The Costa Blanca Leader Newspaper Edition 866 - 10 May 2021

No 866 Monday 10th - Sunday 16th May 2021

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ELCHE COURT CANCELS ORIHUELA C O S TA B E A C H B A R C O N T R A C T

Photo: Facebook Chiringuitos del Sol he Contentious-Administrative Court number 1 of Elche has cancelled the award of the contract for the seasonal beach services awarded by the Orihuela City Council, which includes the operation of beach bars, sunbeds and water sports.

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The court has ruled that the UTE “Especialistas en Mercados SL and Gestión y Restauración Punta Prima SL” which came in second place, and which presented the lawsuit, was discriminated against when the Local Government Board agreed that the four-year contract be awarded to the company Chiringuitos

del Sol in 2018, for a fee of 891,178 euros. The judgment, which has already been appealed to the Superior Court of Justice by both the City Council and co-defendant, Chiringuitos del Sol, orders that a new tender must be carried out.

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Monday 10th - Sunday 16th May, 2021 office@theleader.info 637 227 385 ADVERTISING HOTLINE www.theleader.info loss of profits, a sum assessed at 52,000 euro for each So, the award made to the company Chiringuitos del CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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The new tender must take into account the ruling given by the court and the points that it considers discriminated against the UTE that came in second place, runners up in the previous tender process. The judicial resolution, which is dated April 2020, has not been made public until now, nor has the local government coalition, of PP and Cs, made any mention of it. The judge agrees with the plaintiff, UTE, in that, in several of the criteria that the council considered, it should have obtained a higher score than Chiringuitos del Sol, who finally won the award and who will continue to provide the service until there is a resolution. If the appeal is not successful, the Orihuela Council will have to start the process once again of evaluating the offers that were submitted in 2018. However, if the court ruling is upheld and the contract awarded to UTE, the council will be required to pay damages for

CCTV installed in la Herrada Los Montesinos

year of the lost contract. Therefore, the local administration faces a payment of up to € 210,053, plus costs. Although UTE obtained the same score as the successful bidder during the tender process, and the tiebreaker was for the best financial offer, which was submitted by Chiringuitos del Sol, the court notes that many of the tender conditions were excessively scored in respect of the winning company, and that the principle of equal treatment between bidders was ignored. The judgement states that Chiringuitos del Sol did not present a plan for equality in the workplace, that it did not provide a detailed explanation of the operation and development of the different services, as was required in the specifications, and that there was a "notable difference" between the offer of development and organisation of water sports activities on the beach that the company presented. However, in all these aspects, the council authorities scored the same for both, Chiringuitos del Sol and UTE. Mayor Jose Manuel Butron

Quote: 'If there is a robbery, the Civil Guard and the Courts may request the recording tapes to see them' - Mayor Butron

Sol, is again involved in controversy as it was four years earlier. It was the winner of the contract placed in 2014 for 363,000 euros, a much lower offer than the one it presented nine years earlier in 2005, which was for 720,000 euros.

This 2014 award is currently being prosecuted and awaiting trial in which the former councillor for beaches, Martina Scheurer, Los Verdes, faces up to 6 years in prison for the alleged crimes of fraud and revelation of privileged information, while the manager of Chiringuitos del Sol, Thomas Herteux, is facing up to 9 years in prison and disqualification from government contracts. Despite this, the contract was again awarded to Chiringuitos del Sol in August 2018. The then Councillor of Playas, Luisa Boné (Cs), who still exercises these powers, said at the time that the process was " faultless " and defended that it was awarded to Chiringuitos del Sol who presented the very best offer made by the tendering companies.

"Because, for example the one on the corner of the real estate, I still do not know how there is no accidents. It is quite dangerous." Darus points of view have been echoed by many people, with an accident waiting to happen. Mayor Butron said: "A flyover (humps) has already been set. Because those who do not cross the town at the speed that the law says, we will do something on our part."

By Andrew Atkinson LEADER EXCLUSIVE CCTV cameras have been installed in la Herrada Los Montesinos - as promised by the Mayor Jose Manuel Butron - after a spate of robberies and ATM cash machines stolen in recent times. Speaking exclusively to The Leader, Mayor Butron said: "They are positioned for increased traffic safety as well." Properties across the Costa Blanca have been targeted by robbers for years, with the Vega Baja regions having their fair share of thieves breaking into homes. The ATM cash machine situated nearby Bar Monte in the urbanisation of la Herrada was ripped from the ground on two occasions last year with thousands of euros taken in the incidents. Mayor Butron said on potential future incidents: "If there is a robbery, the Civil Guard and the Courts may request the recording tapes to see them."

La Herrada urbanisation is based near to Los Montesinos town centre, with expats from many countries including Britain, Germany, France and Sweden, adding to the population of less than 5,000 inhabitants of the Vega Baja hamlet. New construction of properties is currently being undertaken on sites with prices of houses ranging in the region of €250,000 up to almost €1million. Speeding vehicles have been in abundance for years, by both cars and motorbikes, with certain 'blind spots' at the roundabout near to Dial Prix and approaching pedestrian crossings. La Herrada has had five CCTV cameras placed in situ. David VR (Darus) said: "This is very good, the only thing is cars in one of the lanes go at a high speed.

Congratulations to Ian & Geanette Miles from Westminster, who celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary recently at The Time Out Bar in San Javer. The function was attended by over 30 family and friends. A collection was taken at the event for the RBL Poppy Appeal

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GOVERNMENT ENDS THE STATE OF AL ARM

The state of alarm introduced by the Government almost a year ago came to an end on Sunday and, with its completion, we see the start of a new phase of the fight against the pandemic, with the management of the restrictions now in the hands of the autonomous communities and the courts.

Each of them was processed through Parliament but with less support than the last.

This now supposes the beginning of a conflict for the restriction of fundamental rights.

On 21 June, the last extension ended, but the controversy between the measures adopted by the Autonomies and the appeals that were submitted to the courts again forced the Government to approve a renewal of the alarm decree to cover the regional measures.

Since the coronavirus crisis broke out in March 2020, Spain has lived under the state of alarm for almost ten months - the community of Madrid a little longer. Now, we see the possible interference of the CCAA (Spain’s 17 autonomous communities) in fundamental rights, if they attempt to maintain measures such as border closures or curfews, which will have to be endorsed by the Courts. The first instalment was quick to arrive as the Superior Court of Justice of the Basque Country (TSJPV) ruled last Friday that the autonomous or municipal confinements, the night curfew or the limit of groups of four people cannot be retained in the Basque Country after of the end of the state of alarm on May 9, considering that it affects fundamental rights of individuals that is guaranteed in the Constitution. Despite criticism from the opposition and several regional executives, the Government has argued in Moncloa, that the CCAA have enough legal instruments to deal with the pandemic in this phase, in which the vaccination of the general public is increasing, and the incidence of the virus is decreasing. And now, with the end of the state of alarm last Sunday, the decisions adopted by the Autonomous Communities regarding the restriction of fundamental rights will have to be ratified by their own Superior Courts of Justice. To avoid the differences of opinion that occurred in the courts last summer after the end of the first state of alarm, the government has approved a decree creating an "express" appeal so that the Supreme Court can unify policies. However, the TS itself has warned that "this may not happen" and has questioned this process. The first royal decree of a state of alarm was approved on March 14, 2020. This was followed by 6 extensions, one every fifteen days: March 27, April 10, April 24, May 8 and June 5.

Vox only supported the first extension while the PP voted against the last two. The extension on 5 June only went ahead because of the abstention of ERC (Catalonia’s Republican Left).

On October 9 it did so for the Community of Madrid and on the 25 of that same month, for all the autonomous communities. It was extended on November 3 for 6 months and this last extension is the one that ends on Sunday, 9 May. But the Prime Minister's decision not to extend these measure again has led to controversy, since last summer many regions found themselves with resolutions from the Superior Courts of Justice cancelling the measures they had adopted. This was the case of the Basque Country, whose government is one of those that has pressed the most for the state of alarm to be extended. However, the government has now chosen to create an "express" appeal system before the Supreme Court in order to unify policy across the country. The Third Chamber of the high court will have 5 days to resolve community disputes, so that the measures that may affect fundamental rights are the same in all regions. Meanwhile. the well respected local solicitor and former councillor Pedro Mancebo said that “We are free by law to move and go anywhere we want at any time. This right can only be restricted or limited or suspended by the Government by means of a State of Alarm or a State of Emergency (or Exception) “Only the central government has the powers to suspend can individual’s constitutional rights in these cases. “So, the High Court validating a request of fundamental rights limitation or restrictions made by a regional government is unlawful, unless the limitation is medically and scientifically proven to be absolutely necessary.”

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Unides Podem-EU takes Cala Mosca battle to Valencian Courts The political group of Unides Podem-Esquerra Unida in the Valencian Parliament, has presented a motion rejecting the continuation of the Cala Mosca development project, requesting that the mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana (PP), and the Orihuela council, discuss the matter around a negotiation table together with other Corporation groups, the autonomous administration, the Government of Spain and the builder Playa Salvaje.

The left-wing deputy wanted to make it clear that "there is a widespread rejection of the building program by residents, and the public administrations have to listen and act, that is why Unides PodemEsquerra Unida fully supports the protection of Cala Mosca and we are going to fight to get it."

The deputy spokesperson for the left-wing coalition, Estefanía Blanes, says that "we want to explore all of the legal possibilities that are available, to reverse the program and seek alternative solutions that avoid the destruction of a unique natural enclave and its protected species”.

Carlos Bernabé, spokesman for the Municipal Group Cambiemos Orihuela, stated that “Cala Mosca is the last undeveloped kilometre of Orihuela Costa. It is one of the few natural spaces available for sustainable and community use and enjoyment on the Oriolana coast. We are talking about a nucleus saturated with urbanisations and lacking green areas or quality public spaces where residents can enjoy their free time."

She adds that "It is about choosing between continuing to be an international example of predatory urbanism subordinated to the private interests of large companies or seeking a more environmentally friendly model."

Bernabé said, “this project not only involves the destruction of a unique natural space, but the population increase would mean a deterioration in the already precarious situation of public services in the area".

Blanes said, "we are facing the destruction of a natural area of enormous importance and value, both socially and environmentally, which we have the obligation and duty to protect."

Cambiemos, who, together with their coalition partners, CLARO, have been battling against this project since it was first muted in 2007, regrets that, to date, the Partido Popular government in Orihuela “has chosen to side with the promoter and not with the interests of the municipality’s residents.”

Cala Mosca has protected flora and fauna species, such as Helianthemum and Tudorella sulcata, and it is one of the few natural spaces on the southern Valencian coast that remains unchanged.

Torrevieja U3A At long last it looks like we may be on the way to returning to a pre-pandemic way of life and to this end the Torrevieja U3A is happy to advise its members of 2 new groups that are in the process of starting up: the first being another arm of the popular petanca group which has proved over the last few years to be a pleasurable pastime and has enjoyed good membership. The new group will be of advantage to those U3A members residing to the north of Torrevieja as it will be running close to Guardamar. The second group is a new addition to the U3A umbrella and is the Canasta group which operates in the Hi-Life bar near Zenia Boulevard. Fuller details of both of these groups can be found on the U3A website torreviejau3a..org. If you are not already a member of the Torrevieja U3A but would like to participate in some of the many activities that are on offer to the members, then simply visit our website where you will find details of all that we have to offer together with details on how to join us.

