM between 1830 and 1834 is an eponym? 20. A 'Gazetteer' is a directory or dictionary for which science? a. Geography, b. Zoology, c. Astronomy, d. Botany
Find answers on page 18
SUDOKU CHALLENGE
WORD WHEEL CHALLENGE
The target is 18 words My Total ______________ * Answers page 18.
Your aim is to create as many words of 4 letters or more using the letters in the word wheel only once in each word and always including the letter in the centre of the wheel. No proper names are allowed.
WORD SCRAMBLE CHALLENGE Unscramble the letters to reveal GEMSTONES LATDEIXEANR - PAIEHRSP OAAMNZETI - THYTSEAM NIUAAQMREA - HAITMCELA ONOEMTSNO - USTNOENS EROUTINLMA - STQROUEUI
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metre to parts of the Orihuela coastline. Although Four Days after Storm, square the stream is dry for much of the year, it can carry large volumes of water during intense downpours. Blue Flag Cala Estaca Run-off from roads and built-up areas inland adds to the washing vegetation and litter towards the cove. still Awash With Debris flow, The condition of the beach has renewed residents’ con-
eeds, logs and plastic have washed onto Cala Estaca, where a normally dry stream meets the sea. The council says crews are working to clear beaches across the municipality.
R
Visitors to Cala Estaca, also known as the highly acclaimed Blue Flag Playa Flamenca Beach, found the sand strewn with rubbish and vegetation four days after heavy rain swept across Orihuela Costa. Plastic, reeds, logs and other debris have accumulated where the Cañada de la Estaca flows into the sea. One beachfront resident described the beach as being in an “incredibly bad” condition and said he had never seen it like this before. Saturday’s storm brought around 70 litres of rain per
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One beachfront resident said he had never seen it like this before.
cerns about waste collecting in local watercourses and eventually reaching the sea. Cala Estaca is usually promoted for its golden sand and bathing waters and holds several tourism and environmental quality certifications. It regained its Blue Flag in 2025 after losing the award the previous year following concerns about pollution and discharges of unknown origin. Orihuela’s street cleaning and waste service said crews were working to restore all 11 municipal beaches affected by the storm. The operation includes manual cleaning, removing material washed ashore and using machinery to sift and move sand.
Fuel prices push Spain’s inflation to 4.3% Spain’s annual inflation rate rose to 4.3% in August, its highest level since February 2023, as rising fuel prices added to pressure on household budgets. The National Statistics Institute confirmed that inflation was 0.7 percentage points higher than in July. Transport costs were the main driver, rising 9.5% across Spain compared with August last year. Overall inflation in the Region of Murcia matched the national rate of 4.3%, but transport prices there climbed 11.9%. Andalucía recorded overall inflation of 4%, with transport costs up 10%. The figures arrive ahead of the scheduled expiry of the
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Government’s temporary fuel support on 30 September. The measures currently provide discounts of 20 cents per litre on diesel and five cents on petrol. Service station representatives have
urged ministers to extend the support, but no decision has been confirmed. Underlying inflation, which excludes energy and unprocessed food, eased slightly to 2.9%. Food and non-alcoholic drink prices rose 2.3% nationally. Analysts at Funcas expect inflation to reach 4.9% in September and remain above 4% in the following months. Their forecast depends heavily on energy prices and developments in the Middle East. All autonomous communities recorded annual price rises in August, ranging from 3.8% in the Canary Islands to 5.1% in Cantabria.
Orihuela puts e207,000 road sign supply contract out to tender Orihuela Council has put a e207,000 contract out to tender for road signs and other traffic marking materials across the municipality. The contract covers upright traffic signs, supplementary plates, information panels, posts and fixings, bollards, speed reduction strips, road paint and other materials. It is divided into two lots: one for Orihuela city, its outlying villages and the rest of the municipality, and a second exclusively for Orihuela Costa. Councillor Mónica Pastor said the council needed a regular supply of materials to keep signs visible, consistent and technically correct. Signs and other road equipment deteriorate over time or are damaged by vandalism and traffic accidents, she said, making prompt replacement necessary. Tender documents are available on the public procurement platform. Bids can be submitted until 8 October.
