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14 he new plan, currently being considered by Orihuela Council, identifies 794 proposed spaces in four coastal areas. The operating rules, charges and exemptions have yet to be decided.
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Orihuela Costa could face seasonal parking controls near beaches under Orihuela Council’s proposed low-emission zone (LEZ), but the plan does not initially propose a general emissions-based ban on vehicular access across the coast. The 246-page project identifies 794 proposed “Green Zone” parking spaces in Dehesa de Campoamor, Cabo Roig, La Zenia and Playa Flamenca. They include first-line beach areas and locations around ports. Roads named in the plan include Avenida de las Adelfas, Ronda Ramón de Campoamor, Calle Levante and Calle El Torreón. The aim is to reduce congestion caused by drivers searching for spaces, improve parking turnover and availability, and limit associated emissions. The scheme would prioritise residents, people with reduced mobility and essential services. Some visitors could be directed to parking farther from the seafront and encouraged to use sustainable transport for the final part of their journey.
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coastal scheme before the busy season by identifying the affected spaces, approving LEZ Orihuela Costa regulations, installing signs and explaining One section proposes operating the the system to residents, visitors and busischeme daily from 15 June to 15 nesses. After each season, the council September, between 10:00 and 20:00. should assess parking occupancy and However, the implementation section says turnover, complaints or incidents, and the final dates, days and hours must be whether pressure has shifted to neighbourestablished through municipal regulations. ing streets. It should assess whether access These timings are therefore provisional. improves for local residents too. The findWHAT THE PROPOSALS MEAN FOR ings could inform changes in later years. ORIHUELA COSTA KEY PRACTICAL DETAILS REMAIN For the coast, the proposal focuses on UNDECIDED. managing parking demand in selected The document does not establish final tarbusy areas, particularly iffs, permit requirements, ‘There are to be no during the summer seaexemptions, enforcement son. It does not initially restrictions on entering procedures or the definiset out restrictions on Orihuela Costa according to a tive list of streets and entering Orihuela Costa vehicle’s emissions category’ spaces. It also discusses according to a vehicle’s possible permits for peoemissions category. ple with reduced mobility or medical needs, essential services and commercial Instead, it establishes a specific model, activity. Potential allowances for older peoknown as the ‘Green Zone’, through ple, those requiring assistance and resiwhich it aims to prioritise access for nondents facing financial hardship are menpolluting vehicles. Any limits would apply to designated park- tioned, but eligibility and conditions would depend on rules adopted later. ing spaces, with their exact locations and Number-plate recognition cameras, inforconditions still to be defined. mation panels and environmental monitorThe plan differs from the approach being ing equipment are among the tools proconsidered for Orihuela city. In the historic posed for the wider LEZ. The project centre, the council is considering controls excludes the coastal parking scheme from on vehicle access and circulation. In the its main financial viability assessment and wider urban area, restrictions would be recommends a separate review of costs phased in after a six-month preparation and income once the arrangements are period, with no traffic limits or penalties known. during that initial period. Orihuela Council has opened a 30-day RECOMMENDATIONS AND public consultation, inviting residents, busiUNRESOLVED ISSUES nesses and other interested parties to review the proposal and submit comments. The project recommends preparing the
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637 227 385 E-mail office@theleader.info Website www.theleader.info Journalists 600 228 616 office@theleader.info The Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader, its publishers, members of staff and its agents do not accept responsibility for claims by advertisers nor can it
The graphic is courtesy of Tomás Moreno. You can read his assessment of the council proposals on Facebook at: facebook.com/tomas.moreno.568
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No restrictions will take effect immediately. The plan remains at the consultation stage and requires further approval and the introduction of a new municipal bylaw. The full document is available through the council’s transparency portal at: https://orihuela.sedelectronica.es/. After the consultation closes, the council will consider submissions before deciding how to proceed.
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orrevieja has been named the Spanish local authority that made the greatest contribution to promoting sport in 2025, receiving the Spanish Sports Council (CSD) Award as part of the National Sports Awards.
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The Spanish Paralympic Committee nominated Torrevieja for the award. Mayor Eduardo Dolón thanked the committee, its president Alberto Durán López and corporate development and partnerships director Alejandro Merino.
The winners were announced on 15 October. Torrevieja’s programme last year included 150 sporting events and 64 training camps for teams and national squads, attracting 40,892 participants.
International competitions included the Virtus Futsal World Championship, the first time the event had been held in Spain and the first FEDDI world championship hosted by the country in 17 years.
Compared with 2024, the city staged 25% more events and 30% more training camps, while participation rose by 40%.
Other events included the Boat Angling World Club Championship and Walking Football World Nations Cup. The Euromarina Optimist Trophy brought 430 young sailors from 29 countries to the city. More than 2,000 people entered the International Half Marathon and 10K, a record for the race. Forty per cent came from abroad, and more than 200 volunteers helped stage the event. Inclusive sport was another focus. More than 350 athletes from ten regions competed in the FEDDI Spanish Regional Teams Championships in athletics, basketball, futsal and swimming. Torrevieja also hosted Spain’s individual club boccia championship and supported adapted swimming and athletics, with accessible routes and equipment for wheelchair users. The council said it invested more than e2.75 million in sports facilities, including upgrades to the Nelson Mandela multi-use ground, racket-sport facilities and municipal gyms. It also cited new and improved venues, including a skatepark and calisthenics area. Direct support for local sport totalled e540,000: e400,000 for 30 clubs, e65,000 in scholarships for 85 athletes and e75,000 for events and activities. The CSD Award is part of the National Sports Awards, established in 1982. A presentation ceremony is expected to be presided over by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
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San Miguel Campsite Proposal for 117 Motorhomes A e1.67 million proposal for 117 motorhome pitches at a two-star campsite is before regional authorities in San Miguel de Salinas. Planned on 44,308 square metres of non-developable land, it could host up to 351 people. Plans include 89 stan- 16,000 square metres would remain natural terrain. dard and 28 deluxe Forecast employment is 25 permanent jobs, plus seasonal pitches, each with parkroles; annual water demand is estimated at 5,225 cubic ing, plus a bar, recepmetres. With no sewer connection, two underground treatment tion, laundry, toilets and two pools. Existing farm plants are proposed. The application has been accepted for processing and public buildings would be adapted, and new facili- consultation. Formal environmental and other reports remain outstanding; no final approval has been granted to date. ties added. More than
Cartagena’s Pioneering submarine to be restored The Spanish Navy has tendered an e85,000 contract to restore the interior of the Isaac Peral submarine at Cartagena’s Naval Museum. Work is due by 30 November 2027, more than a decade after the vessel’s exterior was conserved. The contract allocates e9,000 for design and preliminary studies, with e76,000 for restoration. Assessments found corrosion near the base, where water collected, while the central and upper sections remain in better condition. Surviving features include original paint, glass skylight covers, wooden supports,
ceramic components and wiring; much of the glass and leather insulation is badly damaged. The contractor must develop a treatment plan supported by laboratory analysis of samples. Conservation must use minimal, reversible methods and protect the submarine’s authenticity. Work must accommodate museum visitors and address safety inside the confined interior.
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Pensioner and son still sleeping rough in Cox Antonia Gutiérrez, 63, and her son Jesús have spent four months sleeping outdoors after being evicted from their home in San Isidro.
Four months homeless in Cox
They now stay overnight near Cox’s San Fernando industrial estate, carrying their belongings in a cart ties have not secured accommodation. She receives a widow’s and using a rented stor- pension, while the family relies on occasional food and other age unit for some posses- help from Cáritas, the Red Cross, local businesses and residents. The Bajo Segura Social Services Consortium says Antonia’s Antonia says a planned request was processed but has declined to discuss the confidential case. The family’s difficulties include a dispute over municirental in Orihuela fell pal registration. Against the backdrop of Maricarmen’s recent through and repeated approaches to social serv- death in Madrid, their continuing homelessness has renewed ices in several municipali- concerns about the support available to people in desperate need. sions.