For that reason, they hope that this parliamentary initiative of

Speedy action halts spread of fire in Torrevieja

received the alert mid afternoon. Fortunately no one was inside the house when the firefighters arrived to tackle the blaze so there were no personal injuries. Due to the quick intervention of the fire fighters, it didn´t spread to the surrounding houses.

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Due to the enormous amount of accumulated belongings found in the house, sources from the Torrevieja-Vega Baja Sur park said they suspect that the resident suffers from Diogenes syndrome, or compulsive hoarding.

fire has destroyed the second floor of a semi-detached house on Avenida de Torreblanca in Torrevieja on Thursday afternoon. Provincial Firefighters Consortium

INTERNATIONAL HANDBALL A delegation from the International Handball Federation (IHF) visited the facilities of the Palacio de los Deportes in Torrevieja that will host the Women’s Handball World Cup in December. The councillor for sports, Diana Box and the director general of works and services, Víctor Costa, received the members of the group led by Assem Elsaadany, IHF technical manager.

Coordination Centre (CICU). The incident occurred yesterday at around 7:30 p.m. A paramedic ambulance assisted the motorcyclist before he was transferred to the Torrevieja Hospital due to multiple injuries.

MOTHERS DAY CONCERT

MOTORCYCLIST INJURED IN CABO ROIG

On May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre will host a Special Mother’s Day Concert by the Youth Band of the Torrevejense Musical Union, under the direction of Adrián Vallejos.

A motorcyclist has been injured after suffering an accident in the Cabo Roig area of Orihuela, as reported by the Emergency Information and

Admission will be free by invitation, which can be picked up at the UMT Headquarters in the Palacio de la Música – First floor.

Unides Podem-Esquerra Unida will serve to explore alternatives protecting this last kilometre of unspoilt Orihuela coastline against those who are in it purely for their own financial gain. “We believe that the time has come for the mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana to think of the people he was elected to represent, that he listens to them and acts for the social majority and for a sustainable future, and not for the interests of the construction companies and their short-term enrichment."

Dogs get their own beach in Cala Mosca Cabo Peñas in Cala Mosca is the first sandy area in the Orihuela municipality where residents are allowed formal access with their dogs. As the local council joins the increasingly growing list of municipalities that allocate a dedicated beach on its coast for the enjoyment of pets, the wild and natural cove of Cabo Peñas in Alameda del Mar is now officially confirmed as the first dog beach in the municipality after the relevant authorisation was confirmed on Wednesday. The beach has an easy access and has plenty of space although it is not part

Guilty verdict after Travel Lodge murder of Spanish receptionist A 32 year old man has been found guilty of bludgeoning to death Valencian born Marta Vento at a Travel Lodge in Bournemouth last December. Marta was attacked by Stephen Cole while she worked the night shift. She died of head injuries after being beaten in the lobby with a blunt instrument. The 27-year-old blood-spattered body was found in the hotel's foyer area by shocked guests at about 7.30am on December 9 last year. Cole was arrested later that morning, after walking into Bournemouth police station to report the death, and was detained under the Mental Health Act. He was charged with Miss Vento's murder but later

of the Orihuela Costa system of beaches with services. Dog owners who are looking for a coastal area where they can sunbathe and bathe with their pets may now use this section of coastline without any restrictions and throughout the whole year.

denied the charge Facebook and instead pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Winchester Crown Court, Hants. This was accepted by prosecutors on the basis of 'partial diminished responsibility.' The court heard that 11 minutes of CCTV footage will be shown at the sentencing, due to be held on 1 June, and impact statements from the victim's family in Spain will be read out. The judge remanded him in custody at Ravenswood House Hospital, a secure adult mental health unit in Fareham, Hants.

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British Pilot dies in Cabo de Palos air crash Guardia Civil and Maritime Rescue at the scene

A British pilot has died after he crashed his plane into the sea close to Cabo de Palos on Saturday.. According to the emergency services the dead man is a 61 year old of British origin and a resident of Totana. The body was taken to the port of Cabo de Palos by the pleasure boat that picked it up, after which it was moved to the

Institute of Legal Medicine, where the autopsy will confirm the cause of death, while the Civil Guard carries out an investigation into the cause. The crash occurred just before mid day on Saturday. It was seen by a number of people who were relaxing nearby on the water. Luis Martínez Escudero was on a paddle surfer saw the crash. He made his way quickly to the

scene along with a canoeist who had also seen the impact. “The pilot was practising aerobatics. He carried out several loops but he was very close to the water and just couldn’t pull out. The aircraft hit the water and completely disintegrated.” “Initially there was nothing, just wreckage, but after five minutes we saw a body floating upside down, we pulled it onto the paddle surf.” “There was a small motor boat next to us which also came over, we then put the body on the boat and took it to the port”, he said. Although the flight plan listed only one passenger Marine Rescue and Guardia Civil divers carried out an extensive search of the area to ensure there was no one else on board. The mayor of Cartagena, Ana Belén Castejón, sent her sympathies to the family of the pilot who was said to be a prominent member of the local community.

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Spain to pilot trial of digital health certificates

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Prosecutor requests jail sentences for 3 Torrevieja police officers Originally asking that the charges be shelved the Public Prosecutor is now requesting that 3 Torrevieja policemen be jailed following the alleged disappearance of fines almost ten years ago. He is asking for sentences of between 2 and 4 years

By Andrew Atkinson Spain will welcome visitors from June, following a pilot trial of digital health certificates at all 46 Spanish airports in May. Fernando Valdes Verelst, Spain’s tourism minister, outlined the country’s plans during the World Travel & Tourism Council global summit in Mexico. He said the European Union digital certificate is not a magical wand but it does offer certainty for people to organise their travel. Delegates at the hybrid event in Cancun welcomed news that the EU hopes to allow vaccinated Americans to visit this summer. Brussels is yet to open discussions with the UK about mutual recognition of vaccine passports.

The policemen, a former inspector, two local police officers and a driver who benefited from the withdrawal of a fine against him, have been investigated since 2013 following a complaint from another agent - a witness protected by the Anti-Fraud Agency. The officers must now all be tried by a jury court.

“The best thing governments right now can provide to travellers is certainty,” said Fernando Valdes Verelst. Valdes Verelst hopes negotiations with other countries will lead to reciprocal arrangements, saying travellers need certainty when returning to their home countries. If holidaymakers face restrictions when they arrive home, that won’t help tourism. “It is no use to open only one side of the equation.

A third of people not prepared to pay for PCR Covid Test By Andrew Atkinson A third of people are not prepared to pay for a PCR Covid test before travelling abroad, with Britons only prepared to pay £22 per person, on average, for a gold standard test. Just 4% of the 2,000 consumers surveyed by insurer Battleface would be prepared to pay £75 or more for a PCR test, if it meant they could travel internationally. As many as 40% would NOT be willing pay for their family to have a PCR test to be able to travel. Travel agency groups are trying to get testing costs lowered and vociferous calls have been aired for the 20% VAT to be scrapped. Private tests can cost up to £120 - and a reported staggering £200 at some clinics. Many countries are expected to require travellers to submit a negative PCR test result on arrival, taken within a certain time frame before travel, when the UK government allows the recommencement of international travel from May 17.

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“Spain is going to be ready in June to use this digital certificate,” he told delegates. “We are doing a pilot programme in May at all 46 airports so we are going to give all travellers this certainty," he added. Tui boss says quarantine is ‘toxic’ to the travel industry. The EU’s Digital Green Certificate offers travellers a way to prove their health status with Covid-19 vaccination certificates, negative test results and medical certificates for people who have recovered from Covid-19 in the previous 180 days. At the summit, Greek tourism minister Harry Theocharis outlined the measures Greece has taken in order to reopen to international visitors from May 14, and to cruises from May 3.

SAT ANIMAL RESCUE Tom is a 5 year old, GS cross who loves to play but most of all loves cuddles.

The Times reported he told the newspaper that Greece will allow Britons who have been twice vaccinated to enter the country, using only their paper handwritten NHS card. Battleface chief executive Sasha Gainullin said: “It’s good news that the majority of travellers will be willing to take a Covid PCR test in order to go on holiday. “That said, the current costs of PCR testing makes this option unviable for most travellers based on what they are prepared to spend on testing.

However, a spokesperson for Theocharis told Sky News that only official documentation would be acceptable and that the Greek government’s understanding is that a UK health certificate will become available. British tourism minister Nigel Huddleston told the WTTC summit that the UK government is working with its counterparts in other countries to align the measures on international travel and liaise on issues such as vaccine certification. “We absolutely want to work, and are working very closely, with our EU partners and indeed around the world,” said Huddleston.

For more info on Tom contact the kennels on 966 71 0047 or email info@satanimalrescue.com

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68 recycling bins to be placed in Children’s Parks The Department of Street Cleaning has purchased 68 recycling bins that will be installed in playgrounds across the entire Orihuela municipality in order to raise awareness among children of the importance of the separation of waste . The new bin is made up of 3 compartments for selectively depositing the different types of waste: organic, plastic and paper cardboard. “The aim is to familiarise children with selective recycling while at the same time explaining to them that, in future years, they will be responsible for the environment and in separating their waste they are helping to take care of our environment”,

Charity event at the Marina Bar Torrevieja The next charity event at the Marina Bar, Calle de las Rosas is the return of "Cockney Capers".on Tuesday 25th May 1.30pm for 2pm.. Two Course Lunch, Quiz, Raffle, Tombola, Music, plus the chance to win a prize if you are the best dressed cockney character. The price is 12.50 Euros and bookings are now being taken Well known charity fundraisers David & Lorraine Whitney are hoping for a good turnout for this popular event which will have Dave and Rita of the Marina Bar ensuring your Covid safety. For more info or to book pleease ring the bar on Tel: 965 70 5907 as soon as possible as spaces will be limited.

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Validity of Green Residencia Certificate er, is at the bottom of page 3. You'll see at the bottom of Page 3 that it can't be any clearer about exchanging to the TIE. Unfortunately the links to the two documents are quite lengthy so they cant be replicated here. The do however appear at the bottom of this article which is posted on the Leader website at: www.theleader.info/2021/05/05/green-residencia-certificate

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here seem to have been a number of cases recently where UK Expat residents have been stopped at roadside checks by the security forces to be told, when checking their documents, that the green residencia card is no longer valid. Whether these are just isolated incidents or perhaps a wider incidence of the authorities not being in possession of the correct information the situation has not changed. San Fulgencio Councillor for Foreign Residents, Darren Parmenter, has pointed me in the direction of two very useful documents, both issued by the Spanish Government, the first of which, a single page in both English and Spanish, he recommends printing off and keeping close at hand. In outlining Residency rights for UK Nationals, the document states: • To prove that they are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement and therefore their residence status, they can use the registration certificate (known as, green certificate) either A4 size or credit card, or the new residence document-TIE artículo 50 TUE. • Registration certificates issued more than 5 years ago also remain valid, even if they do not say ‘permanente’ on them. In addition, Darren also provides a link to an official Spanish Government guide in English covering many aspects of Brexit and residencias. Information relating to the TIE, which can’t be any clear-

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ORIHUELA’S SPRING FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

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TOURIST ROUTES PROGRAMME FOR MAY

The councillor of Culture, Mar Ezcurra, has unveiled plans for the Festival ‘Music in Spring’ which will feature 14 concerts across Orihuela, it’s Pedenias and the Orihuela Costa showcasing local orchestra’s, bands and musical associations from the municipality.