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Personally, I cannot imagine Prince Charles, as he was then, making such comments. He was brought up to consider carefully everything he said, especially about an issue as sensitive as the death of someone so loved by the public.
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Tony Mayes Rant
The book has also been called into question over Spencer’s criticism of Piers Morgan. Spencer suggests that Morgan edited the Daily Mirror when it published intrusive photographs of Diana, years before Morgan joined the paper. Morgan now says he will sue the Earl and seek greater damages depending on how many copies of the book are sold. An own goal, perhaps, Earl Spencer. SPENCER’S CLAIMS
LORD OF THE POTHOLES
Much has been broadcast and written about Earl Spencer’s book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, which contains several allegations about King Charles’s reaction when he learned of Diana’s death.
Still on the subject of the Royal Family and privileged lords, the monarchy will cost British taxpayers an estimated £137.9 million this financial year, up from £132.1 million last year. Keeping the unelected House of Lords costs £143.8 million, including £26 million for members’ travel and allowances.
In the book, Earl Spencer alleges that Charles said, “We’ll forget her soon enough” after Princess Diana died. He also claims that Charles sounded “giddily elated” in the wake of the fatal car crash. When excerpts from the book appeared in the Daily Mail, the Palace issued a statement: “While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss.” Some have accused Earl Spencer of writing the book because he remains angry about Diana’s life with Charles and her untimely death. Others claim it is sensationalism intended to make him as much money as possible.
If the country were to get rid of the Royal Family and the House of Lords, the money saved could pay for up to 4.9 million potholes to be repaired each and every year! Now there’s food for thought. DIVIDENDS BEFORE DUTY? Thousands of airline passengers have faced miserable delays this month because of glitches in systems run by the UK air traffic control provider, National Air Traffic Services (NATS). Surprise, surprise: NATS was partly privatised back in 2001. It makes me wonder whether maintenance has been kept up to scratch. Could it be the same story as the water industry? That was working well until it was
privatised, after which private companies spent a fortune on shareholder dividends and senior executives’ salaries while sewage pollution and complaints increased sharply. PARENTING WITH PENALTIES Some good news this week: parents could face tougher action if their children commit crimes under plans to overhaul the youth justice system in England and Wales. The government plans to strengthen and expand the use of Parenting Orders. These can compel parents or guardians to address their child’s behaviour, including by attending counselling or guidance sessions, or face penalties such as fines. A Ministry of Justice source said the government was proposing to raise the fine for breaching an order beyond the current maximum of £1,000 and introduce powers to jail parents in the most extreme cases. That might persuade a few bad parents to
take more interest in what their offspring get up to. PLAYGROUND HIGH CRIME And finally, how’s this for absolute stupidity? A student at an Essex school was given a detention for high-fiving a friend! Apparently, the headteacher at the school, which has 1,900 pupils aged 11 to 18, was concerned about excessive physical contact and “increasingly physical behaviour” and has banned it. News reports have not made clear whether the concern was general playground roughand-tumble or something more sexual. However, running, ball games and other physical activity are prohibited on school fields during break times. Understandably, there has been a furious backlash from parents. Oh well, there goes a bit of slap and tickle behind the bike sheds at this school!
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since. Meanwhile, my two young sons are confused, constantly asking when they will get to see their "Granny."