101 Migrants Intercepted off Cartagena Seven boats carrying 101 migrants were intercepted off Cartagena on Monday by the Guardia Civil, Maritime Rescue and Customs Surveillance. The group comprised 83 men, four women and 14 minors. Two boats, carrying 10 and 42 people, were intercepted near Cala Reona and Punta de la Espada after detection by the SIVE surveillance system. Five others were stopped at sea, 10 to 15 nautical miles from Monte de las
Cenizas. All were taken to Cartagena for Red Cross assistance and later handed to the National Police for immigration procedures. They were in good health. The Civil Guard association, AUGC, renewed calls for faster, modern patrol boats, saying a high-speed vessel remained out of service and older craft were inadequate. Murcia president Fernando López Miras also called for greater state support.
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rom weddings and family gatherings to special occasions, Hotel Montepiedra in Dehesa de Campoamor offers flexible spaces and tailored dining to help hosts create an event of their own. Every celebration has its own character. Some call for an elegant indoor setting and a seated meal; others suit an informal outdoor gathering, with drinks, conversation and food to share. At Hotel Montepiedra in Dehesa de Campoamor, the approach is to shape the venue, catering and services around each occasion. With indoor and outdoor spaces available, organisers can choose a setting that suits both the season and the style of their event. Dining to suit the occasion Food plays a central role in any celebration, and the hotel offers several ways to serve it.
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Options range from finger food and cocktail receptions to seated dining, with menus that can be adapted to guests’ tastes and the atmosphere hosts want to create. The suggested menus provide a starting point, with scope to develop a more personalised selection. A celebration might begin with an outdoor drinks reception before moving inside for a seated meal. Alternatively, hosts can opt for a relaxed gathering built around bite-sized dishes or work with the hotel on a bespoke menu. Weddings and family milestones The same flexibility extends to weddings, First Communion celebrations, family gatherings and other special occasions. Indoor and outdoor areas allow different parts of an event to have their own setting, while tailored catering helps give each cele-
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bration a distinctive feel. Couples planning a wedding can also hold their civil ceremony at the hotel, bringing the ceremony, reception and dining together in one location. The aim is to allow hosts and guests to enjoy the occasion, with the arrangements reflecting their preferences and the details that matter to them. A venue for every season
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With spaces of varying capacities, a choice of dining formats and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors during much of the year, Hotel Montepiedra offers options for celebrations across the seasons. Its guiding idea is straightforward: the setting should adapt to the event. Whether planning a wedding, marking a family milestone or bringing friends together, the process begins with the host’s ideas and develops into a celebration designed around them.
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PSOE widens lead over PP to 11.8 points With Spain’s General Election just a month away, the PSOE has widened its lead over the PP to 11.8 points, according to October’s CIS barometer. Support for the Socialists rose three points to 34%, while the PP fell three points to 22.2%, its lowest rating in a year. Vox gained half a point to 17.1%, with Sumar at 6.1% and Podemos at 3.1%. The PSOE and Sumar together reached 40.1%, slightly ahead of the PP and Vox at 39.3%. The poll was based on 5,025 interviews carried out in early October. Its findings do not establish that recent housing events caused the changes.
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UCAM AWARDS HONORARY DOCTORATE TO SPAIN COACH The presentation was made by the Dean of UCAM’s Faculty of Sport, Lourdes Meroño
Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente has received an honorary doctorate from the Catholic University of San Antonio of Murcia (UCAM), describing the distinction as an honour he had never expected. The ceremony took place at the university’s Los Jerónimos church. De la Fuente said the award carried special meaning because of his Catholic faith and the values he shares with UCAM. “I am very grateful to those who thought of me for this investiture,” he said ahead of the ceremony. “It is a source of pride and an honour.” In his address, De la Fuente focused on the human side of coaching. He said he sees his role as helping people develop before concentrating on them as footballers.
“I have always said that I have a vocation for training,” he said. “I train people first and then footballers.” He highlighted generosity, solidarity, sacrifice, teamwork, resilience and putting the interests of the group before those of the individual as values learned from parents, teachers and coaches. De la Fuente also spoke of his pride in leading Spain’s national team, describing it as a source of unity for the country. He praised the welcome the team received in Murcia during its previous visit and said the city had shown particular affection for the national colours. The coach briefly addressed recent Champions League results, saying he appreciated both Barcelona’s convincing win and Real Madrid’s comeback. “I value everything, and it is never easy, whatever the result,” he said.
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‘I know how to be poor and I know how to be rich too.’ ‘I know how to be poor and I know how to be rich too.’ I have been through my initiation and now I am ready for anything anywhere; full stomach or empty stomach, poverty or plenty. There is nothing I cannot master with the help of one who gives me strength. All the same, it was good of you to share with me in my hardships and in return my God will fulfil all your needs …’ (A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Philippians.) I don’t believe that any of our readers ever thought they might approach this soapbox and hear scripture being preached, but there you have it. Our opening paragraph is part of a St Paul’s letter, copied from last Sunday’s mass leaflet. It is one of those profound but simple messages that can resonate with a lot of us. In fact, if Paul hadn’t signed the letter, I would have thought it was someone writing about me. The rich bit, I hasten to add, as it applies to me, means having enough of what you need! “Now, I aint no Saint Paul...” (as a Trump voter might put it) and I do know that Paul’s pen produces mostly Hebraism scripts; but be that as it may, last Sunday’s few lines struck a chord with me. You are looking at a guy who wouldn’t normally recall the mass reading as far as the chapel gate. So let us take this one at face value and in a literal sense. ‘I know how to be poor’ … box ticked. ‘And I know how to be rich too;’ and another box ticked. (My ‘rich’ is in relation to my ‘poor.’) My great friend, Phillip Conroy always maintains that our generation lived through the best time ever; starting with nothing and working our way to be rich. This is what St Paul means by: ‘I have been through my initiation and now I am ready for anything anywhere; full stomach or empty stomach, poverty or plenty. There is nothing I cannot manage with the help of the One that gives me strength.’
good of you to share with me in my hardships.’ To me, that is beautiful and embodies the goodness of all the people who have helped me through tough times – not only recently, but since I was a child. Throughout my lifetime, when I hit a hardship I couldn’t handle on my own, there were always good people at hand to dig me out of a hole, or help carry a load. Then the final lines of St Paul’s letter offers payback to all those unselfish people who are willing to ‘share another’s hardship.’ ‘In return, God will fulfil all your needs through Jesus, as lavishly as only God can.’ Again, this shows that the goodness of God is dished out through the goodness of people. With all the despair, doom and gloom being broadcast these days, we just have to believe that it is the good that will prevail. One day a school professor held up a sheet of paper with a black dot in the centre of the page and asked his class to write about what they saw. Afterwards, the professor addressed the students. ‘I am not going to mark you on this, but it is a lesson that no one among you should ever forget.
This is where our resilience comes from; ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ - and I tell you again dear reader, if Paul hadn’t signed his name to that letter, half the country would be convinced it was written about me.
Each one of you, some with commendable imagination, wrote about the black dot; but not one of you wrote about the inviting bright wide open space of opportunity to do something good with the rest of the page.
But there’s more – the really nice bit. ‘All the same, it was
Remember this throughout your life.
The black dot symbolises a bad person or troublesome situation. Forget about the black dot and focus on all the potential for goodness around it and around you!’ That is life. Too often we give too much airtime to the handful of bad people … the black dots who wish nothing for us but hardship. We see the black dot and miss the positive white sheet; the people St Paul talks about who ‘are good to share with me in my hardships.’ My Granduncle Dinny, once gave my father this piece of advice; ‘don’t fall out with anyone you know that hates you enough to want to do you serious harm!’ These are the professor’s black dots – the hardships; the rest is all about Saint Paul’s majority of good people who ‘help when hardships come’. DON’T FORGET The difficulties of life should make us better - not bitter.