8 May Carlos and Cristina Aracil - Brother and sister enjoying an evening at the piano. Auditorio de San Bartolomé.

6 June San Bartolomé Musical Union - "From American to European music." Teatro Circo Atanasio Die

FRIDAY 14,. Orihuela Legends. 7:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Meet at the Tourist Information Centre.

9 May ACAMDO (Orihuela friends of music and dance) - Music from here and there. Auditorio de San Bartolomé.

12 June Musical Youth of la Murada - "Music in spring." La Lonja Auditorium. Orihuela.

SATURDAY 15,, Andalusian Legacy 11:00 and 11:15 am. Meet at the El Palmeral Interpretation Centre.

As well as providing entertainment to the general public all of the participating bands and associations will be remunerated in order to provide them with at least some financial support during these difficult months.

15 May GRUPO musical IDEALES - Music to remember. "The wonderful years". Auditorio de La Lonja

The festival includes 14 concerts, all of which will be held on weekends, at 8 p.m., in the Teatro Circo Atanasio Die, the Auditorium de La Lonja, in the Auditorium of San Bartolomé and on the Playa Flamenca Esplanade in Orihuela Costa.

22 May Orcelis Cultural Music Association. “Pasodobles festivities”. Auditorio de La Lonja

All of the performances will be free to enter until full capacity is reached and all will comply with necessary sanitary measures. "This is the first musical series that we have organised this year, together with Orihuela musicians, something we have been unable to do until now because of the covid situation, but we are also preparing an important event with them, which will be held the summer months", said Ms Ezcurra. The concert schedule together with venues is listed below:

16 May DaCapo Musical Association. "Music for everyone". Teatro Circo Atanasio Die

13 June Orihuela Symphony Orchestra, "Young talents of Orihuela". Teatro Circo Atanasio Die 19 June San Bartolomé Musical Union, "The tale of the jungle." Auditorio de San Bartolomé. 20 June Orihuela City Orchestra, "Hipano Cubana Music". Teatro Circo Atanasio Die Mar Ezcurra, Orihuela Councillor for Culture

23 May Union Lyrical Orcelitana (ULO). "Music on the beach". Esplanade Playa Flamenca. Orihuela Costa. 29 May Nuestra Señora del Remedio "Return". Auditorio de La Lonja

SUNDAY 16, Nordic walking around the historic water wheels, the twin Norias 9:30 am. Meet at the Tourist Information Centre. FRIDAY 21, LA MODERNISTA 7:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. SATURDAY 22, Reflections of a natural environment 10:00 and 12:00 hrs. Meet at the El Palmeral Interpretation Centre. SATURDAY 22, Orihuela Palaces 7:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Meet at the Tourist Information Centre.

30 May San Bartolomé Musical Union. "Spring Concert". Auditorio de San Bartolomé.

SATURDAY 29, Orihuela Palm Grove 10am to 12 noon. Meet at the El Palmeral Interpretation Centre.

5 June ACAMDO - "Film music". Esplanade Playa Flamenca, Orihuela Costa.

SATURDAY 29, Miguel Hernández: His life and work 7:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Meet at the Miguel Hernández museum

ORIHUELA MUNICIPAL CULTURAL ACTIVITIES WEEK COMMENCING 3 MAY Venues in Orihuela and on the Orihuela Costa LITERATURE Through to 27 June - Literature Exhibition “María Zambrano. La aurora del pensamiento”. (The dawn of thought). Exhibition Rooms Miguel Hernández. Rincón Hernandiano. 5 May Wednesday - 7.15pm - Poetry Encounters with Poetry - Juana J. Marín Saura. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner. Orihuela. 11 May – 7.30pm - Literature Presentation of the book “Ramón Sijé. From journalism to essay of José Antonio Sáez Fernández. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner. 12 May – 7.15pm - Poetry Encounters with Poetry. Julio Calvet Botella. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner. Orihuela. 19 May – 7.30pm - Journalism Presentation of the digitalised magazine ‘Empiurema’ (1985/2015). Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner. MUSIC AND THEATRE Saturday 15 May at 8pm. “Take me to heaven”, by Nacho A. Llorente, with Lolita Flores and Luis Mottola. Thursday, May 20 at 9:30 p.m. "Leo Harlem. Let it count ”. Comedy Monologue. Sunday, May 23 at 8:00 p.m. "The leandras of love". Musical theatre. Free entry.

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN IN ORIHUELA Saturday May 15 - The "Home Garden" Learn how to design a small garden, ideal for a balcony. 10am in the courtyard of the Orihuela Youth House Saturday May 22 - The `Conscious Life ' Tips for a healthy diet. Homemade cleaners (detergents) will be made, as well as natural cosmetics, all with completely natural materials. Every Saturday Morning from 12 noon A new recreational and cultural program of storytelling, theatre, puppets and music is now also running every Saturday morning until 26 June at La Lonja Cultural Centre. ACTIVITIES FOR ENGLISH SPEAKING CHILDREN ORIHUELA COSTA (Venue: Centro Cívico, Alameda Del Mar) Tuesday 11 May, 6pm. Storytelling. Stories for 2 people. Caoz (Carlos Ortiz) and Romina Benito Thursday 13 May, 6pm. Workshop. A day in history - Events and Animation Tuesday 18 May. 6pm. Storytelling and childrens entertainers. Cantacuento de Candela Kummerlin. Thursday 20 May, 6pm. Workshop. Expressive painting Tuesday 25 May. Storytelling. UHAMBO, A journey around the world. Lucía Ros González and Miriam Ginés MartínezAbarca Every Saturday Morning from 11am A new recreational and cultural program of storytelling, theatre, puppets and music is now also running every Saturday morning until 26 June.

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‘The Rogue’ …. W

e had four cows for most of my childhood. When old age got the better of one of the cows, the other three carried the load until a designated heifer, ‘the makings of a cow’, calved, and took up her position in the four-cow byre. The cows of those years seemed so quiet and easy-going. Either of my parents – and us children in due course, could get down on our ‘hunkers’ and milk a cow standing in the yard, field – or even the edge of the road. Each cow was different, with individual personalities that we all came to accept – and they were all known by their first names! I am currently a ‘born again’ farmer … ‘scratching an itch’ you might say. My small Dexter cattle enterprise is by way of hobby farming and it brings back many memories from the distant pass. Last week when a heifer pushed open a yard gate, I heard myself referring to her as a ‘rogue’ and memories came flooding back of the ‘rogue’ of my childhood. No boundary fence could hold ‘The Rogue’. She could be found in Harris’s meadow, Reilly’s turnips, or Forde’s field of kale. The world was Rogue’s oyster and she roamed it at will. We didn’t have great fences – but that wouldn’t make any difference. And Rogue was a swimmer to boot. The river was just a slight obstacle between her and a tasty morsel on the other bank. I heard Tom Forde ask Daddy one evening, “Where did she get out?” (This was after Rogue had feasted on Tom’s pit of mangolds). “Anywhere she liked, between here and the Deel” (a quarter mile) replied Daddy. My father wasn’t known for his patience and Rogue caused him much ‘suffering.’ He never referred to her as anything other than, “the hoor of a rogue!’ When I think of it now, I marvel at how patient and understanding were our neighbours. I guess they knew and accepted that this cow was ‘nothing but a hoor of a rogue!’ Daddy was a ‘carter’ with Westmeath County Council. This meant that he was hired, plus his horse and cart to move gravel from the sand-pits and tip it in piles along the side of the road for the workmen to fill pot-holes. This was heavy work – especially for the horse! We owned a Clydsdale draught mare called ‘Judy’. Judy was a magnificent animal, and her strength was immense. Da often complained that Westmeath County Council paid Judy more than they paid him. I figured that he had no reason to complain, as he was the

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NEMESIA Berries and Cream will give your garden compact foliage - with endless streams of wonderfully fragrant flowers all summer and well into September. Their two-lipped flowers are often bicoloured, in shades of lilac and cream with a dazzling yellow centre, which make a great accent plant for any garden planting scheme of yellow, blue or pink. They prefer moist, well-draining soil, that is in full sun to partial shade. Growing

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one who controlled Judy’s wage! Because she worked so hard, Judy had to be very well fed. The cleanest hay was kept for Judy and she also got a ration of crushed oats twice a day. Da bought the oats in small quantities – a bag at a time and the biggest job was ensuring that nothing else got near the oats … as in a cow called Rogue! The small horse-stable didn’t have a great door on it. Near dark one evening, Daddy put Judy into the stable, and fed her half the bucket of oats. He placed the remaining halffull bucket up high on a stone ledge near the rafters. This was to be Judy’s breakfast. As Da was pulling the door closed behind him, Rogue and he made eye-contact across the paling. He got his retaliation in first by setting Rover on ‘The Red Hoor’. Da had a bad feeling about the oats, so he went across the road and lifted a wooden gate from its hinges. As darkness fell, the gate was dragged back to be secured in front of the stable door. Too late! By the time he hauled over the gate, Rogue was on her way out of the stable – with the empty oat bucket on the floor!

expected that Rogue would take a notion some day and come back to us. For a long while, I checked every morning, but Rogue never came home.

Rogue would ‘neither lead nor drive’. Everything was on her terms. If you gave her a tip of an ash plant; she would just turn around and look at you with those big liquid eyes, as much as to say; ‘now what would you be doing that for?’

Don’t Forget

When you are a child and a cow has been around for a long time; you think she was always there and will forever be a part of our lives.

Bernie.comaskey@gmail.com

One day when we got home from school, Rogue was gone. Mammy said that we sold her to a poor woman who needed milk for her children. This was some consolation – though later, I did come around to thinking there was something ominous in the fact that she went off in a lorry with other cattle. We boys should have been pleased – but somehow I wasn’t. I

Sometimes the easiest thing to find is fault.

*Author, entrepreneur and newspaper columnist, Bernie Comaskey, now spends most of his time on a farm in Ireland; but he retains his strong links with the Costa Blanca. Bernie has published four books; ‘If Ever a Man Suffered’, ‘The Best of Bernie’, ‘The Team’, and ‘Just Between Ourselves’. Bernie’s books are available at half price, on sale from either Spanish Solutions or ‘The Leader.’ Call 637 227 385 for info.

GARDEN FELIX .......... NEMESIA Berries and Cream Nemesia Berries and Cream; Endless streams of fragrant flowers all summer

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height and spread are both between 12-16 inches, that cascade slightly, which lends itself beautifully to be grown in containers, or hanging baskets. Nemesis are a fantastic addition to your garden for attracting insects, bees and butterflies. The half hardy perennials die back in the winter and return in spring, that require very little care and attention, and come back even stronger year-on-year. Maintenance: deadhead any spent flowers regularly and cut down after flowering, which will encourage a second flush of blooms.

Enjoy endless streams of wonderfully fragrant flowers all summer long.