I
have always had a deeply complicated, fraught relationship with my mother. She is an incredibly angry, bitter woman who now finds herself entirely alone after surviving three failed marriages. Over the years, she has managed to alienate almost everyone in her life, burning bridges with family members, old friends, and former colleagues alike. Yet, in her mind, she is the eternal victim; she genuinely believes that everybody else is to blame for her isolation and misery. I am married with two small children, and I constantly stretch myself thin trying to do right by her. I call her regularly and visit when I can, but with a job and a
young family, I simply cannot devote the endless hours of attention she demands. Instead of understanding, she constantly takes passive-aggressive digs at me, labelling me as selfish and doing and saying things to make me feel guilty. She makes absolutely zero effort herself. Despite being only 60 years old and living 20 minutes away, the emotional and physical burden of maintaining this bond falls entirely on my shoulders. The boiling point came during her last visit to our home. She flew into a rage over a few family photos I had recently hung in our living room, causing a massive argument before she stormed out. We haven't spoken
I messaged her to let her know she is always welcome to see the boys, but she hasn't responded. Part of me wants to swallow my pride and arrange a formal meeting for the sake of my children. But another, exhausted part of me recognises her as a toxic, draining presence whom I would simply rather not see any more.
L
Despite the size of the town, San Pedro was lacking a theatre for several years after the closure of their previous town centre venue. Consequently, all theatrical performances, including the ADAPT pantomime since 2012, were performed in what is called the Salón de Actos which is a small venue really intended for institutional presentations and speeches. The venue lacks most of the things one would associate with a theatre such as a connected back stage area, curtains and good technical equipment. Finally, after years of discussion, planning and building the Geli Albaladejo theatre was unveiled
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that she will never change. Your children will be completely fine without her presence, but you will hold the lasting peace of knowing you did everything possible. The only nonnegotiable rule is that she must never badmouth you to your children. If you ever catch her doing so, you must instantly terminate the visit, because that is a boundary that can never be crossed.
What should I do?
Y
our mother sounds like a deeply troubled, isolated woman, and it is entirely valid that you find her volatile behaviour toxic.
You have your own core family unit to protect now, and you should never let her emotional black holes drag you down. However, since your sons genuinely miss their grandmother, it is worth attempting one final, highly structured compromise. Be the bigger person, look past her awful behaviour, and write her a formal letter. Propose a firm boundary: suggest that you put personal differences aside every few weeks strictly so the boys can maintain a relationship with her. Offer to drop them off at her house for just one hour a couple of times a month. If she ignores this letter or responds with further hostility, you can finally walk away with a clean conscience, accepting
ADAPT Brings the Magic of Aladdin to San Pedro ast year was our first performing at San Pedro’s brand-new theatre named after Geli Albaladejo, a nationally acclaimed actress from San Pedro del Pinatar who passed away in 2021.
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to the public less than two years ago and the ADAPT theatre group had the privilege of being among the first groups to perform in it last November.
bit.ly/Aladdin2026 and are now available at the following outlets:. Annie’s Bar, opposite Parque de los Reyes, Lo Pagán and Spanish Home Finders, Avda. Pino 64, Pinar de Campoverde, Papelería Librería ARCO, Avda Dr. Artero Guirao, 63, San Pedro del Pinatar
It was a big challenge for us as we had become used to the more intimate atmosphere of the Salón de Actos however, any fears were allayed as we sold nearly 1000 tickets for our three performances and thoroughly enjoyed working in a such a professional environment. The experience has without a doubt brought our work up to a higher level without losing that sense of fun and spontaneity we have always enjoyed. Aladdin will be performed at the Geli Albaladejo Theatre, San Pedro del Pinatar on Friday 27th November at 7 p.m. and Saturday 28th November at 12 noon and 7 p.m. Tickets can be obtained online at
WORD SCRAMBLE
WORDWHEEL
T Y P E S O F G E M S TO N E
CROSSWORD ANSWERS Monday 28 Sept (Week 1147) QUICK - ACROSS: 7 Strikebreaker; 8 Abnormal; 9 Rant; 10 Bonnet; 12 Facade; 14 Uneven; 16 Clammy; 18 Oval; 20 Exciting; 22 Incarceration. DOWN: 1 Stubborn; 2 Disown; 3 Seem; 4 Prolific; 5 Fabric; 6 Mean; 11 Tendency; 13 Dominion; 15 Vulgar;
17 Astute; 19 Vend; 21 Care. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC - ACROSS: 7 Marriage lines; 8 Hardship; 9 Mole; 10 Pistol; 12 Morose; 14 Sea-dog; 16 Manors; 18 Bran; 20 Together; 22 Co-belligerent. DOWN: 1 Parasite; 2 Credit; 3 Mash; 4 Keeps mum; 5 Firmer; 6 Seal; 11 Light ale; 13 Surgeons; 15 Danger; 17 Notary; 19 Rook; 21 Gags.