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e4m Villamartín Hotel Conversion Property investment platform Hausera plans to turn a former hotel in Villamartín, Orihuela Costa, into 29 tourist apartments in its first project in Alicante province. The e4 million-plus renovation of the existing 1,060-square-metre building is expected to take around 15 months. Plans include communal areas, a swimming pool and parking. Hausera says the scheme will repurpose an existing tourist property rather than develop undeveloped land or convert residential homes. The project will be offered through the company’s crowdfunding platform, with investment from ˇ100 and pre-sales due to start on 19 October. Hausera is targeting a 15% return, equivalent to 12% annually, but says this is not guaranteed. The property is beside Villamartín golf course, about two kilometres from La Zenia Boulevard and three kilometres from the beach. Hausera says it plans further projects in Alicante province before the end of 2026.
MIRLO FORMATION MAKES NATIONAL DAY PARADE DEBUT
The team is based at the Air Academy in San Javier.
The Spanish Air Force’s Mirlo Formation made its Madrid debut during Monday’s National Day parade, leading the aerial display with six Pilatus PC-21 aircraft from the General Air Academy in San Javier. Flying in Delta formation, they released red and yellow smoke in the colours of Spain’s flag during the tribute to those who died serving the country. The formation was created after the Eagle Patrol retired its C-101 jets, which served for four decades. However, Mirlo is not a direct successor: its pilots are instructors from Squadron 792. The former patrol’s Squadron 794 has been deactivated, and only two Mirlo members previously flew with the Eagle Patrol.
The PC-21 is a propeller aircraft used to train military pilots, including Princess Leonor. Mirlo’s commander, Javier Cruz, said it uses about half the fuel of the C-101 and can perform manoeuvres such as inverted flight, spins and wing dips. The parade featured 82 aircraft and helicopters in 18 formations, ending with a Eurofighter Typhoon.
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s the world around us becomes more complex and uncertain, having clarity over your finances can be reassuring. While we cannot control every external factor, we can take steps to protect our family's long-term financial security.
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With the right advice and ongoing support, financial planning becomes less about reacting to change and more about shaping your future. PLANNING ACROSS LIFE STAGES AND BORDERS Your financial planning needs evolve as your life changes. Career moves, retirement, relocation, an inheritance or estate planning can all create new opportunities and complexities. For British expatriates, tax rules, pension options, succession laws and investment structures can differ significantly from the UK. Decisions made before or after a move may have lasting implications.
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Whether you have recently arrived, lived in Spain for years or are still planning your move, regular reviews help keep your arrangements aligned with your goals. Those returning to the UK also benefit from planning ahead to avoid unnecessary liabilities. FIVE STEPS TO FINANCIAL CLARITY 1. Your wealth plan
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tecting your wealth and legacy.
through market cycles.
A tailored strategy considers your residency status, assets and objectives, helping structure your finances efficiently while remaining compliant.
Successful investing is about supporting your lifestyle and long-term goals, not chasing short-term returns.
It should review investments, pensions, estate planning arrangements and the timing of income and withdrawals.
Financial planning is not a one-off exercise.
3. Your Family Office As wealth grows, so can complexity.
A personalised wealth plan brings together your income, spending, assets and goals into one long-term view.
A family office-style approach coordinates tax planning, investments, inheritance planning and wealth transfer within one strategy.
It helps you explore different scenarios and understand how today's decisions may affect future outcomes, from retirement and relocation to gifting and future healthcare needs.
For expatriates, support may also extend to practical local guidance on healthcare, education, property and other services.
For expatriates, this can be particularly valuable when navigating different tax regimes, residency rules and pension arrangements. 2. Your tax optimisation strategy Tax efficiency is an important part of pro-
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4. Investment excellence A disciplined, diversified investment approach helps preserve and grow wealth over time. This includes aligning risk with your objectives, diversifying across asset classes and regions, and maintaining consistency
5. Ongoing local advice and support Regular reviews and proactive support help ensure your arrangements remain aligned with changing circumstances, regulations and objectives. CONFIDENCE THROUGH CLARITY The true value of financial planning lies in the confidence it provides. With a clear plan in place, you can make informed decisions, adapt to change and focus on your goals, whether that means retirement, life in Spain or leaving a lasting legacy. Whether you're planning to leave the UK or already living in Spain, seek advice from a specialist cross-border wealth management firm with expertise in both jurisdictions. www.blevinsfranks.com
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MRS BROWN’S BOYS RORY - CATHY AGNES - BETTY MARK - JACKO SHARON WINNIE BUSTER BONO MARIA TREVOR BROWN MRS NICOLSON DERMOT GRANDPA DINO SPARTACUS TRIPLETS
SAME GRID, TWO SETS OF CLUES QUICKIE CROSSWORD ACROSS 6. Surprise (7) 7. Hard-wearing fabric (5) 9. Urbane (5) 10. University department (7) 12. Holding sway (11) 14. Obsequious (11) 18. Card game (7) 19. Adhere (5) 21. Timepiece (5) 22. Shade of red (7)
DOWN 1. Robust (5) 2. Cowardly (6) 3. Beer (3) 4. Outcome (6) 5. French wind (7) 8. Spear (7) 11. Clearness (7) 13. Long-lasting (7) 15. Posture (6) 16. Essential character (6) 17. Treaded fastener (5) 20. Perform (3)
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD ACROSS
SUDOKU CHALLENGE
6. Protest about craftsmen (7) 7. Old coin found in educational establishment (5) 9. Cared about a tree (5) 10. Possibly shines a coarse fabric (7) 12. One French friend with a list of what's unacceptable (11) 14. Having seen day well out with cheese (11) 18. American politician involved in treason (7) 19. Meat Kate's cooking (5) 21. Belief that can be unnoticeably overturned (5) 22. Sharing out parsley, for example (7) DOWN 1. You'll find me in bed when this flies past (5) 2. Stress the melody (6) 3. A Royal Marines member (3)
WORD WHEEL CHALLENGE
4. Man getting first class return to the country (6) 5. Wire about father being competent (7) 8. Conflict among communists concerning prizes (7) 11. A man's terrible romance (7) 13. Somehow deserve to be cut off (7) 15. Frightens with wild caress? (6) 16. Talent becomes dormant (6) 17. Land that's hard on the planet (5) 20. Is capable of finding tin (3)
TRIVIA QUIZ 1. The wreck of which maritime tragedy was discovered by Argo in the early hours of September 1st, 1985? 2. Minilla is the son of which infamous heavyweight? 3. The actual first name of which Nobel Peace Prize winner means 'troublemaker' when translated? 4. Which two men received a record 10 Oscar nominations across the Best Actor or Best Supporting Actor categories? 5. The word serendipity stems from the old Persian word 'serendib', which was once the name of which present-day country with a lion on its flag? 6. Kopi Luwak sells for between 100 and 600 US dollars per pound, making it one of the most expensive examples of what in the world? 7. Based on the 2020 list from Transparency International, name two of the ten most corrupt countries in the world. 8. Which famous guitar does one usually associate with Jimi Hendrix? 9. In antiquity, what name was given to the headlands that flank the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar? 10. The following lyrics are all beer related. Can you name the song? a. And the microphone smells like a beer. b. Well I woke up this morning
and got myself a beer. c. And the beer I had for breakfast wasn't bad so I had one more for dessert. d. John Stewart Mill of his own free will on half a pint of shandy was particularly ill. e. I like a good beer buzz early in the morning. f. He drinks a lager drink 11. Why was 'Cool Hand Luke' sent to prison? 12. “Who is the most infamous seraph?” 13. What are the two most populated cities in each of the following countries? a. Argentina, b. Pakistan, c. Vietnam 14. What is the number of the dreaded room in the book 'Nineteen Eighty-Four'? 15. In which book and film is Room 237 a frightening place? 16. What is the name of the 8mm colour film that recorded the assassination of JFK? 17. In song, where does Terry meet Julie? 18. In song, where does Gordon meet Julie? 19. According to the human rights organisation Freedom House, which two G8 countries have the least 'freedom of the press'? 20. An archaic expression of surprise or shock and a contraction of the term referring to the nails used in the crucifixion. Eight letters, second letter 'a', last letter 's'.