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ROBOTIC PAELLERO! 'The machine makes rice dishes - not paella - otherwise Valencian people will get really angry' 'It doesn’t make sense to be stirring rice, especially because you’ll be looking at WhatsApp while doing it - and it’ll burn. That won’t happen with a robot'. By Andrew Atkinson

The robot, a joint project between br5 (Be a Robot 5) and the paella stove manufacturer Mimcook, has attracted interest from hotel and restaurant chains, along with a Japanese company. The idea of a robot making paella br5’s founder Enrique Lillo reasoned it is simply the latest labour-saving device. “It’s a multifunction robot. Right now it cooks rice, because it’s hooked up to a Mimcook, but you could hook it up to a fryer so it fries potatoes, or you could attach a grill so it can cook burgers, or an oven so it can cook pizza or croissants,” Lillo said. "At the end of the day, it’s an assistant. I like to say it’s a bit like the orange-juicing machines where you put oranges in the top and get juice out of the bottom. "That’s a robot too, but people just don’t realise it. So is a coffeevending machine. No one looks at those and says ‘Crikey! It’s stealing jobs from people!’ No. It’s elevating human capacity," said Lillo.

Enrique Lillo: Surprised how good the robotic paellero tasted. Spain's favourite food paella has been cooked by the world’s first 'robotic paellero'. "I have been surprised at how good the finished dish was, right down to the crunchy crust - socarrat - when I first tried it," said Engineer and entrepreneur Enrique Lillo. Set the programme, load the sofrito, rice, stock and seafood, leave it alone and the robotic arm, hooked up to a computerised stove, will do the rest.

Lillo, 41, an industrial engineer who named his company after the robot from the 1986 film Short Circuit, says all the machine needs is a good recipe and the right ingredients. “The robot will make sure the rice doesn’t burn; that the right amount of stock is used, and it will be there if someone’s having an off day or if your rice cook goes off to work in another restaurant.” How do I make authentic paella? Lillo said: "The machine makes rice dishes - not paella - otherwise Valencian people will get really angry. “But it’s quite funny - because the paella is the pan itself - and not the food you cook in it. “It doesn’t make sense for us to be stirring rice, especially because you’ll be looking at WhatsApp while you’re doing it - and it’ll burn. That won’t happen with a robot.”

Illegal parking in your garage space - measures to get vehicle removed By Andrew Atkinson If you are having a problem with someone illegally parking in your garage space you will need to go through the correct protocol measures to get their vehicle removed. The Los Montesinos police advised that if you know the owner, talk to him and show him the inconvenience he is causing you. Seek the mediation of the President of the Community of owners, who will notify the offender to stop occupying the space or, otherwise, warn them that legal actions would be initiated. If they refuse to remove the vehicle, one can initiate such legal actions, many times covered by your home insurance, based on article 245.2 of the Penal Code, which penalizes "those who occupy, without the proper authorization, a property, dwelling or building of others that does not constitute a residence, or is kept in them against the will of its owner". The Local Police will only be able to act upon judicial request. When in doubt telephone 966 72 1525.

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his week for my feature I decided to get in touch with Hayley Davies, founder & creator of the Facebook Page ‘Ladies Who Lunch – Around Villamartin Area’. Not only is it perfect for getting together virtually & having the chats, Hayley also takes the group out & about to fun days & trips around the Costa Blanca.

I also work as a carer & I own a few online network marketing businesses. I love organizing events as my background is in Events & Wedding Planning. I normally ask the ladies in the group what would they like to do & where would they like to go & I take their suggestions into consideration for future events.

I asked Hayley a bit about herself & how the page came about.

I love meeting new people & can’t wait for our next event which is on Wednesday 2nd June & that will coincide with my birthday. It is an

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‘My name is Hayley Davies. I’m 46 years of age & live in Villamartin. I’ve been living in Spain for 3 years now with my husband Paul & daughter Maddison, who’s 11. My Mum & Dad have lived here for 16 years & we had been coming out to visit them throughout that time, so it wasn’t a difficult decision to move here permanently. I set up my ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ group back in July 2020 as I thought it a great way to meet new people. I organise events at least once a month with maybe another one or two thrown in also. We had a few events held last year, but in October, I came down with Covid and ended up isolated in bed for 6 weeks.

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evening event & offers a 4 course dinner for just €12.95. We also have a coach trip to Polop & Guadalest booked for the 14th June & that is just €15.’ If you too are like Hayley & would like to get together with the girls for a chat, you can find all of the details for upcoming events by joining the Facebook page which is ‘Ladies Who Lunch – Around Villamartin Area.’

The next lunch is on Wednesday 2nd June At that time Covid was very active in the Villamartin area so I had to cancel some of my events due to a duty of care for my ladies in the group. I’m glad to say that I’ve been able to start up events again since the start of the New Year, & to date we’ve had a blast. I now have over 700 members in the Facebook group. My last event was held on Saturday 1st May when I organized an afternoon tea for 40 ladies. I then turned it into a fundraising day to raise money for the Food Bank. There were some stalls, a Tarot Card Reader & a raffle. On the day €228 was raised. Overall with other events that have taken place, we’ve made over €1,000 for various charities including AECC Breast Cancer.

Hayley set up Ladies who Lunch last year.

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One of our aims is to raise funds for charity

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D L O

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 865 QUICK ACROSS: 6 Prophet; 7 Robot; 9 Worry; 10 Confine; 12 Remonstrate; 14 Contentment; 18 Strange; 19 Strip; 21 Layer; 22 Absolve. DOWN: 1 Brook; 2 Sparse; 3 Bet; 4 Coffer; 5 Connote; 8 Consume; 11 Coinage; 13 Portray; 15 Travel; 16 Notion; 17 Sieve; 20 Ebb. CRYPTIC CRYPTIC ACROSS: 6 Charger; 7 Raven; 9 Crave; 10 Clearly; 12 On both

ACROSS 1. Drama (4) 3. Keep (8) 9. Capacitated (7) 10. Possessor (5) 11. Amendment (12) 13. Generous (6) 15. Angle (6) 17. Improbability (12) 20. Bury (5) 21. Restrict (7) 22. Uniformly (8) 23. Formerly (4) CAN YOU MASTER THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE? Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

Solution on Page 23

DOWN 1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 12. 14. 16. 18. 19.

sides; 14 Compartment; Introduction (8) Grant (5) Diminish (6) Deficiencies (12) Disparage (3,4) Merit (4) Outdated (3-9) Discretion (8) Risk (7) Intellectual (6) Frequently (5) Sibilation (4)

18 Strings; 19 Steak; 21 March; 22 Recover. DOWN: 1 Charm; 2 Craven; 3 Red; 4 Safari; 5 Replied; 8 Alchemy; 11 Courage; 13 Postman; 15 Prince; 16 Nation; 17 Wages; 20 Den.

ACROSS 1. Return some - it's a catch (4) 3. Comparatively cool creeper? (8) 9. It's very hard for a mad backward worker (7) 10. Two learners within 24 hours amuse themselves (5) 11. Pretend a rope is prepared to carry more weight (12) 13. Belied being suitable for consumption (6) 15. The captain's game? (6) 17. Devices to make points on cart (12) 20. Rebuke first children going to conceal themselves (5) 21. Writers I have taken to be thoughtful (7) 22. Record of voice-range (8) 23. Our suffrage definitely includes the old (4)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z 1. In the Tarzan films, what was Jane's last name? 2. Airstrip One is the new name for Britain in which book? 3. The name of which central European capital city means 'ford'? (as in river ford) 4. Who cooks with nose of Turk and Tartar's lips? 5. The name of which popular herb stems from the Latin for 'dew of the sea'? 6. Petula Clark had a surprise No 1 hit in the UK charts in February 1967 with 'This is my Song'. Which famous English Sir wrote the song? 7. Eratosthenes is the 'father' of what? a. Astronomy b. Geography c. Philosophy d. Mathematics 8. Which film couple had a daughter named Bonnie Blue? 9. What was Belize called until 1973? 10.The following words are from songs with the word 'Girl' in the title. Can you name the song? a. Shed those dowdy feathers and fly. b. She's sweeter than all the girls and I've met quite a few. c. Life in plastic, it's fantastic. d. Whatever happened to Tuesday and so slow. e. January you start the year off fine. f. A dreamer of pictures, I run thru the night, you see us together chasing the moonlight 11. Which European country has the most lakes? (Russia excluded)

DOWN 1. Vagrant was in front getting trodden on (8) 2. A labyrinth that will astonish (5) 4. Erratic DIY nut is far from neat! (6) 5. Not enough corresponding insurance business? (12) 6. Bet deal is made after it should have been (7) 7. Lift sound beams (4) 8. Scholarly postman? (3,2,7) 12. On which to lie about dead bets? (8) 14. A chore for smoothing things over? (7) 16. Specimen offered by politician in auction (6) 18. Go up about victory which is due (5) 19. Let out red mark left by wound (4)

( A n s we r s o n p a g e 2 3 ) 12. What were the names of the five D-Day beaches? 13. Which 1969 Oscar winning film was X-rated in the USA? 14. Plus or minus 50 years, how long does it take Pluto to orbit the sun? 15. Which well-known word stems from the Latin for 'knowledge'? 16.Turks Head, Flemish Flake, Dutch Cringle and Granny are all examples of what? 17. Who released the following No 1 albums in the UK in 1980? a. Zenyatta Mondatta. b. Telekon. c. Flesh and Blood. d. Never For Ever 18. Which man, whose name is now an eponym (a thing named after a person), led the disastrous charge of the Light Brigade? 19. The name for which musical ensemble translated means 'dancing place'? 20. Manolo Blahnik, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, Roger Vivier, Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta and Escada are all names associated with very expensive what? 21. From a list of historical Empires at their greatest extent, the British Empire was by far the largest, covering an area of 33.7 million sq km back in 1923. What other historical empires feature in the top five?

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ists as practically specific for acne. You can buy it in tincture form, often combined with other cleansing and helpful herbs such as nettle, cleavers, dandelion and red clover.

PIMPLED YOUTH Tried everything to that face full of zits? The antibiotics, the dodgy vitamin-A derivatives, the contraceptive pill, the chemical peels? And nothing worked long term? Don't despair. Herbal medicine is full of great options for an acne cure.

H

ormonal mayhem can be a big acne trigger, with the male hormone testosterone fingered as the chief suspect. This is likely to be especially true for stressed teenagers, or for women suffering PMS (a lot of women see it vanish for ever with the birth of their first baby). The herb chastetree - Vita agnus castus - can help women rebalance those troublesome hormones, often sorting out PMS problems as a nice side effect. A herbalist can fine-tune a personal prescription for you, giving you good advice about diet and lifestyle at the same time. Professional herbalists like to work at skin problems from the inside out. They point out that your body offloads its rubbish through the skin as well as through the bladder, rectum and lungs. So they swear by a handful of herbs to carry out some internal cleansing.

Dandelion and Burdock Two of the most important are common countryside weeds - dandelion and burdock. You can take them in the form of a tea, or as an easy-to-take tincture, made from the roots of either - or better still, both. As with all herbal acne treatments, you'll need to persevere, in this case for at least a month. Another herb, wild pansy (Viola tricolor), is considered by herbal-

Tinctures, alcoholic extracts of herbs, are a great way to make the Viola herbal medicine go down, inciden- Tricolor tally. order from a reliable herbal supplier, and follow the dosage directions: you simply dropper the right amount into a glass of water. But no one suffering the shame and embarrassment of acne will be content just to swallow stuff. You'll want to be actively targeting those pits and pustules. Here are some suggestions. Ordinary face-masks can be pretty rough on the skin. Try one made from green clay powder, sold at health-food stores.