QUIZ FROM P12
Boo (Lobo). e. How much is that doggie in the win-
1. The Vatican City. (Largely due to pickpocketing).
dow? (Patti Page or Lita Roza). 11. They are all nick-
2. Large Hadron Collider. 3. The Eiffel Tower (for
names of characters in the film 'The Great Escape'.
the extra point, The Washington Monument). 4.
12. Graham Hill (62, 68), Jim Clark (63, 65), John
Adam. 5. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 6. Go, known in
Surtees (64) and Jackie Stewart (69).
Japan as Igo. It is taught as a game of military strate-
German military intelligence organisation. 14. The
gy and tactical thinking. 7. Foxglove. 8. Gil Grissom
Pretty Things. 15. Patina or Verdigris. 16. a. Seven,
(CSI Las Vegas). 9. John McEnroe (7) and Boris
b. American Beauty, c. The Shipping News, d. K Pax.
Becker (6). 10. a. Mad dogs and Englishmen (Noel
17. "Morning" 18. Jesus Christ, Pilate, The Kennedys,
Coward). b. Hound Dog (Elvis Presley). c. Black Dog
The Czar and Anastasia. 19. Earl Grey.
(Led Zeppelin). d. Me and you and a dog named
Geography
13. The
20. a.
ALEXANDRITE - SAPPHIRE AMAZONITE - AMETHYST AQUAMARINE - MALACHITE MOONSTONE - SUNSTONE TOURMALINE - TURQUOISE
SUDOKU SOLUTION
W ORDSEARCH SOLUTION
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thought it would be interesting over the next few articles if I was to present you with some stories that are literally fact stranger than fiction.
I
Here is the curious case of road-sweeper Joseph Figlock in 1930s Chicago, USA.
Three Britons Arrested in La Zenia Over Estepona Shooting
It was like any other workday for Joseph while sweeping the roads underneath an apartment block. Little did he know that on the fourth floor a young mother has lost track of her baby, and the baby had crawled out the window only to miraculously fall on top of Figlock! Both had minor injuries and recovered sometime soon afterwards. Less than one year later while Figlock was out sweeping, a twoyear-old boy accidentally plunged from the fourth floor of an apartment and again fell on top of Joseph Figlock before he could hit the ground. I’m sure you’ll agree the odds of this almost identical incident happening twice in less than a year is quite unique. Now closer to where we live and much more recent, this is the story of Marcos Rodriguez Pantoja. His early life was made into a movie named Among Wolves (Entre Lobos). His early life story is both sad and remarkable. Sold to an elderly goatherd at around 7 years old, he found himself gravitating to a pack of wolves after the goatherd had died. Amazingly he was accepted by the wolves and spent almost a decade in their company. He spent those years foraging for food, living in caves and howling instead of speaking as a way of communication. In 1965 the then 19-year-old Marcos was found by the Spanish civil guard. He had a very difficult time trying to adjust and often felt extremely overwhelmed by the completely different lifestyle he now had to live. Those close to him said that he often yearned for his time back with the wolves and would get very withdrawn at the realisation that this would never happen again. He died last month at the age of 80
Three British nationals have been arrested in Orihuela Costa over the shooting of a man near a beachfront car park in Estepona on 28 July. Marcos Rodriguez Pantoja died just 6 weeks ago at his home in Ourense, at the age of 80 Overtoun bridge in Dumbarton, Scotland has become infamous for the eerie occurrence of as many as 350 dogs jumping off the bridge since the 1950s. There has been more than 50 dog deaths attributed to this strange phenomenon. As usual with this type of story, you have “experts” on opposing sides claiming to have the explanation. Those that subscribe to the “eerie” theory will say that the dogs are compelled to jump because of the location. It is a very quiet and green area, and one according to pagan Celts, this area represents the “thin place” - a spot where heaven and earth overlap each other. Those trying to find a more rational explanation would say that the dogs jump due to the fact that they go into a type of frenzy because of the scents and terrain of the location. Either way, it is a very interesting place, and one that is probably best to keep your dog on its leash if you’re out walking!