Answers on page 18
The target is 24 words My Total ______________ * Answers page 18.
Your aim is to create as many words of four 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 10 COUNTRIES IN AFRICA WOTNSBAA - BINRUDU NMCOORAE - UJTIDIOB IAHEPOIT - AAAARDGMCS UAIMIARATN - SAELGNE ELYESCHESL - EBBIZAMW
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Golfers Raise e9,126 Two Orihuela Costa golf societies have raised a combined e9,126 for Maria and the Pink Ladies, supporting the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) and its early detection programme. Club de Golf Villamartín raised e2,691. Maria thanked organiser Eldon Carey, John Stones and the golfers who took part and contributed to the fundraiser. A further e6,435 was raised by Tammie, Mick and golfers at Villamartín Golf at the Hub. Maria and the Pink Ladies praised their efforts, along with everyone who helped organise and support both events. The money will go to the AECC, which provides early detection services and other support in the fight against cancer. The fundraisers highlight the continuing generosity of local golf societies and the wider Orihuela Costa community. Maria said: “Once again the people of the Orihuela Costa have shown just how caring and generous they are.” She and the Pink Ladies expressed their gratitude to all those who took part, donated or helped make the events
possible. The total raised will support work that affects many local families and people living with cancer. Their contribution reflects the commitment of residents and visitors who have joined together to help a cause close to many people’s hearts.
Spain’s inflation reaches highest rate in more than three years
Core inflation, which excludes volatile fresh food and energy prices, also increased, rising to 3.1% from 2.9%. Spain’s national consumer price index showed annual inflation of 4.9% in September, compared with 4.3%
Maria said their support was greatly appreciated and would help the association continue its work.
Proposed Tax Cuts to Ease Electricity Bills Spain’s electricity bills could change from November if the Government confirms proposed cuts to VAT and the Special Electricity Tax. VAT would fall from 21% to 10%, while the electricity tax would drop from 5.1% to 0.5%. Neither measure is yet confirmed.
Inflation in Spain accelerated in September to its highest level since February 2023, driven mainly by rising fuel and air travel prices, according to final figures released by the National Statistics Institute (INE) on Wednesday. The EU-harmonised annual inflation rate rose to 5.0%, up from 4.6% in August. The final figure matched both the INE’s preliminary estimate and the average forecast of analysts surveyed by Reuters.
The two donations bring together the efforts of golfers from across the area, whose participation and generosity helped make the fundraisers a success.
The proposals come as energy markets face volatility linked to Middle East tensions and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. Wholesale electricity prices have reached e300 per megawatt-hour.
in August. This was in line with the INE’s preliminary estimate. Inflation surged across the world following the Covid19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In 2022 Spain’s inflation rate reached a level not seen since 1984 and has since remained mostly above the European Central Bank’s 2% target.
Although Spain is less dependent on gas than during the 2022 crisis, consumers on the regulated PVPC tariff remain more exposed to wholesale price swings. Endesa, Iberdrola and Repsol are offering contracts that fix the price of energy consumed for up to 10 years. However, network charges and taxes can still change, so the total bill is not guaranteed to remain fixed. Any savings from the proposed tax cuts will vary by household, and customers should check tariff terms carefully.
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I am referring to the juvenile Trump, who only a year ago was having a right go at European countries for buying Russian oil.
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Tony Mayes’ Rant
Now, with his Republican Party facing a wipe-out in two weeks’ time and his political clout waning, he is desperately trying to win popularity by knocking a cent or two off diesel prices through a “deal” to buy Russian diesel from Putin, the snake in the grass.
COST OF A QUICK GOODBYE There has been considerable publicity over the past week about the rising fees people have to pay at UK airports just to drop off passengers. Some airports charge up to £10. A survey showed that most UK airports impose a fee, while almost all airports elsewhere do not. So why is the UK so different? One word: Conservatives. While Margaret Thatcher was in power—a woman obsessed with privatising everything—the Conservatives privatised UK airports, along with the water industry. We all know what a disaster that has been. So, the next time you go to a UK airport and have to pay through the nose for nothing, think about how much you are putting into shareholders’ pockets and which political party is responsible. Then remember that at the next election. HYPOCRISY OF TRUMP’S “PEACE” I feel sorry for Americans today. They must feel thoroughly ashamed of their leader’s antics. In the eyes of many people around the world, he is an absolute disgrace.
I call this absolute hypocrisy. I have no doubt that Trump has reached the age at which he cannot remember what he did or said yesterday, let alone a year ago. He should have been pensioned off years ago, like Biden before him. Not only has he crawled up Putin’s backside to get fuel that will make little difference to prices at the pump, he has yet again had a pop at Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump has suggested that Zelenskyy should be replaced, stop bombing Russia’s fuel facilities and end the war. Trump then announced that he had reached a deal to stop both Russia and Ukraine from bombing infrastructure. Ukraine said it had not heard of the deal and was still being bombed. No doubt Trump has conveniently forgotten that Russia invaded Ukraine in the first place, and that his mate Putin could end the war if he chose to—but is deranged enough to want to continue it. Trump has also apparently forgotten that Russia is bombing the hell out of Ukraine and that its population is suffering terribly. The situation is even worse now that Trump has stopped sharing intelligence on Russian bombing targets—a move he denies. Idiot Trump could bring Russia to its knees
if America put a ring of steel around the country and stopped any of its shadow fleet tankers from entering or leaving. Sadly, with Trump, it is always America first and to hell with everyone else. And when something goes wrong, it is always someone else’s fault. What a leader! Trump also forgets—obviously deliberately— that America started the war with Iran, which caused the fuel shortage in the first place and has led to catastrophic loss of life and injury. And yet this idiotic American president thinks he should receive a Nobel Peace Prize. After the prize was awarded to Navi Pillay, Trump said it was “forever discredited” and claimed that Norway bore an “indelible stain” for not giving it to him.
Come on, Americans: will you finally vote for someone who brings credit to your country rather than shame? WHEN SILENCE WOULD BE BETTER A particularly sad story emerged from Britain last week after the news that a young man with mental health issues had climbed into a tiger enclosure at a zoo and been mauled to death. Apparently, a woman tried to stop him but was beaten back. At least his death was quick. The tragedy prompted online trolls to post sickening comments on social media, seriously upsetting the man’s relatives. One comment came from Trump on his own social media platform: “Don’t ever mess with nature!” Can’t this man ever keep his trap shut?
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came along. Worse, I discovered he secretly remortgaged our house, manipulated our finances, and put assets solely in his name. I feel naive, used, and robbed but I have kept my head above water; I've managed to keep our home, and my daughter is happy at school etc. 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 chal-
lenges in your relationships,
office@theleader.info.
You tell me it has only been a few weeks since the split, so it is entirely natural that your emotions are still raw.
have finally ended my relationship. Despite sharing a 16 year old daughter, my partner has always refused to marry me.
I
controlled the finances.
Looking at this objectively, you have a bright future ahead.
He has a history of abandonment; having left his first wife and young children.
Earlier this year, he began ignoring me, leading to the discovery of a year-long affair.
Things deteriorated after our daughter's birth. For 18 years I managed the home, raised our child, went to college, and built my small nail business, while he
After I kicked him out, a history of multiple infidelities came to light. Cruelly, when we argued, he used to tell me he would leave when a "better" woman
family life, work, or any other area of life, help is available. Email your question to
I blindly ignored warnings about his infidelity, dismissing his frequent lunches with female work colleagues.