Here s an idea for you .......... Can’t stop picking at those horrid pimples? Keep handy a bottle of calendula tincture, made from gorgeous marigolds. If you’ve scratched your pimples into open weeping sores, clean them up with a damp cotton wool ball onto which you sprinkle a few drops of calendula. It’s fabulous stuff — antiseptic, soothing and healing. Alternatively, try teatree oil, and apply it neat to spots with a cotton wool bud. Patch-test first, though. In a clinical trial carried out in Australia, sufferers found it worked just as well as benzoyl peroxide but without the stinging, burning and redness.

You'll need 2 tablespoons of the powder. Add the juice of half a lemon, 3-5 drops of tea-tree oil, 3-5 drops of lemon essential oil and enough water to make a paste. Spread it on the affected bits, leave for fifteen minutes, wash off with tepid water and then spray your face with healing, calming lavender water.

DEFINING IDEA . . ’ Adolescence is just one big walking pimple.’ (CAROL BURNETT, Actor and comedian) then defrost a couple of cubes as and when you need them. Don't wash your face! No amount of scrubbing with soap and water is going to remove those wretched zits; You'll just end up with bone-dry skin. Why? Because your skin has its own protective coating, a sheen of fine oil secreted non-stop by millions of tiny glands. This coating doesn't just keep your skin moist. It also fights off harmful bugs. Washing wipes it off, as do harsh cleansers and alcohol-based toning lotions. The best alternative may surprise you: it's an oil. Virgin coconut oil to be precise: a white wax that liquefies as it warms. Use it as a cleanser and make-up remover at night; apply it all over your face, then gently tissue off to leave your skin smooth and soft. In the morning, give your face a cold splash, then re-apply just a touch of coconut oil. There are anecdotal accounts of acne yielding to just weeks of the coconut treatment.

Lemon juice on its own can help dry out and heal the pimples: paint them with freshly squeezed juice at bedtime. Leave on overnight, then rinse off in the morning. Herbal tea bags can also be easy first aid. Make up a cuppa of chamomile or yarrow tea. Let it cool, then keep it in the fridge and use it as a cleansing face tonic. Herbal infusions should be used within a day: to save a lot of brewing, freeze a two-teabag dose in an ice-cube tray,

NEXT WEEK - DETOX AND THRIVE

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POETS CORNER

killing the occupants.

The Sensor O

I would like to think that electronic sensors are capable of controlling an ‘Exocet’ type motor car hurtling down dual carriageway roads, without colliding with another vehicle or some other object.

“Singled Out”

What happens when a stag leaves the comfort of the woods and chases across the roadway? Can the driverless cars travelling in a bunch control such a situation?

(A poem inspired by the plight of Nazanin Zeghari-Ratcliffe.)

I am no expert when it comes to these devices, or electronics, but I do know when there is thunder and lightning in the sky; the picture on our television is distorted and flickers.

This happened a few days ago with twelve or fifteen cars lined up behind him, all having to wait while he got back into the truck and carried on with his journey.

Now I have a different picture in my mind of a flash of bright light in the heavens above a motorway, and millions of these sensors in a multitude of driverless cars are confused, and send the autos into a tailspin.

How cruel to keep a mother Locked inside a prison cell When she's served her prison sentence This is just a living hell

ccasionally it can be very annoying when travelling in a convoy of vehicles, especially when a twelve-wheel wagon stops at a pedestrian crossing, and the driver climbs out of it to walk across the road to buy a lottery ticket from one of the kiosks that can be seen in every high street.

As from May the eleventh, speed limits in Spain, especially in built up areas, are going to be drastically reduced to practically a walking pace, in some situations, similar to having someone walking in front with a red flag, granting they have dispensed with that requirement, although it was a prerequisite in the early days of the motorcar in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile we learn that from the end of this year driverless cars will be allowed on the British Motorways. I am certain this has been looked at diligently. Then again, I do not know what the general feelings are for this to happen. However, I cannot help comparing it with the news item the previous day, a report of two youngsters who took an electric Tessler for a ride thinking it was great fun to let the car do the steering, featuring a picture of a damaged car which had left the road, and according to the report, hit a well-developed and solid tree, bursting into flames,

There is also the problem of black ice, that horror of all horrors. A thin coat of highly transparent ice which has caused no end of accidents by transport losing road grip. The reason it is see through is because it blends in with the road covering since it is so thin, making it nearly impossible to see. Will the sensors recognise it? In my opinion it seems to be a step too far. There is also the case where a car controlling itself, while the occupant was doing something other than driving, the cars sensors did not see the elderly person and killed her. The report concluded she was wearing all black and therefore was not recognisable. In the UK there is a beautiful new railway being built, the HS2 network to speed up journeys from South to North. Let us imagine for a minute there is this very busy person who has a need to travel. It is early morning. They sit in their car which is capable of self-control. They have a choice of letting the car take them to the station, where they will join a queue to get their ticket, and then walk down a cold platform and find a cramped seat with others, and do something similar at the other end and also the return journey. Or they can stay in the warm comfort of the vehicle and let it take them to their destination. Will the railway become a white elephant? Whilst the boffins of the World play with electronics and a way of trying to control the Populus by taking over day to day tasks, is it possible that the same energy is being placed into how to control the amount of plastic being produced, so as to be rid of its damaging outcome Facebook.com/percy chattey All my books are available worldwide on Amazon and Kindle – type in Percy Chattey

Most Benidorm hotels rule out opening until July he end of the state of alarm on May 9 and the removal of the Valencian border restrictions is a date that has been long anticipated by the tourism sector and while many hotels are preparing to reopen their doors to welcome the arrival of national tourists the Hosbec hotel association has said that well over 50% of it’s members will wait until July, for the arrival of foreign tourists, before they return to activity.

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They are joined by many establishments in Benidorm who are still busy with the renovation of their facilities.

The announcement was made on Monday by the president of the tourist group, Toni Mayor, who added that the lack of international tourists, especially from the United Kingdom, means that many hotels have decided to delay their opening despite the end of the state of alarm.

Victoria Puche, the spokesperson for the Provincial Association of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation of Alicante (APHA) puts the reservations for May at 40%, adding that in June there are hardly any reservations at all in hotels. "Making positive forecasts right now is like

The president of Hosbec explained that "we still don’t know what is going to happen" and that the situation is one of "uncertainty and caution" while waiting for the president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig to announce exactly which restrictions will be maintained.

jumping into the pool as bookings are not going up and we don't expect too much after 9 May". Puche explains that one of the reasons for the negative forecasts is the decision of the main British tour operator, Jet Holidays, to delay again, now to June, the resumption of its operations to the Costa Blanca, which previously had already postponed to May. “The sector is at a standstill. The current movement leads us to be cautious. In terms of forecasts, we will not be able to predict accurate numbers until June”.

She's a husband and a daughter Living lives without her there Do these government's have hearts at all Do they even really care What crime has she been guilty of Why has she been singled out Is it all to do with politics I think that there is little doubt But this is dragging on and on There's no apparent end She must be feeling helpless Thinking she has been condemned No loving arms to hold her To give comfort and support No daughter to engage with Just the memories too short Why can't she be back with them What threat does she portray The only light that she can see Has shadows in the way What more can one heart go through When will this torment cease I pray that sense will finally Give way for her release. by David Whitney c 2021 If you would like to see your poem featured in this column send to: office@theleader.info

Hotel Reservations in June are practically zero

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International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday service 11a.m.; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11a.m. Church Bible Study: Thursday 1.30p.m. House groups in Torrevieja, La Siesta – Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. Phone: 966 799 273 / 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. www.icatorrevieja.org

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CHURCHES AND SERVICES La Siesta Evangelical Church hold services each Sunday. Our 11.15am Services are held every 2nd and 4th Sunday in the month (and on the 5th Sunday, if this applies.) On the 1st and 3rd Sunday’s our Services are at 9.30 am. Our choir sings at our 11.15 am Services and there is also a Sunday School, Stepping Stones, on these Sundays. For info see www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org Join us at the SALT CHURCH

Sundays at 10.30 am. We are a friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship. Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, Polígono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. We are a lively, friendly church and look forward to meeting you. (Covid19 aware) The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) in Torrevieja meet at 10.00 each Sunday in their chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. All Welcome. Phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 648 914 347

The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2019 Ford Ecosport petrol which is on Special Offer priced at just 18,500 euro. Come along to our showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. The biggest and best for price, choice and quality. ENGLISH SPOKEN

SOCIAL AND CLUBS The Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch has put future meetings on hold because of the current Covid situation in accordance with advice receiived from the Generalitat. There are no further meetings planned at this time. Call Jean for info on: 630 28 08 99. The Royal British Legion, Torrevieja Branch - Will meet at the Oasis, formerly the Casa Ventura, San Luis. Details will be announced when it reopens.

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New members are always welcome. You do not have to be ex-services. For more info please contact:gill.burden20@gmail.com Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50’s. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Residential Home Visiting Team. to visit people in a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. If you think you can help call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887. Or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es Almoradi Meal Club. If do you fancy a meal out and meeting new friends, come and join our English speaking club. We have twice monthly meals at various restaurants in and around Almoradi. For info go to FaceBook or email: davedanie@gmail.com. Badminton in Pilar de la

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Horadada. Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs. 10-12.30 pm. Call John on 634 658 506 ...currently postponed Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 1700 (5pm) at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanisation, Torrevieja. For more information please contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 966 71 6274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 966 92 1966. Royal Air Force Association Costa Blanca Branch.The association supports the welfare needs of ex-members of the RAF and their dependents. Due to ongoing covid-19 restrictions we cannot hold General Meetings at the moment. In normal times we provide a social hub for members and hold lunches every month. To fund Welfare we raise money through the Wings Appeal. To find out more contact Chairman Tony: tony.elaine.cuenta@gmail.com For Welfare contact Andy on 0034 711 00 86 84. For general information on RAFA visit www.rafa.org.uk. HAH CB need you to help us help those in need in their own homes, short or long term medical conditions of all ages and nationalities. Contact our head office on 965 328 794 or email: charitycentrehelpathomecb @gmail.com. Curious about the work of Samaritans in Spain? Have a few hours a week to help with the charity shop, fundraising or admin? Come and join us for a chat at our Centre in the Punta Marina Shopping Centre. Volunteers are unpaid but expenses are met. Email: spainsamsrecruits @outlook.com

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The Orihuela Costa Drop In Centre in C/Cipres, Lomas de Cabo Roig, is currently closed. We will reopen as soon as we are able when we can offer you a full range of activities Info at: oc.communitycare @gmail.com

PERSONAL Sexy, elegant, mature, pretty, and naughty lady will visit you at home or in a hotel. Costa Blanca South. Email me at the address: dialadatemate@yahoo.com Transvestite Diana, blonde, new to Torrevieja. Great figure big breasts. Active and passive.well endowed. By appointment. Playa los locos. 651 363 396 Sexy, elegant Spanish lady. Playa Flamenca. Punta Prima. Private house. Erotic massage. All services. From €40. Call Ana on 657 603 495. Speaks English. Blonde, mature, 56, Torrevieja. Attractive. Erotic massage. Call 634 300 074 Torrevieja blonde lady, 59 years, gives erotic massage, happy ending, speaks English, 604 382 799 Torrevieja, Valentini, Brazilian lady, 35. Erotic massage with complete satisfaction. Good time guaranteed. 688 340 708

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THE EVIL TROUSER MONKEYS Andrew Atkinson talks to The Evil Trouser Monkeys trio Gary Hutchinson, Andrew Hopkins and Perren Armstrong in a Leader Exclusive. "SINCE the coronavirus it's been very frustrating from a performance and political point of view," said drummer and backing vocalist Perren Armstrong, who resides in Orihuela Costa, who has played at Eras de la Sal auditoria and the Palacio de la Musica Theatre in Torrevieja. "I don't think the pandemic has been dealt with worldwide in a satisfactory way," said Perren, who has been in bands, The Faith, Fire & Water, Kolted, Mr Shifty and now The ETM's.