The victim, a 31-year-old Lithuanian national, survived after reportedly being shot four times. Witnesses said those responsible fled in a dark-coloured car. Police traced the investigation to La Zenia, where searches uncovered suspected false documents, weapons and a small quantity of drugs. Investigators have yet to establish whether any seized weapon was used in the attack. Two suspects were remanded in custody after appearing before a judge in Orihuela; the third was released on bail. Police are investigating a possible drugrelated dispute. Further arrests have reportedly been made on the Costa del Sol. The case remains open under a secrecy order.
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BEM for Lloret Tourist Board Director Lloret de Mar tourism director Elizabeth Keegan has received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her longstanding support of British residents and visitors on the Costa Brava.
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British Consul General Lloyd Milen presented the medal at a ceremony last Friday. Keegan was named in King Charles III’s 2025 honours for services to British citizens in Girona. Over the past 15 years, she has helped residents and tourists facing difficult circumstances, often providing guidance and practical support to their families. Her work included assisting vulnerable people during the pandemic and helping British citizens understand changes following the UK’s departure from the European Union.
Generali Expatriates offers flexible insurance solutions, personal advice in your own language and, from 15 September to 15 December 2026, e30 cashback for every new car or home insurance policy. iving in Spain also means thinking about how to protect your home, your car and the things that matter most to you. Having the right insurance is important, but so is understanding your cover and having someone to turn to when you need help.
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This autumn, Generali Expatriates is offering an additional benefit: e30 cashback for every new car or home insurance policy taken out between 15 September and 15 December 2026. With more than 200 brokers and agents across Spain, Generali Expatriates provides personal advice, flexible insurance solutions and support in customers’ own language, helping them find cover suited to their needs and lifestyle, from choosing the right policy through to making a claim. Whether you live in Spain permanently or own a second home,
the right home insurance should reflect how the property is used. Drivers must have compulsory third-party insurance, with additional cover available depending on their needs. But protection goes far beyond your home and car. That is why Generali Expatriates also offers health, life and funeral insurance, as well as travel, pet, boat and accident cover, helping customers protect more of what matters in everyday life.
Milen praised her “extraordinary commitment” to the British community in Catalonia and said she had repeatedly given her time and expertise to people who needed help. He described the medal as recognition of a career devoted to public service.
The cashback promotion applies to eligible new car and home insurance policies with premiums paid by direct debit and is subject to campaign terms and minimum premium requirements.
Keegan said she was deeply honoured. Managing a tourist destination, she said, also means responding with empathy when visitors or residents encounter serious problems.
Full terms at www.generaliexpatriates.es.
“There are times when administrative responsibilities take a back seat, and what truly matters is humanity,” she said.
To request a personalised quote, visit: www.generaliexpatriates.es/en/quote or call 91 342 25 49.
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Rain, Raffles and a Milestone Birthday for San Miguel Golf Society an Miguel Golf Society packed two very different outings into a busy spell: a rain-soaked Captain’s Day at La Finca that raised e1,670 for local charities, followed by a sun-drenched Club Championship at Altorreal where the greatest challenge may have been the pace of play.