P
lease do not blame yourself for being trusting. You are an incredible mother, and a deeply resilient person.
If you have not done so already your immediate next step must be securing professional legal and financial advice to see about untangling the assets your partner has manipulated; he may have done this illegally. Taking control of this process will instantly empower you. The hardest part is accepting his deceit, but his history shows a clear, repeating pattern of behaviour. The woman he is with now will likely face the
exact same outcome. Channel your anger into positive motivation and thank your lucky stars that you got out.
Why Spain turns the clocks back in October When the clocks go back next Sunday, Spain ends daylight saving time and returns to standard time. The change takes place on 25 October: at 3am on the mainland and Balearic Islands, when clocks move back to 2am. In the Canary Islands, 2am becomes 1am. The schedule is set under European Union rules, which coordinate the seasonal changes across member states. The aim is to keep dates predictable for transport, communications and businesses operating across borders. It also prevents a patchwork of dates that could complicate travel and cross-border trade. The idea behind daylight saving is to shift an hour of daylight from early morning to evening during the brighter months. Spain’s clocks go forward in
March, giving people more light after work and school in spring and summer. As autumn advances and daylight hours shorten, the clocks return to standard time so that mornings are lighter than they would be under permanent summer time. The practice became widespread in Europe after the 1973 oil crisis, when governments sought ways to reduce energy use by making better use of natural light. Spain’s authorities have previously cited potential savings from reduced lighting demand. However, the real effect depends on how people use heating, cooling and electricity, and Spain’s government has said there is no up-to-date evidence confirming that the clock change itself delivers energy savings.
WORD SCRAMBLE
Spain’s time zone adds another layer to the debate. Most of the country follows Central European Time, one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time in winter, while the Canary Islands are one hour behind the mainland. Spain adopted Central European Time in 1940, although its longitude places much of the country closer to the Greenwich time zone. That decision concerns the country’s standard time zone; it is separate from the twice-yearly clock change. The European Parliament voted in 2019 to end seasonal clock changes, but EU countries have not agreed on a common approach. For now, Spain continues to put the clocks back each October, giving residents an extra hour in bed while bringing earlier sunrises and sunsets.
WORDWHEEL
GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES
BOTSWANA - BURUNDI CAMEROON - DJIBOUTI
CROSSWORD ANSWERS Monday 19 Oct (Week 1150) QUICK ACROSS: 6 Startle; 7 Denim; 9 Suave; 10 Faculty; 12 Influential; 14 Subservient; 18 Canasta; 19 Stick; 21 Clock; 22 Scarlet. DOWN: 1 Stout; 2 Craven; 3 Ale; 4 Result; 5 Mistral; 8 Javelin; 11 Clarity; 13 Durable; 15 Stance; 16
QUIZ FROM P12 1. The wreck of the Titanic. Argo was Robert Ballard's unmanned undersea video sledge. 2. Godzilla. 3. Nelson Mandela. His birth name is Rolihlahla (trouble maker). 4. Jack Nicholson and Laurence Olivier. 5. Sri Lanka. 6. Coffee. 7. Starting with the most corrupt, they are in order: Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, North Korea, DR Congo. 8. Fender Stratocaster. 9. Pillars of Hercules. 10. Six answers. a. Piano man (Billy Joel), b. Roadhouse
Nature; 17 Screw; 20 Act. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 6 Potters; 7 Ducat; 9 Cedar; 10 Hessian; 12 Unpalatable; 14 Wensleydale; 18 Senator; 19 Steak; 21 Tenet; 22 Garnish. DOWN: 1 Comet; 2 Strain; 3 Arm; 4 Russia; 5 Capable; 8 Rewards; 11 Cameron; 13 Severed; 15 Scares; 16 Latent; 17 Marsh; 20 Can. Blues (The Doors), c. Sunday morning coming down (Kris Kristofferson), d. Bruce's philosophers song (Monty Python), e. All I wanna do (Sheryl Crow), f. Tubthumping (Chumbawamba). 11. For cutting the heads of parking meters. 12. Satan. 13. a. Buenos Aires and Cordoba, b. Karachi and Lahore, c. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. 14. Room 101. 15. The Shining. 16. The Zapruder film. 17. Waterloo station. Waterloo Sunset'. 18. At the bus stop (outside the chip shop). 'Jilted John'. 19. Russia and Italy. 20. Gadzooks! (from Gods' hooks).
ETHIOPIA - MADAGASCAR MAURITANIA - SENEGAL SEYCHELLES - ZIMBABWE
SUDOKU SOLUTION
W ORDSEARCH SOLUTION
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Meetings at Dilly's Bar, Av. Castuera, 3, 03184 El Chaparral, Alicante. Group meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10:00 to 12:00. The next meeting is on Wednesday, November 11th, 2026. All are welcome. Online meetings take place on the second Thursday of every month. Computers Routine system maintenance for both Windows and Apple Mac computers involves essential tasks performed to maintain storage hygiene and protect security.
“REGULAR TASKS ON SMARTPHONE AND COMPUTER”?
saging apps (e.g., WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram). Monthly Tasks
SMARTPHONES
System & App Updates:
Keeping both Android and Apple (iOS)
Android: Go to Settings > System > Software Update. Update apps via Google Play Store.
smartphones running smoothly involves proactive physical care, storage optimisation, and system security practices. Weekly Tasks
iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Update apps via the App Store.
Restart Your Device: Clears temporary sys-
Clear Storage Space:
tem cache and flushes RAM on both
Android: Use Settings > Storage or Google's Files app to clear cached files and remove unused apps.
Android and iOS. Clean Physical Surfaces: Wipe down the screen, case, and camera lenses with a microfiber cloth; gently clean dirt from the charging port using compressed air or a soft toothpick. Review Downloads & Attachments: Delete large video or photo files received in mes-
iOS: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to offload or delete unused apps and clear system recommendations. Clear Browser Cache: Clear history and site data in Chrome (Android) or Safari (iOS) to restore browser performance.
On a weekly basis, both operating systems benefit from a complete restart to clear temporary RAM, resolve background process hangs, and finalise pending system updates. Windows users should run the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to clear temporary cache files and empty the Recycle Bin, while macOS users should clear out unneeded files from their Downloads folder and empty the Trash. Monthly maintenance focuses on security and background optimisation. Windows users should manually check Windows Update for security patches, review background applications in Task Manager to keep boot times fast and run a full system scan using Microsoft Defender. On macOS, users should check Software Update for system and app updates, review background apps under System Settings > General > Login Items and run First Aid
PAGE 19
Scan the QR Code right to find out exactly what the Costa Blanca Technology Help Group has to offer
within Disk Utility to verify disk volume integrity. Quarterly tasks involve deeper storage audits and access controls. Windows users should review installed applications to uninstall unused software and update hardware drivers via OEM tools or GPU software. On macOS, users should check the Storage management settings to manage large files and audit Privacy & Security permissions to ensure apps only retain necessary access to camera, microphone, and full disk resources. Both operating systems also offer native automation tools to handle recurring tasks automatically. Windows includes Task Scheduler for executing scripts at specified triggers and Power Automate for Desktop for multi-step workflows. MacOS provides the Shortcuts app for dragand-drop workflow building, as well as for running background scripts on defined schedules. To ask a question or to join the Technology Help group, send an email to Brian Hoile at cbtechnology.help@gmail.com Brian Hoile, Technology Help Group
PAGE 20
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an Miguel Golf Society’s 47 players enjoyed bright skies and warm sunshine at La Serena Golf on Wednesday, 14 October, although the heat made sun cream, cold drinks and shade essential. An earlier tee time was welcome, as even the Mar Menor breeze offered little relief. The course provided a stern test, with water hazards demanding careful play. The greens were in superb condition, and the society praised Jean Noel and the La Serena team for their work. Richard McCann produced the best round of the day, taking the Gold category with 39 points. Willie Fenn finished top in Silver with 37, while Marit Ronsen claimed Bronze with 36. There were five “Twos”: John Batterby and Adrian Roberts on the third, and Dave Blackburn, Paul Guest and Carmel McCann on
Two-in-a-Row for Chambers at Altorreal
Sheerin’s Golf Society gathered at Altorreal on 7 October for the fourth annual Frome Firm Golf Bowl, sponsored by Steve Burns and John Bolt. Twentyseven players competed in a full-handicap Stableford, playing in two groups for group prizes and an overall title. The society received its usual warm welcome from Romana and her team. The course was in good condition, although the front nine was being tined. After torrential rain earlier in the week, players enjoyed blue skies, sunshine & tem-
peratures of 27°C. Nick Chambers, known as “Dicky Ticker”, claimed the overall title with 38 points, securing his second consecutive win. Steve Day (“Sat Nav”) was runner-up with 31 points, while Mike Sharlot (“Magic Mike”) took third place on countback with 30. In Group A, Andy Godfrey (“Bungle”) won on countback with 35 points. John Bolt (“Usain”) also scored 35 to finish second, and Gary Hill came third with 30. Six Nearest the Pin prizes were awarded. In Group A, Simon Collins won on holes 3 and 18, and John Bolt on hole 11. In Group B, Brian Court (“Tom Tom”) took holes 2 & 16, while Kenny Dow won on 10. Peter Kelly (“Mr Amstel”) recorded the best front nine with 18 points, and Kevin Quinn (“Mighty Quinn”) had the best back nine, also with 18. The twos pot went unclaimed, leaving e60 for the next game. The society thanked Burns and Bolt for providing the prizes, and Kellie, Katie and the Sheerin’s staff for their hospitality. Michael O’Keeffe won e40 on the football card with Sunderland, raising a further e40 for the society’s 2026 charities.