Copeland and Steve Gadd. "The first gig I did was at The Pirate Bar in Playa Flamenca in 2009, when I joined 5 piece band The Faith. "Along with performing in the UK and Spain, I've played in Kansas, USA. "I did my first live gig when I was 17 in The Cyprus Tavern in Manchester City Centre, and went on to play famous venues in Manchester such as The Band On The Wall and the Boardwalk," said Perren. Manchester born Perren said: "I have owned a holiday home here since 1999. In 2009 I came over for a year's trial living - and never went back!". La Marina based Gary said: "The biggest influences in my career include Oasis, who made me first pick up a guitar. From there on I travelled back in time to the likes of, David Bowie, Jimmy Hendrix, The Cure, Gary Moore, Talking Heads and The Who." Gary, who first performed on stage as a teenager said: "My debut performance was in West Yorkshire aged 17 in Huddersfield, playing and gigging in local bands on the circuit.

Orihuela Costa based Perren Armstrong "Musically, the coronavirus has deprived me of what I love doing - playing live music. We are glad to be back on stage after the easing of restrictions." Perren's biggest career influences include (drumrelated) Ian Paice, John Bonham, Stewart

The Evil Trouser Monkeys: Gary Hutchinson, Andrew Hopkins and Perren Armstrong. Foxton'. He replied he was! - but I didn't believe him.

"I've always been a lead guitarist/singer, up until joining the band, where I learnt to play the bass.

"An hour later he was on stage with the members of Big Country. I've also met Rick Astley's sister in a Bolton night club!

"In Spain bands I have been in are The Del Fuegos, as front man, and Mr Shifty, also as front man and guitarist.

"I think I would most like to meet Tommy Emmanuel, who is widely considered the best acoustic guitarist that ever lived.

"I also play guitar for local 5 piece Rock band Energy. Pez also played drums in Mr Shifty."

"I saw him at a show in Halifax, West Yorkshire and was blown away by his performance."

Gary, from Brighouse, West Yorkshire, a former mechanic, who quit his job, that eventually led him to Spain, said: "After saving up for an adventure in 2014 I packed in my job and went on a back-packing trip through Europe, finally settling here in Spain, close to my parents."

Gary, who has performed at the Concierto Benefico Torrevieja auditorium, said: "There are so many favourite venues here in Spain, with The Local La Florida always a fantastic gig. Also the Rock House, La Marina.

On meeting The Jam Bass player Bruce Foxton, Gary said: "I met him at a Festival in Stratford Upon Avon and said to him, 'you look like Bruce

“Flight into Danger”

"Prior to the latest coronavirus lockdown our regular Thursday slot was at La Torre, La Florida. "The coronavirus has been difficult, not playing and gigging for so long during the lockdowns.

by David Aitken

I

don't know about you, but I'm quite fond of countries where the sun only leaves the sky at night. A desire for a warm climate and a tax-free salary has frequently taken me far from my native land, where sometimes even the relentless rain can be quite taxing.

The Evil Trouser Monkeys, London born Andrew Hopkins' whose biggest influences are Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen, said: "I have performed in the UK, Belgium, Australia, and Spain, with the biggest venue being the Shepherd's Bush Empire." Asked if he has performed alongside and met any famous people, Perren quipped: "No, none. I have no desire to meet anybody in particular. I know enough banal, crazy, and interesting characters to have enhanced my life without having to meet anyone famous!."

Gone are the days when a Boeing Stratocruiser (a favourite of James Bond) took over 16 hours to fly from London to New York, with a refuelling stop in Ireland. Mr Secret Service. The portly 65-thousand-kilogram Stratocruiser certainly appeared to defy gravity too, and so poor Isaac Newton was confounded again, having made a big deal about an apple falling on his head. Next someone will be saying that Archimedes never took a bath in his life.

It seems we can't stop flying, no matter what. The late lamented Clive James recognized this when he said he had flipped the coin of flight-safety thousands of times and it had always come up heads. "There's an awful lot of tails waiting up there," he remarked lugubriously -- but he continued to get on planes. As did Buddy Holly, until the music died.

"You should remove half the seats from your planes," I feel like telling the enthusiastic airline owners who try to persuade us that future flying will be corona-proof with masks and sanitizers and disinfecting sprays. (I've travelled on some airlines where the food itself could have benefited from such hygienic attention.)

So ticket costs will doubtless come full circle, affordable only by the affluent, insanely reduced on charter flights to golf resorts, then skyrocketing, post-Covid. What goes down must rise up again, in

"If any good has come out of this whole situation, it is the fact that I understand now just how grateful I am to music, and also how grateful I am to have musicians to play with."

One of the main reasons for going on holiday is change, a welcome break in the tedium of our humdrum existence (well that's why I go on holiday anyway.) But from now on, when we pluck up the courage to climb aboard a half-empty plane and sit in a socially-distanced seat with extra legroom, what we find on arrival won't be all that different from what we left behind, except for the sunshine perhaps. And a scattering of bikinis on the beaches.

But looking back with the rose-tinted sunglasses of 20/20 hindsight, I am not altogether regretful that I spent my middle years as a wanderlusting Scot. Covid-19 is not a bus that makes me want to board it for the airport, even in search of sunnier climes. These days, my main regret is future flights probably never to be taken. My passport lapsed shortly after my optimism.

Fewer seats might mean more legroom, but somewhere along the line (or airline) it would also mean less profit for the -- no, wait, they would simply raise their prices, wouldn't they?

"I've been a gigging musician for so long, I guess I took it for granted and being stopped from performing has really made me realize just how much I miss live music.

defiance of Mr Newton's first law of gravity, I'm afraid. I thought science was supposed to be an exact, um, science. But then, I'm not a big fan of gravity, give me levity any day.

Will we eventually relegate thoughts of coronavirus to the back of our minds, as we mainly do with flu? And reinstate our major obsessions -- like fish pie, chocolate ice cream and Moroccan lamb stew? (You'll have your own list, I'm sure.) My list used to include sunshine, but now I'm not so sure. It might encourage viruses. I don't want to find myself on the C-19 en route to the hospital at this late stage.

PAGE 20

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NIGHT 12

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Wright 1 - de Sousa 8, MvG 8 - Wade 3, Clayton 8 - Aspinall 6, Dimitri 4 - Anderson 8.

Wright was never in this match, although appearing composed, he's far from it. Once again changing darts mid game is not recommended. De Sousa was 6-0 up in a flash, reeling off steady legs of, 15, 15, 14, 15, 14, 16 darts, prior to Wright getting his 1st chance of a double in the 7th, which he took on D5. De Sousa completed the rout using a further 28 arrows, despite 2x180 from Wright in the last leg with throw. De Sousa 102.9 ave. Wright 84.3. lowed by 2xD20 to level. From that point he was never behind, twice hitting 2x180 in a single leg, the 11th leg in just eleven with throw. lt was to prove pivotal as Wade was finding some form, the 10th scoring a 159 set up leaving D12, closing next throw.

DAY 1 - Jose de Sousa claimed victory on the first day, with an 81 final defeat of Luke Humphries, to include an outstanding average of 114. The Portuguese thrower also enjoyed similar averages earlier of 101 v Mach Kuivenhoven, a 111 against Brendan Dolan and a semi final 104 over Krzysztof Kcluk. ln the final, legs of 10,11,11,14 and 12 were just too much for the former World Youth Champion, Humphries. Current Premier League star Nathan Aspinall, fired in a 9 darter, but eliminated in the last 16. MvG and Barny crashed out in the fist round. DAY 2 - More fireworks in the 2nd Players Championship, with two 9 darters, the 1st from de Sousa, in his whitewash of Jermaine Wattimena, with a 117 ave. only to lose in the last 8. The 2nd from Stephen Bunting in another Ron Meulenkamp whitewash, in the 2nd round. World no. 8 Michael Smith, was the eventual winner, 8-5 over Ross Smith, the victor overcoming Dimitri van den Bergh 6-2 in the top 16 and a tasty 114.5 ave thrown in. Barny made the last 8. DAY 3 - A very happy Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode, claimed his 1st PDC ranking title, 8-6 over compatriot Martijn Kleermaker, who missed 5 darts in the 14th leg to force a decider. MvG only made it to the last 64 and Barny withdrew from the tourney on medical grounds. Rob Cross lost in the quarters to Dolan 6-4. DAY 4 - Closing SS3, van Duijvenbode, almost made it 2 on the trot, losing out in the final to Dimitri 8-7 , surprisingly his 1st ProTour victory. His first 4 wins were all achieved with 100+ averages. Duijvenbode had earlier whitewashed Simon Whitlock, in the top 16 with a 100+ ave. the Aussie despatching MvG 6-3 a round previous. Krzysztof Ratajski landed yet another 9 dart leg in his opener to Keanne Barry.

Clayton tidied up the last 2 legs cleanly, the 13th on 76 for a nice 105.33 ave. Wade didn't quite match his previous four 100+ averages, but did achieve a 100% closing stat for his 5 legs. De Sousa was 5-0 up in a blink, with 93, 99 and 88 outs, including a 12 darter against the throw. Anderson was never going to win this one, he did however win the 6th on D5, but only after 10 attempts. The Portugal man livened up after his shortcomings in the 6th, adding 4x180, 171, and a final 15 dart leg for a 99.28 ave. Expectations are always high when MvG is on stage and despite recent flops, didn't disappoint playing Dimitri. lt was an outstanding exhibition match, MvG winning the first 6 legs in 12, 13, 15, 13, 11 and 14 darts, that included 3x180, a 174, plus 126 and 123 outs both on the bull. Dimitri's response 3x180, 177, but no doubles. He did however claim the next 3, MvG definitely wobbling in the 7th and 8th legs. Regaining his composure, he used just 11 darts in the 10th, winning the match with a 13. Dimitri 106.78, MvG 109.96. Breathtaking ! The 4th and last match of the evening, featured a troubled Wright, using yet another set of darts and Aspinall who looks totally at home rubbing shoulders with the games " big guns ". l've never seen so many loose darts from Wright and whilst he won 5 legs, with occasional flashes of brilliance, if he'd played either of the 2 previous players, he would come away legless. The Asp returned 5x180, 177 and an outrageous 161 out in the 9th.