S
Captain’s Day began with 44 golfers assembling for an 8am shotgun start under skies that offered little encouragement. A storm was already passing over Villamartin and out to sea, but the field managed seven holes before heavy rain arrived. With no thunder or lightning to halt proceedings, the golfers played on through a thorough soaking. Captain Mick Pryke opened his round from the first tee, while elsewhere Mick “Wedgeless” Cook spent four holes searching for a missing club. Players behind him and even the buggy bar attendant joined the hunt before the wedge turned up in his playing partners’ buggy. Whether it was an innocent mistake or an attempt to level the field remains a matter for the clubhouse. The weather could not prevent some outstanding scoring. Peter Turbefield won the Gold category with 42 points, despite breaking his driver early in the round and finishing with a three-wood. His prize was an overnight golf break at Valle del Este, provided by Michaela at Golf Hot Spots. Paul Lambert won Silver with 39 points and Norman Padmore took Bronze with 40. Guest Don Bishop collected a nearestthe-pin prize. There was a bottle of wine and a sleeve of society golf balls available on every hole, while category winners received branded towels donated by Gary at Kameeleon. Alan Macdonald, meanwhile, received the McBride Bottle after returning 15 points. John Osborne won e100 on the football card with Aston Villa — an awkward result for a Wolves supporter. Back at La Finca’s Terrace Bar, food and drinks helped revive the players. The society also presented a e500 Captain’s discretionary charity award to Javi for Orihuela Club de Rugby. Alongside his full-time job at La Finca, Javi helps organise and run the club. After a brief chance to dry out and change, members reconvened at Meson El Prado in San Miguel for the Captain’s Dinner. A cava reception in the Garden Room set the tone for an evening of food, speeches and fundraising. The ovenroasted lamb earned particular praise, as did the El Prado team who looked after the guests. Honorary President Barry Roehrig acted as master of ceremonies before outgoing captain Mick thanked members for their support. He presented flowers to his partner Hazel and society secretary Sandra Dibble, then welcomed Paul Lambert as the incoming captain. New vice-captain John Batterby was unable to attend because of a prior commitment. The evening’s raffle raised e350, helped by prizes donated by members and local supporters. An auction of green fees donated by courses the society plays brought in a further e1,320, with Mick Roscoe handling the bidding. Together,
the raffle and auction raised e1,670 for local charities. Entertainment came from Luke, known to some members from the Jersey Boys at the Emerald Isle, who also persuaded guests — including the captain — to try karaoke. Fireworks from the San Miguel fiesta added a spectacular backdrop. The society said the day had involved a few hiccups and more rain than anyone ordered, but praised everyone who played, donated or helped organise it. CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP MEDAL COMPETITION At Altorreal, the next challenge was rather different. Clear skies and temperatures reaching 31°C greeted members for the Club Championship Medal competition, held alongside a Spanish Federation competition with help from the course’s new caddy master, Ramona. The course was in good condition overall, although the greens still showed signs of recent hollow tining. The front nine putted quickly, while drier surfaces on the back nine
DUTCH COURAGE PAYS OFF FOR INBETWEENERS AS KEES TAKES THE WIN AT BONALBA This week, the Inbetweeners Golf Society headed to Bonalba for another fiercely contested day of golf, good humour, and, as always, a healthy mixture of optimism, questionable course management, and selective memory. It was particularly nice to welcome back our Dutch members, who had been missed on recent outings. Their return added to the usual banter, camaraderie and, naturally, a little extra competition on the course.
With glorious sunshine and a gentle breeze, the conditions were almost perfect for golf. The course was looking superb, although the greens once again proved that appearances can be deceptive. Their subtle breaks and tricky slopes had more than a few players scratching their heads, with plenty of seemingly straightforward putts somehow finding their way past the hole. Three-putts, naturally, were blamed on the greens rather than the golfers.
made approaches harder to stop and reads less certain. A slow-moving society ahead extended the round, giving players ample time to consider their missed putts. Darren Strugnell emerged as the Gold winner with a net 69, recording both the lowest net and gross scores of the day. Sean Nevin won Silver with a net 74, while Richard Cleary took Bronze with a net 72. Drew Niblock, Strugnell and Turbefield each made a two. Nearest-the-pin prizes went to Gavin Parke, Strugnell twice and Turbefield. There was cake, too, as members celebrated Guy Wade Palmer’s birthday and looked ahead to Alan “Macca” Macdonald turning 80 the following week. Macca added another McBride Bottle to his Captain’s Day collection, while Jimmy Skelly won the football card with Hartlepool. The Altorreal outing ended with a photograph of Macca alongside Norman Padmore, Gavin Parke and Barry Roehrig — four golfers with a combined age of more than 300 and, almost certainly, enough stories to fill another report.