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the ninth. Nearest the Pin prizes went to John Batterby, Denis Ryan, Mike Stott and Paul Guest. Norman Padmore won the McBride Bottle, while Mick Kilcullen picked Coventry on the football card to claim the weekly prize. The post-round gathering included cake to celebrate Treasurer Peter Turbefield’s forthcoming birthday. Members wished him an early happy birthday as the usual stories and selective recollections of the day’s golf continued. San Miguel GS thanked its supporters and invited members to visit smgs.org for updates. The society is also supported by Michaela Schmidt at golf-hotspots.com, which offers golf travel services. Next week, the society heads to El Plantio, a course it has missed during the summer months.
Reeves Claims Captain’s Day Crown with La Marina Forty members of La Marina Golf Society celebrated Captain Sue Lyall’s year with a sunny day of golf at El Plantio on Thursday, 15 October. The annual event began with a nine-hole challenge on the Par 3 course, followed by refreshments before the main 18-hole competition. Members later gathered at Stan & Ollies Restaurant in El Raso for drinks, dinner and a light-hearted quiz about Captain Sue. Colin Taylor won the Par 3 event, with Gordon McLagan in second place and Mike Hobson third. Jock Reeves topped the main event with 42 points. Gordon Thursfield was runner-up on 41, while Carol Weeks finished third with 39. Nearest the Pin prizes went to Anita Stokes on the seventh, Mike Pearce on the ninth, Jock Reeves on the 14th and Mike Cunningham on the 18th. Mark Stokes, Tommy Ansegard and Garry Garbett each scored a two. The society congratulated all the winners and thanked members for helping make the day memorable for Sue. Thanks were also extended to the team at Stan & Ollies for their hospitality. La Marina Golf Society welcomes new members. Visit lamarinagolfsociety.eu for information.
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Ricky and teammate Johnny Nineteen won the first two singles, only for Dave Askew to pull one back for the Gap. Homies took the next game to make it 4:5, but Gap won the final games and victory 7:5. POTM: Perez & Askew
DIVISION 2 BY SHARON FRAIN Match Results for 15 October 2026 - Week 1 Division 1 CC Eagles 3-9 Illy's Idiots CK1 Chuggers 8-4 Tipsy Cow Hub Hyenas 11-1 Domino's Desperados Tipsy Toad 7-5 Meeting Point Dartagans Firestation 5-7 Mind The Gap Division 2 El Clan Dartsabers 6-6 Bye 0-0 Queens & Jesters 10-2 Tipsy Cow Archers 8-4 Jacob's Crackers 2-10
Leeson Street Nomads Tipsy Toad Tigers Hub Hellraisers CK1 Tornados CC's Bees
Skinner & Garcia Pérez & Askew
180's: Ricky Perez x 2, Pete Spence High Finish: Gino Gugglaugsson 110 League Tables 15/10/26 Division 1 P Pts Hub Hyenas 1 3 Illy's Idiots 1 3 CK1 Chuggers 1 3 Mind The Gap 1 3 Tipsy Toad 1 3 Firestation 1 0 Meeting Point Dartagans 1 0 Tipsy Cow 1 0 CC's Eagles 1 0 Domino's Desperados 1 0 Division 2 CC's Bees Queens & Jesters Tipsy Cow Archers El Clan Dartsabers Leeson Street Nomads CK1 Tornados Hub Hellraisers Jacob's Crackers Bye Tipsy Toad Tigers
P 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0
Pts 3 3 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
Legs 11 9 8 7 7 5 5 4 3 1 Legs 10 10 8 6 6 4 2 2 0 0
This week saw the start of the Thursday Darts, teams returning to the oche ready to battle.
DIVISION 1 CC's Eagles v Illy's Idiots The Idiots took two of the three triples but Eagles weren't exactly flapping, Aurelio Jimenez hitting 121, 129 teammate Jose Hernandez adding a 126. Paul Christopher fired in 130, 139, with Jonathan Saez adding 110 helping Eagles claim the first pairs game. Unfortunately for CC's, the Idiots had other ideas taking the remaining pairs. Score 4:2. After the break, Idiots stormed ahead winning five of the six singles. Both teams produced plenty of 3-figure scores, Eagles Jimenez hitting a 106 finish. A strong start
Kernahan & Spence for the Idiots, while the Eagles will be hoping to clip their wings next week! POTM: Paul Christopher & Steve Parkin CK1 Chuggers v Tipsy Cow Chuggers got off to a flying start, taking the first two triples. Tipsy Cow, playing with just five players, weren't about to let the evening go completely pear-shaped, John Giggs scoring 140 before finding the double in the third. Cow's took the opening pairs, despite some excellent treble-figure scoring from Chuggers' Steve Mullen and Mick Wade. Chuggers bounced back taking the next two, Tim Clarke hitting 121, Cow's Dave O'Brey 129 and Bob Smith added 121. Score: 4:2. A whopping 23 three-figure scores followed across the two teams after the break. Atle Vtbjoa opened the scoring for the Chuggers, before Kevin Swan replied for the Cow's. Dons Ralph, Terry David and Mervyn Borwick made it three wins on the bounce for CK1. Cow's Swan claiming the final game, but Chuggers having already put the match beyond reach. POTM: Ralph & Swan Hub Hyenas v Dominos Desperados These two met for the third time this season, having already crossed paths in the KO Cup. The Hyenas swept all three triples before the pairs produced a scoring frenzy, with 20 treble-figure scores. Hyenas Pete Spence and Wayne Houson along with Charlie Spiers for the Desperados, all smashed in 140s. Hyenas took the first two pairs, Desperados managing to rescue the final game. Score: 5:1.