NIGHT 11

Aspinall 6 - Dimitri 8, Wade 7 - de Sousa 7, Anderson 8 Wright 3, MvG 8 - Clayton 5.

Dimitri completed a P.L. double over Aspinall to draw level with the Asp at the league summit. The Belgian recorded a 102.89 ave. 4x180, and a 61% success on the outs. Aspinall 103.33 ave. With both de Sousa and Wade on the periphery of the top 4 and finals night, it wasn't surprising they ended up sharing the spoils. The Portuguese broke throw in the first on a 65 out and didn't look back as he opened a 6-2 lead, Wade's main contribution a 13 darter. De Sousa showed his brilliance , or if you prefer folly, by taking out 72 on two D18's. Missed opportunities however, allowed Wade to recover to 6-5, before his opponent nailed D5 for 7-5 and a point. A further 3 missed chances allowed Wade to get to 7-6. De Sousa should have taken the last for victory but missed his 4th match dart, Wade accepting his generosity for a draw. De Sousa 10x180.

lt's all to play for at the Marshall Centre, Milton Keynes, as last week's penultimate session concluded. May 24th - 27th will be the last opportunity for the 8 players to make the K.O. semi final stage on May 28th. Jonny Clayton 8 - James Wade 5, Jose de Sousa 8 - Gary Anderson 3, Dimitri van den Bergh 3 - Michael van Gerwen 8, Peter Wright 5 Nathan Aspinall 8.

NIGHT 10

Wade took an early 3-1 advantage, to include 86 and 121 checkouts, Clayton missing 4 darts in the 4th after hitting 180 and 171 to leave D8. He made up for it in the 6th, requiring 134, nailed T18 fol-

MvG versus Wade was a match of outstanding quality, one the best you are likely to see. Van Gewen's tally of 5x12 dart legs, absolutely incredible, Wade enjoyed two, but the averages whilst not the best, make interesting reading.

Wright's woes continued in his encounter with former World Champ Anderson, a possible shoulder injury the reason for his lack of form. However, Anderson's form in this match, may still have been beyond Wright, injury or not. The Scot was close to his best with a 105.24 ave. a 57% double stat and 5x180. No way back for Wright. Clayton has got the better of MvG of late, but not this time. Both didn't produce what they are capable of, MvG's experience just tipping the scales. An early 117 out from the Dutchman pointed to another exhibition display but it wasn't to be. A 14,13 and the match winning 124 out on the bull, from the Green Machine, the highlights from this dogged encounter.

MvG moved to the top of the Unibet Premier League with his 8-3 victory over Wade on night 12 MvG ended with 107.44, Wade even better on 110.28. Explanation the Green Machine's clinical finishing meant Wade's average hardly included any wasted double darts. A good example was the last leg where MvG won the tie on a 128 in 12. Wade's 3 scoring shots 100, 140, 140. The Dutchman added a nice bull T15, D20 for 135 in the 6th. The Asp lost his 2nd consecutive game to Clayton in a tentative contest that included a 24 darter on D1. There were numerous wasted darts, unsurprisingly both players ending with low 90+ averages. Sticking my neck out l don't think the Asp will qualify for the K.O. stage, but his time will surely arrive, but not in this tourney. 5x180 from the Asp, but a low 21% double conversion. Clayton a slightly better 27% and an 11 dart leg. Shame a 2 week break precedes P.L. resumption as Anderson would definitely be a danger. He seems to have found his mojo beating an in form Dimitri in style. The Belgian opened on a 14, the Scot unfazed replied with an 11, including 2x180. Anderson levelled in the 4th and then won the next 5 with 123, 146 and 84 outs. Dimitri stopped the rot with a 132 on the bull, adding another in the 11th. Anderson wrapped up the match next leg with 180, 140, 89, S20 and 2xD18 for a 12 dart finale. The man is back. Anderson 107.85 Dimitri 104.4.

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Ron’s in the money at Las Ramblas Results for w/c 3.5.21

game.

Monday’s ‘Counter Game’ was the version where the number of scores out of four to count was known before the hole was played. With 104 points (only 2 off our record!) the winners were Ron Luffman, Paul Brown, Petina Murray and the ‘evergreen’ Reg Akehurst.

Good news, the bar in the clubhouse has reopened. The bad news, the prices have been massively increased. Five Euros a pint! Looks like Jonnie at Rikikiki’s Bar, La Fuente (this week’s photo) will be seeing a bit more of us. A nett score in the 50’s in a Texas Scramble is normally enough to claim a spot in the top three.

With the winning post in sight Wednesday saw round five of six for this year’s Club Championship. Ron Luffman was in the money again, winning on the day with 41 points. Friedel Knebel put up a brave fight with 40 points whilst it was John Drakesmith who came in third place with 38. Three ‘2’s today; Ron Luffman (been a good week for him) Pat Cassidy and wait for it ………… Me!

With 59.3 my team certainly thought we’d done well. However, with 57.4, it was Ron Phipps, John & Ellen Drakesmith and Reg Akehurst who took the prize money. And remember; ‘Golf is a lot of walking, broken up by disappointment and bad arithmetic’. Pues hasta la semana que viene

It was a case of good news bad news after the

Peter Reffell

LA MARINA G. S. AT ALICANTE 06.05.2021 - A Bright and Sunny morning greeted the players of La Marina Golf Society for their game at the "Alicante Golf Course".

points. ‘Nearest the Pin’ winners were hole 3 Vic Smith, hole 6 Jeff Wiszniewski, and hole 12 Alan Janes.

The Seve Ballesteros designed course was in excellent condition with the greens as challenging as ever.

The La Marina Golf Society would like to thank all the staff at the La Marina Sports Complex, for their after-game refreshments.

A good turnout by members made it a great days golfing for us all. Barry Thorogood not only won the Gold division with 33 points but also claimed the two's pot. Jimmy Scott won the Silver division with 40

Our next game on the 20th May is for the Cavenita Cup and to be played for at the "La Finca Golf Course" any members wishing to play, please let the club secretary know.

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Presentation to APANEE by Alfies Golf Society Every year Alfies Golf Society raise money for a charity nominated by the captain, and in 2020 Nick Lee chose the charity known as APANEE – a non-profit Association of Parents of Students with Special Educational needs.

PAGE 21

managed to raise €900. A presentation was held at the Keg'N'Kitchen on Thursday, 29th April to Maria José Sanchez, the Apanee President. Many thanks to everyone involved with Alfies Golf Society and we look forward to supporting our Captain, Ian Connell, with his nominated charity for 2021 - Help at Home.

They have a school for kids with physical disabilities and learning difficulties. The children are aged from a few months old to 18 years old. With the generosity from our members, and Ben and Gary, proprietors of the Keg’N’Kitchen, we

Ian Connell with APANEE President Maria José Sanchez

Carp R Us Angling Club Round eight of the Carp-R-Us Spring Series was held on the Eden stretch of the Rio Segura. This stretch of water takes a lot of work to keep open due to the quantity of reeds that line the river.

This week, members of the club spent several hours ensuring sufficient pegs were available for the match, it’s a pity the fishing isn’t always that good. With Dave Hutchinson having an unusually quiet match Roy Buttress ran out a clear winner with 7.70kg from peg 2. At the other end of the stretch Roy Dainty had 5.55kg from peg 17 for second, with Steve Fell third with 3.70kg (peg 10) and Dave Sutton fourth with 2.70kg (peg 6). For more info about the club, visit our website carp-r-us.weebly.com

Mike Probert talks Golf ........ In assn with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services

H

ere on the Costa’s golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf comps.

HOLLOW TINING OF GREENS – WHY?

There are still some courses where this work is planned to take place in May 2021 but just why is it necessary to cause a disruption to golf and produce a poor putting surface for a few weeks?

the disruption to golfers, hollow tinning is usually carried out in 2 consecutive journeys so that the 18 greens are aerated in the same week.

The surface of a green, colour, density and speed is a combination of the maintenance of the surface but also, about the maintenance of the root-zone.

The surface smoothness restoration process includes top dressing, drag matting and rolling and greens are normally puttable after 3 days with rolling putting surface within 10 days.

A healthy grass starts from healthy roots. Soil compaction can be a severe problem resulting in restricted root growth, lack of water infiltration into the soil, loss of resilience, weed invasion, disease problems and decline in turf quality.

However in reality depending on a number of factors such as day and night time temperatures and watering it usually take greens 15 to 20 days to return to a perfect condition. There you have it…so when you next question the parentage of the green keepers you will understand the reasons just a little more.

Hopefully by the time you read this article the official announcement will have been made that the border between Murcia and Valencia is OPEN and that the wonderful courses in Murcia are once again available to the hordes of golfers that live in the Torrevieja area.

Hollow Tining is used to prevent damage from an excessive soil compaction. It is also very important to provide the needed drainage, for water infiltration and aeration at the root-zone and is done during the warm season when temperatures favour rapid shoot growth and coverage of the turf openings.

Due to the lack of tourist golfers many courses have taken the opportunity to do the spring hollow tining early or cancel it altogether.

The use of sand on greens is essential because it helps to digest the organic matter, enhancing the aeration of the root-zone, speed on greens and better recovery from pitch marks. In order to minimize

10/05/21 Oliva Nova - 17/05/21 La Manga South - 24/05/21 Roda, Hacienda del Alamo and Valle del Este - 25/05/21 Lo Romero - 31/05/21 Campoamor

El Plantio El Valle Font Del Llop Hacienda Del Alamo La Finca La Galiana La Manga La Marquesa La Sella La Serena La Torre Las Colinas Las Ramblas

Lorca €78 2 Green Fees & Buggy (+ drink & tapa) Lo Romero €65 Single Green Fee Mar Menor €116 Two Green Fees + Buggy New Sierra Golf €68 Two Green Fees & Buggy Puig Campana €124 Two Green Fees & Buggy Roda €125 Two Green Fees & Buggy Saurines €100 Two Green Fees + Buggy (Temp closed) Villaitana Levante €90 Two Green Fees & Buggy Villaitana Poniente €70 Two Green Fees & Buggy Villamartin €156 Two Green Fees & Buggy Vistabella €123 Two Green Fees & Buggy (from 2pm) For Bookings and info Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting reference LEADER or on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931

We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us: The deals shown in the table are some of the best prices currently available to you: Course Price Comments Alenda €98 Two Green Fees & Buggy Alicante €98 Two Green Fees & Buggy from 1pm Altorreal €120 Two Green Fees & Buggy Bonalba €100 Two Green Fees & Buggy Campoamor €158 Two Green Fees & Buggy Don Cayo (Altea) €90 Two Green Fees + Buggy

€98 €59 €123 €100 €214 €73 €90 €60 €48 €114 €59 €145 €164

Two Green Fees + Buggy from 1pm Single Green Fee Two Green Fees & Buggy Two Green Fees + Buggy Two Green Fees + Buggy Single Green Fee Single Green Fee Single Green Fee Single Green Fee Two Green Fees & Buggy Single Green Fee Two Green Fees & Buggy from 12pm Two Green Fees + Buggy

Below is a list of golf courses undertaking maintenance work in May: 03/05/21 La Manga North - 05/05/21 Mar Menor (closed for two months)- 10/05/21 La Manga west (closed until further notice)

PAGE 22

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San Miguel Presentation to Brian and Jan Allen San Miguel bowlers had their Sunday morning game interrupted for ten minutes this week to make a very special presentation to Brian & Jan Allen. Jan, who has been the club’s treasurer for more years than anyone can remember and Brian, who has also been a very active committee member, serving in most positions on the committee over the years. Alan Campbell, the Club President, presented the couple with a gift and flowers as a token of the clubs appreciation for all their hard work. Brian & Jan will continue to be active members of the club, but will now have a little more time to enjoy their bowling. New members will be welcomed after the Covid restrictions. For further information on San Miguel Bowls Club please contact the President Alan Campbell on 606 676 118, or the Membership Secretary Gail Willshire on 965 020 492

Jan and Brian Allen have been involved with San Miguel Bowls club for many years.