As ever, the round provided its full share of entertainment. There were some genuinely excellent shots that reminded everyone of the golfing ability lurking somewhere beneath the surface. These were, of course, balanced by a few efforts that were best left unmentioned — although they will no doubt be discussed at length in the clubhouse. Whatever the final numbers said, another great day was had by all. The golf may have been occasionally unpredictable, but the camaraderie, laughter, banter and, of course, bragging rights ensured another memorable outing for the Inbetweeners Golf Society. And, most importantly, it was great to have our Dutch members back amongst
us. Their presence certainly helped make the day even more enjoyable. Until the next one — when, no doubt, everyone will blame their handicap. The Day’s Winners were: 1st Place: Kees Berlijn (36 points) 2nd Place: Peter Robins (32 points) 3rd Place: Sam Williamson (30 points) Nearest the Pin Winner Hole 8: Nic Evans Hole 11: Gordon Donaldson Hole 14: Gordon Donaldson A big well done to everyone who took part, and special congratulations to all our winners!
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TEN-MAN TORRY TAKE THE POINTS AFTER PIZANA’S PENALTY HEROICS SC Torrevieja CF........2 CD Soneja.................0
Torrevieja CF played more than 80 minutes with ten men but still claimed a 2–0 victory over CD Soneja, with goalkeeper Pizana saving a penalty before substitute Ioel sealed the win late on. Soneja arrived for Torry’s fourth match of the season in 11th place on four points, one ahead of the Salt Workers. Jota returned to the starting line-up after serving a suspension, while David Martín was named in the squad after passing a late fitness test. Rosquín remained unavailable with an ankle strain. The hosts made a lively start. Gálvez broke down the left and found Matías inside the area, but the Uruguayan sent his effort narrowly wide from a tight angle. The pair combined again in the fifth minute, this time to put Torry ahead. Matías beat the offside trap and cut a low ball across goal for Gálvez to turn in at the near post. That early advantage was followed by a serious setback. Soneja sent a striker
SC
through on goal in the ninth minute and Conesa brought him down, earning a straight red card.Torry faced almost the entire match a man short. They refused to retreat. Morales picked out Gálvez with a clever free-kick routine, and the forward struck the side netting with an effort that went narrowly wide. Manager Piquero then adjusted his side, replacing the booked Johan with left-back Alex after 19 minutes. Torrevieja continued to threaten from set pieces. Adri could not make clean contact with a long throw from Jota, while Abadía flicked an Adri corner past the goalkeeper only to see it bounce off the crossbar. Soneja’s first clear opening came later in the half, forcing Pizana into a sharp save at his near post. An unmarked header from the resulting corner went narrowly wide. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Torry reached the interval ahead, having created the better chances. Half-time: SC Torrevieja CF 1–0 CD Soneja Clear opportunities were scarce after the restart, but Torry continued to look capable of adding to their lead. The decisive moment at the other end came in the 59th minute, when Soneja were awarded a penalty following a challenge by Jota. Pizana dived to his left and made an out-
Torrevieja showed discipline and resolve after Conesa’s early dismissal.
standing save to keep the score at 1–0. Adri made way for Pucho in the 65th minute. As Torry began to tire, Soneja enjoyed more possession and pushed further forward, although much of their attacking play ended in shots from distance. With seven minutes remaining, Piquero made three changes, sending on Ernesto, Juanfran and Ioel for Matías, Manresa and Morales. Soneja then came close to equalising with a header towards the bottom corner, but
Pizana stretched across to palm it wide. Torrevieja finally settled the contest three minutes from time. Ernesto held up the ball and flicked it into Ioel’s path. The young midfielder broke clear, rounded the goalkeeper and rolled the ball into an empty net. Gálvez’s opener, Pizana’s two crucial saves and Ioel’s composed finish secured a hardearned three points for a Torry side that showed discipline and resolve after Conesa’s early dismissal.
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