Ralph and Swan Things didn't improve for the visitors, Hyenas claimed all six singles. Another 25 treble-figure scores, Desperados Olly Walker hitting 140 and Ben Kernahan adding 139, 138. However, Pete Spence was in no mood to let the visitors escape, producing a magnificent 180 and a 16-dart finish. POTM: Pete Spence & Ben Kernahan Tipsy Toad v Dartagnans Another third meeting of the season, following their KO Cup encounters. Toad's taking two of the three triples, Ken Skinner scoring 115,101, whilst Dartagnans' Jan De Buyser hit 140. Visitors Suso Garcia and Gino Gunnlaugsson pinched the opening pairs game, Gino finishing brilliantly on 110. Sadly for Dartagnans, Toad's won the next two pairs to lead 4:2. Dartagnans took the first two singles despite a fantastic effort from young Kian McGill, who hit 125, 3x100s, 140! The teams then traded wins to reach 5:5. Amanda Skinner produced a 140 winning the fifth single, teammate Phil de Lacy taking the 6th and victory. POTM: Skinner & Garcia Firestation v Mind the Gap What a battle between these teams, the first half featuring 35 treble-figure scores, including a 180 from Firestation's Ricky Perez. Firestation took the opening triple, Gap hitting back to win the next two. Gap then claimed two of the three pairs, heading into the break 4:2. The fireworks continued after the break, another 29 treble-figure scores and another 180 from Perez. Firestation's
Dartsabers v Leeson Street Nomads These two were also among the teams who met in last week's KO Cup. The first half finished all square, with seventeen 80+ scores across both teams. Dartsabers' Lee Earl hit 101 and Mario Godoy scored 100, while Nomads' Callum Ramm produced 132, 125. Godoy started the second half hitting 80, 95 out on 67, despite Nomads Alan Kirrage hitting 121,100. Nomads captain Graham White took the second singles 2x100, followed by teammate Mike Tierney. Score 4:5. Dartsabers weren't ready to surrender! Captain Ken Lathouders and Benito Gomez winning their games score 6:5. Ramm stepped up for Nomads claiming the final game for a draw. POTM: Godoy & White Queens & Jesters v Hub Hellraisers Queens & Jesters won the first two triples, Graham Cahill scoring 97, 96. Hellraisers fought back in the third, Steph Knowles hitting 98, 80, 95, teammate Ann Taylor adding 92, and Lesley Dolling finding the all-important double. Jesters fought back taking all the pairs. Score 5:1. Jester's Cahill won the opening single, whilst Linda Davies grabbed Hellraisers' second and final win of the night. Jesters won the remaining singles. Matt Cummins finishing in style, hitting 96, 133 sealing victory 10:2. POTM: Cummins & Knowles Tipsy Cow Archers v CK1 Tornados Archers won two of the three triples, Steve Franklin firing a 111. Tornados took the first two pairs, Archers taking the third. Score 4:2. Archers' Karen Raffell hit 100, while Sue Wade hit 81 checking out on D2 to claim the opening singles game. Tornados responded with a win of their own, before Archers edged ahead. Score 5:4. Tornados Kirsty Green managed a 100, but Archers gathered momentum taking the final three singles to win 8:4. POTM: Paul Raffell & Kirsty Green Jacob's Crackers v CC's Bees The Bees were certainly buzzing, dominating from the start, producing 27 scores of 80+, including 11 treble-figure scores. They swept all games in the first half, although Crackers' Henni Oortwyn managed a 114 in the pairs. Sharon Williams finally got Crackers on the scoreboard winning their opening singles. Bees responded, Jeff Saunders hitting 100, 140, 93 before Reg Christopher added another win score 8:1. Oortwyn claimed Crackers' second point, but that was as good as it got for the home side. Bees winning the final two singles for a 10:2 victory. POTM: Williams & Simon Bantleman
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Big Wins for Greenlands Oaks and Gladiators South Alicante Voyager Division 3 Vistabella Drivers A v Greenland’s Beech Not so lucky today, Beeches. Vistabella Drivers took control early on and never looked back, winning 10-2 (scores: 102–52). One good win for our Beech team: Lisa Curtis, Rosina Charter-Byrne and Hazel Nuttall, 20–17. Winter League - Gladiators v Country Bowls Cobras A tough game against a strong Cobras side resulted in a close win for our Gladiators: 6-4 (scores: 80–54). Good wins for Carol Stobbart, Gordon Paton, Keith Stobbart and Dave Morrison, 27–8; and Noel Davis, Barbara Louis, Darren Reynolds and Martin Foulcer, 26–12. Southern League Division A Emerald Isle Cavaliers v Greenland’s Cedars It was a tough game for the Cedars, with the Cavaliers standing their ground at home and winning convincingly, 10-2 (scores: 88–52). There was only one winning rink for Greenland’s Cedars: Noel Davis, Barbara Louis and John Palmer, 19–10. Next time, Cedars!
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Quesada Diamonds Edge Rubies in All-Club League Clash By Steve Hibberd All 3 QBC teams were at home for the opening match of the new South Alicante league season. Up first on Monday morning were Pearls, who entertained Country Bowls Flamingos. Although Pearls won on 3 trips, an inferior shots difference meant that points were shared 6-6. Well done: T Morgan, C Dye, H Olsen 24-8. C Brazier, M France, Jason P 27-15. I Everett, C & K Lowry 19-13.
Southern League Division A Greenland’s Oaks v Country Bowls Panthers After a slow start, the Oaks finally got their act together, winning handsomely, 10-2 (scores: 106–63). Good wins for Stuart Wilson, Russell Harper and Martin Foulcer, 28–7; Allen Bowen, Darren Reynolds and Tony Hodges, 20–13; Carol Stobbart, Keith Stobbart and Dave Morrison, 22–9; and Janet Jukes, Craig Odfy and Debbie Perryman, 21–10.
San Luis Klingons Draw in a Week of Close Finishes By Sheila Cammack Southern League: Friday 9th October and off we go again, once more into battle but at least the heat & humidity is calming down at last. SL Lions, had a tough start to this winter season; away at Emerald Isle against a strong Cavaliers team. We had mixed results; 73 shots-102 but came away with 2 very good wins & 4 points-8. Well done to our winners: Lesley Howlett, Keith Phillips, Bob Bromley 21-9, Dee Hoey, John Skipper, Lyndon Johnson, with a great finish, 18-16. Friday 16th, SL Lions were at home against San Miguel Apaches and once more fought hard to gain some useful points; 4-8, shots 74-90. Winners: Lesley Howlett, Wayne Howlett, Bob Bromley 21-11, Chris Jackson, Ngaio Baldwin, Peter Baldwin 15-14. South Alicante League, began on Monday 12th, SL Klingons were at home against San Miguel Dolphins. There were some very close fought games, right to the last shot; finishing 6 points-6, 86 shots-73. Winners: Dee Hoey, Keith Phillips, Peter Baldwin 25-4, Pauline Johnson, Lesley Howlett, Steve Gray 15-15, Sheila Cammack, Wayne Howlett, Lyndon Johnson 19-19. Well done to our team players & reserves for a positive start to the season.
Next on the green were both Diamonds & Rubies, in an all QBC encounter. Diamonds eventually came out on top 8-4, having won on 3 trips, and overall shots. Diamonds winning trips: D & A Benson, W McCool 20-9. T Denman, M Sumner, I Laws 20-11. B Trinder, J Denman, M Ward 40-4. Rubies winning trips: D Ford, J & M Inns 14-10. D & J Kocsis, K Barrie 21-19. Our Winter league team secured a fine 8-2 result against Bonalba on home carpet. Here's details of the 3 winning rinks: G Carnell, V Campbell, C Highland, S Malden 24-12. S Heath, M Highland, K Bowles, M Ward 20-14. T Morgan, C Dye, A Linley, P Kern 18-11. Friday's Southern league matches were definitely ones to forget. Swallows excursion to Country Bowls ended in a 0-12 defeat, as did Swifts, who lost by the same score at home against Emerald Isles. But, when Swans ventured for an afternoon fixture at San Miguel, they did at least come away with 4 points, courtesy of winning trips by B Trinder, A Jackson, M Ward 19-15. J Hughes, E Kern, P Turner 20-13.