'Lancashire Long-Shot' Carthy favourite memory 2020 Vuelta a España

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La Marina Bowls Club by Dave Hadaway No games to report on this week, and won't be any more until the finals but the green is open so if anyone hears, sees or experiences anything worth reporting please contact me. Last week saw the end of our semi finals so Don has been able to provide a finals programme, below,commencing 28th May. Friday 28th May 10.30 start Mixed Pairs - Anne & Mike Stone versus Janet & Peter Parsons. Sat 29th May 10.30 start Pensioners Urn - Don Fowkes versus Peter Parson. The marker will be the event's sponsor John Morgan. Men's Trips - Dave O'Sullivan,Garth Slater & Alex Maurice versus Len Daniels, Dave McGaw & John Rae. Sat 29rh May 14.30 start. Mixed Trips - Irene Mangan,Marilyn Fryatt, & Alex Maurice versus Janet Parsons, Tom Spencer & Peter Parsons. Mens Pairs - Len Daniels & John Rae versus Mike Smith & Mike Stone. Sunday 30th May 10.30 start Ladies Pairs - Anne Stone & Carol Smith versus Irene Mangan & Marilyn Fryatt Drawn Pairs - Janet Parsons & Alex Maurice versus Alex Whyte & Peter Parsons. Sunday 30th May 14.30 start Sees the conclusion of our finals with the blue ribbon events. Ladies Singles - Mo Kidd versus Irene Mangan Mens Singles - Alex Whyte versus Peter Parsons. These games become much more exciting with support and enthusiasm from spectators, please come along and add to a charged atmosphere to make it a memorable occasion. Our congratulations and good luck to all those taking part and on behalf of the club thankyou everyone for your participation in what has been a difficult season.

Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club Sponsored by The Pub,Skippers, Gran Alacant Insurances, Rogers, Dialprix and The Belfry.

Quote: 'It all feels harder now. Finishing third in Vuelta has definitely made me more confident in my abilities - that doesn't mean the pressure's off'

FRIDAY LEAGUE - Friday 23rd April As bowling still has restrictions we have decided to run in house competitions on a Monday and Friday, over six weeks.

By Andrew Atkinson FELLOW Prestonian Hugh Carthy believes it's the hard graft that has lead to his rise in the world of cycling that saw him achieve a best ever Grand Tour finish in the Vuelta a España, finishing third on the podium in 2020, underlined by a memorable Alto d' Angliru stage win. "I like working, going into races - grinding," said Preston born Carthy. Carthy, 26, has signed a new two-year extension to his contract with EF Education-Nippo, following impressive displays while riding for the squad. Carthy, who took a solo victory at the Tour de Suisse in 2019, riding alone for 98km over three huge mountain passes in the Swiss Alps, said: “I chose to stay at EF because the team feels right. We’re a weird mix of riders but we form a team. "When it feels right staying seems the only logical option. I’ve had some nice memories and made good friends here amongst riders and staff. I want to continue on this journey and play my part in the team’s great legacy.” Nicknamed the ‘Lancashire Long-Shot’, six-foot plus Carthy proved himself at the 2020 Vuelta a España when on the podium with winner Primo? Rogli? (Jumbo-Visma) and second-place Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers) in Madrid. “My favourite memory with the team must have been the Vuelta 2020, the team really knitted together those three weeks and was the best team performance. “I’m looking forward to trying to lead the team to success and have fun doing it, not just focus on being good bike riders but good people, too.” Team boss Jonathan Vaughters signed Carthy from Spanish squad

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The first Friday League was Saint Georges day so everyone wore something red. It was a very enjoyable mornings bowling, followed by lunch and drinks at Maritas Kitchen. CHICKEN RUN - Sunday 25th April Hugh Carthy: Favourite memory Vuelta a España 2020. Photo: Instagram.

Caja Rural for the 2017 season. Carthy had spent two years at the team living in Spain, prior to starting his career at British continental team, Rapha-Condor. Carthy’s next race is the Giro d’Italia in May where he will lead the team against the world’s best Grand Tour riders including Simon Yates (BikeExchange), Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers) and Mikel Landa (Bahrain Victorious). "It all feels harder now. Finishing third in the Vuelta has definitely made me more realise and more confident in my abilities - but that doesn't mean that the pressure is off. "It's not like I don't feel I've got nothing to prove anymore - it's almost harder. Now I've got to prove it all again," said Carthy. Carthy, who finished fifth in the 2021 Tour of The Alps in April, said: "2020 was a good year. You know what it takes - but it's hard. "You've got to get on with it. There's no substitute for hard work. If you stop thinking that it will be the day you crumble. "I like working. Grinding. Going into races. Getting stronger and learning."

Although the numbers are still restricted everyone who put their name down had a game. We played eighteen ends with a break after nine. The chickens were won by Sheila Roberts and Neil Crawford and the eggs By Desiree Williams and Jim Shearing. Thank you to June and Ronnie who donated the chickens and Julia and Ian for donating the eggs. The football card was won By Jack Burrell with West Brom. MAY DAY We had a fun competition played over eighteen ends with a break after nine ends for refreshments. The first nine ends the mat was placed on the tee and the jack was placed at different lenghts. The second nine ends the mat was placed at different lengths and the jack was placed on the tee. It did cause a bit of confusion but everyone enjoyed their selves. The winning team all ladies was Jan Soars, Sue Boumds and Skip Cindy Bedford well done girls!!!! After the bowling Bernardo and his staff did a very enjoyable buffett in the Rincon. For further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website or email us at info@montemarbowls.com.

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Thader shine in front of jubilant fans sides lead, courtesy of a pile driver from the edge of the box, which gave the keeper no chance. Midway through the half, Ilicitana came close on a couple of efforts, but ultimately, they failed to hit the target.

CD Thader ................ 5 Carus UD Ilicitana CF .. 1

F

ollowing a lengthy absence, fans returned to Moi Gomez stadium, in time to witness one of the best Thader performances for some time. Back in late November last year, Thader were well beaten 3-1 over in Elche, but on a sunsoaked Sunday May morning in Rojales, they turned the tables big time. The last time Thader notched 5 or more goals was back in the play offs 4 seasons ago , but in all honesty it could and should have been 7 or even 8. A bright start saw Quino hit the post on 11 mins from an impossible angle, when a pass to a queue of fellow Thader players would have been a better option. Less than 2 mins later, a cross from the left eventually found Nano, who from 5 yards slammed the ball high into the roof of the net. It didn't take long for Dani Lucas to double his

Against the run of play on 26 mins, Thader's keeper Adrian failed to hold a free kick, allowing Honrubia to easily convert the rebound. Javi provided a delightful assist to Quino on 42 mins, allowing the fit again striker room to gobble up yet another goal. Not long into the 2nd half, 75 seconds to be precise, Quino showed why he is his clubs top goal scorer. Unlike the 1st half when he failed from an acute angle, this time he was able to squirm it under the keeper's body, putting Thader in an unassailable position. When Borja made it 5-1 on 50 mins, those returning fans were in raptures, with the likelihood of more to come a pretty good bet. In fact, less than 2 mins later, only a great acrobatic save denied Quino his hat trick. At this point, Thader manager Raul Mora elected to make a triple substitution, which included new boy Berni, recently signed from Benijofar. Things got even better for the hosts on the hour mark, when visiting full back Agus was shown a 2nd yellow card. Berni should have scored on his

CAMPIONESSE San Javier born Città de Falconara football star Marta

debut, but when faced with a one on one with Ilicitana keeper Salva, he dithered sufficiently to allow his opponent time to take the ball off his feet.

This result not only goes a long way to erase the pain suffered from last week's defeat away at Callosa, but it lifts them further away from the dreaded drop zone.

Although Dani Lucas and Berni had good chances to add to the goal tally, Adrian did his bit in-between the sticks, twice denying good Ilicitana opportunities.

Next weekend (probably Sunday evening), Thader make a trip to close by Alicante airport, when they will visit Torrellano for another preferente division encounter.

Penalver with the Italian Cup. "Thanks to those who made it possible," said Marta.

Monte and Catral CF share spoils in promotion plays-offs By Andrew Atkinson CD Montesinos 2-2 Atletico de Catral CF

Photo: FMSC.

SUDUKO SOLUTION From From page 14

TRIVEA QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 14: 1. Parker (Porter in the books), 2. NineteenEighty-four, 3. Prague, 4. The witches in Macbeth, 5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus. Ros (dew) Marinus (sea)), 6. Sir Charlie Chaplin, 7. b. Geography, 8. Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler, 9. British Honduras, 10. a. Georgy Girl (Seekers), b. Another Girl (Beatles), c. Barbie Girl (Aqua), d. Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison), e. Calendar Girl (Neil Sedaka), f. Cinnamon Girl (Neil Young), 11. Finland, 12. Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, 13. Midnight Cowboy, 14. 248.54 years, 15. Science, 16.

Knots, 17. a. The Police, b. Gary Numan, c. Roxy Music, d. Kate Bush, 18. Cardigan (The seventh Earl of Cardigan), 19. Orchestra, 20. a. Womens' shoes. 21. The top five largest empires at their greatest extent: 1. British Empire - 33.7 million sq km (1923), 2. Mongol Empire - 24.0 million sq km (1270 or 1309), 3. Russian Empire 23.7 million sq km (1866), 4. Spanish Empire - 20.0 million sq km (ca. 17401790), 5. Qing Empire, China - 14.7 million sq km (1790. The Roman empire made it to number 15 with 6.5 million sq km and the Portuguese Empire a respectable 10th place with 10.4 million sq km.

CD Montesinos and Atletico de Catral CF shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw at the Municipal stadium Los Montesinos in the first game of the plays-offs for promotion in the Valencia 1st Regional Group 10. Following the coronavirus affected 2020-21 season that lead to the postponement of a plethora of fixtures the FFCV split the top and bottom seven clubs into play-off and relegation groups. Spectators returned to the terraces, following the coronavirus lockdown easing, after fixtures being played behind closed doors. Atletico de Catral CF finished second in the league table with CD Montesinos seventh, prior to the FFCV play-offs groups schedule that got underway on Saturday. Aspe UD A, CF Rafal, Hondon Nieves C, CD Cox and CD Benijofar are in the play-off promotion race. Under a new coach CD Benijofar finished sixth in the table, to clinch a spot in the play-offs following an away win at third place CF Rafal last month, stopping the rot after five consecutive games without a win.

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