Country Bowls Enjoy Strong Start to Winter Season
fight, only to lose by 6 points to 4. Top rink was Val Lever, Sylvia Rennie, Alan Lever and Jim Rennie 17 shots to 11.
The first full week of the winter league and all our teams have been in action with some very good results.
On Friday morning in the Southern League Division B the Cubs entertained Phoenix and dominated the game with some great bowling, coming out with a 10 points to 2 win. Top rink was Alan Lever, Eric Gough and Mandy Stapleton 27 shots to 12.
On Monday in the Southern Alicante League Enterprise Division the Flamingos crossed over the salt lakes to play Quesada Pearls, It was a great morning for some great bowling on both sides, at the end the Flamingos held their own and came away with accreditable 6 all points. The top rink with a great win was Peter Whithall, Alan Miller and Sue Hudson 37 shots to 5. Meanwhile the Seahawks travelled up the hill to play Vistabella, always a big ask but they came away with a fantastic 10 points to 2 win. Top rink was Steve Wailes, Della Wailes and Brenda Jiggins 23 shots 13. On Wednesday in the Winter league the Cobras travelled to play the Greenland Gladiators, against the current champions they put up a great
In the afternoon it was the turn of the Geckos to entertain Quesada Swallows in the A Division, it was a great afternoon with some fine bowling, in the end the Geckos secured a great win on all rinks, gaining a maximum of 12 points. Top rink was Peter Dix, Mick Nickleson and Del Gunning 20 shots to 6. The Panthers travelled to play Greenlands Oaks, a tough place to go and get a result, only managing one winning rink, going down 10 points to 2. Winning rink Peter Whitehall, Liz and Mick Mildon 24 points to 15, great win.
By Peter Dix
Stingrays Take Derby Honours in Big San Miguel Win - Jenny Harvey Monday's league games saw... No report from THE EMERALD ISLE this week but, courtesy of Dave, we do have an image of their Southern League, Division 3 Squad instead.
MONTE MAR BOWLS CLUB AND SOCIAL CLUB Sponsored by Gran Alacant Insurances, The Belfry, Skippers, La Piedra, Evoca Living, The Reiki Room, Gran Alacant Properties, Chill Out, James. South Alicante Discovery Division - Matadors V Emerald Isle Neptunes Away at Emerald playing the second game of the season we had a couple of close games but only managed to win on one rink. Well done to Des Freeman, Howie Williams skip Rod Chamberlain 23 -13. Shots: Matadors 77–97 Neptunes. Points: Matadors 2–10 Neptunes. Southern League Division B - Matadors V Vistabella Picadors. At home to Vistabella Picadors not a good result for the Matadors. They were a couple of close rinks but the Picadors managed to pull away and won on all rinks and the shots. As our bowling green is still closed La Marina are allowing us to use their bowling green. Shots: Matadors 51–104 Picadors. Points: Matadors 0–12 Picadors. For further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website: www.montmarbowls.com. We are also on FB
An away draw for the Dolphins against San Luis Klingons, 6-6/points for SMBC 86-73, two best winning rinks Steve Parr, David Homer, Gary Ponsford 17-13 and Pat McEwan, Steve Cantley. Eddie Cowan 18-14 A handsome home derby win for the Stingrays v Orcas, 11-1/105-68pts, some excellent scores but best winning rink was John King, Dave Sceal, Steve Titheridge 25-10... And a close game in points for the Marlins losing to Phoenix Flames 210/79-89pts, best winning rink Val Flanagan, Gunnie Sigurdardottir, Gestur Saemundsson 23-8. Wednesday's winter league saw a great home win against El Cid 8-2/79-47pts, best winning rink Steve Parr, Dori Svanbergsson, Gary Ponsford, Alan Bannister 24-8. Friday's league games' results saw... A win for the Apaches v San Luis
Lions, 8-4/90-74pts, best winning rink Tom Dalgleish, David Homer, Eddie Cowan 33-12. A sturdy home win for the Navajos against La Marina 9-3/104-63pts, best winning rink Allan Patterson, Gail Willshire, Fred Willshire 34-7... some very impressive team scores. Well done Cherokees for a home win against Quesada Swallows 8-4/9278pts, best winning rink Eileen Askew, Gill Brimley, John Bolton 28-13. Another close away game for the Comanches losing to Vistabella Buggies 8-4/75-64pts, sadly one rink was 'cancelled' due to a medical emergency, however, our best winning rink Kevin Ireland, Joan Newark, Brian Whittaker 17-11. A very good week's bowling! San Miguel Bowls Club welcomes all bowlers looking to join as, being a unique club, we only pay owners fees and a club fee - NO LEAGUE RINK FEES. For further information please contact our club secretary Barry Jones on 602504905.
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Elche hold firm to earn valuable point Villarreal 0 Elche 0 Elche secured a valuable point against Villarreal after producing a determined defensive display to frustrate their hosts in Saturday’s goalless LaLiga encounter at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Villarreal dominated the opening exchanges, putting Elche under immediate pressure and creating several excellent opportunities. Goalkeeper Matías Dituro was outstanding, making crucial saves to deny Alberto Moleiro and Tani Oluwaseyi as
Macklins Set the Pace After 2 Weeks Macklins have made a strong start to the OCP Premier League Season 2, leading Division One with 18 points after a 7–2 win. O’Dea’s Irish Bar have also won both their opening matches, while Nordic Breeze Vikings claimed their first victory in a close 5–4 result against Cheers A. In Division Two, The Players Lounge lead on 18 points after an 8–1 away win over Wolfies Pack. Macklins Megas remain unbeaten, while Cheers B recorded the week’s biggest result with a 9–0 whitewash. The league is already taking shape, but there is plenty of the season left to play.
the home side searched for an early breakthrough. Moleiro appeared to have scored during the first half, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Villarreal continued to threaten, with Elche struggling to establish themselves in the game before the interval. The visitors improved after the break and began to pose more of a threat. They briefly thought they had been awarded a penalty following a challenge involving Moleiro and Elche's Revivo, but the referee overturned his decision
after consulting VAR. Villarreal introduced fresh attacking options in a bid to find a winner, but Dituro and the Elche defence stood firm. Gerard Moreno missed a late headed opportunity, leaving the hosts frustrated. The draw extended Elche's unbeaten run to three matches, although they remained in the relegation zone. Villarreal, meanwhile, were left to rue their failure to convert their dominance into goals.
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Torrevieja Lose Before Weekend Postponements The Valencian Football Federation called off all Sunday fixtures over the weekend, but the postponements came too late for SC Torrevieja. Playing at lunchtime on Saturday, Torrevieja lost 4-1 to Atlético Levante UD. CD Thader’s home match against UD Rayo Ibense was among the fixtures postponed.
Torrevieja Darts Ladies Organisation 13th Oct. Founders Format Week 2 Ladybirds 6-3 Rumours Rebels 4 - 5 Friendly Foes 2-7 League Table Tipsy Tigers Dolly Mixtures Ice Queens Rumours Rebels Ladybirds Friendly Foes
Dolly Mixtures Ice Queens Tipsy Tigers P 2 2 2 2 1 1
Pts 13 9 8 7 6 2
The Tigers had the pleasure of playing ‘virtually’ new team, Friendly Foes, this week. It was a really great night and we all enjoyed the background Karaoke, some of us belting a few numbers out when their games were over! The Foes have booked a date with the Ladybirds on Saturday 24th October to play the match they missed on 6th October, then we should be all square with the fixtures. Hot Darts Week 2 - Sally Sheldrake (TT) 180, 100, 100. Amanda Skinner (TT) 160, 140, 100 Jane Barnes (RR) 120, 100. Lesley Dolling (LB) 137. Fanney Isladottir (IQ) 134. Angie Mullen (LB) 126. Amanda Palit (FF) 120 Least Darts: Sally Sheldrake (TT) 20 Bull Finish: Chris Greenwood (RR) 64
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